Hey, travelers! If you’re looking for an enjoyable yet affordable spring break destination for 2024, you’re in luck! Whimstay (my new favorite vacation rental platform) just sent me a stellar list of budget-friendly destinations across the United States where you can get the best of both worlds. Each of these 10 spring break destinations boasts activities, sunshine, and low price tags.
For maximum savings, be sure to check out Whimstay’s extensive directory of professionally operated vacation rentals in each location. They give great rates for booking at the last minute and filling in the gaps in the property manager’s schedules. (For more information about the platform and how it works, take a peek at my full review of our Whimstay experience.)
If this sounds like your kind of vacation, keep reading for Whimstay’s top 10 list, including area highlights and the average savings for booking through them versus other major platforms!
Family Fun for Less: Top 10 Affordable Spring Break Destinations
Discover Exciting and Budget-Friendly Family Adventures Across the U.S.
By the Whimstay Team
Oceanside, California | Avg. Nightly Savings: 24%
Oceanside offers the enchanting California Surf Museum, with affordable admission prices and occasional free-entry days. Family dining is a delight at Ruby’s Diner, a 50s-themed restaurant on the Oceanside Pier. Don’t miss the chance to try fish tacos from local beachside kiosks, a SoCal staple. The Oceanside Harbor Beach presents a perfect spot for a family day out, with kayaking and paddleboarding at low rental costs. Explore the city by renting bikes, a fun and affordable way to see the sights. Fun fact: Oceanside is home to the longest wooden pier on the West Coast!
Washington, D.C. | Avg. Nightly Savings: 22%
In Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian National Zoo is a fantastic free attraction. Enjoy affordable, family-friendly dining at We, The Pizza, offering a delightful variety of slices. Sample a classic D.C. half-smoke from street vendors around the National Mall. The numerous free museums and monuments offer endless outdoor educational fun. Utilize the city’s extensive Metro system for an easy and affordable way to navigate. Fun fact: D.C. is the only city in the U.S. without a skyscraper!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | Avg. Nightly Savings: 25%
Myrtle Beach’s Family Kingdom Amusement Park offers affordable ticket options and family deals. Dine at River City Cafe for budget-friendly and kid-approved burgers. Try a South Carolina specialty, boiled peanuts, available at beachside stands. The beach itself provides free entertainment with its sandy shores and public boardwalk. Rent bikes to explore the coastline at your own pace. Fun fact: Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand, one of the longest stretches of beach in the world!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Avg. Nightly Savings: 22%
Gatlinburg’s Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an exciting yet budget-conscious attraction with special discounts for children. The Pancake Pantry, a family favorite, offers a delightful breakfast experience. Savor the taste of Southern barbecue from local vendors in downtown Gatlinburg. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a free and majestic outdoor activity for all ages. The city’s trolley system is an affordable and fun way to get around. Fun fact: Gatlinburg has one of the only ski resorts in Tennessee!
Branson, Missouri | Avg. Nightly Savings: 23%
Branson’s Silver Dollar City theme park provides affordable entertainment, with children’s tickets at reduced prices. BillyGail’s Cafe serves up hearty portions perfect for a family meal at great prices. Sample Ozark Mountain-style BBQ from local joints. Table Rock Lake offers free outdoor adventures like swimming and hiking. Branson’s colorful trolleys are an affordable and charming way to travel. Fun fact: Branson is known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” due to its numerous shows.
Savannah, Georgia | Avg. Nightly Savings: 20%
The Savannah Children’s Museum offers an educational and affordable day out. Enjoy a family meal at The Pirates’ House, a historic and kid-friendly restaurant. Try a praline sample from Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, a sweet treat that’s a local favorite. Forsyth Park provides free fun with its vast green space and playgrounds. Savannah’s dot shuttle is a free and convenient way to explore downtown. Fun fact: Savannah is known for having one of the largest historic districts in the United States!
Corpus Christi, Texas | Avg. Nightly Savings: 25%
Visit the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi for an engaging family day, with ticket discounts available online. Dine at Snoopy’s Pier for affordable and fresh seafood in a casual setting. Sample a local favorite, the shrimp boil, available at waterfront kiosks. Enjoy the free and beautiful beaches of Padre Island National Seashore. The city’s RTA buses offer an affordable way to get around. Fun fact: Corpus Christi is known as the “Sparkling City by the Sea” for its beautiful coastal setting.
St. Augustine, Florida | Avg. Nightly Savings: 24%
In St. Augustine, explore the Castillo de San Marcos, with an affordable entrance fee and free entry for children under 15. Grab a bite at The Floridian, offering budget-friendly Southern fare with a twist. Try a “churro” from a local vendor, a sweet treat popular in this historic city. The St. Augustine Beach is free and perfect for a family day by the sea. St. Augustine’s Red Train Tours offer an affordable and fun way to see the city. Fun fact: St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental U.S.!
Albuquerque, New Mexico | Avg. Nightly Savings: 20%
The Albuquerque BioPark, a family favorite, provides an affordable and entertaining day out with its zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden. Enjoy family-friendly dining at Twisters Grill, offering budget-friendly New Mexican dishes. Don’t miss the local street food staple, sopapillas, often found at city food stands. The Sandia Peak Tramway offers stunning views at a reasonable cost, and hiking in the surrounding Sandia Mountains is a great free outdoor activity. Albuquerque’s bus system, ABQ RIDE, offers economical routes around the city. Fun fact: Albuquerque hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world!
Grand Canyon (Flagstaff), Arizona | Avg. Nightly Savings: 22%
Visiting the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff is an affordable and awe-inspiring experience. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers free admission for children under 16 and has budget-friendly entry fees for adults. Dine at the family-friendly Lumberyard Brewing Company in Flagstaff, where kids can enjoy the casual atmosphere and tasty menu. Try the Navajo taco, a local delicacy, from street vendors in the area. Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon offer numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities that are free or low-cost. The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) is a fun and free way to explore the city on foot or by bike. Fun fact: Flagstaff is a designated International Dark Sky City, perfect for stargazing!
About Whimstay
Whimstay is emerging as a fresh and exciting leader in the vacation rental market, focused on offering the best deals on last-minute bookings. Whimstay offers the best deals on bookings made less than 30 days prior to arrival and great deals anytime throughout the year versus other online travel agencies. The company achieves this by partnering with professional property managers to offer exclusive discounts on properties that might otherwise remain unrented. On average, guests save nearly 25% and over $200 per booking with Whimstay. Featuring a diverse portfolio of vacation rental homes, condos, cabins, villas, and resorts across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, Whimstay is the go-to choice for savvy travelers. Learn more at www.whimstay.com or by downloading the Whimstay app.
Closing Thoughts About Spring Break with Whimstay (from Carrie)
Spring break is such a great chance to get away from work or school and clear your head with a few days of fun. But it’s always less fun when it feels like you can’t afford to do what you want. That’s why I really like the savings you can find on Whimstay–the less you spend on housing, the more wiggle room you have on travel and activities!
While I haven’t been to all 10 of these locations, I have been to several and can personally attest that they’d make fantastic spring break locations! And now I’m thinking it may be time to finally get to the Grand Canyon, haha!
Be sure to check out the Whimstay website to get the best deals on accommodations for your stay. And again, if you want a first-hand account of what it’s like to use Whimstay, you can read about our experience from February 2024 in this post. I’m very excited to try Whimstay more throughout the year and take advantage of those last-minute savings for some spontaneous weekend trips!
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Here’s to an epic spring break! Happy travels!
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