15 Best Spring Break Destinations in the South

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When most people think “spring break in the South,” they picture packed beaches, pricey resorts, and traffic backed up for miles. But the South actually has a ton of destinations that feel relaxed, warm, and family-friendly — without the spring break chaos.

From historic coastal towns with oak-lined streets to Gulf-front beaches with soft white sand, this region delivers sunshine and easy vacation days in a way only the South can.

Whether you’re craving lazy beach mornings, epic outdoor adventures, or a cultural getaway with great food, these Southern spots make spring break feel special — not stressful.

Here are the best spring break destinations in the South that bring the charm, the warmth, and the perfect “we might never go home” energy. Ready to start planning?

HELPFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLIGHT DEALS

HOTEL DEALS

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TRAVEL INSURANCE

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VACATION RENTALS

HELPFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLIGHT DEALS

HOTEL DEALS

CAR RENTAL

TRAVEL INSURANCE

ACTIVITIES

VACATION RENTALS

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the definition of Southern spring break charm — cobblestone streets, live oak trees, pastel houses, and beaches just minutes away. It’s warm by March, walkable, and packed with food, history, and low-key adventures that are just as fun for kids as they are for grown-ups. You get a little beach vacation and a city break all in one.

Best things to do: Stroll Rainbow Row and the Battery, take a carriage tour through the historic district, explore the Charleston City Market, visit the South Carolina Aquarium, or hop over to Folly Beach or Isle of Palms for a beach day. If you want nature time, Angel Oak Tree and Shem Creek (with dolphin sightings!) are great with kids.

Where to stay: For a convenient, family-friendly downtown stay, The Mills House puts you near everything. For a more budget-friendly (and beachier) option, look at rentals or family resorts on Folly Beach instead.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

If your ideal spring break is calm beaches, biking trails, and nature over nightlife, Hilton Head is a dream pick. The island is incredibly family-friendly — wide bike paths, quiet shoreline, gentle waves, and tons of kid-approved outdoor activities that don’t require screens or lines. It feels polished but not pretentious, and March–April weather is gorgeous.

Best things to do: Spend lazy mornings biking along the island’s 60+ miles of paved trails, look for dolphins on a family-friendly boat tour, relax on Coligny Beach, explore Sea Pines Forest Preserve, or climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse for classic Lowcountry views. Golf and mini-golf are everywhere if you want easy entertainment.

Where to stay: Beach House Resort offers great value with beachfront access. For families who want more room and a kitchen, look at condo or villa rentals in Palmetto Dunes or Sea Pines.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is like stepping into a storybook — Spanish moss, shaded squares, historic streets, and a relaxing pace that makes it a perfect spring break escape. It’s walkable, warm by early spring, and packed with gorgeous parks, riverfront views, and plenty of easy day trips (including the beach!) if you want a mix of city and coast.

Best things to do: Wander the historic district and its 22 town squares, stroll Forsyth Park, walk along River Street, and enjoy the live oaks and architecture. For a beach day, Tybee Island is just 20–25 minutes away. Kids also love Bonaventure Cemetery’s old statues and winding paths — it’s peaceful, not spooky.

Where to stay: The Drayton Hotel offers a boutique feel in the heart of the historic district. For something more budget-friendly, look just across the bridge in Pooler — quick drive, much cheaper rates.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama

If you’re after soft white sand and warm Gulf water without Florida prices, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are a spring break win. The vibe is super family-friendly — think laid-back boardwalk restaurants, bike trails, calm surf, and tons of activities that don’t cost a fortune. It’s one of the best places in the South for a true beach week that still feels easy and relaxed.

Best things to do: Spend sunny days on Gulf State Park Beach, bike or stroll the Gulf State Park Trail, take the kids to The Wharf for a Ferris wheel ride and live music, or visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to spot wildlife and hike along the dunes. Dolphin cruises are also very popular (and affordable) for families.

Where to stay: For great value right on the sand, Best Western Premier The Tides in Orange Beach is a solid pick with breakfast included. If you want a condo with more space and a kitchen, check rentals near Gulf State Park — they typically have the best rates and easy beach access.

Destin, Florida (Emerald Coast)

If you’re chasing stunning turquoise water and powdery white sand, Destin is the superstar of the Gulf Coast — it looks like the Caribbean without the international flight. Spring is one of the best times to visit: warm enough for the beach, but before peak summer pricing and crowds hit. It’s packed with kid-friendly activities but still feels relaxed if you stay in the right areas.

Best things to do: Hang out at Henderson Beach State Park (clean, calm, and great for families), build sandcastles on Crystal Beach, explore HarborWalk Village, or take a snorkeling cruise to Crab Island (fun in shallow turquoise water). If you want a quieter beach day, nearby Miramar Beach is a great alternative.

Where to stay: Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach is a fantastic value of location + amenities, especially for families. For more space and kitchen access, look at vacation rentals near Crystal Beach — walkable and less hectic than the main strip.

Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island is a dream for families who want Florida sunshine without the theme-park chaos or shoulder-to-shoulder beaches. It has a relaxed, upscale feel but is still approachable, with peaceful shoreline, great biking paths, and a charming historic district that gives your beach trip a little extra character.

Best things to do: Swim or stroll at Fernandina Beach, look for seashells and wildlife at Fort Clinch State Park, explore the historic downtown district, or rent bikes to cruise the island’s flat scenic paths. If your family loves low-key adventures, sunrise shelling and sunset walks are basically vacation gold here.

Where to stay: Seaside Amelia Inn is a good budget-friendly pick close to the beach. If you want a resort-style stay with more amenities, Omni Amelia Island Resort delivers easy beach access, pools, and family activities.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is perfect if you want a beach vacation with a side of history and charm. It’s warm, walkable, and incredibly family-friendly, with cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and centuries-old landmarks you can explore at your own pace. You get the sand + learning + great food combo all in one.

Best things to do: Wander the historic district and its plazas, explore Castillo de San Marcos, stroll the Bridge of Lions, spend a day at St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach, and grab ice cream along the waterfront. The best budget-friendly surprise: tons of the town’s most scenic sights are completely free.

Where to stay: For great value in a central location, The Cozy Inn is a longtime family favorite. If you want a beachfront upgrade without a huge price jump, Embassy Suites Oceanfront St. Augustine Beach is a solid pick with breakfast included.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island is one of the most peaceful spring break destinations in the South — low crowds, wide beaches, biking everywhere, and a nature-first vibe that feels worlds away from busy resort towns. It’s part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, and spring is the perfect time to visit before summer humidity kicks in.

Best things to do: Bike the island’s paved trail system, explore the historic Jekyll Island Club district, watch sunrise at Driftwood Beach, look for sea turtles at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, or relax on Great Dunes Beach Park. The island is intentionally undeveloped in many areas, so it feels wild, quiet, and perfect for unplugging.

Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island is a great family-friendly option with easy beach access and solid value. For a more classic island experience, Jekyll Island Club Resort offers historic charm and bigger amenities while still staying relaxed and kid-friendly.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

If your ideal spring break is wide-open beaches, sand dunes, and a slower pace, the Outer Banks is perfect. Instead of high-rise condos and boardwalk crowds, you get natural beauty, historic lighthouses, and long stretches of coastline that feel peaceful even during peak travel times.

Best things to do: Climb the Bodie Island or Currituck Beach Lighthouse, explore the massive dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, watch wild horses in Corolla, or visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Beach walks, sunsets, and kite flying here are next-level.

Where to stay: Vacation rentals are the norm and often more affordable than hotels. If you want something walkable with more amenities, look in Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills for a great mix of access and value.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort is the quieter, more low-key sister to Charleston and Savannah — same moss-draped oaks and waterfront beauty, just without the crowds. It’s peaceful, walkable, and perfect for families who want a slower spring break surrounded by Lowcountry scenery.

Best things to do: Wander the historic district and its waterfront park, stop into small local shops and galleries, explore Hunting Island State Park for beach time and lighthouse views, or take a scenic drive under the live oaks on St. Helena Island. Kayaking through the salt marshes is another family favorite.

Where to stay: City Loft Hotel is a great boutique-style pick right downtown. If you want more space or easier beach access, look at vacation rentals near Hunting Island.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville might be famous for honky-tonks and live music, but it’s also a fantastic spring break spot for families — especially in early spring, when the weather is mild and outdoor festivals start popping up. The city has a surprisingly big park system, tons of free cultural attractions, and plenty to do beyond Broadway.

Best things to do: Visit the Parthenon replica at Centennial Park (very cool for kids), picnic or paddle around Radnor Lake State Park, explore the Adventure Science Center, and stroll 12South or The Gulch for murals + treats. If you do want music, afternoon shows are family-friendly and easy to catch without the late-night crowds.

Where to stay: For great value and walkability, Hyatt House Nashville/Downtown has kitchenettes and easy access to attractions. If you want quieter nights and better parking, consider Germantown or West End hotels just outside the core.

Asheville, North Carolina

If your spring break style leans more toward mountains than beaches, Asheville delivers in a big way. It’s artsy, scenic, ridiculously good for food lovers, and surrounded by some of the best hiking and waterfall trails in the South. Spring is especially beautiful here — wildflowers bloom early, and the Blue Ridge views are unbeatable.

Best things to do: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for easy overlooks, wander downtown’s shops and street art, explore the River Arts District, and hike family-friendly trails like Craggy Gardens or Graveyard Fields. If you want a splurge day, the Biltmore Estate is incredible and very kid-friendly (gardens + trails + farm animals).

Where to stay: Aloft Asheville Downtown puts you in the middle of everything with great value for families. For a quieter stay with mountain views, check cabin rentals just outside the city in Black Mountain or Weaverville.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs is one of the most unique spring break destinations in the South — part historic spa town, part national park, and part quirky mountain escape. It’s easy, affordable, and great for families who want a mellow getaway with nature, walkable streets, and fun history mixed in.

Best things to do: Stroll Bathhouse Row, hike the easy trails inside Hot Springs National Park, visit the Mountain Tower for views, or take the kids to Garvan Woodland Gardens, which is beautiful in spring. Some bathhouses even have family-friendly or private soak areas if you want the spa experience without turning it into a “grown-ups only” afternoon.

Where to stay: The Waters Hotel is a solid boutique pick right in the historic district. For a more budget-friendly stay close to nature, check hotels and rentals near Lake Hamilton.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is warm, walkable, and full of history — perfect for families who want sun and culture without the price tag of bigger Texas cities. Spring is one of the best times to go (before summer heat sets in), and the River Walk alone is worth the trip.

Best things to do: Stroll the San Antonio River Walk, visit The Alamo, explore the San Antonio Missions (a UNESCO site and mostly free), and take the kids to the San Antonio Zoo or Hemisfair Park splash pad and playground. For a nature break, Natural Bridge Caverns is an easy favorite.

Where to stay: Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk is a family standby with breakfast + evening snacks included. If you want a resort-style feel without a huge price tag, Hyatt Regency Hill Country (a little outside downtown) is great for kids.

South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island is one of the warmest spring break spots in the South — and while parts of it are known for the college crowd, families can easily avoid that scene by staying on the north end of the island or timing activities earlier in the day. The water warms up faster here than almost anywhere else on the Gulf, which means actual swimming weather by March.

Best things to do: Relax on the quieter beaches at the north end, visit Sea Turtle Inc., walk the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, and take a dolphin-watching cruise. Sandcastle lessons are also really popular with families — and way more fun than you’d expect.

Where to stay: Look for family resorts or condo rentals in North Padre for a calmer atmosphere. Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island is a great middle-ground option with easy beach access and kid-friendly amenities.

The South really shines in spring — warm weather arrives early, beach towns come to life, and the mountains start waking up after winter. Whether you want sand between your toes, cobblestone streets and history, or scenic hikes and fresh air, there’s a Southern spring break spot for every type of family.

The secret is choosing style over crowds: quieter beaches over party strips, charming towns over mega-resorts, nature over noise. And that’s exactly what these destinations deliver — sunshine, comfort, and space to actually relax.

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