Top 10 Family Spring Break Vacation DestinationS

Looking for spring break ideas? We've got you covered. Here are 10 of the best family spring break vacations across the United States and the Caribbean. There's a destination for every family: City slickers will love to wander Washington D.C. while adventurers will want to head straight for San Diego. Looking for some sunshine? Head to the magical islands of the Caribbean, where every member of the family can have the Perfect Day.

1. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island has been named the best island in the continental United States by Condé Nast Traveler so it should be one of the top contenders for places to go for spring break. Rent some bikes and go exploring along one of the island's many bike trails then hop aboard Pirates of Hilton Head, the area's number-one attraction. There's face-painting, temporary tattoos and a quest for a sunken treasure chest.

Another family-friendly attraction on Hilton Head Island is the Coastal Discovery Museum, which is set on a sprawling 68 acres. Learn more about the region's history and culture as you wander the lush grounds, visit the beautiful butterfly enclosure and check out the Kids' Zone. After enjoying all these activities, head to the beach for a relaxing afternoon. Coligny Beach is Hilton Head Island's most popular beach, while Burkes Beach is great for surfers. Other options include Folly Field Beach and South Forest Beach. Located two hours south of Charleston and less than an hour north of Savannah, Hilton Head Island is one of the best places to go for spring break with the whole family.

2. Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu truly has something for everyone: beautiful beaches, breathtaking natural scenery and the cosmopolitan city of Honolulu. It really is one of the best family spring break vacations in the United States. You could easily spend your entire spring break in Honolulu, swimming in the azure waters of Waikiki Beach, shopping until you drop at Ala Moana Center and dining out at the plethora of family-friendly restaurants.

But you should step away from Honolulu and discover the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the amazing snorkeling available in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The latter is a must-visit, no matter whether you travel to Oahu with toddlers or teens. It's a living museum where you can tour six different Pacific islands and learn about their culture through activities and demonstrations. If you can take a longer spring break, we suggest hopping onboard a cruise from Honolulu, which can take you around Hawaii.

3. Washington D.C.

One of the best places to go for spring break in the United States is Washington D.C. The nation's capital offers both an educational and fun spring break vacation for families with young and older children. Enjoy D.C.'s beautiful spring weather and take in important sights like the White House, the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

Then head to one of the Smithsonian's 19 amazing (and predominantly free) museums. In addition to the National Zoo, check out the Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum and the American History Museum for educational and fun experiences for the whole family. Spring break also conveniently coincides with Washington D.C.'s National Cherry Blossom Festival.

4. San Diego, California

There are several reasons why San Diego is perfect for one of your family spring break vacations. First, it has consistently sunny weather year-round and a stunning coastline. Don't miss a visit to Coronado Central Beach and Glorietta Bay Beach, which are perfect for families. Kids will also love seal-spotting along La Jolla Beach and spring break is the perfect time to go whale-watching as well. Then there's the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California, which is home to more than 60 rides and a water park.

However, San Diego's crown jewel is Balboa Park. Take your pick of museums and attractions. Just like Washington D.C., Balboa Park has an Air & Space Museum and a Natural History Museum. Other kid-friendly activities include the Balboa Park Carousel and Miniature Train. If you're up for a spring break road trip, Disneyland in Anaheim is only a 1.5-hour drive away. Another day trip option from San Diego is Los Angeles, which is home to Universal Studios, Venice Beach and Hollywood.

5. Bahamas

Speaking of the Bahamas, it's one of the best places to go for spring break in the Caribbean. Made up of over 700 islands, a popular option for families is Atlantis, Paradise Island. The resort complex is home to Aquaventure, the Caribbean's largest water park. It has 11 swimming pools and an array of waterslides. There's also Dolphin Cay, a dolphin rehabilitation and education center and one of the world's largest open-air marine habitats. You can go snorkeling in the Ruins Lagoon as well, alongside sharks, spotted rays and tropical fish. Let's not forget its five-mile stretch of beautiful white-sand beaches. Atlantis, Paradise Island is a one-stop destination for everything you're looking to enjoy this spring break.

Another amazing destination in the Bahamas is Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is an exclusive island adventure. Your Perfect Day at CocoCay could involve a series of adrenaline-pumping activities: You can ride North America's tallest water slide, get an unforgettable sky-high view from a helium balloon or zip line across the island. Swim in the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas, ride on one of the six water slides at Splash Summit and be swept up in the Caribbean's biggest wave pool. The Perfect Day at CocoCay is also home to Chill Island, where the name of the game is relaxation. Hire a private beachfront cabana and enjoy Chill Island's white sand shore and crystal-clear water. It's so chill you may never want to leave! Your Perfect Day can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you wish and kids of all ages will be endlessly entertained.

6. Orlando, Florida

When you're searching for spring break ideas, Orlando is bound to come up. All kids (big and small, young and old) will love visiting Orlando this spring break. The biggest attraction is Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom but Disney's other theme parks are Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Their water parks are Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks. For families that include "Harry Potter" fans, there's also Universal Orlando Resort, which is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Have lunch at The Leaky Cauldron, sample a butterbeer and pick up a magical souvenir.

Other Orlando attractions include LEGOLAND Orlando, WonderWorks (an interactive museum and theme park) and Aquatica Orlando, a water park with activities suitable for both young and older children. After a few thrilling days of theme parks, head out on a three- or four-night Bahamas cruise from Orlando. The cruise will include a visit to the Perfect Day at CocoCay.

7. U.S. Virgin Islands

The best part about the U.S. Virgin Islands is that they're a United States territory, so you can have a genuine Caribbean experience without technically leaving the country. The three main islands are Saint Croix, Saint Thomas and Saint John. Bustling Saint Thomas is home to the capital, Charlotte Amalie. The charming colonial-era town is one of the world's most beautiful harbors, with inviting blue water, European-style buildings and green mountains surrounding it. Don't miss Blackbeard's Castle, a 17th-century Danish watchtower that is said to have been used by the infamous pirate.

Coral World Ocean Park on Saint Thomas is home to the innovative Sea Trek, which is a must-do activity for kids over 80 pounds (ca. 36 kg). Participants don a helmet and head on a guided walk along the ocean floor. Family spring break vacations in the Caribbean aren't complete without beach time, so check out Magens Bay and Sapphire Beach on Saint Thomas.

Meanwhile, Saint John is made for adventurous families. The Virgin Islands National Park actually extends into the water here at Trunk Bay. As the island's most famous snorkeling site, it has an underwater trail that's easy for the entire family to follow. However, if you have your own snorkeling equipment, you could also go snorkeling along Waterlemon Cay's fringing reef. You can cruise into the U.S. Virgin Islands from destinations like San Juan and Miami.

8. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is another Caribbean island and U.S. territory located a relatively short flight from America's East Coast. It may be small but it packs a punch, as it's home to several different ecosystems like rainforest, coral reefs and mangroves. A family spring break vacation to Puerto Rico also provides the perfect combination of urban and nature adventures. You can enjoy the city life in San Juan, the capital city, by walking the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. You'll be mesmerized by the area's colorful Spanish colonial buildings.

Then take kids to Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristobal, two castle-like forts. Children will love wandering the historical landmarks and visiting the tunnels and dungeons. Next head to Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park for horseback riding, hayrides and river swimming. If you're traveling with older children, another option is to go hiking through El Yunque Rainforest.

For kid-friendly beaches in Puerto Rico, check out La Posita de Piñones and Playita de Condado. You can't go wrong with a family spring break vacation in Puerto Rico.

9. Jamaica

Families love venturing to Jamaica for spring break vacation. It's easy to see why, as there are direct flights from multiple American cities and it's filled with family-friendly and all-inclusive resorts, beautiful beaches and lush rainforest.

Ocho Rios is located on Jamaica's north coast and has something to offer all families. There's the famous Dunn's River Falls as well as the calm and shallow waters of Ocho Rios Bay Beach, which is perfect for families with young children. Then there's Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventures, where you can go bobsledding through the rainforest, visit the Hummingbird Garden and try ziplining.

On Jamaica's western tip sits Negril, which is home to a breathtaking seven-mile beach. You could easily spend the day here enjoying the pristine water, as there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants along the shoreline.

You also can't visit Jamaica without indulging in some callaloo (a stew-like dish), fried plantains and jerk chicken. A family spring break vacation in Jamaica is guaranteed fun.

10. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for families. This may have something to do with the overwhelming selection of all-inclusive resorts and family-friendly beaches, making it one of the best places to go for spring break.

The region of Punta Cana is a top destination in the Dominican Republic. Kids will think all their Christmases have come at once upon entering Punta Cana's Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, where children can dine with Spongebob Squarepants while parents indulge in the spa services available. There's also a mini theme park, water slides and a kids club.

Beyond Punta Cana's beautiful beaches, check out Outback Adventures to see more of the Dominican Republic's countryside and learn about the island's way of life from local guides. Their tours are perfect for families. Another adventurous activity for families is Scape Park at Cap Cana, where you can swim in the turquoise waters of a hidden cenote, zip line across the water and visit Iguanaland or Monkey Island.

The Dominican Republic is easily one of the best places to go for spring break if you're searching for a combination of relaxing and adventure time. Plus, you can extend your trip and visit the Dominican Republic while on a cruise from San Juan.

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