Spring Break is so close I can practically hear it knocking. I’ll bet that if you could find a quiet spot in your house you could hear it too!
Too often, we get in a rut of going to the same destination, time after time.
We have a list of Unusual Spring Break Destinations that are totally unique that we wanted to share with you.
Here they are in no particular order.
Unique Spring Break Destinations
1. Relax in all-inclusive serenity in Jamaica.
There are some fantastic all inclusive resorts that we keep hearing about and hope that we can visit one day soon.
The Hilton Rose Hall and Melia Braco Village are family-friendly properties with their own beaches in Montego Bay. Once you arrive, you never have the leave the properties unless you want to (but we think that you might want to given the options out there!)
Mystic Mountain – Think tropical adventures, like a tour up to a 700 ft mountain peak and a rainforest bobsled (a 1000m long gravity drive through the rainforest!)
The Good Hope Estate is an old sugar estate turned that offers fantastic activities like:
Dune Buggy or ATV
Zipline Canopy
River Experience (Tubes/Kayaks)
Challenge Course
Gem Mining
Jamaica may seem a bit far for a Spring Break trip, but we promise that you will be glad you decided to take the trip. Plus, at an all-inclusive retreat you will forget that the trip was supposed to help your kiddos decompress from school for a bit.
2. Austin, Texas
There is so much to see and do in this unique town. If you are on the hunt for good BBQ and more food trucks than you could ever hope to find, Austin is your town.
We are big fans of the JW Marriott chain of hotels, there is a location in Austin, they are known for their fantastic service and great amenities.
While you are in town, take in the street murals that are found all around the city.
The capital offers a free guided tour or you can go it alone. The capital is situated on 20+ acres so you can definitely let the kids get some wiggles out before or after the tour!
If you haven’t ever had the pleasure of swimming in a spring-fed pool (or even if you have) you have got to make sure that you visit Barton Springs Pool while you are in town!
3. Huntsville, Alabama
Yes, we know that this suggestion is less than conventional, but our little family has visited twice and had a blast each time.
Plus, we promised a list of unique spring break destinations for families…
The Space and Rocket Center is located in Huntsville and can take an entire day to tour if you want to take everything in
You can read about our trip here, just be sure if you go, to make a stop at Supper Heroes for dinner!
4. Navarre Beach, Florida
This little beach town has all the appeal of the beach without any of the craziness of the typical spring break crowd. There isn’t a strip to walk at night lined with souvenir shops. Instead, you will find fantastic views of the coast, great local restaurants and nothing but memories to be made. You can check out our post about our visit to Navarre Beach, Florida..
5. New York State
There is so much more to do in New York beyond New York City. The state is full of family-friendly attractions and museums, and hotels that will work for any price range. We have some tips for things do while you are in town.
Visit the brand new Via Aquarium in Schenectady. Kids and parents alike are sure to be awed by touch tanks filled with stingrays, there is also an educational center offering talks and short films and,
the pièce de résistance – a liquid galaxy offering a big-screen, deep-sea expedition immersive experience.
If you are a chocolate fan you will enjoy the new Platter’s Chocolate facility in Niagara County. The family-owned chocolate factory now offers amped-up chocolate production and culinary tours.
The Strong National Museum of Play is dedicated to the history and exploration of play, making it a no-brainer for families visiting Rochester. The interactive museum is home to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play, as well as the National Toy Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include Dungeons & Dragons, Fisher-Price Little People, and the swing.
Looking to get active while beating the still-cold March weather? Check out one of the state’s great indoor water parks, from Hope Lake Lodge & Indoor Waterpark in the Finger Lakes to Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park in the Adirondacks.
6. Washington, DC
Take in some history in our Nation’s Capitol. There is so much to do, beyond the monuments.
Make sure you schedule a visit to the zoo and check out the panda bears, even better admission is free!
Stay in a boutique hotel, shop in some of the unique stores in between your historical visits. The Hotel RL is one of our friend’s favorites, check out her review here.
7. Stay in a Treehouse
Treehouse vacations are totally unique and different from the typical Spring Break destination. Typically a treehouse vacation is best for older kids, because you know, the accommodations are up in a tree! Spring Break won’t be relaxing if you worry about your little ones falling the entire trip.
We’ve written about the best tree house vacations, take a look at some of the choices for family friendly treehouse vacations.
8. Take a Dude Ranch Vacation
While our most favorite dude ranch, isn’t open yet for the season, there are others that are operating. Don’t let the name dude ranch fool you, you aren’t put to work (unless you just really want to). C Lazy U is a dude ranch that we’ve also visited that would be glad to welcome you for Spring Break adventures!
Still wondering what you can expect from a dude ranch vacation? We’ve written about what a dude ranch vacation is like.
9. Stay in a Pyramid.
Memphis is a town we’ve recently visited and fallen in love with. What’s even more unique about Memphis is the Bass Pro Shop, Big Cypress Lodge located in the old sports arena, the Pyramid. It was hands down one of the coolest hotels we’ve been privileged to stay in and the town of Memphis has so many fun things to do with your family. Plus Memphis is the home to Elvis, and all things fantastic barbecue!
Which of these unusual spring break destinations do you think your family would like the most?
