Stay on Points at the 10 Best Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.

Travel + Leisure magazine has recently published a list of the 10 best spring break destinations in the United States. Whether you want to hit the slopes, relax on the beach, visit a cool city or explore the desert, now is a great time to plan your spring break adventures.

Let’s look at how you can book a great getaway at these top 10 destinations with points in the following hotel programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and the World of Hyatt.

This is by far not an exhaustive list, as there are many properties at these popular destinations that you can book with hotel points. However, we hope this will show you that a great spring break with your family is within reach and could be affordable at any points “budget.”

Keep in mind that when you book four award nights at Marriott properties, you get the fifth night free. Hilton offers the same perk to its elite members only.

Destin, Florida

Located in Florida’s Panhandle, Destin is famous for its gorgeous Gulf of Mexico beaches, golf courses and a great array of water activities for the whole family. The spring temperature is delightfully mild, perfect for spending the whole day outside.

Hyatt

Hyatt doesn’t have as many U.S. properties as Marriott or Hilton, but luckily for us, there’s one in Destin.

Hyatt Place Sandestin/At Grand Boulevard

A pool flanked by palm trees? Sounds like a dream after a long, cold winter. This Category 3 property can be booked with 9,000 to 15,000 World of Hyatt points a night, depending on the season.

Hyatt Place hotels offer large, spacious suites and all come with a pull-out couch. This is a perfect setup to accommodate a large family, and breakfast is included for all guests.

Marriott

Marriott has quite a few properties in the area ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 Bonvoy points per night.

Residence Inn Fort Walton Beach

This family- and pet-friendly centrally located hotel is one of Marriott’s newer properties in the Destin area. Residence Inn suites all come with couches, mini kitchens and free breakfast for all guests, providing the perfect setup for a family vacation.

This is a Category 5 property that can be booked with 30,000 to 40,000 Bonvoy points, based on seasonality.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Destin

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Destin has more than 500 five-star reviews. Located in the heart of Destin, this midrange hotel has an indoor and an outdoor pool.

This is a Category 5 property that requires 30,000 to 40,000 points per night.

Hilton

Hilton also has quite a few midrange properties in the Destin area. Hilton doesn’t have an award chart, so the price in points depends on the cash rates and the demand. There are quite a few properties in the 50,000 to 80,000 Hilton Honors points range.

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach

On the lower end, you have the Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach that can be booked with about 50,000 Hilton points. The beach is less than half a mile from the hotel, and there’s even a seasonal shuttle to the beach from March to October.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

On the higher end, there’s the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, just a few miles down the coast from Destin. There are multiple pools and restaurants, championship golf courses, tennis courts and a huge spa, so there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy.

You can book this hotel starting at 80,000 Hilton points.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

The temps in Cannon Beach will definitely be lower than in sunny Destin, but the weather is still nice enough for all the outdoor fun. Enjoy a scenic hike or marvel at the famous 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock known across the world, thanks to its appearance in the 1985 movie “The Goonies.”

There aren’t a lot of chain hotels in the area. The nearest one is about 20 miles to the north of Cannon Beach.

Hampton Inn & Suites Astoria

This hotel is located on Columbia River’s waterfront in the nearby city of Astoria. It has an indoor pool and breakfast is included. You can book this property for about 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Park City, Utah

If you’d rather hit the slopes than relax on the beach, Park City should definitely be on your list. With sky-high prices during the ski season, your good stash of hotel points will come in handy during the next spring break.

Hyatt

There are a couple of Hyatt properties in the Park City area.

Hyatt Place Park City

If you want to stretch your points, consider staying at the Hyatt Place Park City. This is a Category 4 hotel, bookable with 12,000 to 18,000 points per night. Expect to pay standard or even peak rates of 18,000 Hyatt points as March is still considered to be peak season for skiing.

Hyatt Centric Park City

This is a Category 7 hotel, so a night at the Hyatt Centric Park City will set you back between 25,000 and 35,000 points per night. This is definitely a splurge, and it’s a sought-after hotel, so book early to guarantee the best rates.

Marriott

Marriott has a few properties in the Park City area in all price ranges, from Category 5 to Category 8. Because Park City is a popular destination, book early and just be mindful of the cancellation policies.

The St. Regis Deer Valley

It’s hard to beat the St. Regis for the utmost luxury. Hardcore slope bunnies will enjoy the ski-in/ski-out access, and you’ll even get a private ski valet. All this splendor comes at a steep price. This Category 8 property is bookable with 70,000 to 100,000 Bonvoy points per night.

Sheraton Park City

For a more budget-friendly option, there’s the Sheraton Park City, a Category 5 property bookable with 30,000 to 40,000 Marriott points.

Hilton

If you’re a Hilton loyalist, you too can find splurge-worthy and budget-friendly options in Park City.

Waldorf Astoria Park City

A standard room at the Waldorf Astoria will set you back 90,000 Hilton points per night. If you have any free night reward certificates that come with a couple of co-branded American Express Hilton cards, this would be a great place to use them.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City – The Yarrow

This is a more budget-friendly option bookable with as few as 36,000 Hilton points per night. A more realistic price of 60,000 points is probably what you’ll find for your spring break, which is still a decent deal when the cash prices hover in the $400 range per night.

Hilton classifies this property as a resort, so if you have the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you can use the annual $250 resort credit here.

South Padre Island, Texas

With more than 300 days of sunshine , this barrier island is a popular spring break destination for college students and families alike. The non-profit Dolphin Research and Sea Life Research Center has fun and exciting educational activities for kids of all ages. The gorgeous sand dunes and nature trails will help you forget all about the winter weather back home.

There aren’t a lot of chain hotels on the island, and the ones available right on the island are more on the budget side.

Marriott

Most Marriott properties are located in the nearby towns, but there’s one on the island proper.

Courtyard South Padre Island

This is a Category 2 hotel that you can book with 10,000 to 15,000 Bonvoy points per night. Cash rates in peak season could go as high as $200, so this is an incredible value.

Hilton

Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront

The Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront is located, as the name implies, on the beach. The big pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico is a perfect place to get some vitamin D during spring break. You can book this hotel for 40,000 to 60,000 Hilton points per night.

Palm Springs, California

When the desert is in bloom, spring is the best time to visit Palm Springs. The temperatures are pleasant, and you’ll find many activities in the area, such as hiking, golfing and visiting museums. There are many hotels to choose from in all price ranges, so pick one that fits your points budget.

Hyatt

Hyatt has a few properties in Palm Springs, so choose one that best fits your needs.

Hyatt Palm Springs

This newer hotel has modern and spacious rooms and is located in the center of Palm Springs, close to dining and shopping.

This is a Category 3 property, which can be booked with 9,000 to 15,000 Hyatt points. Feel free to use the annual free night certificate that comes with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa

Located in the Greater Palm Springs area, this family-friendly property has everything you need for a great spring break. Your kids will enjoy the brand-new water park with a lazy river and a splash pad. Mom and dad can spend their time at a golf course, at a tennis court or at a beautiful spa.

This is a Category 5 property bookable with 17,000 to 23,000 points per night.

Marriott

Marriott has a few properties in the Palm Springs area in various point ranges.

Courtyard Palm Springs

This recently renovated hotel offers a prime downtown location and spacious rooms. This is a Category 5 hotel bookable with 30,000 to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Avalon Hotel Bungalows Palm Springs, A Member of Design Hotels

The Avalon Hotel is definitely not your cookie-cutter chain hotel. This hacienda-style property has charming bungalows with stylish black and white interiors.

Book a night at this Category 6 property with 40,000 to 60,000 points per night.

Hilton

There’s a range of Hilton properties in the Palm Springs area, so you won’t have any problems finding one that fits your style and budget. The two properties below are both considered resorts where the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire cardholders can use their $250 resort credit.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs

This property located at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains and overlooking Desert Princess Country Club golf course is a great choice for the avid golfers in your family. And you’ll be just 10 minutes away from downtown Palm Springs. An Olympic-size outdoor pool, loungers, cabanas and two hot tubs are perfect for catching some of California’s famous sunshine.

You can book this resort using 40,000 to 60,000 Hilton points per night.

La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton

This unique property located on a golf course has 41 climate-controlled pools, 21 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts and a spa. When you are done soaking in one of the pools, you can enjoy nearby golfing and hiking and biking trails.

You can book a night at this gorgeous resort with 80,000 points. If you have any free weekend night reward certificates that come with a few of the American Express Hilton cards, this would be a great place to redeem them.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Most people associate the gorgeous Hilton Head Island with a summer vacation, when the ocean is warm enough to swim. However, if you prefer milder temperatures, spring break is a great time to enjoy all the water sports activities available on the island. And if you like to vacation with your best furry friend, pets are allowed on the beaches until Memorial Day weekend.

Marriott

There are a few Category 5 and 6 properties on the island, and they get booked up quickly, so make a reservation early. If you have Marriott free night certificates valued at up to 50,000 points, this is a great place to use them as the cash rates could be astronomical.

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

You’ll find beautifully landscaped grounds, lovely pools and a stunning beach with lots of space to spread out and enjoy the great spring weather.

This is a Category 6 hotel that you can book with 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott points per night.

Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa

This is another popular oceanfront property. A night at this Category 5 hotel is bookable with 30,000 to 40,000 points per night.

Hilton

Hilton’s properties on the island are more on the budget side, which means you can really stretch your points for a longer stay.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head

This modern hotel is budget-friendly. Its spacious rooms are perfect for families, and there’s even a free shuttle to take you to the beach or the nearby golf courses. This is a pet-friendly property, and breakfast is included for everyone.

You can book this hotel with 35,000 points per night.

Hampton Inn Hilton Head

Located just a mile from Hilton Head Island Airport, a couple of miles from the beach and in the vicinity of three golf courses, this is a great base to explore the island. Hot breakfast is included for all guests.

You can book this hotel with 45,000 points per night.

Atlanta

If a city break is more up your alley, Atlanta has so much to offer. You can visit the largest aquarium in the U.S. or the World of Coca-Cola for some family fun. There’s also no shortage of hotels bookable with points, so it’s easy to save money and still have a great trip.

Hyatt

There are a few Hyatt House and Hyatt Place properties in the downtown area. These hotels are great for a family vacation. All rooms and suites have pull-out couches, so you’ll have enough room for the whole family.

Hyatt House Atlanta/Downtown

You’ll find spacious suites, free breakfast and easy access to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and other major attractions.

You can book this Category 3 property with 9,000 to 12,000 points per night.

Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta

For a more cool vibe, you can stay at the Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta. This bustling neighborhood showcases the best of Atlanta, including upscale restaurants, shopping and fine arts.

You’ll be close to theaters, the High Museum of Art and the Midtown Arts District.

This is a Category 3 property bookable with 9,000 to 12,000 points per night.

Marriott

Marriott also has quite a few properties in Atlanta in all price and point ranges.

The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta

If you’d like to experience contemporary Southern luxury on your spring break, the Ritz-Carlton is just the ticket. You can book a night at this Category 6 hotel for 40,000 to 60,000 points per night.

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Downtown

If you want to stretch your points further but still stay close to the action, this hotel is ideally situated by Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia Aquarium, State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park.

This is a Category 4 hotel bookable with 20,000 to 30,000 points per night.

Hilton

If you’ve got a good stash of Hilton Honors points, you’ll find lots of options in Atlanta.

The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Curio Collection properties are always unique and have great local character. The Candler is located in a historic mansion built by Coca-Cola magnate in 1906. Inside, you’ll find classic style and art deco glamor with all the modern amenities.

You can book this beautiful property with 50,000 to 60,000 Hilton points per night.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Downtown

If you’d rather stay somewhere more modern where you can enjoy rooftop sunsets and free breakfast, Home2 Suites is a great option.

You can book this hotel with 40,000 to 50,000 points per night.

New Orleans

The city with a reputation as a party central might not be your first choice for a family spring break. However, there are quite a few family-friendly attractions in and around New Orleans. You can visit the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and the remarkable National World War II Museum. And let’s not forget about the great food you can find in New Orleans.

There are also a lot of affordable points hotels in New Orleans, so you can definitely put your points chest to good use.

Hyatt

Hyatt has a few options in New Orleans, so you can decide if you want a one-of-a-kind property, a hotel in the French Quarter proper or a hotel with large rooms that can accommodate the entire family.

The Eliza Jane – In the Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Located in a former printing house and bitters factory, this is definitely not your cookie-cutter chain hotel. The history of the place combined with all the modern amenities definitely make for a memorable stay.

You can book this Category 4 property using 12,000 to 18,000 points per night.

Hyatt House New Orleans/Downtown

Hyatt House properties usually have larger rooms with sleepover sofas, and the suites come with kitchenettes, so they are perfect if you are traveling with kids.

This hotel is nestled in the heart of Downtown New Orleans, steps away from the Superdome and less than a mile from the French Quarter.

You’ll need between 9,000 and 15,000 points for a night at this Category 3 hotel.

Marriott

There are quite a few nice Category 4-7 Marriott properties in NOLA, so you’ll have no issues booking one according to your preferences and your Marriott Bonvoy points balance.

Residence Inn New Orleans French Quarter Area/Central Business District

Residence Inn properties are family-friendly and come with fully equipped kitchens and free breakfast for everyone.

This Category 5 property can be booked with 30,000 to 40,000 points.

Q&C HotelBar New Orleans, Autograph Collection

For something more upscale, the Q&C HotelBar is a good choice. Located in the heart of the Central Business District, the hotel is a couple of blocks from the French Quarter, and other major attractions are also nearby.

A night at this Category 5 property can be booked with 30,000 to 40,000 points per night.

Hilton

If you have a good stash of Hilton points, you’ll be able to put them to good use at a few luxury and family-friendly properties in New Orleans.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

If you have free weekend night award certificates, using them at the Waldorf Astoria hotel is always a good idea. The Roosevelt has been operating as a hotel since 1893, and today you’ll find historic New Orleans memorabilia, a luxury spa, a rooftop pool and all the modern amenities.

You can book this hotel for 70,000 points per night.

The Troubadour Hotel New Orleans, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

One of the newer Hilton properties, The Troubadour is a boutique mod-inspired hotel with a rooftop bar with 360-degree view. It’s located within a mile of all the major attractions.

You can book this hotel for 40,000 to 50,000 points per night.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Wrightsville Beach, voted one of America’s best beach towns, is known for its laid-back coastal living. The nearby Mansonboro Island Coastal Estuarine Reserve has exceptional bird watching and wildlife watching. Spring break is not exactly swimming weather yet, but the mild temperatures and sunny days will help you recharge after the long winter.

There aren’t any chain hotels in the Wrightsville Beach proper, but there are a couple of options nearby.

Marriott

There are a few Category 4 properties nearby.

Residence Inn Wilmington Landfall

Located just a few miles from the beach, this hotel is great for families as all rooms are equipped with a small kitchen, and breakfast is included for everyone.

This is a Category 4 hotel bookable with 20,000 to 30,000 points per night.

Hilton

Hilton also doesn’t have any properties in the town proper, but a couple of nearby hotels allow for easy access to the town of Wrightsville Beach.

Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach

Located just 2 miles from the sandy shores of Wrightsville Beach, this hotel comes with a pool, and breakfast is included for all guests.

You can book this hotel with 40,000 to 45,000 points per night.

Phoenix

Arizona is simply glorious in the spring. The mild temperatures are perfect for exploring the desert and for being outdoors all day long. You can lounge by a pool, take on one of many hiking trails in the area or take a jeep tour of the desert. The Desert Botanical Garden is just one of the must-see attractions in the Phoenix area.

There is no shortage of points hotels in Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale.

Hyatt

Hyatt has a wide range of properties from the budget-friendly to the most luxurious.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Once a 1920s-era winter home, the original Spanish Colonial Revival villa comes with all the modern amenities, world-class spa and cuisine. Enjoy the sweeping desert landscapes at this laid-back retreat at the base of Camelback Mountain.

This is a Category 6 property that you can book with 21,000 to 29,000 points per night.

Hyatt Place Phoenix / Downtown

If you’d rather stretch your points or need to accommodate a large family, Hyatt Place Phoenix is a great choice. All rooms come with sofa beds, and breakfast is free for everyone.

This Category 3 property can be booked with 9,000 to 15,000 points per night.

Marriott

There are a lot of Category 4 and 5 properties in the Phoenix area, so you’ll have your pick.

Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel

If you want something more cool and hip, the Renaissance Phoenix is just the ticket. Perfectly situated near the light rail, you’ll be in the heart of all the action and close to the cool bars and restaurants.

This Category 5 property can be booked with 30,000 to 40,000 Marriott points per night.

Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown

Residence Inn properties are perfect for families traveling together. You get a larger room, a kitchen and a lot of space to spread out.

Free nights at this Category 4 hotel go for 20,000 to 30,000 points per night.

Hilton

There are dozens of Hilton properties in the Phoenix area, so you can easily pick one in your points budget.

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

This stunning resort has been a Phoenix icon since 1929. This glamorous oasis comes with lush gardens, a full-service spa, seven dining outlets, seven swimming pools and a 65-foot water slide. It’s also pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend can vacation with you.

As is the case with other Waldorf Astoria properties, this would be a great place to use your weekend night rewards that come with select Amex Hilton cards.

A night at this resort starts at 80,000 points per night.

Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe

This property is technically in Tempe, but it’s close enough to Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale. And Tempe, being a university town, has a lot of great bars and restaurants. There’s also an outdoor pool, and a free hot breakfast is offered to all guests.

Final Thoughts

If you decide to spend your spring break in the United States, there are so many great places to explore. From lounging on beaches to exploring cities to skiing in the mountains, you’ll find plenty of great hotels that you book with points.