Spring break season is right around the corner, and I, for one, can’t wait! I try to make every school holiday count, and spring break is no exception. I’d love to know where your family is headed this year — maybe it’s somewhere we should add to our list!?
We’ve mostly done tropical vacations during this time of year, but we’ve also hopped the pond, and ski trips aren’t out of the question either. For anyone in the early stages of planning and just starting to brainstorm, I thought I’d share what I consider to be the best spring break destinations for families. My hope is that our tried-and-true favorites can help guide you and make travel planning a little easier!
Things to Consider When Selecting a Family Spring Break Destination
Before diving into my top destinations, I wanted to share a few tips and things to consider when planning a family vacation. I’ve covered a lot of helpful information in previous posts about traveling with kids and my personal travel tips, which I highly recommend revisiting during your planning phase. Here are a few additional things to think through specifically when choosing a family spring break destination.
1. Is there a direct flight?
If you’re traveling with young kids, this can make a huge difference on travel days and set the tone for the entire trip.
2. What is there for your kids to do at this destination?
While a secluded island might be beautiful, are there enough activities to keep your kids engaged? Does your resort offer a kids’ club, if that’s important to you? Doing a little research here can go a long way before booking.
3. Is a hotel or a rental home the better option?
Do you want an accommodation with a full kitchen? Room service? A pool just steps from your room? Thinking through these details ahead of time can help you choose the best fit for your family.
4. Where are your kids interested in going?
As our boys have gotten older and become more seasoned travelers, we’ve really leaned into including them in the destination-selection process. With tweens — and now even a teen — we let them guide us more on what they’re excited about, which I think is both important and fun.
Overall, I truly believe the list I’m sharing today includes some of the best spring break destinations for families, no matter the age. That said, every family is different, and some destinations may be a better fit for yours than others.
The Best Tropical Spring Break Destinations for Families
Okay, let’s kick things off with my family’s most frequented type of spring break trip — tropical vacations! If you’ve got your passport ready and are willing to hop on a plane, these sunny retreats are some of my top recommendations.
Note: The descriptions below are intentionally brief and high-level. If you click the destination link within each section, you’ll be taken to a more in-depth post with additional details, including our favorite dining spots, activities, and more.
Casa de Campo in La Romana, Dominican Republic
Casa de Campo is a premier 7,000-acre luxury resort and residential community in La Romana, Dominican Republic. We visited with friends in May and absolutely loved the temperatures, so I can only imagine how perfect it is during spring break. There’s no shortage of fun activities, great food, and shopping within the community, and I loved how close everything felt.
There’s a mix of full-time residents and vacationers, but you’re very secure behind a guarded gate. And the grounds are so beautiful, they had me swooning the entire time!
Sailing the British Virgin Islands
Sailing the British Virgin Islands was a true bucket-list trip for our family, and it did not disappoint. JB and I had visited Little Dix Bay years ago and always knew we wanted to return with the kids. Sailing through the BVIs allowed us to wake up each day in a new location, which truly felt like a dream.
If your family loves snorkeling, sailing the BVIs easily ranks among the best spring break destinations for families who enjoy being on the water. It’s also a wonderful option if you’re looking to truly relax — it was one of the most peaceful vacations I’ve ever had. Having a captain and chef onboard certainly helped, as we didn’t have to worry about cooking or navigating.
Exuma, Bahamas
If you’re looking to truly unplug in a beautiful beachfront home, Exuma, Bahamas is the place. We loved celebrating my 40th birthday here with my family, and it’s a trip I’ll never forget. The water is some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen!
Between swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating to get around, Exuma easily stands out as one of the best spring break destinations for families with adventurous kids.
Nevis Island
We’ve visited the Four Seasons Resort Nevis three times now, and it truly never gets old. This is probably my top recommendation when it comes to the best spring break destinations for families. It does take a bit to get there — truly a plane, bus, and boat situation — but it is so worth it.
The food, the people, the architecture, and the overall vibe are my absolute favorite. It’s also a property that really has it all when it comes to activities for families. Just talking about it has me wanting to book another trip!
Harbour Island
There’s a reason everyone loves Harbour Island. It’s beautiful, stylish, and so fun to bop around on a golf cart. I could walk those pink-sand beaches all day — it’s truly stunning.
The only downside is that getting there can be a bit tricky, which is something to keep in mind when planning a spring break trip. You may want to wait until your kids are a little older, but when the time is right, it’s an absolute can’t-miss destination.
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
The Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo will truly take your breath away. This is another property that really has it all. If you want to surf in the morning, fish in the afternoon, and enjoy incredible dining in the evening, look no further — it’s an unforgettable option for a family spring break getaway.
The Best Spring Break Destinations for Families in the U.S.
If traveling to a tropical island isn’t on your agenda this year, no problem at all. There are so many wonderful destinations right here in the U.S.! From our favorite Florida resorts to ski trips and vacation spots across the Southeast, we’ve visited quite a few over the years. These are what I consider to be some of the best spring break destinations for families that don’t require a passport.
Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande
The Gasparilla Inn easily tops my list for spring break travel within the U.S. There’s truly no place like it — it’s the definition of an Old Florida experience. We’ve celebrated so many meaningful milestones here, from my sister’s wedding to launching a jewelry collection to my mom’s 70th birthday. I honestly can’t think of a better place to gather and celebrate with loved ones.
If you’re having a hard time securing reservations at the Inn, try calling directly and asking to be added to the waitlist. It’s absolutely worth the wait!
Sea Island
Sea Island has become a true family favorite of ours. We’ve visited both in January and during the summertime, and each trip has been equally magical. There’s no shortage of incredible activities here — we’ve done archery, horseback riding, falconry, fishing, and more. One day, I hope to return for the Sea Turtle Dawn Patrol!
For all of these reasons, Sea Island easily ranks among the best spring break destinations for families who love staying busy with adventures. I also love the beachside pool setup — it’s perfect for both kids and adults.
And while the family-friendly activities are abundant, if you visit Sea Island, I hope you can sneak away for a little adults-only time to experience one of my favorite spas ever!
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee
While we’ve only visited The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee during the winter season, I have no doubt a spring break trip here would be just as lovely — especially since the pools are heated and there’s also an indoor pool. There’s truly no shortage of activities at this destination, and waking up to that beautiful lake view never gets old!
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Montage Palmetto Bluff is one of those places your whole family will long to return to. I love staying in one of the cottages and waking up to views of the May River. When we visit, we get fitted for bikes as soon as we check in — which means we can say goodbye to our car for the rest of the stay, and it feels so freeing.
Some of our many highlights at this spring break destination include crabbing with Captain Boo, completing the Montage Merits, visiting the spa in seersucker robes, and letting the boys enjoy the kids’ club so JB and I could pop into the adorable speakeasy.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples & The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
While The Ritz-Carlton Naples and The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón are two separate properties, they’re located close to one another — and when you stay at one, you have access to both. We’ve loved our stays at these resorts, and there’s truly no shortage of things to do for kids of all ages, including teens.
The lazy river and water slide at Tiburón will keep your family entertained for hours, while the beachfront at The Ritz-Carlton Naples is absolutely stunning. There are also so many dining options at both properties, including beachside spots. Together, these resorts make excellent spring break destinations for families.
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
I always feel like I’m out of the country when we visit the JW Marriott Marco Island. The beaches are expansive, there are great on- and off-site excursions, and plenty of delicious dining options. Add in the arcade and bowling alley — which your kids will never forget — and it’s easy to see why this is one of the best spring break destinations for families in the U.S.
Big Sky
Skiing is always a fun option for spring break, and Big Sky is one of our favorite ski destinations — we return year after year. Even if skiing isn’t your main focus, there are plenty of great things to do in Big Sky beyond hitting the slopes, making it a wonderful option for families with varied interests.
One thing to note: while the resorts do make snow, if your spring break falls later in the season, conditions can be a bit slushy. Just something to keep in mind when planning!
If you’re heading on a ski vacation, click here to view all of my favorite styles for the slopes!
New York City
There’s something so special about spending spring break in a city — especially New York City. We’ve taken the boys twice now and always have a blast. Between the museums, Broadway shows, shopping, and dining, the family-friendly activity options truly feel endless.
I will say, a family trip to NYC isn’t exactly relaxing — you’ll definitely be on the go, go, go. But it’s always an incredibly memorable experience!
The Best European Spring Break Destinations for Families
While Europe might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a family spring break trip, it can be a wonderful option. As our boys get older, we’ve found ourselves becoming more adventurous with travel — which means we’re willing to hop across the pond, even if we only have a week!
London
Last year, we took the boys to London and Manchester for spring break, and it was pure magic. We attended soccer games, saw Wicked, enjoyed incredible meals, and explored museums throughout the city. I know traveling abroad for just a week can feel like a lot, but we truly had the best time.
Personally, I love visiting London during this time of year because the crowds are lighter. We only experienced a few drops of rain — the rest of the trip was sunny and beautiful. Being there during the shoulder season was truly lovely.
Rome
This year, we’re heading to Rome for spring break. We found great flights last summer and decided to go for it! I’ll be sure to share our full itinerary, along with restaurant and activity recommendations, once we return.
Again, visiting during the shoulder season should work in our favor here — I’m not sure I could handle Italy in the peak summer months anymore!
The Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
If you’re starting to explore spring break destinations for your family, I hope this post serves as a helpful resource. Many of these spots are wonderful to visit year-round, so be sure to bookmark this list and come back to it anytime you’re ready to plan your next adventure with your favorite people!
For more travel inspiration, be sure to check out these posts:
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