Spring break is almost here and we know you’re itching to get away. We understand that the hustle and bustle of daily life makes it hard to plan a vacation. Lucky for you, you live in one of the most beautiful areas of America, and it’s time to enjoy it like tourists do.
Take a few days off work while the kids are out of school and check into one of South Florida’s best family friendly staycation destinations. Here are our top 11 hotel and resort picks for getting away, without having to leave the area.
Delray Sands Resort
Looking for something simple without giving up premium amenities? Hop in the car and head to Delray Sands Resort. You’ll find a boutique, beachside resort with a tropical outdoor pool that’s perfect for catching up on your current read in peace (it has a separate children’s pool). Be sure to book Sunday brunch at its award-winning Latitudes Ocean Grille. Delray Sands Hotel has tons of offers and deals, so look into how you can save before booking a stay here.
2809 South Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach; 866.790.2198; delraysandsresort.com
Boca Raton Resort and Club
If you want to experience a world-class luxury resort, splurge on the Boca Raton Resort and Club, a Waldorf Astoria resort. This staycation won’t be cheap, but it’s worth it for all the amenities included. We’re talking sailing, snorkeling, surf lessons, croquet, life-size chess, bike rentals, a golf course and tennis and basketball courts. It even has a Quest Club for the kids to play at while you lounge in a private beach cabana. The resort brings everything to you, making it easy to forget you’re only a few miles from home.
501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton; 561.447.3000; waldorfastoria3.hilton.com
Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Rentals
Step away from the city and into your own beach bungalow at Crane’s Beach House. This hidden gem in Delray Beach offers total Key West vibes with its entertaining tiki bar, two pools and live music during certain nights of the week. Crane’s offers a more private experience than your average hotel. You’ll find beach villas with a kitchen, living room and balcony, or one-bedroom suites. It’s quiet enough to unwind by the pool, but close enough to the beach and Atlantic Avenue to embark on an adventure with the family.
82 Gleason St., Delray Beach; 866.372.7263; cranesbeachhouse.com
Sands Harbor Resort & Marina
Looking for something a little more local and low-key, but still an escape from reality? Check into Sands Harbor. This modest hotel sits right on the Intracoastal and offers a fun atmosphere for a quick staycation. Take a dip in the waterfront pool and hang out at the lively tiki bar. It has awesome happy hours and burgers, plus live music on certain nights of the week. This is a great place to meet other locals and appreciate a true South Florida atmosphere. Plus, Sands Harbor is a short walk to Pompano Beach so you can trade chlorine for saltwater if you want.
125 N. Riverside Drive, Pompano Beach; 954.942.9100; sandsharbor.com
Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club
If you want to get away from the office, head to Lago Mar. Sitting right on the beach, Lago Mar hosts two large pools, beach volleyball, mini golf, live entertainment, tennis courts, a playground, shopping and fine dining. It’s a spacious resort so you can let the kids run free while you rent a private cabana on the beach or sip on a cocktail poolside. No wonder Lago Mar takes the number four spot on U.S. News Best Hotels in Fort Lauderdale.
1700 South Ocean Lane, Fort Lauderdale; 954.523.651; lagomar.com
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach is the place to go if you want to kick back, relax and work on your tan while the little ones play in the outdoor swimming pool. Wake up early and rent paddle boards at the beach. Or, if you prefer a lazy morning, order the Bed & Breakfast package and watch cartoons in bed. Consider upgrading your stay to the two-room suite complete with a full-sized kitchen, dining area, living room, ocean-view balcony and a bathroom featuring a whirlpool spa.
505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach; 954.414.2222; hilton.com
Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina
Have you ever driven past the unmissable Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and wondered what it’s like to stay there? Make it your next staycation destination. You’ll enter vacation mode as soon as you walk through the lobby. Surrounded by tropical landscape and towering royal palm, turn the phones off and enjoy lunch by the pool at Orchids Pool Bar. Take advantage of boat rentals and fishing charters at the marina and spend a day on the Atlantic. The best part? Pier Sixty-Six has a Florida and Georgia residents offer.
2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale; 800.254.8878; pier66hotelmarina.com
Costa Hollywood Beach Resort
Be one of the first to stay at Costa Hollywood Beach Resort. This brand new hotel opens its doors on May 15 and it has staycation written all over it. Costa sits right on Hollywood Beach so you can enjoy the lively broadwalk, or get away from it all thanks to Costa’s rooftop pool. Costa hosts a stunning 25,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck with ocean views, a restaurant and a bar. Take the family out to a local restaurant or cozy up with a movie in your European-inspired suite.
777 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood; 954.613.3700; costahollywoodresort.com
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
You won’t get bored at this Marriott. The massive resort is a playground for active families, but also provides unlimited opportunities for much-needed relaxation. Located on its own private beach, the Marriott offers activities such as jet ski rentals, ocean trampolines, parasailing, banana boat rides, coconut bowling and beach volleyball. Drop the kids off at the surf club and treat yourself to the 22,000-square-foot resort spa that includes its own (kid-free) pool.
3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale; 954.525.4000; marriott.com
The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
The Ritz is nothing short of luxury—this is the staycation you deserve. The resort’s prime location sits right on the beach and around the corner from Las Olas Boulevard. Kick back in elegant waterfront rooms or unwind by the beachfront pool while an accommodating staff lets you know that you’re on vacation. From 24-hour room service to arranging a family excursion with the hotel concierge, you won’t have to plan a thing. Throw on a fluffy bathrobe, order room service and cuddle with the family.
1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954.465.2300; ritzcarlton.com
Conrad Fort Lauderdale
This one’s for the foodies. The Conrad equips families with spacious rooms that include gourmet kitchens with the option for grocery delivery. If you really want to up your game, opt for in-suite dining with live chef presentations. The oceanfront resort is home to a 20,000-square-foot Sky Deck with a pool and luxurious cabanas. It even offers sunrise yoga on the beach so you can start your day in a state of zen. Book the family fun package if you decide to make the Conrad your home away from home.
551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954.414.5100; conradhotels3.hilton.com
Want to be in the know about all the best events, restaurant openings and more in Boca Raton and Delray Beach? Sign up for our Boca Agenda, a biweekly newsletter that lists things to do in the area. Want a print subscription? Click here.
Spring break is almost here and we know you’re itching to get away. We understand that the hustle and bustle of daily life makes it hard to plan a vacation. Lucky for you, you live in one of the most beautiful areas of America, and it’s time to enjoy it.