Add These Hidden Gem Destinations To Your Must-Visit List For Family Vacation
When families plan their spring and summer vacations in the winter, considering hidden gem destinations might not be the norm. However, going down a rabbit hole of annoying logistics and cookie-cutter amenities can lead to immediately closing your browser tabs in frustration.
For parents especially, common concerns when booking experiences and lodging at family vacation favorites include crowded and chaotic attractions, long wait times, and experiences that feel more geared toward adults than truly kid-friendly. It’s great to stick to the popular go-tos, but these hidden gem destinations can offer experiences that feel special instead of overdone. These are the places where kids can explore without constant chaos, parents can relax a little more, and you can expose the family to something different.
Whether you’re planning a road trip, a long weekend, or your next big family adventure, these destinations prove you don’t have to follow the masses to have an amazing family vacation:
1. Nature And Wildlife Adventure: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Where To Stay: Caribe Hilton
What To Do: Rainforest tour, botanical gardens, historical sightseeing, water park
Just a short flight from the U.S., this destination blends outdoor learning, fun, and food the whole family will love. Kids can enjoy an El Yunque rainforest tour via a day trip, stroll the San Juan Botanical Garden, and roam forts and plazas in Old San Juan. Caribe Hilton adds appeal with its own private, secluded beaches, the on-site Manatee Conservation Experience, ocean-view pools, a kiddie splash zone, and family-friendly suites perfect for stroller-friendly and multigenerational stays.
2. Grown Folks Family Fun: Brewster, Mass.
Where To Stay: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
What To Do: Golfing, swimming, bar crawls, fine dining
If you’re looking to plan an adult cousins’ retreat or reconnect with your children who are 21 or older, this quaint Cape Cod town is a good fit. Brewster is known for its scenic beaches like Crosby Landing, its thriving brewery scene, the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club offers cozy villas with multiple-room options and a variety of activities available across 429 acres, including five indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball and tennis courts, oyster bed tours, five restaurants, and the esteemed Nicklaus Design golf course.
3. Luxury Africa Experience: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Where To Stay: Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Center
What To Do: Waterfront dining, safari, outdoor games
Known for its wineries, fine dining, and grand resort properties with mountain views, this historic town is great for families with its mix of adventure and relaxation. Protea Hotel Stellenbosch has a kids’ pool, on-site dining, vineyard and winery views, and offers curated children’s activities. You’ll enjoy tranquility but be in good proximity to Cape Town, where the family can explore Table Mountain cable rides, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, and enjoy the scenic beaches along Clifton and Camps Bay. The V&A Waterfront is great for shopping, a visit to The Cape Wheel, and waterside dining with diverse options for all tastes. And of course, you can’t miss catching a nearby safari tour and wildlife-centered experiences with the many companies that offer them.
4. Water Lover’s Paradise: Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Where To Stay: W Punta de Mita
What to do: Cultural experiences, water sports, animal explorations
In Riviera Nayarit, just north of vacation hotspot Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find the beautiful Marietas Islands. The family can enjoy guided boat tours to explore wildlife, snorkel in clear waters, and discover the famous secluded beach, ideal for older kids with supervision. El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary gives children an educational and exciting experience, allowing them to safely observe crocodiles, learn about conservation, and explore scenic nature trails.
Enjoy family-bonding activities like surfing classes or immersive cultural experiences like cacao ceremonies at W Punta de Mita. Along with its lush, quaint, colorful decor and suite options, you and your loved ones can enjoy oceanview pools and family-style dining at Spice Market, to name a few amenities.
5. Game & Science Geek Wanderland: Yokohama, Japan
Where To Stay: Intercontinental Yokohama Grand
What To Do: Museums, gaming, science exhibits, district-hopping
Japan is a great family destination with something for all science, tech, and creative geeks. To get away from the hustle and bustle of hotspot Tokyo, but remain close enough for a quick trip into the city, stay in Yokohama, where you’ll find Cosmo World amusement park, CupNoodles Museum, and waterfront promenades. The Intercontinental Yokohama Grand has five on-site restaurants, bay views, babysitting services, and kid-specific activities.
You can always shift gears for a day trip to Tokyo’s Odaiba region, a convenient family-friendly hub for exploration of gaming and science attractions. Venture to Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation) to explore interactive science exhibits and future tech discoveries, or visit nearby Akihabara Electric Town together, where video games, electronics shops, and anime stores make browsing fun for all ages.
