Over the past few weeks we've been working on a LOT of beach trips. It seems families across the United States have warm weather getaways on the brain!
Of course we have a few all time favorites destinations and itineraries for a perfect family beach getaway. These are tried and true destinations and itineraries that combine spacious accommodations, tons of adventure for the whole family, and of course the best beaches.
If you're thinking about a Thanksgiving, Holiday or Spring Break family beach getaway - read on for the full scoop and get started planning today!
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is popular for a reason! Not only are the people so kind and warm, but it's easy to move around and you can start with some fun jungle adventures (zipline, river rafting, hiking to waterfalls, etc) and end on a lovely beach.
Here's a link to a sample itinerary that includes a super cool tented camp in the jungle called Nayara Springs combined with a property with a private beach near the pristine Manuel Antonio National Park (sloths dripping from trees!)
Nicaragua
Nicaragua's southern Pacific coast is also a great option! You can actually fly into the Liberia airport in northern Costa Rica and transfer by road into Nicaragua. The beaches are spectacular private crescents, fun waves and AMAZING for surfing.
Here we have 2 great options. Morgan's Rock - they have lovely, spacious 2 bedroom tree houses, an on site organic farm - or Rancho Santana - a sprawling property with several beaches and a surf outfitter and school on property.
This is a surf mecca for sure! The big benefit here is that both of these properties offer GREAT value for money. This would be something to consider for a November getaway. (For example, over Thanksgiving this year at Rancho Santana we can do a 3 bedroom/ 3 bath residence for $525 per night.)
Panama
Similar in climate to both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, sometimes flights into Panama City are better than Costa Rica (they have a nice international airport and are a main hub into South America).
This sample itinerary combines a cool opportunity to take a look at the Panama canal and spend a night in Panama City's old town, but our favorite part is this new private island property called Isla Palenque.
Punta Mita and Mandarina Mexico
Punta Mita is a private community just north of Puerto Vallarta (here we have lots of residences, plus the Four Seasons, St Regis, a new Auberge in the works) and the brand new One & Only in an area about 30 minutes further up the coast called Mandarina.
There is some surfing here, the unique Marietas Islands for snorkeling about 45 minutes off shore. This would be a great option for Spring Break in March or April, weather is a bit cool November - February here.
Los Cabos and Baja California Sur Mexico
Have a look at a fun Spring Break sample itinerary here - whale watching safari in a remote tented camp, then back down to Los Cabos for a few nights in a resort (there are lots of great options, even 2 all-inclusives we really like for families).
Grand Cayman
Have a look at this itinerary for Grand Cayman in the Caribbean. I love this destination for families (super easy to move round) and there are TONS of great villa/residence options which work really great for larger families and range of budgets.
Nothing beats the stunning 7 Mile Beach (the Kimpton Seafire resort there is my favorite) - and while it's not traditional surfing, between November - early summer is KITE surfing season in Cayman which is super fun!
Jamaica
Also in the Caribbean - Goldeneye Resort in Jamaica is one of my all time faves. Super family friendly, safe, 3 lovely beaches on property. The staff are so amazing, they have Hobie Cats, paddle boards you can use, snorkeling right from the property.
Food is delicious! There is something really warm and friendly about Jamaica - the music and food are all truly unique and you really feel the culture while there.
Tahiti
Finally - Tahiti! Here's a sample itinerary - of course the beaches are truly spectacular, amazing snorkeling and underwater life. Everyone loves those overwater bungalows!
We can also charter a catamaran and spend a week sailing around the Society Islands. Epic! Tahiti has great weather in November and December.