Many families have unique traditions for Easter Sunday, whether it is dressing up for Easter mass, Easter brunch with the whole family, a fun egg hunt, or pictures with the Easter bunny. However, maybe 2024 is the year to try something new, such as surprising your loved ones with an Easter vacation. Here are some of our favorite ideas for Easter weekend getaways that are easily accessible from the Windy City, thanks to an out of state charter bus, so you can relax on the road and take advantage of the trip to catch up with your nearest and dearest.
#1. Charleston, South Carolina
Celebrate Easter in a beautiful city with balmier weather than Chicago by traveling to Charleston, South Carolina. One of the best ways to experience Easter is to join the “Eggstravaganza” on Easter Saturday, which includes egg decorating and an egg hunt, followed by the annual Easter promenade on Easter Sunday.
#2. South Padre Island, Texas
Add some international flavor to your Easter weekend by exploring South Padre Island in Texas. The celebrations of the Semana Santa attract Mexican families and travelers from around the world who can partake in seasonal events like Easter egg hunts, but also dolphin watching, and other fun beach activities.
#3. Big Sur, California
Known for its natural beauty year-round, Big Sur is the perfect place for some outdoor activities on Easter weekend, including exploring hiking trails in pleasant weather. A visit to the Big Sur River Inn restaurant will be a highlight of your Easter holiday, with an annual Easter egg hunt and a fantastic Sunday brunch.
#4. Copper Mountain, Colorado
Spend your Easter break in the family-friendly ski resort of Copper Mountain in the Colorado Rockies. Easter events include one of the largest egg hunts in the state, with 65,000 eggs containing special prizes, including ski lessons. Other activities include a visit from the Easter bunny, Easter breakfast, and egg roll races.
#5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Looking for Easter vacation ideas turned towards the great outdoors? An Easter getaway to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is just what you need. Start with a sunrise service at Ober Gatlinburg, and stock up on goodies for your Easter basket at the Great Smoky Easter Arts and Craft Show.
#6. Washington D. C.
For an urban Easter trip, head to Washington, DC. Don’t miss the many museums and maybe an early peak at the cherry blossoms. Try your luck to win a ticket to take part in one of the most famous egg rolling races in the country on the White House lawn.
#7. The Ozarks Mountains
Easter time is the perfect season to discover the spectacular Ozark Mountains, which include parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Pack your weekend getaway with outdoor adventures and also the many holiday events in the local communities during Easter week, such as cookie decorating or egg toss.
#8. Lake Powell
If you are wondering what to do on Easter, Lake Powell, at the border of Arizona and Utah, is perfect for some family fun. Spend Easter weekend fishing and exploring the amazing sites, or head to Page, Arizona, for the annual Easter celebrations, including hunting for Easter eggs and the Easter parade.
#9. Fredericksburg, Texas
Options for Easter weekend 2024 include the quaint town of Fredericksburg in Central Texas. With its strong Germanic tradition, Fredericksburg offers countless fun things to do at Easter. Dress up for the Easter pageant and marvel at the Fredericksburg Easter Fires in the surrounding hills while gorging on amazing food.
#10. Santa Monica, California
The best Easter weekend vacations in warm weather can be found in Santa Monica. Located 2.5 hours from San Diego near LA, this small town is perfect for sports aficionados who want to participate in the races along the beach or families who want to check out the annual Easter Hoppening.
#11. Flagstaff, Arizona
If you are looking for Easter long weekend gateways that will turn the cold of Millennium Park into a distant memory, Flagstaff is the place. Beat the summer crowds and the sweltering heat to explore the ragged beauty of Humphreys Peaks or participate in traditions like a barnyard egg hunt.
#12. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
The past few years have been rough, so enjoy Easter in a relaxed environment along the Mississippi River. In addition to traditional events like egg hunts and Easter brunch, Bay St. Louis is known for its quirky Stella, Blues, and Barbecue Festival at the Little Theater, celebrating with live music and delicious food.
#13. Hershey, Pennsylvania
It would not be Easter in Chocolate Town, USA, without the annual Hershey’s kiss hunt. With Disney characters’ appearances and roller coaster rides, Hershey is the perfect day trip from New York City if you also want to include the famous annual Easter parade in your Easter weekend getaways 2024.
#14. Sedona, Arizona
Make the memories of a lifetime by hopping on board the Bunny Express, which will charm the adults with spectacular views of the Verde Canyon and delicious Bloody Mary, and the children with tasty treats and a visit from their favorite rabbit. Finish with a trip to the Verde hot springs.
#15. Helen, Georgia
Some may think that fun can only be found in the excitement of places like the French Quarter or Jackson Square in the Big Easy, but others prefer quainter towns like cozy Helen, GA. With a strong German heritage, Helen is known for its distinctive Bavarian architecture in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Conclusion
If you are wondering what to do on Easter, we hope that these ideas for destinations will whet your appetite and help you decide on activities to keep the entire family happy, whether it is a breath-taking hike up the mountain, a trip to the art institute, or simply relaxing with your loved ones and creating new traditions. An Easter charter bus rental can make the trip easier to organize and more accessible for everyone. Do not hesitate to reach out for more information or a personalized quote so you can start planning your next trip.
Happy Easter!