Spring break getaway cars

By James Tate of MSN Autos

While most of the country is digging out from one snowstorm or another, many people are looking forward to warmer weather and their spring break getaways. Every year families all over the United States use their break to see sights and take in activities, while for college students it's become a rite of passage. There are destination guides and travel suggestions everywhere on the Internet, but we're doing something different: This is a look at some of the best spots to spend spring break for families and partiers alike, and what to drive to get you there — with no restrictions on car selection concerning age, availability or sense.

Daytona Beach, Fla. | 1938 Ford Coupe

One of America's prime spring break party scenes,Daytona Beach, Fla ., was where the brave and the bold came to set speed records in the early 20th century, and where the first official NASCAR race was held. Today the stretch of beach that made up part of the famed Daytona Beach Road Course  is still open to car traffic, and part of the modern spring break experience at Daytona is cruising the beach. Why not give a nod to original Daytona Beach racing legends Roy Hall and Lloyd Seay, and make the scene with an old-school 1938 Ford ? Bonus points if it is modified, of course.

Myrtle Beach, S.C. | 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 convertible

Myrtle Beach, S.C. , draws spring breakers from the mid-Atlantic and the South every year, offering 60 miles of beaches and a wealth of activities. The place to be in Myrtle is "the strip," a stretch of Ocean Boulevard lined with hotels and attractions and the place to be seen cruising. The 2014 Camaro  ZL1 convertible is the perfect hunk of American muscle for the strip. The drop-top is a must in the sun, and the ZL1 offers a massive 580-horsepower V8 engine, allowing you to announce yourself with an unholy noise.

Ocean City, Md. | 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible

A storied party spot on the Delmarva Peninsula, Ocean City, Md ., is a bacchanal of T-shirt shops, arcades, clubs and shellfish that is something to behold. One of the standout events on the yearly calendar is October's Corvette  Weekend, featuring a parade of 'Vettes driving up the beach city's famous boardwalk. So when in Ocean City, you have to step up your Corvette game, even in the spring. Opt for the sharp new Stingray convertible — Velocity Yellow Tintcoat is best for maximum visibility.

Orlando, Fla. | 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

We know, the kids want to go to Orlando 's big amusement parks, which means hours of waiting in excruciatingly long lines for rides, food and bathrooms. How do you mitigate that kind of slow torture? That's where the new SRT edition Grand Cherokee  comes in. There's room for the whole family, along with 470 horses under the hood, a sub-5-second zero-to-60 time, and even launch control. It may take forever waiting for your kids' ride, but it won't take you long to get them there.

San Diego, Calif. | 1958-1960 Ford Thunderbird convertible

San Diego  has a lot to offer a family looking for an ocean getaway during spring break, from sunshine and consistently balmy temperatures to beach scenery to attractions including the San Diego Zoo. An American classic like the second-generation Thunderbird provides everything the beach-cruising family needs: two doors, four accommodating seats, plenty of luggage space and access to the open air. The older Thunderbirds make for some of the most stylish family beach-cruisers we can imagine.

South Padre Island, Texas | Ford F-150 SVT Lightning

South Padre  is all about the party during spring break, and nothing says party like a souped-up pickup truck. If your spring break schedule lines up just right, you'll be able to catch a car show or two in South Padre, which will probably feature a few heavily modified and tuned trucks of their own. With either the first generation or supercharged second-generation SVT Lightning , you're set up to get in and get out quickly — perhaps even enjoying a beverage or two in its bed while you're there.

Washington, D.C. | Tesla Model S

The nation's capital  is a city on display for its citizens, with a wealth of museums, monuments and historical sites for families to visit, most of which are free. You will spend a lot of time driving in and out of the district — thanks to heavy traffic around the city — so why not travel in comfort? Tesla 's Model S  is roomy with plenty of cushy interior features, and it's a great car to drive. Between the all-electric Model S and Washington's Metro system, your family can enjoy a vacation in an environmentally friendly manner.

Smuggler’s Notch, Vt. | Subaru WRX STI (third generation)

Not every spring break trip is a beach outing. Ski vacations are very popular as well, and Smuggler's Notch, Vt., is a great option for families. Smuggler's Notch  offers a quiet environment with instruction available for skiers of all ages and skill levels, and it's a prime area to take advantage of the 5-doorSubaru Impreza WRX STI 's all-wheel-drive capability. Tie those skis to the roof and enjoy the snowy back roads whenever possible.

Las Vegas | 2014 Cadillac XTS

Spring break in Vegas : cards, dice, roulette, drinks, shows, the Strip — those of a certain mindset can fit a lot of vacation into a few days in the desert. You're not likely to drive that much in Vegas, but the trip there calls for something comfortable and powerful for desert travel. The town itself calls for a symbol of American wealth and power: You need a Cadillac . What better Caddy than the new XTS ? Opt for the 410 horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 and the XTS' Magnetic Ride Control and you'll drive in a winner.

Asheville, N.C. | 2014 Porsche Targa 4S

Located in the mountains of western North Carolina,Asheville  isn't the first place you'd think of for spring break, but the art scene, restaurants and craft beer are top-notch. And if you're a driving enthusiast, Asheville isn't far from what may be the best driver's road in America: the epic Tail of the Dragon  drive with its 318 curves over 11 miles. Porsche 's new911 Targa 4S  gives you open-roof enjoyment when you want it, all-wheel drive in case of late snow, and 400 horsepower to make your experience one to remember.

Grand Canyon, Ariz. | 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon X

The Grand Canyon  is more than just a road-trip rite of passage; it's one of the most awe-inspiring, overwhelming sights in nature. The 4-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon X  has extra features like functional hood vents and a winch-ready stubby front bumper to bolster the base Rubicon's off-road credibility so that you can really get to know the canyon. If you can't find a tour to take your Unlimited Rubicon X into the Grand Canyon, there are other parts of Arizona nearby where you can take advantage of the Rubicon X's off-road capabilities.

Vail, Colo. | 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Vail, Colo ., is one of the most popular destinations for spring break skiers, so you're going to need something off-road capable and with four doors to haul your friends. And you're going to want something that shakes the ground when you start it up and makes you giggle just looking at it. Enter theSVT Raptor . If the Raptor's strong stance and 6.2-liter 411-horsepower V8 engine aren't enough for you, then you need a lot more than a vacation.

Big Sky, Mont. | Audi R S6 Avant (C6-era)

Besides laying claim to some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S., Big Sky, Mont ., is home to a great family-friendly ski resort and is less crowded than most resorts in the Rockies. The R S6 Avant is a dream selection for this list — literally, since it's not available in America. If it were, however, we'd have a C6-generation model for our family station wagon due to Montana's relaxed views on speeding; the C6 has a 5.0-liter Biturbo V10 engine, and we simply wouldn't be able to resist it.

Panama City, Fla. | 2014 Ford Mustang GT convertible

Panama City 's party culture and social scene are intense — notorious, even. The Mustang  GT convertible gives you everything you need from a car in such an environment. It looks good, its 5.0-liter V8 engine sounds good, and the drop-top allows you to engage in polite conversation with fellow motorists and pedestrians you come across. Even better, the GT isn't prohibitively expensive, so picking up another round for your friends won't be as tough of a hit to take.

Miami | Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

Miami  is a city of fashion, an ever-escalating arms race of exclusive brands and products. Bugatti fits right in, and its Veyron hypercar is still the automobile of the moment. Simply possessing a Veyron won't cut it here, though — not if you're trying to impress everyone around you. Roll with the Grand Sport Vitesse, it's an open-top monster packing the 1200 horsepower, an Art Deco calling card for the one percent of the one percent, a head-turner to put head-turners on notice.