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Summer Waves Water Park (Source: JekyllIsland.com)
Is it just us, or does spring break seem to creep up earlier each year? With packed family calendars and juggling life’s day-to-day activities, planning a vacation somehow ends up at the bottom of the to-do list. But, not to worry! Now is the perfect time to book a fun-filled family trip that doesn’t break the bank. We’ve rounded-up IHG Hotels & Resorts’ top trending spring break U.S. destinations for the ultimate vacation your whole crew will love!
Daytona Beach (Source: FloridaEscape.com)
Daytona Beach, Florida
Deemed one of the most popular beach spots in the country, Daytona Beach makes for the perfect destination for your family’s spring break getaway. With endless sandy shores and deep blue waters, you’ll find countless activities for the ideal beach day – whether you want to play beach volleyball, build the ultimate sandcastle, go water skiing or parasailing. If you’re in need of reprieve from the sand, Daytona Beach is a short drive to some of the area’s most popular attractions, including Daytona International Speedway – home to the annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Cup Series motor race.
Where to Stay: Steps away from the water sits Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront – starting from US$94.99 – offering spacious accommodations with private balconies or patios providing stunning ocean views. Find an array of family-friendly amenities, such as an oversized heated pool, children’s splash park, relaxing hot tub and cozy firepits. After a long day of fun in the sun, dine at the full-service restaurant H20 Bar and Grill, featuring indoor or alfresco seating overlooking the pool deck and the Atlantic Ocean.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach (Source: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center)
Destin, Florida
Known as the “world’s luckiest fishing village,” Destin’s sugar-white beaches and vibrant emerald waters makes for a popular family-friendly destination that also offers some of the best fishing in the world. For those wanting to explore beyond the beach, check out HarborWalk Village for a day filled with dolphin and pirate cruises, interactive kids’ activities, and art galleries. If you want to visit one of the largest water parks on the Emerald Coast, take the family to Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park – where you’ll find more than 40 water slides, plenty of waterfalls, and shallow pools for young children.
Where to Stay: Located directly on the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach offers convenient access to some of the area’s most sought-after family attractions. After a day of sandcastle-building, drift away in the hotel’s lazy river or take a swim in the indoor heated pool. Plus, with amenities including a game room, Dive-Inn movies kids club and beachfront tiki bar, there are activities for the whole family to enjoy. Rates start from US$198.55.
Sebastian Inlet State Park (Source: Indian River County CVB)
Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne, also known as Harbor City, not only offers spectacular waters and warm sunshine, but there’s an abundance of family-friendly activities to satisfy the water sports enthusiast, budding historian, or animal lover in the family. Explore Sebastian Inlet State Park for a day of surfing, swimming or tubing. Learn about the area’s fishing industry history with a visit to Sebastian Fishing Museum, embrace your inner astronaut at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – home to the U.S. space program, or observe more than 900 animals representing over 195 species from all over the world at Brevard Zoo.
Where to Stay: A short drive to Melbourne’s most popular attractions, Crowne Plaza Melbourne-Oceanfront – starting from US$189.05 – is conveniently situated along the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel provides guests with stunning views and oceanfront suites with balconies for magical sunrise and sunset gazing. After exploring the best Melbourne has to offer, relax poolside at the outdoor heated pool and grab a bite with oceanfront dining at Longboards Oceanfront Grille.
Driftwood Beach (Source: Golden Isles CVB)
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Home to some of the best beaches and most exquisite wildlife Georgia has to offer, Jekyll Island is the epitome of an unforgettable spring break destination. Learn about sea turtles and other coastal wildlife at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or splash around at Summer Waves Water park. Explore the wonders of Driftwood Beach, where you’ll find weathered driftwood and trees left behind from years of erosion – resembling nature’s very own work of art.
Where to Stay: A short 1.5 miles from Jekyll Island’s hottest spots is Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island – which starts from US$132.05. The hotel is centrally located for everything on your family’s itinerary. You’ll find panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, wide open lawns (perfect for playing fetch!), and a dog-friendly poolside bar and grill. Be sure to check out the on-property bike rentals to take a ride around the island.
Warm up with Texas
Schlitterbahn Waterpark (Source: Schlitterbahn.com/Galveston)
Galveston, Texas
Texas offers its own Gulf Coast paradise right in Galveston, with its soft-sanded beaches, historic charm, and the largest collection of Victorian-era architecture in the country. After spending the day playing in the sand at Galveston Beach, wash off with the towering water slides at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. For a day of learning, check out the aquarium and rainforest at Moody Gardens. Then, follow the Galveston Seawall downtown to read up on the history of this seaport island at the Strand Historic District and the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Seaside Resort – starting from US$170.05 – is perfectly situated near Galveston’s must-do activities and offers a quiet escape with oceanfront views. After spending the day out and about, kiddos enjoy the infinity-edge pool, mini golf and arcade, while parents relax with beverages from the swim-up poolside bar.
Rainey Street – Austin, Texas (Source: Condé Nast Traveler)
Austin, Texas
For a trip filled with bustling energy, mouthwatering food and eclectic culture – Austin is the place to be. Soak in the unique blend of live music on the infamous 6th Street, providing a true representation of the independent spirit of Texas. Go on a family walk or bike ride with a tour of must-see’s around the city. Bring the whole family (including your dog!) to have a bite at one of the many delectable restaurants and food trucks on Rainey Street. Check out the Texas State Capitol, which showcases remarkable late 19th-century construction topped off with an incredible view of the Colorado River.
Where to Stay: Check out Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake – located a quarter mile from the Rainey Street Entertainment District – offering an outdoor rooftop pool and gorgeous views of Lady Bird Lake. Dine at The Boathouse Grill for breakfast, lunch or dinner and kids 11 and under eat and stay for free. Book now with rates starting from US$122.55.
Head out west
Joshua Tree National Park (Source: The Guardian)
Palm Springs, California
From morning hikes with breathtaking nature to admiring an emerging art scene, Palm Springs offers a unique twist to the traditional spring break trip. For an adventure, take the family on a 4-mile roundtrip hike with a 60-foot waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon. For wildlife aficionados, check out The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens to observe more than 500 desert animals in their natural habitats. Take a short trip over to the scenic Joshua Tree National Park for day hiking, sunset watching or star gazing.
Where to Stay: Staybridge Suites Cathedral City – Palm Springs – starting from US$179.55 – resides in the heart of Coachella Valley surrounded by stunning mountains and magnificent scenery. After spending the day exploring Palm Springs’ hottest escapades, relax at the hotel’s heated outdoor pool with views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The hotel also provides spacious living areas and full kitchens – perfect for spending cozy evenings together as family.
Great Salt Lake (Source: Utah.com)
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City offers picturesque mountains, adventurous rock climbing, wildlife spotting and, of course, top-notch skiing. Head out to Great Salt Lake for a day of family hiking followed by a relaxing picnic. Embrace the cold and spend the day out on the ski slopes (yes, it’s not too late!) at Snowbird Mountain. Or, take a leisure bike ride and observe the tranquil nature scenery at Liberty Park.
Where to Stay: Minutes from Salt Lake City’s best-in-class skiing, dining and shopping, Staybridge Suites Midvale – starting at US$146.21 – is centrally located to it all. The hotel offers easy slope access via ski bus to Snowbird, Alta, Solitude and Brighton. Wake up to dreamy views of snowy mountains and spend the evenings relaxing with the hotel’s heated outdoor pool and spa.
Unlimited 2X points are back just in time for your spring break trip! IHG Rewards members can register and stay by March 31, 2022 for the opportunity to earn unlimited double points on every qualifying stay. To take advantage of this offer, members can register via ihg.com/2xen. Non-members can visit IHG Rewards to learn more or register to become a member.
To explore and plan your unforgettable vacation, visit ihg.com.
