As a college student, you probably don’t have much money to spend on a perfect spring break in NYC. Here is a list of spring break destinations in 2020 in the US that offer fun experiences, unique culture and new food at an affordable price.
Spring Break in New Orleans
At least once in your lifetime, you have to make it down to New Orleans. Why not make it your spring break destination of 2020? The best way to enjoy New Orleans culture and architecture is on foot or by streetcar (at just $1.25). Soak up the sunshine, walk around the historic city district or one of the city’s gorgeous parks.
Must Visit in New Orleans – The French Quarter
You cannot visit New Orleans without going to the French Quarter. The neighborhood, also known as Vieux Carré, is the heart and soul of the city. The French Quarter has held on to its French heritage, the street names are still listed in French. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets to find Jackson Square and the Faulkner House. Pay attention to the architecture: balconies are designed with baroque ironwork and hanging plants, while leafy courtyards are filled with fountains. Bourbon Street — New Orleans’ infamous party hub is also located in the French Quarter. This street full of street performers and fortune tellers as well as bars. Although a trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without strolling down Bourbon Street, keep in mind that evenings on Bourbon are best for adults only.
Free Places to Go in New Orleans
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
A 16-acre riverside promenade park full of artworks, frequent strolling bands and festivals offer visitors a bucket list New Orleans experience. And if you are feeling a bit snackish, it’s also a great place to eat beignets and slurp chicory-laced coffee from the famous Cafe du Monde.
Garden District
Wrought iron fences, exquisite gardens and beautiful antebellum homes line the streets of the Garden District, the place where the city’s original aristocratic class settled. The Garden District has been home to some famous folks, including novelist Anne Rice and rock star Trent Reznor. If you decide to visit the Garden District make sure to walk around to get the maximum enjoyment.
Hotel Pick:
New Orleans Hotel in Downtown are kind of pricey, so if you would like to have a good quality and budget-friendly lodging experience you won’t regret staying at the Brent House Hotel. This hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub and it is just 5 miles from World War 2 Museum.
Restaurants You Must Try:
When in NOLA, have biscuits and gravy or a morning sandwich at the Wakin’ Bakin’ for breakfast. For lunch, visit K’Pauls Louisiana Kitchen for authentic Cajun cuisine. Go to Cochon to try some delicious meat pies, fried livers and stewed ham hocks for dinner.
San Antonio – Spring Break Destination 2020
San Antonio is more than just a city, it’s a community of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. There is no shortage of wonderful attractions to visit, from the well-known river walk to the Alamo, SeaWorld, the Pearl Brewery, and the Tobin’s Performing Arts Center.
Must Visit in San Antonio – The Alamo
The Alamo is the site of a ‘crossroads’ in Texan history, where many important historical events took place, from the first Spanish colonization and the independence of Mexico to the place where the Confederacy stood its ground. This place carries such a historical significance, that you have to go there if you are in the area.
Free Places to Go in San Antonio
The River Walk
Also known as Paseo del Rio, this area is a perfect place for a relaxing dinner at one of the numerous restaurants or cafes that line the river. Also visit one of the numerous night spots or enjoy the sounds of mariachis and live music. The River Walk is also the perfect place to hang out with family or sit quietly with your date while you enjoy the sounds of water.
The San Antonio Museum of Art
The San Antonio Museum of Art has one of the best collections of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Near Eastern art in the southern United States. Located on the River Walk, the museum hosts over 500 guided tours each year and is appealing to adults seeking scholarly immersion as well as families with young children.
The Pearl Brewery
The Pearl Brewery is one of the most fun places you can visit in San Antonio. This brewery, established in 1883 has recently been transformed from a historic brewery to a thriving multi-use space where you can eat, shop, learn, work and live. The Pearl is situated next to the recent Riverwalk expansion, so you can catch a tour boat or walk from the Pearl all the way downtown. Every Saturday, the Pearl is host to an a Farmer’s Market which has become a traditional Saturday event for San Antonio locals.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
If you travel 90 miles north and bit west from San Antonio you will find the second largest batholith in the United States. You can enjoy fun and enriching activities like backpacking, camping, hiking, rappelling and rock climbing, and bird watching! Additionally, if you are into star gazing there is minimal light pollution in the area. The area is also rich with history and folklore. Local legend has it that the Tonkawa Indians named Enchanted Rock because of the sounds they heard coming from the rocks at night. The belief was that the rock was enchanted. There is also a cave towards the top of the formation – but beware if you are claustrophobic, it is a tight space. Flashlights are necessary unless you enjoy bumps and bruises!
Hotel Pick:
DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown San Antonio is pretty inexpensive, but it is centrally located and have some really good reviews. This hotel has a shuttle to the river walk and is walking distance from El Mercado!
Restaurants You Must Try:
San Antonio is foodie heaven, as there are so many places to choose from. Go to the Little Gretel to enjoy buttermilk pancakes with strawberries or wurst kolaches for breakfast. Later, visit Feast for creative and constantly changing menu and a fun atmosphere. For dinner, I recommend going to the Botica and ordering Shrimp & Almond Fried Rice!
Saint Louis – Spring Break Destinations 2020
Saint Louis is one of the best spring break destinations because there are so many fun and free things to do there! It’s a great city to visit in the spring and it’s not as crowded as the more popular destinations like NYC or Chicago.
Must Visit in Saint Louis – Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch has welcomed visitors for fifty years with its iconic, awe-inspiring shape. No other attraction in St. Louis is more recognizable and it is the symbol of the city and a source of great pride for St. Louisans. You must go as it’s a unique attraction that you won’t find anywhere else.
An entry-only ticket costs $3. An entry and tram ride combo ticket is $13 for adults and $10 for children. You will need to purchase tram tickets online in advance as they do sell out fast. If you are taking the tram to the top, expect to spend at least two hours at the Arch to see everything.
Free Places to Go in Saint Louis
St. Louis Zoo
St. Louis Zoo is often ranked as one of the best in the country. And, it’s free! The Zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals from all seven continents, offering a new and unique experience every time you visit. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours in the summer.
St. Louis Science Center
The St. Louis Science Center is a great experience for the whole family. You can test your knowledge of dinosaurs, try out a radar gun to learn the speed of cars on Highway 40 or look at the night sky in the planetarium. The Science Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free, but you will need to buy tickets to special exhibits and the OMNIMAX Theater.
St. Louis City Museum
The City Museum is a wonder of modern creativity. It is essentially one giant artistic playground. Made up almost entirely of repurposed scrap it is a location perfect for all ages.
The St. Louis Art Museum
The St. Louis Art Museum has more than 30,000 paintings, drawings and sculptures. The modern art collection boasts works by famous European masters like Matisse, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. On Fridays, the museum is open until 9 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica is home to one of the largest collection of mosaics in the world. It took nearly 80 years to install the more than 40 million mosaic glass pieces that adorn the inside of the church. Make sure to go there if you are in the area, you won’t regret it!
Hotel Pick:
Adjacent to the Gateway Arch in the heart of city center, Hyatt Regency seems to be the most value for the money. Excellent staging ground to explore St. Louis for your spring break adventures at a reasonable price!
Restaurants You Must Try:
For breakfast you should have the Turn’s famous eggs and chorizo. For lunch, have a snack at The Clover and the Bee and for dinner enjoy a shrimp-and-cabbage-stuffed squid and brisket jambalaya at the Pig&Pickle.
Related: How to Save Money and Travel More in 2019
Tell Me: What is your dream spring break destination this year? Leave your answer in the comment below!
March 21, 2018
What great ideas! I have only been to New Orleans on this list so it gives me some good places to keep in mind next time I plan a trip. I am a little too old to go on spring break though. 🙂
March 26, 2018
My favorite one of these is Saint Louis! And of course you don’t have to do it over Spring Break, it will probably be cheaper any other time! Do you live in US?
March 22, 2018
Wow what an informative post!
As a UK lady there will be nothing more exciting for me than to travel to the US, and from your excellent guide I’ll definitely know where to visit when I do.
Thank you for this!
Rachy
http://www.rachyreviews.com
March 26, 2018
That would be great! These cities are great for people who are from the United States, but I would imagine if you are travelling from another country, you should visit some of the more unique places.