10+ Fun & Frugal Spring Break Destinations

From Washington, DC to Seattle, Washington, this post of Fun & Frugal Spring Break Destinations gives you ideas on where to go and how to save.

If you’re planning a trip, check out all our travel posts to help you plan.

Daylight Savings Time starts in a couple weeks, which means I can start thinking about spring.

Okay, granted it’s warm enough here to wear t-shirts today, but it’s also going to be jacket weather in two days, which is a reminder that it’s not spring yet.

But it’s almost spring.

And that means it’s almost spring break time. So I put together a list of unique spring break destinations.

10 Fun & Frugal Spring Break Destinations

Affiliate links are included in this post and Drugstore Divas may make a small commission if you use them.

Wilmington, North Carolina

This is my little city. So if we were going here on spring break, it would be a staycation for us.

And that would be okay. The weather this time of year is beautiful, which makes it a really nice place for spring break.

You can get the sunshine you’re looking for, spend time on the beach (even if it is too cold to go in), and eat at a bunch of different locally-owned restaurants in Wilmington. It’s not packed with tourists this time of year, but there are the One Tree Hill destination finders to contend with.

What to eat in Wilmington, NC

Don’t forget to eat … the Crispy Chicken Sandwich at Fork & Cork.

What to see in Wilmington, NC

Don’t forget to see … the USS North Carolina (even if you’re only looking at it from afar).

How to save in Wilmington, NC

There are so many free things to do in Wilmington, NC so be sure to add them to your travel plans.

There’s also the Attractions Book, which you can purchase for $25 at some local stores. It’s a coupon book filled with BOGO meals, coupons for free snacks, and more.

Find out more about Wilmington, North Carolina.

Charleston, South Carolina

If you want to relax in a town with southern charm, Charleston is your spot. It’s beautiful, quant, and instantly makes you feel underdressed if you’re not in a large gown and bonnet.

No one else is dressed like an old timey southern belle, but man, you feel like you need to be in this city. And there’s something in that old charm that will just fill your soul.

It’s a really walkable city, and the weather in the spring is perfect for that, making it one of the top South Carolina spring break destinations.

What to eat in Charleston, SC

Don’t forget to eat … the ribs at Rodney Scott’s BBQ. I’m not even crazy about meat and I think about these all the time.

What to see in Charleston, SC

Don’t forget to see … the Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park.

How to save in Charleston, SC

The Charleston Visitor’s Bureau does a really good job of posting coupons that are available. When we were in Charleston at Christmas, we found a coupon there for free parking.

Head over to this link to see all the coupons.

Find out more about Charleston, South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a big destination for summer vacationers, but it’s the offseason that’s really enjoyable.

It’s too cold to swim during spring break, but you can still hang out outside at Broadway at the Beach or inside at one of the numerous shows and attractions in the town.

What to eat in Myrtle Beach, SC

Don’t forget to eat … the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.

What to see in Myrtle Beach, SC

Don’t forget to see … Broadway at the Beach.

How to save in Myrtle Beach, SC

Check Groupon. The site offers a ton of discounts for attractions in Myrtle Beach.

Find out more about Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Seattle, Washington

There’s surprisingly more to do in Seattle than drink coffee and talk about Nirvana.

Although you can drink at the first Starbucks (or just take a photo in front of it because the line to get in is always long). And you can go to the Museum of Pop Culture to see Nirvana memorabilia.

But there is also an aquarium, Ferris wheel, children’s museum, the Space Needle, and so much more to do in the city.

Springtime is when the snow is starting to melt, so you can explore the city and its hiking trails and enjoy spring break there more than you would if you went during winter break.

What to eat in Seattle, Washington

Don’t forget to eat … the crab soup at Ivars on the Sea.

What to see in Seattle, Washington

Don’t forget to see … the Fremont Troll. Seriously, it’s worth the hunt.

How to save in Seattle, Washington

You can purchase a Seattle CityPASS. It’s a pass that will give you admission to Seattle’s most popular attractions at a discount. We used it in Seattle and it saved us a ton.

Find out more about Seattle, Washington.

Washington, DC

If you’re looking for a little education during spring break, you’ll find it in the nation’s capital.

Between the museums and monuments, you’ll have tons to occupy your days. And you’ll be sure to leave with a greater appreciation for the country’s forefathers and the men and women who fought for our freedom and to protect it too.

What to eat in Washington, DC

Don’t forget to eat … the pork gyoza at Chaplin’s Restaurant. I still dream about it.

What to see in Washington, DC

Don’t forget to see … the National Monument.

How to save in Washington, DC

Thanks to your taxes, the majority of the museums in Washington, DC are free to visit. We have a huge list of 50+ Free Things To Do In Washington, DC so you can make your itinerary based on that.

Find out more about Washington, DC.

Orlando, Florida

Disney is a big spring break destination for families with young kids, but there’s so much more to Orlando than the mouse house.

There are shows, restaurants, aquariums, shopping, a Ferris wheel … and very, very beautiful weather. It’ll feel more like Summer Break than Spring Break. And if you’re still suffering from six more weeks of winter, you need a reminder of what summer feels like.

What to eat in Orlando, FL

Don’t forget to eat … a Mickey-shaped ice cream bar.

What to see in Orlando, FL

Don’t forget to see … the Mickey Pylon — a Mickey Mouse-shaped power line pylon that’s visible when you’re driving down I-4.

How to save in Orlando, FL

You can purchase discounted tickets to attractions via Get Your Guide.

Find out more about Orlando, Florida.

New York, New York

If you haven’t been to New York City, spring break is a good time to go. It’s busy whenever you go, so spring break is as good as any.

You won’t get the magic of Christmas, but you will get the hustle and bustle, the bright lights, the big city. And that’s exactly what you’re going for.

What to eat in New York City

Don’t forget to eat … a hot dog and pretzel from a street cart.

What to see in New York City

Don’t forget to see … the Empire State Building. It lights up. You’ll see it.

How to save in New York City

You can purchase a New York CityPASS. It’s a pass that will give you admission to New York City’s most popular attractions at a discount. You can purchase a three attraction or a six attraction pass.

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is a really great place to visit at least once in your life.

It is a little cold there during spring break, but that makes it a great time to go. It’ll be less crowded, which means it’s a lot easier for you to get beautiful photos of the falls without a zillion people and wedding proposals in the background.

What to eat in Niagara Falls, NY

Don’t forget to eat … poutine. It’s a really popular Canadian French fry dish that, for whatever reason, is hard to find in the United States. So if you’re close to the border, you can find some poutine.

What to see in Niagara Falls, NY

Don’t forget to see … the falls.

How to save in Niagara Falls, NY

When you purchase The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass ahead of time, you save money as compared to purchasing tickets to the attractions when you’re there.

Find out more about Niagara Falls.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is such an incredible city to visit. There’s so much to do there, from an outdoor projection called San Antonio | The Saga to the San Antonio Botanical Garden to the Riverwalk.

And, of course, there’s The Alamo.

And those are all outdoor activities that you can enjoy during spring break because the weather’s beautiful. If you don’t want to walk around the city, there’s an incredible bike share program in San Antonio that’s a fantastic way to get around.

It’s a little hot for those things during the summer, so spring is best.

What to eat in San Antonio, TX

Don’t forget to eat … barbecue at Bentley’s Beer Garden.

What to see in San Antonio, TX

Don’t forget to see … The Alamo.

How to save in San Antonio, TX

You can purchase discounted tickets to attractions via Get Your Guide.

Find out more about San Antonio, Texas.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City is a really fun city, even if you’re not into gambling. There’s the beach (although it’s a little too cool in the spring to go swimming), the boardwalk, Lucy the Elephant, lighthouses to explore, and more.

And then yes, when it gets too cold, you can go into the warm casino, gamble, and get free hot chocolate (or whatever you feel like drinking).

What to eat in Atlantic City, NJ

Don’t forget to eat … a sub from White House Sub Shop. It’s the best sub you’ll ever have.

What to see in Atlantic City, NJ

Don’t forget to see … Lucy the Elephant. It’s a six-story tall elephant that’s minutes from the boardwalk.

How to save in Atlantic City, NJ

Sign up for hotel loyalty cards and use them when you’re gambling. You’ll get discounts on rooms, comps for food, and more.

Find out more about Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is fun no matter when you go. Vegas is a little nicer during spring break because it’s cooler than it is in the summer, although it’s still hot. Good thing all those casinos have air conditioning.

There’s so much to see in Las Vegas, so many things to do, and so much to eat, so it’s definitely a place to go even if you’re not a gambler.

What to eat in Las Vegas

Don’t forget to eat … breakfast at Hash House A Go Go, flautas at Pinches Tacos, the chicken sandwich from Vagabond in Excalibur … oh my gosh, so much.

What to see in Las Vegas

Don’t forget to see … all the casinos.

How to save in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a budget-friendly casino, as long as you don’t lose it all in the casino. Check out the The Ultimate Las Vegas Budget Travel Guide for ideas.

Find out more about Las Vegas, Nevada.

Which of these fun and frugal Spring Break destinations is on your list?