Spring break season is fast upon us. Starting in late February and going until early April, colleges and schools across the country give students some vacation time. After a long, cold winter, spring break is the perfect time to plan a family getaway and bask in warmer temperatures and sunshine.
Where to Go: Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe
Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination.
Lake Tahoe is well known as a summer destination, but spring can be a beautiful time to visit. Spring is generally a little less busy than summer, so you can expect fewer crowds during your spring break visit.
While planning your Lake Tahoe visit, be sure to consider if you’ll stay in North or South Lake Tahoe. South Lake Tahoe is known for its nightlife, casinos, and outdoor adventures. It’s also home to Zephyr Cove, which is a family-friendly resort-style place to stay. Zephyr Cove also offers a number of amenities nearby that will help you have an adventure-filled stay.
What to Bring
Explore Tahoe with the fam!
March through April is shoulder season in South Lake Tahoe. The days are getting warmer, there’s plenty of sun, but you also still might find snow on the ground and favorable skiing conditions.
Be sure to review the weather before you go, but know that you can expect plenty of sun. March generally has 5 days of rain while April has 2. That’s a lot of sunshine!
In March, you can still expect lows below freezing, but daytime temperatures can reach into the upper 40s. April gets even warmer with lows in the low 30s and highs in the mid-50s.
Packing List Essentials:
- Day Shoes: Hiking/Snow Boots, Comfortable Walking/Boat Shoes, and Sandals/Flip Flops
- Night Shoes: Nice Flats or Boots (Lake Tahoe isn’t very forgiving to heels unless staying indoors)
- Long Sleeve and Short Sleeve Shirts
- Sweaters
- Jacket/Windbreaker and Winter Coat
- Jeans, Khakis, and Joggers
- Bathing Suit and Cover Up
- Gloves, Scarf, and Hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
What to See: Lake Tahoe by Boat
All aboard the M.S. Dixie II.
One of the best ways to see Lake Tahoe is by boat. Simply hop aboard and be whisked around the lake so you can see all of the different sights, from Fannette Island to Vikingsholm Castle to up-close views of waterfalls.
You can book the daytime, Emerald Bay cruise which is a 2.5-hour cruise with lunch and snacks available for purchase. You can also see Lake Tahoe by sunset on the dinner cruise.
Where to Go: Lake Powell
Scenic Lake Powell is a must this spring break!
If you’re looking for a sunshine-fueled, adventure-filled Spring break getaway, look no further than Lake Powell. Lake Powell is renowned for its water sports, hiking, and natural wonders. On your trip, you can do it all. Lake Powell Resort is conveniently located at Wahweap Marina in Page, Arizona.
Staying at Lake Powell Resort gives you access to watercraft rentals, a private beach and easy access to area attractions like Horseshoe Bend.
What to Bring
Pack your boat shoes and gather your friends and family.
One of the highlights of a trip to Lake Powell is all of the sunshine. If you’ve been stuck at home with grey skies out your window for months, this is the place you’ll want to be for spring break.
On average, Lake Powell gets 2 days of rain in March and only 1 day of rain in April. Those are some good odds for lots of sunshine and time to spend outside.
Temperatures in Lake Powell for March and April rarely dip below 40 degrees and have highs in the mid-60s to low 70s.
Packing List Essentials:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes, Boat Shoes, and Sandals/Flip Flops
- Short-Sleeve Shirts, Light-weight Long Sleeve, and Tank Tops
- Windbreaker and a Sweatshirt or a Light Jacket
- Sundress
- Shorts, Jeans, and Joggers
- Bathing Suit and Cover Up
- Ball Cap or Wide Brim Hat
- Beach Towel
- Sunscreen
- Camera
What to See: Rainbow Bridge by Boat
Take in the beauty of Rainbow Bridge.
One of the best ways to experience Lake Powell is by boat. If you want the freedom to explore and to truly see the best of Lake Powell, you’ll want to rent your own powerboat. While some procedures have changed due to COVID-19, you can still rent your own boat and hop on the water to explore.
One of the most iconic sights at Lake Powell is the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Rainbow Bridge is one of the largest known natural bridges in the world. It’s definitely not to miss.
Where to Go: Asilomar State Beach
A spring break getaway on the west coast.
Some families look forward to an adventurous getaway that’s different from their more monotonous lives at home. Others just want an escape. A place to get away from their own 4 walls and enjoy some solitude in nature.
If that sounds like your dream spring break vacation, Asilomar might be just what you’re looking for. Asilomar is located on the coast in Pacific Grove, California. This quiet, tranquil coastline is part of the Asilomar State Beach, which is 107 acres of ecologically diverse beach.
A visit to Asilomar isn’t complete without a stay at Asilomar Lodge. The lodge offers accommodations in traditional guest rooms, rooms with balconies and fireplaces, and cozy cottages. The best part: no TVs and no phones. True tranquility.
What to Bring
Birdwatching is a must in Asilomar!
March and April weather can still have a chill to the air, especially when you compensate for the breeze coming off the water.
As well, March can be a little rainy at Asilomar. Consider packing an umbrella, rain jacket, or something you don’t mind getting damp while you’re out on the coast. March and April have similar temperatures, lows in the upper 40s and highs in the low 60s, but April is less rainy than March.
Packing List Essentials:
- Day Shoes: Comfortable Walking Shoes, Boots and Sandals/Flip Flops
- Night Shoes: Nice Flat, Boots and Heels
- Long and Short Sleeve Shirts
- Sweaters
- Raincoat, Windbreaker, and Light Jacket
- Jeans, Khakis Joggers, and Shorts
- Sundress and Evening Dress
- Sport Coat
- Bathing Suit and Cover Up
- Beach Towel
- Sunscreen
- Camera and Binoculars
- Umbrella
What to See: Walk the Beach and Admire the Bounty of Nature
Hike, bike, or beach day, the world is your oyster in Asilomar.
One of the things that makes Asilomar special is the protected dunes and different biospheres you’ll find just by walking along the beach. With 107 acres, there’s plenty to explore at Asilomar. Just outside the Asilomar Lodge, you’ll find walking trails, places to bike, stellar bird watching, a boardwalk made for strolling, and of course, turquoise-colored water, where if you’re brave, you can dip your toes.
Where to Go: Yosemite National Park
Wake up and smell the fresh spring air at The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park.
For the outdoorsy family that wants to spend their entire vacation outside, in nature, there’s no better escape than Yosemite National Park. And, you can stay right in the park. Whether you choose the luxury stay at The Ahwahnee or the slightly more rustic Yosemite Valley Lodge, you’ll be staying right in the middle of all the outdoor fun.
What to Bring
Early spring weather in Yosemite can be cool, but there are also warm days – bring layers!
If you’re planning to spend the majority of your vacation to Yosemite National Park outside, you’ll want to pack with a range of options and the ability to layer your clothes.
March weather in Yosemite hovers in the low 30s and gets as high as the high 50s. And be prepared, Yosemite experiences an average of 9 days of rain in March. April gets slightly less rain with only 6 days of rainy weather and warmer temperatures, warming up to lows in the high 30s and high in the mid-60s.
Packing List Essentials:
- Day Shoes: Hiking Boots, Winter Boots, and Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Night Shoes: Boots and Nice Flats
- Long Sleeve Shirts
- Sweaters and Turtlenecks
- Jeans, Khakis, Joggers
- Sweater Dress and Sport Coat
- Winter Jacket and Coat
- Hat, Gloves, and Scarf
- Sunscreen
- Camera and Binoculars
What to See: Waterfalls
Vernal Fall is located on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park and is 317 feet tall.
Spring is a great time to explore the waterfalls of Yosemite National Park. You can visit these epic sites on foot. They all have various ranges in difficulty for the hikes. The waterfalls range in many different sizes with the highest being Yosemite Falls, clocking in at 2,425 feet.
Spring break is a great time of year to get away from home, explore a new location, and soak up some sunshine after a long, grey winter.
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