Easter has always felt like a gentle invitation to pause and reconnect—with ourselves, with loved ones, and with the world around us. It's a season where nature awakens, colors brighten, and the air carries a promise of renewal. Whether it's the serene hush of a mountain morning or the joyful buzz of a coastal town, these moments become the memories we cherish. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of peace I didn't know I was missing." Each destination I've shared offers its own unique embrace, inviting you to find your own moments of stillness and joy.
Best Easter Vacation Ideas
Easter Retreat at The Royal Hawaiian
They call it the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," but it felt more like a dream I stepped into. Nestled right on Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian gave Easter a tropical glow—one filled with gentle trade winds, plumeria-scented mornings, and pink hues reflecting off the ocean at sunset. I wandered the lush grounds in bare feet, feeling like time had loosened its grip. I remember thinking, "This is where elegance meets ease." Between the old-world glamour and modern comforts, everything felt intentional—and endlessly soothing.
What I Loved Most: Sipping a mai tai on the beach just before the sky turned lavender, with Diamond Head watching quietly in the distance.
My highlight? A late brunch at Surf Lanai, where I ordered their signature Pink Palace Pancakes—fluffy, guava-glazed, and impossibly photogenic. Paired with Kona coffee and the sound of waves just steps away, it felt like a celebration in every bite.
Plan your vacation:
- Location: Waikiki Beach, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
- Vibe: Glamorous, tropical, timeless
- Highlights: Private beach, historic architecture, beachfront dining
- Best Time to Visit: March–May for balmy weather and fewer crowds
- Cost: Premium resort pricing (watch for Easter packages!)
- Hours: Open year-round, 24/7 service
- Address: 2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Explore the Royal Hawaiian Luau for more of the resort’s unique experiences.
Spring Stillness at Jekyll Island Club
Tucked beneath canopies of live oaks and draped in Spanish moss, the Jekyll Island Club whispered of a slower time. I arrived as the azaleas were beginning to bloom, and something about the hush of the marsh and the creak of old bicycles made me feel like I had stepped back into a southern storybook. I remember thinking, "This is what it means to be gently held by history." There was grace in every detail, from the wood-paneled hallways to the breezy porches—perfect for a quiet Easter escape.
What I Loved Most: Wandering Driftwood Beach at golden hour, marveling at the ghostly trees and the quiet hum of waves beyond them.
My highlight? A garden brunch at Grand Dining Room, where I had crab cake eggs Benedict with fresh hollandaise and a mimosa kissed with blood orange. The chandeliers sparkled, and the breeze through the open windows carried laughter and birdsong.
Plan your vacation:
- Location: Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Vibe: Historic, tranquil, Southern charm
- Highlights: Driftwood Beach, bike trails, croquet on the lawn
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooms and perfect porch weather
- Cost: Moderate to upscale (check for Easter weekend specials)
- Hours: Hotel and dining open year-round
- Address: 371 Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Mountain Getaway
Mountain Mornings at Berry Springs Lodge
The Smokies were wrapped in early spring mist, and Berry Springs Lodge sat like a secret above them all. Mornings came with songbirds and a soft blue haze rolling over the mountains. There was a quiet here that settled into my bones. I remember thinking, "I didn’t know how much I needed peace until I found it." Easter weekend felt like a deep inhale—fireside evenings, soft quilts, and time that didn’t ask much of me.
What I Loved Most: Sitting in the rocking chair just after sunrise with a cup of tea, watching the light drift over the hills.
My highlight? A homemade breakfast in the lodge’s cozy dining room: fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes topped with warm blueberries and thick-cut bacon. The kind of breakfast that makes you linger just a little longer.
Plan your vacation:
- Location: Sevierville, Tennessee (near Great Smoky Mountains)
- Vibe: Cozy, quiet, restorative
- Highlights: Mountain views, firepit evenings, access to national park trails
- Best Time to Visit: Early spring for wildflowers and foggy mornings
- Cost: Mid-range lodge pricing
- Hours: Open year-round; breakfast served daily
- Address: 2149 Seaton Springs Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
For a Special Celebration
Easter Elegance at The Skirvin Hilton
Downtown Oklahoma City wasn’t where I expected to find classic grandeur, but The Skirvin Hilton surprised me. Marble floors, velvet armchairs, and a sense of occasion wrapped the weekend in elegance. I remember walking into the grand lobby and thinking, "This is a city that knows how to dress up for Easter." Between the live jazz drifting from the bar and the soft clink of china at brunch, I felt completely swept away.
What I Loved Most: Relaxing in the lounge with a craft cocktail and live piano echoing across the chandeliers.
My highlight? Easter brunch at Park Avenue Grill—I had pecan-smoked ham with creamy grits, scrambled farm eggs, and a slice of carrot cake cheesecake that I’m still dreaming about.
Plan your vacation:
- Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Vibe: Historic, refined, city-chic
- Highlights: Art Deco interiors, brunch lounge, central location
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for city walks and Easter festivities
- Cost: Mid-to-upscale
- Hours: Open year-round
- Address: 1 Park Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Cozy Luxury at Nita Lake Lodge
Nita Lake Lodge Tucked next to a glacial lake in Whistler, Nita Lake Lodge brought a kind of mountain luxury that felt personal. Snow still clung to the peaks, but inside the spa and beside the fireplaces, spring had already begun. I remember thinking, "This is the soft landing I didn’t know I needed after a long winter." It was peaceful, plush, and just wild enough to keep you grounded.
What I Loved Most: Renting a bike and pedaling along the lakeside trail with crisp alpine air on my face.
My highlight? Dinner at Aura Restaurant, where I had pan-seared steelhead trout over lemon risotto with a side of roasted asparagus. Every bite felt like spring in the Pacific Northwest.
Plan your vacation:
- Location: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
- Vibe: Serene, upscale, alpine escape
- Highlights: Lakefront setting, spa, outdoor adventures
- Best Time to Visit: March–May for skiing + spring hikes
- Cost: Upscale lodge pricing
- Hours: Open year-round
- Address: 2131 Lake Placid Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0B2, Canada
Art & Indulgence at The Pfister Hotel
The Pfister Hotel felt like Easter in a grand old storybook—complete with gilded ceilings, classical paintings, and a sense of occasion. Located in downtown Milwaukee, it blended elegance with midwestern warmth. I remember walking through the marble lobby and thinking, "This is where old-world grace still matters." Whether it was the morning light through stained glass or tea in the lounge, everything felt rich and intentional.
What I Loved Most: Visiting the 23rd-floor Blu Bar & Lounge for sunset views over Lake Michigan—Easter cocktails never looked better.
My highlight? Brunch at Mason Street Grill: Belgian waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, house-made sausage, and a vanilla latte served in a perfect white cup. Everything felt special, like the hotel had dressed up just for me.
Plan your vacation:
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Vibe: Elegant, historic, artsy
- Highlights: Rooftop bar, classic architecture, on-site artist-in-residence
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for lake walks and Easter brunch
- Cost: Upscale
- Hours: Open year-round
- Address: 424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Wellness Bloom at Lake Austin Spa Resort
This wasn’t just a getaway—it was a reset. Lake Austin Spa Resort gave me something deeper than quiet. Nestled on the water and wrapped in bluebonnets, it felt like spring herself had invited me to slow down. I remember walking barefoot down to the dock and thinking, "This is what it means to come back to yourself." Everything smelled like lavender, and the days passed in a rhythm of rest, movement, and nourishment.
What I Loved Most: Floating meditation in the pool under soft morning light—it felt like time didn’t exist.
My highlight? A lakeside lunch at Aster Café, where I had grilled salmon with quinoa tabbouleh, spring peas, and lemon vinaigrette. Clean, bright, and soul-satisfying.
Plan your vacation:
- Location: Austin, Texas (along Lake Austin)
- Vibe: Restorative, luxurious, wellness-centered
- Highlights: Spa treatments, meditation, lakeside yoga
- Best Time to Visit: March–May for blooming gardens and warm days
- Cost: Luxury all-inclusive
- Hours: Open year-round
- Address: 1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732
Embracing the Season's Gentle Rhythms
As you consider your Easter getaway, remember that it's not just about the destination—it's about the feelings evoked, the connections deepened, and the memories created. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of a southern inn, the tranquil beauty of a lakeside lodge, or the vibrant energy of a city retreat, let this season guide you to places that resonate with your spirit. After all, sometimes the most profound journeys are the ones that bring us back to ourselves.
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