11 Best Spring Break Destinations for 2023
As we look ahead to spring break 2023, it’s the perfect time to start researching the best spring break destinations for families before prices go up or everything is completely sold out.
If partying is not what your family needs for this spring break destination my list includes destinations that will allow you to unwind and take a much-needed break from social media.
The links in this post may be affiliate links. That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission. It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.
Whether you have a young adult just graduating from college or a 16-year-old like I do, family time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is just what your family needs to reconnect.
I’ve rounded up 11 must-visit spring break destinations for families in 2023.
It’s never too early to start thinking about what your spring break vacation might look like especially since hotels fill up quickly.
This is why I’ve created a list of my favorite upcoming spring break vacation hot spots along with the best hotels in each destination.
Top Spring Break Destinations 2023!
1. San Antonio, TX
San Antonio is the perfect spring break destination for families because it is a city rich in history, booming with modern attractions, and San Antonio invites your family to be inspired, curious, and hungry.
Walk, bike, hike, and play through the city’s spectacular parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Experience the city’s historical significance through tours, festivals, and seasonal events.
Shop, drink, and dine at local favorites across their diverse neighborhoods.
A visit to the Alamo is an absolute must, as is taking in a show at the ornate Majestic Theatre. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is dotted with 18th-century buildings and features, making for an enriching excursion.
As one of America’s top vacation destinations, San Antonio attracts nearly 9 million visitors each year.
This city, rich in history and culture, provides an affordable Spring Break Destination where guests can experience a variety of outdoor activities including hiking along nature trails, exploring museums, and taking tours of notable landmarks like the Alamo.
Picnics are a lost art and are not that expensive. If you need a little rest and relaxation pack a picnic, go to one of the many parks, and simply enjoy the scenery and spring bloom.
Where to Stay in San Antonio
The Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk is the perfect place to relax and recharge. Situated on the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk near The Alamo & Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
This brand new lifestyle hotel is a shining example of bringing together the past, present, and future from the modern design of the hotel, and the beautiful rooms, to curated culinary discoveries at the riverfront restaurant Domingo and elevated terrace bar, Otro.
The Canopy by Hilton is right on the River Walk. The Alamo, La Villita Historic Arts Village, and San Fernando Cathedral are a half-mile away.
Market Square and the convention center are within 10 minutes of our door. Our Domingo Restaurant offers all-day dining, and we have a bar.
Check Prices for Canopy by Hilton San Antonio
View this post on Instagram
2. Tempe, Arizona
March marks the return of spring break season and it was the perfect destination for a mother/daughter trip.
There are lots of fun destinations to explore on a day trip from Tempe. So, after a couple of days of relaxing, shopping, eating and outdoor fun in Tempe, stay an extra night or two to check out Goldfield Ghost Town and Supersitiuos Mountain.
The weather averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit during spring break, and Tempe provides everything your family needs when it comes to a spring break destination: world-class dining, entertainment, arts, and culture.
There are just as many things to do in Tempe as there are in downtown Phoenix (home to 20 museums), including paddle boarding on Tempe Town Lake or going rock climbing at Horseshoe Bend.
Day Trips from Tempe: Cave Creek – Discover scenic Cave Creek, a place that is within 45 minutes to an hour north of Tempe. It’s known for beautiful Sonoran Desert hiking trails, wide-open spaces, and spots that are reminiscent of the Wild West.
Day Trips from Tempe: Salt River Rafting – From February through May, Salt River Rafting can take you on a relaxing and exhilarating trip down the scenic Salt River.
Just make sure to stop in Globe, Arizona before or after rafting for seriously good Mexican food.
If you’re planning a visit to Arizona, remember that spring is peak season so book your hotel reservations well in advance.
Where to Stay in Tempe, AZ
The Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown is a boutique hotel featuring locally inspired rooms.
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown spans 14 floors and features unique dining options, a gym, more than 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and a rooftop pool with a terrace bar, cabanas, and a fire pit.
Canopy Hotel offers two distinct dining venues helmed by seasoned Valley Chef Ken Arneson: Alter Ego on the ground floor, featuring elevated fusion cuisine and crafted cocktails, and Alibi, the East Valley’s only full-service pool and bar on the 14th floor.
Check Prices for Canopy by Hilton Tempe
View this post on Instagram
3. Scottsdale, AZ
One of the best things to do in Scottsdale is to check out its thriving art scene and highly-rated museums.
Explore the galleries along with Marshall Way Arts District, home to a popular and long-running weekly downtown gallery art walk.
Scottsdale is a place that can offer everything you could possibly want for your spring break vacation. With many luxury resorts and hotels available, it makes it easy to enjoy a spring break vacation with your family.
Take some time and check out some of Scottsdale’s historic landmarks and beautiful landscapes that will make your spring break memorable!
If you are looking for a culinary experience check Scottsdale’s busiest and most popular restaurant district which is located in Old Town Scottsdale.
Here you’ll find cafes, restaurants, gastropubs, and wine bars packed into a few city blocks. For fine dining, the city’s top-notch luxury resorts host some of Scottsdale’s most elegant and highly rated dining rooms.
In Scottsdale, outdoor activities are always fair game. Sunny skies and plenty of trail systems mean you’ll be able to explore the great outdoors while keeping your distance from other groups.
Take an Instagrammable photo on Camelback Mountain, or try some lesser-known yet equally stunning trail systems like Papago Park and Pinnacle Peak Park.
The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is also a breathtaking place to get outside. Located just 20 minutes from The Scottsdale Resort, this conservancy offers up more than 30,500 acres of Sonoran Desert.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale, AZ
Cradled in the heart of Scottsdale, The Canopy Hotel is thoughtfully designed while taking direction from the curated fine arts and artisan community surrounding it.
The palette focuses on plucking notes from the area, working with native dramatic natural features.
Local stone, tile, wood, plaster, copper mining, and glass work together to promote a sense of modern elegance and intimacy while paying homage to the essential natural elements distinctive to the city.
This Lifestyle Hotel will invite the persona of Scottsdale indoors by intricately combining the stunning craftmanship of local creative talent and a scheme of rich crimsons and deep golds pulled straight from the sundrenched Vistas of Arizona.
Your family can take advantage of the Canopy by Hilton bikes which will allow you all to explore the neighborhood, and local restaurants or simply get some fresh air.
When you need to get away from the kids fighting all day head up to the rooftop bar which offers an elevated experience of crafted drinks and posh bites.
The views from the rooftop bar are absolutely breathtaking from sunset, views of Camelback Mountain, and a glint of the Milky way’s shimmer in the clear night skies is the perfect ending after spending all day with the kiddos.
Check Prices for Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale
View this post on Instagram
4. Sao Paulo, Brazil
With more than 21 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, São Paulo is the largest city in the Western Hemisphere and has no shortage of amazing cultural sites, city vistas, and green outdoor spaces.
If you want to take your family out of the country for spring break and not to Cancun then I highly suggest Sao Paulo.
If your family loves art you all will be pulled in so many different directions (there are multiple art museums throughout the city); culture hounds should definitely plan to stop in the Museu de Arte de São Paulo, Pinacoteca do Estado, and Museu Afro Brasil to get a true feel for Brazil’s art scene.
São Paulo is mainly known as the financial hub and the epicenter of Brazil’s economy, but it’s also a real melting pot of cultures and is famous for its gastronomy.
Sau Paulo has been dubbed the foodie’s heaven of South America due to its ethnically diverse culinary scene and world-class restaurants.
If you are visiting Sao Paulo for spring break walking will likely be a big part of your visit so make sure you check out Avenida Paulista, browse the goods and food at Mercado Municipal, and enjoy Ibirapuera Park’s walking paths.
Don’t forget to save some time to marvel at the city from a bird’s-eye view (at Edifício Italia) and to immerse yourself in Brazil’s favorite pastime at the Museu do Futebol which is something the hubby and sons will love if you have them.
Where to Stay in Sao Paulo, Brazil
The hotel is situated in the heart of São Paulo’s neighborhood of Jardins, known for its high-end clothing stores, fine dining, and a culturally rich experience with museums such as the São Paulo Museum of Image and Sound and Sao Paulo Museum of Art.
The property is within a 20-minute walk of Ibirapuera Park, Paulista Avenue, and Oscar Freire Street shops.
The Museum de Arte de São Paulo and Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation are less than four kilometers, and a metro stop is a few blocks away.
Enjoy the complimentary Canopy Bikes and evening tastings at the restaurant and the WiFi is on them of course.
Additionally, the hotel has the first clean energy gas-powered air conditioning system in Brazil.
Check Prices for Canopy by Sao Paulo
View this post on Instagram
5. West Palm Beach
You can never go wrong with West Palm Beach as your spring break destination for your family.
Where to Stay in West Palm Beach
Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown is located in West Palm Beach. Rosemary Square and Clematis Street are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area’s popular attractions can visit Rapids Water Park.
With its stunning glass facade and fiber optic art hanging in the atrium, our hotel is a destination in itself and is within minutes of the convention center’s diverse dining premier nightlife waterfront activities, and cultural attractions.
The rooms have modern decor – local art for that West Palm Beach flair as well as the comforts you expect like a 55-inch HDTV free WiFi refrigerated drawer and Nespresso machine.
Their signature Canopy bed helps you get a great night’s sleep. Deluxe rooms feature ocean or city views while the more spacious suites include a living room private bedroom and cozy extras.
Welcome the day in the cafe with a delicious artisanal breakfast made with fresh ingredients and local produce or have a Canopy Break Fast bag delivered to your door.
You’ll find fresh Latin-inspired options and sushi at Ban.tr for lunch and dinner plus complimentary evening tastings of local food and drinks.
Check Prices for Canopy by West Palm Beach
View this post on Instagram
6. Cancun, Mexico
It’s hard to look at Cancun and not think about tequila, beachside carousels, and sandcastles. In fact, people from all over visit Mexico every year specifically for Spring Break.
While Cancun is known to be party central for spring breakers there are so many things to do for families as well including parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing, snorkeling, and more.
Take the family ATV riding, swim with whale sharks, and the famous Captain Hook Pirate Cruise Dinner which includes dinner, drinks, and games for the kids.
Explore Cancun’s traditional downtown area, El Centro, or take a day trip to the famed ruins of Tulum.
Be sure to book rooms months in advance if possible because we all know Cancun is super crowded during spring break.
Where to Stay in Cancun
Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla is an urban hotel in the heart of Cancun, overlooking the Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. The hotel is directly connected to La Isla Entertainment Village, with the beach and nightlife area just a few minutes away.
Rooms and suites feature contemporary décor, with art by local muralists reflecting curated scenes of the jungle, flowers, and a cenote-inspired ladder.
Suites boast panoramic views with separate living and sleeping areas as well as a private dining area for six.
Azulinda Café & Bar offers authentic local specialties crafted from ingredients sourced from local vendors and artisans. Savor light appetizers paired with a cocktail in the relaxed Canopy Central or enjoy a refreshing drink and live music at Wander Rooftop.
Let the hubby take the kids out and how about you unwind in a hanging chair overlooking the outdoor pool, with sweeping views of the water?
Visit the rooftop fitness center for an energizing workout before a day of relaxation.
Check Prices for Canopy by Cancun
View this post on Instagram
7. New Orleans
New Orleans is a fun and energetic city located in Louisiana. This city attracts tourists from around the world, but it also has one of America’s most storied histories.
Families can experience New Orleans culture first-hand as they explore voodoo shops, mardi gras celebrations, and many restaurants with great local cuisine.
New Orleans offers expansive parks, interesting museums, and child-friendly tours, and an array of activities for visitors of all ages.
Families can easily explore its vibrant neighborhoods on foot or by riding streetcars to many historical landmarks.
These include The National World War II Museum and The French Quarter, an entertainment district near Bourbon Street that gets very busy during spring break time.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
In the heart of downtown New Orleans, our hotel is a 10-minute walk to the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and endless iconic shops and restaurants.
Canopy Bikes are the perfect way to get around the neighborhood and explore the many museums, galleries, and historic sites. Grab a bite any time at the Creole Cantonese restaurant and lounge.
Check Prices for Canopy by Hilton New Orleans
View this post on Instagram
8. Portland, OR
Portland is a major metropolitan city in Oregon with a population of just over 2 million. Nicknamed Beervana thanks to its thriving craft beer scene, Portland is a fun and scenic destination filled with adventure and beauty.
This vibrant city has many exciting attractions, such as ziplining at Gresham’s Zip Tour or hiking through Forest Park—which is 1,200 acres of beautiful wilderness.
The Oregon Zoo offers families ample opportunities to get an up-close look at their favorite creatures. The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals and is a must-do if you are visiting Portland for spring break.
Spring break is just not spring break without going to an amusement park. Oaks Amusement Park is one of the best things to do in Portland for spring break with the family.
Last but not least checkout Keller Fountain which is a gorgeous waterfall and cliff near Columbia River Gorge.
Where to Stay in Portland
Canopy by Hilton Portland is situated along the waterfront of Portland, Maine, the hotel is within four blocks of downtown.
Explore the neighborhood with the complimentary Canopy bikes and find dozens of unique shops, restaurants, galleries, and trails within a mile.
Truly reflective of Portland’s new direction, Canopy boasts modern comfort and style while being directly across from the city’s working waterfront.
The rooftop bar, Luna, has quickly become a popular hangout for both tourists and locals alike—as it turns out, the water views are universally appealing.
Though it is a Hilton property, Canopy has plenty of unique character and is perfect for vacationing families.
You will find some of the city’s most exciting art and food if you are looking for the best spring break destinations.
Check Prices for Canopy by Hilton Portland
View this post on Instagram
9. Austin, TX
Austin, TX / Staycation Capital of America: Austin is Texas’s largest city and a pretty great place to get away from it all. It’s also full of great restaurants, music venues, and outdoor activities.
Plus there are plenty of major universities in town, making it a great spring break destination for families especially if you have teens who are looking at colleges.
First, explore Laguna Gloria and Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve it is by far the best thing to do for families in Austin.
Also, check out the Texas Memorial Museum which is Austin’s first science museum.
Don’t forget to check out the Texas Capitol because it is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Austin. It is fun and both parents and kids can learn about the state here.
Weather in Austin tends to be just right year-round; not too hot, not too cold with just enough rain thrown in at times (sorry South Florida).
Austin now ranks as one of the top spring break vacations in the US!
Where to Stay in Austin
Located on West Sixth Street in the heart of the city’s business & entertainment district, an area known for its dynamic pop art & music, the Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown offers a unique urban oasis with a strong sense of place inspired by the history and culture of Austin.
The University of Texas and Zilker Metropolitan Park are within three miles. The complimentary Canopy Bikes are perfect for a ride along the trails of Lady Bird Lake.
Relax in a cabana at our elevated pool terrace with skyline views and a seasonal bar.
The Restaurant features barnyard contemporary fare delivered through a beautifully composed vegetable-forward menu that highlights regionally sourced meat and poultry.
Check Prices for Canopy by Hilton Austin
View this post on Instagram
10. Barbados
Aside from being home to world-famous singer Rihanna, Barbados is a beautiful country of iconic beaches, colorful houses, green monkeys, flying fish, delicious food, and lively people.
It also famously boasts 340 sunny days a year!
Explore the underwater world of Barbados in a submarine with this family activity which can be enjoyed day or night.
A professional crew will take your family to depths of 150 feet and you will listen to an educational narration about marine life and watch exotic, native fish and colorful coral reefs through the windows.
Meet the popular green monkeys of Barbados, as well as deer, peacocks, parrots, macaws, love birds, ducks, geese, sparrows, blackbirds, pigeons, iguanas, tortoises, otters, rabbits, and more, at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
Indulge in the world-famous cuisine of Barbados and discover why people all over the world love it!
Locals and tourists alike fill the nearby beach and head for Oistins Friday Night market for the tastiest food in the country.
Choices include swordfish, jerk chicken, lobster, mahi-mahi, marlin, tuna, and the national dish, flying fish.
Where to Stay in Barbados
Hilton Barbados sits on the 17th-century ruins of Charles Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hilton offers direct access to two white-sand beaches, free watersports, tennis, outdoor pools, and a spa featuring a heated sand massage bed.
Bridgetown and The Mount Gay Rum Tour are 15 minutes away, and we’re 40 minutes from Shark Hole Beach.
Imagine standing on your private balcony overlooking glittering turquoise waters as you enjoy the tropical breeze from the Caribbean Sea.
Check Prices for Hilton Barbados
View this post on Instagram
11. Bodrum, Turkey
The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula on the southwest coast of Turkey is an excellent getaway choice for families with kids.
With a coastal stretch bordering the Aegean Sea and with clean, sandy shores and pristine nature, Bodrum is a giant playground that will keep everyone occupied and happy, from toddlers to teenagers and adventurous adults.
While younger kids splash around in the calm, shallow waters, older kids can try out a variety of water sports.
And everyone will love a boat trip or an off-road 4×4 excursion around the scenic Bodrum peninsula.
There are also plenty of local markets and recreational theme parks to explore. Before you pack your bags and get ready for an enjoyable family-friendly vacation, check out this list of the best things to do with kids in Bodrum.
Where to Stay in Bodrum
The Bodrum EDITION is just steps from the bay, 3 kilometers from Yalikavak Marina at the western point of the Bodrum peninsula, and minutes from Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Amphitheatre.
The boutique hotel features 108 guest rooms, suites, and villas, most with views of the Aegean Sea — some with private pools, balconies, and gardens.
Every room features custom-designed furnishings and indulgent marble bathrooms. Indulge yourself with treatments in the state-of-the-art spa, which includes a salon, Turkish Hammam, and fitness center.
Relax through the afternoon in the Infinity pool and access the exclusive beach club with a jetty that houses private cabanas.
Check Prices for The Edition Bodrum
View this post on Instagram
Conclusion of Best Places for Spring Destinations for Families
This year, Easter 2023 lands on April 16, with most US colleges and high schools planning their spring break dates ranging from late February through early and mid-March.
If you are traveling to one of the international destinations make sure your passport is up to date and it has not expired. If you don’t have a passport application for one NOW because wait times are longer than normal.
Ready to plan your trip, grab my FREE Vacation Planner to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!
If you would like to donate to Passports and Grub click here!
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES FOR EXPLORING THIS BIG OLE WORLD
Is Cancun Safe for American Tourists
10 Places to Visit in March in USA
Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotels in Los Cabos
Have you started planning your spring break vacation for 2023? Are you staying in the states for your spring break vacation or traveling out of the country?
I would love to hear your thoughts on the best spring break destinations for 2022 so leave me a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Are you traveling to Cancun this summer? Leave a comment and let me know!
ARE YOU ALSO ON PINTEREST?
Why not save this post to your Pinterest board for later? I am also on Pinterest so feel free to follow Passports and Grub boards and get the latest pin directly.
One Comment