Spring break is nearing, and there is a lot to consider with COVID-19 still impeding travel plans. International travel is still discouraged, but that does not mean there are not great places within the U.S. to go to. Staying safe while still having fun is possible this spring. Here are the top 10 destinations for spring break.
Best Beaches:
Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater is located in Tampa Bay and is known for its sunny weather and great beaches. Clearwater Beach is the best location for fun activities; It has a lively atmosphere with water sports and sand volleyball. The Caladesi Island State Park Beach, on the other hand, is tranquil and has calm tides. It can only be reached by ferry or boat and is far from busy cities, allowing for the most relaxation possible. In the city, there are other attractions such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Westfield Countryside Mall. Busch Gardens is also a popular location nearby. Clearwater offers a variety of activities for everyone and great weather during the spring.
Maui is one of the many islands in Hawaii and has both great beaches and nightlife. The Ka’anapali Beach has powder white sand and crystal clear water with fun activities like snorkeling and cliff jumping. The Honokalani Beach is the most picturesque with all black sand and a jungle-like terrain. It also has boogie-boarding and cave tours. A great way to experience the nightlife is at a Friday Town Party. It allows for guests to dive into the culture with local food, music and vendors. Attending an authentic Luau is a must-do for native dances, music and food. It is an experience that cannot be beaten. Overall, Maui provides the most diverse beach vacation with activities on the beach and in the city.
Best Outdoor Activities:
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in the U.S. and for good reason; it is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world, spanning nearly 2,000 square miles of layered red rock. There are tours and activities available in the North and South Rim and the East and West Canyon. River and helicopter tours also offer a different view of the canyon compared to hiking. Options are open to tour the canyon for one day or multiple days, so there is a variety of lodging options from camping to hotels to cabins all offered on the Grand Canyon National Park website. All around, the Grand Canyon is the best outdoor adventure for anyone who loves hiking or just wants to experience one of the earth’s untouched marvels.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson Hole spans 48 miles and is surrounded by mountains. It is home to three ski resorts and a diverse wildlife making is best for outdoor activities. The Grand Teton National Park is 200 miles of fascinating trails, biking paths and outdoor excursions, making it the most versatile attraction. Snow King Mountain is one of the many ski resorts in Jackson which features a variety of activities for warm and cold weather. Skiing and snow tubing are most popular during the winter months while biking trails, mini-golf and treetop obstacles take over in the summer season. Most locations in the Jackson area are geared towards outdoor activities that cannot be found anywhere else. It is the perfect location for those who love the outdoors and exciting unique adventures.
Most Versatile:
San Diego, California
California weather is ideal during the spring with good sun and cool breezes. This makes it the perfect place for outdoor and indoor activities. The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest in the U.S. and has exotic animals and unique exhibits. There is also a SeaWorld located in San Diego which has different aquatic life and interactive displays. There are also a variety of beaches with small beach shops and local vendors great for shopping; The Westfield UTC mall is another popular shopping location with all types of retail. San Diego also has a variety of restaurants for any occasion, but seafood is the most popular cuisine because it is an oceanside city.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city immersed in history, music and culture. All around there are street performers and vendors. The French Quarter is famous for its vibrant nightlife and historic buildings. It leads to the French Market with gourmet food and a variety of stand-up shops and to Jackson Square which is the center for local performers. There are festivals almost every day and night featuring music, food and drink, art and more. Tours are the best way to get a feel for the entire city. They explore everything from swamps to plantations to neighborhoods. New Orleans also takes pride in its sports, so a Saints game is great for sports lovers. This destination provides a culturally rich experience that can not be found anywhere else in the U.S..
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is the most enriching destination with many museums and monuments within the city. Some of the most notable locations are the Smithsonian Museum, the Mint and the Washington Monument. Other hotspots are the Capitol building where tours are available, the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There are attractions almost everywhere when exploring the city, most relating to U.S. history or famous historic events. Virginia Beach is also nearby with beach shops and restaurants for a change of pace. Whether with a tour guide or taking on the city alone, Washington, D.C. delivers an interesting learning experience with the opportunity for relaxation, too.
Even with some normalcy returning, certain travel plans are still discouraged, especially internationally. This does not mean that spring break cannot still be a fun and enjoyable experience. These places within the U.S. offer a variety of activities including beaches, hiking, sightseeing and other attractions perfect for a family get-away.
Maui, Hawaii
