When the winter doldrums hit, and the whole family is ready for spring break, where do you go to get away and have fun for the whole family?
There are some ideas that fit any must-see destination list, and they’re all in or near the continental US.
Usual Places
While a few destinations might be outside the norm, a few are familiar but with new attractions or activities. The top ‘usual places’ in alphabetical order are:
• Florida: A well-known destination is, of course, the Disney complex and associated parks. You went there two years ago? Well, have you heard of the book and movie character Harry Potter? In 2010, Universal Orlando opened a 20-acre, Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Spend a day or two wandering and exploring the magical world of Harry’s magic, then hop over to Sea World and Disney World. Off-season pricing makes this spring break a terrific deal.
• Grand Canyon: This much-loved national park could easily be considered one of the country’s most beautiful spots—lots of beautiful spots. Tours of the Grand Canyon can be taken on foot, although hiking the trail can be exhausting for children and adults alike, on mules—beware if someone in the family is afraid of heights; mules travel very close to the drop edge of the trail, or in a helicopter. The last is the fastest, to be sure; most helicopter tours last an hour or two, and they provide a unique view of the canyon and the magnificent canyon wall colors and patterns.
• Washington, D.C.: Yes, the nation’s capital is a terrific spring break get-away. Enjoy off-season prices and attraction availability, and you and your family just might get through three of the 15 Smithsonian museums and still have time to visit the Washington Monument, the National Mall, and the Lincoln Memorial. Include the Arlington, VA area just across the Potomac, and the past, present, and future meld into a low-cost, fun-filled spring break vacation.
Unusual Places
Off the beaten vacation path but not in outer space, these few must-see spring break destinations:
• Lafayette, LA: Springtime is the perfect time to enjoy Louisiana. The heat and humidity haven’t hit yet, and neither has the tourist crowd. Enjoy the hideaway restaurants that rival any four- or five-star hot spot in New York, Los Angeles, or Paris. Museums, music, botanical gardens and concerts and festivals fill only a small portion of the attractions and entertainment list. Lafayette, LA can offer the whole family a variety of experiences but won’t strain the bank account.
• Las Vegas, NV: Avoid heavy gambling while saving money on meals and reduced pricing possibilities is easy. Enjoy shows, zoos, adventure tours, celebrity watching, and world class cuisine that definitely make this an off-the-beaten-path, must-see spring break destination. If those attractions aren’t enough, try the free concerts on Freemont street, light shows, and coordinated fountain displays. Enjoy the 31-acre lion ranch owned by the MGM Hotel. Marvel at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden or the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay or any other of the myriad of choices. Las Vegas and spring break: a marvelous combination. Bet on it.
About the Author
JC Ryan is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them understand which online courses and online schools they can choose from to reach their goals.
