Spring Break isn’t just for beaches and parties; it’s the perfect time to explore the beauty and adventure of America’s National Parks. Whether you’re looking for a solo getaway, a family trip, or a romantic escape, these parks offer breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable activities, and a refreshing change of pace. Here are the Best National Parks for Spring Break, plus tips on planning your adventure in these incredible destinations.
Best National Parks for Spring Break | Single Park Trips
If you’re looking for a Spring Break getaway that offers more than just sun and sand, a single National Park can provide the perfect escape into nature. From towering mountains to serene deserts, these parks offer a variety of outdoor activities and stunning vistas. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails or spotting wildlife, these destinations promise a refreshing change of pace this Spring Break.
Big Bend National Park
Why Visit in Spring: The weather is mild, desert blooms are vibrant, and it’s far less crowded compared to the summer months, making it one of the Best National Parks for Spring Break.
Top Hikes and Sights:
- Lost Mine Trail (4.2 miles, moderate): Stunning vistas with minimal effort.
- Santa Elena Canyon (1.7 miles, easy): A scenic hike along the Rio Grande.
- The Window Trail (5.6 miles, moderate): Iconic views framed by towering cliffs.
Best Ways to Get There:
Fly into Midland/Odessa or El Paso, TX, and rent a car for the drive to the park.
Lodging Options:: The only lodge within the park.
Camping: Rio Grande Village and Chisos Basin Campground.
Nearby towns like Terlingua offer unique accommodations and local dining.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Why Visit in Spring: Enjoy wildflower blooms, waterfalls, and cool mountain air. It’s undoubtedly one of the Best National Parks for Spring Break for those looking to embrace nature and serenity.
Top Hikes and Sights:
- Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte (10.6 miles, moderate): Panoramic mountain views.
- Laurel Falls Trail (2.6 miles, easy): A family-friendly hike to a picturesque waterfall.
- Cades Cove Scenic Loop: Wildlife sightings and historic cabins.
Best Ways to Get There:
Chances are, you’re one of the two-thirds of Americans who live within a day’s drive of this National Park, which is a big reason it’s consistently the most visited. However, if you’re not, you can fly into Knoxville, TN, or Asheville, NC, and rent a car for easy access to the park. For those who can drive, this National Park offers an affordable option by saving on airfare and rental car costs.
Lodging Options:
Rent a cozy cabin in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
Camp at Elkmont Campground.
Stay in Cherokee, NC, for a cultural experience.
Joshua Tree National Park
Why Visit in Spring: Comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers make this desert park a must-see. One of the Best National Parks for Spring Break, this park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Top Hikes and Sights:
- Hidden Valley Trail (1 mile, easy): A short hike with stunning rock formations.
- Ryan Mountain (3 miles, moderate): Panoramic views of the park.
- Cholla Cactus Garden: Perfect for sunrise or sunset photos.
Best Ways to Get There:
Fly into Palm Springs or Los Angeles and rent a car for the drive. Or if you live within driving distance this is another excellent, affordable spot for those in the southwest.
Lodging Options:
Camping: Jumbo Rocks or Indian Cove Campgrounds.
Rentals in nearby towns like Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree Village.
Best National Parks for Spring Break | Multi Park Trips
For those seeking a true adventure, a multi-park road trip is the ultimate way to experience a variety of landscapes and activities in one epic journey. Combining a series of National Parks will allow you to explore diverse ecosystems, from desert vistas to lush forests and everything in between. Check out some of the best National Parks for Spring Break, perfect for a thrilling road trip to remember!
Utah Mighty 5 (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands)
Why Visit in Spring: Cooler temperatures make exploring these iconic parks enjoyable. This is one of the Best National Parks for Spring Break if you’re up for an adventurous road trip through diverse landscapes.
Top Highlights:
- Zion: Angels Landing (5.4 miles, permit required).
- Bryce Canyon: Navajo Loop (1.3 miles, easy).
- Arches: Delicate Arch (3 miles, moderate).
Distance Between Parks:
- Zion to Bryce Canyon: ~1.5 hours (72 miles)
- Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef: ~2 hours (120 miles)
- Capitol Reef to Arches: ~2.5 hours (135 miles)
- Arches to Canyonlands: ~30 minutes (25 miles)
Best Ways to Get There:
Fly into Las Vegas or Salt Lake City and rent a car to complete the loop.
Lodging Options:
- Moab is the perfect base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
- For Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon, consider staying in Escalante for easy access. Check out VRBOs in this area here.
- When visiting Zion, Springdale offers the most convenient location near the park entrance, or opt for a cozy stay in the nearby La Verkin or Hurricane area.
Three Florida National Parks (Everglades, Biscayne, Dry Tortugas)
Why Visit in Spring: Enjoy perfect weather for water-based activities and wildlife viewing. These parks are among the Best National Parks for Spring Break, especially for water lovers.
We already have a detailed post on this epic Florida roadtrip here!
Top Highlights:
- Everglades: Shark Valley Tram Trail (15 miles, tram or bike options).
- Biscayne: Snorkeling or boat tours.
- Dry Tortugas: Explore Fort Jefferson and pristine beaches. Take the sea plane or the ferry to this park.
Distance Between Parks:
- Everglades to Biscayne: ~1.5 hours (50 miles)
- Biscayne to Dry Tortugas: ~1.5 hours (via ferry or seaplane from Miami/Key West)
Best Ways to Get There:
Fly into Miami or Key West. Take a ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas.
Lodging Options:
- Stay in Miami or Homestead for Everglades and Biscayne.
- Camp at Dry Tortugas (advanced reservations required).
White Sands, Guadalupe Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns
Why Visit in Spring: Mild weather and unique geological wonders. This trio of parks is one of the Best National Parks for Spring Break for geology enthusiasts.
Top Highlights:
- White Sands: Sunset strolls and sledding the dunes.
- Guadalupe Mountains: Devil’s Hall Trail (4.2 miles, moderate).
- Carlsbad Caverns: Self-guided Big Room Tour.
Distance Between Parks:
- White Sands to Guadalupe Mountains: ~1.5 hours (80 miles)
- Guadalupe Mountains to Carlsbad Caverns: ~1 hour (45 miles)
Best Ways to Get There:
Fly into El Paso, TX, and rent a car to explore these three parks.
Lodging Options:
- Stay in Carlsbad, NM, and Alamogordo, NM for convenience.
Tips for Planning Your Spring Break Adventure
- Book Early: Lodging and campsites fill up quickly during Spring Break.
- Pack Smart: Bring layers for varying temperatures, hiking boots, and sun protection.
- Beat the Crowds: Arrive early, especially for popular hikes like Angels Landing.
- Use AllTrails: Plan hikes with detailed trail maps and reviews.
- Plan Transportation: Ensure you have a reliable rental car and maps for remote areas.
Your Ultimate Spring Break National Park Adventure Awaits!
Spring Break is the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of America’s National Parks. Whether you choose a single park adventure or an epic road trip, these Best National Parks for Spring Break offer unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers. Start planning your Best National Parks for Spring Break adventure today!
Related Posts:
Follow us on Pinterest for more National Park travel inspiration!
