best spring break destinations in florida for families

Tropical getaways are a favorite among spring breakers. Credit: Eric Hood/Getty Images Florida sports a stunning beach for every type of spring break traveler, from college kids to baby boomers. The filming of MTV’s “Floribama Shore” took place in Panama City, but please don’t hold that against this good-time town. Located about 14 miles southwest of St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park is spread out over five small islands connected by bridges and causeways. On a previous visit, my wife and I visited Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, another fun itinerary. Each of the 796 condo-style rooms offers balconies with beautiful ocean views, a full-size kitchen, and washer/dryer. And while that's an obviously excellent (and magical) place to start, there are plenty of other options in the Sunshine State for families looking for sun, sand, sports, or nature. Local eateries like Barefoot BBQ and Slick Lips Seafood serve up down-home southern panhandle cooking. The town looks like such a step back in time to Norman Rockwell-era, idyllic America that it served as the set for the Jim Carrey hyper-reality movie “The Truman Show.”. There’s also a game room to keep them from getting too bored, and the spa has Aveda products. The Shores of Panama Resort sits right on the white sands of Panama City Beach. Plus there are several Italian restaurants, like Elisabetta’s, with kid-pleasing pasta platters. #8 Best Value of 249 Spring Break Resorts in Florida “ We lucked out and missed the spring break crowd and feels like we have this wonderful resort to ourselves. Located just off Florida’s west coast, Marco Island is another great choice for a family-friendly spring break. Read our guide on the best beaches in North Carolina for the full breakdown, and make sure to visit the tallest active sand dune in the eastern U.S., Jockey’s Ridge State Park.—M.B. While beaches are fun spring break ideas for families on a budget, desert landscapes, in contrast, are no less. Meanwhile, my absolute favorite Dalí museum—I even like it better than the Dalí museum outside Barcelona—is a 20-minute drive away. Developed as a “Dream City” in 1920, Hollywood Beach is celebrated as much for its artsy community as for the sandy dunes and views into the Atlantic Ocean. Family Beach S pring Break Vacation Ideas. Clearwater Beach is made for family-friendly spring vacation as well as college spring breaks. Outdoor activities are popular on Marco Island. Rooms are modern and colorful; some have balconies and gorgeous Gulf views. San Diego is a vacation paradise for families. If you’re looking for ideas for places to go during the spring break, Florida’s Space Coast is highly recommended. For those driving across the state, as we often do, you’ll want to break up the trip somehow. Lori A. These west coast keys have everything you’d want in a beach getaway: Three miles of beach, two swim centers, two fishing piers, and seven miles of trails — no motor vehicles allowed. Today, Sanibel Island is known for being a super low-key getaway. —Jeremy Saum. It has some of the most beautiful beaches along the Canaveral National Seashore. After you’ve eased into vacation mode, you can then head over to Disney World (all four theme parks have reopened, with restrictions) where Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge awaits. Spring is a great time because the summertime tourists haven’t descended in droves yet. The Delray Beach Marriott is right across the beach and all spacious, modern rooms have balconies. Few Florida beaches have more activities for children than Clearwater’s. It is known for having an immaculate white-sand and, as the name suggests, crystal-clear water. In addition to a free parking lot large enough for 1,000 cars, the beach also features several restaurants. For accommodations, the Hyatt Residence Club has 44 upscale, condo-style rooms that look out at the beach. Florida’s Gulf Coast is a great place to rest and relax before or after a trip to Walt Disney World. The Marriott’s most celebrated amenity is probably Si Spa, which has heated marble beds, steam rooms, and numerous treatment rooms. Already decided you want to stay in an all-inclusive? The Dog Beach of Hollywood is a dog park on sand where pooches can play with each other, in and out of the water. There’s also an outdoor pool with a hot tub. On land, the clearly marked biking and hiking trails are easy to follow. The country takes care of its sloths, monkeys, and whales and their habitats, a welcoming spirit infuses the culture, and in recent years, improved roads have made family trips even easier. Need a family-friendly place to crash between beach visits? Just me and tons of families on the same spring break schedule.” But what I love about this trip to St. Pete–Clearwater is that you can pair a beach vacation with a Disney trip—St. For those who want to stay close to land, it also has hiking trails and fishing piers. You can’t see the whole country in a week, and you shouldn’t try, but pick a spot or two and no matter where you go, you’ll have a satisfying spring break. The Taco Beach Shack has all the expected traditional dishes, plus more innovative takes like Korean short rib taco with kimchi slaw. Get off of Iceland’s well-worn tourist trail and head north to less-visited sites such as the Dettifoss waterfall. Its hiking trails have numerous bird-watching opportunities and are also home to cute crawlers such as armadillos, tortoises, and raccoons. Panama City Beach looks out onto the Gulf of Mexico’s clear water. “ As we pulled together our late winter/ spring break trip , the Islander resort kept coming out on top. Rest your heads at, For those driving across the state, as we often do, you’ll want to break up the trip somehow. 7. The resort’s condo-style suites have full kitchens and marble bathrooms. For a getaway within reach of a moderate family budget, set your sights on these alternative destinations that dish up plenty of family fun without running you into the red. Sanibel Island’s Periwinkle Way is where you head to grab a bite and pick up a tchotchke. We rank the 10 Best Family Spring Break Destinations. I highly recommend a weeklong road trip from Porto to Lisbon, with an overnight in Obidos at Pestana Castelo do Obidos and a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, to see Pena Palace. There’s also an outdoor pool and a splash pad for the young ’uns. Our Fort De Soto Park Hotel Pick: The Don CeSar, Beach at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa/Oyster, Our Singer Island Hotel Pick: Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, The Lagoon Pool at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa/Oyster. The enormous “Atlantis” shuttle is on display and several exhibits explain the challenges of outer space missions — like repairing satellites in zero-gravity — in a kid-friendly way. If you don’t planning on living out a reality show in Seaside, it’s a fun getaway for families to visit. The location changed hands several times, including Spanish rule and a supposed turn as a pirates’ hangout. Enchantment Resort is a stunning oasis set within a red rock canyon with rooms ranging from spacious casitas to one- and two-bedroom suites. Spring break is your reward for surviving the winter, and there’s no place like Florida to celebrate with a week-long getaway. >>Next: 18 Fantastic Worldwide Destinations for Families—and Where to Stay There, You Can Now Book $19 Amtrak Tickets to D.C. During Peak Cherry Blossom Bloom, The 15 Best High-Quality Luggage Brands We Love, Sign up for the Daily Wander newsletter for expert travel inspiration and tips, The Chase Sapphire Preferred Is Back With Its Best Bonus Ever—80,000 Points, Save up to 30 Percent on Luggage During Away’s Second Sale—Ever, Discover Quiet Beaches, Fascinating Historic Sites, and Vibrant Barrier Island Communities on This South Carolina Coastal Expedition, Explore Ten Amazing Caves in Kentucky’s Lush Countryside. Families who want to dive into the Palm Beach luxe life should stay at the Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, which has its own semi-private beach, two outdoor pools, and a waterslide. Singer Island is also a launching pad for deep sea fishing trips and snorkel tours. The quartz sand, turquoise waters, and numerous amenities make Siesta Beach a consistent top choice for families. The Silverball Museum is packed with classic pinball machines, skeeball, and shuffle board. But now that I have a baby and a toddler, the typically warmer temps and smaller crowds are a huge added draw to hitting the slopes this time of year. But every brood has different spring break priorities. There’s marine life and wildlife to peep on those walks, including 328 bird species and a loggerhead sea turtle refuge. For dining, there’s an excellent grab-and-go joint with healthy options and fun treats — plus a breakfast buffet restaurant, upscale sushi, and classic steakhouse. The upscale hotel is located on a quiet and somewhat secluded island off of the coast of Sarasota and appeals to families and couples looking for a low-key beachfront getaway. Snorkelers can take a swim to see the “SS Inchulva,” a British boat sunk by hurricane winds in 1903 and now a must-see tourist destination. Running parallel to the coastline, the Hollywood “Broadwalk” is packed with joggers, rollerbladers, and restaurants. Siesta Key Village offers a free trolley to take you between the plentiful restaurants, shops and the beach. Top 10 Family Spring Break Vacations HGTV offers its picks for the best family spring break destinations from Captiva, Florida to Kauai, Hawaii and much more. Florida is one of the most popular 2019 family spring break destinations in the United States. —L.D.R. Here's where to plan … Head toward Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk for a good mix of some secluded stretches of beach with easy access to great seafood restaurants and grocery stores where you can stock up if you are staying in a, negative COVID test result upon returning to the states, off limits to the majority of American travelers, 18 Fantastic Worldwide Destinations for Families—and Where to Stay There. Many day cruises and boat rides offer a close-up view of the water and its inhabitants. To try and curb the rowdiness, it’s illegal to consume alcohol on the beach in March. Pricing for Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach. Little Drug Company, for example, serves fountain shop food like burgers and malts. Best Spring Break Destinations In The US For Families February 15, 2021 February 3, 2021 The Super Bowl is over and Valentine’s day is almost here, but for many American families these annual traditions really mean one thing: Spring Break is just around the corner! Plus it has a kids club’, and bike and kayak rentals are included with the resort fee. Shephard’s Beach Resort is located near Pier 60. For families who like to do a bit of easy strolling, the Morikami Museum is farther inland and filled with six authentic Japanese gardens inspired by distinct eras of design. The location changed hands several times, including Spanish rule and a supposed turn as a pirates’ hangout. In 2020, Enchantment opened its new outdoor adventure center, Trail House, where guests can plan hikes and mountain biking trips. The combination of endless trails (that cater to a wide range of abilities) and the charming quirkiness of a destination thought to have cosmic energy makes this outdoor playground an ideal setting for travelers of all ages. There are not only countless unspoiled white beaches and clear azure waters, but plenty of family-friendly activities, and margaritas for the adults. The Siesta Key area also has two other notable beaches and a small village. You can also check out the Turtle Hospital and meet its residents, swim with a dolphin and get your fill of conch fritters. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. Plus, you can do—and see—a lot in a long weekend or five days: I’m a big fan of driving the Diamond Circle in the country’s northeast, which comprises the four main attractions of Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss waterfall, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, and the picturesque town of Húsavík, known as Iceland’s “whale capital.” —Katherine LaGrave, digital features editor. The weather is here, and it’s beautiful. The pier has views of the Atlantic Ocean, plus seafood, ice cream, and shopping. NASA’s heavy presence earned it the nickname, Space Coast. It’s currently home to the immersive Van Gogh exhibit everyone’s raving about, through June 13. Showcase events include jugglers, magicians, acrobats, and artists making landscape paintings in minutes. Whether you’re planning on staying a little closer to home this year (ahem, coronavirus), or want to venture a bit further with your brood (and if not this year, there’s always planning for next), these are the places AFAR editors love to visit this time of year. Head to Sedona, Arizona, to reconnect with the outdoors. The Islander Beach Resort is both kid- and budget-friendly. Chances are at least one section of the sandy stretch around the edge of the Sunshine State will make your family happy. The Canal Street Historic District is known for its restaurants and stores that capture recent culture. The Meltdown is known for its array of innovative grilled cheese sandwiches, including the Cuban McConnell with ham and gruyere. I’m a big fan of the Northstar ski resort, for its wide variety of trails that cater to different abilities—and the resort’s newer Constellation Residences, luxury lodgings with access to the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe amenities. 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