Driving to your spring break destination instead of flying doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of your trip or the memorable experiences you’ll have.
As travelers face longer TSA wait times and airport congestion across the country, it’s understandable that getting behind the wheel may be more appealing than booking a flight. That’s where drivable spring break destinations come in. After taking a fun road trip, those destinations can be just as enriching and unforgettable as those you reach by plane.
The options below aren’t party central locations. Instead, you’ll find destinations balanced with outdoor beauty and local charm. Each of the places below offers activities for various vacation types, whether you drove there solo, with friends, or with family.
Why Road Trips Are Trending
If you want value for your travel money, road trips are an amazing alternative to flying. Unlike the latter mode of transportation, driving offers the flexibility to stop whenever you want on the way to your destination. And since you’re in control, you can include mini day trips at select stops. It’s a sure-fire way to stay entertained while also taking breaks from being in the car. Also, you’ll be able to see and do more than if you’d just flown to and from your destination.
Road trips can also be easier on the wallet than flying, particularly if you’re traveling at the last minute and don’t want to pay increased airfare prices. Moreover, many find navigating the open road less stressful than being in an airport and hitting the skies.
Road Trip-Worthy Destinations by Region
East Coast Bound
From New York City to the Catskills
Under three hours from NYC, the Catskills is a perfect place to slow down and unwind. It’s a picturesque respite from the city, offering opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy themselves. Spring outdoor activities include fly fishing, kayaking, golfing, and visiting waterfalls. You could even go skiing if you visit at the right time. The Catskills also have unique farm-to-table experiences, hot-air balloon rides, and wellness retreats.
Families will enjoy riding the Catskill Mountain Railroad and visiting local waterparks, farms, and animal sanctuaries.
From Washington, D.C. to Shenandoah Valley
Shenandoah Valley is a scenic springtime breath of fresh air. This peaceful, family-friendly destination in Virginia can be distinctly special for those wanting to sink into nature during spring break. Hiking several of the many trails at Shenandoah Valley National Park should definitely be on your to-do list. Pick a new one each morning that offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at sunrise. On the Shenandoah River, water activities like tubing and kayaking present their own fun.
The region has a vast array of other things spring breakers may enjoy. Families should consider visiting Luray Caverns, the Virginia Safari Park, Dinosaur Land, or Massanutten Resort WaterPark. There are also local stables for horseback riding. The region is big, so plan your full road trip and visit accordingly. Adults who drink should explore the area’s whisky distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Renting a cabin will add to the vibe of your rustic, outdoorsy, yet charming experience.
Southern Comfort
From Houston to Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is an amazing, drivable spring break destination in the central part of the state. This is where spring breakers should visit if they’ll delight in wildflower blooms and underrated food and wine scenes. It’s a fantastic location for a solo spring break trip or a seasonal girls’ getaway.
The region itself boasts natural beauty, wineries, and charming small towns with quaint main streets. Wellness-focused ranches, resorts, and spas are sprinkled throughout. Family-friendly fun includes Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort, Wimberley Zipline Adventures, and a visit to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Austin, a gateway destination to the Texas Hill Country, is a vibrant foodie hub filled with Tex-Mex and local BBQ.
Midwest, Underrated
From Chicago to Lake Geneva
This lakeside resort town is the perfect place for a spring break trip filled with luxury and fun water activities. Stay at a high-end resort, shop local boutiques, go golfing, and even get out on a boat (weather permitting). There are also several spas where you can relax and be pampered.
Other must-do things include strolling the Geneva Lake Shore Path and seeing a show at the Geneva Theater. Families will enjoy Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, and the Lake Geneva Clue Room.
West Coast Calling
From Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo County is a unique and underrated getaway. As a drivable spring break destination, it’s located around just three and a half hours from LA.
Visiting its vibrant Thursday farmers’ market is an absolute must-do in “SLO.” You’ll also want to hike up Bishop Peak for striking views and sunbathe at Avila Beach. SLO has a worthwhile wine country that’s more affordable to experience than Napa and Sonoma, and its speakeasy scene is pretty cool, too.
From San Francisco to Napa Valley
Napa Valley is a short, drivable spring break destination from San Francisco. It’s a perfect getaway for those who don’t want to spend more than 2 hours driving. Moreover, it’s a lovely choice for couples, friend groups, and solo trips.
Napa is known worldwide for its wine offerings. While there, visit vineyards and wineries to learn about grape cultivation and harvesting. Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy tastings and specialized farm-to-table menus too. The Napa Valley Wine Train is another must-do experience.
Other things to do in the region include paddleboarding, hiking, hot-air balloon rides, viewing wildflower fields, and picnicking in the mild weather.
How To Plan Smart
Naturally, you want to do everything you can to make for a smoother, easy-going road trip experience to your spring break destination. Things most drivers and passengers want to avoid are hangriness, car trouble, traffic, and being without cell service during an emergency.
Thankfully, you can generally avoid all of those circumstances with strategic and thoughtful planning before your trip.
First, you want to have a good understanding of your route. Doing so will help you decide where you’re going to stop for rest, gas, food, or local experiences. You should also outline the places where you may feel unsafe and want to avoid altogether.
Knowing your route and planned stops can also help you estimate your driving times. If you can help it, you’ll only want to leave locations when traffic in that area won’t be at rush hour. It can be shocking how much time is saved when you hit the road at off-peak times. That said, don’t drive when it’s dark if it’ll strain you. Also, ensure you have a map of your route downloaded offline, just in case you lose service.
Not to be forgotten — snacks, water, and at least one juiced-up portable charger are all smart packing moves. A portable charger can be particularly handy if a child is increasingly cranky because their device’s battery just died.
Best Destinations Under 5 Hours
If you’re looking to quickly find drivable spring break destinations near you, look below. All the recommendations are road trips of five hours or less, so you’ll spend less time on the road and more time having fun.
From NYC
- Hudson Valley, NY (2 to 3 hours)
- The Catskills, NY (2.5 to 3 hours)
- Lake Placid, NY (5 hours)
- Poconos, PA (2 hours)
- The Berkshires, MA (3 to 4 hours)
From Atlanta
- Blue Ridge, GA (2 hours)
- Savannah (and Tybee Island), GA (4 hours)
- Hilton Head Island, SC (4.5 hours)
- Birmingham, AL (2.5 hours)
- Nashville, TN (4 hours)
From Los Angeles
- Palm Springs, CA (2 hours)
- Joshua Tree, CA (2.5 hours)
- Big Bear (2 hours)
- San Luis Obispo, CA (3.5 hours)
- Las Vegas, NV (4 hours)
From Chicago
- Lake Geneva, WI (1.5 hours)
- Saugatuck, MI (2.5 hours)
- Holland, MI (2.5 hours)
- Indianapolis, IN (3 hours)
- St. Louis, MO (5 hours)
