Skip The Beach: 3 Hidden US Spring Break Destinations Every Christian Family Needs To Know

Three Christian Friendly Spring Break Destinations You Can Reach By Car

Spring break doesn't have to mean crowded beaches and overpriced resorts. For Christian families and travelers looking for meaningful getaways, three destinations across the United States offer history, beauty, and faith filled experiences, all reachable by car.

The first stop is Ave Maria, Florida, a master planned Roman Catholic community located about 35 miles inland from Naples. Built in the early 2000s around Ave Maria University, the town was modeled after historic European college towns. Its centerpiece is the Ave Maria Roman Catholic Church, which blends Romanesque and Gothic influences with contemporary materials.

The church's façade features a marble sculpture of the Annunciation by Hungarian sculptor Marton Varo. The town center includes cafes, restaurants, and shops arranged around a walkable square with an intentionally old fashioned layout, perfect for families seeking a peaceful and faith centered environment.

Forget the crowded beaches and overpriced resorts. Spring break doesn't require a plane ticket or a weeklong itinerary.

The second destination is Durango, Colorado, founded in 1880 as a railroad hub for mining operations. Situated along the Animas River in southwestern Colorado, Durango's downtown features Victorian era buildings housing restaurants and galleries, many listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates steam powered trains through mountain terrain, with daily service resuming in early May. Nearby attractions include San Juan National Forest and Mesa Verde National Park's Ancestral Puebloans cliff dwellings.

The third option is Columbia, Missouri, positioned between St. Louis and Kansas City. The city's character is shaped by the University of Missouri, founded in 1839. Columbia is also home to Columbia College, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Francis Quadrangle features the iconic Columns and Jesse Hall. The walkable downtown includes galleries, shops, and public art initiatives that have been active since 2010.

Best Spring Break Road Trip Ideas For Christian Families in 2026

Dennis Lennox, writing for The Christian Post, highlights these three destinations as ideal alternatives to the typical spring break scene. Each location offers something unique: Ave Maria provides a distinctly Catholic community experience, Durango delivers adventure and natural beauty in the Rocky Mountains, and Columbia combines college town charm with Christian heritage through Columbia College.

All three destinations are driveable from major population centers, making them accessible for last minute getaways without the expense of flights or elaborate planning.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is exactly the kind of content we need more of. Not everything has to be about culture wars and persecution, though those stories matter deeply. Sometimes the best thing a Christian family can do is unplug from the noise, pile into the car, and visit a place like Ave Maria, a town literally built around a church. What a concept. In a world that shoves God out of every public square, Ave Maria put Him right in the center. Take your kids there. Show them what it looks like when faith shapes a community instead of the other way around.

Take Action

• Plan a visit to Ave Maria Parish and experience this unique faith centered community firsthand.
• Book a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a family adventure through the Colorado mountains.
• Explore Columbia College, a Christian affiliated institution, and the walkable downtown of Columbia, Missouri.
• Share this article with your church community and organize a group spring break road trip to one of these destinations.
• Support Christian travel content and journalism by subscribing to The Christian Post.