Destination SpotlightCategory|

Spring Break Destinations and Experiences That Go Far Beyond the Beach

Spring break isn’t just for students or families with kids – all of us deserve a break after the winter. It’s also not about doing the typical trip anymore. You know, the one where you travel to a beach and do nothing but soak up the sun. 

Exciting experiences are taking center stage as travelers increasingly look to balance relaxation with new experiences like culinary classes, outdoor adventures and international cultural immersions. In the 12 weeks leading up to a trip, Google searches for travel-related experiences far outweigh searches for other things such as flights and places to stay, proving that experiences are what make a trip great. 

With its signature hospitality, Hilton offers spring breakers a pathway to unique packages and experiences ideal for striking the balance between relaxation and something new. Some can be booked through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform (a website where members of Hilton’s free-to-join loyalty program can swap their Points for one-of-a-kind activities), while others are available for all and can be booked directly through the hotels. 

Foodie? Learn to make coffee like a pro in Amsterdam or try nighttime lobster netting in Key Largo. History buff? Book a tour of Mayan ruins in Mexico or visit key Civil War sites in Tennessee. Nature lover? Hike through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado or go diving in Hawaii.

Whatever you choose to do, spring break is an opportune time to literally break from your routine and experience something new, but psst: It’s OK (and we won’t tell) if you want to lie on the beach for a day or two.

Gastronomy

Key Largo, Florida

Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton | Key Largo – known as the Diving Capital of the World – offers spring break travelers an unforgettable beach experience and a way to reduce their impact on the local environment. The Baker’s Cay’s Dock to Dish program invites resort guests to venture out and navigate the surrounding ocean waters, with options to explore the deep water, backcountry or nighttime lobster netting in pursuit of the most local and abundant catch of the day. The catch is then brought back to the resort and specially prepared with fresh herbs picked from the rooftop garden. The resort also offers eco-education classes to celebrate the natural environment around the property, including programs at the Coral Restoration Foundation, Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder and the Everglades Alligator Farm.


Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam | Spring is often cited as the best time to visit Amsterdam, as this is when the city comes alive with blossoming trees and tulips along the tranquil canals (all visible from Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam). Spring breakers will find a plethora of things to do, from exploring the waterways by boat and sampling local stroopwafels to admiring impressionist works at the Van Gogh Museum. Those looking to get an extra pep in their step can take their coffee skills to the next level with the Maestro dell’ Espresso at Issimo Bar Experience, available on the Hilton Honors Experiences Platform. This Experience for two, available for Points redemption to members of Hilton’s free-to-join Hilton Honors loyalty program, takes coffee lovers on a sensory journey of coffee tasting, espresso-making techniques, milk frothing and basic latte art. The Experience is currently available for 20,000 Hilton Honors Points.


Maestro dell’ Espresso at Issimo Bar Experience

Prague, Czech Republic

Hilton Prague | As the weather begins to warm, the charming city of Prague springs to life. Regarded for its gothic architecture, unique food offerings and affordable prices, this European gem is a hot spring break destination. Prague is renowned for its drinking culture – from pub crawls with Czech-style beers to dimly lit cocktail lounges serving artisanal spirits, including absinthe – so those looking to understand the history behind their brew can book the Czech beer Experience, available on the Hilton Honors Experiences Platform. This Experience walks two guests through a Czech beer class with a specialist, a tasting of eight different draught beers and a Czech food tasting. During the Experience, guests also have a chance to visit the newly opened Hop House – a contemporary Czech beer bar offering traditional Czech cuisine with a modern twist and beverages galore. Say na zdraví (cheers) to Prague and socialize the Czech way. The Experience is currently available for 25,000 Hilton Honors Points.


Czech Beer Experience

Cultural

Cancun, Mexico

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla | Cancun and spring break are synonymous, but go beyond the beach with the Exploring Mayan Culture Package. This package will allow guests to learn about Mayan history in either Tulum, Isla Mujeres or Chichen Itza. It also includes entrance fees, transportation and a guided tour of the selected site and lunch, plus it ensures guests will learn more than just the best tanning spots on their trip to Mexico.


Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla

Franklin, Tennessee

The Harpeth Franklin Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton | Just south of Nashville, Franklin, Tennessee, is lined with galleries, antique shops and restored Victorian buildings and was a key site in the American Civil War. History buffs can book the historical tour package offered by The Harpeth Franklin Downtown. It includes two one-hour tours of Carter House and Carnton House, both sites in battles during the Civil War.


The Harpeth Franklin Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton

Boston, Massachusetts

Freepoint Hotel Cambridge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton | Boston might not seem like a quintessential spring break destination, but those looking to enjoy a city steeped in history should look no further. From exploring the Freedom Trail to sampling goodies at Faneuil Hall, Boston offers an exhaustive list of activities. Travelers can weekend like a local with an exclusive deal offered by Hilton, which includes 50% off a Sunday night stay at a Hilton Hotel, a King Bowling gift certificate, 15% off brewery tours, 20% off admission to Stone and Franklin Park Zoos, and a variety of other discounts.


Freepoint Hotel Cambridge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Mind & Body

Sedona, Arizona

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock | Spring is the perfect season to explore Sedona’s colorful landscape, roll through the dirt on a Jeep tour or enjoy one of 200 scenic hiking and biking trails. The beautiful and spiritual red rock landscape provides a respite for stressed and tired city dwellers and travelers alike, allowing the mind, body and spirit to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock offers travelers multiple ways to unwind in 25,000 sq. feet of wellness, fitness and spa amenities, from creating a personalized body scrub at the on-site eforea spa, to a selection of energy based therapies and treatments that harnesses the healing powers of the desert. For those looking to put their body to the test, the Outdoor Warrior Pit is the perfect boot camp playground. The red sand pit is equipped with ropes, sledgehammers and anchors for guests to create their own cross training workout while admiring breathtaking views surrounding the hotel.


Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

Family Friendly

Fort Worth, Texas

Hilton Garden Inn Fort Worth Medical Center | Fort Worth is a unique spring break destination that offers great spring weather, one of the top zoos in the nation, Stockyards National historic district, five world class museums and much more. To celebrate all the city has to offer, Hilton Garden Inn Fort Worth Medical Center is offering a spring family getaway experience that includes Fort Worth Zoo tickets, breakfast and the opportunity to enjoy the hotel’s indoor Cool Pool.


Hilton Garden Inn Fort Worth Medical Center

New York, New York

Conrad New York Midtown | New York City is a one-of-a-kind spring break destination, between the world-renowned restaurants, stunning skyline, surrounding rivers and historic venues. After exploring Central Park and visiting the Top of the Rock, spring breakers can go off the beaten path with a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Madison Square Garden. They can hear about the venue’s history from an expert tour guide who knows every iconic story and legendary moment. Only redeemable with Hilton Honor Points, the exclusive Experience is valid for up to 10 people. Stay at the Conrad New York Midtown, which is within walking distance of Madison Square Garden and other iconic sites. The Experience is currently available for 100,000 Hilton Honors Points.


Conrad New York Midtown

Cupertino, California

Juniper Hotel Cupertino, Curio Collection by Hilton | Cupertino, California is just a 20-minute drive to San Jose, 40 minutes to the beaches of Santa Cruz and an hour to San Francisco. Located in what was once known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” because of all the fruit orchards and flowering trees, Juniper Hotel Cupertino pays tribute to the area’s rich agricultural history with a commitment to sustainability and environmental friendliness. Visitors can tour the property’s very own rooftop apiary (bee yard) where honeybees are raised and the beekeeper harvests honey for the hotel’s bar and restaurant. Guests can enjoy a private tour and honey tasting by Stang’s Apiaries, and the hotel’s local beekeeper will teach them about the environmental benefits of beekeeping. The package includes a private beekeeper guide of the rooftop beehives followed by a honey tasting. It also includes a roundtrip shuttle to the hotel from San Jose Airport.


Juniper Hotel Cupertino, Curio Collection by Hilton

Adventure

Boulder, Colorado

Embassy Suites Boulder | Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers travelers a chance to explore nature while enjoying the galleries, cafes and boutiques of a charming city. At Embassy Suites Boulder, travelers can pick up an eco-friendly gift pack, which is a great guide to exploring Boulder’s favorite activities along with some hidden gems. Travelers can use the passes they receive in the gift pack to jump on the Boulder Hop, a bus service that loops the town, and go on a scavenger hunt. They can also choose to explore local shops on Pearl Street or enjoy nature with a hike in the Flatirons. Back at the hotel, guests can enjoy a complimentary nightly reception with family activities in the lobby or relax in the heated rooftop pool.


Embassy Suites Boulder

Big Island, Hawaii

Hilton Waikoloa Village | A visit to the Island of Hawaii is an appealing way to relax over spring break. From breathtaking beaches and seahorse farms to vanilla and chocolate farm tours, the island has something for a variety of spring breakers. At Hilton Waikoloa Village, guests can cruise the resort’s meandering waterways in electric propelled boats, just one of the latest ways the hotel is working to reduce its environmental impact while improving the guest experience. Water-loving guests can take part in the exclusive Hawaii Nautical sailing and dive boat experience, where they can swim with tropical fish and other marine life in the clear coastal waters, spot whales during whale watching season or embark on a stunning sunset cruise.


Hilton Waikoloa Village

Park City, Utah

Waldorf Astoria Park City | Park City offers spring breakers the opportunity to hit the slopes, enjoy live music and even partake in winter fly fishing. Waldorf Astoria Park City is offering spring breakers an exclusive offer when they book a three-night stay between February 24, 2020 and April 12, 2020. Eligible bookings are qualified to receive a $300 Delta Air Lines electronic gift card – making getting to the slopes that much easier.


Waldorf Astoria Park City

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