You've got a week, a car, some gas money and hopefully good spring weather. This year, spend spring break focusing on what really matters: your travel companions, beautiful vistas, fresh air, great food and restful nights. Remember before hitting the open road to check off our adventure checklist so that you'll be ready for whatever spring weather rolls in and whatever fabulous adventures you encounter. Here are a few road trips to put on your list if you're looking to get outside and do some exploring.

Florence on the Oregon Coast

Good for families, couples and getaways with friends

Spring is a beautiful time to enjoy Florence's beaches without summer crowds! Hike, ride horses, fly a kite or take a dune buggy ride. Try sandboarding or windsurfing. Or just enjoy the gentle pastime of beachcombing. Florence has many affordable inns, motels and vacation rentals. 

In Old Town Florence, the historic riverfront offers a classic Oregon Coast experience from taffy and clam chowder to t-shirt shops and crab shacks serving up the catch of the day.

Oakridge/Westfir

Good for outdoor adventurers

Not everyone heads to the beaches. If the mountains call to you, drive up to Oakridge/Westfir where a relaxed, uncrowded scene is built on the affinity for the gorgeous forest surrounding it. Spend the week in peaceful solitude in a mountain retreat, or mix with other active adventurers at the local gathering places. You're likely to find yourself sipping craft beers at the local pub alongside anglers, hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, foragers and botanists.

The shoulder season around Oakridge promises good hotel deals, a warm welcome from the locals, and the first look at the hiking trails re-emerging from snow drifts. Enjoy the rewards of crisp days, steaming hot springs and flowing rivers and waterfalls.

Creswell & Cottage Grove

Good for families, couples and empty-nesters

Step back in time along the streets of small towns. Here the lazy days of spring break are filled with cycling, waterfall hiking and touring magnificent murals, historic covered bridges or tracking down the filming sites from beloved movies. Creswell and Cottage Grove focus on the simple pursuits of pleasure, from an afternoon of golf to sitting in a Main Street cafe with a cup of coffee and a promising good read from the used book store across the street. 

These quiet communities border wine country for easy trips to vineyards or artisan farms. Talented locals offer stellar evening entertainment from live music at the bars to amazing community stage productions.