Congratulations! You're graduating this year and you've got the hankering to plan your final hurrah with your high school classmates. You definitely deserve a celebration before heading off to (insert upcoming plans here) and here's your chance: Senior Week!
Here are some of the top Senior Week destinations and trip ideas that we've come up with:
Hawaii Dreamstime Stock Photo
1. Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu, home to the capital city of Honolulu, is not only a beach lover's paradise but full of cultural sites, historical attractions for those who can't stop learning, and plenty of natural beauty ripe for recreational activity. Arrive in Oahu and see Diamond Head looming over the city, visit Pearl Harbor and walk through the USS Arizona Memorial which floats over the sunken battleship, or tour the lush tropical beauty of the Wahiawa Botanical Garden.
San Diego Shutterstock
2. San Diego
San Diego is home to one of the best zoos in the world, the exciting and active Gaslamp District and historic Old Town San Diego, but also 70 miles of coastline all dotted with beaches (almost all of which are free). La Jolla Cove is perhaps one of the more popular choices and it is here that you can spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the cove protected warm waters, viewing the sea lions on the Children's Pool beach area, or even kayaking into the sea caves resting in the cliffs.
Myrtle Beach Dreamstime Stock Photos
3. Myrtle Beach
The beach is, of course, the main attraction where many spend their entire trip. However, you're not going to want to miss out on the magnificent boardwalk replete with attractions, shopping, dining, and amusement perfect for entertaining a group of excited senior students. Family Kingdom Amusement Park lies at the end of the boardwalk and has every carnival ride you could want while the Myrtle Waves waterpark has thrilling water rides with an oceanfront view. You can even see Broadway at the Beach! What's not to like?
4. Ocean City
Maryland's version of Myrtle Beach is undoubtedly a top contender in all student trip destinations. It has the advantage of being affordable and yet highly desirable in the attractions department. This resort town lies firmly on the beach with miles upon miles of shoreline which quickly becomes covered with excited beachgoers in the spring and summer. Other attractions to its name include Trimper's Rides and the Jolly Roger Amusement Park to entertain your group when/if you get bored of the beach.
Galveston Canstockphoto
5. Galveston
Sitting scenically on the Gulf of Mexico, this warm watered destination has everything you're looking for and more. Affordable, full of sunny beaches, and with a plethora of attractions to boot, Galveston is a top group destination for any age. Aside from the beaches, you can see everything from military submarines on display, antebellum mansions, an offshore drilling rig museum, and even a historic opera house built in 1894.
6. Disney Parks
This one might be a little more expensive than the others but if your group can swing it, you'll have the time of your lives. In both California and Florida, the Disney parks make magic come to life - plus, it's a theme park and who doesn't love rides? Everyone should visit a Disney park at least once in their life so why not celebrate with Mickey and the gang in a sunny, happy place? We can help your student group plan the perfect Disney trip so give us a call to get everything started.
Camping Group Stock Photos
7. Camping
This idea strays a bit from the traditional beach destination senior week but hear me out. Camping with your closest friends is an absolute thrill. Imagine setting up camp, pitching your tents, in a national park somewhere in this beautiful country and then setting out to experience the great outdoors. Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite are always crowd favorites and have plenty of things to see with only a little hiking effort. Plus, this is a highly affordable option for students on a budget.
Portland Skyline Alamy Stock Photo
8. Portland
It may not be as sunny and warm as the other suggestions but Portland is a magnet for the awesome. There's so much to do in this crazy, beautiful town that you probably won't get it all done in one trip. Full of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, the city is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and avid hikers/bikers. The city itself is, well, odd. "Keep Portland Weird" is their motto and they do it brilliantly with crazy little festivals like the Quiet Music Festival and strange museums like Stark's Vacuum Museum. You'll certainly be entertained with a visit to Portland.
Panama City Beach Dreamstime Stock Photo
9. Panama City Beach
Florida's own Panama City Beach is an oceanfront resort town and popular vacation destination because of its beaches, summer sun, and attractions. Always with the option to stick to the beach, Panama City Beach also has the Pier Park shopping and entertainment center, Gulf World Marine Park for all your aquatic animal viewing fun, the Miracle Strip amusement park, and Shipwreck Island waterpark. There are tons more attractions but Panama City Beach's main attraction lies in its energy and fun-loving atmosphere so head on down to northwestern Florida's coast and find out for yourself.
10. Denver
Mile High City doesn't have a beach, sorry, but it does have amazing attractions. In the spring and summer, Denver lights up and excites newcomers with sites like the Elitch Gardens Theme Park, the Denver Zoo and Botanic Gardens, the historic Molly Brown House, and plenty of museums to keep you busy touring. Denver's natural attractions and close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park is also something that draws in adventurers year-round. The nightlife and general activity in the city itself is something to experience firsthand.
11. Los Angeles
The City of Angels is a big city but don't let that be daunting to your student group. There's so much to see and do that you'll find your days jam-packed with activities whether it's lounging on Manhattan Beach or walking Venice Boardwalk, strolling down Rodeo Drive and seeing the sites on Hollywood Boulevard. Step back in time with a visit to the La Brea Tar Pits or explore the attractions at Griffith Park to see the zoo, observatory, and even a little park containing Walt Disney's Barn from his Carolwood estate, now containing his personal artifacts.
Bigger, Better, and Beachier:
★ Miami
Cuban and Caribbean influences, bright sunny beaches, marine wildlife, and jungles of subtropical wonderlands make Miami, Florida, the place to be for an adventure! Miami offers a variety of entertainment, sunny beaches, and vibrant community life making it the perfect choice for a graduation celebration trip. Here you can visit the sandy beach, the natural and gorgeous everglades, top-notch zoo's and aquariums, massive shopping centers, and even take some of the best walking and boat tours in the state!
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★ Virginia Beach
As you can tell we truly believe some of the best senior trips take place on the beach, and Virginia Beach is, of course, no exception. Check out the popular Boardwalk after a calm day in the sand, and then squeeze in some much needed retail therapy at Atlantic Avenue. For the best touring and sightseeing opportunities book an American Rover Student Party Cruise, complete with professional DJs and fresh and delicious dining. Head over to Ocean Breeze Water Park for a splash, or take a short trip to Busch Gardens in nearby Williamsburg for fun!
