5 long-weekend getaways to try this spring
Last-minute travelers rejoice! A spring break trip to these stellar cities requires little to no advance planning.
By Tanvi Chheda | February 15, 2024 (Updated February 12, 2026)
Life can pull you in multiple directions, sometimes leaving little time to plan a much-needed getaway. Sound familiar? Well, good news: We’ve curated five urban destinations that combine warm springtime temperatures, delicious eats, and — best of all — barely any planning. From cartoon encounters in Orlando to fresh beignets in New Orleans and hiking in Utah, there’s something on this list to put a little spring in everyone’s step.
In this article: Destinations for an easy spring break getaway
San Diego
A young city that feels very much like a college town, San Diego boasts beachy weather, craft breweries, and laidback vibes. The hipster neighborhoods of Pacific Beach, North Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter are all great options for your home base. During the day, explore Balboa Park’s multiple gardens and museums. The 11-acre (4.5-hectare) Japanese Friendship Garden is particularly serene, while the Museum of Us takes a unique approach to exploring what it means to be human. Stay at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter to be within walking distance of fantastic restaurants and lively nightlife. Cheers to your weekend getaway at the hotel’s Wild Hare Lounge. For dinner, you won’t want to miss Le Petit Chef for an immersive gastronomic experience that combines storytelling, 3D cinema, and delicious cuisine.
Orlando, Florida
Whether you’re looking to meet everyone’s favorite mouse or visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, families heading to Orlando in spring are in for exhilaration and entertainment. Among the theme park options, you can explore everything from international pavilions, award-winning fireworks, thrilling rides inspired by beloved blockbuster movies, and more. Beyond the theme parks, you can also learn about dinosaurs and outer space at the Orlando Science Center, maneuver through high-flying ropes courses at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, or kayak through bioluminescent waters. For a central and conveniently located stay, consider Signia by Hilton Orlando – An Official Walt Disney World® Hotel. Not only will you be close to Orlando’s best attractions, but you’ll also have access to a par-72 golf course, pools, a lazy river, and more.
Washington, D.C.
For a deep dive into U.S. history, consider visiting the memorials and monuments in the nation’s capital on a private guided tour. Discerning travelers will appreciate Context Travel’s full-day tour with the company’s expert guides bringing the history of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Washington Monument to life. There’s no shortage of world-class museums to explore, too, like the National Portrait Gallery or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Book a room at Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House and you’ll be minutes away from these top attractions, with all the amenities of downtown at your doorstep. Snag a table at Michelin-starred Rania for upscale Indian dishes, while Albi serves trendy Middle Eastern food. For a more casual meal, try the award-winning breakfast tacos at La Tejana.
New Orleans
Craving a romantic spring weekend getaway full of cocktails, art, and beignets? The Big Easy not only has big sights, but also an alluring atmosphere that sparks passion. Start your trip with the famed beignets from the original French Quarter location of Café Du Monde for a quintessential New Orleans foodie experience. From there, spend the afternoon strolling the whimsical sculpture garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art or popping into the art galleries that line Royal Street. A city that’s obsessed with cocktails, the Big Easy has no shortage of noteworthy bars. Experience the Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, a restored landmark located one block from the city’s famed French Quarter, known for a spirit-forward Sazerac, the official cocktail of the Big Easy.
Moab, Utah
Surrounded by stunning red rock canyons, mesas, and buttes, Moab offers plenty of outdoor recreation in the form of hiking, mountain biking, climbing, river rafting, stargazing, and more. The ideal gateway to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab is also a destination in its own right. Take a break from outdoorsy adventures and learn about the fascinating cultural and natural history of Moab and the surrounding area with a visit to the Moab Museum. Then, take a step into the prehistoric world at Moab Giants Dinosaur Park, where you’ll find life-size dinosaur displays, interactive exhibits and more. For easy access to all the highlights, rest your head at Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton, just one block from Moab’s Main Street and only a 10-minute drive from Arches National Park.
Tanvi Chheda
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years now. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design, and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine, OLTRE, and Ciao Bambino, among others.
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