Trying to plan your next vacation and have major sticker shock? Scroll to find out some affordable spring break trips for families in the U.S.
This list of affordable spring break trips for families was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Spring break will be here before you know it. Where are you and your family looking to head to this year?
If you haven’t come up with a great destination that’s not going to cost you a ton of money, no need to worry. There’s still time to find the right Spring Break vacation that fits your wallet.
We’ve come up with 7 great locations across the U.S. that are extremely affordable and also ideal for larger families.
Whether your family loves camping, sunbathing on the beach or exploring a museum, we’ve got you covered. Here are 7 affordable spring break options for big families.
7 Incredible Inexpensive Places to Go for Spring Break in the US
1. Visit Washington D.C During Spring Break
For most people, Washington D.C is not the first place that they would think of for a spring break with their family. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, spring break is the perfect time to visit the city.
While you may have seen Washington D.C on TV and in magazines, these iconic buildings, memorials, and monuments that need to be witnessed in person. These all make for great photo spots in Washington DC, too!
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which happens to be right around spring break.
You’ll also want to stop by and tour George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. Catching a game at Nationals Park will be a fun night out at the ballpark.
What to do in Washington, D.C.
MONUMENTS
Some of the most famous monuments include Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Capitol Building.
You can even see several Washington D.C. monuments on an electric cart tour!
MUSEUMS
There are also many museums at the National Mall that won’t cost you a penny to get in.
- Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
- Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
- Smithsonian Museum of American History
- Smithsonian African Art Museum
- Smithsonian Portrait Gallery
- and so many more!
TOURS
Because there is so much history and culture in Washington, D.C., taking a tour is a great way to find out a bit more about what you are looking at. Plus, you might learn about some cool secrets and scandals!
- Guided Tour of Washington, D.C.
- Washington D.C. Segway Tour (I’ve done this and it was a blast!)
- Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour
Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. can be a pricey place to stay. Thankfully, there are some budget options available.
- Days Inn by Wyndham is just 1.5 blocks away from a Metro Station, for a cheap way to explore the city.
- Hotel Harrington is just 2 blocks from a Metro Station and several blocks from a Smithsonian Museum.
- The Baron Hotel is just a 3-minute walk to Embassy Row.
2. Why Visit Philadelphia during Spring Break
The City of Brotherly Love is next up on our list. So much history and heritage have come out of Philadelphia.
Whether you’re a history buff or not, the city of Philadelphia is a great spring break destination. There are at least 20 museums in the city that you and your family can enjoy for free.
The famous Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the Franklin Institute are among the few that won’t cost you a dime. You also can catch a ball game at Citizens Bank Park.
Lastly, there’s the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, which has fun and entertainment for the whole family.
What to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you are looking for an educational Spring Break trip, Philly has you covered.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
HISTORY TOURS
- Founding Fathers Tour of Philadelphia
- Amish Country Tour in Lancaster County
- Philadelphia Horse Drawn Carriage Tour
FOOD TOURS
- 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour
- Sunday Italian Family Dinner Tour
- Flavors of Philly Tour
Where to Stay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The Notary Hotel is within walking distance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Fairmount Park, the Liberty Bell Center, and more.
- Days Inn by Wyndham is directly across the street from the Philadelphia Convention Center, and within walking distance to many of the city’s historic attractions.
- Extended Stay America offers free grab-and-go breakfast, which saves money on food costs.
3. Visit Key West FL During Spring Break with your Family
Believe it or not, a trip to Key West, Florida can be extremely affordable, even if you have a larger family.
Although extremely busy in the summer, it’s a beach destination that most travelers don’t even think of as a spring break spot. That makes it a less crowded place to visit, and during spring break, that’s just what you’re looking for.
Head over to the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor for an excellent spot to sunbathe. Smathers Beach is another great option for people-watching, swimming, or trying to improve your volleyball game.
The Key West Marine Park and the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center are places that you’ll want to take your kids.
And you can totally turn it into a road trip from Miami to Key West!
What to do in Key West, Florida
Key West is perfect for families looking for a relaxing, beachy vacation.
BOAT TRIPS
FOOD TOURS
- Key West Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
- Secret Food Tour Key West
- Seafood Lovers Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
ATTRACTIONS
Where to Stay in Key West, Florida
- The Laureate Key West has a pool, a kitchen, and it’s close to the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.
- DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Grand Key has a pool, is close to the beach, and you can rent bikes nearby.
- Ibis Bay Beach Resort is on a private beach and has free breakfast.
4. Visit Savannah GA During Spring Break
If you’ve never been to the historic city of Savannah, Georgia, you’re missing out on a beautiful city with a lot of history.
The historic River Street has centuries-old structures that have been converted into pubs, restaurants, coffee, and antique shops. And there are tons of things to do in Savannah for families.
If you or your kids are into ghosts, there are several ghost tours that are neat to check out. If your family enjoys museums, Tricentennial Park has the Savannah History Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, and the Savannah Children’s Museum.
There’s also the beautiful Forsyth Park in Savannah, which has two playgrounds and lots of space for your kids to run around in. If you want to head over and see where Forrest Gump sat for the famous park bench scene, head over to Chippewa Square.
Are you needing a beach destination? Not far from here, Tybee Island is an amazing beach to hit up with your family.
What to do in Savannah, Georgia
There are so many beautiful things to see here and Savannah also has a long history with ghosts!
BOAT TRIPS
CULTURAL TOURS
- Savannah Culinary and Cultural History Walking and Tasting Tour
- Historic Savannah Walking Tour
- Historic Overview of Savannah Trolley Tour
GHOST TOURS
- Creepy Crawl Night-Time Haunted Pub Walking Tour
- Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour
- Genteel & Bard’s Savannah Dark History & Ghost Encounter Tour
Where to Stay in Savannah, Georgia
There are tons of budget-friendly hotels in Savannah, Georgia that are perfect for families.
- Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District is one block from River Street, City Market, and historic Broughton Street.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District offers a free full, hot breakfast every morning and light snacks on some evenings.
- The DeSoto has welcomed presidents, celebrities, and visitors since 1890 and is within walking distance from Forsyth Park.
5. You’ll Love Visiting Galveston TX in Spring Break
When you think of Texas during spring break, do you picture beaches, theme parks, and waterparks? Probably not. But that’s just what awaits you in Galveston, Texas. There’s a handful of Texas beaches in Galveston that your family can choose from.
If your family enjoys the outdoors and recreational activities, Galveston Island State Park is right up your alley. They have camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing and bird watching. It only costs $5 a person, while kids 12 and under can get in for free.
There’s also the Pleasure Pier, which has amusement rides, games, restaurants, and fun for the whole family.
What to do in Galveston, Texas
Galveston is a great place to go if you want to mostly relax and to just a few things.
GHOST TOURS
- Historic Galveston Ghost Tour
- Segway Galveston Haunted Legends Ghost Tour
- Ghost on the Strand Ghost Tour
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
- Historic Ports, Pirates & Architecture Tour
- E-Bike Island Adventure Tour
- Galveston Island: Private Guided Tour
Where to Stay in Galveston, Texas
- Holiday Inn Resort Galveston is at the premier San Luis Resort in the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast.
- Moody Gardens Hotel Spa & Convention Center is close to some of Galveston’s most popular landmarks, like the Galveston Fishing Pier.
- Hilton Galveston Island Resort is situated on the historic Seawall Boulevard at the 32-acre San Luis Resort and is within close walking distance of the beach, fishing piers, shopping and restaurants.
6. Why Visit San Diego California During Spring Break
It really doesn’t matter when you visit San Diego. It seems like it’s always pleasant there. And you can totally get a full vacation with just 3 days in San Diego!
San Diego has many white sandy beaches to catch a wave or just to relax on. But if you’re looking for the right spot for a sunset, Pacific Beach Pier is it.
Your family will love Balboa Park, that’s jam-packed with museums, gardens, theatres, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. These are popular California landmarks.
Another neat encounter, the USS Midway Museum, is a humbling experience to board this naval aircraft that houses many aircraft.
Our favorite thing to do in San Diego is visiting LEGOLAND California! It has a more laid-back vibe than Disneyland but there are so many fun things for kids to do.
Read my tips for saving money at LEGOLAND.
What to do in San Diego, California
There are really countless activities to do in San Diego, but here are a few that caught my eye:
BOAT TOURS
ATTRACTIONS
DAY TRIPS
- Tijuana City and Shopping Trip
- Baja California Coastal Day Trip from San Diego
- Tijuana Food Tasting Tour
Where to Stay in San Diego, California
- Bahia Resort Hotel is a waterfront property on a 14-acre picturesque peninsula in San Diego’s scenic Mission Bay.
- Pacific Terrace Hotel is located at the far north end of Pacific Beach’s oceanfront boardwalk, with easy access to exceptional surfing, sailing, fishing, and cycling.
- Kona Kai Resort & Spa is located near private beaches, lush tropical gardens, and offers astounding bay and marina views along San Diego’s most magnificent stretch of waterfront.
7. Visit Maine During Spring Break:
While it might still be a little cool in Maine for spring break, it’s still a neat place to visit. The lodging and rates are much cheaper because it’s not peak season yet.
Acadia National Park can get extremely crowded with visitors later on in the summer. Heading into this epic park will give your family a more intimate experience. Plus, there are tons of things to do near Acadia that your whole family will love.
Is your family looking to get one more chance at skiing for the year? Sugarloaf in Maine has year-round skiing, along with spring activities for your family to take advantage of.
You may not want to take a dip just yet, but the beaches in Portland, Maine would make an amazing stop. But hey, you might get lucky and be there during a heatwave. Portland is definitely one of the best places to visit in Maine.
While you’re in Portland, be sure to do a Maine Foodie Tour, check out their famous lighthouses, and ride around on a vintage firetruck for a tour of Portland.
What to do in Maine
Maine is such a stunning place to explore the outdoors plus it has an incredible history.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
HISTORY & CULTURAL TOURS
Where to Stay in Maine
- The Anchorage by the Sea is Ogunquit’s most renowned, year-round oceanfront resort.
- Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center is just one mile from downtown Bar Harbor and the main entrance to Acadia National Park.
- Hampton Inn Portland Downtown offers free breakfast and is nestled in the city’s Old Port District and offers breathtaking views of lovely Casco Bay and the historic waterfront.
Where to Go for Spring Break in the US
These are 7 inexpensive places to go for spring break options that are perfect for bigger families. Which of these destinations do you think is in the forecast for your next family spring break vacation?
Looking for more Spring getaway ideas? Find out the best spring break destinations in Europe, how to save money on spring break, best US cities in Spring, and spring break destinations to learn about history!
