The Best Place for Spring Break Vacation in Every State

You'd be hard-pressed to find two words as universally associated with travel fun than "spring break." It's the time of year dedicated to getting some sunshine, seeing some new sights and re-charging your batteries before the final push towards summer.

Whether you are a family seeking a "close-by-cation" or a grown-up who likes to go out on the town, every state has a place that can make everyone happy this time of year. Click on the slideshow to see which spot made the list in your state.

Yes, that sand between your toes looks and feels like sugar, but you're not in the Caribbean, you're on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Separated by only a few miles, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores will both provide the ultimate spring break experience for everyone in your crew. From taking a ride on one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the Southeast to fishing, birding, exploring history at Fort Morgan and partying at the famous Flora-Bama bar, you can do it all here.

No one will confuse March and April with August, but this time of year in Anchorage sees long days of sunshine above and a winter's worth of snowfall packed below. That snowfall and the city's miles of groomed trails make this time of year perfect for taking part in snowmobiling, snow-biking and skiing in the city.

You couldn't pick a more perfect time to visit the Phoenix metro area. The weather is idyllic at this time of year, meaning that you might just spend your whole spring break outside. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden to see just how full of life the desert can be, hike Scottsdale's Camelback Mountain (followed by a sipping session on the sun-drenched patios of its Old Town) or just play it cool by the hotel pool.

The state capital checks all the boxes for a fun spring break. Get your history fix at the Historic Arkansas Museum, learn about Civil Rights at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and learn about science at the Museum of Discovery. Then take to the outdoors at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and the Arkansas River Trail. After dark, revelers will love the nightlife in the River Market district.

This laid-back beach town sits well within the orbit of nearby Los Angeles, but you could spend your entire spring break within its city limits and leave having had a fulfilling experience. All the SoCal staples are here: long wide beaches, beach cruiser-friendly bike paths, surfing, "Muscle Beach" and of course the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.

The Mile High City makes the perfect base for spring break as it holds a wealth of both family-friendly attractions like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Trolley and nightlife centered around craft beer quaffing. All this and the benefit of having excellent ski resorts with lots of spring snow a short drive (or train ride) away.

Okay, so your toes might experience a teeny-tiny bit of chill when you stroll through the sand at Lighthouse Point Park, but the gorgeous surroundings will more than make up for it. Stroll past the cherry blossoms on Historic Wooster Square before settling in for a piping hot New Haven-style pizza.

Things won't necessarily feel tropical on Fenwick, but there's no mistaking the distinct island vibe. Disconnect from the real world and make up for lost time by paddleboarding and kayaking together through Fenwick Island State Park before admiring the famous Fenwick Island Lighthouse.

From the sands of Pensacola to the pier in Panama City Beach, this stretch of the Panhandle is the perfect place to spend spring break. Pick any town along the coast to be treated to dreamy white-sand beaches, scores of family-friendly fun and top-notch nightlife. Perhaps the best part is that this region of northern Florida is within a day's drive of a large swath of the country.

The spring weather in ATL is almost always amazing, making it the perfect time for picnics at Centennial Park and patio happy hour sessions. Families will have fun exploring the educational attractions like Georgia Aquarium, the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Atlanta History Center, while grown-ups who just want to let loose will find a more-than-vibrant food and drinks scene.

There is a time to explore Hawaii off the beaten path, but not during spring break. No, this is the week to just relax on the sands of Waikiki Beach with a tropical drink in your hand and make some new sun-tanned friends at the city's tourist hotspots. Active types and adventurous teens can always hike to the top of the iconic Diamond Head before diving back to the sand.

From Nordic skis and snowshoes to snowmobiles and snowtubing, your crew will have the time of their lives playing in the powder in McCall. After you've experienced a day full of fun runs, take the next day off in order to soak in the local geothermal hot springs.

Families from all over the Midwest flock to the Windy City to experience a wealth of family attractions. Paramount among these are the excellent Shedd Aquarium, Garfield Park Conservatory (home to a spring flower bloom) and cruises on the Chicago River. Those more interested in nightlife will find a city full of fine restaurants, craft breweries and swanky cocktail bars.

Your kids might just want to spend their entire spring break at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the largest museum of its kind in the world. If you can convince them to leave, then a walk along the water in White River State Park is highly recommended. Adrenaline junkies will want to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as it spends spring preparing for the legendary Indy 500.

The S's in its name may be silent, but you'll have a hard time staying quiet about all the fun you had in Des Moines. Start your week out at the Science Center of Iowa, where learning is made ridiculously fun, then head for the great outdoors by cycling or walking the nearby High Trestle Trail. Then, to cap things off, take a culinary and brewing-focused tour of the city.

The Wild West is still alive in Dodge City and all members of the family will feel like they stepped back in time here. Visit the Boot Hill Museum to learn all about the town's wild past before touring other local landmarks like the always-swinging Long Branch Saloon.

While the city prepares for Derby Day, you and your traveling companions will love getting a behind-the-scenes look at Churchhill Downs, arguably the country's most famous venue for horseracing. Then, before the baseball season starts, take to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to learn all about our nation's most famous bat maker. Those who like to spend their spring break sipping cocktails will be spoiled for choice by the city's bevy of bourbon houses.

The capital of Louisiana and home of the 2020 NCAA Football Champion LSU Tigers, Baton Rouge is an ideal spot to spend a week in the spring. Start your exploration by visiting the wonderful LSU AgCenter gardens-an oasis of wetlands, woodlands and other gorgeous greenery-and state capitol building, then dive into the gumbo that is the local food and drink scene.

Why yes, you will most definitely need to visit the famous Portland Head Lighthouse (the state's oldest operating beacon), but the city is full of other surprises, no matter what type of spring breaker you are. Shopaholics will love the cute stores of the Old Port area while adventurous travelers will want to get their sea legs on a fishing or pleasure cruise. Just outside of town in Yarmouth, you can see the world's largest revolving globe (and learn a little about geography) at an attraction called Eartha.

From the cobbled streets lined with boutiques and seafood restaurants to sights that will satisfy the most hardcore of history buffs, Annapolis has it all. To make a trip here extra special, arrange a trip out on to the water on one of the city's many pleasure cruisers.

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim's landing in Plymouth and there's no better time to visit than right now. Explore Plymouth Plantation to see how the original settlers lived and tour the many special exhibits in town that commemorate the special anniversary.

Grand Rapids always surprises and spring break is a great time to finally make its acquaintance. Make for the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to take in serene greenspaces and interesting bits of outdoor art, then sit down for a wonderful farm-to-table dinner at one of the city's many acclaimed eateries.

Where else in the country can you shop until you drop and experience the joy of a family-friendly theme park all under one roof? That's what makes the Mall of America so special, but this city is so much more than just a sensational (and climate-controlled) shopping center. Galleries, concert venues, professional sports and breweries-the city has so many ways for you to spend your spring break having serious fun. Oh, and if the weather turns while you are there, make sure to join the locals on the city's pathways and park fields.

Nothing says spring break like a trip to the beach and Biloxi and its surroundings are home to several pretty stretches of shoreline. Spend your days parked in the sand (or taking a trip to nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore) and your nights tempting Lady Luck at the local casinos.

The Gateway City offers up a full range of experiences for travelers. Families will certainly want to check out the City Museum (an enthralling playland that must be seen to be believed) and the free St. Louis Zoo, which is located in the green expanse that is Forest Park. Those more interested in social pursuits should head to the Loop or the great bars and cafes of The Grove.

Billings has many artistic and cultural attractions that you would expect of a much bigger city but the cozy feel of a small town. Explore the galleries and unique venues like the historic Babcock Theater (there's always something going on) one day before dashing to the nearby surroundings to explore the wonderful Western landscapes the next.

We're running out of time to describe Omaha as underrated because word of this Midwest gem is now traveling far-and-wide. Get here this spring break to see thousands of free works of art, dine like a king and walk across the famous pedestrian footbridge across the Missouri River before things get really out of hand.

From poolside partying and gaming to being pampered at world-class spas and seeing sensational shows, the Vegas spring break experience runs the gamut. It just so happens that spring is also the time of year when temperatures are at their most paradisical.

The Granite State's biggest city is the place to spend your spring break in order to experience a nice mix of cultural and just plain fun attractions. Your first port of call should be the Millyard Museum in order to learn all about the history of this hardworking city followed by the Currier Museum of Art, which is home to a myriad of masterpieces. Oh, and if there's plenty of late-season snow, then make for McIntyre Ski Area to take to the slopes.

AC always knows how to have a good time and with an endless array of entertainment, nightlife and gaming, you're destined for the spring break of your dreams.

Visit one of North America's most historic cities to learn all about the past, admire stunning adobe architecture and peruse some of the Southwest's best art galleries. This is to say nothing of the adventure your taste buds will go on when they experience tasty New Mexican chile.

Sure, there may still be a little late-season frost on the falls, but that just makes it look even more beautiful. Combine this A-list attraction with underrated Buffalo for a spring break full of both natural wonders and surprises.

As the sun returns and the flowers bloom, the trails around Ashville come alive with hikers and daytripping walkers, bringing an energy that helps make springtime one of the best seasons to visit. After you've worked up a sweat, retreat to town to tour all the local restaurants and breweries before waking up and doing it all over again.

The Peace Garden State's biggest and most peculiar (in a good way!) city, Fargo is filled with fun things to do. Start off by seeing the historic Fargo Theater (it's an icon) before making for the Rourke Art Gallery and Air Museum. Oh, and don't forget to stop and see the infamous woodchipper from the cult film Fargo at the official Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center.

Ohio spring weather arrives first in Cincy, with people taking to the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge to admire the view of the city from across the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky. Join them and explore the Newport Aquarium, but then return back to Ohio to explore the bars and eateries of the Over-the-Rhine district.

Whether you are looking for fun for the whole family or just a week of really good nights out, you'll find in in OKC. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will educate you on what life was like on the Frontier while the Science Museum Oklahoma's exhibits will help you understand the Final Frontier. As far as nightlife is concerned, there's just one word you need to know: Bricktown.

You already know that Portland is a paradise for foodies and craft beer lovers, but what about its credentials as a family destination? Yes, with the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry and the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, there's a slice of Portland perfect for every type of traveler over spring break.

One of the cradles of our heritage, you'll be an ace in American history after a trip to Philadelphia. Visit the Liberty Bell Center, the Betsy Ross House and Independence Hall, then see the American Revolution through another lens at the President's House-where the story of our nation's first presidential residence is told through the slaves who were forced to work there.

Sure, you'll need a windbreaker for the famous Cliff Walk, but that just means warming up in one of Newport's fine cafes and restaurants afterward will be that much more fun.

Explore history by day at Fort Sumter and learn about spirits who refuse to fade into history by night by taking a ghost tour. In between, visit the city's many lush parks and graceful fountains.

If it's family fun you're after, then Sioux Falls more than fits the bill. There's an impressive zoo, butterfly house and aquarium, as well as a science discovery center and several sporting facilities (can you say, go-karts?). Those looking for a taste of nature simply have to experience the falls from which the town takes its name at the Falls Park. You may be surprised by the thriving food scene here too as there's no shortage of craft beers, internationally-inspired bakeries and Instagram-friendly coffee shops.

Nashville might be thousands of miles from Japan, but that doesn't stop them from recreating the ambiance of the Land of the Rising Sun with a collection of around 1000 cherry blossom trees that bloom downtown each spring. Take a walk under the rosy-hued blooms and then head to one of the many Country music-centric attractions the city is best-known for, like the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Johnny Cash Museum. Oh, and for nightlife lovers: they don't call it "NashVegas" for nothing.

Just the name South Padre Island conjures up images of sandy beaches and calm, clear waters, so it's easy to see why it's a great place to shake off the slumber of the winter months. There are watersports galore, not to mention the abundance of beach parties and live events, but if you're looking for something more low-key then there's always plenty of fishing, dolphin-watching and luxury spas.

If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to winter and snow-dusted slopes just yet, then Park City is famous for its abundance of fresh snow during the spring months. As well as the usual high-quality lodges and snow sports, there's also a roster of live concerts, not to mention the unique chance to ski directly into the main street of a historic mining town and start your apres-ski in style.

Burlington is small but perfectly formed, fusing history, nature and a thriving arts scene. The abundance of cycle trails dotted around the town allow visitors to explore some stunning scenery, but if you prefer to pass the time with beer instead of bikes, then there are a number of local brewery trails for you to challenge yourself with instead.

It may be a little too early in the season for swimming (don't say we didn't warn you), but that doesn't mean you can't make the most of Virginia Beach's sandy shores by taking oceanfront strolls or eating al fresco while overlooking the water. There's plenty of cultural and hands-on activities for families, while groups and couples should sit and sip at the many local beach bars.

If you're an outdoorsy type, then Long Beach Peninsula is your playground. Relive your youth with some crabbing and clamming, go horseback riding along the beach or lace up your hiking boots and head out to one of the lush state parks. As is to be expected, the food scene here is very seafood-centric, but there's also plenty of bars and even a winery in which to enjoy an after-dinner tipple.

It'll come as no surprise to many that Charleston, with its thriving yet quaint historic center, is the popular choice for a spring break getaway. Capitol Street and its neighboring market are the natural draws for many, but there are plenty of leafy parks if you'd rather get some relative peace and quiet, as well as a plethora of museums, memorials and historical buildings.

Ok, so maybe you're thinking that Wisconsin Dells would still be too chilly for a proper spring break vacation. Well, they don't call it "The Waterpark Capital of the World" for nothing. This is the place to head to if you love indoor pursuits (particularly of the aquatic variety), or if you have young kids with energy to burn. There's plenty of fun to be had outdoors too, as the region is home to many hiking trails, like those in Pewits Nest State Natural Area (pictured).

Another snowy destination, Jackson Hole ticks so many traveler boxes. Family-friendly ski schools and lodges? Check. A food scene that spans mountain, town and village? Check. A nightlife program that's as low-key or as raucous as you'd like it to be? Check. And that's without mentioning your close proximity to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.