Spring Break Without The Basic: Our Favorite Spots

It's the time of year where we get hit with a powerful wanderlust, a desire to relax and unwind, exploring a new destination and embracing the end of winter: spring fever has arrived! But before you book that same old long weekend in Jamaica, or pack up the car for the usual camping trip, why not consider heading somewhere off the beaten path? Just because spring break happens every year doesn't mean you have to set sail for familiar spots--and you're in luck because we've put together a list of some of our staffer's anything but basic vacay destinations.

So grab your suitcases, check out a new travel guide, and get ready to welcome a truly revitalizing experience, because we have your ultimate guide to a fresh, fabulous spring break.

New Orleans, LA

If you've only hit up the Big Easy during Mardi Gras, you've missed out on experiencing the best New Orleans has to offer. Spring weather is stunning, with breezy, sunny days free from the humidity of summer, and balmy nights, perfect for exploring Frenchmen Street or Treme. New Orleans is one of the friendliest cities in America, and even though carnival season is a special time to go, you'll find hospitality, rich culture, and an authentic sense of community all year long. Consider heading to New Orleans for St. Patricks Day weekend, when the Mardi Gras Indians throw their Super Sunday festival, or for Crawfish Fest, or World Culture Music Celebration. There's always a party going on, and sticking to non-peak times will allow you to truly get a sense of what the jewel of the south is all about. Be sure to check out the nightlife, dining, and historical tours for a truly complete picture of what makes New Orleans special, and don't forget to save room in your suitcase for some pralines. You'll miss them when you're gone.

Asheville, North Carolina

This gem is only two hours east of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but without the crowds or tourists to contend with. Asheville is a fun, artistic, small city with a thriving cultural and food scene. Springtime brings changeable but relatively warm weather and a stunning show of local wildflowers and dogwood blossoms. Downtown Asheville is a great place to take in galleries, shopping, fine dining, and delightful artisanal chocolate shops, but don't forget to look at some of the more adventurous activities, too. At several resorts, you can find zip-lining, fly-fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and rock climbing. Thanks to the bounty of natural beauty, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate dozens of well-maintained trails around the Smoky Mountain parks. Be sure to sample the local wineries while you're there for some exciting blends from an unexpected region!

Portland, OR

I know, I know--it's not a tropical paradise, but the natural beauty of the Pacific-Northwest will leave you breathless. While Portland may not offer the lurid temperatures that inspire most spring breakers south of the Mason-Dixon line, it's an incredible destination nature-lovers, foodies, and music fans. In Portland you'll find a thriving, vibrant art scene, some of the countries most original and delicious food trucks, and outdoor havens for cyclists, hikers, and photographers. If you love beer, you'll be in great company, as Portland is regularly recognized as one of the most influential cities in the craft brewing community, with breweries and local beer makers infiltrating restaurants. Be sure to check out iconic snack spots such as Voodoo Donuts, Crown Diner, The Cakery, and Salt and Straw for a taste of local flavor, and burn off the calories at any of a dozen walking trails.

Oakland, CA

Forget San Francisco, all of the best action is east! Oakland boasts a rich craft cocktail and dining scene, amazing art walks and galleries, unique museums, theaters, and even it's own kid-centric amusement park, Children's Fairy Land. With warmer temperatures and ample parking, The Town is a highly underrated place to take your family. From the beautiful picnic grounds of Lake Merritt, to the expansive Grand-Lake Farmers Market, to the stunning Lake Temescal, Oakland is a city that embraces geographical and interpersonal diversity. Be sure to see a show at the Grand-Lake Theater, catch a band at The Fox, and book a romantic dinner at The Oak Tavern.

San Antonio, TX

This city is often overlooked for cool, hipster sister city Austin, but there's so much to do in sunny San Antonio you'll be glad you veered in it's direction. Springtime means moderate temperatures, sunny days, breezy nights, and fields of blossoming bluebells. San Antonio embraces it's cheerful weather with a charming pedestrian-only riverwalk filled with carefully curated shops, outdoor patios, and award-winning restaurants. If you feel up to the challenge, hike up Enchanted Rock or take a ghost tour; this is a destination you'll love! An excellent place for couples or families, the diverse sprawl of San Antonio may delight you for longer than just a weekend--so y'all come back now, ya here?