With spring break
just a month or two away (depending on your school schedule), the time to start
planning your next vacation is now! This year, Americans are planning on
spending just as much as they did in 2023, at least according to Hopper, but
that doesn’t mean they’re not being budget-conscious when it comes to booking
their travel arrangements.
In the spirit of
saving on such seasonal getaways, leading vacation rental marketplace Whimstay put together a list of the top 10
most affordable spring break destinations in the U.S. where families can have
just as great a time together as they would at other, more traditional locations,
only for less.
Here’s Whimstay’s
compilation of budget-friendly alternative destinations from coast to coast for
your spring break escape.
Oceanside Harbor (Photo via Noreen Kompanik)
Oceanside,
California
Average
nightly savings: 24 percent
Discover the
enchanting California Surf Museum and indulge in delicious fish tacos at local
beachside kiosks while enjoying kayaking and paddleboarding at Oceanside Harbor
Beach. Fun fact: Oceanside
boasts the West Coast’s longest wooden pier.
Washington,
D.C.
Average nightly
savings: 22 percent
Explore the
Smithsonian National Zoo, savor classic D.C. eats, like half-smokes from street
vendors, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history at numerous free
museums and monuments. Fun fact: The
U.S. capital is the only city in the nation without a skyscraper!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Larry Gibson)
Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina
Average
nightly savings: 25 percent
Enjoy affordable
thrills at Family Kingdom Amusement Park, feast on budget-friendly burgers at
River City Cafe and soak up the sun on the sandy shores of Myrtle
Beach. Fun fact: Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand, which is one of
the longest stretches of beach in the entire world.
Gatlinburg,
Tennessee
Average
nightly savings: 22 percent
Dive into aquatic
wonders at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, savor Southern flavors at The
Pancake Pantry and embark on scenic hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. Fun fact: Gatlinburg
has one of the only ski resorts in the state of Tennessee.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/SeanPavonePhoto)
Branson,
Missouri
Average
nightly savings: 23 percent
Experience the
excitement of Silver Dollar City theme park, savor hearty meals at BillyGail's
Cafe and soak in the natural beauty of Table Rock Lake. Fun fact: Even though
it has a small-town feel, Branson
is known as the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World", as it’s
home to so many shows.
Savannah,
Georgia
Average
nightly savings: 20 percent
Delve into
hands-on fun at the Savannah Children's Museum, dine at historic spots like The
Pirates' House and enjoy leisurely strolls through Forsyth Park. Fun fact: Savannah
is known for having one of the largest historic districts in the whole U.S.
An aerial view of the city of St. Augustine, Florida (Photo Credit: Kevin Ruck/Adobe Stock)
Corpus Christi,
Texas
Average nightly
savings: 25 percent
Dive into marine
wonders at the Texas State Aquarium, feast on fresh seafood at Snoopy's Pier,
and relax on the pristine beaches of Padre Island National Seashore. Fun fact:
Corpus Christi is known as the "Sparkling City by the Sea" because of
its beautiful coastal setting.
St. Augustine,
Florida
Average
nightly savings: 24 percent
Step back in time
at the Castillo de San Marcos, indulge in Southern fare with a twist at The
Floridian and bask in the sun at St. Augustine Beach. Fun fact: St.
Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established
settlement in the continental U.S.
Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Tricia)
Albuquerque,
New Mexico
Average
nightly savings: 20 percent
Immerse yourself
in nature at the Albuquerque BioPark, savor New Mexican cuisine at Twisters
Grill, and take in panoramic views from the Sandia Peak Tramway. Fun fact: Albuquerque
annually hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot-air balloon
festival in the world.
Grand Canyon
(Flagstaff), Arizona
Average nightly savings: 22 percent
Marvel at the
majestic Grand
Canyon, dine at the family-friendly Lumberyard Brewing Company and explore
scenic hiking trails in Flagstaff. Fun fact: Flagstaff is a designated
International Dark Sky City, which makes it completely perfect for stargazers.
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