For spring break, it’s common to head to popular destinations known for relaxation or recreation. This year, try something new by heading to one of these locations.
PUERTO RICO
With no passport required for U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico offers an alternative getaway for spring break. The island has nearly 300 beaches. Consider El Escambrón in San Juan for snorkeling and swimming; it’s also part of Parque del Tercer Milenio, which offers many recreational activities. San Juan’s Distrito T-Mobile is an entertainment and culinary hub, while Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park in Orocovis has one of the world’s longest ziplines. Go to a rum distillery for a tasting or see one of three bioluminescent bays, including Mosquito Bay.
NASHVILLE
The Music City has grown in the past two years with a jump in hotel rooms, plus new dining and retail options. Learn more about different musical genres at the National Museum of African American Music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton made recordings.
The 21-and-over crowd can head to rooftop bars, Jack Daniel's distillery, or Nelson’s Green Brier distillery. Kid-friendly places include Adventure Park, Nashville Zoo, and Adventure Science Center, plus Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort and Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
In the springtime, Phoenix offers great weather (averaging 80° F) and can accommodate various interests. The Sonoran Desert comes to life as the cacti and wildflowers bloom. Hike in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Open-air shopping destinations include Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, and Desert Ridge Marketplace.
Cactus League Spring Training consists of 15 MLB teams at nine stadiums throughout the Valley, from February 24 through March 28, 2023. Innings Festival (February 25 - 26, 2023) brings lovers of music and America’s pastime together at Tempe Beach Park and Tempe Arts Park. Phoenix has quite the cocktail scene within its neighborhoods, ranging from Little Rituals and Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour to Roosevelt Row’s Sake Haus and Rough Rider.
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
On Lake Superior, Duluth has indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Along with checking out Canal Park, visit the free-of-charge Lake Superior Maritime Museum or stroll along the newly updated, 7.2-mile Lakewalk.
Cultural attractions include the Duluth Children’s Museum, the Tweed Museum of Art, the Duluth Art Institute, and the Glensheen Mansion. Go on the Lincoln Park Art Walk to get acquainted with animals at the Great Lakes Aquarium and Lake Superior Zoo. There are also many craft breweries, cideries, and distillers to choose from, including the popular Canal Park Brewing.
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
Myrtle Beach covers 60 miles of Atlantic coastline with an ever-evolving variety of attractions, restaurants, and experiences. Family-friendly spots include Landmark Resort Waterpark, Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, Brookgreen Gardens, Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf, Funplex Myrtle Beach, and SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. Restaurants are also kid friendly, with a number of them offering special deals and promotions. Wicked Tuna and Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant offer a delicious taste of coastal catches, and Sugar Life Ice Cream & Candy Bar is a tasty choice for your sweet tooth.
GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA
With 32 miles of sugar-white beaches edged by the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach offers surf and turf activities. Paddle the Alabama Back Bay Blueway on a kayak, fish with one of the area’s charter boat businesses, or snorkel the reefs to catch a glimpse of marine life. Build a sandcastle with expert guidance during a session with Sand Castle University. You can also play a round on one of several mini- or full-size golf courses.
Lucy Buffett's LuLu's Beach, a family-friendly restaurant, features live music every evening and an on-site arcade. You'll also find an allergy menu and a stand-alone, allergen-free branch to its kitchen. At the Yard Milkshake Bar, choose one of the specialty milkshakes on the menu or build your own. DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen is known for its coconut shrimp and fresh fish dishes.
PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS
Port Aransas is known for “Island Life,” making it the perfect spring break locale for jet skiing, paddle boarding, surfing, and sunset dolphin cruises.
Port Aransas adds their unique twist to the annual March Madness with their own “Margarita Madness.” Local bars and restaurants participate in this tasty bracket-style tournament to crown "Port Aransas' Best Margarita.” The Salty Dog Saloon offers live music that’ll have you dancing all night. Blue Water Cowboy guarantees everything made-to-order with views of the Gulf of Mexico, along with a full bar replicating the transom of a sportfishing boat.
