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10 Best Spring Break
Destinations for Families
10 Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
Edited 25 Feb 2025
Spring Break vacations are all about having fun in the sun and celebrating a new (warmer) season – and they’re not just for the college crowd! So, shake off winter and feel the first sunny rays of the year by hitting the beach, diving in at the pool, or perhaps heading for a little outdoor adventure – it’s time to rejuvenate. You just need to choose a destination that’s perfectly in sync with your family’s playful holiday mood, whether that’s learning to surf together, visiting all the waterparks, hiking a trail or simply discovering awesome alfresco dining-spots at your resort.
This is our round-up of 10 of the best family-friendly destinations that are guaranteed to bring out your happy, energetic spring-break vibes.
Pennsylvania-based Journalist Karen Cicero provides a round-up of the 10 best spring break destinations for families.
Miami, Florida
Best for: Brilliant beaches, cultural attractions and an incredible food scene.
This sizzling city on the southern tip of Florida will pass the “vibe check” of even the most hard-to-please teen. Miami’s menagerie of trendy beaches, cool street art, and Cuban cuisine is pure magic and TikTok gold. While South Beach is the most iconic spot, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne tends to be less crowded and boasts an historic lighthouse and walking trails with views of the Miami skyline. If you decide that you’d like to head to Walt Disney World for a day or two, the state’s new Brightline train will whisk your crew from Miami to Orlando in less than four hours.
5 Family-Friendly Hotels
in Miami
Dive into our curated list of Miami’s top family-friendly beachfront hotels, where comfort, convenience, and seaside fun combine to create an unforgettable getaway for the whole family.
Roatán, Honduras
Best for: Epic snorkeling and animal encounters.
An island off the western coast of Honduras, Roatán has become a wonderland for nature-loving families. Snorkeling, even close to the shore, is off to charts thanks to the island’s location on the world’s second largest barrier reef. Nearby animal sanctuaries offer mind-blowing opportunities to mingle with sloths, monkeys and other cute creatures. Lucky for you, spring break falls during the island’s “dry season,” so your family will likely bask in the sunshine, but still have the island’s lush jungle canopy for shade.
Where to stay: First-time snorkelers will be in their element at the stylish Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort and Spa, which offers loaner gear and easy access to the reef. Families can also borrow the resort’s glass-bottom kayak for a different view of the sea creatures. A marine park ranger is available to help guide you through the proper snorkeling path. Thoughtful touches, like coral-reef-safe sunscreen dispensers in the pool area, are the cherry on top.
San Diego, California
Best for: Sunny beach days and brilliant children’s attractions.
If you can’t decide between a beach vacation and a city trip, San Diego is the best of both worlds (and usually has good weather to boot!). Your crew could be building sandcastles in the morning, and museum-hopping in famed Balboa Park in the afternoon. Or alternate lazy days under a beach umbrella with day-long visits to attractions like San Diego Zoo and Legoland California (a little outside of town in Carlsbad). Good restaurants, especially for Mexican fare, abound and some of the town’s breweries even have play areas for the kids.
Where to stay: Stay at the Hotel del Coronado, a historic hotel that looks like it’s plucked from a fairytale. Alternatively, the new neighboring Shore House at the Del, which features multi-bedroom villas with full kitchens and wrap-around porches, gets the nod for larger families. Both are beachfront, provide access to the property’s ocean-themed kids’ club that has a partnership with a nearby aquarium, and are within walking distance of many cute independent shops and restaurants.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Best for: An abundance of bike trails
and golf courses galore.
Active families adore Hilton Head Island, which welcomes them with 80+ miles of paved biking trails, well-maintained public beaches with amenities, and golf courses galore. One of its popular swimming spots, Driessen Beach Park, was recently renovated and includes a playground, picnic tables, and outdoor showers. Your crew will fit right in if you rent bikes, including tag-a-longs, from one of the town’s many outfitters and take them for a spin right on the beach.
Where to stay: The eco-friendly Sea Pines Resort offers a choice of luxury villas or spacious rooms and suites. There’s a golf course, beach club, bike hire, forest walks and a whole host of water sports to try out. A great option for active families. In addition to traditional hotel-style lodging, it offers more than 400 villas and homes for rent.
Santa Cruz, California
Best for: Stunning surf breaks and
budget-friendly accommodation.
Spring Break is for surf lessons in this Northern California spot known for big waves. Whether tweens and teens choose to hang ten or watch the pros, the town will pass their vibe check. Whale-watching cruises and the retro beach boardwalk with classic rides will also entertain your crew.
Where to stay: The Dream Inn Santa Cruz prides itself on being a value-priced option for families. With an oceanfront heated pool, fire pits, and a kids’ ice cream happy hour (plus tequila sunsets for the grown-ups), the Dream Inn is, well, dreamy.
Oahu, Hawaii
Best for: Spectacular beaches, waterfalls and family resorts
Aloha to the land of pristine beaches, waterfalls, and rainbows! It’s typically easiest (and cheapest) to get to Oahu than any of the other Hawaiian Islands, so settle in! Start with a few days in the capital of Honolulu, which is home to Waikiki beach, Diamond Head Crater, Pearl Harbor, and other cultural attractions.
Where to stay: In Honolulu, stay at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. When you walk out the back, you’re on Waikiki Beach; exiting through the front puts you on a street filled with cool shops and restaurants. Finish your trip about 90 minutes away on the island’s North Shore that’s dotted with surf shops, shave ice stands and some of the island’s best beaches.
Where to stay: You can stay at the resort where scenes from The Hunger Games were filmed! Besides being the locale for many movies, The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay boasts an array of beaches, including one with calm water that’s just perfect for its kids’ stand-up paddleboarding lessons. And did we mention that there’s a slide at the pool and pony rides for littles at the on-site stables?
Naples, Florida
Best for: Arts, crafts and culture by the beach.
For a beachy spot that’s also artsy, bring the family to Naples. There’s an art museum and performing arts center in the very walkable (and shoppable) downtown plus an array of cultural programming for the entire family. Of course, you can join the fun if you ever get the kids out of the water!
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Naples just completed a major re-imagination that includes amazing pools and cabana options for the whole family. It will be beach, pool, eat, repeat for the family all day as they enjoy all the amenities and fab restaurants. If you can swing it, opt for a room with Club Lounge access. The hotel’s enormous Club Lounge includes a full bar plus an activity room for the kids.
See: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/rswrz-the-ritz-carlton-naples/overview/
Turks & Caicos
Best for: Relaxation for the grown-ups, organized activities for the kids.
With white sand and turquoise water, this Caribbean island’s Seven Mile Beach couldn’t be any more picture perfect.
Where to stay: If you want some time to enjoy it without the kids (but know they’re having the time of their lives too), stay at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos. There are supervised programs for babies through teens, and the resort is also autism certified so children who have special needs are encouraged to participate. While the kids are going on treasure hunts or taking part in a reggae jam session, you could be enjoying your lunch at The Jerk Shack without interruption. Then you can all come back together at night for dinner and the evening family-focused entertainment. Bliss!
Palm Springs, California
Best for: Kid-friendly attractions
and plenty of sunshine.
March and April are the best times to visit Palm Springs: High temperatures average in the 80s—a far cry from the summertime triple digits. The destination has so much that appeals to different interests—for instance, families with dino-loving kids may want to check out Cabazon Dinosaurs, a roadside attraction where your crew can climb into a T-rex’s mouth. Or you may want to day-trip to Joshua Tree National Park, where kids will want to see Skull Rock and maybe even score a Junior Ranger Badge.
Where to stay: Stay in a casita at La Quinta Resort & Club—most have their own pools!
Come And Find Us: Shop Tom & Teddy at the La Quinta Resort Boutique!
Loreto, Mexico
Best for: Historic sightseeing, snorkeling
and fabulous scenery.
Let the college spring-breakers go to Cancun, while you’re in historic Loreto. Located on Mexico’s Baja Historic Peninsula, this destination is more affordable (and, dare we say, more scenic) than Cabo. Your family can explore the cobblestone streets and restored mission, but also swim, snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard.
Where to stay: Villa del Palmar is well-known for its family-centric accommodation and amenities. There’s something for all ages, including a dedicated kids’ club, family cookery classes, beach sport activities, golf course and spa.
Ready to book your
Spring Break vacation?
If we’ve inspired you to plan your Spring Break, then here's our hand-picked Ultimate Spring Break Essentials. Take your pick and get ready for long, sunny days by the ocean and fun family time at the pool.