8 Spring Break City Escapes That Will Make You Forget All About the Beach

Spring break typically means a trip to the beach, and it's easy to understand why. The promise of warm weather draw vacationers to the coast for a week of sun-soaked fun, but here's the truth: not all of us enjoy the crowds and sunburns that come with it.

This season, why not opt for a different kind of escape? Rather than flocking to the ocean, we're headed straight for the city for an uplifting, upscale, and ultimately unforgettable adventure. Plus, it's easy to find the perfect Hilton Hotel located in the heart of it all—so you can count on a rewards-friendly home base for all your travels.

1. The Roosevelt New Orleans: Best for Glam-Forward Travelers

• Number of rooms: 504
• Nearby attractions: The French Quarter, Canal Street, Bourbon Street, Caesars Superdome
• Why we love it: Historic building, rooftop pool, spa treatments, walkability

This hotel is all about glamour, but, like the city it calls home, it's also deeply rooted in history and culture. The Roosevelt New Orleans was built in 1893, then called the Hotel Grunewald, and was frequented by Louisiana's governor, Huey P. Long. When you're ready to embrace the nightlife, you'll be delighted to find the French Quarter just one block from the hotel's entrance. But there's plenty of relaxing to do here, too. Lounge in a private cabana on the rooftop pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply unwind in your room, complete with a hint of Jazz Age glamour.

2. Hilton Motif Seattle: Best for Coffee Enthusiasts

• Number of rooms: 319
• Nearby attractions: Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, waterfront piers, downtown shopping
• Why we love it: Beautiful rooms, excellent service, pet-friendly amenities

Seattle and coffee go hand-in-hand, but in all honesty, you don't have to be a coffee drinker to enjoy all that this city has to offer. Just off the I-5, the Hilton Motif Seattle will put you less than 1 mile from Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, the Space Needle, and the Bainbridge Island Ferry.

Of course, if you do appreciate excellent coffee, you're in the right place. Enjoy a guided tour of nearby cafes, learn about local production, and taste some fantastic brews. Back at your hotel, you'll love soaking in the city views or enjoying a top-notch meal at the hotel's on-site restaurant, Frolik Kitchen.

3. Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown: Best for Creatives

• Number of rooms: 140
• Nearby attractions: Lady Bird Lake, South Congress Avenue, Austin City Limits Live, downtown restaurants, and tons of music venues
• Why we love it: Rooftop pool deck, stylish interiors, plus a colorful, creative energy

Austin gets a lot of hype, but the truth is—it's warranted. Experience the best of it when you book a stay at Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown, located in the heart of the West Sixth Street Entertainment District. Just half a mile away is the beloved Lady Bird Lake and the Texas State Capitol.

When the sun goes down, enjoy endless nightlife and amazing eats just outside your door. It's almost impossible not to feel creatively energized when you spend some time in ATX.

4. Sable at Navy Pier Chicago: Best for Waterfront Wanderers

• Number of rooms: 223
• Nearby attractions: Navy Pier, Centennial Wheel, Lake Michigan Lakefront Trail
• Why we love it: Stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, restaurants right outside your door, and the ability to walk to some of the city's best sights

Chicago's Navy Pier is always bustling, with year-round entertainment, boat cruises, and, depending on the time of year, epic firework displays. When you book a stay at Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, you'll have a front-row seat to all of it. Book a room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and you'll wake each morning to Lake Michigan in all of its glory.

When you want something a bit off the beaten path, check out Milton Lee Olive Park. Then, at night, venture to Jazz Showcase, an intimate venue that's hosted some exceptional talent since opening in 1947. Ready for some food? Check out one of our favorite places for deep-dish pizza in Chicago.

5. Graduate by Hilton Nashville: Best for Live Music Lovers

• Number of rooms: 205
• Nearby attractions: Music Row, Broadway, Country Music Hall of Fame, Vanderbilt University
• Why we love it: Playful, colorful designs paying homage to country stars, convenient Midtown location

Nashville is an excellent spring break escape. Weather-wise, it's ideal this time of year, with consistently warm temperatures but none of that stifling summer humidity. If you're in Music City, you just have to experience some live music. The Broadway honky-tonks are definitely worth experiencing, but don't miss out on some of the smaller venues, too, like the Bluebird Cafe or the Listening Room for songwriters showcases, plus the Station Inn for bluegrass.

Plus, the Graduate by Hilton Nashville is a destination in its own right, with creative rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and even its own karaoke bar.

6. Conrad Los Angeles: Best for Sun Seekers

• Number of rooms: 305
• Nearby attractions: Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum, Grand Central Market, Grand Park
• Why we love it: The stunning architecture, rooftop pool, expansive views

A trip to L.A. is always a good idea. Springtime brings its own brand of magic, with warmer weather and nonstop activities to enjoy. Whether your dream vacation involves hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains or sipping rooftop cocktails, you won't help but fall for the city's dynamic energy. When you're ready to recharge, the Conrad Los Angeles will feel like an oasis with its chic rooms, luxurious amenities, and emphasis on wellness.

7. Martinique New York: Best for Dinner and a Show

• Number of rooms: 504
• Nearby attractions: Herald Square, Empire State Building, Broadway Theater District, Madison Square Garden, Koreatown
• Why we love it: Art Deco architecture, prime city location, elegant decor

If you're looking for a truly sophisticated stay, it doesn't get much better than Martinique New York, situated between Herald Square and NoMad. Whether you want to play tourist for a day or experience some of NYC's hallmark attractions, this beautiful hotel is ideal. While you're in town, catch a Broadway show and make a reservation at one of the city's iconic restaurants. Stop by Nōksu, a Michelin-starred Korean tasting counter hidden within the 34th Street Herald Square station. (Make your reservation in advance!)

8. The Morrow Washington D.C.: Best for Gallery Goers

• Number of rooms: 203
• Nearby attractions: Union Market District, National Mall, U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian museums, NoMa neighborhood dining scene
• Why we love it: The rooftop lounge, on-site restaurants, elegant rooms

Just a 5-minute walk from Union Market, the Morrow offers the peak Washington, D.C. experience. The Smithsonian museums are within 2 miles, so you can easily spend your day exploring galleries, exhibits, and historic monuments before grabbing a bite to eat in a foodie-favorite neighborhood like Georgetown, Shaw, or Logan Circle. Then, relax on the rooftop and plan another action-packed itinerary for the next day.

So, which city are you headed for next? Be sure to share this article with a fellow travel enthusiast and let the planning begin! Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.