Easter is coming soon, so why not take advantage of the warm weather for a fun spring holiday getaway? This time of year is perfect for travel, and oftentimes you’ll find discounted accommodation rates for a more budget-friendly trip. From the Rocky Mountains and exciting cities to just about everything in between, you’re sure to find something on this list that will get you packing.
Copper Mountain, Colorado
If you’d like to immerse yourself in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, head to Copper Mountain. This popular family-friendly ski resort hosts the largest Easter egg hunt in the state, with some 65,000 eggs scattered throughout the village and the resort. There are various hunts for kids of all ages from 3 and under in the Center Village all the way to adults who can take part in a hunt for a dozen golden eggs on the mountain. Kids can also redeem special “copper” eggs to get prizes like gift cards, T-shirts and ski lessons. There will be an Easter breakfast and all sorts of festivities like visits with the Easter Bunny, egg roll races and egg decorating.
Washington D.C.
A getaway to Washington D.C. brings the opportunity to take part in one of the country’s famous Easter traditions, rolling Easter eggs on the White House lawn, which dates all the way back to the late 19th-century. You’ll have to win the ticket lottery which opens up a few weeks before Easter to attend, so cross your fingers and with luck on your side you’ll be selected. While the cherry blossoms often peak early in the month, there’s a decent chance you’ll get to view some of the popular landmarks framed in pink. Either way, you’ll find plenty of things to do, from Smithsonian’s National Zoo to countless museums.
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Easter week is a popular time to visit Orlando and Disney World, as the holiday brings all sorts of special spring festivals in Florida. There will be parades, games, Easter egg hunts, Easter-themed arts and crafts, meet-and-greets with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in the Town Square on Main Street U.S.A. and even Easter services. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival takes place during the weeks leading up to the holiday, with over-sized Easter eggs painted with Disney characters hidden throughout the World Showcase. You’ll be able to buy a special map with stickers for marking your egg discoveries, and when you’re done, it can be turned in for a prize.
New York City
If you like parades, there is no better than the Easter parade in New York City. It begins following Easter mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and runs for several hours along Fifth Avenue. It’s a unique procession with participants encouraged to be creative by designing their own Easter bonnets. There will be all sorts of other events hosted too, including the Barnyard Egg Hunt, the Pysanky Ukrainian Easter Egg Decoration Workshops and the Macy’s Flower Show.
Skagit Valley, Washington
Skagit Valley in northern Washington State hosts its world-renowned Tulip Festival throughout the month of April, making it ideal for an Easter weekend getaway. Travelers from across the globe come to marvel at nearly endless tulip fields which blanket the landscape in a dazzling array of color while the Cascade Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop. In addition to viewing the flowers, visitors can join boat tours and attend art shows featuring local, regional and international artists as well as enjoy wine tasting and a wide range of entertainment.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey, AKA “Chocolate Town USA,” makes for a fun Easter weekend escape where you’ll notice the aroma of chocolate drifting through the air. You can ride the roller coasters, walk through the gardens, and sample mouthwatering chocolate at Hersheypark, and also take part in a variety of Easter events. There will be egg hunts, cookie decorating, character appearances and a Hershey’s Kiss hunt. Some hotels offer special Easter packages that include tickets to the park, Easter Sunday breakfast and more.
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City offers all sorts of fun attractions and activities that can be enjoyed over Easter weekend, including multiple major Easter egg hunts in neighborhood parks. If you’ve got your furry best friend with you, you might want to head to Horner Park for the Doggie Egg Hunt, where Fido or Fluffy can search for treat-filled eggs. There will be plenty of decadent Easter brunches and other special meals to choose from, along with Chicago’s world-class attractions like Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg, located just 90 minutes from the Texas capital of Austin, offers the chance to experience an especially unique Easter weekend. The town is known for its German traditions that date back to its founding in 1846. During Easter weekend, you can see beautiful flowers at Wildseed Farms, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm or experience Easter the way a traditional 1915 German family would at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Main Street is also a fun place to shop and dine with German-influenced restaurants and retailers.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is especially stunning in the spring with its vibrant greenery and colorful flowers in bloom. And, every year on Easter Saturday, it hosts “Eggstravaganza.” This fun egg hunt includes not only searching for the eggs, but kids can dye them and participate in all sorts of games like egg rolling races and egg tosses. On Easter Sunday, watch the annual Easter Promenade along Broad and Meeting Streets in downtown or dine on a delicious Lowcountry brunch.
South Padre Island, Texas
If you’d like to experience Easter with some international flavor, head to South Padre Island in Texas. Not only will you be able to enjoy a holiday at the beach, playing in the sand, watching for dolphins, fishing and surfing, but events for “Semana Santa.” The week before Easter is a popular week for Mexican families and groups of friends who often head to the area. As one of the most important religious holidays on the Mexican calendar, there will be plenty of events surrounding it, including Easter egg hunts amid the soaring palms.
