Unique Spring Break Destinations You’ll Want To Visit

With spring break quickly approaching, you’ll want to start booking your trip for the best break yet. Already done the traditional beach and bikini scene or maybe want to avoid the crazy college crowd? Here are ten unique destinations to consider visiting!

1. New Orleans, Louisianna

A city filled with a unique culture specific to NOLA, this is a great place to party with friends, especially if your break falls early and you can make it for Mardi Gras. If you miss the Mardi Gras festivities, however, you won’t be disappointed. Bourbon Street, the center of New Orleans’ nightlife, is always ready for a party. The French Quarter, NOLA’s most famous neighborhood, is another area of the city you won’t want to miss. It has some of the best shopping and restaurants, as well as boutique hotels to stay at. As far as specific food spots go, check out a brunch spot, like Bordeaux or Muriel’s.

2. Washington DC

DC is filled with history, making it a great place to visit if you’ve never experienced its monuments and amazing museums. The Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Jefferson Memorial are just a few of the historical attractions DC offers. The National Mall is another famous attraction, including the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, and the National Air and Space Museum, to name just a few of the iconic Smithsonian Institution museums. Georgetown is a popular historical neighborhood to stop by, as well, with its shopping, food, and live music. If you’re lucky and have a spring break that falls later in March, you can see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom, which DC is famous for.

3. Austin, Texas

While a bit untraditional for a college spring break trip, Austin has a thriving music scene and great nightlife, making it the perfect place to experience some southern hospitality. Known for its music, no trip to Austin is complete without experiencing some live music. A great place to do so is the famous Sixth Street, lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants to keep you busy all night long. Be sure to try out the food trucks, like the Churro Co and Burro Cheese Kitchen, and brunch spots such as Bacchus and Brown and Second Bar + Kitchen. If you’re a foodie, Austin is the place for you. 

4. Chicago, Illinois

The windy city is perfect for spring break if you’re craving the busy city life but can’t make it to NYC. One of my personal favorite places to visit in Chicago is Sprinkles Cupcakes and their cupcake ATM where you can get a snack while exploring the city. For shopping, you can visit the famous Michigan Avenue or neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Lakeview for more boutique shopping options. Of course, you can’t leave Chicago without trying the classic deep-dish pizza and visiting the Bean, which are Chicago must-dos. 

5. Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a tight-knit community of locals. This city is beautiful all year round and offers its own unique history. A popular attraction of Asheville is a visit to the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home equipped with grounds and garden. On the other hand, downtown Asheville is filled with restaurants and live music. Asheville houses a large beer scene for those who like to enjoy a pint, as well as some of the locals’ favorite restaurants, such as 12 Bones Smokehouse and 67 Biltmore. 

6. Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is a great option for a spring break getaway due to its nightlife and a legal drinking age of 18. You can take a walk down the prominent Saint-Paul Street for shopping, dining, art galleries, and jazz clubs. Montreal is also famous for “the Underground City,” 20.5 miles of connecting pedestrian pathways beneath the city’s downtown. It contains an entire section of the city, with shops, restaurants, and museums. There is also some skiing that will still be in season within a few hours of the city, including Mont Tremblant, which has great slopes and a quaint ski village with its own nightlife scene. 

7. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is full of southern charm! With kayaking tours and beaches, you can experience some of the sunshine we all crave during spring break. Charleston is a historical city, filled with antebellum homes and America’s oldest garden, Middleton Place. Take a walk down King Street where you’ll find tons of shops and southern comfort food restaurants. With all of its culture and fun, it’s a destination you won’t want to leave once you make it your own.

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8. Portland, Oregon

Portland is a city famous for its outdoorsy community. With its famous Saturday market, the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the country, and a food scene built from local produce, there is a lot to explore. The Belmont Neighborhood in Southeast Portland is particularly well known for its coffee shops and vintage stores. For lovers of the outdoors, the city is surrounded by parks and forests to hike through or camp at. Some popular food attractions include Voodoo Doughnut, The Grilled Cheese Grill food cart, and Slappy Cakes. 

9. Burlington, Vermont

Home to Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Burlington is the perfect East Coast destination for a quiet spring break getaway. Among some of the famous attractions are Church Street Marketplace, located downtown, with restaurants and shops to peruse. The BTV Flea market is also a popular activity for a Sunday spent in the city, as well as the famous and award-winning Flying Pig Bookstore. 

10. Portland, Maine

Another Portland? Yep, but this time on the East Coast. Portland, Maine has plenty of room for outdoor adventures if that’s what you’re into this spring break. Biking, camping, and fishing are just some of the many options available to nature lovers. Seafood, of course, is a staple of Maine. There is no shortage of restaurants to visit to indulge in the local lobster and oysters. There are also many historical sites to visit, including the Victoria Mansion, the Tate House, and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. 

What are your plans for spring break this year? Do you prefer a tropical destination or a winter wonderland? Comment down below with any of your other favorite vacation destinations!