preloaddefault-post-thumbnail

Spring break has long had a reputation for all-night parties, binge drinking and all-around debauchery, but if you’re not a party animal, don’t fret: You can still get your spring break on with a low-key getaway.

Skip the wild scenes of Las Vegas or Cancun and check out one of these low-key spring break destinations.

San Diego, California

Enjoy warmer weather and sunny days as spring arrives on the sandy shores of San Diego. Take your pick of the beaches on the mainland or the island of Coronado, and don’t miss the museums, gardens and zoo at Balboa Park. If it’s just not spring break without at least one night of partying, you can hit up the bars in the city’s Gaslamp Quarter.

Washington, D.C.

Spend your spring break soaked in history in Washington, D.C., where you can cross a variety of national monuments and museums off your bucket list. This spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival comes to D.C. from March 20 through April 3, but plan to peep the blossoms during the peak viewing period of April 8-12.

Sedona, Arizona

If you want to get back to nature, why not spend your vacation exploring the grand red rocks of Sedona, Arizona? Hiking and biking are two ways you can explore Red Rock State Park, and after a day in this outdoor playground, unwind with a pampering massage or facial.

San Francisco, California

Enjoy both a lively and low-key spring break in the City by the Bay, where vibrant neighborhoods, a trendy dining scene and historical landmarks appeal to travelers of all sorts. You can even give spring break a hint of sophistication by trading rowdy bars for the serene wineries of neighboring Napa Valley.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

You don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach. April brings balmy weather (think 70s and 80s) that’s perfect for hanging out on the beach or enjoying a fun-filled day on the boardwalk. And if it’s golf you’re after, you’ll find plenty of options in Myrtle Beach, which is home to more than 100 courses.

(Main image: USDAgov)

About the author

Marissa WillmanMarissa Willman earned a bachelor's degree in journalism before downsizing her life into two suitcases for a teaching gig in South Korea. Seoul was her home base for two years of wanderlusting throughout six countries in Asia. In 2011, Marissa swapped teaching for travel writing and now calls Southern California home.

Explore more articles