The snow is melting, the ground is thawing and longer, sunnier days are ahead. It’s a great time of year to book a trip.
There are 74 IHG® Army Hotels on 40 Army posts across the country, many of which are located close to popular travel destinations. If you’re itching to explore, check out our suggestions for popular spring break destinations within close range of our hotels.
Head to Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Closest to IHG Army Hotels Tripler Medical Center on TAMC/Fort Shafter
This is a great place to visit any time of year, but especially if you’ve spent the winter digging out from snow and ice. Head to the beach and replace that snow with sand and sunshine.
The famed Waikiki Beach is the perfect location to lounge on soft sands or catch a wave. Meaning “spouting waters,” this popular spot was once a place where Hawaiian royalty relaxed. After soaking in the scene, enjoy world-class restaurants, shopping and entertainment just steps from the beach. Or, if you prefer sneaking away to a quieter spot, visit Lanikai Beach about 10 minutes north. This family-friendly beach offers white sands and clear, calm waters. If you’re into kitesurfing or windsurfing, Kailua Beach offers a perfect—slightly windier—alternative, with picnic tables, restrooms, public showers and free parking available.
From the beach, dive into history at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Learn more about the event that launched the U.S. into World War II, or explore the natural wonders of Diamond Head State Monument. This 475-acre state park’s unique geographic characteristics were formed by a volcano, offering stunning hiking and views.
Play outside in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Closest to Candlewood Suites Building 7306 on Fort Carson
If you’re looking to get outdoors, Colorado Springs is the place to be. From hiking to sightseeing to train rides to zoos, enjoy the area’s natural beauty and abundance of activities.
You can hike, bike or rock climb through the Garden of the Gods—a 480-acre public park with 300-foot sandstone rock formations. Learn about the area’s impressive geology and ecology. Then, determine how you want to tackle Pikes Peak, the 14,115-foot snow-capped mountain that defines the area’s skyline. Drive, hike, bike or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest rack railway in the world, to the top and get a view of five states on a clear day.
Enjoy some family-friendly fun at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where you can view 750 animals in 15 different exhibits, including lions, elephants, ring-tailed lemurs, leopards, giraffes and more. Or check out something a little more prehistoric at the Dinosaur Resource Center. The country’s No. 2 rated dinosaur museum shares fossils from the Cretaceous Period, including one of the largest Tylosaurus fossils ever discovered.
Also unique to Colorado Springs is the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center and United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum. See what it’s like to train as one of the country’s most talented athletes, tour the facilities and take in over 100 years of Olympic history.
History and culture in San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Closest to Candlewood Suites Building 2426 on Joint Base San Antonio
Nicknamed Alamo City, it goes without saying that the Alamo should top your list of things to do when visiting San Antonio. Gain appreciation for the area’s history and culture with a stop at the Alamo Church and Long Barrack, first used by Spanish missionaries. Live reenactments and exhibits help bring the site’s famous story to life, while the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park offers in-depth lessons on the area’s early Spanish missions.
When you’re finished exploring the Alamo, head to the San Antonio River Walk, known as the No. 1 attraction in Texas. This public park shares more than 300 years of traditions and heritage. Enjoy unique events, restaurants and shopping, then book a boat ride down the San Antonio River.
Other attractions to add to your list include the Spanish Governor’s Palace, a National Historic Landmark that offers a balance of history and art, and the San Antonio Museum of Art, where you can view Native American, Spanish colonial and Latin American art, plus the largest collection of Asian art in Texas.
A tropical vibe in San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Closest to Holiday Inn Express, El Caney Complex on Fort Buchanan
What better place to spend spring break than San Juan, Puerto Rico? This vacation destination blends Old World charm with vibrant modern culture. Enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico while you swim, snorkel, sunbathe, surf, and paddleboard. Head to the sunny shores of Condado Beach for some family-friendly fun, or try your luck with surfing at Ocean Park Beach.
When you’re done exploring Puerto Rico’s beaches, take in the Boricua spirit by exploring the city’s museums, sporting events, music, and more. Museo Casa Blanca—the oldest residence in San Juan—once housed Puerto Rico’s first governor. Now, it stands as a museum with 16th- and 17th-century artifacts. Learn more about the cultural heritage of Puerto Rico and the Americas by visiting the Museo de las Americas, or take in the color and culture of 20th-century Puerto Rican, Caribbean and Latin American art at Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico.
Stay chill in Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
Closest to Holiday Inn Express Northern Lights Inn on Fort Wainwright
The warm weather and beach vibe isn’t a go-to for everyone during Spring Break—some like to keep it chill. On this outdoor adventure, take in the aurora borealis, amazing wildlife, enormous glaciers and stunning mountain ranges. You can catch the stunning display of the Northern Lights until mid-April. Check out the Aurora Tracker for the best times to view it.
Learn more about the rich Alaskan native culture during annual events like the Festival of Native Arts in March and World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in July; get in on the gold rush with an opportunity to pan for gold at Chicken Gold Camp and Outpost; explore Alaskan gold rush history and learn more about the Pedro Dredge, a bucket line gold dredge that is now a National Historic Site.
Once you finish taking in Alaskan culture, admire the area’s vast beauty with numerous local, state, and national parks, including Chena River State Recreation Area, Denali National Park and Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Just make sure to keep your eyes peeled for moose, beaver, fox, black bear, caribou, hundreds of species of birds and much more.
Hopefully this list of vacation destinations helps you plan the perfect spring break for the family. No matter which location you choose for your getaway, you’ll find five-star service and amenities tailored to your unique needs.