If you’re looking for a fun spring getaway for all ages, look no further. Travel + Leisure highlights five standout family destinations, from a mega-resort with a waterpark in the Bahamas to a charming hotel with a private beach in Cape May, N.J.
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The Bahamas
Where to stay: Atlantis
A 141-acre waterpark called Aquaventure (which pumps more than 20 million gallons of water throughout its maze of slides), 40-plus restaurants and bars, a 63-slip marina filled with luxury yachts, and loads of sports and entertainment options are at your doorstep when you stay at this mega-resort. Travel + Leisure’s Atlantis Family Insider package includes a Beach Tower Terrace room with two double beds, a two-for-one pass to AKA Kid’s club (where guests ages 3 to 12 can enjoy culinary lessons), and access to Crush, the resort’s popular teen hangout. Atlantis also counts numerous outdoor lagoons and aquariums, where reptile-lovers can spot thousands of animals. From $209 per night.
Monterey Bay, Calif.
Where to stay: Portola Hotel & Spa
This waterfront retreat with 379 newly renovated rooms overlooks the beautiful central California coast. The kid-friendly hotel has a Pirates Program that takes young “crewmembers” on scavenger hunts and local explorations (youngsters can even expect daily surprises, like treasure chests filled with toys). The Monterey area, only three hours from San Francisco, is full of family fun – don’t miss the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium or the stunning redwood forests in nearby Big Sur. From $179 per night.
Washington, D.C.
Where to stay: The Fairmont
Within a mile of the White House and adjacent to the Georgetown neighborhood, the Fairmont offers 415 tasteful rooms with original art, a 17,500-square-foot fitness center (one of the city's largest), and comfort food at the on-site restaurant Juniper. Take the kids to see the crowd-pleasing giant pandas at the National Zoo. This rare species is dangerously close to extinction; only about 1,600 of these gentle creatures still exist. The Fairmont’s Panda package includes overnight accommodations for two adults and two children, one Zoo Welcome Kit (including a stuffed panda, among other surprises), zoo scavenger hunt and a $10 donation to the Giant Panda Conservation Fund made by Fairmont. From $209 per night.
Lake Oconee, Ga.
Where to stay: Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation
Famous for its world-class golf courses, this lush resort occupies 10,000 acres along the shore of Lake Oconee, just 75 miles from Atlanta. Within the exquisite shingled lodge are the resort’s 251 rooms, designed like the inside of an upscale country home with antique reproductions, richly colored fabrics, Frette bed linens and spacious granite-and-marble baths. Kids will love kayaking on the sparkling lake and can top an activity-filled day with s’mores around a campfire. From $199 per night.
Cape May, N.J.
Where to stay: Congress Hall
This 108-room Cape May property, with its guest-only beach, is a charming haven — far from the "Jersey Shore" seen on reality TV. The historic beachside hotel is perched on a sweeping lawn overlooking the Atlantic and recently underwent a massive $26 million renovation. Families can enjoy all that the seaside town has to offer, from charming salt water taffy shops (don’t miss Fralinger's) to activities like fishing and bird-watching. From $139 per night.
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