With school back in session and the winter months quickly approaching, a family getaway to a tropical island destination couldn’t be more desirable. Traveling to an island doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds — lush destinations in Florida and California are ideal for easy-to-plan family getaways (not to mention, no need for a passport to get there!).
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami | Miami, FL
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is just minutes from the city’s cosmopolitan center, yet feels like a secluded getaway with its lush tropical gardens and infinite ocean views on the island of Key Biscayne. The resort is home to two swimming pools, a secluded stretch of white sand beach, and a luxurious spa, as well as an expansive tennis center, designed by the legendary Cliff Drysdale. With offerings for the whole family, parents can indulge with a craft cocktail from one of the property’s many F&B venues or hit the spa while the kids embark in an educational journey with the property’s Ritz Kids program in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society and his unique environmental expertise.
Hotel del Coronado | Coronado/San Diego, CA
Families can take the ultimate island vacation without needing to pull out their passports with a trip to Coronado, California. Experience the ultimate getaway with the Grand American Beach Vacation at Hotel del Coronado, and enjoy a variety of family fun activities including surf camps, clambakes, concerts in the sand, painting by the sea, sailing, Mermaid Fitness, beach s’more roasts under the stars and much more. Capture the inDELible memories with family portraits on the beach and custom family movies created by UrLife media, as families explore the historic hotel and all that the island has to offer. Set on one of America’s most iconic beaches, The Del has welcomed families for 130 years to live out the very best of Southern California's coastal lifestyle.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa, A Destination Hotel | San Diego, CA
Located on the sparkling waters of San Diego’s Mission Bay, Paradise Point, A Destination Hotel offers families the ultimate Southern California beach getaway. The
44-acre tropical island resort, which recently completed a renovation to all 462 bungalow-style guest rooms, offers a private, full-service marina where guests can enjoy aquatic fun, including sailing, jet skiing, motor boating and kayaking. Additionally, learn to shred the waves like a local at the Paradise Surfing Academy, open to all ages, or stick to the mainland and explore the tropical grounds in beach cruiser bike rentals. Indulge in a thoughtful dining selection where land meets sea and craft and catch converge at signature restaurant, Tidal, or coastal cuisine at Barefoot Bar & Grill. Kids can have fun with creative activities offered at the Island Adventure Club, and the whole family can enjoy s’mores and stargaze under the stars at one of the resort's beach bonfire pits.
