Uh…Is it spring yet? Because we’re ready for a vacation. Luckily, March is here, meaning it’s time to plan your most exciting break since the holidays. What’s new this year? We crunched the numbers and discovered the 10 cheapest Spring Break destinations in North America (all with median flight prices less than $300) as well as cheap (and free) activities to do while you’re there.
Long Beach, California
Median price: $205
Long Beach had a head start on the tiny house rage with the nation’s skinniest house –it’s only ten feet wide. Head to the Rose Park neighborhood to grab a photo. (And see if the camera adds ten pounds to it.)
This city-on-the-water also features an eclectic art community. If you time it right, you can hit the Second Saturday Art Walk to experience the area’s murals and galleries. If you’re more into creating your own tour, check out the Public Art Map and go explore.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a flight of ice cream (you read that right) at Long Beach Creamery. Their ever-changing list of flavors will blow you away (as will the fact that it’s all local, organic ingredients).
Atlanta, Georgia
Median price: $223
Atlanta is home to big sports, music and events. But it’s also home to lesser-known experiences like the Center for Puppetry Arts. (Pro tip: there’s a Jim Henson exhibit open until June 28th).
There’s also Stone Mountain Park, featuring the world’s longest-running laser show and, you guessed it, a giant stone mountain.
Then, head to the Little Five Points neighborhood for an afternoon of strolling through quirky shops and restaurants. While you’re there, check out the Variety Playhouse for some great performances at affordable prices.
Seattle, Washington
Median price: $226
If you happen to be in Seattle the first Thursday of the month, you’re in luck. Tons of museums have free admission including the Museum of History and Industry and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
For a more hands-on approach, there’s no shortage of art walks through the city’s eclectic neighborhoods. You can find a full list here.
If you want to get outdoorsy, take public transportation to many of the area’s major trailheads for much cheaper than rideshare.
New York, New York
Median price: $231
Explore diverse neighborhoods, indulge in worldwide cuisines and experience an iconic Broadway show after walking under the lights of Times Square. If you don’t have a specific show in mind, you can grab same-day tickets at one of the three TKTS Discount Booths around the city.
Denver, Colorado
Median price: $234
There’s a mile-high list of things to do in Denver. First, grab some Voodoo Doughnuts, pack up the car and drive 30 minutes west of the city to Genesee Park to see wild buffalo roam (we suggest cranking Buffalo Springfield as you roll up).
Next, circle back for an even quicker drive to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater (which is totally free to explore when there’s no event scheduled).
And for the truly adventurous, make time to hike any of Colorado’s many 14ers (14,000+ ft. mountains). The reward? Epic photographs. The payment? Sweat and a potential existential crisis.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Median price: $236
North Carolina’s capital is bustling with universities. A great way to get a taste of campus life without racking up student debt is to explore the 55 acres of beauty at Duke Gardens located just up the road in Durham.
Once you’ve got the wheels turning, take a spin over to the North Carolina Museum of Art to check out the Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky. You’ll sit among the clouds and trees as a pinhole camera projects the outside world into a cozy hut.
You won’t want to leave, but when you do, make sure to check out Watts & Ward. This speakeasy with impeccable prohibition-era theming is a prime opportunity to relax after a long day.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Median price: $237
While in Vegas, take a break from the hustle and bustle and head over to the Neon Museum, which houses the city’s out-of-use neon signs over its 2.25-acre campus. Also known as the Neon Boneyard, it’s a must for photo ops and it’s less menacing than it sounds, we promise. Pro tip: If you’re in it for the photos, head over on a sunny day for great lighting and to wander at your own pace. If you want a vibrant show, visit at night when they turn on the signs for a brightly lit guided tour.
Then for some retro fun, step over to the Pinball Hall of Fame. Entrance is free with over 200 games to choose from (as long as you’ve got your quarters).
Orlando, Florida
Median price: $242
Theme parks, nightlife, food and plenty of outdoor activities welcome you in Orlando. While you’re there, make sure to check out Wekiwa Springs State Park just minutes from downtown to hike, picnic and swim in 72-degree water year-round. BYO float.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Median price: $248
If mouse-shaped treats aren’t calling your name, then get coastal in Fort Lauderdale. Hit the beach, explore downtown or take a boat ride through over 165 miles of canals. If you’re there on the second Friday of the month, head over to Peter Feldman Park for Food in Motion, complete with local food, music, and more.
Dallas, Texas
Median price: $265
Warm weather, Texas BBQ and no shortage of sports and activities. That’s what Dallas is all about. While there, make sure to get your fill of (free) art at the Dallas Museum of Art. And if counter-culture art is more your speed, pop over to The Fabrication Yard for some awesome (and legal) graffiti and photos.
Ready to start planning? No matter where you decide to go, we’re here to help.
Methodology
KAYAK considered flight searches conducted on the KAYAK site from July 1, 2019 through February 10, 2020 for Spring Break travel (February 28 through April 19, 2020) using flexible dates. All searches were pulled from KAYAK’s internal database.
