The Southeast is a natural spring break destination. Mild temperatures mean you can often leave the heavy coat and gloves at home, although you may need to bring a jacket for the cool evenings. Beach weather can be iffy, depending on when you go, but spring is a perfect time to explore beyond the beach as well. Here are some favorite family-friendly spring break destinations in the Southeast.
Golden Isles, Georgia
Many people don’t realize that Georgia has a coast, but the Golden Isles offers vacationers a plethora of options from the luxurious Cloister at Sea Island, to the beachside King and Prince Hotel on St. Simons Island and the historic Jekyll Island Club. If you’d like to truly get away from it all, take a private boat to Cumberland Island, Little St. Simon’s Island or just rent your own from Private Islands of Georgia.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga does a great job of courting families for spring break. It’s an easy task because there is so much to do in the city from attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, to spelunking at Ruby Falls or Rock City. The Chattanoogan Hotel is centrally located and has a killer breakfast buffet. Of course, you can’t go wrong with cookies at the Doubletree Hotel or a night at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Part theme park, part natural park, Stone Mountain is a fun escape just outside of Atlanta. The Crossroads section offers a 4D theatre, SkyHike, mini-golf, train rides and more. But there are also an outdoor granite museum and a golf course, and the hike to the top of the stone mountain is a must. The Marriott Evergreen Resort is perfect for families. A recreation area off the main hotel allows kids to swim inside or out, as well as play with giant chess or checker sets while Mom and Dad relax with a cocktail on the porch or by the outdoor fire pits.
Cape San Blas, Florida
The crystal blue water is the main attraction here. If you don’t want to swim, contact Wade Guilford at Break-a-Way Charters to find some big game fish or set sail for a sunset cruise with Seahorse Water Safari Boat Tours. For something a little different, head a bit North for a tour of the Dead Lakes with Off the Map Expeditions. Try the Port Inn across from the marina – they have hotel rooms, as well as cottages. If seclusion is more your style, take a boat to the mysterious Black’s Island.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
If you love exploring nature then relaxing in a bit of luxury, a vacation to Kiawah Island Sanctuary is the ticket. We enjoyed finding alligators as a family and then letting the kids explore the pluff mud on their own during the kids programs. Kiawah Island Resort also has villas and private homes for rent.
Sue Rodman of Field Trips with Sue contributed this to MiniTime.