Easter Weekend Getaways
When Easter weekend comes around, I always think it’s the perfect time for a getaway. I love finding destinations that feel both refreshing and unique.
I love that early-spring energy, the flowers blooming, outdoor adventures opening up, and plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Some of my favorite travel memories over the years have come from Easter weekends spent exploring new places in the USA.
What I love most is how Easter weekend getaways can be so versatile. I can choose a beach escape for relaxation, a charming small town for a cozy vibe, or even an underrated city that surprises me with special events, festivals, and springtime activities. It’s one of the best times of year to enjoy travel that feels light, fun, and meaningful.
Joshua Tree National Park
I thought Joshua Tree National Park was an underrated springtime escape, a desert wonderland of sculpted granite boulders, whimsical Joshua trees, and hidden oases that feel almost otherworldly.
After a 2.5-hour drive east from Los Angeles, I based myself in a rustic cabin outside the town of Joshua Tree, just 15 minutes from the park’s West Entrance.
Visiting at Easter meant cooler mornings and wildflowers splashing the desert with bursts of color. The area felt mystical, spacious, and alive, a perfect hidden gem for climbers, hikers, and stargazers.
My day was filled with scrambling over the rocks at Hidden Valley, hiking through groves of Joshua trees in Queen Valley, discovering fan palms at Lost Palms Oasis, and staying late to watch the night sky ignite with stars at Skull Rock.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
A small Gulf Coast town with historic charm, pastel-painted cottages, sandy beaches, and a lively Old Town, Bay St. Louis is especially inviting at Easter, when blooming azaleas, festive egg hunts, and warm spring weather make it shine.
While basing myself in Bay St. Louis, I spent a weekend enjoying its walkable Old Town, celebrating Easter at the historic St. Rose de Lima Church, strolling the beachfront promenade, and browsing quirky shops and galleries filled with coastal art and antiques.
I also crossed the Bay Bridge on foot for sweeping Gulf Coast views and ended my day with fresh seafood along the waterfront.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world, where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific Ocean. Rugged cliffs, towering redwoods, iconic bridges, and misty marine views create a landscape that feels both wild and sublime.
While basing myself at Post Ranch Inn along Highway 1, I spent the better part of a day exploring scenic overlooks, hiking through redwood groves, pausing at windswept beaches, and stopping at art galleries and rustic cafés tucked into the cliffs.
Each turn revealed another breathtaking vista, making Big Sur feel like both a road trip and a destination in itself.
Houston, Texas
This vibrant Texas city completely won me over with its mix of world-class museums, buzzing neighborhoods, award-winning restaurants, and a dynamic arts scene — all framed by towering oaks and a skyline that glitters at night. I loved how it managed to feel both cosmopolitan and laid-back at the same time!
From my home in Austin, we drove east about 2 hours 30 minutes.
We strolled through leafy Hermann Park (445 acres).
In the afternoon, I toured the historic Heights neighborhood, full of 19th-century architecture and funky shops. Dinner was Tex-Mex at Ninfa’s on Navigation (about $18 for sizzling fajitas). We spent the night downtown at the Lancaster Hotel ($210), a boutique property in the Theater District.
Even though it was endlessly fun and diverse, I noticed that Houston is sprawling. Having a car made it much easier to explore different neighborhoods!
Charleston, South Carolina
This enchanting Southern city felt like it was made for Easter weekend, with its pastel-colored homes, blooming gardens, and timeless charm. Charleston radiates history and hospitality, but in spring it truly comes alive, azaleas, wisteria, and dogwoods bursting into color along cobblestone streets and iron-gated courtyards.
I spent the morning wandering along Rainbow Row (13 pastel Georgian townhouses from the 1700s), took a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter ($50 for two people), and walked along the Battery promenade with sweeping harbor views. We spent the night at The Vendue ($240), a boutique hotel in a former warehouse that now doubles as an art gallery.
Even though Charleston was buzzing with visitors, it still managed to feel graceful and welcoming, as if the entire city had dressed up for the holiday.
Flagstaff, Arizona
This mountain town felt like the perfect Easter getaway, with its crisp pine-scented air, historic charm, and backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks still dusted with snow.
In spring, Flagstaff manages to feel both cozy and adventurous, a place where you can hunt for Easter eggs under towering ponderosa pines and then head off on a scenic hike surrounded by wildflowers.
Locals told me that Easter is a wonderful shoulder season. You might still catch skiing at Arizona Snowbowl, or head down into Oak Creek Canyon for a warmer spring hike among budding trees and red rock views. And since Flagstaff sits on historic Route 66, there’s always a quirky diner or boutique to discover.
I strolled through the historic downtown, where Route 66 once cut through and century-old brick buildings now house breweries and bookstores.
We spent the night at Little America Hotel ($195), a local favorite with trails threading through ponderosa pine forest right outside the door.
Even though the high elevation means chilly nights, daytime was perfect for exploring, from the Lowell Observatory to Walnut Canyon’s cliff dwellings.
Berkeley
From San Francisco, I drove across the Bay Bridge (13 miles, about 30 minutes depending on traffic) into Berkeley, a city of roughly 120,000 residents.
This vibrant Bay Area city made for a refreshing Easter weekend, with blooming hillsides, historic architecture, and a creative energy that feels both intellectual and laid-back.
In spring, Berkeley is especially charming. Cherry blossoms and magnolias brighten the campus, while wildflowers spill across the trails in Tilden Park.
I spent Easter strolling down Telegraph Avenue, and wandered through the leafy UC Berkeley campus. Even though Berkeley has a relaxed, student-town vibe, Easter brought a sense of celebration that made the city feel both festive and welcoming.
Closing Thoughts
Whether I’m attending an Easter sunrise service by the water, joining a community egg hunt, or simply soaking up the spring sunshine, I always feel like Easter weekend trips combine tradition and adventure in the best way possible.
They’re the kind of experiences that make me feel renewed and excited for the season ahead.
There’s something about Easter weekend that invites renewal, not just in spirit, but in scenery. It’s that early spring pause when flowers bloom, families gather, and the air feels lighter somehow. For me, it’s always been a perfect time to get away, to trade routine for discovery, and to let new places work their quiet magic.
From the Texas Hill Country to California’s rugged coastlines, each of these destinations offered a breath of fresh air and the best new memory with my family! Some soothed me, some sparked joy, but all gave me space to feel deeply and rest fully.
Whether you’re searching for mountain air, beachside calm, or southern charm, these Easter weekend getaways are just far enough to feel like an adventure, and close enough to be easy.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
