Top Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.

Spring break travel in the U.S. peaks between mid-March and mid-April, and the best destinations book out weeks in advance. Whether you are traveling with family, a group of friends, or looking for somewhere quieter, here are the domestic destinations worth considering.

30A, Florida

The stretch of Florida Panhandle coast along Scenic Highway 30A, running through towns like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Grayton Beach, is one of the most popular spring break destinations for families in the Southeast. The beaches are wide and the water is clear. It is not cheap, but the quality of the rentals and the overall experience justify the cost for most people who go.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is a long barrier island chain off the North Carolina coast, and spring is a good time to visit before the summer crowds arrive. The weather is mild, the beaches are uncrowded, and the rental prices are lower than peak summer rates. Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head are the main areas, with good access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona in March and April is one of the better times to visit. The temperatures are comfortable for hiking, the red rock formations are at their most vivid in the spring light, and the town is busy but not at its summer peak. It works well for groups who want outdoor activities without a beach.

Destin, Florida

Destin is one of the most visited spring break destinations in the country, and for straightforward reasons: the beaches are excellent, the water is clear, and there is a well-developed infrastructure of vacation rentals, restaurants, and water sports operators. Book early. The best properties on the Emerald Coast are gone by January for spring break weeks.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Spring break in Tahoe means skiing in the morning and the lake in the afternoon, if the season has been good. March and April are often the best months for snow quality, and the crowds are lighter than the Christmas and New Year's peak. It is a good option for groups that want something different from a beach trip.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah in spring is genuinely beautiful. The squares are in bloom, the weather is warm without being hot, and the city has a good range of restaurants, bars, and historic sites. It is a better fit for a group that wants a city trip than a beach trip, and it is significantly less expensive than comparable coastal destinations.

Wherever you go, the advice is the same: book the accommodation first, then plan everything else around it. The best vacation rentals in every one of these markets are gone early, and the difference between a good rental and a mediocre one makes a real difference to the trip.