Easy, affordable WPB-area staycation ideas you probably never thought of
Here's a little-known secret: domestic, close to home travel is more popular than ever. Americans are still wary of air travel, especially with children, and are looking for undiscovered gems within an hour or two of their own homes.
"I really need to let loose with the kids a little after this year," a Wellington, Florida mom of three tells us. "I want to escape our own walls and head somewhere fun, maybe the beach, but I don't want to subject us to airports and planes, and I definitely don't feel ready to hop back on cruise ships yet, even though they're easy to find in South Florida."
It's something the founder of the popular Gowhee App, Maud Maciak, has seen grown in popularity as well. "As travel starts to open up again, lots of families are starting to use to app to find covid-safe options near them, thanks to masks and social distancing filters, and use Gowhee to organize even small weekend getaways and day trips."
Here are Maud's top day trip and staycation suggestions for the West Palm Beach, Florida area:
"When we say staycation, we mean it," says Maud. "What if you could feel like you arrived on a lush tropical island, but never left Florida? This family-friendly boutique resort, located about 30 minutes south of West Palm Beach, FL, has you covered! It offers all the amenities of an island resort, but in a private and intimate setting. The kids will enjoy the blue lagoon-style pool with a cascading waterfall, while parents can sit and sip drinks peacefully on the terrace in the lush garden. In season (and post-covid), the resort has its own Tikki Bar and live music events. What we love is that this little hidden treasure knows how to make families comfortable by offering large rooms with a kitchen, baby beds on request and children stay completely free!"
Crane's Beach Houses, TripAdvisor
BONUS: If you are looking for a Mother’s Day getaway, or just a reason to be pampered, Crane’s Beach Villa Resort offers an array of custom spa treatments onsite! Mom (and everybody else! can get a massage, a scrub, coconut pedicures and more, all while the kids play nearby.
"Waking up every morning to croissants, French vibes and planned kids’ club activities for kids 4-17 with child care what this resort is all about," Maud explains, adding that it's incredibly local for Palm Beach County residents just about an hour north of West Palm. "Pack your bathing suit and your favorite sarong and head an hour north to stay at this all-inclusive wonderland for parents. We love their Cirque Du Soleil-themed playground for kids 4 years-old and up, adults are also welcome, and their stellar baby corner with literally everything babies and toddlers need."
Club Med Sandpiper Bay
"The list of the amenities is too long to include here, a sign that it is one of the ultimate family-friendly destinations. The amazing all-inclusive features mean you will not have to worry about any meal during your stay and the rooms are designed specifically to accommodate families. The cost is about $120 a night per adult. If you want a worry-free, all-inclusive kid-friendly resort, where you can destress from the past year, look no further."
Day trip on a budget, a beach day and dinner and live music at Cobb's Landing
"Take the kids to a local beach in Fort Pierce, about an hour north, and spend some play time at waterfront playgrounds like the one in Jaycee Park. The kids will especially enjoy the splash pad. If they need something a little more thrilling, you can organize a beach scavenger hunt just a few steps away."
Cobb's Landing, Fort Piece, TripAdvisor
"When you get hungry, stop in at Cobb's Landing in town. They have an ever-changing schedule of live-music bands and their terrace is right on the marina (Have you ever played corn hole amongst boats? You can here!). Keeping the little ones occupied will be a breeze with a boat sighting on their doorstep! We especially love that the kids’ menu has great offerings, there are wonderful amenities, such as changing tables, and parking is nearby to help with the logistics of going out with kids. The adults can find great specials every day of the week and the whole vibe of the place screams vacation."
Birthdays, graduations, family reunions, or any other celebrations are the perfect occasions to make this bucket list-worthy experience a reality for the whole family. "Located less than 30 minutes away from West Palm Beach, the center is amazing for kids who are in love with sea creatures," details Maud. "You can reserve a private sleepover with the turtles at the center and enjoy a tour of the Outdoor Sea Turtle Hospital, ocean-themed movie time, snacks and pizza, and a scavenger hunt amongst the aquariums."
"If an overnight stay is not for you, the center also offers many different programs throughout the day as well, such as camps and hands-on activities for kids aged six and up. We love that the whole center is truly made for children and focuses on teaching them life lessons like ecologic impacts and compassion for animals. If you have little ones, make sure to look for the Loggerhead Marine Center’s mascots, Fletch and Pip. They are always hanging out and love to be in a good selfie."
The Center offers programs for every budget, from $10 for adults for the public tours to $35 per child for the after-dark experiences.
"This one will be a crowd pleaser, guaranteed," says Maud. "Pack a picnic, your safari gear, cameras and binoculars and head over to this awesome drive-through safari experience in Loxahatchee, FL. I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t enjoy the sight of and interaction with giraffes, lions, alpacas and other animals. This experience will be quite different from your traditional zoo day. The park has cars you can rent to enjoy the drive-through experience if you need, as well as strollers and wheelchairs if you prefer to walk."
"If you are looking to make this trip a complete staycation, look into the camping at the KOA campsite connected to the park for a night. An African-themed dinner at their restaurant, as well as a refreshing pool with family cabanas will make you feel thousands of miles away, without ever leaving the Sunshine State! The campsite has options for everyone, from a primitive tent and cabins to full RV hookups. With a nightly rate starting at $52, this is the most affordable safari you will ever find."
Love this list or have your own additions you'd like to share? We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments section below.
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