If the idea of spending another spring break pressed against the sweaty bodies of thousands of other spring breakers makes you queasy, then fear no more. You can go on spring break and enjoy it, too—even if you loathe big crowds. The trick is simply knowing where to look. So take a deep breath and set your sights on any of these great destinations, which offer fun and relaxation without all the tourist hordes.
Charleston, SC
Temperate weather, southern hospitality, historical charm, great beach access, tolerable crowds—in Charleston, the living is easy. Stroll the peaceful downtown, enjoy unique dining options, or learn about Charleston history on an evening ghost tour. In the spring, the city’s high temps range from the upper 60s to the low 80s; on hot days, head to any of the nearby beaches, which include upscale Kiawah Island, the family-friendly Isle of Palms, laid-back Folly Beach, tranquil Seabrook Island, or the seaside town of Sullivan’s Island. If any one of these beach destinations is too crowded for your taste, simply move on to the next one—they’re all gorgeous, so you really can’t go wrong.
Madison, WI
Madison might be a bit chilly in the early spring, but that just means you’ll have fewer tourists to contend with as you explore this awesome city. Because it’s a university town, it’s no surprise that Madison is home to stellar food and vibrant nightlife—but its positive attributes don’t stop there. The city offers loads of craft breweries and tons of outdoor recreation opportunities, including some within the city’s limits: Madison is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, so it’s easy to rent a bike and spend hours exploring its parks and nature trails. There are also plenty of lakeside beaches nearby, but be prepared for more of a polar bear swim than a relaxing dip. If physical activity isn’t your thing, then opt for a leisurely stroll along the city’s “museum mile,” which features boutique shopping and stellar bars.
Portland, OR
While most spring breakers head south to warmer climes, avoid the crowds by beelining to the Pacific Northwest. Great food, stellar craft beers, interesting neighborhoods, the famous Powell’s Books, and access to awesome outdoor recreation make Portland a great destination for anyone looking to unwind without getting bored. If you can’t live without beaches on your spring break, then buckle up for a gorgeous one-hour drive to either Cannon Beach or Seaside, both of which feature gorgeous coastal landmarks and uncrowded beaches. (But be warned: In March, the water is likely to be cold.)
Savannah, GA
Elegant, tranquil, and friendly, Savannah makes for the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate. Don’t miss a stroll through the historical district, which is chock full of Antebellum-style architecture and gorgeous oak trees covered in Spanish moss. Also enjoy the thriving arts scene, riverside dining, or nighttime ghost tours. If you’re craving the beach, head to nearby Tybee Island, which boasts three oceanfront beaches and two river beaches. With so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find a locale that offers the peace and quiet you seek.
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis may not have a reputation as a popular spring break destination, but it probably should. Beauty abounds here, where the city’s pretty architecture is reflected in the soothing meanders of the Mississippi River. There’s plenty to do, as well: Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, stroll through the lovely Forest Park, snap some shots for Instagram under the famous Gateway Arch, or revel in the city’s food and nightlife scene. Want some time in the sand? Rent a car and head to any of the city’s nearby lake beaches, which offer stellar scenery sans hordes of tourists.
From the American South to the Pacific Northwest and several places in between, crowd-free destinations await the spring breaker in the know.
—
This post was posted by TheHipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on 16/03/2016.
