Looking to recharge and do a quick getaway someplace around you in the United States that’s a short drive or easy flight? Check out these spectacular locations that you can easily do in nice weekend getaway or even stretch it out a week if you have the time for longer relaxation or exploring to enjoy. These top travel journalists and bloggers share their best spring breaks USA destinations to visit now. Hopefully this will inspire you to get out and enjoy the best of the United States, so starting planning your next trip now in any of these wonderful spring getaways.
Must do spring getaways around the United States
Orange County, Southern California
If you’re looking for the perfect spring getaway in the US then you can’t go wrong with Orange County, California. Located between the cities of San Diego and Los Angeles, the OC boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California and is blessed with perennial good weather. Home to iconic California coastal cities like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach, you could easily spend months here soaking up the sun or learning how to surf.
However, if you’re not only interested in the seaside aspect of Orange County, there are lots of fun activities and things to do inland that can appeal to people of all ages. One of Orange County’s biggest claims to fame is the fact that it’s home to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. If theme parks aren’t quite your thing and you’d rather get your thrills from outdoor activities, then there are ample hiking opportunities throughout the county. Some favorites include Crystal Cove State Park just south of Newport Beach and Caspers Wilderness Park just west of San Juan Capistrano.
If you’re more interested in shopping, there are plenty of choices in OC as well. The Irvine Spectrum is an incredibly popular outdoor shopping centre and Fashion Island in Newport Beach is a great option as well. If you’re after more quirky, independent shops, then the Los Rios District in San Juan Capistrano is a great place to explore.”
Maggie with The World Was Here First
Spring getaway to Leavenworth, Washington State
Seattle may be known for its rainy climate, but if you head 115 miles east over the Cascade Mountain Range, you’ll find a mountain valley that boasts more than days of sunshine a year. Leavenworth is most well-known for its Bavarian style buildings, but there is so much more to this area than German-inspired facades. Surrounded by mountains and alpine forest, a never-ending list of adventures await.
Each season has its own beauty, but springtime is magical with purple lupines blanketing the grounds around Leavenworth. Hikes Sauer Mountain or Icicle Ridge for epic views, wildflower fields, and far fewer crowds than trails closer to Seattle.
The snowmelt makes the nearby Wenatchee River swell, and means spring a perfect time for trying whitewater rafting or hopping in a kayak (but only if you’re an experienced paddler!). This time of year is also perfect for tackling the mountain bike trails before it becomes too hot and dusty.
And if you’re not an outdoor buff, don’t write off Leavenworth just yet. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a local wine or beer on one of the many patios in town or attend one of the seasonal festivals like the Leavenworth Film Festival or the German Maifest. There are so many things to do in Leavenworth, making it a perfect spring getaway for all types of travelers.
Katie Diederichs from Two Wandering Soles
Check out Portland, Oregon in Spring
Spring is a fabulous time to visit Portland, Oregon, and the best place to start is in Washington Park. This 160 acre, urban oasis offers hiking, museums, a Japanese Garden and starting in April thousands of roses at the International Rose Test Garden. What’s even better is that admission to the park and rose garden is free!
After the park, spend some time exploring Portland’s funky neighborhoods. For some of the best shopping in Portland, head to the Hawthorne District, which is also home to many of Portland’s best restaurants. Or for art lovers, explore all the street murals in the Alberta Arts District. For a fun evening of theater and great dining opt for the Pearl District.
For outdoor enthusiasts, head outside the city to the Columbia Gorge Waterfalls. For an easy experience, just enjoy the drive with many scenic stops. But for hikers, there are hundreds of miles of challenging trails in this area.
If visiting on a weekend then be sure to head to Old Town for the Portland Saturday Market. Here there are hundreds of vendors selling beautiful handcrafted items. But even if you’re not in the mood to buy anything, the market offers food, entertainment and a beer garden.
A quick getaway to Carmel by the Sea
If you’re looking for a fun getaway destination to visit this spring, Carmel-by-the-sea in California is a perfect choice. Getting to Carmel is half the fun because the only way in is by the famously scenic Highway 1! This quaint seaside town may only span one square mile, but it packs a lot of charm into its small size. There are so many things to do in Carmel, but when you first arrive we highly recommend getting your bearings with Gael Gallagher’s walking tour. She’ll lead you down secret alleyways and into courtyards you wouldn’t even know exist. Plus she knows everything there is to know about Carmel and she’s a hoot!
After you’ve got a good sense of the town, you ca n explore a little faster by renting electric bikes. Cruise down part of the famous 17 Mile Road where you’ll get stunning views of the coast. Afterward, have a pint at the historic Hog’s Breath Inn, once owned by the former mayor of Carmel, Clint Eastwood (yes, that Clint Eastwood!). Don’t forget to set aside some time to stroll down the beach and soak in the beauty of California’s coast line!
Christine with Don’t Forget to Move
Fun times at San Diego in spring
Everyone wants to be outdoors in San Diego to welcome warm weather, amazing wild flower blooms all around the countryside and in the metro center and the fantastic amount of fun events and activities geared to outdoor fun. There’s plenty to do and see adventure and attractions around the city, but you can also indulge in San Diego’s amazing wine country, take on a hike or even surfing along the stunning coastal beaches or just have your pick of so many amazing museums around the city.
Food scenes are always a big draw with award winning wineries, craft brew pubs and outdoor dining venues that boast year round dining. If you’re a flower and garden fanatic then check out the gardens of Balboa park, the San Diego Arboretum and even the various wild flowers blooming all around the city’s parks.
Check out my post on things to do and see in San Diego here for more ideas, images and fun things to do around the city in spring time.
Visiting Moab, Utah in Spring
The high desert of Utah offers an early spring for people living at higher altitudes. While we are still shoveling snow in Denver in April and into May, Moab is in full springtime mode. The wildflowers are blooming and temperatures warm to near 80F.
Moab is a great spring escape for hiking in the Canyonlands National Park or a four-wheeled drive trip into the desert. One of the popular things to do near Moab is off-roading in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. For photography buffs Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S. You can fuel your adventurous spirit by whitewater rafting on Utah’s rivers.
A few of the fun things to do in Moab in the Spring:
Moab Rocks – Climbing Event March 30
Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky Photo Class April 2nd
Moab Convergence – Xscapers RV Rally April 5th-12th
Bow Wow Film Festival April 6th
Easter Jeep Safari April 18th
The Action Car Show April 26th
Amasa Run April 27th
Moab Farmers’ Market – starts May 3 and runs through October
Back of Beyond Paddle Race May 11th
Moab Arts Festival May 24th – 27th
Thelma and Louise Half Marathon May 31st
Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo May 31st
Laudy and Jerome Shaw for Travel Boldly
A Texas road trip in Spring time
A visit to Austin in spring time
Check out spring and the outdoors in Minneapolis
Minnesota is known for its long, harsh winter. So, the people who live here embrace the Spring with an enthusiasm that denizens of less “challenging” climes can’t exactly understand.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are among the most “outdoorsy” cities in the US, and that’s particularly obvious when Spring finally arrives. The cities abound with bike and walking trails covering both sides of the Mississippi River and the “chain of lakes” that run down the west side of the city of Minneapolis. There’s also a former train route that is now a bikeway that connects the river with the lakes. All in all, you can bike for tens of miles without having to cross any streets with cars.
Among the destinations worth a visit are a few restaurants along the lakes and river. People hop off their bikes long enough to sample a beer and fried Walleyed Pike at Tin Fish on the north end of Lake Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun.) And, if you’re biking up the east side of the river, there’s the quirky Psycho Suzy’s for your favorite cocktails with a view of the mighty Mississippi.
Finally, the evening free concert series at the Lake Harriet Bandshell at the south end of the Minneapolis chain of lakes starts up as soon as weather permits.
Check out Tom’s post on things to do in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Spring time visit to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is the best spring destination for snow fun. There is still lots of snow in the Colorado Rockies in spring and most of the ski resorts are open well into April. Our favorite places to ski in Rocky Mountain National Park include the Trail Ridge Road and the trails around Bear Lake. If you are a non-skier, you can still have fun in the snow; the Rocky Mountains have great snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling opportunities. We also love going on scenic drives in the park to enjoy the stunning snow-covered peaks. Spring is also a great time to see the Rocky Mountains wildlife including elks, deer, and moose. We recommend staying in Estes Park during your visit. Estes Park is the eastern gateway to the Rocky Mountains National Park and a charming town with lots of events and activities. All the main attractions are located on Elkhorn Avenue, which is the Main Street of Estes Park. Here you can rent snowshoes and other winter gear, buy souvenirs, eat steaks and game meats, and buy lots of salt water taffy, fudge, and candy.
A getaway to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, New York is one of our favorite spring weekend getaways in the US. Although the area is a popular tourist destination, spring means far smaller crowds. Visitors can stand in some of the finest viewing locations unhindered, as well as go to the top of the viewing tower, use the free trolley, and ride the Maid of the Mist with no wait. The only potential downside is that full access to the Cave of the Winds is not always available until the walkways have been rebuilt.
Besides the falls themselves, the are numerous other attractions to see in the Niagara Falls area, such as the Seneca Casino, the Niagara Aquarium, the Niagara Wine Trail, the Underground Railroad Heritage Center, and Old Fort Niagara. It is also warm enough to head out on some of the stunning hiking trails through the Niagara Gorge and Whirlpool State Park.
There really is something for everyone in Niagara Falls, New York, but if it isn’t enough, visitors can always cross the border to the Canadian side for more. Perhaps the best part of visiting as a spring getaway is the hotel prices. During peak they can be quite pricey, but spring prices are significantly less.
Washington DC Cherry Blossoms
Early spring brings a throng of visitors to see the Washington DC cherry blossoms emerge on over 3000 cherry trees., a gift of friendship from Japan. Delicate white and pink blossoms surround and are reflected in the waters of the Tidal Basin. The scene is a photographers dream, with the white granite of the Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial creating a stunning backdrop.
For 3 weeks, the DC Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the bloom with music, parties, parades, and cultural performances. Photographers gather every dawn and sunset for that perfect photo, while tourists stroll the 2-mile path around the Tidal Basin throughout the day. Paddle boats, tour boats, and bike tours offer unique ways to see the blooms from another angle.
Timing of the cherry blossoms peak bloom is very weather dependent. Plan to visit in the first days of April for the best chance to see the blooms at their best.
Julie McCool with Fun in Fairfax
Spring time in Cooperstown, New York
Cooperstown, New York is a fantastic spring weekend getaway from Boston, New York or Philadelphia. Springtime brings to mind baseball season. And, the Baseball Hall of Fame is located in Cooperstown. If you are a baseball lover, you can easily spend a whole day at the Hall of Fame and Museum. Did you know that Cooperstown is much more than just the home of the Hall of Fame? For culture lovers, there is The Fenimore Art Museum, Farmer’s Museum and Glimmerglass Opera. For nature lovers, hiking, kayaking and boating at Otsego Lake (also known as Glimmerglass Lake) and the Glimmerglass State Park are perfect for spring trips. The artisanal Cooperstown Distillery, Brewery Ommegang, Red Shed and numerous restaurants are destinations for food, beer and spirit lovers.
Cooperstown gets extremely crowded in the summer, especially during the induction ceremonies for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Spring is the best time to visit for good weather and lesser crowds. Cooperstown centrally located—just a 4 to 5 hour drive from either New York City, Boston or Philadelphia.
Check out Sue’s post on a Cooperstown visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Spring time visit to colonial Williamsburg
A short 2.5 hour drive from Washington, D.C., Williamsburg, VA offers a mixture of history, restaurants, and attractions. You can purchase a one-day pass which provides access to all of the sites in Colonial Williamsburg including the trade shops and two art museums. You can also choose to chill out in Merchant’s Square, between Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary, and have a sandwich and glass of wine at The Cheese Shop. If you’re more of a thrill seeker, pop on over to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and take a ride on the new Finnegan’s Flyer scheduled to open in Spring 2019.
Spring in Williamsburg also offers several festivals including the Southern Food Festival, Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival and Art on the Square Festival. At the Southern Food Festival, enjoy some of the finest chefs in the area cooking up good, old fashioned Southern cuisine while your toes are tapping to some Bluegrass music. If you enjoy craft beer, 18 Virginia breweries will be on hand for the 6th annual Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival as well as two food trucks.. Art on the Square features more than 150 artisans dedicated to original, hand-crafted, diverse mediums of art set up right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg
Jennifer with The Wonderlust Couple
Spring road trip from Miami to Sarasota and Tampa
One of our favorite Spring weekend road trip getaways in the USA was from Miami to Sarasota and Tampa in Florida. We had already been to Florida before, specifically to Miami and Orlando, so on this trip wanted to see more off-the-beaten-track destinations. Spring time is also perfect because it’s not too hot/humid nor too crowded.
We arrived at Miami airport where we picked up our car and drove straight to Sarasota through the pretty Everglades National Park. If you have time, we recommend stopping to take an airport ride through the sawgrass, trying to spot alligators.
Sarasota was our first stop. It is a massive cultural hub in Florida, home to the notorious Siesta Key beach, the Ringling Circus 2 symphonies, an opera house, a world-class ballet company and Siesta Key rum.
On the next day we headed over to Tampa, which has the largest aquarium in Florida, the Busch Gardens safari entertainment park, which is on par with Universal in our opinion, and the historical Ybor City, which is also where Tampa’s gay scene can be found. Tampa also has some of the best restaurants we’ve tried in Florida, like the Oxford Exchange, Ulele, Osteria and Mis en Place.
Check out the Nomadic Boys post on the best gay bars in Tampa
Visiting Bucks County in spring time
When spring triggers an urge to get out into the countryside, Bucks County, Pennsylvania is a close by option from Philadelphia, and even New York City, for a spring weekend escape.
From Center City Philadelphia, it’s only a 33 mile drive to historic, charming Doylestown, Bucks County. There, you can easily spend a day exploring the “Mercer Mile” comprised of three unique poured concrete buildings. The Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle, and the Moravian Tile Works were built by Doylestown’s most eccentric, wealthy “Renaissance Man”, during the early 20th century. Another Doylestown museum, the James A. Michener Art Museum, houses the largest collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings.
Combine a nice walk and history by visiting Bucks County’s Washington Crossing Historic Park. During Christmas night in 1776, it was from here that George Washington’s bedraggled, disheartened army staged a daring crossing of the ice choked Delaware River to surprise Hessian troops at Trenton, New Jersey.
To travel even further back in time, visit Pennsbury Manor, a recreation of William Penn’s 1683 summer house on the Delaware River. Take a tour and engage with 17th century artisans.
Spend the night in an historic farm country Bucks County bed & breakfast like the Galvanized America Inn. Enjoy dinner just up the road, at the Historic Piper Tavern dating from 1778.
Find more information for a spring getaway at the Visit Bucks County website.
By Suzanne Fluhr of Boomeresque
Spring road trip from Miami to Key West
If you’re looking for a fun spring getaway in Florida, you must do this wonderful road trip from Miami to Key West. Easily done as a day trip it’s better to take your time and enjoy the special nuances of each of the islands you visit on the way to the tip at Key West. Outdoor and recreation lovers will enjoy all the fantastic opportunities to be in and around the waters of the Florida Keys. The best part is getting to Key West and enjoying all of the historic, culture and of course foods of this electic and colorful city on the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Check out more images and details to my post on a Key West road trip here for more inspiration.
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The US is a long way to come for me these days as I’m based in Europe, but I’ve been to DC in spring before and it is beautiful! Leavenworth looks absolutely stunning, and not what I expected for the rainy north west – I think that is next on my list!
There are so many fantastic choices of the best spring break destinations in the USA, it is all within reach depending on where you visit initially.
Ah spring break yes. So many fantastic options for spring break in the US. I love visiting Minneapolis and this is often forgotten.
Yes a lot of fantastic spring break options visiting these destinations in the USA
I love traveling the US during the spring but not during spring break weeks. Great roundup of places but I would add Spokane Washington as another Pacific NW option. The gardens and unique neighborhoods are well worth a visit.
I would have never thought of Spokane but there are some amazing spring break locations here in the USA for inspiration
So many interesting cities. Love that you included Orange County! So many people overlook this area of SoCal. Moab’s on my list had hoped to make it out there this year but couldn’t fit it in.
Lots of great choices for spring breaks in the USA including Orange county, lol
My vote would go to Moab desert in spring. On my last trip to the U.S. I haven’t made to visit Utah. Although I was pretty close to Utah, on the lake Powell on the Arizona and Utah border. Moab desert and Monument Valley in Utah are on my wish list.
I would love to go also – road trip along with many of these other spring breaks in the USA
Wow, so many great spots. Portland is such a fun city, I’ve been meaning to take my mom for a mother/daughter getaway and I’m re-inspired!
There are so many wonderful spring locations in the USA to discover
Southern California is always a go-to spot for me in the spring. It is always so great to get outdoors. The purple lupines around Leavenworth would be a reason to visit for sure. The national parks have been on our list for a long time. Good to know that Moab is a good one for spring. The iconic spoon statue is a fun one in Minneapolis. We did a spring getaway to Niagara Falls, so I would definitely second a vote for that. A good list for spring travel.
Sounds like you’ve seen a lot of these fantastic spring breaks in the USA with hopefully more inspiration to visiting other areas on this list.
What a great roundup of places to visit in Spring. Portland would be my pick for a city break. Utah would be amazing to see wildflowers blooming – I bet the colours are sensational. Niagara Falls would also be fantastic in Spring.
There are so many fantastic spring break destinations in the USA as this post shares and you picked some of the best spots to visit.
There are some good trips here from both coasts and everywhere in between. Having lived in both Socal and Florida I can vouch for both. The weather is better in Florida for the spring but Socal has some neat natural events like tidepooling and pupping seals / sea lions that are pretty special.
The coastal areas of the USA are really amazing as the rest of these wonderful places to explore for spring break in the USA
This is a wonderful round-up of spring destinations in the USA. I like the mix of cities like DC, Austin and Portland along with smaller places like Cooperstown PA. Thanks for all the spring travel inspiration.
Yes there are many places in the USA that is perfect for a spring break getaway here for inspiration.
As the weather finally softens here in the Mid-Atlantic United States, my mind starts thinking, “Road Trip!” Some of these suggestions are in driving getaway distance from Philadelphia, so I’ve pinned it to my USA Road Trips Pinterest board for easy reference when I want to get outta town.
That’s fantastic that there are many spring break options for a USA road trip for you.