Top 12 Unique Ideas for Spring Break Vacations You'll Love
Many students and families look forward to a relaxing and fun spring break vacation full of pristine beaches, family activities, theme parks, tourist attractions, and more.
A family spring break vacation is quite different than a spring break for college students. But sometimes, it's nice for both groups to choose a unique location where everyone else isn't going.
So, check out these unique ideas for spring break vacations full of family fun and nighttime and beach activities for college students.
What Makes a Spring Break Destination Unique?
What makes one spring destination more unique than another is that it's not a location many people think of going to for spring break. Or it could be a destination that perhaps you haven't even thought of going on any vacation to yet.
These places may make great locations because they aren't packed with seasonal hordes of vacationers or students looking to party. So, if you're looking for a different type of spring break trip, you'll love these 12 amazing destinations.
Where are the Best Spring Break Vacation Ideas for Families and Students?
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are just 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, and are an amazing Caribbean getaway with gorgeous sandy beaches and warm waters.
The three main islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, and they are known for their white sandy beaches, historic pastel houses, and beautiful views. Immerse yourself in a unique culture like no other. It's one of the best spring break destinations for families as there are so many activities to do.
Just be sure to check the COVID regulations for domestic and international travelers before planning your trip.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, Oregon, is one of the most unique places to go for spring break. While it's a popular vacation destination, it's not many peoples' first thought for a spring break trip.
Goonies lovers will be excited that it's close to where most of the movie was filmed in Astoria, and this beautiful beach provides fantastic scenery and beautiful views.
There are plenty of resorts in the area as well as guides and tours to make sure you don't miss a thing. It's the perfect place for a spring break family vacation and was listed as one of the top 100 most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic in 2013.
Hudson Valley, New York
When most people think of a spring break vacation, Hudson Valley, New York is definitely not their first thought, but this location is beautiful. The Hudson Valley is steeped in culture, history, and natural beauty.
It's known as the oldest wine-producing location in the nation. The Lonely Planet describes the Hudson River Valley as a true break from nearby New York City with some of the best wineries and amazing farm-to-table locations.
And since National Geographic states that it is one of the top 20 destinations in the world that you must see, it's a break from traditional spring break beach vacations.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs, CA, is known for its beautiful weather and gorgeous views, as well as its stylish hotels and famous mid-century modern design and architecture.
And if you're looking for the ultimate beach and shopping destination, Palm Springs is it.
There are many great options for outdoor activities, including horseback riding, biking, and hiking trails. When you want a break from the outdoors, just head to Palm Canyon Drive to go shopping at vintage boutiques and eat at locally-owned restaurants.
Looking for another place to go in California? San Diego, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, or Joshua Tree National Park would also make great locations in California for a spring break vacation for the entire family.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is also known as the "The Last of the Old West." It has tons of outdoor activities like skiing, rafting, mountain biking, and much more.
You can also take a day trip to Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks to see the amazing natural wonders in the area. It's truly one of those unique spring break ideas for a vacation like no other.
Stay at the historic and luxurious Wort Hotel and enjoy live music at the infamous Silver Dollar Bar or the Snow King Resort. And you won't want to miss a wildlife eco-tour for a family adventure.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a perfect spring break destination for students and families. Cocoa Beach has six miles of ocean beaches with plenty of great places to stay.
Take boat or kayak tours of the Banana River Lagoon to see wildlife and marine life in their natural habitat. You can also take in a space launch from the beach as Kennedy and Cape Canaveral Space Launch Centers are just several miles north.
Cocoa Beach is also just minutes away from Port Canaveral, where many world-class cruises depart. And there's a great nightlife too with plenty of beachside cafes and cool jazz clubs.
Alaska
When most people think of family spring break vacations, Alaska definitely is not top of the list, but you can even find some last-minute Alaskan vacations for every family.
Explore the history of Alaska in Anchorage, where you can take part in many family-friendly programs at the Anchorage Museum. Then check out the Alaska Aviation Museum to learn about Alaska's aviation preservation.
Or you can travel to Fairbanks, Alaska, where you can see the gorgeous northern lights. You can also take in the BP World Ice Art Championships. You can stay at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel or one of the city's other great hotels.
Beech Mountain, North Carolina
Many people have never even heard of Beech Mountain, North Carolina, and that's what makes it a unique spring break vacation. It's known as the highest town on the eastern side of the United States.
There are tons of adventures and fun activities for people of all ages, such as sledding, skiing, hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and more.
You don't want to miss the Land of Oz theme park built in the 1960s. This park includes a 24-balloon ride where you can see amazing views of the surrounding land and a yellow brick road.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is full of gorgeous tropical beaches and natural scenery, all combined with a unique culture that makes it one of the best ideas for spring break vacations.
There are plenty of great areas to choose from, like Guanacaste, Central Pacific, the Caribbean, Puntarenas, the Northern Plains, the Central Valley, and the South Pacific.
See unique wildlife on the land, in the air, and by the sea. Take in many grand adventures as Costa Rica is known as the land of rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and grand rivers.
It’s one of the most bio-diverse regions in the whole world. So, whether it's a family vacation or one for a few of your college friends, you'll love this unique trip.
Morocco
If you're looking for one of the most unique ideas for spring break vacations, then Morocco may be the perfect trip. Learn about the unique culture and traditions of this history-steeped location and soak in the Moroccan lifestyle.
One of the top places to visit is Chefchaouen - the charming bride. You don't want to miss the top five popular things: the Grand Mosque, Akcour Waterfalls, Old Medina of Chefchaouen, the Carpet Stores, and Tallassemtane National Park.
It's known as a paradise for walkers with paths in the surrounding mountains offering amazing hiking activities. The old Medina has narrow and winding alleys where you can't miss the smells of the culinary delights.
The Maldives
The Maldives is a collection of 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean that span the equator. It was named as one of the world's leading destinations in 2020 and 2021.
Cruise the waters to truly experience the Maldives and experience the Maldivian cuisine and rich flavors. Its gastronomy is a grand assembly of many traditional flavors influenced by the neighboring countries with many dishes based on the native coconut and fish.
Each island is unique, so there are plenty of local experiences to take in on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation. There are plenty of great resorts to stay in and some fun adventures to do when you visit these islands.
Check out their resource page with everything you need to know for planning a trip to the Maldives.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island, Texas, is perfect for beach lovers, especially kiteboarders and windsurfers. People of all ages love this location, and there are so many things to do.
The Adventure Park is the place for unique experiences like horseback rides beside the beach and zip-line adventures. The art culture is alive here with fun galleries, museums, and other places to explore. Sign up for painting and wine tasting to experience the fun yourself.
Take sandcastle lessons or visit the coastal marine biology lab to learn more about the area's sea creatures. You won't want to miss South Padre Island as it's one of the most fun ideas for spring break vacations.
Final Thoughts on Ideas for Spring Break Vacations
If you're looking for unique ideas for places to go for spring break, these 12 locations provide plenty of amazing options. Whether it's a beach vacation, mountain adventure, or international trip, you won't get bored with any of these great locations.
And if you need great ways to pay for vacation activities, consider getting some gift cards. Gift Card Granny has some great options to pay for food, entertainment, and more