6 Destinations Perfect for a Family February Vacation

With the joys of the holiday season long gone and summer vacation still months away, February is the perfect time to treat the family to some good old-fashioned R&R. And that works out perfectly, because February is also the best time to visit any of the six destinations on this list, where the weather is great, the crowds are small, and the family-friendly sights are very much worth seeing. Whether your family loves NASCAR, whales, live sports, or rainforests, there’s mid-winter fun to be had at any these stellar destinations.

1. Charleston, SC

Great food, Southern charm, outdoor adventure, and historical sites make Charleston an educational and exciting trip for the whole family. February is a particularly great time to visit: The tourist crowds are smaller, the weather is mild (highs tend to be in the 60s or 70s), and the city’s many gorgeous gardens tend to be in full bloom. Visitors can tour the historic district in a horse-drawn carriage, rent kayaks, go shopping, or simply take a stroll through the city’s beautiful downtown. Bonus: In February, flights to and hotels in Charleston are generally much cheaper than in the summer months.

2. Daytona Beach, FL

February is one of the best times to visit Florida: The temperatures are comfortable (not too hot or too cold), and there are tons of family-friendly activities on offer. If you’re not bothered by big crowds, take in the excitement at Speedweeks, which features stock car racing at the Daytona International Speedway. Race cars not your thing? The city also offers plenty of diverse attractions, from the Kennedy Space Center to water sports, Main Street shopping and entertainment, four-star golf courses, and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Fortuna, Costa Rica

For the family that loves being outside, look no further than gorgeous Fortuna. The region boasts the stunning Lake Arenal in addition to the Arenal Volcano Park, multiple rainforest parks, hiking trails, river cruises, and horseback tours. Visitors can also go on a tour of one of the region’s chocolate making facilities, during which guests will learn about the chocolate making process from harvest to packaging. February is Costa Rica’s dry season, meaning there’s very little rain and warmer temps—so it’s the perfect time to partake in any of these outdoor adventures.

4. Honolulu, Hawaii

The capital of Hawaii boasts stunning scenery, great weather, and a huge variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment options. And if you go in February, you’ll get to skip both the rainy season and the summer rush. In addition to the great beaches, one of the best things about Honolulu is its diverse neighborhoods: Don’t miss the historical attractions in the city’s Chinatown or the Waikiki neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant cultural attractions and unparalleled natural beauty. Or head to Ala Moana to take in the sights at the world’s largest open-air shopping center or relax on the gold-sand beach at Ala Moana Beach Park.

5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

With clear skies and average February temperatures in the 70s and 80s, Punta Cana is a great destination for anyone who’s sick of the winter cold. Just like any other Caribbean locale, Punta Cana is popular in February—but it’s still an economical option for beach-loving families on a budget. Hotels start as low as $40 a night, and many of the family-friendly resorts are all-inclusive. The vibrant Carnival festival takes place in February, so be prepared for large crowds, great food, and plenty of thrilling attractions. Or avoid the crowds and take advantage of the area’s vast array of water sports, athletic activities, live music, and authentic food.

6. San Diego, CA

Because San Diego lies along the coast, it boasts a pleasant climate virtually any time of year. But February is distinct because it’s one of the city’s sunniest months. The city offers a host of family-friendly attractions, from museums, theater, and art galleries to live sports and athletic activities such as kite boarding, hiking, and scuba diving. The city is known for its eclectic neighborhoods—including the Gaslamp Quarter, Mission Bay, and Old Town—and popular sightseeing opportunities such as Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and La Jolla Cove. February is also an ideal time for whale watching.

This post was posted by TheHipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on February 4th.