School’s out for the week, and spring break is a great time for family bonding. Whether you’re looking for a blast of sunlight to recharge your soul until summer or outdoor winter fun, well, here are the 9 of the best unforgettable spring break for family of 2017.
Top 9. Hilton Head Island, S.C.
While the college spring breakers can be found in Myrtle Beach, the families scoot further south to Hilton Head. Just off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia is a 12-mile-long, 5-mile-wide island featuring 14 miles of sandy beaches, 20 world-class golf courses and more than 100 miles of bike paths. This is the place to wile away your days in peace and quiet during your spring break family vacation.
Resort choices are aplenty here, from renting private villas to family-friendly hotels to beachside resorts. Hop in the car for quick trips into Savannah or Charleston for a taste of the Old South and its rich history, then return for eco-adventures like crabbing or spotting bottlenose dolphins playing in the surf.
Top 8. Oahu, HI
The third-largest Hawaiian island is certainly busy, with towering buildings, an abundance of activities, lots of fun shopping and crowds galore. Still, Oahu is family-focused and the kids aren’t crowd surfing, but actually surfing Hawaii’s waves and relaxing with the Aloha Spirit.
Restaurants aplenty, splash and play pools, surfing lessons, elaborate luaus, fireworks, spas… what’s not to love about a trip to the islands as one of the best spring break spots for families? It can be a little pricey and the flights may be long, but all the better to ward off college-aged kids looking for a cheap getaway.
For a SoCal spring break spot for families that will surely have perfect weather, visit Orange County, California. The various towns nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego offer beaches, piers, water sports, amusement areas and more.
The Huntington Beach Pier is a must-see, with its shops and dining spots. And if your kids are interested in surfing, let them first learn about the sport’s history at the International Surfing Museum before trying it themselves with one of the water sport companies in town. Be sure to make day trips to nearby Newport Beach for the Balboa Fun Zone, which has an old-fashioned Ferris wheel and games for kids of all ages.
When it comes to action, adventure and entertainment, there’s no match for Orlando and what it offers families. While the college kids may be crowding some of the theme parks, it’s because they are playing like kids and having the same fun your little ones will be having. Disney rules the roost here, but thrill-seekers will find a plethora of theme parks, as well as opportunities to get up close and personal with wildlife at SeaWorld, Gatorland,Animal Kingdom and more.
But Orlando is much more than theme parks (really!) as a spring break spot for families. There are fantastic Orlando resorts with kids’ camps and clubs, professional sporting events, nearby spring training baseball games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports and meet-and-greets, golf, tennis and spas. No matter the age, everyone will enjoy this getaway.
Top 3. Amelia Island, Fla.
Situated in the northeastern-most part of Florida, Amelia Island is not only beautiful, but also peaceful. It has managed to escape much of the commercialization that plagues other parts of Florida, and as a result, doesn’t attract the typical college spring-breaker. The island is rich in history and has been under the rule of eight different flags — the most of any place in the United States.
But if your kids aren’t looking for a history lesson on their school vacation, skip it and head straight to the beaches. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and kite-flying on Amelia Island’s shores. If the family tires of the sand, head to Fernandina Beach for shops and restaurants. This charming city is a celebration of the Victorian era and boasts restored mansions and manicured lawns along Centre Street, the main drag.
Top 2. Carlsbad, Calif.
Located 30 minutes from San Diego, one of the best spring break spots for families is Carlsbad with the beaches, theme parks, zoos and museums all wrapped in one family vacation. Spend a morning at the Carlsbad State Beach, which is 5 miles of quiet sand, before heading to Carlsbad Village for snacks and shopping.
Be sure to schedule a day at LEGOLAND California and the San Diego Zoo. The latter offers a special experience for visitors who are early risers. Families can sign up to see the various animals, like the pandas, up close during a two-hour tour before the park even opens. Plus, you can hop on the Carlsbad Coaster to get there — it’ll be an inexpensive train ride that kids will love!
