8 sunny spring break destinations that don’t require a passport

Are you dreaming of a sun-soaked family spring break? You're in good company. According to the vacation rental platform Vacasa, over half of Americans (56%) plan to travel during spring break this year, almost double the 29% from 2021.

After enduring a long winter filled with changing COVID-19 guidelines, waves of omicron, severe weather, and the timeless struggle of getting kids out of bed for school, spring break is a much-needed escape for tired parents and children alike. However, with travel restrictions still affecting many international destinations, this may not be the ideal season for a family getaway that involves passports and overseas travel.

But here’s the good news! There are numerous warm-weather retreats within the continental U.S. that feature sunny beaches and ample fun for the entire family, all without the need for passports.

In fact, heading to the southern beaches of Florida, Texas, and California allows for easy driving from many parts of the country and offers the chance to find budget-friendly flights. We’ve compiled a list of less crowded spots, along with a range of hotel points and resort options, ensuring your family vacation stays within budget.

Florida

Head straight to the southern beaches of the Sunshine State for warm weather and clear blue skies. A Florida getaway can cater to every family member. With 825 miles of coastline, it might be overwhelming to choose where to go, but there are some popular spots that consistently provide fun for both kids and parents.

Miami

Miami is a lively destination for college students and young adults during spring break, particularly the energetic streets of South Beach. However, families will find plenty of great options here as well. A standout choice for a points stay is The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, a family-friendly resort set on the pristine sands of one of Miami's barrier islands. Enjoy direct beach access away from the crowds, with a small water park and two pools for kids to enjoy. Additionally, there’s a kids club featuring programming from Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, offering immersive outdoor adventures. Staying in Key Biscayne also means you're just a quick drive from the delightful Miami Children's Museum and a short trip to Lincoln Road and South Beach for an (early) dinner outing.

Florida Keys

As the southernmost point of the continental U.S., the Florida Keys provide a slice of the Caribbean experience right at home — with swaying palm trees, turquoise waters, and warm temperatures in the low 80s almost year-round. It’s a paradise for boating, fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking enthusiasts. Families will love the tranquil sands of Smathers Beach, a top choice for a fun day in the sun. Don’t miss the vibrant sunset festival in Key West and a variety of family-friendly dining options.

For accommodations, Henley Vazquez, co-founder of travel agency Fora, highlights the current high prices and low availability in Southern Florida. She’s excited about the new Kimpton Fitch Lodge in Key West, which is centrally located for easy access to fantastic restaurants. This hotel combines the fun Key West atmosphere with a fresh, unique look that has been missing from the area, making it a great choice for visitors.

Families have excellent options like Casa Marina Key West, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, and The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, both ideal for a memorable stay.

In the mid-Keys, nestled between Key West and Miami, two family-oriented resorts stand out. Hawks Cay is a vast 60-acre resort on Duck Key featuring 427 villas and hotel rooms, six dining options, a saltwater lagoon, five pools, and water sports, along with a dolphin facility. Cheeca Lodge, located further north in Islamorada, spans 27 acres and includes 214 guest accommodations, multiple pools, a private beach, a fishing pier, and the lively Camp Cheeca.

Southwest Gulf Coast

The Southwest Gulf Coast is framed by over 100 islands, each offering a range of experiences from tranquil retreats to lively beaches. With a wealth of adventures and remarkable natural beauty, island hopping in Southwest Florida caters to every type of vacation. Each island boasts its own unique charm, but families particularly enjoy the barrier islands of Captiva and Sanibel, over 60% of which is preserved for nature and wildlife.

Sanibel is especially beloved by children, earning the title of the "seashell capital of the world," where sparkling beaches are dotted with beautiful shells ready for collection. Beyond shell hunting, there are numerous activities on Sanibel and Captiva islands, including biking, boating, swimming, and observing the vibrant birds and wildlife at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

For families needing extra space, the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is an excellent option, featuring condo-style accommodations with multiple bedrooms and kitchens, although it doesn't participate in rewards programs. On nearby Captiva Island, the South Seas Island Resort spans 330 acres and provides spacious villas along with a plethora of activities, including a 2.5-mile beach, a fishing pier, marina, nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and children's programs. To enjoy breakfast and a property credit, consider booking through Chase's Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

Texas

When you think of Texas, you might envision big cities and steakhouses, but the Gulf Coast surprises many with its sunny spring days and family-friendly getaways. Stretching over 600 miles of scenic sand dunes, this coast features charming coastal towns and a wide array of seaside activities just waiting to be discovered.

Galveston Island

Just under an hour from Houston, Galveston Island boasts stunning golden sand beaches and warm Gulf waters. Beyond soaking up the sun, visitors can enjoy classic amusement rides and seaside attractions at Pleasure Pier. Another must-visit is Schlitterbahn Water Park, home to some of the tallest and fastest water slides in the nation.

Families have great options like the Hilton Galveston Island Resort, a beautifully landscaped 30-acre beachfront retreat, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort, featuring spacious suites and villas with kitchenettes—perfect for traveling with kids.

Port Aransas

Further down the coast, Port Aransas is home to Cinnamon Shore, a family-friendly community designed for pedestrians, nestled behind the protective dunes of Mustang Island State Park. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular choice for families, with plenty of Airbnb and vacation rental options that provide ample space for your group and opportunities to earn credit card vacation rental rewards.

South Padre Island

Corpus Christi boasts over 80 miles of stunning coastline, featuring the beautiful Padre Island National Seashore. The clear Gulf waters invite exploration, with outfitters offering nature tours to spot friendly bottlenose dolphins. On land, the island serves as a vital nesting ground for several endangered sea turtles, and families can observe these creatures up close at Sea Turtle, Inc. Beyond the beaches, there are numerous fun and educational attractions, including the Texas State Aquarium, which showcases a variety of marine species and includes access to the H-E-B Splash Park, a zero-depth water play area. For accommodations, vacation rentals are a popular choice in South Padre.

Southern California

Southern California is a beloved destination for a sunny spring break, featuring 100 named beaches in San Diego County alone and another 150 stretching along the coast from Orange County to Los Angeles. Additionally, there are countless family-friendly activities to enjoy, such as wildlife adventures and Legoland, perfect for planning your daily excursions.

San Diego

San Diego is an ideal destination for a spring break, offering a wealth of activities for kids. Some popular attractions include getting close to wildlife at the San Diego Zoo, exploring the vast Balboa Park, visiting the sea lions in La Jolla, and enjoying thrilling roller coasters at Belmont Park right by Mission Beach.

You can also experience the charm of island living on Coronado Island, a serene retreat along the Pacific Ocean. Here you'll find the iconic Hotel del Coronado, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. This turreted castle is located directly on the beach and provides a range of activities, from craft sessions by the heated pool to bike rentals for scenic coastline rides.

Just a short drive away is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, a favorite among families for its expansive pool area and kid-friendly programs. Vazquez notes that in Southern California, where there's a growing interest in the San Diego area, families are booking Four Seasons Aviara for its residential-style accommodations and Rancho Valencia for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, particularly due to its top-notch tennis program.

Carlsbad

A bit further up the coast from San Diego is Carlsbad, an excellent destination for family-friendly attractions without the bustling crowds of Anaheim and Disneyland to the north.

Carlsbad is home to Legoland, a beloved destination for children under 12, featuring fun rides that aren't too scary and plenty of hands-on building activities. The park also includes a 10-acre water park where kids can "construct" a Lego raft before floating down the lazy river or zooming down waterslides.

The Cassara Carlsbad, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is conveniently located near Legoland and makes for a fantastic spring break getaway. It offers two resort-style pools and a splash pad for children, all just a short drive from 7 miles of Carlsbad's stunning beaches and vibrant flower fields that bloom in spring.