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Luxury Without Breaking the Bank: Top Picks for Affordable Family Spring Break Destinations

Published: February 26, 2025 by Johanna Kennelly Ullman | Leave a comment

Isn’t it time for some much-needed R&R? With Spring Break right around the corner, it's time to plan an affordable trip with a touch of luxury. Whether you’re lounging at a spa, enjoying fine dining, or exploring stunning surroundings, you and the family deserve the perfect getaway to rejuvenate and indulge in a little extra pampering.

If you're on the lookout for a deal (who isn’t, right?), here are some options at various price points. Keep in mind that lodging rates can fluctuate based on the time of year, room type, and other factors. Use these as a starting point in your planning, and you can always opt for higher-end accommodations if you prefer.

Dunes Village Resort

Range: $

Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Estimated Lodging Cost for a Week: Starting at $900

Amenities: This seaside hotel features two indoor waterparks with a water playground, lazy river, oceanfront pool, and adult-friendly waterslides. After drying off, enjoy the basketball and tennis courts, billiards, foosball, shuffleboard, mini-golf, and pirate ship playground. Or, visit the Dunes Village arcade and game room. The Dunes Village Kids Club also hosts organized crafts and activities to keep children entertained and engaged.

Hot Tip: While in Myrtle Beach, check out Broadway at the Beach. There are plenty of shops for souvenirs and numerous dining options available. The complex features live shows and attractions providing ample entertainment options for everyone in your group.

Mandalay Bay

Range: $$

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Estimated Lodging Cost for a Week: Starting at $1,500

Amenities: Mandalay Bay beach is an 11-acre aquatic paradise equipped with a wave pool, lazy river, and lagoon. There's also a wonderful spa if you're looking for a place to get pampered. One thing that will definitely blow your family’s mind is the Shark Reef Aquarium, where you can experience sharks up close and personal.

Hot Tip: Las Vegas offers plenty of family-friendly attractions and one must-visit spot is the Adventuredome at Circus Circus. This massive five-acre indoor amusement park features 25 exciting rides and a variety of arcade games, making it a fun destination for all ages. A week in Vegas may be too long for some families, so adjust accordingly.

Paradise Point Resort and Spa

Range: $$

Location: San Diego, California

Estimated Lodging Cost for a Week: Starting at $1,500

Amenities: Paradise Point is a 44-acre island retreat nestled in the tranquil waters of Mission Bay, just minutes from downtown San Diego. This scenic getaway features five heated pools and a wide range of activities designed for relaxation and adventure.

Guests can rejuvenate with island yoga sessions, meditation, and even stand-up paddleboard activities for a unique on-the-water experience. Full moon paddle and meditation events offer a peaceful way to unwind, while soothing sound bath meditation provides deep relaxation.

For sports enthusiasts, the resort boasts all the courts: two pickleball courts, two tennis courts, and a basketball court, along with facilities for spikeball, volleyball, lawn checkers, ping pong, and beach football, ensuring endless fun for all ages.

Hot Tip: Balboa Park is absolutely stunning. This 1,200-acre urban oasis features 17 museums, lush gardens, musical theaters, a sports complex, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Its breathtaking Spanish-Moorish architecture and 19 distinct gardens make it a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals alike.

Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista

Range: $$$

Location: Orlando, Florida

Suggested Hotel/Resort: Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista

Estimated Lodging Cost for a Week: Starting at $2,000

Amenities: The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort boasts two heated swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, and a kids' splash pad for fun and relaxation. An on-site arcade offers entertainment for all ages, and select rooms provide premium views of Disney Springs.

Located just outside the Disney Parks, Disney Springs offers a great alternative for those who may not have the budget for a full Walt Disney World trip but still want to experience the magic. It's more than just a shopping center – Disney Springs offers an array of delightful restaurants, unique experiences, and live entertainment.

Best of all, it's budget-friendly, with no admission fees, and guests at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista have convenient access to Disney Springs via a pedestrian skybridge.

Hot Tip: Be prepared for a lot of walking and exposure to the elements when visiting Florida. It's advisable to bring gear for both sun and rain since the area is fairly open.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Range: $$$

Location: Cancun, Mexico

Estimated Lodging Cost for a Week: Starting at $2,500

Amenities: Hyatt Ziva Cancun proudly states, “All Inclusive Resort. All you can eat. All you can drink. All you can do. All included in your room rate.” Beyond endless beach activities and dining adventures, families can enjoy captivating live performances at the outdoor amphitheater, featuring professional musicians, dynamic dancers, and breathtaking acrobatics.

Kids of all ages have their own special spaces and activities. At the KidZ Club, children can make new friends, participate in supervised pool games, or splash around in the mini waterpark. Teens will love their exclusive teens-only lounge, where they can relax, socialize, and enjoy friendly competition with games like pool and foosball. Other options include arts and crafts, video games, and adventurous beach excursions.

Hot Tip: You totally can book a snorkeling tour while you're in Mexico, but Hyatt Ziva Cancun offers a fantastic snorkeling experience right on its own beach. Bring your snorkeling masks and get ready to be amazed by the vibrant marine life swimming around you.

Cruise

Range: $$$$

Location: Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, and More

Estimated Lodging Cost for a Week: $3,000 (includes food)

Amenities: The great thing about cruises is that everything is included and you only have to unpack once while traveling to exciting new destinations. Cruise ships are like floating cities, offering endless entertainment for the whole family.

Kids can splash in pools, zoom down waterslides, and join engaging camps designed for different age groups. There's dedicated care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. For added convenience, babysitting services are available for date nights. There's even activities for tweens and teens.

Adults can also indulge in a variety of included entertainment activities or pay extra for some relaxing spa treatments. With something for everyone, cruises make for a stress-free and unforgettable getaway!

Hot Tip: There are a ton of different cruise options so search for locations of your choosing and check out the deals. To save money on a cruise, you can book early (or last minute), and travel during the off-season. You can also save money by choosing a simpler cabin or an interior cabin and avoiding specialty restaurants.

Conclusion

Spring Break is the perfect opportunity to escape the everyday hustle and indulge in a getaway that combines a little luxury with budget-friendly options. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences, from the excitement of water parks and pristine beaches to the vibrant energy of bustling shopping and dining areas.

Use this guide as a starting point and feel free to mix and match your options to create your ideal vacation. With some flexibility, you can design the perfect getaway. So pack your bags, embrace the journey, and get ready for a well-deserved escape filled with relaxation, fun, and just the right touch of luxury.