5 Ways to Spend Spring Break in the State of Washington

Lake Chelan

Enjoy a spring getaway to Lake Chelan! You’ll beat the summer heat — and the crowds. Lake Chelan sits on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains range, boasting 300 days of annual sunshine. While it feels a world apart, Lake Chelan is an easy three-hour drive from Seattle, the ideal weekend getaway or long springtime escape. Ranging from outdoor adventures for the whole family, to world-class wineries, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

During spring break, be sure to check out the Chelan Evening Farmers Market or get adventurous on the water and try your luck at jet skiing or river rafting! For those who prefer to stay on dry land – there are endless hiking trails, golf courses and charming boutique shops. For the adults, an assortment of wine activities with Chardonnay Day in May and flowers and grapes blooming in the spring.

📸 Things to Do: Chelan Earth Day Fair (April 15) – The 35th annual fair is a fun, family-friendly event to celebrate Mother Earth and teach children about the environment. The fair includes delicious food and an array of activities, including music, DIY exhibitors, informational kid-friendly discussions and other entertainment. Or head to Shoreline Watercraft & Boat Rentals to rent boats and jet skis to get out on the lake itself.

🛎️ Where to Stay: Mountain View Lodge & Resort, Campbell's Resort or The Lookout

🌮 Where to Eat: Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery or Stormy Mountain Brewing

Blaine

Experience a vacation to remember at Semiahmoo Resort, a casual PNW seaside destination in Blaine, WA that offers fun for everyone in the family. Boredom-busting activities abound at Semiahmoo: swim or soak in the indoor-outdoor heated pool and hot tub, have a family bonfire, rent bikes for the day, play a round of tennis, pickleball, or golf (or check out the golf simulator!), watch a movie in the Discovery Theatre, relax at the spa, enjoy amazing on-site dining, go on a guided birding tour...and so much more!

📸 Things to Do: Go birding at Semiahmoo Spit; windsurf, paddleboard, or dig for clams at Birch Bay State Park; Visit Bellingham, WA just 35 minutes away

🌮 Where to Eat: Drayton Harbor Oyster Company

🛎️ Where to Stay: Semiahmoo Resort

🗓️ Spring Events: Wings Over Water Birding Festival (March 17-19), Semiahmoo Resort Winemaker Dinners (March 24 & April 21)

Spokane

Bring your family to Spokane, and tour the Historic Flight Foundation. Restored to perfection, the aircraft featured at the museum will take the grandparents back in time and pique the interest of the younger generations. Better yet, you can book a flight on one of the planes. Spokane is a family-friendly city that’s affordable, beautiful, and easy to navigate. Let’s face it, trying to please the entire family while you’re on vacation can be challenging. Spokane has plenty of things to do to satisfy the mercurial toddler, surly teenager and hard-to-impress grandparents.

📸 Things to Do: Riverfront Park, SkyRide, Looff Carrousel, Green Bluff

🛎️ Where to Stay: Historic Davenport Hotel, Ruby River Inn, The Centennial

🌮 Where to Eat: Tomato Street, Frank’s Diner, Wisconsin Burger

Vancouver

Discover the beauty and charm of Vancouver, Washington, the perfect off-the-beaten-path spring break destination for families and multi-generational groups. With a wealth of outdoor activities, delightful accommodations to suit all budgets, and tantalizing dining options, Vancouver offers a truly unforgettable experience. Stroll along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail and indulge in delectable cuisine at family-friendly eateries like Beach Restaurant and McMenamins on the Columbia. Don't miss the chance to explore the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a living history museum providing a glimpse into the area's past. And be sure to visit picturesque attractions like the Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Moulton Fall Regional Park, or Lacamas Lake for a serene outing in nature. Vancouver, Washington has it all, making it an ideal destination for your next spring adventure. There's something for everyone in this Pacific Northwest gem!

📸 Things to Do: Daytrip to the Columbia River Gorge or Mount St. Helens, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Northern Clark County Scenic Drive, Clark County Flower Power Tour, 25 Free Things to Do

🛎️Where to Stay: The Heathman Lodge, Hilton Vancouver WA, or the new AC Hotel by Marriott

Long Beach Peninsula

Washington's Long Beach Peninsula, a remote yet accessible coastal destination for more than 140 years, has an abundance of wild places and natural attractions, paved trails, national and state parks, landmark lighthouses, boardwalks, and 28 miles of wide, sandy public beach. Welcoming small towns offer unique shops, art galleries, a range of restaurants, and affordable lodging. Fun-for-all hands-on museums and interpretive centers keep multi-generation travelers entertained, while delving into local history, the end of Lewis and Clark's voyage west, kites of the world, cranberries, oysters, carriages, and more. For the young and young at heart, head to the go-karts and arcades in the festival town center of Long Beach then stop into Dylan's Cottage Bakery for a pastry, Scooper's for ice cream, or BOLD for an afternoon pick me up.

The Long Beach Peninsula is a three-hour drive from SeaTac International Airport and is located at the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean.

A wide variety of lodging options are available from refurbished hotels such as Adrift Hotel to a resort catering to families over Spring Break -- the Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort. For teachers looking for a break, At the Helm Hotel and Pub, a boutique hotel at the Ilwaco marina, is adults only.

📸 Things to Do: Cape Disappointment State Park, Long Beach Boardwalk

🛎️ Where to Stay: Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort

🌮 Where to Eat: The Depot Restaurant