This post may contain compensated links. Refer to my disclaimer for more info.
So long, winter! It’s that time when families seek the best Spring Break destinations in the US. It’s a perfect opportunity to strengthen those family bonds on a unique family vacation like a family friendly Florida Spring Break, glorious Georgia beaches road trip, fabulous fun in Alabama, or a relaxing respite in the Carolinas. Springtime in the south boasts colorful landscapes and mild weather for those looking to enjoy their time away with the fam.
BEST SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS
For those of us in the United States, Spring break is typically “getaway time” anywhere between February and May. For those of our friends in the UK, their break is called Easter holiday.
I don’t know about you, but our family starts itching to for a simple getaway that involves a little activity outdoors, lots of sunshine and fun experiences after what always feels like the longest winter ever. This year especially, I’ve found myself obsessing over Instagram feeds filled with beach and Spring images. If you feel the same way, let’s get on with those Spring break vacation ideas for families, shall we?!
GEORGIA BEACHES
While others are unknowingly spending their Spring break hauling luggage into an enormous, cookie cutter high-rise hotel on a tourist-y beach, why not take a walk on the wild side… literally. Cumberland Island, Georgia is not your typical island. This small barrier island is a National Seashore with protected beaches and maritime forest, historic ruins, and is teeming with wildlife like loggerhead turtles. Oh, and did I mention the beautiful, wild horses that run free along the beach and all over?!
Take the road trip to St. Mary’s, Georgia and catch the ferry to this super secluded island where only 30 guest are allowed daily. Want to spend the night? Stay at the primitive Cumberland Island campground, Cumberland Island B&B (owned by none other than descendants of the Andrew Carnegie family), or an adorable St. Mary’s Bed and Breakfast.
insider tip: Make it a fun family trip by planning your ferry reservations ahead of time!
FLORIDA SPRING BREAK
We had a blast with our recent Key West vacation ideas, vacation to Miami Beach with kids, and our time at Walt Disney World, but I wouldn’t advise these Florida vacation destinations during Spring break because of the crowds! What I would suggest is visiting a place along the Florida Coast that I’d never heard about known as Hutchinson Island. I give you all the scoop on why Jensen Beach won our hearts last year as one of the best East Coast beaches.
insider tip: Stay closest to the beach area that I mention in the East Coast beach post for the least amount of crowds!
ALABAMA SPRING BREAK IDEAS
Want to spend this year’s Spring break vacation on a beach whose town doesn’t put up with underage drinking and nonsense? Visit the breathtaking Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches and experience smaller crowds than the Florida beaches just to the east. Orange Beach, Alabama in particular is a gorgeous area known as the water sports hub of the area that also boasts a Waterfront park, fishing pier, lovely picnic areas, cool Native American history, and Backcountry Trails screaming to be explored.
insider tip: If family friendly beach time with your people is not in your Spring break plans, I wouldn’t choose Orange Beach, Alabama!
CAROLINAS VACATION
Last but not least, Wilmington Island is one of the best Spring break destinations if you want a variety of family friendly things to do. Along the North Carolina Coast, this charming vacation town doesn’t have the crowds of nearby bustling cities. Wrightsville and Carolina beaches are a relaxing choice, but the Cape Fear Museum and shopping in the Cotton Exchange are alternatives if Spring showers make an appearance.
insider tip: Take a trip Downtown for the best meal around at one of the fabulous Mom and Pop Wilmington restaurants!
SPRING BREAK QUESTIONS
-
Does Orange Beach, Alabama have orange sand or water?
No. In the early days of this Alabama region, forestland was depleted and replaced with orange groves. The citrus industry was an important aspect of this town until several hard freezes (up until 1926) ended the fruit tree’s days.
-
What big cities are closest to Wilmington, North Carolina?
Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, and Charlotte, North Carolina are the ones nearest in the state.
-
Is it warm enough to swim in Florida in March?
“Warm enough” to swim varies from person to person (I’m a coldie!) but generally most people find Florida ocean waters warm enough to swim between April and October.
YOU MAY NEED
Currently, this is the favorite, perfect little cover up or comfy beach dress to go from beachcomber to beach shopper.
Related:
- WINTER GETAWAY
- KEY WEST VACATION IDEAS
- DISNEY WORLD HACKS: 5 WAYS TO ROCK A DISNEY TRIP WITHOUT GOING BROKE
Are any of these also one of your best Spring break destinations in the South? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments!
Published on HuffPost, Okefenokee Living Magazine, and more, Shan is a Family Travel Journalist with a passion for helping women lose the overwhelm of planning family-friendly trips in the south. She shares travel reviews & insider secrets that Women REALLY want to know about Georgia, Florida, & the Carolinas vacations.
☕️ It’s THE REAL DEAL around here ☕️
