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Family fun: Top spring break getaways around the US

From Honolulu to Nashville, these captivating cities will appeal to both adults and kids alike.

By Tanvi Chheda | January 26, 2024

Ready to shake off the winter blues with a spring break vacation your whole family will enjoy? Well, good news: We’ve got you covered. Whether you're seeking sunny shores, a dose of history or some live music and Southern charm, these destinations around the U.S. promise a memorable getaway with loved ones.

San Diego

With a world-class zoo, sandy beaches and fresh local seafood, San Diego is a trending spring break destination for a reason. Families with younger kids can enjoy The New Children’s Museum featuring a clay studio, tinkering lab and giant crocheted climbing structure. Prefer the outdoors? Take in stunning ocean views during a family friendly hike along Guy Fleming, one of Torrey Pines Reserve's most popular trails that abounds with wildflowers come spring. Or spend the day exploring Balboa Park, which is home to several noteworthy attractions including the San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum and Japanese Friendship Garden. For a sweet treat, Bobboi Natural Gelato, in La Jolla Cove, is a must for all ages.

Washington

A bucket list trip for all families, the nation’s capital makes for the perfect spring break, especially for those traveling with older kids or teens who can manage through longer days of monument and museum sightseeing. Consider a day (or night) bike tour that cruises past the Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR and Vietnam memorials, the Washington Monument and many others. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is popular with visiting families, but for something different, try the smaller and very interactive International Spy Museum. Before you leave, be sure to explore Washington’s diverse neighborhoods, including Georgetown, The Wharf and Capitol Hill.

Dallas

Spring is quite possibly the best time of year to be in north Texas. The mild weather makes outdoor exploration at places like the Nasher Sculpture Center all the more enjoyable. From dinosaur bones to journeying through the solar system, the state-of-the-art Perot Museum of Nature and Science, spread across five stories, is an absolute must for families, featuring interactive exhibits and dinosaur fossil skeletons. Neighboring Fort Worth’s historic downtown (with 37 walkable blocks) and Amon Carter art museum, regarded as one of the best collections of American art, are also among the area’s attractions. Stay at Hilton Anatole Dallas, which features an incredible kids’ zone and complimentary breakfast for children 9 years old and under.

Nashville

At first glance, Nashville’s live music and booming restaurant scenes may not seem child-friendly, but there are still plenty of family activities worth visiting. From instrument workshops (learn to play the banjo) to puppet shows, the city’s Country Music Hall of Fame has robust programming for kids. On top of that, the 55-acre (22-hectare) Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is perfect for wandering with little ones (be sure to check out the outdoor model trains exhibit). Young fans of Greek mythology will be bewildered to find a replica of the Parthenon (Nashville’s art museum) in Centennial Park. And as for Nashville’s renowned live music scene, the Grand Ole Opry’s nightly shows are great for kids and adults alike.

Honolulu

While sandcastles and surfing lessons are undoubtedly blissful enough, there’s even more to explore in Honolulu beyond the beach. Consider the 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) Diamond Head crater hike (a bit steep, but worth the climb), cultural immersion at the Polynesian Cultural Center or even an afternoon at the Waikiki Aquarium. Base your crew at Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk, which is conveniently located just a block from the beach and only 10 minutes from the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. Best of all, amenities like the hotel’s free made-to-order breakfast and complimentary evening social make travel here even easier (and more enjoyable!).

Whether you choose to spend spring break on an island in the Pacific, in the nation’s capital or elsewhere around the country, focusing on time together while discovering and learning means your next getaway is guaranteed to be great.

Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine and OLTRE and Ciao Bambino, among others. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time outdoors.

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