Gainesville, FL for Freshwater Springs, Wildlife and Spectacular State Parks

As an undergraduate at the University of Florida in Gainesville many moons ago, I often asked myself why my friends and I were always determined to get out of town for spring break. March and April bring ideal temperatures (upper 70s and lower 80s) to this Central Florida college town that’s surrounded by lush hammocks of oak trees and within easy access of freshwater springs you can tube along, like the crystal clear wonders at Ginnie Springs and Ichetucknee Springs State Park.

One of the most reliable places to spot alligators in Florida is also in Gainesville, from the safety of a boardwalk along the La Chua Trail within Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. I’ve seen hundreds of them lounging in the sun on a single day. A short drive from there, Sweetwater Wetlands Park has 3.5 miles of gravel and boardwalk trails for admiring butterflies, scouting for more gators and ticking off your birder’s life list (more than 260 bird species have been counted here). Consider a leisurely bike ride, too, along the 16-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trial, a historic rail bed that winds through more conservation areas.

Where to stay: Hotel Eleo

Just a few minutes south of the University of Florida campus, this hotel with a contemporary design is a centrally located homebase for exploring the area. . The onsite restaurant serves Florida-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails and the fitness center is open 24 hours a day.

Scottsdale, AZ for Desert Adventures and Cool Pools

This desert town plays it cool around spring break, with temperatures lingering in the upper 70s and 80s before the summer turns things sultrier. It’s the perfect time for outdoor adventures in and around Scottdale, like jeep tours along cactus-studded trails within the Sonoran Desert and tubing (from April onward) along the Salt River within the Tonto National Forest.

Book a flight with Rainbow Ryders to lift up gently in a hot air balloon for the sunrise or sunset views of a lifetime. And head out on a bar crawl or restaurant hopping in Old Town Scottsdale, too, with Old West ambiance that conjures a movie set.

For more desert adventures, McDowell Sonoran Preserve has multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding and is a good spot to scout for cactus wren, red-tailed hawks and the pig-like mammals called Javelinas that are native to the area.

Where to stay: Hotel Valley Ho

Come for colorful mid-century vibes, DJ tunes and daybeds by the sprawling Oh Pool and a fab spa complete with hot stone massages and saunas with colortherapy. Dine indoors or out at Zuzu, with weeknight (Monday-Thursday) happy hour specials and a lively brunch scene where you might consider ordering the huevos rancheros or cilantro lime shrimp tacos for a taste of the Southwest.

St. Michaels, MD for Sunset Sailing and Storied Maritime History

Wherever you wander in this quaint waterfront town along the Miles River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, you’ll find your way back to St. Michaels’ picturesque harbor. Consider boarding a sailing charter in the marina to head out onto the waters of the storied Chesapeake Bay for sunrise or sunset with your spring break crew (dolphins and ospreys are often seen). At the town’s Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum you can see historic vessels being restored in the shipyard and book a scenic river cruise on the Miles River aboard the PATRIOT, built to resemble a classic steamboat.

Right in the atmospheric downtown, there’s great shopping for antiques, clothing and crafts along Talbot Street. And it wouldn’t be a visit to the Eastern Shore if you weren’t digging into Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, crab cakes and other local specialties at one of the town’s many seafood restaurants.

Where to stay: Inn at Perry Cabin

Pedal out on one of the complimentary bicycles or just relax in an Adirondack chair by the marina’s edge and Miles River at this historic, luxury property that traces its history to the 1800s. Then cue up more relaxation with a spa treatment and stream room session. Play a round of croquet or tennis. And come dusk, gather around the inn’s firepit with a craft cocktail in hand at Purser’s Pub & Courtyard.

Bermuda for Pink Sands, Golf and Rum Swizzles

Cooler than the Caribbean in springtime but still plenty warm and with turquoise blue seas and pink sand beaches to boot, Bermuda makes for one beautiful and largely off-the-radar spring break destination. On the island’s south coast, Horseshoe Bay Beach, with pale rose-hued sands, is lapped by crystalline waters. Crystal Caves beckon for subterranean explorations among illuminated stalactites and stalagmites you can admire from a boardwalk path. Golf courses abound on the island for those looking to tee up and history-lovers get their fix, too, in the UNESCO-listed town of St. George, which dates to 1612 and is best explored on foot.

For one of the best snorkeling adventures you can embark on right from the shore, don’t miss swimming among electric-blue parrot fish within the sheltered waters of Church Bay (bring your own gear or rent it onsite).

Where to stay: Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa

Drawing vacationers for oceanfront escapes since 1923, this property on its own narrow peninsula is the definition of escapism. Explore five private beaches and two quiet coves or relax by the infinity pool overlooking Mangrove Bay with a Rum Swizzle, Bermuda’s beloved cocktail. The family-owned resort has cottages, rooms and suites as well as three waterfront restaurants.

Portland, Oregon for Cherry Blossoms, Art and Coastal Day Trips 

Portland’s springtime showers in March usher in sunnier and warmer days in April. And if you’re up for a spring break with more of an urban vibe, this Pacific Northwest destination is a winner for a city break with gorgeous nature all around. The Portland Art Museum unveiled its new 22,000-square-foot Mark Rothko Pavilion during a grand re-opening in late 2025, with new public and gallery spaces adding to the museum’s vast holdings.

Earth Day celebrations go full tilt downtown in April with community bike rides and festivals at city parks. Just west of downtown, Washington Park is a gorgeous green lung known for hiking trails and what’s widely considered the finest Japanese Garden outside of Japan. From mid-March into April, you’ll even find cherry blossoms in bloom here. Consider a day trip west of the city, too, to Oceanside Beach, with fewer crowds than Cannon Beach and an equally gorgeous stretch of coastline.

Where to stay: Hotel Lucia

Browse the eclectic art and incredible photography collections at this quintessential Portland boutique hotel close to local markets and great restaurants in downtown’s Pearl District. Meaningful amenities, including complimentary bikes for exploring the city, daily coffee service with beans from a Portland roastery and a nightly craft beer hour.

Explore more destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.