Spring break is the perfect time to shake off the winter blahs and create lasting memories with your family. Whether you love the warmer weather or want to take advantage of late-season winter activities, spring is the perfect time to take a vacation.
You'll find the perfect getaway if you’re looking for thrilling mountain adventures, relaxing beach days, or educational experiences. We’ve curated this guide to spring break destinations for families to help you plan an unforgettable spring vacation tailored to your family’s unique interests.
1. San Diego, California
Best for: Theme park enthusiasts, beach lovers and families looking for relaxation and adventure.
Top Rated Accommodations: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
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San Diego offers a delightful blend of sunshine, beaches and family-friendly attractions, making it one of the best spring vacation spots for families. The city’s mild weather is perfect for exploring the world-famous San Diego Zoo, where you can encounter exotic animals from around the globe. LEGOLAND® California provides a day of imaginative fun with its interactive rides and LEGO displays. For underwater adventures, SEA LIFE® San Diego Aquarium offers a glimpse into the ocean’s diverse marine life.
If you’re looking for less structured things to do in San Diego, relax on one of San Diego’s best beaches or take a stroll along the vibrant waterfront. You’ll quickly see why it’s one of the best vacation spots in the US.
2. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Best for: Adventurous families, nature lovers and those seeking awe-inspiring landscapes.
Top Rated Accommodations: Little America Hotel
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The Grand Canyon is a spectacular area that offers an unforgettable experience for families. Spring is an excellent time to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds than you’d encounter in the summer.
There are many things to do at the Grand Canyon that will inspire you and help you create vacation memories that will last forever. The Grand Canyon Skywalk will give you a unique perspective on one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Explore the West Rim for breathtaking views, great hiking and lots of opportunities for photography.
3. Costa Rica
Best for: Adventurous families, wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking a tropical escape.
Top Rated Accommodations: The Westin Golf Resort And Spa
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Costa Rica is a tropical paradise that offers a wide range of activities for families who love to get outside and relax. Spring is an ideal time to visit, as the temperatures are mild and comfortable, and the best resorts in Costa Rica have better prices on accommodations.
While you’re there, go hiking in the lush rainforests to see the incredible scenery and wildlife (including sloths). Take a dolphin spotting or snorkeling trip to explore the vibrant underwater world, then relax on the pristine sands of Conchal Beach.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Best for: Families interested in history, culture and Southern charm.
Top Rated Accommodations: The Charleston Place
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Charleston offers an interesting blend of history, culture and Southern hospitality, making it one of the best spring break destinations for families who love to immerse themselves in a unique area.
If you’ve never been to Charleston, here are a few of the many things to do in the city. The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry has interactive exhibits to engage and educate young minds. If you want to go for a stroll, the Battery and White Point Garden offers scenic views and a glimpse into the city’s historic past. The Charleston City Market is a vibrant hub where you and your kids can check out local crafts and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
5. Amelia Island, Florida
Best for: Families that love to relax, nature lovers and anyone who wants a quieter Florida experience.
Top Rated Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
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If you want a tranquil escape with pristine beaches and natural beauty, Amelia Island should be at the top of your list of quiet spring break destinations for families.
Spring is a perfect time to explore one of Florida’s hidden gems. The mild weather and smaller crowds means you’ll have your choice of activities. Sign up for a guided kayak tour to explore the island’s waterways and observe local wildlife. If you want to see the island's beautiful scenery, the guided Arcimoto FUV tour is a great option. Looking for a hands-on activity to do with your family? Try a gummy-making class!
6. Washington, D.C.
Best for: Educational vacations, history buffs and families wanting to explore national landmarks.
Top Rated Accommodations: Lyle DC
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There are so many things to do in Washington, D.C., that you’ll probably need to take a few trips to experience everything the area offers. D.C. is a treasure trove of educational and cultural experiences, making it one of the country’s most interesting vacation spots for families.
The city is full of excellent museums, including the Smithsonian, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. While you're there, you should explore the National Mall to see some of the monuments built for presidents and other important American figures. If you’re looking for one of the best family vacations in April, you can experience one of the best free things to do in D.C. — watching the cherry blossoms bloom.
7. Orlando, Florida
Best for: Theme park lovers, entertainment enthusiasts and families seeking action-packed fun.
Top Rated Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
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Traveling to Orlando is the ultimate trip for theme park enthusiasts, thanks to the wide range of parks that cater to kids of all ages. Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Studios Florida provide immersive experiences and thrilling rides.
But there’s more to the Orlando area than theme parks. Take a day trip from Orlando to the Kennedy Space Center to get a fascinating look into space exploration or escape the noise by visiting one of Florida’s beautiful state or national parks. The Everglades are a few hours away, but you and your family can see unique animals, go for an airboat ride or hike through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
8. Algarve, Portugal
Best for: Beach-loving families, water park enthusiasts and those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Top Rated Accommodations: Vila Gale Lagos
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The Algarve region in Portugal offers stunning beaches, family-friendly attractions, and a relaxed atmosphere. Slide & Splash is a water park that provides a day of thrilling rides and water fun for all ages. Ria Formosa Natural Park has great birdwatching in a unique ecosystem. Surf lessons along the coast are a great way for families to bond while they try a new and exciting activity. The mix of exciting activities, beautiful natural wonders and a charming, relaxed atmosphere makes Algarve one of the most unique and memorable spring break trips for families.
9. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Best for: Budget-friendly beach vacations, families seeking relaxation and nature lovers.
Top Rated Accommodations: Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach
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For pristine beaches, family-friendly attractions and a laid-back atmosphere, you can’t find a better spring break trip for families than visiting Gulf Shores. Gulf State Park is the perfect spot for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. If you want to see more animals, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has plenty of exotic animals. If you want to see animals in their natural habitat, you can get out on the water on a dolphin cruise to see the playful creatures in the ocean.
10. Zion National Park, Utah
Best for: Adventurous families, hiking enthusiasts and those seeking breathtaking natural landscapes.
Top Rated Accommodations: Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane Zion Park Area
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Are you ready to visit Zion National Park and cross it off of your National Parks checklist? The park is one of America’s most iconic landmarks, featuring towering canyons, scenic trails and stunning vistas. Whether you're hiking The Narrows, wading through the Virgin River or climbing to Angels Landing, you’ll have a unique and memorable experience that your family will treasure. The Emerald Pools Trail offers a more relaxed hike with beautiful waterfalls and pools. Make sure to pack layers since the weather can quickly turn from warm spring temperatures to winter conditions.
11. Paris, France
Best for: Families seeking cultural immersion, iconic landmarks and a taste of European charm.
Top Rated Accommodations: Hotel Dame Des Arts
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As one of the best cities in the world to visit, Paris offers a wealth of cultural experiences, iconic landmarks and family-friendly attractions. Visit the Eiffel Tower for stunning city views, then check out some of the world’s most treasured art at the Louvre Museum. Paris is an incredibly walkable city, but if you want to see it from a different perspective, hop on a Seine River cruise. No matter what you want to do in the City of Lights, a Paris trip should be on your list of spring break ideas for families like yours.
12. Aspen, Colorado
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and families seeking a mountain retreat.
Top Rated Accommodations: The St. Regis Aspen Resort
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Aspen offers stunning mountain scenery, some of the best skiing in the world, a wide variety of outdoor activities and a charming, small-town atmosphere. Hit the slopes for some late-season skiing and snowboarding, hike or rent a bike and explore the trails that cover the area. Make time to check out Maroon Bells, an iconic Colorado landmark featuring jagged mountain peaks and a pristine lake that reflects the landscape and serves as a perfect backdrop for a family photo. Downtown Aspen offers shopping, incredible restaurants and lots of art.
13. Vancouver, Canada
Best for: Urban explorers, nature enthusiasts and families seeking a diverse and vibrant city.
Top Rated Accommodations: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel
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If you’re looking for unique spring break destinations for families like yours, Vancouver offers a great blend of things to do in a setting that balances the urban with the outdoors. Spring is one of the best times to visit Vancouver because you can enjoy the great views in Stanley Park while biking or walking. The Capilano Suspension Bridge offers breathtaking views you won’t see anywhere else.
If you love to eat, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants spread across the city. If you want to get a feel for the real city, head down to the Granville Island Public Market for some great food and art.
14. Williamsburg, Virginia
Best for: History buffs, educational vacations and families who love theme parks.
Top Rated Accommodations: Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites
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The Williamsburg area offers many spring break family vacation ideas that let you dive into rich historical experiences with preserved colonial sites like Jamestown and living history museums. Colonial Williamsburg allows families to step back in time and experience 18th-century life. Water Country USA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg are theme parks that are fun for people of all ages. If you have older kids who love being scared, you might want to take a ghost tour to combine thrills with history. Williamsburg is also one of the more affordable trips on this list if you’re searching for spring break ideas for families on a budget.
15. The Bahamas
Best for: Beach vacations, water sports enthusiasts and families looking for a tropical paradise.
Top Rated Accommodations: The Royal @ Atlantis
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The Bahamas has everything a beach-lover could ask for: beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and a laid-back island atmosphere. When you want to get out and explore this amazing warm spring break destination for families, stop by Pig Beach, where they can swim with friendly pigs or go snorkeling to see the vibrant coral reefs. To experience everything the Bahamas has to offer, you’ll need to go island hopping. Each island has its unique attractions that will make your vacation unique.
16. Anaheim, California
Best for: Theme park enthusiasts, entertainment lovers and families seeking magical experiences.
Top Rated Accommodations: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa
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Anaheim is home to world-famous theme parks, including Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure®, which offer immersive experiences and some of the world’s most beloved characters. Knott’s Berry Farm is a more affordable and low-key theme park that still provides thrilling rides and great shows.
If you love the outdoors or you’re searching for spring break ideas with kids that don’t involve a theme park, there are plenty of beautiful state parks nearby, including Crystal Cove and Huntington Beach. Visit Angel’s Stadium to catch a baseball game or head into LA proper and visit one of the City of Angels’ many museums like The Getty or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
17. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Best for: Watersports enthusiasts, nature lovers and families seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Top Rated Accommodations: Edgewood Tahoe Resort
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Is there a more classic family spring break idea than renting a room in a lake town to enjoy the water and the surrounding wilderness? That’s why Lake Tahoe is such a great destination! You get breathtaking scenery, beautiful water and various outdoor activities. Go to Emerald Bay State Park for stunning views, hiking and picnicking, then head to the mountains on the Heavenly Gondola Ride.
Let AAA Help You Plan a Family-Friendly Spring Getaway
Now that you’ve got the inside track on the best spring vacation spots for families, it’s time to make your dream vacation come to life. AAA Travel Experts are here and ready to help you make the most of your trip, whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, a trip rich in history or a combination of relaxation and thrills.
If you’re a AAA Member, you can get even more out of your vacation with exclusive discounts on lodging, airfare, car rentals and much more. Start planning your next vacation now!