6 Thrilling Outdoor Escapes for Spring Break in the U.S.

A beach getaway or a ski trip are classic spring break choices, but expect some company! Across the U.S., vibrant outdoor experiences await as spring unfolds in March, April, and May. Discover unique spring break destinations, featuring one of the world's largest bird migrations, the scenic springs and lakes of Florida, and a blend of surfing and ranch activities in Texas.

Awaken from your winter hibernation in the Finger Lakes

Experience a refreshing twist on wellness at a lakeside resort in New York's picturesque Finger Lakes. Indulge in outdoor soaking and a sauna experience at the Lake House on Canandaigua, where you can unwind in a barrel sauna by the tranquil Canandaigua Lake. Enjoy a curated ritual with an attendant, featuring cooling ice chips and a soothing honey mask. With 125 elegantly designed rooms, many boasting lake views, and charming four-poster beds, relaxation is guaranteed. Don’t miss the Sand Bar, a laid-back spot with stunning views, serving oysters, crab cakes, and hefty Atlantic sea scallops.

Just two lakes away, on the gently sloping shores of Cayuga Lake, the newly launched Spa at the Inns of Aurora features a cozy indoor/outdoor farmhouse vibe, inviting fire pits for warmth, and outdoor saunas and soaking pools that overlook the serene wooded lakefront.

If you’re looking for more excitement, Bristol Mountain—the premier ski destination near Rochester—is just 59 miles away (or 14 miles from the Lake House on Canandaigua) and typically remains open until early April, featuring 39 slopes suitable for all skill levels. Alternatively, visit the southern tip of Seneca Lake to experience the stunning 19 waterfalls bursting with springtime energy at Watkins Glen State Park.

Witness spring's adorable newborns in South Dakota

For an unforgettable spring break road trip filled with breathtaking American scenery, starry nights, and the cutest baby animals you can imagine, head to South Dakota. Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport for convenient access to Badlands National Park, where the 39-mile Badlands Loop Scenic Byway meanders through stunning canyons and towering formations, with fluffy bighorn lambs making their charming appearance from April to June.

Just to the west, in Custer State Park, charming little bison calves (known as “cinnamons” for their reddish hue) begin to appear by the end of March. Meanwhile, the expansive plains of the Missouri River region come alive in late May with playful pronghorn antelope fawns.

South Dakota’s remote wilderness is also a haven for stargazers, especially in the Badlands, where it's said that over 7,500 stars and stunning celestial phenomena can be seen on any clear night. Prime spots for observing the night sky include the pristine Class I Sky (meaning minimal light and air pollution) at Wind Cave National Park.

Discover freshwater adventures in Florida’s Lake County

Located just north of Orlando, Lake County, known as the “Land of 1,000 Lakes,” provides a much quieter spring break getaway away from the bustling Florida coasts. This area enjoys perfect temperatures in March and April, typically in the low 80s, making it an ideal time to explore charming historic lakeside towns like Mount Dora and Eustis (situated on Lake Dora and Lake Eustis).

Take a leisurely walk along the 2.7-mile Florida Scrub Jay Trail or through Emeralda Marsh near the Ocklawaha River to spot native Florida birds. For a unique perspective, consider an aerial tour over the region's interconnected lakes with Jones Brothers & Co., featuring a splash landing on Lake Dora. Spring is also citrus season in Florida, perfect for U-pick adventures in a local grove. If you’re in the mood for a swim, dive into the refreshing waters that maintain a brisk 72 degrees year-round at the area’s many freshwater springs, including Alexander Springs, a hidden gem for camping within the Ocala National Forest.

Arrive in San Antonio for a Texas-style spring break packed with surf and turf adventures

With average temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s during March and April, San Antonio is perfect for a spring break getaway. Spend a day or two exploring local cafés, lively bars, and sculpture parks, or unwind with a book along the 15-mile pedestrian-only River Walk. Don’t miss the rooftop pool at Hotel Emma, a chic spot located in a converted brewery in the Pearl district. Afterward, take a road trip north to Hill Country for a more rustic experience.

Experience the upscale ranch lifestyle at Camp Lucy, a luxurious retreat perched on a bluff in Dripping Springs, featuring 41 rooms spread across 289 acres. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape, rise early for sunrise hikes and yoga, try your hand at archery or hatchet-throwing, or spend time with the friendly resident alpacas.

When you're ready for the surf part of your Texas spring break, it’s just a four-hour drive south to Port Aransas on the Gulf of Mexico. Known as the state’s fishing capital, you can embark on a deep-sea fishing excursion (April marks the start of pompano and cobia season) or admire the impressive native sand sculptures at the April Texas Sandfest.

Discover urban adventures and spring equinox glamping in Albuquerque

Spring is the perfect time to explore New Mexico, as the temperatures rise dramatically in summer and can dip unexpectedly in winter. (Despite its reputation for desert climates, the state boasts nine snowy ski resorts.)

March and April provide ideal conditions for adventures in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, also known as Chaco Canyon. Often compared to Machu Picchu, this site was crucial to the Ancestral Puebloan people from 850 to 1250 C.E., with many ancient ruins still visible today. Experience the canyon’s spiritual connections on overnight glamping excursions—complete with hikes to see petroglyphs and massages back at camp—organized by Heritage Inspirations. These trips launch from Albuquerque and are scheduled for the spring equinox in March and the new moon in April and May.

In Albuquerque, embark on half-day eBike tours with Heritage Inspirations, departing from Hotel Chaco. These tours follow the banks of New Mexico’s largest river, the Rio Grande, and include a visit to a historic organic farm established in 1934.

Experience riverside camping during Nebraska’s sandhill crane migration

From February to mid-April, Nebraska’s Platte River becomes the backdrop for what Jane Goodall reportedly referred to as one of North America’s most remarkable sights. As they travel from wintering habitats in Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico, more than a million sandhill cranes stop here before continuing their journey north for the summer.

Witnessing the graceful, crimson-crowned cranes congregating along the river and soaring in from above is truly breathtaking. The area surrounding Kearney in central Nebraska makes for an excellent home base. While you can easily hike to the river for good birdwatching, consider an extraordinary experience instead. Audubon’s overnight crane photography experience allows you to spend the night in a viewing blind along the Platte River, just east of Kearney at Rowe Sanctuary. Arrive in the evening to photograph the cranes as they settle on the river at dusk, then be perfectly positioned at dawn to capture their morning flight.