Are you ready for an adult spring break? The days are longer, the temperatures are warming, and it's the time of year when most of us are suffering from an acute case of spring wanderlust. After all, there's a reason why "spring break" is a popular vacation time! But we're, thankfully, well past the days of college spring breaks, with their overcrowded beaches and red Solo cups. Nor are we looking for a family-friendly vacation full of black mouse ears and amusement park rides. Instead, we are looking for the best spring travel destinations for adults.

After months of winter and years of a pandemic, we're pining for some bucket-list-level U.S. getaways for a grown-up spring break. We're talking about fun yet refined spring getaways in Wine Country or a charming coastal town, as well as all-inclusive adventures in some of the most incredible destinations in America. If that's the kind of getaway you're seeking, let the following adult spring break destinations inspire your next adventure.

1. Seaside, Florida: Quiet Beaches and Laid-Back Coastal Luxury

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  Closest Airport: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
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  Known For: The basis for "The Truman Show" and its epic "Airstream Row," a marvelous collection of vintage Airstream food trucks off the town square.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Vacation options, like this stunning beachfront cottage, abound in and around Seaside.
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  Don't Miss: Wander over to Airstream Row and enjoy a culinary trip around the world!

Seaside is a unique waterfront community in Florida that has quietly become one of the state's most coveted vacation destinations. In addition to incredible boutiques, charming retailers (including an independent bookstore and record shop), and an adorable grocery, the town's Central Square is home to a world of cuisine, from fine dining restaurants to a lineup of food trucks on Airstream Row, and has been listed as one of the most beautiful spaces in the world. The picture-perfect town of Seahaven in "The Truman Show," Seaside, is one of the most idyllic coastal locales in the country. And unlike its fictional counterpart, Seaside is the real deal and as good as it gets. In fact, it's one of the best places to go for spring break as an adult.

Seaside offers ample public parking near Central Square, and most attractions, including Airstream Row, are wheelchair-accessible. A beachfront cottage rental can serve as the perfect base for this serene coastal getaway.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana: Food, Jazz, and Refined Nightlife

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  Closest Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
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  Known For: Mardi Gras, The French Quarter, and amazing food.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this Contemporary Guesthouse Airbnb, just a quick walk from the beautiful, historic St. Charles Avenue.
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  Don't Miss: The food. Definitely make it a priority to explore NOLA's culinary attractions!

Offering a beguiling blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, the city of New Orleans is a timeless getaway for anyone and everyone to experience – and spring is the best time to visit. Around this time of year, you’ll find some of the most popular festivals happening in the area, raising the appeal of visiting this destination.

The French Quarter Festival is held annually in mid-April and is an event where you can revel in the greatness of Louisiana culture, music, and food. In addition, the weather during this season is nothing short of sublime: warm and welcoming, without a hint of the oppressive summer heat that's to come! Spring break in the U.S. is best spent in a destination like New Orleans as an adult, right? Visit during the French Quarter Festival in mid-April to enjoy music, food, and culture. Cobblestone streets are partially wheelchair-accessible, and many restaurants provide ramps or level entry.

3. Sedona, Arizona: Red Rock Scenery and Soul-Soothing Escapes

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  Closest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
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  Known For: Red rocks and epic outdoor recreation.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this gorgeous dog-friendly rental in Sedona with a hot tub and red rock views – it's the perfect home base for your adventures with Fido!
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  Don't Miss: Sedona has an amazing culinary scene, with some of the best restaurants in Arizona, including Tii Gavo!

Trade the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches for the verdant cacti and red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. The desert landscape of Sedona is simply sublime, providing the perfect backdrop for a range of outdoor escapades, from hiking and stargazing to meditation, yoga, and Jeep tour adventures through Sedona's red rock landscape. But Sedona is not a one-trick pony; the town proper is home to a thriving dining scene, historic points of interest, as well as some exceptional resorts and luxurious accommodations guaranteed to take your visit to the next level.

Sedona’s popular trails and scenic viewpoints have parking lots, though some paths are rugged. Dog-friendly rentals and guided Jeep tours make this desert town perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Art, Adobe, and Elevated Desert Culture

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  Closest Airport: Santa Fe Regional Airport
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  Known For: History, Santa Fe is among the oldest towns in the U.S.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: While options like La Fonda on the Plaza offer loads of history, those looking for quieter accommodations can check out VRBO rentals like this beautiful casita near The Plaza of Santa Fe.
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  Don't Miss: The Santa Fe Plaza is a paradise for both shoppers and history buffs, full of historic monuments, art galleries of all mediums, businesses, and some of the best restaurants in the state.

Touted as one of the world's top vacation destinations, New Mexico's state capital is a place of immense beauty and history. Santa Fe was founded in 1609, making it one of the oldest towns in the country. It's an open history book for visitors. Santa Fe is home to both the oldest house and the oldest church in the U.S.

In addition to its fascinating history, the town is one of the most beautiful in the West. Surrounded by colorful, beautiful mountains, Santa Fe offers visitors an abundance of year-round adventures. During the spring, the rock climbing, hiking, and wildlife viewing here are phenomenal. And for those looking to spend spring break immersed in this intriguing culture, the Santa Fe Plaza is renowned for its incredible shopping, museums, and restaurants, many of which are extremely wallet-friendly.

Santa Fe Plaza offers mostly level, paved walkways suitable for wheelchair users, with many galleries and restaurants accessible. Support local Native American-owned businesses for an authentic experience.

5. Austin, Texas: Live Music, Craft Cocktails, and Outdoor Days

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  Closest Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
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  Known For: Laid-back vibes, thriving culinary scene, the world's largest urban bat colony.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: There are many hotels in downtown ATX, but if you're looking for something unique, check out this Hill Country Retreat near Lake Austin!
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  Don't Miss: See the infamous Congress Avenue bats via a nighttime Segway tour!

With its lush greenery, quirky treasures, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Austin will challenge any preconceptions you have about the Lone Star State. This iconoclast is a city where anything goes. You'll find amazing barbecue pits and vegan food trucks, Hill Country views and desert landscapes, craft breweries, and swanky wineries.

The best part? You can enjoy a world-class experience without the world-class price tag. Austin is a surprisingly affordable city, and many of its best restaurants, bars, and attractions are incredibly affordable! The town itself seems to have a pulse of its own, complete with music and museums on every street corner – including the streets themselves, as with the iconic "I love you so much" mural!. Easily one of the best vacation towns in the country, spring is an especially perfect time to visit Austin before the summer heat sets in. Evening bat tours at Congress Avenue are accessible and include Segway and walking options. Zilker Park offers accessible trails and picnic areas for daytime relaxation.

6. Chicago, Illinois: World-Class Dining and Spring City Energy

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  Closest Airport: O'Hare International Airport
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  Known For: The Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Chicago-style pizza, hot dogs, beer – Chicago is an acclaimed food city!
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  Where to Stay Nearby: Hotels abound in the Windy City, and there are plenty of affordable VRBO rentals, like this adorable mid-century modern penthouse apartment.
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  Don't Miss: The Chicago Riverwalk is a must-visit attraction that's full of the city's most acclaimed restaurants, bars, and museums!

Chicago might well be the Jan Brady of American cities. This Midwest destination is generally pitted against its coastal counterparts, New York City and Los Angeles; honestly, it has everything those cities have and more. Unlike its coastal brethren, Chicago is an easy and affordable car trip from lots of places in the U.S., so you can save your money to explore Chicago, although this city is surprisingly easy to explore on a budget.

While many shy away from the Windy City during the colder months of the year, spring in Chicago is positively enchanting. The bold blue skies above iconic destinations like Navy Pier and Lincoln Park provide a picture-perfect playground for adventurous tourists, and the Magnificent Mile is a must-visit for serious shoppers. Pack a coat and enjoy a week of great culture, amazing sights, and some of your life's best food and drinks – all in this marvelous Midwest town. Chicago Riverwalk is fully accessible and has nearby parking garages. Many museums along the Magnificent Mile have reduced spring admission rates.

7. Asheville, North Carolina: Mountain Views, Breweries, and Biltmore

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  Closest Airport: Asheville Regional Airport
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  Known For: Amazing wine scene, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Biltmore.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this cozy cabin for a luxurious and affordable place to stay just minutes from the heart of downtown Asheville!
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  Don't Miss: You can't visit Asheville, North Carolina, without stopping by The Biltmore, which is absolutely ravishing when its gardens bloom in spring!

Surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, combines epic outdoor adventure with mountain town charm for a wholly unique and wonderful experience. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene and a delightful mix of quirky eateries and acclaimed restaurants; the region is also home to beautiful wineries and world-renowned attractions.

The Biltmore Estate offers wheelchair-accessible paths and guided tours. Spring blooms make the gardens especially stunning for adult spring breakvisits.

8. Park City, Utah: Spring Skiing and Après-Style Relaxation

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  Closest Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport
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  Known For: Epic wintertime recreation and an impossibly charming apres ski setup.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Options abound in Downtown Park City, including this luxury VRBO.
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  Don't Miss: Explore Main Street via a trolley and be prepared to be swept off your feet by this beautiful town!

It doesn't get any more iconic mountain-town vacation than Park City, Utah. Known as one of the top ski destinations in the country, Park City is a veritable playground for winter sports enthusiasts. But the town's popularity wanes in the spring and summer months, which makes it a prime candidate for a low-key, outdoorsy getaway during this time of year. Because it's nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, you'll enjoy gorgeous mountain views from pretty much everywhere in Park City – and there truly is no "off-season" for the stellar views.

There's so much to keep you occupied in this pretty mountain town: start by exploring the shops, restaurants, and pubs along Main Street. During the warmer months, the same slopes and trails that attract skiers are just as alluring to hikers and mountain bikers. And the opportunity to experience the splendor of Park City – minus the heavy coats and the crowds – is truly something worth seeking out. Main Street shops and restaurants are mostly accessible. Off-season visitors can enjoy spring hikes and mountain biking without ski-season crowds.

9. Bardstown, Kentucky: Bourbon Trails and Small-Town Sophistication

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  Closest Airport: Louisville International Airport
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  Known For: One word: bourbon.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Options abound all around the heart of Historic Bardstown, including the luxurious Huston House.
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  Don't Miss: Definitely have dinner and a drink at The Old Talbott Tavern, the oldest bourbon bar in the country!

Easily the most spirited adult spring break destination in the U.S., Bardstown might just be the most unexpected, too. The Bourbon Capital of the World is a celebration of Kentucky's most acclaimed export, with Bardstown home to no fewer than 11 world-famous distilleries. After sampling your fill along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, opt for a historic night at the (allegedly) haunted Old Talbott Inn. Or, check out the newly renovated Bardstown Motor Lodge, a blissfully nostalgic hotel that's effortlessly cool and unabashedly retro. Intrigued? Many distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail offer guided tours with wheelchair access; book ahead for tasting experiences.

10. Cayucos, California: A Sleepy Beach Town with Big Coastal Charm

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  Closest Airport: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
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  Known For: Cayucos is known as the "Last of the California Beach Towns" and is a laid-back place that warmly welcomes all.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Regarding accommodations, given its location right on the Pacific, pretty much every hotel in town offers amazing views – Cayucos Sunset Inn Bed & Breakfast certainly does! And for those into charming coastal cottages, this stunning beachfront cottage is easily one of the rentals in the area!
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  Don't Miss: Grab your car or rent one if you fly into town, and explore the stunning California Coast on the Pacific Coast Highway!

Beautiful and dreamy, Cayucos is the epitome of the Golden State’s dazzling natural beauty and makes for an amazing and wholly memorable spring break getaway for adults. Colloquially referred to as the Last of the California Beach Towns, Cayucos is a laid-back town of around 3,000 located between Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean in San Luis Obispo County, making it convenient to reach, yet secluded enough to feel like an escape.

Even better? Given its position along Highway 1, the journey to Cayucos is as gorgeous as the destination itself! While most flock to this SoCal town in the summer, the Sea Glass Festival is reason enough for visiting this town in the spring. Each year, visitors come from all over the country to enjoy a weekend of artisan goods, beachside fun, live music, and an extensive marketplace of the finest sea glass art on the coast. Looking for a preview of what to expect in Cayucos? The Sea Glass Festival provides accessible viewing areas and street parking. Pacific Coast Highway drives offer breathtaking views with minimal walking required.

11. San Juan Islands: Whale Watching and Waterfront Serenity

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  Closest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma
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  Known For: Whale watching.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this beautiful waterfront suite via VRBO!
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  Don't Miss: You can't visit Friday Harbor without stopping by Lime Kiln Point State Park!

If you're looking for a buttoned-up, East Coast-style getaway that's not as crowded and has that special PNW je ne sais quoi, visit Washington's San Juan Islands. The slower pace of life on the San Juan Islands will instantly set your mind at ease, and it’s nearly impossible not to feel relaxed when surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country.

The whale watching, in particular, is amazing, and you’ll have a whole host of options when it comes to choosing how you wish to experience this bucket-list adventure. Whales can be spotted year-round, but the best time to visit if you’re hoping to see these giants is from mid-April through early October. That is the season when the whales feed on the runs of Pacific salmon and raise their young in the calm waters around the islands and in Haro Strait. Opt to embark on a chartered whale-watching tour from one of the many area guides. Or you can also explore the waterways on your own via kayak rentals and guided tours offered by local outfitters. We think whale watching in Washington might be the most epic spring break ever!

12. Bend, Oregon: High-Desert Beauty and Craft Beer Culture

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  Closest Airport: Redmond Municipal Airport
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  Known For: Epic outdoor recreation.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this luxury VRBO in Bend!
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  Don't Miss: Yes, people come to Bend for outdoor recreation, but pop culture fans know this charming PNW locale as the home to the last Blockbuster in their world!

The Pacific Northwest offers some of the most sublime outdoor recreation in the country. And while the Columbia River Gorge and Olympic National Park tend to steal the spotlight, there's a place in Central Oregon that's quite possibly the coolest under-the-radar spring break destination in the country. Bend is at the epicenter of the region's outdoor adventures: lakes, forests, caves – the landscape of Central Oregon is incredibly varied. And the opportunities for adventure are abundant.

Wanderlust Tours in Bend specializes in next-level outdoor adventures: epic, bucket-list-level escapades. These adventures are extraordinary in every way; you won't simply go hiking; you'll trek to the top of a volcano, into the depths of an ancient caldera, and overflows of molten rock. Or opt to take a sunset kayak tour via Wanderlust Tour, where you'll paddle through shockingly blue waters, with the mighty Cascades and expansive dark skies providing the most swoon-worthy backdrop. Parking is available at major trailheads.

13. Charlottesville, Virginia: Wine Country and Historic Elegance

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  Closest Airport: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
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  Known For: Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson's famed estate, Monticello, as well as thriving wine and craft brewery scenes.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: You'll find loads of amazing and affordable rentals in CVille, including this luxury home near town.
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  Don't Miss: Charlottesville's popular shops, restaurants, and ambiance converge in one main area, known as the historic Downtown Mall!

If the vineyards of Wine Country are beckoning, might we suggest a visit to Charlottesville, Virginia, instead? This charming Southern town, dubbed "CVille" by residents, is home to local restaurants, beautiful outdoor spaces, access to higher education, diversity, local art, and much more. Charlottesville is also just a quick drive from some of the best hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in Shenandoah National Park; these places take on an almost heavenly beauty during spring. For oenophiles, Virginia is one of the country's top wine-producing states, and the Charlottesville area alone is home to more than 40 wineries.

Some of the area's popular wineries include Barboursville, Jefferson Vineyards, Michael Shaps Wineworks, Early Mountain Vineyards, and King Family Vineyards, and both casual and serious wine aficionados alike will be quite happy sipping Charlottesville vintages whilst gazing out at the beguiling Blue Ridge Mountains. Monticello offers accessible tours and shuttle services. Charlottesville wineries typically provide wheelchair access and tasting areas.

14. Portland, Maine: Coastal Cuisine and Classic New England Style

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  Closest Airport: Portland International Jetport
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  Known For: Lobster, craft breweries, and lighthouses.
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  Where To Stay Nearby: Hotels abound in Portland, Maine, but we're partial to homey little rentals like this Romantic Bungalow Airbnb.
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  Don't Miss: Don't pass up the opportunity to visit the most photographed lighthouse in the country: Portland Light!

You might think we're crazy for suggesting an adult spring break getaway to Portland, Maine, but hear us out: come March, Portland begins to come alive with bustling ports and restaurants reopening, but without the summer crowds. Portland is a bicyclist’s paradise, too, and there are many places where one can rent a bike to ride along Commercial Street's downtown waterfront.

There's no shortage of things to do in Portland, Maine: stop at the Portland Science Center, East End Beach, the Eastern Promenade, Portland Observatory, Victoria Mansion, or the Portland Museum of Art. Dining options in Portland are equally numerous, with Duckfat, OTTO, and Nosh Kitchen Bar sure to fuel your adventures and warm your bones from the invigorating spring air! Portland is a bicyclist-friendly city with numerous rental options. Parking is available near Portland Head Light, Eastern Promenade, and downtown attractions.

When was the last time you planned a grown-up spring break? We highly recommend it! Leave the stress and work behind for a week or two – it will all be waiting for you when you return to a calmer, more relaxed, and happier version of yourself. Which of the best spring break destinations will you head to first?

Ready to plan your grown-up spring break? We have an itinerary planner you can utilize to craft your perfect U.S. getaway and explore the best destinations, culinary hotspots, and outdoor adventures for adults this spring.