If you are planning your Spring Break trip, especially from the Eastern or Midwest USA, be sure to read below for our Top 10 Spring Break Family Destinations! These are just my recommendations to give you some ideas!
*Last updated December 1, 2025
Top 10 Spring Break Family Destinations
Table of Contents (listed from north-east to south-west)
- Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
- The Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Savannah, Georgia
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Destin, Florida
- New Orleans, New Orleans
Colonial Williamsburg
Calling all history fans! Colonial Williamsburg is where we visited last year and is the northernmost destination on this list. However, the weather was still pleasant.
Be aware that my kids complained that I was “making them learn” on their spring break. However, I enjoyed learning from the historical trades people, listening to historical figure actors like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and touring the historic buildings. Colonial Williamsburg is the largest “living history” museum in the world, which has actors that represent historical figures.
Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is part of the “Historic Triangle”, so you can also visit nearby Jamestown and Yorktown. Jamestown is one of the earliest colonies in United States and Yorktown is the site of the most decisive battles during the revolutionary war.
If you are interested in the Williamsburg area, be sure to visit our article on the following articles:
Best Things to Do in Colonial Williamsburg
The Outer Banks
Outer Banks is actually where we picked for Spring Break in 2025, so we haven’t been yet! However, I’ve included it since that is what we picked for our Spring Break. It is one of the furthest north destination of anywhere on the list, so it will likely be the coldest. Additionally, I expect it could be cooler, windier and unlikely to be able to swim in the ocean. However, there are a lot of things I think will be fun to do, such as the Wright Brothers Memorial at Kitty Hawk, as well as visiting Corolla, Roanoke and Ocracoke.
Myrtle Beach
I’ve been to Myrtle Beach more than anywhere on this list, because my parents used to own a rental property there. Because of this, we’ve been during spring break, Thanksgiving break, Christmas break and summer. Also, if you are lucky with weather, you might be able to swim by late March as long as you are okay with chilly water temperatures.
I know that it has a reputation as a tourist town, with only chain restaurants, shows and miniature-golf. However, while there are a lot of shows and putt-putt courses, there are also some nice local restaurants. Additionally, South Carolina’s “Grand Strand” contains beaches that stretch for 60 miles, so there is plenty of room to get away from the business of downtown Myrtle, if that is what you are looking for.
While Myrtle Beach may not be every parents favorite, it is sure to make the kids happy. Additionally, if you enjoy golf, there are over 90 golf courses near the Myrtle Beach area.
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Charleston
Charleston is just a couple hours south of Myrtle Beach and is widely recognized for their row houses in pastel colors. It is perfect for those interested in the rich history of Charleston, including being a major location in the US Civil War.
Additionally, Charleston has 5 nearby beaches for those looking to get some time in the sand. The main beaches include Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island. You can drive to one of the beaches or stay on one of the islands or beaches and make a day trip or two to Charleston. Also, this makes it a great balance for a combination trip for both the kids and the adults in your group.
For your first time visiting, be sure to take a horse carriage tour that will help orient yourself to town and an overview of the city’s history. Additionally, be sure to visit the Charleston City Market to see the locally made crafts.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head is a pretty big island so it has a lot of rental opportunities. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and golf courses, if that is what you are looking for.
There may be less historical sites than some others on this list, but I visited the Stony Baynard Ruins, which are some artifacts from the civil war. Additionally, we took a ferry from the marina to Savannah, Georgia for part of the day.
The island is very developed with a lot of rental properties. However, for a relaxing beach vacation, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more fun beach for the kids to play.
Savannah
Savannah is another great place for history lovers! Additionally, there are a lot of historic homes in Savannah and many you can tour. Also, if you are looking for some beach time, you can drive 30 minutes to nearby Tybee Island (or stay on Tybee Island and drive a day or two into Savannah).
We only spent a day in Savannah, but I’m looking forward to making it back to explore more of the area. There are beautiful parks, historic homes and you can visit the creator of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum.
St. Augustine
My wife and I went to St. Augustine without the kids, but I think it would be a fun place to go with the family. Also, since St. Augustine is the oldest city (continuously occupied) in the United States, there are a lot of cool, historic things to see and do.
We spent a few days in the historic city center, where you can visit the Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum, Flagler College and numerous nice restaurants to choose from. Additionally, we moved and stayed a few more days at nearby St. Augustine Beach. However, it isn’t really necessary to move as it is only about 2-3 miles from downtown to the beach.
For more information on St. Augustine, be sure to visit our page:
Orlando
Orlando isn’t exactly a hidden gem for spring break. Also, of course it is going to be busy. However, I’d much rather go to a busy Disney World in the more comfortable temperatures of March and April than go in the summer when it is both busy and insanely hot and humid.
A lot of people see Disney World a child’s rite of passage. Additionally, there are lots of adults who love Disney. To be honest, while I was somewhat dreading the crazy crowds of Disney World, I actually enjoyed the trip more than I was expecting and we are planning to go back again for a few days this winter break.
Also, there is more in the area than just Disney, you can also visit Universal Studios, which is opening a third new park in 2025, and the Kennedy Space Center in nearby Cape Canaveral.
Additionally, be sure to check out the following article on our site:
Destin
We have done two spring break trips to the Destin, Florida area. It is a nice spot for us since you can make it from Cincinnati to Destin in one day (although it is a long day) and it is far enough south to have reliably warm beach temperatures.
Check out the following article on Destin and the surrounding beach areas:
New Orleans
New Orleans is another spot we visited without the kids. Also, even though Bourbon Street has an adult crowd, there are numerous things that would be great to see and do with kids and a family.
The World War 2 Museum is huge and a great learning opportunity for children. Additionally, see the architecture of the French Quarter, visiting some nearby plantations (Whitney Plantation is a great opportunity for learning about slavery in the area) and Barataria Preserve and Jean Lafitte Nature Preserve are a great place for a short walk to see the swamp marshes.
For more information on New Orleans, be sure to visit:
