What’s better than the fantastic spring vacation that you’ve waited all winter for?
A spring break that doesn’t make your wallet groan with displeasure!
Here are six ideas for epic (and affordable) spring break destinations that might not be on your list.
It should come as no surprise that our favorite way to plan a budget vacation is to spend lots of time outdoors — you’ve been warned.
Table of Contents
TLDR: Affordable Spring Break Destinations At-A-Glance
- Gulf Shores, AL: Beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and seafood.
- Austin, TX: Great food, live music, and special events.
- San Diego, CA: Perfect weather, free beaches, Balboa Park, and La Jolla Cove.
- Asheville, NC: The Blue Ridge area needs our tourism dollars! We love the Blue Ridge Parkway, trails, and breweries.
- Moab, UT: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, camping, and mountain biking.
- Sedona, AZ: Hiking among the red rocks, vortex energy spots.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Are you all about catching rays on the sand and the coastal vibe? You will love Alabama’s beaches!
More of a nature girl (or guy)? This area will surprise you in the best possible way.
Sure, the Gulf Coast is famous for its 32 miles of gorgeous beaches (and trust us, they are epic). But here’s the thing—there’s so much more to this slice of Alabama paradise than just lounging around with your toes in the sand.
The Gulf Coast has a little bit of everything: outdoor adventures, indoor fun, and even some surprises you probably didn’t see coming. Let’s see what this area offers beyond endless sand and sunshine.
Trail ride! The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails offer 25+ miles of multi-purpose trails winding through nine distinct ecosystems across 6,500 acres in Gulf State Park. Watch out for critters, including shorebirds, gators, and turtles.
Rent bikes at Beach Bike Rentals and spend the day exploring the trails. Then, rent kayaks to explore some of those very same ecosystems from a different perspective.
After an affordable day outdoors, you can splurge on some of the freshest seafood. How about the ultimate seafood boil from the Hangout? It’s fun. It’s low-key. And it won’t hit your wallet too hard.
Where to stay: There are lots of beachside motels to choose from, but you’ll save the most by camping in Gulf State Park, grilling your own fish, and spending your afternoons swinging in a hammock. Trust me! The park also rents cottages, cabins, and rooms in the lodge.
Budget-Friendly Activities: Explore Gulf State Park (trails, swimming, paddling, and beaches), go kayaking, or enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries.
Getting There: Gulf Shores is about an hour from Pensacola International Airport, but it’s driveable from many southern states.
Austin, Texas
Austin is a cultural hot spot known as the Live Music Capital of the World®. Throw in incredible food and year-round outdoor experiences, and you’ve got a lively spring break vacation destination worth writing home about.
Kick off your evenings at iconic spots like the Continental Club or Antone’s Nightclub for world-class tunes and bluesy vibes.
Austin is home to dozens of spring music festivals, including SXSW from March 7-15, 2025, and the Austin Blues Festival from April 26-27, 2025.
In between those toe-tapping musical events, be sure to grab a few bites. The foodie scene in Austin just keeps getting better. Check out Franklin Barbecue with its mouth-watering brisket (it’s worth the hype).
For dinner, treat yourself to farm-to-table fare at Odd Duck (get the cornbread) or dive into authentic Tex-Mex at Matt’s El Rancho. And don’t forget dessert! The Museum of Ice Cream is as Instagrammable as it is delicious.
Austin’s recreational opportunities shine in the spring when you hike, bike, and explore under near-constant sunny skies and perfect temperatures. Cool off at Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed oasis in the heart of Zilker Park.
Next, hike the scenic trails of McKinney Falls State Park or ride along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail with shimmering views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline as your backdrop.
Be sure to tour the Texas State Capitol and stroll through the sculpture gardens at UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum.
Where to stay: For budget travelers, I can say nothing but good things about Holiday Inn Express & Suites in downtown. It’s got an outdoor pool, a decent breakfast, and an onsite bar. It’s a short walk from many downtown attractions.
Budget-friendly activities: Guided tours of the Texas State Capitol are free, and admission to the UMLAUF Sculpture Garde is just $7 for adults. Take advantage of the sunshine and check out Austin’s best murals and hiking trails without paying a dime.
Getting there: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a 15-minute drive from downtown, with lots of public transportation available.
San Diego, California
Imagine golden beaches, endless sunny days, and vibrant, colorful neighborhoods just begging to be explored.
Sounds pricey? While San Diego is one of the most expensive cities in the US to call home, it’s easy to plan a budget-friendly Spring Break here. There are so many free or inexpensive things to do outdoors, and the budget-friendly food truck scene makes it easy to score fantastic eats without putting a dent in your wallet.
Start your weekend by exploring some of Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres. Wander through the impressively lush gardens, marvel at the Spanish Revival architecture, or catch a free organ concert at Spreckels Organ Pavilion (on Sundays).
Need more art in your life? The Timken Museum of Art offers free admission year-round, showcasing European and American masterpieces.
Next, stroll along La Jolla Cove to look for sea lions or go for a swim. This beautiful spot offers incredible views of the Pacific and crystal-clear water for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling.
Bonus: Street parking and beach access are free, leaving room in your budget for a coffee or treat at a local café.
The real nightlife that everyone’s talking about — a Pacific Coast sunset! Sunset Cliffs Natural Park delivers jaw-dropping views—all for the cost of getting there. Pack a picnic and enjoy this beautiful spot before heading into the city for an affordable meal.
Where to eat: Indulge in authentic Tiajuana-style tacos at Tacos El Gordo or the perfect $3 slice of pizza at Village Pizzeria during Happy Hour on Coronado Island. For tasty coffee and pastries, head to Old Town’s Garden Coffee and relax on the outdoor patio.
Where to stay: Samesun Ocean Beach Hostel offers a fun vibe just steps from the sand. Prefer city life? Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown is smack in the Gaslamp Quarter, with free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
Getting there: Fly into the San Diego International Airport (SAN) and use the robust public transportation system.
Asheville, North Carolina
For Spring Break this year, visit a mountain city where art, adventure, and affordability collide to make for a memorable vacation. Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, NC, is a dream destination for outdoor lovers and anyone seeking a wallet-friendly Spring Break.
Asheville’s vibrant downtown is bursting with independent shops, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, with street performers on every corner and lots of great nightlife.
Strolling Asheville’s Urban Trail is the best way to get to know the downtown area. This two-mile trail loops through downtown past lots of public art and historical markers.
Next, head to Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD), a creative playground along the French Broad River with former warehouses have been transformed into art studios and galleries. This is a great spot to watch artists at work, sign up for interactive workshops, or pick out a one-of-a-kind piece to bring home.
Asheville’s proximity to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway makes it one of the best destinations for outdoor adventures.
Stop by the Cradle of Forestry just outside of the city. This is the first forestry school in America and includes a museum, nature center, and a forest preserve with trails. It’s an excellent spot for kids, and special programming and events are offered throughout the season.
For a great sunset or sunrise hike, try the Craggy Pinnacle Trail (milepost 364.2). This short and steep hike is popular, as the views are pretty fantastic. The forest here is super interesting, with lots of stunted trees. This was one of the most crowded hikes we experienced on our journey, but the views were worth the effort.
Where to eat: Don’t miss Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar for a twist on Southern comfort food or grab a craft beer at Wicked Weed Brewing.
Where to stay: Asheville offers accommodations for every budget. Stay in the heart of downtown at the boutique Hotel Indigo Asheville. For those wanting to immerse themselves in nature, campgrounds and cabins in the Blue Ridge Mountains provide rustic yet affordable options.
Getting there: Fly into the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), about an hour and fifteen minutes from Asheville.
Moab, Utah
Moab is a desert paradise, and like many of the other destinations on this list, it’s main attractions are outdoors. Spring Break visitors can explore nearby national parks, try rock climbing and mountain climbing, and enjoy beautiful hiking trails through otherwordly landscapes.
Moab’s close proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks makes it an affordable spot to get outdoors. Arches is just five miles from Moab, with over 2,000 natural stone arches to explore. The Delicate Arch hike is a must, or for an easier trek, try the Windows Loop to see massive arches with minimal effort.
Canyonlands National Park offers breathtaking overlooks that make you feel like you’re on another planet. Head to Island in the Sky, a scenic drive, where the Mesa Arch sunrise is worth the early wake-up call.
Rent a mountain bike or bring your own and check out Moab’s famous trails. Try the beginner-friendly Bar-M Loop or challenge yourself on the legendary Slickrock Trail.
For those who want to take adventure up a notch, canyoneering is a thrilling way to rappel into sandstone canyons, with local guide companies offering affordable beginner experiences.
Visit the Moab Arts & Recreation Center (MARC) for rotating exhibits, free community events, and special workshops. Then, check out The Moab Museum for a glimpse into the area’s history, from Native American culture to uranium mining.
Pack your hiking boots, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready for a Spring Break in Moab that’s as epic as it is budget-friendly.
Where to eat: Milt’s Stop & Eat serves up legendary burgers, fries, and shakes at old-school prices. Quesadilla Mobilla, a food truck favorite, dishes out massive quesadillas loaded with fresh ingredients. Moab Garage Co. offers great coffee and hearty breakfast options before you hit the trails.
Where to stay: There are plenty of budget-friendly options. BLM campsites around Moab cost as little as $20 per night. If you prefer the comfort of a bed, The Lazy Lizard Hostel offers dorm beds for around $20/night—one of the best deals in town. Lastly, check out Adventure Inn & Motel for clean and affordable stays (under $100 a night).
Getting there: Fly into the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about four hours from Moab.
Sedona, Arizona
Imagine warm, sun-drenched days. Cool, crisp evenings. Red rock formations glowing as the sun sinks beyond them. Wildflowers in bloom. And best of all— a Spring Break adventure that won’t hurt your wallet.
While many travelers flock to crowded beaches or expensive cities, you can experience the magic of Sedona for a fraction of the cost. From delightfully easy hikes to refreshing swimming holes, off-road adventures, and scenic drives, this Arizona gem is the perfect budget-friendly Spring Break destination.
First and foremost, Sedona is a hiker’s paradise.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through blooming desert landscapes or a more challenging climb with panoramic views, there’s a trail for you. Some of the best easy hikes in Sedona lead to breathtaking rock formations, hidden caves, and peaceful creekside paths—all without spending a dime.
Want to cool off? Head to Slide Rock State Park, home to one of America’s best natural swimming holes. The entrance fee is just $20 per car in spring—split it with friends, and it’s a steal! Spend the day sliding down smooth red rock chutes, soaking up the sun, and taking in the gorgeous scenery.
Skip the pricey excursions and take one of the most scenic road trips in the country. Highway 89A winds through dramatic cliffs with breathtaking views around every bend.
Free (or Cheap) Things to Do in Sedona
- Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross – A stunning architectural wonder built into the red rocks.
- Watch the sunrise at Airport Mesa – One of the best places to see the sun come up over Red Rock Country.
- Explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village – Window shop in this beautiful Spanish-style village.
- Stargaze at Red Rock State Park – Some of the best night skies in the U.S.
Spring Festivals in (or Near) Sedona
Spring in Sedona isn’t just about stunning landscapes—it’s also festival season! Plan your visit around one of these lively local events:
- Sedona Mountain Bike Festival (mid-March) – Ride alongside fellow biking enthusiasts at Posse Grounds Park.
- Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival (late April) – Discover wildlife and stunning natural landscapes.
- Verde Valley Wine Festival (mid-May) – Enjoy tastings from Arizona’s best wineries in Old Town Cottonwood.
Where to eat: Grab a meal at Tamaliza Café for delicious, budget-friendly tamales, or fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Coffee Pot Restaurant, where 101 omelet options start at just $10. Want to enjoy Sedona’s famous sunsets? Pack a picnic from Whole Foods or Sedona Memories Bakery and find a scenic overlook—it’s a meal with a view, for a fraction of the price.
Where to stay: Sedona has plenty of budget-friendly accommodations with million-dollar views. Campgrounds like Manzanita or Cave Springs offer a night under the stars for just $20-$30. The Views Inn is a lovely Art Dec hotel with comfy rooms and an outdoor pool.
Getting there: Fly into the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about two hours from Sedona.
Plan a budget getaway at these affordable Spring Break destinations and enjoy a low-key getaway that you’ll never forget!
Looking for more vacation ideas? Read these next:
- The Best Family Vacations in the East Coast
- 11 Small-Town Vacation Spots for Your Next Getaway
- The Best Beach Vacations in the USA
- The Best Lake Vacations in the US for Families
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored, where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.