America's Best Non-Beach Destinations for Spring Break

Spring break will be here before we know it, which means the time to plan a family getaway is now. Fortunately, you don't have to plan a beach vacation like everyone else. If you want something different this spring break, consider these tourist towns, national parks and big cities that offer adventure, scenery and the chance to explore.

Yellowstone National Park is home to thousands of miles of natural parkland, an active volcano, Old Faithful and approximately 50 percent of the world's hydrothermal features. Take the kids here for an epic camping spring break at one of the on-site campgrounds that offer free or low-cost camping with unlimited nature views.

If you're aching for some fresh mountain air, consider booking a rental condo or family hotel in the mountains of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. You can go hiking and climbing while you're away from your rental home or resort, or you can enjoy some quiet family time. For some extra excitement, you can even plan a day trip to nearby Dollywood Theme Park.

Las Vegas, Nevada offers a lot more than smoky, crowded casinos. Families can take in a Cirque de Soleil show, head to the Las Vegas Mimi Gran Prix for Go-kart rides or spend the day in the award-winning wave pool at Mandalay Bay. For a day trip, you could rent a car to explore the Grand Canyon or the Hoover Dam.

If you live within driving distance of Atlanta, Georgia, don't count this dynamic metropolitan area out. Book a trip to Atlanta and check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Georgia Aquarium, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, the Atlanta Zoo and more.

Dallas, Texas was named the 2019 Restaurant City of the Year due to its reputation as a foodie paradise and the numerous unique dining experiences you can find nearby. When you're not noshing on Texas barbecue or ceviche, you can see where JFK was assassinated, book a dinner at Medieval Times or take in a downtown sightseeing tour.

Asheville, North Carolina may be known as a hotspot for breweries, but there are plenty of activities for kids on spring break. You can hike and camp in the wilderness, explore the famous Biltmore Estate, book a ghost walking tour or visit the Asheville Pinball Museum, which features an eclectic collection of historic pinball machines you can play.

Chicago, Illinois offers some pretty amazing museums children love, ranging from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Museum of Science and Industry. You can also take a scenic cruise, shop on Michigan Avenue, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, walk the Chicago Riverwalk and more.

Yosemite National Park is well known for its waterfalls, its grand meadows and its vast wilderness areas filled with an array of unique animals ranging from black bears to mountain lions and bats. This park is also an excellent destination for camping with children who love nature and the outdoors.

Los Angeles is a great destination for spring break since there's so much to do and see. You can explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame or take a scenic tour of celebrity mansions nearby. You can even plan a day trip to nearby Catalina Island or Disneyland, which is a short drive away in Anaheim.

The Grand Canyon is ideal for spring break if you want to beat the heat and the crowds. You can hike the rims of the canyon, go whitewater rafting, book a scenic donkey ride or simply enjoy the vast beauty of the canyon, which is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.

Families who want excitement and adventure this spring break should consider New York City and all this bustling metropolis has to offer. Book a hotel near Times Square, check out a Broadway show or climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty. You can also dine at some of the top restaurants in the world, or at least try some famous New York-style pizza or Manhattan clam chowder.

The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota are home to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Devils Tower and the mysterious and wonderful Wind Cave. You'll also find plenty of hotels, resorts and campgrounds geared to families who want to learn about nature and the unique history of the area.

Portland, Oregon might not strike you as the ideal spring break destination, but there is plenty for families to explore in this unique town. You could check out the International Rose Test Garden, explore the Portland Japanese Garden or visit the Portland Art Museum, for starters. Portland is also close to numerous parks and wildlife areas perfect for sightseeing and relaxation.

Salt Lake City, Utah boasts a surprising downtown with unique eateries and an endless array of festivals and art galleries. You can visit the Natural History Museum of Utah to see dinosaur skeletons, explore the Utah State Capital complex and its many landmarks or take a free walking tour of Temple Square, which is available in 40 languages.

Sedona, Arizona is an excellent spring break destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can take a Pink Jeep Tour that explores red rock canyons and spiraling mountain peaks, or you can get out and hike on your own. Sedona is also home to unique restaurants, shopping and plenty of nightlife.

While Indianapolis, Indiana may not come to mind when you think of spring break, this capital city has more than meets the eye. You'll find one of the best children's museums in the world, an award-winning zoo, a downtown theatre district known as Mass Ave. and a canal walk area perfect for boating and sightseeing.

While Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes this city a great destination for all things outdoors, the city itself is fun to visit for spring break. Here you'll find the Denver Zoo, the Denver Botanical Gardens and the 16th Street Mall, which is home to an array of fun eateries, shops and people-watching opportunities.

If you love the nightlife, country music or award-winning dining, then Nashville, Tennessee should be on your radar. This city is known as a foodie paradise for people who love southern favorites, and you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry and more while you're in town.

Everyone loves Orlando, Florida, and it's easy to see why. Not only will you find an array of affordable and family-friendly resorts, but you have access to Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and plenty of other theme parks perfect for some spring break fun.

History-lovers should head to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to learn all about our nation's history. Activities to put on your list include taking a selfie with the famous Liberty Bell, touring Independence Hall (the birthplace of the United States) and exploring the city's famous waterfront.

Palm Springs, California is an artsy town known for its luxury resorts and outdoor activities. You can rock climb, hike the local canyons or take a jeep tour of the expansive wilderness areas nearby. For some pampering, book a massage or facial at one of the many luxury spas that call Palm Springs home.