Life as a member of the Armed Forces can be stressful for both service members and their families. From long hours of training to deployments lasting over a year, military life can be exhausting. Everyone can benefit from a little vacation this time of year. Spring Break is the perfect time to step away from busy schedules and spend some quality time together.
For military families, planning a vacation can be a challenging task. With limited time off, planning a trip to a foreign country or a destination with a complicated itinerary can quickly erase the relaxation you were hoping to find. Long flights, crowded destinations, and rising travel costs are all good reasons to look for Spring Break fun closer to home.
The good news is that with IHG® Army Hotels, you have limitless Spring Break adventures nearby. With properties around the country, you're never too far from one of our relaxing and comfortable rooms. We make exploring and relaxing easy. Our hotels are not only close to post amenities, but also numerous scenic outdoor spaces, museums, sports centers, family-friendly entertainment, historic landmarks, and so much more. With comfortable accommodations at an affordable price, we can help you have the Spring Break you are looking for, without the stress.
In this article, we’ll recommend just a few of the many options for Spring Break, including outdoor adventures, family-friendly spots, and places for great dining and community.
Outdoor Adventures
Springtime offers the perfect weather for exploring the great outdoors. From walks through the forests that surround many military bases to visiting our National Parks, the wilderness is an ideal place to get away from it all this Spring Break. When staying at IHG Army Hotels, you're typically only a short walk or drive from scenic parks, lakes, and trail systems. Here are just a few examples.
Located in Cumberland County, 13 miles northwest of Fayetteville and just a 15-minute drive from IHG Army Hotels Moon Hall on Fort Bragg, is Carvers Creek State Park. This scenic location offers adventurers horseback riding, hiking, fishing, birdwatching, bicycling, and more. There are no fees to enter the park, making it the perfect spot for low-cost outdoor fun. The park has numerous events planned for this March, including storytelling sessions, canoe hikes, and pottery classes.
The Coronado National Memorial is about 30 minutes from our IHG Army Hotels Main Complex on Fort Huachuca. Visitors to the park can get a greater appreciation for the brutal expedition of the Spanish conquistador and explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. With eight miles of trails leading into the grasslands, mountains, and oak forests, there is plenty of space to relive the steps taken by Coronado and the priests, Aztec allies, herders, and more that accompanied him on the expedition. You can even check out the Coronado Cave. The cave is 600 feet long and totally undeveloped.
The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Olympia, Washington, lies where fresh water from the Nisqually River begins to mix with water in Puget Sound. This unique environment is home to a diverse collection of over 250 plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy the delta on their own or learn about the natural and cultural history of the area through guided walks and seasonal lectures. The refuge is just a 12-minute drive from our Holiday Inn Express Rainier Inn & Rainier Complex on Joint Base Lewis McChord.
Family-Friendly Fun
When planning your family's Spring Break fun, it can be difficult to find something everyone can enjoy. Thankfully, our properties are on Army posts throughout the country, making it easy to find family-friendly attractions. When staying at our properties, you have the convenience of on-post amenities nearby while still enjoying plenty of Spring Break excitement.
If your travels take you and your family to central Texas, a must-see for younger visitors is The Mayborn Science Theater. From exploring the solar system to watching planetarium star shows in the center's 60-foot digital dome, the theater is a great place to spend part of your vacation. From Dinosaurs to laser light shows, the young and young at heart will have plenty to do. When visiting this attraction, you're only an 8-minute drive from the Holiday Inn Express Keith Ware Hall on Fort Hood.
Washington, D.C., offers endless fun for families, from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to countless parks and monuments; families almost have too much to choose from. One of the best places to visit is the Smithsonian National Zoo. Located just 20 minutes from Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall and our IHG Army Hotels Wainwright Hall - Historia hotel, the zoo has over 2,200 animals representing about 300 different species. From lions to elephants to Californian Sea Lions, whatever your favorite animal is, chances are they have it.
Local Dining & Community Activities
If the great outdoors and family-friendly fun aren't your cup of tea, spend Spring Break enjoying local restaurants, markets, and community gathering spots. Fantastic culinary adventures are just outside the front gates of many installations, offering plenty of places to enjoy a good meal and experience seasonal events.
Colorado has more than its share of fine cuisine and community. If you are looking for tasty treats and community this Spring Break, head to Fort Carson and our Candlewood Suites Building 7306 property. In addition to enjoying the many amenities that come standard for all our guests, you'll definitely want to head to Old Colorado City. In less than 30 minutes, you can experience a wide selection of restaurants, including authentic Colorado cuisine, international flavors, breweries, wine bars, cocktails, coffee shops, and more. After eating to your heart's content, you can enjoy live music, art galleries, and even an escape room.
If your heart is set on leaving the continental United States this Spring Break, why not check out Hawaii? This tropical paradise is home to culinary delights for all tastes and plenty of activities. Book a stay at our IHG Army Hotels Building 228 on TAMC/Fort Shafter, where you are just 20 minutes from the Waikiki Beach Walk. Restaurants on the walk include casual dining venues like Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee and upscale dining like Ruth's Chris Steak House. There are also dozens of shops, military discounts, and cultural events throughout the year.
Spring break doesn't need to include long flights, crowded locations, or the kind of itinerary that leaves you more exhausted from your trip than you were when you went on leave. You can stay close to home by booking a stay at one of our over 70 properties on 40 Army posts, allowing you to focus on relaxing. From enjoying the great outdoors, experiencing family-friendly adventures, and finding the perfect local dish, we're ready to help you make the most of Spring Break 2026.
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