Top 10 Family Friendly Spring Break Destinations To Drive To
The raucous Spring Break destinations of college revelry are well documented and easy to find. But where do you go when you have a family or just want something a little more laid back?
Here are some ideas that are sure to provide a bit of both excitement and relaxation during that much needed week off in the early spring. Many of these locations are within a short drive from many places throughout the United States.
Yellowstone National Park – Get back to nature for spring break. Wildlife abounds among the lakes and streams. See a geyser or two like Old Faithful along the way.
Steamboat Springs, CO – It may be spring, but there is still plenty of snow on the ground. Although Steamboat Springs is a personal favorite with the Strawberry Park Hot Springs nearby, it’s just one of many skiing destinations out west. Winter Park is a shorter drive from the Denver area and Park City is a good option near Salt Lake City in Utah.
Phoenix, AZ – Catch some Spring Training Baseball in March. You will find more teams in a more condensed area as opposed to the Grapefruit League in Florida. Once April arrives, enjoy all that the desert has to offer before the scorching summer temperatures arrive. Hot air balloon rides are highly recommended.
Destin, FL – You get the beaches and the sunshine without the all night parties you might encounter 50 miles to the east in Panama City. Destin offers a break from winter temperatures and it is not that far of a drive from many Southeast and Midwest parts of the country.
Chattanooga, TN – Traveling on a budget? See 7 states from one mountaintop or the Tenenssee Riverpark near the downtown of this all-in-one destination that is not too far of a drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Just outside of Chattanooga, you will find the expansive Nickajack Lake, which is created by a dam on the Tennessee River. The lake winds through the rolling hills to the west of the city.
Austin TX – Known for live music festivals and a laid back attitude, the state capital of Texas has plenty to offer. BBQ Foodies beware; you may decide not to go back home. If you need a break from the city, Lake Travis is a particular favorite relaxation spot, about a half hour outside of town.
Orlando, FL – Amusement parks are likely to be on the itinerary in Central Florida. However this is another quality stop in March for Spring Training Baseball. They highlight of your week would come if you make it over to the coast for a rocket launch. Find the schedule here on the NASA website – https://www.nasa.gov/launchschedule/.
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – Yes, you may still experience a bit of chill in the air, but the city alone will make it all worthwhile. If you want to stay warm, the Mall Of America offers plenty of entertainment options. But one thing you will notice is that he twin cities of Minnesota may be the cleanest big city (cities) in the US. Minnehaha Park is strongly a recommended spot to visit.
Savannah, GA – Take a trip back in time on the border of South Carolina and Georgia. The historic district is paved with cobblestone streets and lined with oak and magnolia trees. Other tranquil options include numerous parks and landmarks. The beaches of Hilton Head Island are less than an hour’s drive away.
Branson, MO – Deep in the Ozark Mountains in southwestern Missouri is the popular family destination of Branson. Here you will find a boulevard lined with theaters that provide a variety of entertainment options. Silver Dollar City is an amusement park with an 1800’s twist. Round your week out with a stop at Table Rock Lake, which occupies an area of more than 43,000 acres.
