(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)
Spring break doesn’t have to mean expensive resorts or cross-country flights. Some of our favorite family trips have been ones that were quick to plan (and easy on the budget). From road trips along the West Coast to beach destinations and even international getaways that won’t drain your travel fund, there are plenty of ways to make spring break memorable. These affordable places to go for spring break offer a mix of outdoor adventures, city escapes, and family-friendly beaches that prove a great vacation doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag.
[ez-toc]
NO TIME TO READ THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!
West Coast Spring Break Trips
San Diego, California
San Diego is a great place for an easy and affordable spring break trip for Los Angeles families. It’s close enough for a road trip, which eliminates the cost of airfare, and there are plenty of budget-friendly activities families can enjoy.
Families will have a great time exploring La Jolla Cove, watching sea lions lounge on the rocks, or strolling through the gardens and museums of Balboa Park. The park is also known for stunning, fragrant cherry blossoms in the spring.
Sea lions lounging at La Jolla Cove are always a hit with the kids.
Photo by Alexia Laiter Garza on Unsplash
Beach days are free, and many neighborhoods have casual taco shops where a full family meal costs far less than one theme park lunch.
Don’t mind spending extra on activities? San Diego is also home to several family-friendly attractions and water parks, including the LEGOLAND Water Park, Great Wolf Lodge, and Sesame Place.
Stay
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego is near attractions like SeaWorld, offers free breakfast, and has an outdoor pool where kids can burn off energy before bed.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is another destination that’s a short drive for LA families, especially if they’re looking for sunshine without a long travel day. The desert city is known for stylish resorts, but more affordable options are available, particularly during spring break week.
Hiking trails in the San Jacinto Mountains feel worlds away from the desert floor.
Photo by Christina Brinza on Unsplash
Downtown Palm Springs has free public art, walkable streets, and plenty of casual restaurants. Another affordable activity is riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The rotating tram climbs more than 8,000 feet into the San Jacinto Mountains, where temperatures are cooler. Hiking trails wind through the pine forests.
Stay
Caliente Tropics Resort is near the Tramway. It also has an outdoor pool and hot tub!
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a surprising spring break option, with cheap flights from Los Angeles and many low-cost or free ways to explore. Wander through Washington Park, home to gardens, playgrounds, and scenic trails. The city’s famous food cart pods also make meals more affordable, offering everything from tacos to dumplings.
Portland blends city culture with outdoor adventure.
Photo by Justin Shen on Unsplash
For families traveling with younger kids, the Oregon Zoo and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry offer engaging indoor and outdoor activities. Variety is perfect for unpredictable spring weather.
Stay
The Hampton Inn & Suites Portland – Pearl District is just a 15-minute walk from attractions like the Art Museum. Kids 15 & under stay free with a parent, plus there’s a rooftop bar, free breakfast, and a pool with a waterslide.
Nature Adventures
Oahu, Hawaii
Most people don’t think of Oahu as affordable, but it’s a lot easier if you focus on the island’s many free natural attractions. Families can spend the day snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, hiking to waterfalls, or relaxing on Waikiki Beach. Food trucks and local plate lunch spots offer budget-friendly options to enjoy Hawaiian cuisine.
Colorful fish are easy to spot in Oahu’s crystal clear waters.
Photo by Samantha Sophia on Unsplash
There are also direct flights from LA into Oahu, which saves on costs. When my partner and I visited with our boys, we spent one entire day just exploring beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints around the island. It ended up being one of our favorite memories, and it cost almost nothing.
Stay
The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki is perfect for families, with complimentary bikes and beach gear (like stand-up paddle boards) that make it easy to explore the nearby beach. The onsite restaurant serves family favorites like pizzas and sandwiches, plus family-friendly group activities like the Honolulu Mom Walk or hula lessons, add to the fun.
National Parks
National Parks are one of the most affordable ways to spend spring break, particularly if your family enjoys outdoor adventures like mine. Entrance fees are low compared to theme parks, and once inside, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives provide hours of entertainment.
National parks offer unforgettable views and endless outdoor adventures.
Photo by Robby McCullough on Unsplash
Popular spring break parks for West Coast families include Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Zion National Park. Save money by staying in nearby downs or camping inside the park.
DON’T MISS! 5 Perfect Places For Last-Minute Spring Break Trips
City Escapes
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas might seem like an adult destination, but it’s surprisingly family-friendly and affordable for spring breakers. Hotels offer discounted rates during the week, and many attractions along the Strip are free.
Families can watch the Bellagio fountain show, explore themed resorts, or visit Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Many hotels have impressive pool complexes too, making it easy for kids to burn off energy during the day. It’s about a five-hour road trip for Los Angeles families.
DON’T MISS! For Family Fun, Here Are The 5 Best Pools In Vegas For Kids
The High Roller Ferris wheel gave our family incredible views of the Las Vegas Strip.
Photo Credit: Samantha Davis
Stay
Flamingo Las Vegas sits next to the impressive High-Roller Ferris Wheel. Mom and Dad can appreciate the Caribbean-inspired casino, while kids will enjoy the flamingo zoo and lagoon-style pool.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans offers a completely different kind of spring break experience. Plan to visit outside of Mardi Gras for more affordable lodging. The city is full of culture, music, and food, and many of its best attractions are inexpensive or free.
Wander the French Quarter, listen to live jazz on the streets, and take a stroll along the Mississippi River. Food is also part of the experience here, and casual spots serving po’boys, gumbo, and beignets are the best places to appreciate the food and culture on a budget.
The Botanical Gardens were also an affordable (and beautiful) experience!
Photo Credit: Shane Kirk
Our family stayed at voco St. James Hotel by IHG. We liked how local it was to all the attractions, plus there is free Wifi and an outdoor pool.
Beach Vibes
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The long stretches of sandy shoreline and affordable entertainment make Myrtle Beach one of the most affordable beach destinations in the United States. This is especially true at the end of March, early April, during spring break.
It costs nothing to enjoy sunrises like these on Myrtle Beach! Fun Fact: My partner proposed to me moments after this picture was taken!
Photo Credit: Samantha Davis
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is packed with arcades, casual restaurants, and classic seaside attractions. Families will also find mini golf courses, amusement rides, and attractions like the Ripley’s Aquarium. It was one of our family’s favorite trips.
Stay
The area is designed for tourism, so hotel prices are often competitive. Just 1 mile from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is Coral Beach Resort and Suites. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, indoor/outdoor pool, and a lazy river and water park.
DON’T MISS! Spring Break in California: 8+ Places for Family Fun
Outer Banks, North Carolina
For a quieter beach escape, the Outer Banks offers miles of coastline and small towns that feel less touristy than the average spring break spot. Families can climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, explore shipwreck history at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, or simply spend the day flying kites along the beach.
Spotting wild horses on the beach is one of the most magical moments in the Outer Banks.
Photo by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash
Stay
The very affordable Outer Banks Motel offers ocean views, beach access, and an outdoor pool. It’s also great for fishers, since there’s a fish cleaning station and a deep freezer to store your catch!
Cheap International Spring Break Trips
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan offers the feel of an international vacation without requiring a passport for U.S. travelers, making it easy to access. Flights from Los Angeles are often reasonable, and once you arrive, the city has plenty of affordable experiences.
Beach time at Isla Verde or Condado is free, and local bakeries and cafes make it easy to eat well without overspending. One of the best things to do is walk through Old San Juan, a vibrant and historic area known for its cobblestone streets, historic forts, and ocean views.
Stay
The Looking Glass Hotel is 15 minutes from the airport, a short walk from Ocean Park Beach and the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico. Nearby attractions include the Contemporary Art Museum and Sagrado Corazon Station.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most family-friendly destinations, known for its lush rainforest landscapes and the Arenal Volcano. Budget travelers can save money by focusing on outdoor activities like hiking trails, waterfall visits, and wildlife spotting. For adventurous families, zip-lining, hot springs, and river tours add excitement while remaining relatively affordable compared with resort destinations.
Waterfalls and jungle trails make La Fortuna an adventure destination.
Photo by Etienne Delorieux on Unsplash
Stay
Arenal Montechari is surrounded by lush gardens and close to attractions like Arenal Volcano and a nearby waterfall. Enjoy free breakfast and outdoor pools, one with a swim-up bar!
Playa Del Carmen, México
Playa del Carmen offers white-sand beaches and a laid-back atmosphere that’s often more affordable than nearby Cancun, making it the perfect place for a Caribbean spring break. It’s also easy to appreciate the warm weather this time of year.
Caribbean sunshine makes Playa del Carmen a perfect spring escape.
Photo by Etienne Delorieux on Unsplash
Spend the day relaxing at the beach, exploring colorful shops along Quinta Avenida, or taking an affordable day trip to nearby cenotes and Mayan ruins.
Stay
Hacienda Real del Caribe is very affordable and sits minutes from the beach. Enjoy water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and an outdoor pool. Plus, there’s free WiFi.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER PINNING IT OR SHARING IT!
