The Best Family Spring Break Destinations for 2024
Bring everyone together for a beach vacation the whole family will love
When it’s time for spring break, there’s no vacation quite like a beach vacation. And while many of the top destinations cater to college students, there are still plenty of sandy beaches focused on family-friendly fun. So, pack your swimsuits and plenty of sunscreen—and head to the beach for a dose of pre-summer fun at these top spring break destinations.
Carnival rides and waterslides in Galveston, TX
The Galveston Pleasure Pier is the place to be for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Located along Texas’ Gulf Coast and only an hour from Houston, Galveston plays host to some of the best spring break activities around. Head to 25th Street where you’ll find the neon-lit Galveston Island Pleasure Pier, a seaside destination offering midway games, restaurants and more than a dozen carnival-style rides. If it’s a little too chilly to swim in the ocean while you’re in town, make your way to Schlitterbahn Waterpark. You’ll find an amazing indoor playground filled with waterslides, a wave pool and an indoor beach setting. Nearby, Moody Gardens is also worth a visit. This entertainment paradise offers animal encounters, white sand beaches, paddle-wheel boat tours and more.
Warm waters and lively beaches in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
Gulf Shores beaches make the perfect setting for a family-oriented day in the sand and surf.
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a longstanding spring break destination for families searching for a warm-weather getaway and a break from school routines. Start where Highway 59 dead-ends into the Gulf Shores Main Public Beach, where there are opportunities for beach volleyball, sandcastle building and plenty of beach relaxation. Keep in mind that this is popular spot—so arrive early to snag an all-day, up-close parking spot (for a small fee). Or, take a short drive up the coast to Orange Beach. If you have time, stop by Adventure Island amusement park along the way, one of the best family-friendly things to do in Orange Beach. Another option is taking a drive across the Perdido Pass Bridge to discover a bustling boardwalk (and free parking!) at Alabama Point East.
White sand and inviting waters in Clearwater Beach, FL
Sun-filled days of family-friendly fun are easy to find in Clearwater, one of Florida’s top spring break destinations.
Sugar-white sands, turquoise-blue water, miles and miles of beach-related activities, and tons of family-friendly activities—it’s easy to see why Clearwater Beach was voted the best beach in the United States by TripAdvisor. While the most fun is likely to be found at the world-famous Pier 60, there’s also the Clearwater Marine Aquarium nearby, where everyone will get a kick out of all the different animal encounters. Had enough time in the sun and surf? You’ll find there are plenty of Clearwater attractions beyond the beach to explore, too.
Miles of fun in the sun in Myrtle Beach, SC
While some early spring break attractions are geared toward college-aged crowds, most of the activities in Myrtle Beach are family-oriented
Myrtle Beach has more family-friendly fun than you could ever fit into a single spring break vacation. After the “first week” college crowds die down, you’ll find plenty of all-ages fun to be had all along the Grand Strand. The 1.2-mile-long ocean-front boardwalk is the perfect place to start. In addition to fun in the sand and surf, you can grab a bite at any of the many unique beach-side restaurants or just spend the day exploring. Broadway at the Beach is by far the most popular tourist destination in the area, with its incomparable location, plenty of easy parking and wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages—like Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Wonderworks and so much more! And while the springtime weather sometimes brings a few showers, you can stay dry and still have fun with the many things to do in Myrtle Beach when it rains.
Unlock Rental Car Deals
Renting a car for your summer trip? Choice Privileges® members can get up to 30% off base rates on qualifying Avis® and Budget® rentals. Plus, you can earn 1,000 points for renting a car at participating locations. Renting for 4 days or more? Earn an extra 1,000 points!
A scenic, relaxing beach vacation in Golden Isles, GA
The nature-rich Golden Isles of Georgia make for a more laid back, but still family-friendly spring break destination.
The southern Georgia coast is dotted with 15 barrier islands, but only a handful are referred to as “Golden.” The scenic Brunswick area offers a more relaxed spring break setting with activities and adventures for all ages. Visit the Golden Isles with your family to spend your days exploring Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, discovering mossy oaks and antebellum plantations on St. Simons Island, or taking in some breathtaking nature sights on the virtually undeveloped Little St. Simons Island. In the evenings, head into town for shopping, dining and more. And while springtime isn’t hatching season, a visit to the Georgia Sea turtle Center is always a memorable experience.
That So-Cal way of life in Santa Monica, CA
There’s nothing quite like spring break on the coast of Southern California—and Santa Monica is no exception.
California beaches are bustling with spring break activity, but don’t let this busy season keep you away—there are plenty of places to enjoy a memorable family vacation. While the college-aged kids tend to gravitate toward Los Angeles and Hollywood, families can enjoy warm and sunny Santa Monica Beach. Taking a selfie in front of the world-famous Santa Monica Pier is always a great place to start or just stick to sandcastle-building, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, people-watching and more along the miles of beaches throughout the area.
Cooler temps and smaller crowds in Traverse City, MI
With smaller crowds and off-season pricing, spring break is the perfect time to take the family to Traverse City.
While most springtime travelers are headed to coast for their vacation activities, others find themselves headed north to Traverse City for an unexpected, family-friendly spring break destination with plenty of things to do. This time of year, millions of fruit trees in the area blossom and provide a gorgeous backdrop for a family vacation. Even though the water is still a bit chilly for swimming, the beaches at Bryant Park, Clinch Park, and East Bay Park are perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing and volleyball. Or venture beyond the city limits and take a short drive to enjoy the grounds of the old Mission Point Lighthouse while exploring the beautiful surrounding beach.
The bustling boardwalk in Virginia Beach, VA
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers the perfect setting for creating fun-filled memories with the whole family.
A three-mile boardwalk is the historic centerpiece of Virginia Beach—a perfect family vacation destination. On one side, you'll find endless shops, restaurants and attractions. On the other, an unbroken stretch of sand where you can spend your days swimming, surfing and soaking up the sun. Lifeguard stands are scattered along the beach, and the typically calm waters are ideal for kayaking or going for a swim. You can enjoy taking in the sunsets at Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, and nearby First Landing State Park provides a wealth of wilderness to explore: think hiking, biking and canoe trails.
Search Hotels
MORE TO EXPLORE
7 Warm Weather Beach Tips
Keep the sand out, the drinks cold and stress levels low with these beach tips.
What to Bring to the Beach
Here are a few extra items that will make your day at the beach much easier.
Instagrammable Destinations
Capture these picture-perfect travel spots that are taking Instagram by storm.