Exploring beyond the Bahamas and Mexico: 10 U.S. spring break spots that avoid COVID-19 testing hassles

For many, tropical Caribbean escapes top the spring break wishlist. However, ongoing COVID-19 regulations, such as a mandatory viral test (regardless of vaccination or citizenship) within one day before re-entering the U.S., leave many hesitant about international travel.

Thankfully, numerous domestic cities feature mild weather, exciting activities, outdoor adventures, and even sunny beaches, making for a delightful getaway in March and April. We've compiled a list of 10 top destinations across the country where you can take a break.

Portland, Oregon

Springtime in Portland brings warming temperatures (ranging from the mid-40s to upper 60s) and blooming cherry trees, azaleas, rhododendrons, and roses across the city's stunning parks and gardens. Some top spots to experience peak bloom in this nature-centric city include the vibrant Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden, where you can savor traditional Japanese tea and sweets. While the nearby Oregon beaches aren't great for swimming, they become prime locations for whale watching as up to 20,000 gray whales migrate between Alaska and Mexico during this season.

Of course, with flowers come showers, so it's wise to plan indoor activities for rainy mornings. Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, a top science center in the nation, featuring a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, and a decommissioned U.S. Navy submarine, the USS Blueback, which you can even stay overnight on with advance bookings.

Where to stay: Portland is brimming with quirky, independent hotels, alongside several chain properties. Consider the family-friendly Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel, featuring a bedtime butler who delivers treats for both kids and adults, starting at just 37,000 IHG Rewards points per night. The Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel, located in a historic building that once housed the Meier & Frank department store where Clark Gable worked, can be booked for only 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

With ski season concluded and pleasant, clear weather hitting the 70s, spring is an ideal time to explore this Southwestern city while enjoying off-peak prices. As the oldest state capital in the U.S., Santa Fe boasts a variety of captivating activities, from outdoor adventures to culinary delights. Discover local lore at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, showcasing over 1,000 pieces by the renowned artist, and delve into the region's rich cultural history at Museum Hill, featuring the enlightening Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and the International Folk Art Market. For contemporary art that delights all ages, visit Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return, a multimedia experience that blends a jungle gym, children's museum, and immersive art exhibit. To connect with the past, wander through Santa Fe Plaza, the lively heart of the city and a National Historic Landmark, or plan a trip outside the city to Bandelier National Monument, home to fascinating ancient cliff dwellings, or Chimayo, a historic village with a vibrant arts and crafts scene.

Where to stay: Establish your base in the heart of the action at Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, located just two blocks from Santa Fe Plaza. Rates begin at 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night at this Category 6 property.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Want a beach getaway but worried about noisy spring break crowds? Gulf Shores could be the perfect spot for you. For the sixth consecutive year, this destination is prohibiting alcohol on the beach until April 18. Along the expansive stretch of soft, white sand, you can partake in various watersports like parasailing and snorkeling. Just keep in mind that March and April temperatures range from the high 60s to low 80s, which means the water might be a bit brisk. No need to fret: There’s plenty to enjoy on boats and solid ground, including fishing, dolphin watching, and golfing. You can also check out the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, search for alligators in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and fish from the Gulf State Park Pier.

Accommodation Options: Experience nature right outside your door at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a picturesque waterside retreat available for approximately 43,000 Hilton Honors points each night.

Vero Beach, Florida

Florida summers can be intensely hot and humid, often accompanied by rain, making spring an ideal time to visit. Consider avoiding the crowded tourist spots in favor of a sunny getaway to the lesser-known Vero Beach on the Treasure Coast. Enjoy leisurely days filled with swimming, beachcombing, and relaxing. Each beach in the area offers fantastic weather, with Jaycee Park boasting the longest boardwalk for scenic strolls and picnics, while Humiston Park is just a short walk from the lively shopping area. For those seeking adventure, join a snorkeling or diving tour to explore the shallow-water shipwreck of SS Breconshire. Additionally, Round Island Park is a popular local spot for kayaking or canoeing, where you're likely to encounter manatees.

Accommodation Options: The Kimpton Vero Beach Resort & Spa offers stunning ocean views and luxurious accommodations, making it the premier luxury choice in town, albeit at a cost of 120,000 IHG Rewards points per night. A more budget-friendly alternative is the newly opened Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Vero Beach, where room rates start at about 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Nashville

Shake off the winter chill with a spring break trip to Music City. While the weather can be a bit unpredictable—with lows around the mid-40s, highs in the low 70s, and some rain—there's plenty to do indoors. Discover music history at the new National Museum of African American Music or the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, enjoy a performance at the Grand Ole Opry or one of the numerous dance halls, or visit the Lane Motor Museum to see rare cars. If the sun is shining, visit Centennial Park to see the full-scale replica of the Parthenon created for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial and International Exposition, take a horseback riding lesson at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, or make a day trip to Chattanooga.

Accommodation Options: Nashville boasts an array of points hotels, including the chic Thompson Nashville, which features hardwood floors, barn doors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. As a Category 6 property in the World of Hyatt program, you can book a room for 21,000-29,000 points per night.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

A favored multigenerational getaway, Hilton Head Island features delightful spring weather and some of the warmest waters along the Eastern Seaboard. With temperatures soaring into the high 70s and fewer crowds than in summer, it's the perfect time to explore the island's 12 miles of beautiful beaches and bike along the coast. For those seeking adventure, options abound, including fishing, golfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and zip lining. Don't miss a visit to the Audubon Newhall Preserve and Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, Hilton Head is rich in arts; check out local galleries or the Gullah Museum for an insightful look into the customs and traditions of the Gullah community.

Accommodation Options: For a large beachfront experience, consider the Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa, available for about 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Galveston, Texas

With an impressive 32 miles of coastline, Galveston is all about beach fun. March and April offer warm weather without the intense heat, so while the water may not be quite like a hot tub yet, you can still enjoy splashing in the Gulf Coast waves. Family-friendly Stewart Beach (where alcohol is not allowed) features various activities year-round, such as sports competitions, beach yoga, drive-in movies, and sandcastle-building workshops. At the eastern tip of the island, East Beach boasts a boardwalk and stage with food stands and festivals. There’s plenty of entertainment off the beach as well; play golf at Moody Gardens, ride the coaster at the historic Pleasure Pier, or explore the city's 40-block residential historic district.

Accommodation Options: Experience oceanfront luxury and poolside cabanas at the Hilton Galveston Island Resort, where you can secure a room starting at just 61,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Savannah, Georgia

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather in Savannah, with temperatures rising into the high 70s and the city's botanical gardens in full bloom. Spend your week exploring Georgia's oldest city. Discover local history at various historic homes available for tours, including the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home, the residence of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low, and the Mercer Williams House, famous for its role in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Savannah also features a vibrant arts scene showcased at the Telfair Museums and the SCAD Museum of Art. Conveniently located near the coast, Savannah provides easy access to nearby beaches and barrier islands. Nature enthusiasts can visit Tybee Island, less than an hour away, to collect seashells and ascend Georgia's oldest lighthouse.

Accommodation Options: The Andaz Savannah located at Ellis Square is just steps away from City Market and its vibrant shops and dining options. Secure a room at this World of Hyatt Category 4 property for only 12,000-18,000 points per night.

Catalina Island, California

For an unforgettable island escape, consider the subtropical haven of Catalina Island, situated just 22 miles from Los Angeles. With consistently warm weather, dive into a variety of outdoor adventures, such as paddleboarding in Avalon Bay, kayaking to Frog Rock, snorkeling at Descanso Beach, or taking an undersea cruise in a spacious, climate-controlled semi-submarine for an up-close view of vibrant marine life. On land, navigate the island’s untouched interior via golf cart—don’t forget to capture stunning photos of the bay and city—and challenge the family to mini-golf at Catalina Island's Golf Gardens. For adrenaline junkies, the Catalina Climbing Wall and Zip Line Eco-Tour promise breathtaking vistas from 600 feet above the ground.

Accommodation Options: Catalina Island features a variety of charming boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, including the delightful Catalina Canyon Inn, previously known as the Holiday Inn Resort Catalina Island.

Austin, Texas

This vibrant, eclectic city truly shines in spring when temperatures soar into the 80s. Enjoy the sunshine by renting a stand-up paddleboard or kayak on Lady Bird Lake, or take a refreshing swim in Barton Springs, a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. While hunting for the best barbecue in town, don’t miss the chance to snap a photo at one of Austin's colorful murals, such as the iconic "Greetings from Austin" mural at the intersection of South First Street and West Annie Street. A trip here wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the lively downtown area, where you can visit the State Capitol, explore Texas history at the Bob Bullock Museum, and witness 1.5 million bats take flight each night from March to October at the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Where to stay: Experience the charm of the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin, one of the city’s most historic and acclaimed boutique properties. Part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection, rooms are available for just 17,000-20,000 points per night.