It’s that time of year again. We can glimpse school spring break on the horizon, in between sports seasons for the kiddos. With cold weather still kicking around here in Maine, we’re dying for some warm weather fun. Sound familiar? Whether you’re looking to put together a last minute spring getaway for the family, or already planning next year’s escape, we’ve got your covered. Here’s 10 warm weather vacation spots we love for families — and think you will, too.
1. The Florida Keys
For a Caribbean vibe without the passports and longer flights, the Keys is a great option. Fly right into Key West or rent a car enjoy a picturesque drive from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Hawks Cay in Ducks Key is one of our family’s personal favorites. You can’t go wrong with family friendly villas, Camp Hawk, a pirate ship pool, mini golf, bike rentals, a saltwater lagoon and so much more. If you’re traveling with a bigger crowd or simply want more space or privacy, you can find fantastic home rentals through sites live HomeAway and VRBO. Look at Sombrero Beach in Marathon for renting, because of the very quiet and residential feel with a wonderful beach and park/playground.
2. Hilton Head, SC
A great spot for a convenient Spring getaway, Hilton Head Island truly has something for everyone. It’s not surprising to see it continuously picked as a top travel destination for families, because of its quiet streets, great beaches, an appreciation for nature and infinite opportunities to explore. For a classic family retreat rich with history and charm, check out Sea Pines Resort. The newly renovated resort offers top notch accommodations and endless activities, including horseback riding, kayaking, a playground, eco-adventures, golf, bike riding and (of course) the beach. Families love Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, which offers all the kid-focused amenities and services you expect from Disney.
3. Providenciales Turks & Caicos
Known for being one of the safest spots in the Caribbean, Turks & Caicos is also one of the most pristine. Grace Bay is 12 miles of white-sand beach, clear and calm turquoise water and home to Beaches, one the the most popular all-inclusive family resorts. Amenities abound at Beaches, with something for everyone in the family including onsite babysitting, kids camps, waterparks, water sports, golf and entertainment. Not to mention, they truly are all-inclusive, which takes all the guess work out of your vacation.
4. Ana Maria Island, Florida
Conveniently located for families looking for easy travel and access to the mainland resources, Ana Maria Island is an ideal place to relax and get away from it all. With its sugar-white coastline, emerald Gulf waters and quaint downtown, you won’t want to leave this 7-mile stretch. We love the condos and town homes at the Mainsail Beach Inn. If you’re looking for looking for more space or privacy, renting a home is a great option. Start with Ana Maria Vacations for a wide variety of options.
5. San Diego, California
With a city motto of “Happiness is calling,” you know you’re bound for a great spot. While the weather isn’t always tropical, it’s reliably nice in San Diego, especially in the Spring. Spend a day exploring Balboa Park, hit up the San Diego Zoo and Gardens, discover gorgeous beaches, head out a whale watch or visit Sea World, just to begin. With so many interesting neighborhoods, you’ll be sure to find great accommodations to fit your family’s interests and budget. The Loews Coronado Bay Resort is a consistent favorite, and for many families with younger kiddos, Legoland California Resort is a great pick just 30 minutes north of the city.
6. Sanibel/Captiva, Florida
Located west of Ft. Myers, these barrier islands offer so much for families looking for relaxing time away. You’ll find an old school vibe with modern amenities. Enjoy amazing beaches, great shell seeking, bike riding, fishing and top notch restaurants. On Captiva, we personally love South Seas Island Resort. We find it perfect for families, with its beachside playground, zero entry pools, waterslides, fun ice cream/pizza shop and water sports. The Sundial Resort on Sanibel is a also a great family friendly option with apartment style accommodations and a private beach . You can read more about The Sundial here.
7. A Disney Cruise
When traveling with young kiddos you inevitably bring a lot of stuff. One of the beauties of a cruise is exploring different destinations while leaving your stuff in the same room. A Disney Cruise takes so much guess work out of the equation with everything from an airport shuttle to delicious meals and amazing excursions. What sets the Disney Cruise Line experience apart is its ability to bring Disney Magic to the sea. In true Disney fashion, the cruise thought of everything, keeping families in mind with every step from the design of the rooms to the onboard activities, entertainment and kids clubs. If a Disney Cruise is in your future, check out these great tips before booking your trip, and these tips and tricks before embarking!
8. The Bahamas
With its close proximity to Florida, The Bahamas can be easier to get to than many tropical destinations. You can find direct flights to Nassau from most major cities. While there are a number of beautiful island destinations to chose from based on your family’s budget and interests, Atlantis on Paradise Island consistently impresses. With some of the clearest ocean water on the planet and countless amenities all in one property, it’s hard not to have a good time. Find out more about visiting Atlantis with families here.
9. Orlando, Florida
For families looking for activities, excitement and a bit of magic, Orlando is where it’s at. While it may not be your most relaxing vacation of all time, it will be full of fun and memories. With theme parks including all the Disney Parks, Sea World, Discovery Cove, Universal Studios, and Legoland just an hour away, fitting it all in may be impossible. If you want to skip the theme parks, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Enjoy a mystery dinner, go for an airboat ride or take a day trip to Coco Beach or the Kennedy Space Center.
Truthfully, I think my boys’ favorite part about visiting the Orlando area is the selection of awesome, kid-centric hotels. You can’t go wrong, but one of our Disney family favorites is Wilderness Lodge. We like the theme/setting, bunk bed rooms, awesome splash pad and boat ride to Magic Kingdom. In the Universal area, many families that rave about Universal’s Cabana Beach Resort, in the Downtown Disney area the Wyndham Grand Orlando at Bonnet Creek is a favorite (especially the fantastic pool options), and in the Sea World area we like the Marriott’s Harbour Lake with it’s laid back vibe and Key West theme, deluxe villas, pirate ship pool and lots of other kid-friendly amenities.
10. Hawaii
For many of us, this isn’t the most accessible or affordable on the list, but your family won’t soon forget a trip to paradise. For young families visiting the island of a Oahu, Disney’s Aulani Resort is a perfect pick. You’ll have a dream vacation with the magic of Disney and family focused accommodations, amenities and activities.
Do we have you dreaming of warmer weather? What are your favorite spots for a warm weather family vacation?
This post was contributed by Rebecca Spear as part of Savvy Sassy Moms Product Scouts. You can find more from Rebecca on her blog, Mainely Mama.