If you’re not going to Cancun or other Mexican beaches, there’s still plenty of options right at home. There are your typical spring break American coastal or your on-a-budget locations, and then there are your road-trip destinations. If what you’re looking for is a more off-the-beaten-track kind of vacation, here are 10 road trip destinations to flee from the crowds during spring break.
By the way, we won’t be including Texas destinations on this particular list—we have another article just for that.
On a related note: The One-Bag, Essentials-Only Packing List You Need For Spring Break
New Orleans, Louisiana
As the biggest city in Louisiana and a veritable hub for cultural excitement, New Orleans has a lot to offer to visitors passing through on their road-trip spring break. Sure, it’s not absent crowds, but it’s certainly not your typical party-on-the-beach kind of spring break either. Internationally famous for its wonderful music stage, its unique dialect, alternative style, Creole cuisine, and celebratory atmosphere, New Orleans is an exhilarating location everyone passing nearby should make it a point to visit.
Covington, Kentucky
With 19 distinct districts, most of which are historical, Covington is a relic from the past. Covington is one of those cities that perfectly showcases the fusion of and contrast between tradition and modernity, past and present, hip trends and history. And nowhere in Covington is this more evident than its eclectic food. Along Covington’s long Madison Avenue, you’ll find everything between Taiwanesse and Mexican cuisines, the latter of which is featured in a picturesque Frida Kahlo-themed restaurant called Frida 602.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, the beautiful Emerald City, the Gateway to Alaska, the City of Flowers, the City of Goodwill. This important seaport center of trade and commerce also happens to be one of the most charismatic and outright pretty locations in the whole of America. Also, ever since the ’80s, Seattle has been a hub for technology and innovation, becoming the home or base for colossal companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft (Bill Gates is a Seattleite by birth, after all). You definitely won’t regret a visit if you’re traveling along the West Coast.
Zion National Park, Utah
For the more nature-inclined and exploration-type adventurers out there, Zion National Park in Utah is a road-trip must. Not as popular or crowded as the Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon nevertheless offers sights on par with those of its more famous counterpart. Capture its magic from Angels Landing just as the sun is setting to experience one of the most amazing views you are likely to see in your lifetime.
San Diego, California
Moving on to more beach-like destinations, there’s nothing quite like San Diego, the “birthplace of California.” No matter the time of year, San Diego is riddled with beachside activities and fun, and filled with people who know how to value the coastal lifestyle. Home to many diverse eateries featuring authentic Mexican food, San Diego’s beautiful scenery is also the backdrop for the famous and relaxed Californian culture. Beaches, food, and cool folks: that’s what spring break is all about, after all.
Key West, Florida
Speaking of beaches, here is a beautifully scenic stop for your trip through Florida, if you’re traveling there. Filled to the brim with both natural and urban marvels, this island-city is a great place to spend time with friends of all kinds. Want to party? Head out to enjoy the city’s premier nightlife. Want adventure? Go snorkeling or scuba diving to find amazing coral reefs and sea life. Key West also happens to stand at the southernmost end of Route 1, the longest north-south highway in the U.S. So if you’re making a coastal road trip, this is a prime location to start or finish the journey.
You’ll also thank us for this: How To Have Perfect Beach Hair Without Ruining It Over Spring Break
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Since we’re on the topic of Florida, we’ve got one more location there for you. While it is a typical spring break destination, it is nonetheless worth it to stop at Fort Lauderdale for at least a little while. Explore, head to the beaches, and enjoy some of that classic spring break spirit on your way through. You might as well visit if you’re in a road trip across this eccentric—and rather controversial—southern state anyway.
St. Louis, Missouri
As a less expensive and alternative version of San Francisco, St. Louis is certainly one of those places whose unassuming demeanor can make you think it’s unworthy of your time. But you’d be wrong. Cherokee Street, Central West End, and Downtown St. Louis all have so much to offer in so many varied ways. Whether it’s a yesteryear vibe in the town’s historic center, a cultural fusion of foods and flavors, or luxury shopping, St. Louis has everything you could want—sans the massive spring break crowds. Win-win.
Manhattan Beach, California
Another Californian location filled with that laid-back Californian vibe that’s perfect for spring break, Manhattan Beach is a must if you’re around the neighborhood. Beaches, nightlife, shopping and surfing—some of the best experiences are conveniently available here. With San Diego and Los Angeles nearby, it’s a perfect stop in a worthy California-style road trip.
Atlanta, Georgia
The daughter of railroads, Atlanta was born as a converging spot for several train stops: a kind of meeting place for the country’s travelers. So, it’s only fitting that it should be on your road-trip list. Its grand reputation precedes it, too, ranking in the top twenty world cities, with one of the strongest economies in the nation. Also, The Walking Dead takes place here, so if you’re a fan, you know you have to take your time to walk its streets.
There you have it. 10 great options for those among you looking for an alternative kind of spring break. We hope you enjoy, and do let us how your road trip route ended up looking.
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