21 Best Spring Break Destinations for Families in North America

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read disclosure. Thank you for your support.

The popularity of spring break travel isn’t limited to college kids and snowbirds. Some of the best spring break destinations for families include opportunities to explore urban centres, relax at warm beach locales, and visit national parks. Above all, spring break holidays are about spending time together and having fun as a family. Whether it’s unusual spring break destinations for families, beach destinations for families or luxury spring break destinations for families, our helpful guide to 21 of the best places to spend your spring break vacation in North America will help you plan a memory-making family holiday.

new york city times square signs

21 Best Spring Break Destinations for Families

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a perfect spring break destination for an urban family holiday. The city is the quintessential college town, home to Harvard, Tufts, Boston University and over 50 more colleges. Like any good, self-respecting city with a large student population, Boston has reasonably priced eateries, a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of accommodation alternatives.

If you love history, particularly the history of the United States, a walk on the Freedom Trail should be one of your first activities in Boston. You will absorb American history and learn about the birth of the country right where it actually happened. 

Another can’t-miss location is Boston Common, the oldest park in the country. Elegant Copley Square is surrounded by some of the city’s best hotels, fun restaurants and food markets. A stroll through Beacon Hill with its cobblestone streets is like a walk back in time. Many of the homes date from colonial days, albeit refurbished many times over. 

Wait, there’s more!

Boston’s museum scene is legendary. Two standouts include the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, both two world-class art venues. 

Boston’s nightlife is filled with options. Catch a show in the theatre district, wander the waterfront – also fun during daytime – visit one of the many clubs or take a ghost tour in one of Boston’s haunted houses. 

Boston does not take a back seat to any U.S. city when it comes to ethnic cuisine. Make time to have a memorable meal in Chinatown or try authentic Italian fare in the city’s North End neighborhood. Boston is a seafood town. No visit would be complete without a stop at the famous (and delicious) Oyster House, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States.  – Talek Nantes, Travels with Talek

old state house Boston
Photo credit: Talek Nantes

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City is an incredible spring break destination for families with kids or teens. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, spring weather can be cold or warm, literally depending on which way the wind blows. Like other urban destinations in our guide, this great American city has lots of kid-friendly museums, shops, restaurants, parks and events to keep families visiting Chicago with kids happily busy.

No trip to Chicago with teens is complete without visiting the Bean. Officially known as Cloud Gate, it’s an iconic symbol of Chicago. Locals and visitors flock to see their reflections in the impressive bean-shaped public art piece. The Bean is one of the highlights of Millennium Park, which also includes the Crown Fountain. The interactive art-piece is made of two 50-foot glass block towers that loop a video reel of faces. The popular Maggie Daley Park is right next door, including an ice skating rink ribbon that may be operational in spring, weather depending.

If you have a budding architect in the family, take a Shoreline Sighting Architecture River tour on the Chicago River. You may have to bundle up on the open-deck tour boat if it’s a bit chilly. Learning about the incredible skyline that is today’s downtown Chicago, the result of the rebuilding that took place after the Chicago Fire of 1871, is one of the best ways to learn about the city.

chicago bean with teens

As if that’s not enough

Chicago’s museum campus houses several outstanding attractions including the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. The She’d is home to more than 32,000 marine creatures, including enormous, gentle whale sharks, penguins, magical jellies, and the Giant Pacific Octopus. The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest art museums in the United States, is also a must-visit. With more than 300,000 pieces of art to view, the AIC has one of the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside the Louvre. The intriguing Thorne Miniature Room is filled with tiny rooms that are copies of real interiors of churches, castles and even one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses.

The historic Navy Pier has loads of family-friendly attractions. The Chicago Children’s Museum might skew to the young tween set. Check out the Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze, temporary indoor Beach Chicago exhibit, and ride the Centennial Wheel. Take a food tour – all kids love to eat! Or stop in to enjoy one of the family-family restaurants operating on the Pier. Do opt for some deep-dish pizza, it’s famous! ~ Claudia Travels

Need packing advice? How to Pack a Suitcase for a Family Trip

Clearwater, Florida

It’s always a good sign to see that “Beaches Are Open” – the headline for the Clearwater Visitors Bureau. From “Bay to Beach,” Clearwater, Florida, is a beautiful spring break beach destination. It’s popular with snowbirds, college students and families flocking to the Gulf Coast.

Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater and its sugar-white sand beaches hold all the same appeal as a Caribbean getaway. Without the hassle of leaving the US mainland. Spring temperatures in coastal Florida are very pleasant, and may feel like a heatwave if you’re flying in from snowy locations around North America. 

Tampa Bay International is the nearest airport to Clearwater (22 miles away). Trendy St. Petersburg is a great day trip to check out hot restaurants in the city’s Edge District. For fans of live music and festivals, head to Pier 60 (Clearwater’s Main Street) or the Cleveland Street District to listen to music and watch and the sun set. 

Coastal cuisine in Clearwater is heavy on delicious local Gulf seafood. Grouper sandwiches are fan favorites at local restaurants clustered near the beach. If you need to take a break from sunbathing on the powdery sand beaches, get out onto the water. Rent a SUP or kayak, or book a boat at the Clearwater Harbor and Marina for a scenic day trip or try your hand at catching fish. If you rent a car, plan an idyllic day trip to nearby Sand Key Park or Caladesi Island State Park. ~ Terri Markle, Female Solo Trek

Coastal Mississippi, Mississippi

When you seek spectacular sunsets, scrumptious seafood, soft sugar beach sand, and Southern hospitality, Coastal Mississippi should top your spring break destination list.

Coastal Mississippi beaches are underrated. A favorite section is along the spectacular 12-mile coastal scenic drive between Henderson Point (across the bridge from Bay St Louis) to Long Beach. Hundreds of FREE, beachside parking spots continually tempt drivers to stop and put their feet in some of the softest and cleanest beach sand in the world. Phenomenal Gulf of Mexico sunset viewing spots include Henderson Point and Front Beach (Ocean Springs).

Nature fans love Coastal Mississippi. Rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP and paddle Wolf River (look for petrified stones) to Deer Island. Or paddle on a pristine bayou (from Pascagoula River Audubon Center). Sit back and relax on the Biloxi Shrimping Trip, McCoy’s Swamp and River Tour (super fun!), Betsy Ann Riverboat (sunset paddlewheel boat ride), or a Ship Island Excursion (to a barrier island with secluded beaches). Tree fans should savor Friendship Oak on the USM Campus in Long Beach. And look for Magic Live Oak in Pascagoula, and Ruskin Oak in Ocean Springs.

Mississippi Aquarium is the newest major Coastal Mississippi attraction and it is magnificent. Other recommended indoor things to do in Coastal Mississippi include Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, and INFINITY Science Center. Coastal Mississippi foodie hotspots include Vestige and White Pillars for exceptional coastal cuisine, along with The Wilbur for craft cocktails. ~ Charles McCool, McCool Travel

sunset in coastal Mississippi
Photo credit: Charles McCool

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. It’s an incredible destination any time of the year, but it is especially great in the spring, when it’s not too hot, cold or crowded.  

The most common place to see the canyon is the South Rim.  There are dozens of viewpoints along the entire rim with ever-changing but equally breathtaking views. You can walk along the Rim Trail, take a free shuttle bus, or drive part of the way on Desert View Drive. 

If your Grand Canyon itinerary includes hiking, you can hike below the Rim, along two trails. The Bright Angel Trail is the most famous – you can reach Indian Garden and back in a day. The spectacular South Kaibab Trail is a steeper and more challenging out and back trail. It’s popular with both hiked and horses. The strenuous Cedar Ridge Trail has an elevation change of 1,120 ft, and offers some incredible canyon views.

It’s not all about the canyon views, however. Grand Canyon Village, in the main centre of the South Rim, is home to several national historic landmarks. These include the History Room at Bright Angel Lodge, where there is a famous geological fireplace made of rocks from all the main layers of the canyon. There’s also the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, one of only three log train depots in existence today. You can also visit the Pioneer Cemetery where many pioneers, miners, workers, and Native Americans are buried. Another highlight is Mary Colter’s Hopi House. It’s designed and built like a Native American Hopi pueblo, and sells a wide variety of Native American art. No matter what you do, the Grand Canyon is sure to impress. ~ James Stakenburg, Parks Collecting

Grand Canyon in spring
Photo credit: James Stakenburg

Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens, Florida

If spending time lounging on sugar-white sand beaches along Florida’s Emerald Coast sounds like an exciting spring break plan, then add Gulf Islands National Seashore to your list. This National Park includes some of the longest stretches of undeveloped barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Plan your spring break getaway to Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens, located roughly 30 minutes from Pensacola. There are so many fun activities to do on the island. Spend time touring the famous Fort Pickens, then head outdoors to enjoy days spent hiking, birdwatching, swimming, surf fishing, and more. The island offers a picturesque landscape covered in dunes. Keep your eyes trained on the water – if you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins or sea turtles.

For those interested in water sports activities, there are guiding outfits in Pensacola where you can rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards.

Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens Campground is the perfect place to stay to absorb all the exciting things the island has to offer during a holiday beach vacation. If camping, be sure to bring all your own groceries. Enjoy camp dinners and watch epic sunsets over Pensacola Bay. The campground has trails leading directly to the beach.

Tip: There is a fee to enter the National Park. At time of publication, it is $25 for one week. Visitors can use the America the Beautiful National Park Pass to enter. ~ Ashlee Fechino, The Happiness Function

Planning a multigen trip? Check out these 7 Steps to Planning Multigenerational Travel

Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

One of the best spring break destinations for families is the Island of Hawaii. As the name implies, this is the largest, and youngest, island in the Hawaiian island chain. (In case you’re curious, Kauai is the oldest.)

In March and April, the weather is pretty nice and dry without being too hot and muggy. April is also when the island hosts the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. This draws in hula groups from all over the world to compete in Hilo. 

There are so many things to do on the Big Island with kids including visiting chocolate and coffee farms, riding ATVs, learning to surf, ziplining, hiking to waterfalls, snorkeling, and so much more. 

One of the top Big Island attractions is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. When the volcano is erupting, this is the premier place to see flowing lava in Hawaii. The Island of Hawaii is also home to black sand beaches and green sand beaches. You’ll also want to try tasty local food like malasadas, shave ice, and Hawaiian plate lunches. 

The island is so big that it can be fun to stay in Kona, Hilo, and even at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in order to fully explore the island. If you’re looking for an adventurous spring break vacation, head to the Big Island of Hawaii. ~ Marcie Cheung, Hawaii Travel with Kids

Los Angeles, California

The sprawling city of Los Angeles makes for a great spring break choice for families. Its coastal location offers nearly limitless beach access and its varied neighbourhoods are a vibrant mix of international culture and cuisine. 

One of the best things to do in Los Angeles is to visit iconic Venice Beach. This famous stretch of wide sandy beach is lined with beautiful palm trees and buzzing with unique local characters and visitors. Walk along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, enjoy performers and local street vendors, and pop into the funky shops and restaurants. 

Head north of the city to enjoy Santa Monica and its famous Pier. Santa Monica is very pedestrian-friendly and filled with family-friendly restaurants and a wide beach. The Pier stretches into the ocean and is home to a fun amusement park with all kinds of rides. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

Another of the best activities to do in Los Angeles is going to the Hollywood Sign. This is an iconic sight in the city that you can see from below or from above. Spring is a great time to hike to see the sign, as the weather isn’t overly hot. 

Los Angeles is home to many museums as well. For art lovers, visits to the Getty and the Los Angels County Museum of Art are a must. South of the city in Anaheim and Orange County, you’ll find several amusement parks. Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm are highlights. ~ Dymphe Mensink, Dymabroad

Miami, Florida

When it comes to spring break, there is a reason why Miami, Florida, is as popular as it is. Miami has a vibrant cultural scene and some of the state’s most beautiful beaches can be found nearby, including famous South Beach.

For those that like art and culture, head to the Wynwood neighbourhood. You’ll find a diverse variety of street art on display. Spend a day or two in Miami discovering some of that vibrant street art. Follow it up with lunch and an afternoon exploring Little Havana. 

The world’s best known Cuban neighbourhood outside of Cuba, Little Havana is a 15 to 20-minute drive from South Beach. This Miami neighbourhood has some great places where you can find Cuban cuisine (do try a ‘Cubano’ sandwich). And the street vibes are fun and often filled with elders playing games in the shade.

When it comes to aquatic activities, adventurers of all ages will enjoy water sports like kiteboarding, sport fishing and speedboat rides in Miami’s South Beach. Nature lovers should visit to Everglades National Park to appreciate the unique ecosystem, which can be viewed up close on an airboat ride. South Florida has both crocodiles and alligators. Keep eyes peeled for the stealthy reptiles and the incredible birdlife in the park.

Given Miami’s cultural vibrancy and location near the Atlantic Ocean, restaurants specialize in fresh seafood, and Latin and Cuban cuisine. Looking to spend more time in the region? Consider paying a visit to Key West. This archipelago has beautiful islands and numerous historical attractions as well. ~ Lavina dSouza, Continent Hop

lifeguard station on Miami beach
Photo credit: Lavina Dsouza

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The pull of a warm climate, loads of family-friendly attractions, tasty Southern cooking and one of the best and longest beaches in the United States tempts visitors to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in spring. It’s been a popular spring break destination for families for decades, and remains one of the most affordable.

The pride and joy of Myrtle Beach is its Grand Strand – 60 miles of beautiful, soft white sand that stretches nearly from the North Carolina Border to Georgetown, with Myrtle Beach in the middle. The natural, coastal beauty of the Strand, and especially in its Beach State Parks, is impressive. And there’s lots to do on that beach, including sand-castle building, swimming, surfing, fishing, jogging and just soaking up the sun.

It’s true.

One of the most popular things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids and teens is visit the Beach Boardwalk. It’s home to restaurants, penny arcades and the the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. For some of the best views of the beach and boardwalk areas, ride the SyWheel. And be sure to take photos during the ten-minute ride. Myrtle Beach is famous for its golf course and mini-golf ranges. The oceanside Family Kingdom complex has mini-golf and 35 thrilling theme park rides for kids of all ages to enjoy.

South of the city, paddle your kayak in Murrells Inlet, an quiet estuary of shore and seabirds, pirate stories and pluff mud. You can book 2 or 4 hour eco or fishing tours, and double-kayaks are available for families with younger kids. Nearby is historic Brookgreen Gardens, one of the loveliest gardens in the United States. The lush gardens include a Live Oak Allée of enormous 300-year old oak trees, fountains, more than 1,400 bronze, marble and aluminum sculptures and pieces of public art, as well as an historical interpretive centre and natural zoo.  ~ Claudia Travels

grand strand skywhell myrtle beach spring break

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is an American city unlike any other. With French roots and a culture and cuisine reflecting its mix of immigrant and slave populations from Europe, the Caribbean and Africa, the Big Easy is unique in every way. Visiting New Orleans in spring avoids the muggy heat of summer, and the massive crowds of the annual Mardi Gras scene.

beignets at cafe du mode new Orleans

A spring break holiday in New Orleans can’t go wrong by beginning with beignets. The sugar-coated, deep-fried donuts can be paired with café au lait at 24-hour Café du Monde, but they’re available at various locations throughout the city. Follow it up with a stroll at nearby Jackson Square Park in the French Quarter. The Square is directly in front of the Catholic St. Louis Cathedral, founded in 1720 and the oldest in North America. For more historical experiences, hop on the St. Charles streetcar in the Garden District, or enjoy a cemetery voodoo tour of St. Louis cemetery. Established in 1789, this burial ground reveals every aspect of New Orleans history, including its Catholic heritage and tales of a voodoo priestess, Marie Leveau. FYI: You cannot enter the St. Louis cemetery without a guide.

Best of all

Food and cocktails are life in New Orleans, home to bananas foster, oysters rockafeller and the sazerac cocktail. Kids are welcome to enter (but not drink) at Sazerac House. The beautifully renovated 1850s building offers an immersive exploration of the spirited culture of New Orleans. Note that walking cocktail tours are for the 21+ crowd. But roving food tours will fit the bill with tastings of po-boy sandwiches, creole étouffés, gumbo, cajun catfish and fried shrimp.

Even if you don’t visit NOLA during Mardi Gras season, you can still celebrate the festivities at Mardi Gras World. Take a guided tour of the largest float designing and building facility in the world. Here, more than 80 percent of Carnival season floats are designed and built. You can even try on authentic Mardi Gras costumes, see the beautifully decorated floats, and eat slices of king cake. ~ Claudia Travels

New York City, New York

The Big Apple as a fab spring break destination? You bet. There are few cities in North America with as much to offer families with kids of all ages as NYC. From museums like the Natural History Museum and art galleries like The Frick, MET and Guggenheim, to incredible food, Broadway, TV and movie tours, attractions like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, NYC has it all.

Some quick tips: If you’re visiting New York City for the first time, know that you won’t be able to do everything in one spring break week, or even two. It’s important to pace yourself. Pick the places that are highest on your list, and take your time to absorb the amazing city that is NYC.

The best way to get around is by walking or by taking the subway. Purchase a reloadable Metro Card at any subway station and avoid the worst of NYC’s traffic gridlock. Book and experience a Broadway show that appeals to the majority of people in your family. We use TodayTix app to purchase our tickets ahead of arrival.

When visiting New York with teens or kids, purchase a CityPass. This will help you save money and bypass lines to some of the biggest city attractions like the Empire State Building and 9-11 Memorial. New York also has loads of free amenities, including; the High Line, Central Park, Chelsea Market, Bryant Park and of course, Times Square. Yes, it’s kitschy, but it’s not to be missed. The M&Ms World New York store (a big hit with our own kids) is located right there too. ~ Claudia Travels

Orange County, California

The county made famous by Disneyland and home to a wide variety of theme parks is a perennial favourite California spring break destination for families. But as things to do in Orange County, goes, there’s a lot to discover beyond the roller coasters and costumed characters.

Orange County has 42 miles of coastline and beaches. There are quiet secluded beaches, expansive surfing beaches, and loads of beaches in between. Huntington Beach is one of the most well-known. Also known as Surf City, this community is the ideal place to spend time learning to surf or conquering waves out in the ocean.

Post-surfing USA, enjoy a beach BBQ at one of the 500 bonfire pits lining Huntington Beach. Join a volleyball game, splash in the surf, and stroll the 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline. When the sun begins to set, light a fire in your complimentary bonfire pit. Firewood is available at local grocery stores.

The coves and natural arches along Laguna Beach are great to wander at low tide. Families with wee ones should pack pails and buckets to discover this fun part of Orange County with toddlers, as the sand quality here is great for castle-building, and the water excellent for kayaking.

Visit swish Newport Beach for shopping, eating frozen chocolate covered bananas. Enjoy a self-directed day on the water with a rented Duffy boat from Balboa Boat Rentals. Duffy Boats are electric and don’t require a license to take out on the water. Pack a picnic or partake in the Dock and Dine Program that welcomes boaters to dock in front of Newport’s waterfront restaurants, and order food and drinks to go. ~ Claudia Travels

lifeguard tower in Orange County

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is the quintessential spring break destination for anyone seeking sunshine and good times, and for good reason. Just under two hours by car from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is easy to reach by plane as well. It’s the kind of place that is remote enough to feel like a true getaway. But it’s built up enough that everything you could possibly need is on hand. Whether you want to relax, spend time outdoors, or party all week long, Palm Springs has you covered.

There are plenty of can’t-miss attractions right near the centre of Palm Springs. Consider visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a bird’s eye view of the entire valley from the heights of Mount San Jacinto State Park. Hikers – and even those who don’t really consider themselves hikers – should check out Andreas Canyon. Hikes in the Canyon are great for all levels and feature a literal oasis shaded by towering California Fan Palms. Palm Springs also has an art museum, a botanical garden, and plenty of shops and restaurants.

Palm Springs hotels and resorts are no stranger to the spring break crowds. Many of them opt to host large pool parties hiring DJs and catering to the twenty-something crowd. Fancy cocktails, flamingo-shaped pool floats, and loud music are just more fun with a stunning desert backdrop. Families can find quieter accommodations in the Greater Palm Springs area. Springtime is the best time to visit Palm Springs. Triple digit desert temperatures haven’t yet begun and the bright sunny days are endless. ~ Monica, This Rare Earth

Park City, Utah

If you’re looking for a fun-filled, spring break vacation spot, look no further than Park City, Utah. Well known for the Sundance Film Festival in winter, there are plenty of spring activities in this charming mountain town. Plus, there’s an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars to explore, making Park City a great destination to check off your Utah bucket list.

When it comes to ski-friendly towns in Utah, Park City is one of the best in America. Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort are world-class ski resorts that are ideal for spring skiing. One of the best parts of the day is getting off the mountain and joining in the Park City aprés ski fun. Enjoy food, drinks and live music at the family-friendly Corner Store. Deer Valley has great spots for a champagne toasts and hot chocolate at the end of the day.

Depending on the weather, choose from other activities that are great for the whole family, like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, hiking and fly fishing. Take advantage of the numerous mountain bike trails in the area with a fat bike tour if there’s snow. In town, peruse art galleries or shop at some of the town’s amazing boutiques. For an adult outing, take in a live show at the Egyptian Theatre, a tour at the High West Distillery, or enjoy a tasting class at the Fox School of Wine. ~ Jen and Guy, The Evolista

park city Utah spring break
Photo credit: Benjamin Rascoe

San Diego, California

San Diego is a great spring break destination to enjoy some of the beautiful California sun and enjoy all of the fun things to do in San Diego. No matter the ages of people you’re visiting with, you will something for everyone to enjoy, from beautiful beaches to world-famous zoos and museums. 

One of the best things to do in San Diego is spend time along the beach and waterfront. If you want to do any swimming or surfing, you will want to have or rent a wetsuit, as the waters of the Pacific Ocean can be cold in spring. Black’s Beach is one of the best beaches in the area to surf and Moonlight State Beach is a great beach for families. Coronado Beach is another fun beach and resort facility for all ages.

Another great thing to do in San Diego is visit the San Diego Zoo. Located in the historic cultural Balboa Park, it is one of the most famous and well-respected zoos in the world. The zoo is full of learning opportunities and so many amazing animals to see. Some of its highlights include the Tiger Trail, Elephant Odyssey and 4D movie theatre. 

Don’t miss exploring the rest of Balboa Park. At 1,200 acres, this is the largest cultural park in North America, and the second largest park (after New York’s Central Park) in the United States. In addition to the Zoo, Balboa Park is home to 17 museums and cultural institutions, including the Comic-Con Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, and San Diego Air & Space Museum. ~ Candice, CS Ginger 

san Diego Balboa park
Photo credit: Zachary Sawchuk, Pexels

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is not only one of the best vacation spots in the US, it’s also an amazing family spring break destination with tons of scenic, cultural, and outdoorsy activities on offer. Home to plenty of museums, parks, and renowned restaurants, the Golden City has something for every vacationer.

If your family loves being outdoors, rent a bike and ride across the famous Golden Gate Bridge. You can bike all the way to Sausalito, where scenic waterfront restaurants await you. Another beautiful place to bike or hike is sections of the 350-mile San Francisco Bay Trail, which offers inspiring views of parks and shorelines.

Arts and culture lovers would love the Palace Of Fine Arts, home to tons of exhibitions and performances. The exterior facade of the building is also beautiful and photogenic. You can find more amazing exhibitions at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, which also has an outdoor skating rink, which children would love.

No spring break in San Francisco would be complete without a family walk at the Fisherman’s Wharf and Embarcadero. Enjoy the scenic pier views from there, and meet the sassy seagulls that often flock to the area. On Saturdays, there is also a Farmers’ Market at the Embarcadero Ferry Building, and it’s a must-visit for foodies. ~ Jiayi, The Diary of a Nomad

golden gate bridge sfo in spring
Photo credit: Jiayi Wang

Savannah, Georgia

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Savannah, Georgia. With comfortable temperatures hovering around the 70s F and gorgeous azaleas blooming throughout the city, visitors will gladly welcome a fun-filled weekend with these suggestions on neat things to do in Savannah for spring break.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy taking a relaxing stroll through Forsyth Park to see the flowers spring to life. As the oldest and most iconic park in Savannah, Forsyth is also the perfect location for a spring picnic. 

Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a tasty brunch with a breeze right from the park. Here, hungry patrons can grab a seat on the outdoor patio at Collins Quarter at Forsyth for some tasty eats and people-watching. In addition, anthophiles will have to pay a visit to the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens to take full advantage of the spring blooms.

After a bite to eat, visitors should explore some of the city’s 22 beautiful public squares as well as wander some of the most gorgeous streets in the city, including Jones Street and Rainbow Row. History buffs will appreciate touring one or more of the city’s many historic homes, such as the Owen-Thomas House or the Mercer-Williams House.

Families with littles (or anyone with tired legs) can hop aboard a trolley tour to learn about the fascinating history of the city while soaking in the spring air. In the evening, visitors can experience life at sea with a relaxing sunset cruise, the perfect way to end the day in Savannah. ~ Elena Pappalardo, Carry on Chronicles

fountain park savannah in spring
Photo Credit: Elena Pappalardo

Tulum, Mexico

Mexico is a fabulous spring break destination, and Tulum is more family-friendly than Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It is smaller and has more of a beach town vibe than a hectic party atmosphere, especially if you stay in the town of Tulum and not on the beach. If you do choose to stay in town, rent bikes to get around and cycle to and from the beaches, or hop in a taxi if it’s too far for young ones.

There are plenty of things to do in Tulum for families, not least a visit to the beautiful Mayan ruins at Tulum Archaeological site. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat of the midday sun, and remember to take your swimsuits so you can have a dip in the sea at the beach right below the picturesque ruins. Coba is another archaeological site worth taking a day trip to visit if you have time. 

Snorkelling or diving in the cenotes (fresh-water sinkholes and caverns) is another excellent family activity to do in Tulum.  Dos Ojos Cenote is popular for snorkellers and divers, as are Calavera (which has two eye-like holes to jump into the water), and Casa Cenote where you might even meet a friendly crocodile.  

Akumal is a beautiful beach about 30 minutes’ drive from Tulum known for the sea turtles which feed on the seagrass there. Join a tour to watch the turtles swimming right off the beach, or head to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve for other nature watching opportunities as you paddle around the mangroves in a canoe. ~ Claire Sturzaker, Tales of a Backpacker

Vancouver, British Columbia

Canada’s largest west coast city is spectacular in springtime. With warmer weather than the rest of the country, great multicultural food and a glittering downtown with a mountain and ocean backdrop, few cities can compare. From vibrant public markets to large urban green spaces, museums and outdoor pursuits, there’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Vancouver in spring.

Stanley Park is the city’s green heart and one of the most spectacular public greenspaces in the world. In this urban oasis, 400 hectares of temperate rainforest provide recreational activities like walking or biking the around the Seawall, viewing the north shore mountains, wandering along forest paths on a guided Indigenous interpretive walking tour with Talasay Tours, or just relaxing at Second or Third Beaches. The Park is home to several family-friendly attractions, including the popular Stanley Park Train and the Vancouver Aquarium.

As if that’s not enough

Take a fun False Creek Ferry from downtown to the Granville Island Public Market. Open seven days a week, the Market’s food stalls feature fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, meats, and deli items. Be sure to busy some cheese and meat from Oyama Sausage Co, fresh donuts from legendary Lee’s Donuts, and spiced chai from the Granville Island Tea Company. 

During spring, the Vancouver cherry blossom season is in full swing. Thousands of blooming trees produce pink and white flowers through the city. Bike or walk the blossoms on a tour, and follow it up with a visit to one of Vancouver’s family-friendly museums. Don’t miss the Museum of Anthropology, Maritime Museum or the interactive Police Museum.

Vancouver’s north shore is home to world-class mountain biking and hiking trails, as well as spring skiing at three north shore ski hills. Take the Skyride Gondola up Grouse Mountain, or tackle the Grouse Grind and walk its 2,800+ steps. Also on the north shore, the Capilano Suspension Bridge features a long suspension bridge, a treetops adventure park and suspended cliff walk. ~ Claudia Travels

vancouver skyline with white cherry blossoms

Yosemite, California

The benefits of visiting Yosemite National Park during spring break are myriad. Nature is waking up from winter; the flowers are blossoming, the park’s waterfalls are gushing, the weather warms up and many of the most popular trails and roads reopen to much smaller crowds. Spring is a shoulder season at Yosemite, which for many visitors is an ideal time to  to explore one of most popular parks in the United States. 

Even if you only have time to visit Yosemite for one day, these active things to do in Yosemite and its incredible and majestic landscape make for a perfect trip for nature and adventure lovers. 

The spring runoff makes the flow of waterfalls impressively heavy and intense. Enjoy the view of Yosemite Lower Falls and Bridal Veil Falls as the water flows with incredible force and speed. That runoff also creates incredible river conditions for river rafting on the Merced River, cold water swimming in lakes, and fishing.

And the good news?

The spring show of blooming flowers is one of the most spectacular displays in the park. Look out for California poppies, redbud, hyacinth, dogwoods and lupines. Stay on trails to avoid disturbing the delicate park ecosystem. Yosemite’s animal residents are also becoming more active as they come out of winter homes, including bears, wolves, deer, elk and various smaller creatures.

The weather – and snowpack – dictates which hikes and trails open up in for spring visitation, and that varies from year to year. It may also impact which entrances open or stay closed. Always check the park’s website before heading out to Yosemite.

During spring months, Yosemite is also well-known for its moonrise rainbows, a unique and rare occurrence. For spectacular nature and fewer crowds, a trip to Yosemite National Park is worth it in the spring season. ~ Yukti Agrawal, Travel with Me 247

Yosemite in spring
Photo Credit: Yukti Agrawal

Pin for Later

Claudia Laroye
Follow me

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *