If you live someplace that experiences winter with a capital “W,” you know the best time to travel is during the coldest months. Instead of enduring snowstorms, why not escape to a warm paradise? December through March is the perfect time to swap your snow boots for flip-flops and indulge in a tropical getaway. At these top family-friendly tropical locales, winter always feels a world away. (Bonus: Many don’t even require a passport.)
Why you can trust these picks: Read FamilyVacationist’s methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels.
1. Jamaica
Tropical winter vacations in Jamaica naturally bring to mind the island’s rich cultural heritage, live music scene, and relaxed way of life. The all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay and Negril lean into this vibe, while the capital city of Kingston is the country’s cultural mecca and a must-visit day trip when you venture beyond your beach chair.
Where to stay in Jamaica:
Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios: The beloved family resort brand has two all-inclusive properties in Jamaica. Both Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios are especially good choices if your kids are of an age to enjoy water parks, beach time, and the extraordinary Beaches Kids Club.
Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa: At this fabulous Hilton, you can get a little taste of everything, because the resort has a beach, golf courses, recreational activities, live entertainment, and plenty of places to eat.
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall: Speaking of dining options, foodies will want to look into Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, home to 16 unique dining locations. That’s more than enough to satisfy any palette, even young picky eaters.
2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Tropical winter vacations don’t get any better than in the Dominican Republic. Not only does sunny Punta Cana deliver spectacular weather in the winter months, it also stands out as a great value destination for families and couples alike. There are so many all-inclusive family resorts and adults-only all-inclusive resorts that it’s never hard to find a bargain, and the abundance of direct flights to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) from around the U.S. makes it a convenient destination for tropical winter vacations.
Where to stay in Punta Cana:
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana: Kids will feel right at home at this highly themed resort where getting slimed and visiting one of the Caribbean’s biggest water parks are just a few of the family-friendly activities included in the all-inclusive price.
Club Med Punta Cana: Teenagers can find a space of their own this Club Med, one of the top resorts in the world for teens thanks to its teen- and tween-focused activities and clubs. (Read our full review and guide to the resort here.)
Majestic Mirage Punta Cana: If you’re searching for tropical places to visit without kids, Punta Cana has a number of secluded and romantic couples resorts to choose from, too, including the luxurious all-suite Majestic Mirage Punta Cana.
3. The Bahamas
Composed of nearly 700 coral islands, only 30 of which are inhabited, The Bahamas is a best winter beach vacation spot you can return to again and again without ever running out of things to do. The top all-inclusive Bahamas resorts cater to all the adventurers, relaxers, foodies, and nature enthusiasts out there craving someplace warm to visit, all while being just a short three-hour flight from the East Coast.
Where to stay in the Bahamas:
Atlantis Paradise Resort: Known for its massive 141-acre water playground, top-rated dining, and incredible recreational activities including marine adventures and golf courses, Atlantis is a top pick for families in the Bahamas.
Small Hope Bay Lodge: With its pristine beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, and nature tours, there’s something for kids and adults alike at Small Hope Bay Lodge. The friendly atmosphere and spacious accommodations make it a top choice for quality time together in a beautiful, unspoiled setting.
Sandals Royal Bahamian: For a kid-free tropical vacation, head to this fantastic Sandals resort in the heart of the action in Nassau.
4. Oahu, Hawaii
Winter is a particularly great time to visit Hawaii, and not just to escape the chilly weather back home. If you’re a thrill seeker—or enjoy watching others seek out some thrills—then come in January to catch the big-wave surf competitions. There’s also no better time or place to enjoy a winter beach vacation, either, especially on the island Oahu, famous for Waikiki, Kailua, and Waimea beaches and its gorgeous tropical resorts.
Where to stay in Oahu:
Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa: This resort is jam-packed with the kinds of services and experiences you’d expect from a Disney vacation in Hawaii, including a private beach, a top-rated pool area, lots of dining options, and plenty of character meet-and-greets. (Read our full review.)
Turtle Bay Resort: Another kid-friendly choice, families flock to Turtle Bay for memorable activities like “surf with a pup” classes that are exactly as adorable as the sound.
Moana Surfrider and Halekulani: Planning a trip without the kids? Oahu has some of the most romantic resorts in Hawaii, including Moana Surfrider and Halekulani, both situated on Waikiki Beach.
5. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Winter beach vacations for both families and couples
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a long stretch of Caribbean coastline just south of Cancun that’s home to some of the most popular tropical places to visit in the whole country, including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Puerto Morelos. Most of the beach resorts here are self-contained and many are all-inclusive, making it both more convenient and safer to visit than other areas within the country.
Where to stay in Mexico’s Riviera Maya:
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya: For families with younger kids, there’s no better all-inclusive choice than this Nickelodeon resort. It has a spectacular water park and plenty of things to keep the kids busy, and every single guest room comes with an oceanfront view and a swim-out pool. (Read our full review here.)
Viceroy Riviera Maya: For a romantic getaway without the kids, book a private villa with its own plunge pool and outdoor shower at Viceroy Riviera Maya.
Grand Palladium Riviera Resort and Spa: With a kids’ club, water park, and family suites, plus a variety of excursions like eco-tours and cultural experiences, Grand Palladium Riviera is a top beachfront choice with plenty of space for families to explore.
6. Key West, Florida
Sometimes the best tropical vacation spots aren’t far-flung tropical islands at all. Want to escape the winter blues without hopping on a single boat or boarding a single airplane? Load everyone into the family van and head south to the Florida Keys. The string of islands south of the mainland are connected by roads and bridges, ending with one of the most charming coastal towns in the whole country, Key West. The conch train tour and Key West Aquarium are both fun, and the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is one of the best state parks in Florida.
Where to stay in Key West:
Pier House Resort and Spa: For families, Pier House has one- and two-bedroom suites right in the heart of Downtown Key West.
Oceans Edge Resort and Marina Key West: Traveling with just your favorite plus one? As the name implies, every room at this resort comes with a romantic ocean view.
7. U.S. Virgin Islands
No passport is no problem for American travelers visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. territory which is home to not one, not two, but three of the best tropical vacation spots anywhere in the Caribbean: St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. With year-round sun and an average seasonal temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months, there’s really no wrong choice when you visit the USVI.
Where to stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands:
Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort: Families will appreciate the waterfront views and family suites with breakfast included at this popular kid-friendly St. Croix resort.
Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel and Gallows Point Resort: Centrally located, these two family hotels put you close to the action on St. John.
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas and Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove: Both located on St. Thomas, The Ritz-Carlton has romantic and luxurious accommodations, while the all-inclusive Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is an especially family-friendly choice.
