8 perfect spring break destinations for beach haters

Beach haters, we see you. While the rest of us swoon about our oceanfront vacations, you’re cringing at the thought of homicidal seagulls, painful sunburns and sand in your pants. Not to worry: If you’re in search of warm-weather minus the sand, these spring break destinations are far from the beach, but close to plenty of action so you can live it up without the awkward tan lines.

New Orleans, LA

Sip on lemonade while hanging out in Jackson Square | Flickr CC: Prayitno

In between the madness of Mardi Gras and the sweltering Bayou summer lies a perfect time to visit N’awlins. The city loves a parade, and Easter Sunday brings at least three to the French Quarter, along with a public Easter egg hunt in City Park. Next up, enjoy the French Quarter Festival, a cultural smorgasbord featuring concerts, dance lessons, public lectures and films—all for free. The event includes countless food and drink vendors, so plan to work off those po’boys and crawfish rolls with a hike around Lafitte Greenway.

Washington, DC

You could spend your entire spring break working your way through the nation’s museums, but then you’d squander DC’s glorious springtime weather. Agree on a few indoor attractions for your itinerary, and spend the rest of your time outside. Pose for selfies at the monuments, ride the carousel on the National Mall, visit the National Zoo and catch a Washington Nationals baseball game. Even your meals can be had outdoors; how about a picnic on the mall or dinner al fresco in Dupont Circle?

Mexico City, Mexico

View from Chapultepec Park

Skip Cancun’s party scene and opt for a more sophisticated spring break in Mexico’s capital—preferably during the festivities of Semana Santa, but really anytime. In spring, high temperatures hover around 80 degrees, so spend the morning exploring the zoo and castle at Chapultepec Park or the archaeological site Teotihuacan. Then as the weather heats up, dip into an indoor attraction like the National Museum of Anthropology or the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Portland, OR

Who says spring break has to be Southern? The Pacific Northwest is ripe for exploring this time of year, with average high temps around 60 degrees—ideal for browsing the open-air Portland Saturday Market or touring 40 Instagram-worthy acres of flowers during the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest. Rainy-day contingencies abound, like the Portland Children’s Museum, Oregon Museum of Science & Industry and a handful of “play cafes” that offer space for kids to burn energy while parents get their caffeine fix. Try a new restaurant during Portland Dining Month, when three-course meals start at $33. If you really want to chill out, drive 90 miles east to Mount Hood, where some ski lifts operate year-round.

Memphis, TN

Skip the beer-soaked spring break music festivals in favor of a hickory-smoked good time in this barbecue and music mecca. Mild temperatures are perfect for events like the Silky O’Sullivan St. Patrick’s Day Parade on legendary Beale Street, Memphis Fashion Week and the home opener of the AAA Memphis Redbirds baseball team.

Grand Canyon, AZ

If you can’t stand crowds, then definitely steer clear of the Grand Canyon in summer. Instead, check this marvel off your bucket list in springtime, traveling from the town of Williams to the main attraction via the delightful Grand Canyon Railway. In March and April, high temperatures in the 50s and 60s are perfect for working up a sweat as you hike the Rim Trail. Parents can even sneak in some learning during spring break by enrolling kids in the Junior Ranger programs.

Austin, TX

Flickr CC: Woody Hibbard

Let’s start with the obvious: South by Southwest. The annual music/film/tech/awesomeness assembly happens in and around the Austin Convention Center. But that’s not the only draw to the Texas capital this time of year. Events like the contemporary art festival known as Art City Austin and Rodeo Austin make this trendy Texas town a worthy spring break destination for college students and families alike.

Orlando, FL

If you want balmy temperatures without the beach, then Central Florida in spring is just the ticket. Before the Sunshine State’s festival season gives way to summer humidity, it goes all out with events like Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida and the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. If theme parks aren’t your scene, then stay cool downtown when you explore the Orlando Science Center, peddle a swan boat around Lake Eola Park or take in Church Street nightlife.