When most people imagine spring break destinations, they picture warm, sunny beaches. Spring break is a time to get away from your worries and enjoy some time off. However, not everyone enjoys the burning rays of the sun upon a beach. Some want adventures over leisure, sights over serenity!
There are so many amazing spots in the United States that are great for adventurers. These locations are not usually listed as conventional spring break destinations. This year, if you’re looking for something a little less beachy and a bit more adventurous, keep reading!
Mountains and Ridges
Tucked away in the mountains of Tennessee lies the small town of Gatlinburg. This cozy town is known for its beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains, with activities ranging from hiking to whitewater rafting to ziplining. Gatlinburg’s main street weaves through the mountains and displays the amazing work of local vendors.
If the Smoky Mountains aren’t grand enough for you, consider visiting the Rocky Mountains. The state of Colorado has many secluded mountain towns such as Telluride, Grand Lake, Aspen, and Estes Park. Each community is special in its own way, highlighting local art, food, and wildlife. The Rocky Mountains are full of visually stunning hikes where you might just cross paths with an elk or moose.
Canyons and Cliffs
If you’d like to experience mountains and more, Utah is the place to be! Five unique national parks are located within the state of Utah, each showcasing a unique environment. Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, with its enormous mountains, winding rivers, and picturesque waterfalls. Arches National Park has a variety of unique rock formations, including its infamous rock arches that visitors can climb.
Sitting just outside the Rocky Mountains, Canyonlands National Park is often described as a smaller version of the Grand Canyon. The park includes a stretch of jagged canyons surrounded by mountains, creating the perfect mixture of hills and holes. Capital Reef National Park is one-of-a-kind, with a system of hiking trails that weave through narrow canyons. Steeped in rich Native American history, the park integrates harmonious views with historical sights.
Bryce Canyon National Park allows travelers to descend into the canyon through a variety of hiking trails. Along the way, travelers can gaze upon unique rock formations and take a pit stop at Tropic Ditch Falls. If you’re tired out from all the walking, you can schedule a UTV trail tour and race your way through the canyon.
Whether you’re driving or hiking through these destinations, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a few fantastic views and activities. The sights, wildlife, and memories are sure to be life-changing.
Cities and Towns
The great outdoors aren’t for everybody. Instead, you might enjoy the serene schedule of a museum tour, the soft tunes of local music, or a show-stopping performance at a theater. The United States has lots of wonderful cities for adventurers who prefer a stroll down the main strip rather than a hike in the mountains.
New York City is a theater nerd’s dream destination! The bustling city constantly shows a variety of Broadway performances within its historic venues. Nearly every night, there’s a new production with a lively cast of dedicated actors. Iconic restaurants fill streets, enticing travelers to try New York-style pizza, cheesecake, and bagels. The city also includes spectacular sights of the skyline, free-entry museums, and various parks with fun activities.
Chicago, Illinois, is often described as a smaller version of New York City, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. Chicago is constantly buzzing with travelers exploring its museums, shops, attractions, and superb architecture. Popular spots like the infamous bean-shaped Cloud Gate, the Skydeck, and the Museum of Illusions are great recommendations for out-of-towners. If you’re swinging into the city, be sure to grab a famous Chicago-style hot dog on your way through.
Cities like Nashville, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana, are full of culture and music. Aspiring country stars line the streets of Nashville, playing for all to hear. Country music history is displayed throughout various museums, highlighting southern charm. New Orleans is overflowing with Creole culture, jazz music, and delicious foods. The nightlife is like none other, with voodoo tours and jazz shows taking place almost every evening.
You may need to get outside your hometown to experience something a bit extravagant this spring break, and these cities are sure to widen your horizon!
Rainforests and Woodlands
Now I may sound a bit crazy with this recommendation, but if you’re looking for a woodsy, secluded adventure, consider traveling north. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is full of hidden gems for the woodsmen seeking a remote location. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore includes a few visually pleasing hikes, all showcasing Lake Superior’s unique features. Just south of the lakeshore lies Michigan’s largest freshwater spring, known as Kitch-iti-kipi. The water within the spring is so clear that visitors are able to see straight down to the bottom, where the sand bubbles.
If you’d rather not go so far north, Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park is another destination you could opt for. The state park showcases 7-10 different waterfalls, depending on the weather conditions. The park offers over fifty miles of hiking trails, allowing visitors to travel through the wooded area on foot.
If you’re up for the wildest recommendation of all, the state of Washington is the place for you. Due to the state’s recurring rainy conditions, Olympic National Park is full of unfrequented rainforests. The park includes four main rainforests, each filled with massive trees, various wildlife, and stunning views, making it the perfect destination for a quiet hike.
Consider these options when you’ve been fried by the sun, sand wedged between your toes, and you’ve officially convinced yourself that you’re no longer a beach person. Some prefer a different kind of spring break adventure, and these locations are sure to take your breath away!
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