Planning the Best Winter Getaway: Beach Vacations for Families
Picture this: you’re sitting on a beach, toes buried, kids building sand castles nearby. The salty breeze ruffles your hair, and the only thing on your schedule is deciding whether to snorkel or nap in a hammock.
For many families, winter means snow days, hot cocoa, and shoveling the driveway. But winter can also be the perfect time to trade boots for sandals and escape to somewhere warm.
At Adventure Unbound, we believe the best family trips are the ones that bring you closer to nature, closer to each other, and closer to something bigger than your everyday routine. We also find that some of the most magical places happen to be warm, coastal areas. The Galápagos Islands, the hidden beaches of Cuba, and the coastline of Baja California Sur are some of our favorite destinations, and the perfect places to visit with your family this winter!
Galápagos Islands: Where the Wild Things Are
It’s hard to describe the Galápagos and fully capture just how special they are. These volcanic islands sit off the coast of Ecuador are alive with creatures that seem to have been plucked from another planet. On the islands you'll see blue footed boobies perched on volcanic rocks, sea lions napping on the beach, and giant tortoises roaming through the highlands. The Galápagos are a popular destination which means there are many different ways you'll be able to experience the island. Whether your family chooses to set out by catamaran, by kayak, or settles in on a single island to soak up the slower pace, you are sure to fall in love with the Galápagos.
Traveling by yacht or catamaran is a unique way to experience the islands as a family. Your floating home moves with you, which means each day brings a new area to explore without having to repack your suitcase every few days. In the morning, you might step off onto a pristine beach and find marine iguanas basking in the sun. Afternoons can be spent snorkeling, and evenings are for gathering on deck as the stars fill the sky.
For families looking for a more traditional beach vacation, island hopping in the Galápagos is another wonderful way to explore. You can stay in charming boutique hotels, take day trips to nearby islands, and mix excursions with downtime. It's a great option if you want flexibility, or if you have younger kids that might do better sleeping on land rather than at sea.
Adventure Unbound offers several small ship cruises and island hopping tours designed for families who want to experience the Galápagos. With naturalist guides leading hikes, pointing out wildlife, and helping kids get comfortable with snorkel gear, every day feels like a dream.
Explore Vacations in the Galápagos
Cuba: Kayaks, Colonial Streets, and Music in the Air
Cuba is an amazing choice for families with older children, pre-teens and teens, who are ready for a trip that mixes beach time with culture. Life here moves at a rhythm of its own. You might start the morning hearing live music coming from the nearby streets, spend the afternoon snorkeling at beaches with turquoise water and unforgettable coral reefs, and end the day sharing a home-cooked meal in a family-run casa particular. Traveling in Cuba invites you to slow down and notice the details of your vacation.
For families looking for a little extra adventure, you can spend a morning paddling through the mangroves of Zapata National Park where you’ll see flamingos take off in the distance. You can take time to learn about Cuban history at the Bay of Pigs or a local museum, and end the day in Havana where live music fills the streets and the kids can dance along with the locals.
Our tours bring some of the best parts of Cuba together into multi-day of adventures. But even if you plan your own route, Cuba is a wonderful destination for your winter vacation.
Baja California Sur: Kayaking, Wildlife, and Unforgettable Beaches
If the thought of winter has your family craving blue waters and encounters with marine wildlife, Baja is the answer. This is where gray whales migrate thousands of miles to calve in the calm lagoons of Magdalena Bay, where dolphins race the bow of your boat, and where desert cliffs drop straight into turquoise water.
Families can spend a few days at our Magdalena Bay basecamp, waking to the sound of the ocean and heading out each morning on skiff rides to search for friendly whales. Some days you may even have the chance to watch as a curious calf that swims right up to the boat, a moment that both kids and parents will never forget.
Another option is to kayak the Gulf of California, paddling between uninhabited islands, snorkeling in coves filled with colorful fish, and camping under a sky full of stars. Evenings around the campfire are perfect for sharing stories amongst your family, spotting shooting stars, and simply enjoying some time together away from screens and schedules.
Our trips let you combine both experiences for the ultimate Baja adventure, or choose just one for a shorter getaway. Families short on time can still add a day trip to swim with whale sharks in La Paz or watch blue whales off Loreto, both unforgettable moments that make Baja a bucket-list destination.
Why These Destinations Work for Families
These destinations make family travel easy because they combine outdoor adventure with just the right amount of relaxation. You’re outside every day, learning and exploring, but there is also space to rest and soak in the view.
Kids have a chance to see wildlife up close, taste new foods, and meet people whose lives are very different from their own. Parents get a break from the planning and logistics while still feeling like they are giving their family an experience that’s meaningful and fun.
This winter, skip the crowded resorts and choose a trip that leaves you with more than just a tan. Whether you are swimming with sea lions, paddling past flamingos, or camping on one of Baja’s iconic beaches, these are the kinds of stories that will be told long after the trip is over.
