Grab your bathing suit and take your family to one of these easy-to-reach, affordable sunny destinations around the globe
15 Warm Winter Vacations for Families That Won’t Break the Bank
Updated on Nov. 26, 2024
Coronado Island, San Diego
Best for: Urban explorers
The sunny shores of San Diego and southern California are a breath of fresh (read, warm) air for a winter vacation in the U.S. I especially love Coronado Island for its fabulous beach access and small-town feel complete with an ice cream parlor, retro diner, indie bookstore and authentic Mexican restaurant all within easy walking distance of the golden beaches of the Pacific Ocean. From here, it’s an easy hop to San Diego’s family-friendly Balboa Park, where you’ll find the fabulous San Diego Zoo, science museum, and kid-size train that chugs around the park.
Don’t miss: The homemade ice cream at MooTime Creamery; the “MooTacos” are a great dupe for the now discontinued “Choco Tacos” of my youth, but these are filled with cookie dough ice cream, so they win!
Where to stay: While the historic Hotel Del Coronado is the best-known resort on the island, budget lovers should head just across the street to find one of my favorite budget picks: the Coronado Beach Resort. With spacious apartment-style accommodations with kitchens and separate bedrooms plus perks like bikes and access to pool and resort amenities all for around $200 a night, less than half of what you’d pay across the street.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Best for: A side of culture with your beach vacation
San Juan, on the fabulous floating island of Puerto Rico, offers a unique combination of sun, city and culture all within easy—and affordable—reach of the United States. And since Puerto Rico is a United States Commonwealth, it’s also one of the easiest islands in the Caribbean to visit since you won’t need a passport, have to change money or even worry about your cell phone working. My family and I have visited more than half a dozen times, and I can tell you it’s one of the best beach vacations in December for families as well as the rest of the winter. In San Juan, you’ll get a mix of the palm trees and lapping waves of some of the most scenic tropical beaches in the Caribbean while also providing easy access to the cobblestone streets and historic attractions of Old San Juan, including the ancient walls of El Morro Fortress, where kids love to climb and explore and peak out of the turrets at the sea below.
Don’t miss: El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, and it’s just a short (around 30-minute drive) from San Juan. Pack a bathing suit and you’ll be able to swim under a waterfall in this lush paradise.
Where to stay: The Hilton DoubleTree San Juan is located right in the heart of Condado and offers easy access to all of San Juan’s biggest attractions, including popular foodie gathering space Lotte 23, from $189 per night. Although you’re not right on the beach, there’s a golf cart to carry you to the hotel’s beach club, plus there’s a pool onsite and free cookies at check-in, all starting at around $200 per night.
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Best for: Teens, tweens and golfers of all ages
With a new aquarium (the largest in the Southwest), a zoo, and hotels with pools everywhere you look, Scottsdale is a great family destination. When I visited last winter, the mid-70s temps were perfect for both exploring and midday swimming (the high desert sun feels surprisingly warm during the middle of the day) and you’re virtually guaranteed it won’t rain. There’s rugged mountain scenery and plenty to keep the whole family busy, including inexpensive outdoor adventures including hiking and biking, exploring the desert with Red Jeep Tours, hot air balloon rides, and 300 golf courses and tennis—just to name a few of the many warm-weather diversions on offer.
Don’t miss: The Desert Botanical Garden has thousands of cacti, including some Saguaros as tall as your house. Evenings through the end of January there are light shows here, too.
Where to stay: Hotel Valley Ho has a prime location right in the heart of Historic Downtown Scottsdale, a walkable area filled with shops and restaurants that teens and tweens can explore on their own. The hotel has a fun retro vibe, two large pools, and a great onsite restaurant, ZuZu, that has an inventive kids’ menu with everything from mini corn dogs to a salmon bento box; the signature “brookies” (a hybrid cookie/brownie creation) are big enough for the whole fam to share. There are large, apartment-style rooms with kitchens and living rooms available here, too.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Best for: All-inclusive fun
The beaches here will fulfill all your warm weather dreams with warm turquoise waters, pillowy sand and miles of uninterrupted coastline. Flanking the beach like a row of starfish are a multitude of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts; the good news about the number of properties is that they provide competition both in amenities and pricing. The bad news is you’ll need to choose one from a large number of options. Plus, Punta Cana has one of the biggest airports in the Caribbean, which means you can usually find an affordable flight.
Don’t miss: Feeling adventurous? My son and I tried parasailing on Bavaro Beach and had a great time (bring U.S. dollars; prices are about $40 for a 15-minute boat and parasail ride).
Where to stay: The Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites offers luxurious swim-up suites, 30 restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, a kid’s club, a teen lounge, pools, and a Real Madrid soccer clinic just for kids, plus access to Blue Flag rated Bavaro Beach, all from $425 per night, for a family of four, all-inclusive.
Kaanapali, Maui
Best for: Aloha spirit
Since last year’s tragic fires in nearby Lahaina, Kaanapali has continued welcoming guests, offering the Aloha welcoming spirit the island is famous for, and working to increase tourism to support the island’s economy. Located on marvelous Maui’s west coast, Kaanapali has it all: Fabulous beaches, exceptional snorkeling, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of kid-friendly places to eat and play. It’s an easy flight to Maui from the West Coast to the island (check out Hawaiian Air for great deals), but even though it’s a haul from the East Coast where I live, my family and I have visited several times, wowed by Kaanaapli’s white sand beaches and warm turquoise water. (Tripadvisor named Kaanapali the best beach in the entire country in 2023.) There’s great snorkeling and swimming right off the shore. If your kids want to spot tropical fish without getting wet, visit the Maui Ocean Center aquarium.
Don’t miss: Pick up a real Hawaiian shave ice doused in tropical flavored syrups (POG, a mix of passion fruit, orange guava—is an island favorite) at the shops at Whalers Village.
Where to stay: For full-service accommodations with a friendly price, the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Hotel should be your number one choice. The longest-standing hotel in Kaanapali, it has a prime location on the golden Pacific sands and offers complimentary Hawaiian activities for the whole family, including pineapple cutting, printmaking, and ukulele lessons; plus, kids get points and prizes for joining in the fun diversions. Rooms start at $279, plus there’s no resort fee, which can often add an additional $25 to $50 a night at other properties.
Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Best for: Water park fanatics
We’ve got the skinny on the best-kept secret in the Caribbean: Paradise Island. Just adjacent to the waterpark fun of Atlantis, there’s great beach access and the same sunny Bahama skies as its glitzy neighbor, and it’s also where you’ll find one of the best bargains in The Bahamas. You can also explore Nassau, just a short drive away, including the straw market for inexpensive souvenirs and the Junkanoo Museum to learn about Carnival any time of year (and you can join in the fun if you’re here in February). Then enjoy the sunny skies and white sands of the beautiful island beaches.Â
Don’t miss: Try authentic Bahamian cuisine—including addictive conch fritters—at the Fish Fry, a series of seafood shacks and restaurants that’s a festive mix of locals and visitors.
Where to stay: Shhh, lean in, and I’ll tell you the secret to an affordable stay in the Bahamas: Comfort Suites Paradise Island. A stay at this affordable lodging option by Choice Hotels provides complimentary access to Atlantis Resort for the whole family, plus you’ll get a full, free daily hot American buffet breakfast for everyone too, and a suite instead of a regular room, all starting at $150 in the middle of January, a fraction of what you’d pay to stay at Atlantis.
Anaheim, Calif.
Best for: Theme park fans
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! Yes, Anaheim is where you’ll find America’s favorite mouse, but the sunny SoCal destination also offers warm weather (almost every day is 70 degrees, one of many reasons to love the area) and a great base to explore a number of the southern West Coast’s family-friendly activities. In addition to the theme parks and attractions at Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure (where a new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure log flume ride will be opening this winter), you’re also close to Knott’s Berry Farm in nearby Buena Park, Legoland in Carlsbad which is perfect for littles age 2 to 12 and has an adjacent water park, Universal Studios and much more in Los Angeles.
Don’t miss: Disneyland is offering $50 park tickets for kids 3 to 9 this winter! (Kids under 3 are free.)
Where to stay: Hotels here offer affordable rates to get travelers to stay in Anaheim as their Southern California base. For example, the Anaheim Marriott offers free parking, free shuttle to Disneyland, and guaranteed connecting rooms from $140 a night.
Costa Rica
Best for: Animal lovers
Have kids who ooh and aah over every wildlife program and puppy they encounter? Then this one’s for you! Families can explore lush rainforests, stunning beaches, active volcanoes, and abundant wildlife in the Central American nation of Costa Rica. And national parks, including Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero, offer safe, accessible trails where children can see monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds up close—meaning you don’t need to book a pricey and far trip to Africa or Asia to have a truly spectacular wildlife experience. Costa Rica’s beaches are also perfect for families, with calm waters on the Pacific coast and gentle surf ideal for swimming and water sports (a great way to cool off from temps that can linger in the low 90s).
Don’t miss: Combine a sweet treat with a learning experience at one of the country’s chocolate farm tours.
Where to stay: The Westin Reserva Conchal all-inclusive resort, located in the northwestern Pacific coast, gets high marks from families I’ve spoken with for their location right on a soft sand beach, kid-friendly freshwater lagoon-style pool where they wheel out fresh fruit in the afternoon, and helpful staff that assists in booking excursions to see all the natural wonders of Costa Rica. There’s a kids club here, too, and family suites with bunk beds for the kids.
Curaçao
Best for: Water babies
One of the most affordable islands in the Caribbean, Dutch Curaçao is a perfect respite from the damp and cold of winter weather with year-round sunny temperatures in the high 70s and a diverse range of activities for all ages. Whether taking it slow and strolling through the island’s candy-colored architecture with a gelato in hand or exploring the interactive Children’s Museum, the island is a great spot for families.
Don’t miss: Dive into adventure with a SeaBob ride alongside Curaçao’s native sea turtles.
Where to stay: There’s no better place to call home base during your stay than Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton. Families can make a splash at the on-site Aquapark and playground, or unwind at one of four pools on property. Add seven diverse dining options—including a kid-friendly “food street” with pizza, ice cream, and Dutch snack food (try the fried potato and meat bitterballen, a sure kid pleaser)—and you’ve got a recipe for happy campers. All-inclusive rates start at less than $600 a night for a family of four.
Orlando
Best for: Theme park thrills
I visit Orlando and its theme parks three or four times a year, and I’m here to tell you that winter is when you want to be here. The crowds (as long as you’re not here on a holiday) are light, the temperatures are in the delightful 60s to 70s range (although you might need a sweater at night), and there’s none of crushing heat and humidity that can often make a visit to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando feel like you’ve booked a vacation in an oven. And hotels and theme park tickets are less expensive, too.
What you will find in the winter? First of all, at Disney, you’ll want to head to Animal Kingdom, where the wildlife becomes more active, and easier to spot, in the more temperate weather. Or spend some time at Epcot for the International Festival of the Arts, which celebrates with food and art around the park for most of January and February. Over at Universal, check out the new DreamWorks Land, where Po, Trolls, and Shrek are all on hand to say “hi” with a series of new rides perfect for kids who like gentle thrills.
Don’t miss: Disney Springs is Disney’s free shopping zone (so there’s no admission charge) with restaurants, shops, and entertainment, including a new free nighttime drone show that’s as dazzling as any version you’ll see with a pricey park ticket.
Where to stay: There are lodging options for literally every price range in Orlando, but with kids, there are two things to keep in mind: a short ride to the parks and a big pool. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress delivers on both, with a location just a mile from the gates to Magic Kingdom and a massive pool complex complete with water slide, waterfalls, and caves. Plus, there are several kid-friendly dining options (including an extensive breakfast buffet) and even colorful macaws that make visits to the lobby and rates start at just $144 a night.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Best for: Easy tropical getaways
There’s no passport required to visit the pristine beaches of St. Thomas, a great perk for families. Meaning you get all the palm trees and turquoise waters of the Caribbean, without the hassles, and expense, of getting a passport for your kids or having to deal with customs. Once you arrive, the 32-square-mile island has stunning beaches and water, perfect for a warm winter vacation, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and, of course, swimming. Plus, St. Thomas is home to the oldest standing structure in the US Virgin Islands, Fort Christian, which has a dungeon, treasure chests, and cannons, sure to interest the kids, then head to The Pirates Treasure Shipwreck Museum to see real pirate loot.
Don’t miss: Leave time to squeeze in some duty-free shopping at one of the 100 shops in Charlotte Amelie, the island’s capital.
Where to stay: Margaritaville Vacation Club — St. Thomas is located on the soft, white sands of Magens Bay, perfect for a leisurely family day at the beach. The resort’s studios and one- and two-bedroom suites range all have kitchenettes or full kitchens and views from private balconies (rooms also come with Margaritvaville’s signature Frozen Concoction Maker in every suite). Plus, prices for a studio suite that easily fits four start at $315 a night in the winter.
South Walton, Fla.
Best for: Beach, beach baby
The sugar-white sand beaches of South Walton, Fla, offer plenty of kid-friendly activities, plus a healthy dose of adventure, culture, and beach relaxation that adults will love too. South Walton’s 16 beach neighborhoods are so picture-perfect that they served as the backdrop for The Truman Show. The whole 26-mile stretch of beaches are magnificent, but Seaside, and it’s surrounding beaches of Seagrove, Watercolor, and Grayton Beach are especially family-friendly. Families looking for space to spread out can take advantage of more than 300 rentals available throughout the beach towns, including a number of large, multi-bedroom rentals that feature amenities ranging from pools to game rooms to outdoor kitchens.
Don’t miss: South Walton is home to The Underwater Museum of Art, North America’s first underwater permanent sculpture park (you’ll need to be able to scuba dive to visit). Here are the best Florida beaches locals want to keep a secret.
Where to stay: There’s something for everyone at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, a 2,400-acre development with more than 1,000 vacation rentals, including condos, villas, and townhomes perfect for families to stretch out in, with prices starting at a little over $100 a night. The resort includes more than 7 miles of beaches, four golf courses, tennis courts, and 20 (!) swimming pools. Plus, there is the Village of Baytowne Wharf with shops and dining spots.
Turks & Caicos
Best for: Sunbathers and lovers of water sports
The tropical beaches on the island of Providenciales (or Provo, as the locals call it) have it all: 12 miles of white, buttery soft sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and a laid-back vibe that can make even the most stressed-out parent say “aah.” This breathtaking locale is what most people envision when they plan a trip to the Caribbean, and its Grace Bay Beach has been voted the best beach in the world more than once. Spend the day relaxing on the beach and swimming in the calm, clear water. Or, if you’re a family who loves to be on the go, you can snorkel, scuba dive or try out jet skiing, water-skiing and windsurfing. And there are numerous nonstop flights here from the East Coast for affordable prices (I just booked round trip fare for around $300).
Don’t miss: When tummies start to rumble, head over to Omar’s Beach Hut for fresh conch, island mac and cheese, and beachy cocktails.
Where to stay: This winter, I’m heading to Wymara Resort & Villas for a perfect multigenerational getaway. The Villas here provide ample space (and if you’re coming with grandma and grandpa or another family, everyone can spread out). There’s a big pool and the location is smack in the middle of the white sands of Grace Bay. Don’t miss paddling in clear bottom kayaks to look for sea life or learning how to sail on a Hobie Cat (both activities are complimentary). And Wymara recently debuted the first “ocean pool” in the Caribbean — a natural swimming pool carved out of coastal rock and replenished with fresh seawater from the Atlantic; surrounded by a tiki bar, sun loungers, and umbrellas — it’s truly the perfect spot to enjoy the warm weather.
Gulf Shores, Ala.
Best for: Christmas at the beach
For spring-like weather all winter long, head to this beach destination on the Gulf Coast where temperatures hover in the lovely low 70s. It’s the perfect temp to explore Gulf State Park’s sandy shores where unique nature highlights include guided eco-kayak tours of Lake Shelby and Sand Castle University, where “school” involves molding the coast’s sugar white sands into regal palaces (a sure-fire family pleaser). And if you’re planning family vacations during Christmas, the Gulf Shores really rev up the holiday spirit, with December events ranging from an illuminated boat parade to visits from Santa himself.
Don’t miss: Pick up fresh fruit, baked goods, and other treats at the Farmer’s Market held every Saturday at Foley Park.
Where to stay: The new plush Lodge at Gulf State Park located right on the sands of Gulf State Park with direct access to the area’s 6,150 acres of unique outdoor experiences, including 28 miles of hiking and biking trails, and rates starting at just $93 per night for a truly inexpensive family vacation in December.
Panama City, Panama
Best for: Explorers
Panama is an excellent destination for families, offering a rich blend of adventure and education, plus excellent value for money and a warm winter vacation. Panama City is chock-a-block with activities kids will adore, starting with marveling at the wonders of the Panama Canal, where they can witness massive ships navigating through the locks. Wander through the Casco Antiguo, old quarter (a UNESCO Heritage site) to learn about history and traditions and then check out interactive Biomuseo (billed as the world’s first biodiversity museum). For little ones who love animals, don’t miss Metropolitan National Park or the Rainforest Discovery Center, where families can climb the observation tower and see birds and other animals in their natural habitat.
Don’t miss: For a cultural experience, opt for a day trip to visit The Emberá, one of the seven indigenous groups that inhabit Panama.
Where to stay – The incredibly favorable exchange rate means you can stay in a five-star resort for the price of a chain hotel in warm weather spots in the U.S. One I have on my list: The Westin Playa Bonita Panama, a five-star luxe beach resort with multiple pools right on the Pacific Coast is about 20 minutes from the city center with prices starting at just $150 a night.
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