Spring break isn’t just for college kids and parents with young children. As the blossoms open and the days grow longer, an adult spring break is a great way to reset your mind and breathe joy into your life. Travel is also a great gift to your health. A 2019 study suggests that frequent travel correlates with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Plus, exploring outside of your comfort zone allows you to meet new people, expand your perspective, and pick up new hobbies.
This only leaves one question — where should you go? Here are the best spring break destinations for older adults.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Looking for a destination with gorgeous weather? Moderate temperatures make this Blue Ridge Mountain city a favorite vacation spot. During the spring, Asheville offers a wide variety of activities. Walk down sunny sidewalks among crocus and ranunculus blossoms, or sip hot chocolate at a ski resort. This all-season lifestyle is part of Asheville’s charm, with plenty to offer whether you prefer warmer or cooler temperatures.
Literature devotees should check out Malaprop’s Bookstore, which boasts a robust selection and frequent events. Asheville is also beloved for its vibrant culture, including an active dance community featuring swing, contra, Cajun, zydeco, and more. The nearby John C. Campbell Folk School hosts concerts, dances, events, and year-round folk-art classes.
2. Tampa Bay, Florida
If you adore sunny weather and sandy beaches, spring is the perfect time to visit Tampa Bay, Florida – a renowned vacation spot that includes the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg. During the early spring months, the weather lingers in the 70s and 80s, and hurricane season is still months away.
Enjoy downtown Tampa’s waterfront walking paths, or check out the new St. Pete pier. And hundreds of restaurants offer live music every night in both downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa, so consider letting your ears guide you to your next dining experience.
For a near-ideal beach experience, Clearwater Beach’s soft white sands and emerald waters are only half an hour away from Tampa’s international airport. Relax and enjoy a tropical cocktail or simply relax in the warm sun. (Don’t forget the SPF and a protective hat!)
If you’re a sports fan, a Tampa Bay trip won’t disappoint. The area is home to three sports teams, including back-to-back Stanley Cup champs the Tampa Bay Lightning as well as the 2021 Super Bowl champion Buccaneers. Round out your trip with a trip to Busch Gardens theme park, the Salvador Dali Museum, or one of 61 golf courses within 20 miles of Tampa. .
3. New York, New York
Is there anything more quintessentially spring than the blooming of the cherry blossoms in Central Park? Late spring is a great time for your adult spring break trip to New York City, as the chilly late-winter weather usually begins giving way to slightly warmer temperatures. This vacation mecca offers 24/7 dining, walkable shopping opportunities, and many world-renowned cultural touchstones.
Art lovers will relish a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, while nature and history buffs can sharpen their knowledge at the American Museum of Natural History. A typical block in New York is packed with so many entertainment and food options that you don’t even need to arrive with a travel agenda. This vibrant city offers the spontaneous traveler plenty to do.
4. Washington, D.C.
Visit the District during this time and you’ll find the nation’s capital is accented in pink for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which holds both virtual and in-person events from March 20 – April 17, 2022.
If you love politics or U.S. history, visit the Capitol or check out the Lincoln Memorial. Washington D.C. also is home to more than 70 museums, including the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
If you prefer to spend your days walking in front of gorgeous waterfront views, head over to Georgetown. After a busy day of shopping, you can choose from dozens of spectacular restaurants.
5. Portland, Oregon
If you don’t mind a little rain, Portland, Oregon, offers mild spring temperatures and a unique culture that includes plenty of live music and greenspaces. From small, bar-style venues to massive concert halls, the city offers something for nearly every music fan; you also won’t want to miss Music Millenium, the oldest record store in the Pacific Northwest, which sells music in a variety of formats.
If you prefer books to music, you could easily spend the rest of the year at Powell’s Books. This multi-floor behemoth is the world’s largest independent bookstore, with millions of new and used volumes.
6. Napa Valley, California
In Napa Valley, you won’t have to worry about a late winter wrecking your travel plans. With gorgeous, temperate weather year-round, Napa Valley is an ideal spot if you’re craving sunshine. Enjoy plenty of scenic walking paths and, of course, the region’s internationally beloved wine scene.
Napa Valley also boasts a vibrant art scene, featuring everything from folk art to fine art. The area also provides dozens of exceptional restaurants, so you'll never run out of options. And if you love independent shops and one-of-a-kind clothing, the region is a shopper’s paradise.
Make Travel Easier with the Right Accommodations
Living in a community means you won’t have to worry about making sure someone waters the plants while you’re on your trip; just let a team member know how long you’ll be gone, and everything will be taken care of! And if the promise of spring break for grown-ups stokes your adventurous spirit, let WesleyLife offer some ideas: Learn more about creating extra meaning and joy in your life as you age by downloading our free e-book, Living Your Best Life After 55.
