10 US States Perfect for Spring Break (No Passport Required)

Read time: 5 min 15 sec

I usually write about places like Japan and Albania. But here's the thing: if you're not ready to navigate a foreign airport with kids in tow, or you're looking at your budget and thinking "maybe not this year," you don't need to leave the country to have an incredible family trip.

The US has world-class beaches, national parks that rival anything overseas, and cities that feel like stepping into another culture. No visa applications. No currency exchange. No 12-hour flights.

And honestly? For a lot of families, domestic travel is simply more budget friendly. The United States is a huge, diverse country. You'll spend less, stress less, and your kids will still have stories to tell when they get back to school.

Here are 10 states that deliver unforgettable spring break experiences. I've been to all of them (I live in California), and I'm telling you: these trips are worth your PTO.

1. California: Everything in One State

Why families love it:

• Variety that's unmatched: You can do beaches (San Diego, Santa Barbara), desert (Joshua Tree, Palm Springs), mountains (Tahoe, Mammoth), and iconic cities (SF, LA) all in one trip

• National parks you've never heard of: Skip crowded Yosemite and hit Channel Islands National Park. Sea caves, snorkeling, and zero crowds.

• Year-round perfect weather: 70°F and sunny in March? That's just Tuesday here.

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $2,500-$4,000

• Flights: Varies by origin ($200-$600 per person)

• Hotels: $150-$250/night (plenty of family-friendly options)

• Activities: Beach days are free, theme parks add up fast

Insider tip: Southern California in March is ideal. Skip LA traffic and base yourself in San Diego or Orange County.

2. Hawaii: Not Just Waikiki

Why families love it:

• Kauai's Napali Coast is jaw-dropping: Helicopter rides over sea cliffs that make your kids understand why nature matters

• Big Island has volcanoes: Kids can literally see the earth being made. Try that at Disney.

• Maui balances adventure and beach time: Snorkeling, luaus, and the best poke you'll ever eat

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $4,500-$7,000

• Flights: $400-$800 per person from the West Coast

• Hotels: $250-$400/night (condos save money on food)

• Food: Eat poke from local shops, not resort restaurants

Insider tip: Maui and Kauai > Oahu for families. More space, less crowds, better beaches.

3. Florida: More Than Theme Parks

Why families love it:

• The Keys feel like the Caribbean: Drive over 42 bridges, snorkel in crystal-clear water, eat key lime pie

• Disney and Universal are world-class: Yes, they're crowded. Yes, they're expensive. Yes, your kids will remember them forever.

• So many beach options: Gulf Coast (Clearwater, Naples) or Atlantic side (Miami, West Palm)

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $3,000-$6,000+

• Flights: $250-$500 per person

• Hotels: $150-$300/night (more near theme parks)

• Theme parks will double your budget if you go

Insider tip: The Keys in March = perfection. 80°F, low humidity, and way fewer tourists than summer.

4. Arizona: Desert Magic

Why families love it:

• Sedona's red rocks are surreal: Hiking, vortex tours (yes, really), and scenery that doesn't look real

• Grand Canyon needs no explanation: South Rim is easy with kids. Do the sunrise.

• Spring training baseball: 15 MLB teams play games in March. Cheap tickets, small stadiums, perfect weather.

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $2,000-$3,500

• Flights: $200-$400 per person

• Hotels: $120-$200/night (Phoenix has great deals)

• Activities: National parks are cheap, golf adds up

Insider tip (from someone who lived there 5 years): March is peak Arizona weather. Book early. And if you golf, play We-Ko-Pa Saguaro or Camelback Ambiente.

5. Utah: National Park Central

Why families love it:

• Five national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion, Capitol Reef. All within driving distance.

• Zion's Narrows hike is unforgettable: Wading through a river in a slot canyon with your kids? They'll talk about it for years.

• Moab is adventure basecamp: Biking, hiking, and terrain that looks like Mars

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $2,200-$3,800

• Flights: Fly into Salt Lake City or Las Vegas

• Hotels: $100-$180/night (Springdale near Zion, Moab near Arches)

• Food: Pack snacks, limited restaurants in park towns

Insider tip: March can still be cold at elevation. Zion and Arches are your best bets for spring break weather.

6. Colorado: Mountain Towns Done Right

Why families love it:

• Ski towns without skiing: In March, you can still ski, but you can also hike, bike, and explore without winter crowds

• Telluride, Aspen, Breckenridge: Each has its own vibe. Telluride is my favorite (less pretentious than Aspen, more charming than Breck).

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Elk, mountains, alpine lakes. Late March might still have snow, but it's stunning.

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $3,500-$6,000

• Flights: Denver is the hub ($250-$500 per person)

• Hotels: $200-$400/night in resort towns

• Activities: Skiing is pricey, hiking is free

Insider tip: Late March = shoulder season. Better prices, fewer crowds, still great skiing.

7. Oregon: Coffee, Coast, and Golf

Why families love it:

• Bandon Dunes Golf Resort: If you golf, this is a pilgrimage. World-class courses on ocean cliffs.

• Portland is weird in the best way: Donuts, coffee culture, Powell's Books (an entire city block of books)

• Bend is an outdoor paradise: Hiking, breweries (for you), and a cool mountain town vibe

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $2,500-$4,000

• Flights: Portland airport is great ($200-$450 per person)

• Hotels: $120-$220/night

• Activities: Coast is free, Bandon Dunes is expensive (worth it)

Insider tip: March on the Oregon coast = moody, beautiful, and way less crowded than summer. Bring rain jackets.

8. Michigan: Sand Dunes and Surprise Golf

Why families love it:

• Sleeping Bear Dunes: Massive sand dunes on Lake Michigan. Kids can run, roll, and climb for hours.

• Great Lakes feel like oceans: Minus the sharks and salt. Plus, fresh water = easier cleanup.

• Underrated golf: Forest Dunes, Arcadia Bluffs, Shepherd's Hollow, Bay Harbor. Legitimately world-class courses.

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $2,000-$3,200

• Flights: Detroit or Grand Rapids ($200-$400 per person)

• Hotels: $100-$180/night

• Activities: Beaches are free, golf courses are pricey

Insider tip: Late March might be cold (40s-50s). Better for late April/May, but if you go, Traverse City is your base.

9. Washington: Islands, Seafood, Seattle

Why families love it:

• San Juan Islands are peaceful and beautiful: Ferries, forests, orcas. Feels remote without being hard to reach.

• Seattle has Pike Place, Space Needle, and great food: Your kids will love throwing fish (watching, not actually throwing).

• Olympic National Park: Rainforests, mountains, and rugged coast all in one park

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $2,800-$4,500

• Flights: Seattle-Tacoma airport ($250-$500 per person)

• Hotels: $150-$250/night (Seattle), less on the islands

• Ferries: Budget $50-$100 for car + passengers

Insider tip: March in Washington = rain. Embrace it. The greenery is incredible, and you'll have trails to yourself.

10. New York: The City That Has Everything

Why families love it:

• You can do it all in one day: Lox and bagels at Russ & Daughters for breakfast, a Broadway matinee in the afternoon, Knicks game at night

• Museums are world-class: Natural History, MoMA, the Met. Rainy day? No problem.

• Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge: Iconic for a reason

Spring break budget (family of 4, 7 days): $4,000-$7,000+

• Flights: $200-$500 per person

• Hotels: $250-$500/night (prices are brutal)

• Food: $100+ per day (easily)

Insider tip: March in NYC = unpredictable weather. Pack layers. And yes, it's expensive, but your kids will never forget it.

Why Start Here Before Going International

Look, I love international travel. I've written entire newsletters about Albania and finding great airlines for overseas trips.

But here's the truth: if you've never traveled much as a family, these US trips let you build confidence without the stress of passports, language barriers, and long flights.

Your kids learn to be flexible. You learn to pack lighter. Everyone gets comfortable being somewhere new.

And then? When you're ready to take that international leap, you'll do it with experience under your belt.

Spring Break Action Plan

If you're booking for March 2025:

• Book flights NOW. Spring break prices spike in February.

• Look for hotels with free breakfast (saves $50-$80/day for a family of 4)

• Most of these states have Marriott or Hilton properties with solid family options

Most importantly: Just pick one. Overthinking is what keeps families home year after year.

More from The World Unfolding:

• How American families can travel more

• My favorite hotel brands for families

• The trip to Japan that changed how I see travel

Want these every week? Follow me on LinkedIn for travel insights between Thursdays.

Until next Thursday,
Jeff