The words “Spring Break” may conjure up images of party-goers, sandy beaches and colorful drinks – but that doesn’t have to be reality. For many, partying on beaches all day isn’t the peak of fun, which is why we’ve compiled this list of some underrated spring break destinations for your next trip. Whether you want an upbeat adventure, or to relax on a beach in a tropical location, we’ve got the place for you.
Here are a few underrated picks to spend your spring break away from sweltering heat and crowds of drunken partiers:
Asheville, NC
This charming city situated near the Appalachian Mountains is a great choice for a non-traditional spring break trip. In addition to its charming southern town feel, Asheville is uniquely located near both gorgeous nature and a variety of different sights. While you could spend plenty of time in Asheville itself enjoying the local culture and food scene, the nearby Biltmore Estate offers a fun activity, too. Even more, the close proximity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes hiking, biking and a plethora of other fun outdoorsy activities easily accessible. Whitewater rafting is also a choice for those who are a bit more adventurous, or even ziplining a bit farther from the city center.
Phoenix, AZ
While Arizona is a gorgeous place to visit, the sweltering heat during the summer months can be more than most can handle. That’s why a spring break trip here is as logical as it is enjoyable. The sunny, but not unbearable, weather in Arizona in March renders you able to get in your fix of sunshine while avoiding the extreme heat. Phoenix is a great destination, offering an array of world-class golf courses as well as many other outdoors activities. Downtown Phoenix is also a fun place to explore, with no shortage of interesting shops and restaurants to check out. The landscape in Arizona is spectacular as well, with views framed by red rock and an array of succulents, cacti and other native species you won’t see anywhere else.
Baja California, MX
While still a tropical getaway spot, Baja California avoids the cliché tourist resorts we’ve vowed to avoid in these destinations. Rather than focusing on nightlife, Baja California puts the emphasis on the beauty of the natural space it occupies. For those who love marine life, there’s possibly no location better than here. Waking up to sunshine, you can then kayak through waters full of many different types of wildlife, go whale watching or even help with sea turtle conservation efforts at several different conservatories. Even taking a boat ride down the coast, you might spot sea lions playing on the rocks, or dolphins jumping through waves in the distance. All this is joined by world class beaches and resorts to cater to your every whim.
Whistler, Canada
While most head for surfboards for a spring break trip, skis might sound more appealing to some – if this sounds like you, there’s nowhere better to visit than beautiful Whistler Canada, a gorgeous resort town centered around skiing. While crowds have faded from the winter rush, continued winter weather promises adequate snow to tear up some powder down the slopes. When you’re not on the slopes, the cute ski town offers tons of boutique shops, local restaurants and après spots to make your time in Whistler more pleasant. You can also take the Peak 2 Peak gondola to truly take in the jaw-dropping scenery and mountainous backdrop this town is famous for.
Charleston, SC
Like Asheville, Charleston is one of those quintessentially charming Southern towns that immediately draws you in and captivates you. Aside from being absolutely stunning, Charleston also offers myriad attractions to enjoy, including gorgeous beaches with no shortage of water activities, towering lighthouses, historic mansions and central spots in town like the Charleston City Market, which is a personal favorite. You can walk the waterfront and even take a riverboat ride to see the city from a different perspective. Charleston is also a haven for foodies and is home to so many unique spots that all palates can enjoy. While food tours and ghost tours are popular, one can enjoy Charleston simply by soaking in the charm that oozes from the cracks between each cobblestone in this perfect town.
Paris, France
Though a bit farther than some other destinations on this list, Paris makes the trip across the pond so incredibly worthwhile. The “city of love” is a bucket list destination for many, and the smaller crowds and nicer weather in the spring months make a spring break trip to Paris “une bonne idée.” The city truly is lovely, with no shortage of historic monuments to behold while you stroll from bakery to patisserie and back to another bakery for some more French bread (it really is that good). Enjoy monuments like the Notre Dame, Champs Élysses and the Eiffel Tower, while also feeding your inner art connoisseur at museums like the Louvre, Musée de l’Orangerie or Musee d’Orsay. Or just sit in the Jardin des Tuileries and enjoy a picnic of the world-class food of Paris while you take in the beauty of the city.
Costa Rica
A haven for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, there is no shortage of different journeys you can have in Costa Rica. A perfect mix of untouched nature and grand resorts, Costa Rica is the best of every world. What’s more, the dry, warm climate that Costa Rica is known for in its spring months guarantees a nice break from winter climates. Whether you crave adventure on land, on the water or even in the air, Costa Rica has it for you. Turtle tours on beaches, surfing on the Pacific Ocean, kayaking through wild rivers, hiking up active volcanoes, skydiving from thousands of feet above and ziplining through tree top canopies are just a few of the adventures you can have in this beautiful country.
While any Spring Break destination will surely result in a fun trip, consider giving one of these seven a try for a vacation unlike any other – they all promise a fun, memorable trip customizable to whatever it is that interests you, all while avoiding the touristy, cliché spots that everyone automatically associates with spring break. Wherever it is you choose to go, we hope you have the best time!