Spring has sprung — or at least, it’s about to. (That’s what they tell us, anyway… and since it was seven degrees here the other night, we certainly hope they’re right!)
Whether you’re already reminiscing about the fun fall and winter trips you only recently got back from, or you’re looking forward to the summer but in need of some excitement well before June, spring break is the perfect time to take advantage of the brand-new sunshine and get out for a quick vacation. And if you’re strapped for destination ideas, relax: we’ve got plenty of tips for where to go for spring break, whether your ideal “break” involves bartop dancing or diapers. (Okay, nobody’s ideal break involves diapers… but some of us don’t have a choice.)
All joking aside, there are so many amazing places to explore, whether you’re traveling with kids or taking a girl’s trip. In this post, we’ll cover the top spring break destinations for RVers, from classic, beach-side luxury digs to affordable (yet indulgent) alternatives. And, yes, plenty of places to keep a smile on your kiddos’ faces, too!
Spring Break Destinations
Ready to thaw out after that long, hard winter — and maybe get a little wild, too? Here are some of our favorite spring break destinations for adults.
1. San Diego, California
Although most of the top spring break destinations that generally grace these kinds of lists center on the east coast, that doesn’t mean the west side doesn’t know how to party. (In fact, in our experience, they’re pretty darn good at it!)
Of Southern California’s coastal cities, we choose San Diego over Los Angeles every time: the traffic is slightly less horrendous, the prices are slightly less heart-stopping, and the proximity to Mexico means incredible food — and more importantly, margaritas. There are tons of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique vibe, whether you’re looking for the ritzy experience at La Jolla or the low-key hippie aesthetic at Ocean Beach. (Yes, you’re allowed to hang out even if you’re not a surfer.) San Diego also has some world-class SCUBA sites, if you’re certified, as well as access to incredible landside outdoor opportunities. Joshua Tree National Park is only a three-hour drive away!
Click here to see RVshare rentals near San Diego, California.
2. Key West, Florida
Pretty much everyone knows that the southernmost city in the continental U.S. knows how to bring a party. I mean, when it’s sun, sand, and seagulls all year round, why wouldn’t you?
But the island paradise pulls out all the stops when it comes spring break time, with the various tour companies offering special packages on all the to-dos that are pulling you south in the first place: snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, jet skiing adventures, and parasailing, just to name a few.
Good thing you’ll be so busy bouncing around enjoying your tropical getaway, because there’s plenty of amazing seafood to be eaten here — not to mention those delicious frozen cocktails you’ll use to wind down at the end of a long, sun-kissed day. Don’t forget to grab a photo by the “southernmost point marker; it’s an absolute must for any traveler’s Instagram.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Key West, Florida.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
For some spring breakers, the beach is non-negotiable.
For everyone else, there’s New Orleans — which, no, doesn’t have a sandy stretch to lay out on, but has just about everything else you could want. (Including incredibly lax open container laws that allow you to literally sip your way around the city.)
If you’re looking for a party — which you obviously are — you’ll definitely want to hit Bourbon Street, of course. Although, depending on your schedule, you may be a little bit late for Mardi Gras. But here’s an insider tip: if it’s the Big Easy’s famous music scene you’re after, the best place to head is a bit further along at Frenchmen Street. Along with some of the best live entertainment you’ll ever lay ears on, you’ll also find streetside poets, late-night art fairs, and general merriment.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near New Orleans, Louisiana.
4. Savannah, Georgia
It’s not quite as far south as some of the more famous spring break destinations, but Savannah has a whole lot to offer in the way of southern charm. Along with its host of famous restaurants serving up regional dishes like fried green tomatoes, you’ll also find unparalleled cultural and historical opportunities, including one of the only European-style free walking tours in America.
The city’s Spanish-moss-strewn squares are pretty epic in their own right, but we get it: sometimes, you just need a beach, especially at spring break. The good news is, Tybee Island is only an hour’s drive away — and not only does it offer one of the best stretches of sand on the Atlantic, but it’s also home to a fascinating military museum and historic lighthouse. Totally worth the climb!
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Savannah, Georgia.
5. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Even if Alabama isn’t your sweet home, you’ll want to make it your temporary one for spring break. While there’s lots to see and experience no matter where you’re wandering in the Heart of Dixie, Alabama’s gulf coast is a force to be reckoned with, particularly at spring break time. You’ll enjoy warm days in the southern sun and dip your toes in emerald waters, all followed up with the kind of down-home country nightlife that doesn’t require anything dressier than jeans. (Wear your nice pair, though.)
Psst: need a great hangover cure — or just an epic breakfast, no matter what you got yourself into the night before? The Sunliner Diner is a local favorite for a reason, and its plates won’t take a big chunk out of your pocketbook, either. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Cheap Spring Break Trips
Not all spring break getaways have to be a serious splurge. After all, many of us are trying to save up for our longer, more leisurely summer adventures.
Here are the best spring break destinations for travelers watching their budget.
6. Galveston, Texas
There’s a whole lot to love almost anywhere you find yourself deep in the heart of Texas, but Galveston is an especially spring-break-friendly spot: soft-sand beaches, a boardwalk amusement park to rival Santa Monica’s, and all for a much lower price than you’d pay most anywhere else. (And a heaping helping of southern charm and friendliness, to boot.)
Along with sprawling yourself in the sand and whooping from the top of the Ferris wheel, be sure to save some time to check out Moody Gardens, or to zip down the abundant slides and rides at Schlitterbahn Water Park — it’s open all year round. And 2000-acre Galveston Island State Park is the perfect place to set up your campsite… or just to meander along those breathtaking coastal landscapes. Full-hookup sites are available both gulfside and bayside!
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Galveston, Texas.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a classic spring break getaway destination, whether you’re a college kid heading out with a group of friends or a more established adult looking to get a little wild. And although it’s one of the brightest and most opulent cities in the world (the Luxor’s light really can be seen from space!), so-called Sin City is actually surprisingly affordable… and has lots of activity options that have nothing to do with sinning.
If you’re into hiking of the non-strip variety, there’s Valley of Fire State Park just an hour from the city center — or Red Rock Canyon, which is even closer. Both of which offer miles of trails to explore on foot or by bicycle, as well as a variety of climbable rock formations if you’re inclined to get vertical.
There’s also whitewater rafting, ziplining, and skiing options (yes, you can ski in the desert), depending on when, exactly, your spring break is scheduled. And, of course, there’s the strip itself… which can be a little bit overwhelming, sure. But who doesn’t want to try to get lucky?
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Las Vegas, Nevada.
8. Yachats, Oregon
Sandy beaches are lovely, of course… but different coastlines have different things to offer. And if you’re more into swirling tidepools than surf, you just can’t beat coastal Oregon for the view. (Plus: wildflowers!)
Now, don’t get us wrong: this is the Pacific Northwest, so temperatures will be a bit cooler than they would in Mexico. And in springtime, there’s a good chance you’re gonna get rained on at least once. But the coast is less dismal than the state’s inland features by a long shot, and you’ll be so busy checking out all the cool geological formations you won’t even notice the weather. Keep an eye on the ocean, and you may even see a gray whale or two!
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Yachats, Oregon.
9. Tucson, Arizona
No joke: this author had the best tacos of her life in Tucson. And she lives in Santa Fe. Just sayin’. (Go to Boca; no, they’re not paying me to say so.)
Life-changing Tex-Mex aside, there are plenty of reasons to put Arizona’s second-biggest city on your to-visit list, particularly come spring break time. If you live west of the Mississippi, it’s relatively accessible, and its average daytime temperature is already 75 degrees by March.
Saguaro National Park is right next door, as is the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, and there’s plenty to see, do, and yes, drink, right in town center. Historic sites like the Steinfeld Mansion and San Pedro Castle round out your revelry with culture. There are plenty of excellent museums, too, whether you’re into more into art or science. You’ll get all the sand dunes you can stand at a fraction of the price, and the margaritas rival Cancun’s — although you’ll obviously have to forego the whole “oceanfront” thing.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Tucson, Arizona.
10. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Just like the song says, Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty — and this Great Plains gem is still often-enough overlooked to be explorable for a song. Get familiar with the wild west at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, or wander through the 17-acre wonderland that is the Myriad Botanical Gardens. And when you’re ready to get down, head to Bricktown, the uber-hip city center filled with eateries, breweries, wineries, and all things delicious and intoxicating.
Oh yeah, did we mention that it has some of the best barbecue in the United States? Or that the weather hovers in the 70s come April? True, it’s tornado season, so be on the lookout… but hey, it certainly worked out in Dorothy’s favor.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Spring Break with Kids? Head Here
An excited cry of “spring break!” can mean many different things depending on who, exactly, you’re going with. For a group of rowdy college kids, it’s one thing; for a forty-something couple with children, it’s very different.
But that doesn’t mean that your wholesome-er adventure is any less exciting. In fact, we’ve got plenty of family spring break ideas that are a downright scream, especially if you’re amenable to roller coaster rides.
Here are some of the best places to go for spring break if you’re traveling with kids — or adults who don’t know any better. 😉
11. Weeki Wachee, Florida
It might have a weeki-whacky name, but Weeki Wachee is a can’t-miss Florida destination, for sure, especially if anyone in your camping party is a fan of mermaids. Like, real, live ones.
Because this springside town is home to one of the longest-running mermaid shows anywhere on the blue planet — and they perform every single day of the year. See a rousing underwater rendition of “The Little Mermaid,” or enjoy physics-defying antics as the mermaids demonstrate their abilities to eat and drink underwater. And keep in mind, you can get your feet wet, too — Florida’s springs are 72 degrees year-round, and the manatees congregate in them for their relative warmth during springtime!
Central Florida is also home to oak-strewn hiking and biking trails, as well as some of the best southern food you’ve ever had, all served up with the southern hospitality you’d more readily associate with Georgia than Florida. Trust us, there’s a reason to skip Miami Beach in favor of this smaller city.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Weeki Wachee, Florida.
12. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Don’t get us wrong: any of the national parks would make a pretty stellar spring break trip, kids or no kids. (Although if you’re headed to, say, Glacier, you may find the weather is more reminiscent of winter.)
But the Grand Canyon tops just about every RV traveler’s must-see bucket list, and the desert is a lot more agreeable in the springtime than in the summer: fewer tourists, thinner crowds, and less-oppressive (but still totally soak-in-able) sunshine.
If you’ve ever wanted to take a major Grand Canyon hike — say, doing the rim-to-rim overnight journey — March or April is pretty close to the ideal time to do it. Yes, the nights can dip below freezing, so you want to be sure you have a really good sleeping bag, but the daytimes hover in the 50s and 60s (otherwise known as perfect hiking weather).
Not into sleeping under the stars? No worries — Grand Canyon National Park has one of the best RV campgrounds in the system, nestled along the bustling south rim community that’s open all year long. They even offer full hookups and take rigs up to 50 feet in length, which is a serious rarity amongst federal recreation areas!
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
13. Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Everyone’s got to get to the Mouse’s house at least once — and that’s doubly true if you’ve got kids. As exciting as the spring break festivities might be in peripheral cities like Daytona, Orlando’s where it’s at if you’re more into coasters than cocktails.
Disney World itself is one (awesome) thing, and as you might know, you’ll have lots and lots of decisions to make once you get there. Will you just meander the Magic Kingdom, or add eating around Epcot into the mix? What about Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom?
Disney World also offers a variety of water parks, and in central Florida, spring is still warm enough that you’ll want to take advantage. But the Orlando area has even more to offer if you expand your horizons: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, and LegoLand all beckon. (Did we mention that the city itself is pretty damn great, too? It’s home to some of the finest eating and drinking in the state, if not the country. Tire the kids out at the park and then sneak off for a date night — it’s the best of both spring break worlds!)
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Orlando, Florida.
14. Disneyland, Anaheim, California
If you’re looking for the Disney experience west of the Mississippi, you’ll want to set your GPS to Anaheim rather than Orlando. And while you may have heard that the whole of California’s Disneyland could fit into one of the Disney World parking lots (unconfirmed), don’t be fooled: the Golden State’s version has a whole lot to offer.
For one thing, there’s the one-hour, live-action “Frozen” show at the Hyperion, which they don’t do in Florida. (The cast would probably melt.) It’s also home to a variety of thrilling rides you can’t find at the east coast location, despite its superfluity of individual theme parks: the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, and Radiator Springs Racers are in California only.
Once you’re done with the park itself, you’ll find yourself in a suburb of Los Angeles, where the options for food, drink, and culture are obviously top-tier. And if you need a break from civilization, you’re surrounded by national forest: Angeles, San Bernardino, and Limestone Canyon Regional Park are just the beginning.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Anaheim, California.
15. Any Jellystone Park
If we’ve said it once, we’ve probably said it a dozen times — but we repeat ourselves for good reason. If you’re looking for an all-in-one, affordable, awesome campground replete with things to do with your kids on spring break, we highly recommend you start your search with Jellystone.
Jellystone Parks are a franchise of family-owned resorts with almost 80 locations across the nation, including several in Canada. They’re generally situated in some of the most sought-after RVing destinations, like Roanoke, Virginia and San Antonio, Texas — in other words, the kinds of places that are already on your travel bucket list.
Whichever Jellystone you find yourself at, though, you don’t have to worry about running out of things to do, even if you somehow exhaust the options outside of the park. These campgrounds are way more than just campgrounds: they’ve got themed activities, fun family social events, and sometimes even full-blown water parks.
Whether it’s bouncing themselves to oblivion on a jumping pillow or spending a sunny spring day zipping again and again down a water slide, when you stay at a Jellystone Park, you know the kids will sleep well… which means mom and dad will have more time to reconnect and enjoy their spring break, too. Click here to find a Jellystone Park near your favorite destination, or to discover one near a destination you hadn’t considered yet!
The Best Spring Break Vacations are By RV!
Spring break is such an exciting time of year, and perfect for road trips. The country’s highways aren’t yet clogged with the mad dash of summer tourists, but the sun’s still shining bright and promising warm days filled with all sorts of adventure.
And whether you’re planning to take the whole week — or, heck, to call in to work (or school) and make it two — or just to sneak off for a quick weekend thaw, RVing is the most comfortable, convenient, flexible, and affordable way to make your break. And that’s especially true when you rent through RVshare.
Sure, we’re a little bit biased. We do work here, after all! But even if we didn’t, we’d turn to the peer-to-peer market for our RV rental needs every single time. Here’s why.
- RVshare rentals are usually listed at a fraction of the price you’d find at the big commercial dealerships, which can help you save a heap on your overall travel budget. It makes sense: regular RV owners don’t have to foot the expensive overhead costs of running a big business, so they can pass those savings on to you. And since overall cost is one of the biggest limiting factors for most of us when it comes to planning a vacation, those savings can make a big difference in your spring break experience!
- RVshare rentals are covered by A-rated insurance policies, so you have peace of mind throughout your travels. Unlike some other peer-to-peer services, you won’t have to worry about what if? or foot the cost of insurance yourself. Our comprehensive coverage is built into every RVshare listing’s price.
- RVshare’s easy-to-use platform makes renting by owner safe, secure, and easy. Since all your communications and monetary transactions take place through our secure platform, you never have to worry about your sensitive information getting into the wrong hands. And with our user rating system, you’ll have a whole lot of information about exactly what you’re getting yourself into well before you hit the “book” button.
- Looking for a different kind of camper? It’s a lot more likely you’ll find it on RVshare. The big commercial dealerships, you may have noticed, tend only to stock Class A and Class C motorhomes, most of which are fresh off the factory floor. We get it: these rigs are easy and relatively straightforward for brand-new drivers to operate, and are likely purchased at a steep discount in bulk (and still covered by warranty). But if you’ve ever wanted to explore what the RV life is like in, say, a pop-up camper or fairy wagon, you’ll have a lot more luck finding what you’re looking for on the peer-to-peer market than you would at a dealership. This is especially important if you’re considering purchasing an RV of your own someday… the best way to understand what you really want is to experience many different styles of camping trip!
- When you rent through RVshare, you’re supporting adventurers just like you. Camping, at the end of the day, is all about community — whether you prefer to travel in a luxurious fifth-wheel trailer or a modest sleeper van. When you rent by owner on the peer-to-peer market, the money you spend on that rental is going right back into the community, funding another traveler’s upcoming adventures and bringing even more smiling faces around the global RVing campfire. So you can save money and feel good about it… talk about a win-win situation, right?
Happy spring, campers, and enjoy your break. It was a long, cold winter we made it through, so you deserve it!
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