Three scenic U.S. destinations for Spring Break

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - With spring break looming just over the horizon, families all over our master-planned community will hit the interstates, airports and ports to blow off steam. Whether your plans include a relaxing family vacation, or something out of Girls Gone Wild, here are three places every American should visit.

1. Gateway Arch - St. Louis, MO
While some may not consider it an exciting destination, it importance to Americana is often understated. In 1879, Thomas Jefferson declared the American west open for expansion and commissioned pioneers to settle the west. At the time, the Mississippi River defined the east and west, with the mysterious and dangerous unknown on other side.

The Gateway Arch situated on the eastern bank of the Mississippi, stands as a literal and symbolic gate between the east and the west, and a tribute to the pioneering American spirit.

For $10, tourists can go up the arch to view the river or downtown St. Louis. Inside the base, tourists can view a number of video documentaries on westward expansion. Around the arch, sprawls Gateway Park, where tourists can picnic, play ball, or let the kiddos run. Across the street, tour the Old Courthouse, where the civil rights landmark, the Dred Scott court case, was original held before it moved to the U.S. Supreme Court. Afterward, visit any of St. Louis’ free museums, including its massive zoo, four-story art museum or natural history museum.

2. The Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon, AZ
The largest hole in the world, located in Grand Canyon, Arizona has been a popular tourist attraction for many decades. It is 277 miles long, up to a mile deep, and ten miles wide. The Colorado River runs through the middle, dividing the canyon into North and South Rims. Tourists can take trains through the canyon, have a guided tour, or simply take the experience on their own.

The picturesque view can be an excellent place to spend a romantic vacation, or perhaps even propose. The true naturist can expand the experience by staying at one of the campgrounds. In some of the viewing areas, there are no guardrails, allowing tourists to take the canyon in its raw beauty. Be careful, however, as the park reports people do occasionally fall into the Grand Canyon.

3. The Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, CA
Experience the bridge over San Francisco Bay either by car, by foot, or on bicycle. The bridge stands over 200 feet high, and maximizes the scenic view of serene blue ocean and colored mountains. However, one of the engineering challenges to building the bridge was the high ocean wind speeds of up to 30 mph. Bring a windbreaker, especially in the cooler months.

Afterward, visit San Francisco’s other sites, such as its famed Pier 39. The pier hosts blocks of trendy restaurants, shops, an aquarium, and most famously, the viewing site for Alcatraz prison. Parking is free if you show a receipt from a Pier 39 restaurant.

Finally, visit nearby Ghiradelli Square, the headquarters of the renowned chocolate company. Just a few blocks from the bridge and pier, the chocolatier has a compound of chocolate shops and restaurants slightly reminiscent of Willy Wonka. Have an actual, “hot chocolate,” made entirely from melted Ghiradelli. Visit a Ghiradelli ice cream shop for a massive cone or luscious sundae. Have tea and crumpets and dainty chocolate desserts at the tea shop. Finally, grab some chocolate for the road home.