It may be hard to think of spring break given the current frigid temperatures, but that weeklong hiatus will be here sooner than you think, and it’s time to start planning now. Here are five great spots with direct flights from either Dulles International or Reagan National airports.
Atlanta, Georgia
Downtown Atlanta has loads of fun activities for the whole family. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens will have spring flowers blooming, Centennial Olympic Park — where the Olympics were held in 1996 — is full of playgrounds and historical landmarks, and Coca-Cola’s famous World of Coca-Cola museum has all kinds of interactive exhibits, including one where you can sample Coca-Cola products from around the world. Be sure to book a hotel in downtown Atlanta so you can walk to the various attractions and enjoy the local dining scene.
Key West, Florida
Calling all beach bums: Key West has your name written all over it. You will love being able to spend all day at the beach under the Florida sun, and later, stroll down Duval Street to sample the best of the island’s fare. Kaya Island Eats is a great spot for groups; its menu includes everything from tiki tacos to coconut curry rice bowls. And no visit to Key West is complete without a stop at the Polar Bear ice cream shop.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is a great spring break location for anyone who loves sight-seeing, eating great food, and listening to music. Stay in a hotel in the French Quarter, known for its Creole architecture and excellent Cajun cuisine. Kick off your trip with a visit to the French Quarter’s Café du Monde for an order of the celebrated New Orleans beignets.
Next, wander over to Magazine Street for some shopping, the Backstreet Cultural Museum to learn about the history of Mardi Gras, and Jackson Square to see the statue of Andrew Jackson and the St. Louis cathedral. Evening activities go way beyond partaking in the debauchery on Bourbon Street. Catch a jazz show at the renowned Preservation Hall or dine at Antoine’s, the country’s oldest family-run restaurant, where oysters Rockefeller were invented in 1889.
Reykjavik, Iceland
It may seem counterintuitive to go somewhere cold for spring break, but late March into early April is the tail end of the season for viewing the northern lights in Iceland. Adults and children will marvel at this natural phenomenon; it is something everyone should see once in their lifetime. Stay in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city. It’s full of restaurants and home to the famous geothermal spas, the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon. From the city you can take tours to see the northern lights and visit other exciting sights like the golden circle, which includes Gullfoss Waterfall, the Geysir Geothermal area, and Pingvellir National Park.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
For sun and fun, head to Puerto Rico, less than a 4-hour flight from Northern Virginia. Spend a day or two in San Juan and explore the old town, known for its 16th century buildings, fortresses, cobblestone streets, and flavorful food. Then, head to Isabela for the remainder of your trip and stay at the Villa Montana Beach Resort. It has multiple pools, beach access, trails for biking, and offers fun activities like snorkeling and kite surfing, so every family member can find something they love.
Sedona, Arizona
If your family loves to be outdoors, Sedona is the perfect spring break spot for you. The temperatures in Sedona are delightfully pleasant in April, with highs in the low 70s — ideal for hiking, which Sedona is famous for. Stay at the Wilde Resort, which has hot tubs for soaking after a long day of hikes, campfires, and an on-site restaurant for breakfast and dinner.
At Red Rock State Park, wandering among the famous red rocks is truly spectacular. Try the Eagle’s Nest Trail, which has views of well-known sites in Sedona such as Cathedral Rock. You’ll get to see cactuses, vortexes, and red rock escarpments — all of Sedona’s famous elements. When you get tired of walking, visit the Tlaquepaque Village shopping center, with its cute gift shops and restaurants like El Rincon, where you can sample the famed Navajo pizza. It features a hand-rolled sopapilla crust topped with refried beans, green or red chili, cheese, and veggies.
Feature image of Key West, stock.adobe.com
