During the winter, warmer days and sunny skies can feel like just a distant memory. They don’t have to be, though — spring break is right around the corner!
If you want to avoid large spring break crowds but still go on adventures, relax, or soak up the sun, try a destination that’s less sought out in the spring. When planning for your trip, remember to get familiar with the latest public health and safety restrictions at South Bend International Airport and your destination. Once you know where you want to go, you can start your journey from South Bend — whether you fly to one of our nonstop destinations, or have a quick connection to your final destination.
For a much-needed escape, consider traveling to one of these places this spring.
PORTLAND, OREGON
If you’re longing to be surrounded by lush greenery instead of snow, head to Portland, Oregon for a unique spring trip. With the city in bloom and temperatures rising, spring is the perfect time to visit Portland.
Swap the typical spring break beach scenes for whale watching on the Oregon coast. Spring is just the right time for it. One of Portland’s top spring attractions is the Springtime Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, which runs from mid-March through May. There is plenty more to do outside. Oregon is known for its scenic bike rides and breathtaking views, which can be found on a number of hikes.
The city is also known for its booming art scene. Before you head to the Portland Saturday Market, which is America’s largest weekly outdoor arts and crafts market, you can start the day at one of the city’s local coffee shops and grab a treat from the famed Voodoo Doughnut, which originated in Portland. To wrap up the day, you can grab a craft beer if you’re old enough — there are more than 70 choices of breweries to choose from.
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
You’ve heard of Nashville and Memphis, but what about the smaller hidden gem of Chattanooga? Chattanooga stands out for its location along the Tennessee River and between the mountains of southeast Tennessee.
One of the best ways to take in the scenery is on a Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise. More stunning views can be seen from Lookout Mountain, located near downtown Chattanooga. From Lookout Mountain, you can see seven states: Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. From the mountain’s ridge, you may even see the top of some clouds. Yes, you read that right — the TOP of some clouds! Lookout Mountain also provides easy access to Ruby Falls, the tallest and deepest underground waterfall that’s open to the public in the United States.
Enjoy the warm, comfortable spring temperatures before Tennessee turns hot and humid for the summer. Consider booking your stay at the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel in a room that was once a train car. Chattanooga also has family favorites like the Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museum.
AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA
Get the Florida sun without the large groups of spring breakers that flock to Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Panama City Beach. Amelia Island is known for its immaculate, uncrowded, lowkey beaches and opportunity for luxury. You can book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton and hit the spa or stay at one of the unique local spots like the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn.
Not much beats a sunset or sunrise at the beach in and of itself, but for something different, Amelia Island offers horseback riding along the white, sandy shore.
While in Amelia Island, consider a visit to Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. There you’ll see Victorian-era architecture, plenty of historic homes, churches, and commercial buildings, and you can shop at independent boutiques and stores.
BRYCE CANYON, UTAH
For the adventurous and outdoorsy type, Bryce Canyon National Park is an ideal spring break destination. To avoid the busy season and still have nice weather that isn’t unbearably hot, April or May are a great time of year to visit.
The canyon is home to natural, stunning red rock formations. The irregular columns of rock are called hoodoos, and though there are multiple places around the world to view these formations, Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest concentration of any place on Earth. At Bryce Canyon National Park, you can hike, camp, go horseback riding or ATV riding, rock climbing, or visit one of the many amphitheaters.
If you need a moment to relax, there are plenty of routes to drive that offer scenic views, or you can stargaze in the evening. Utah is the place to be one with nature and have a peaceful spring break trip.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
Seeking beachy, picturesque views for spring break? Try Hilton Head, South Carolina. Hilton Head is known for being upscale but without the commercialism of some of the more popular beach town spring break destinations. Though a well-known vacation spot, springtime draws fewer crowds and means more affordable lodging in Hilton Head.
Whether for a guys trip, girls getaway, family vacation, or couples retreat, there’s plenty to do in Hilton Head. It’s known for its world-class golf courses, for being a bike-friendly community, and for its tasty seafood, which you can try at the spring wine and food festival.
Warm temperatures and low humidity in the spring months are excellent for the beach. There’s plenty to do from simply relaxing to parasailing or water skiing. Hilton Head also has kid-friendly activities, too, like a trip to the Coastal Discovery Museum.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TODAY
Springtime offers lots of great travel opportunities that you can’t get the rest of the year. Wherever you decide to go, a flight from the South Bend International Airport can help you get there.
At South Bend International Airport, we offer nonstop flights to twelve destinations and connections worldwide while focusing on keeping you safe. If you want to learn more about our flights and convenient connections to and from your desired destinations, contact us at 574-282-4950 or check out the airlines who fly with us!
