Since our daughter started elementary school a few years ago, spring break has become an increasingly valuable chance to get away, spend quality family time together, and soak up some much-needed sunshine. Last year’s spring break to Cape Canaveral, Florida, checked all the boxes and tempted us to repeat it. Instead, we pushed ourselves to try a new part of Florida—and we’re so glad we did. If you’re dreaming about a family-friendly spring break destination, here’s a clear recap of our recent trip to South Florida, what we loved about it, and practical tips if you want to plan something similar.
Where We Went
Our top priority was “guaranteed beach weather,” and South Florida was the best option to ensure warm temperatures in early April. We love road trips, but after spending four days driving to Florida and back last year, we decided to fly this time — a first for us with both kids and the dog. A couple of direct flights connect our airport in Richmond, VA, to Fort Lauderdale, and we remembered Fort Lauderdale fondly from a past visit. Anything within a 30-minute drive of that airport felt ideal.
We ended up staying north of Fort Lauderdale in Pompano Beach and spent most of our time in charming nearby towns like Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lighthouse Point, and Deerfield Beach. We didn’t actually set foot in Fort Lauderdale proper, but everything we wanted—beaches, restaurants, and relaxed neighborhoods—was easily accessible.
We hadn’t flown as a family since a 2012 trip when our daughter was nearly two, and that red-eye home left us wary of flying with kids for a while. Now that she’s almost eight and our son is four, a two-hour direct flight to Florida felt manageable. The flight went better than expected. We flew a budget carrier and saved money by packing light, and even brought Burger, our chihuahua. He’s traveled with us before and handled flights like a champ.
Renting a car was essential, so we chose a minivan for luggage, car seats, and beach gear. We packed our own car seats—rental counters don’t always have them available, especially on late-night arrivals—but the airline checked our car seats and stroller for free, which helped a lot.
Where We Stayed: A Private Rental
After discovering the value of a house rental during last year’s spring break, we aimed to find a detached home with a private pool this time. Staying in a house felt far more relaxed than a single hotel room, especially with kids and a dog. We searched vacation rental sites for pet-friendly homes with pools within 30 minutes of Fort Lauderdale and found a lovely single-family rental in Pompano Beach.
The house was exactly what we wanted: a quiet, comfortable interior that didn’t feel precious (perfect for kids), a private pool the children could use any time, and a fenced yard where our dog could roam. The listing mentioned the beach was within walking distance, but in reality it was an easy short drive. That small drive was worth it, because the house sat in a peaceful neighborhood on Terra Mar Island in the Intracoastal Waterway—secluded and charming compared with the busy oceanfront high-rises.
The property was surrounded by thick foliage, which contributed to a private, tucked-away feeling. We ended up skipping the beach for a couple of days because the kids and adults had so much fun at the pool. If you enjoy the idea of staying somewhere that feels like your own private oasis while being close to beaches and restaurants, this kind of rental is a great fit.
The hosts noted that they don’t supply beach or pool toys, only chairs, towels, and a beach cart. We planned to buy toys locally and were pleasantly surprised when previous renters had left a few items—pails, a float, and a ball. We picked up a couple more things at a nearby drugstore and left them behind for future guests to enjoy.
What We Did: Beach, Pool, And Eating Out
We favor low-key vacations, and this spot fit that perfectly. Rather than packing our days with activities, our goal was to unwind and be together. The kids spent hours building sandcastles, splashing in the pool, and inventing games. Mornings were for breakfasts at the house, which saved money and simplified logistics. Afternoons and evenings were beach, pool, and meals out.
We headed to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea for the beach because it was just a five-minute drive and really lovely. Parking was easy and affordable, and the stretch of sand felt uncrowded enough for the kids to play freely. The water temperature and wave conditions were ideal for family play—gentle but engaging waves that were fun and safe for the kids.
We briefly visited the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk one afternoon for a change of scenery, but a thunderstorm arrived right then and sent us back to the rental. By the time we got home the rain had passed and the kids were back in the pool as if nothing had happened.
Where We Ate: Food With a View
We ate breakfast at the house each morning and enjoyed lunches and dinners out. Locals and fellow travelers gave us great recommendations during the trip, and those tips helped us find restaurants with great locations, kid-friendly menus, and relaxed atmospheres. Our first dinner was at a waterfront spot in Pompano Beach called Beach House. The restaurant’s open-air design, woven lanterns, and ocean breeze made it a memorable, family-friendly evening. I had ceviche and my partner loved a salad she called “life-changing.”
One of the most fun experiences was a dinner at Cap’s Place in Lighthouse Point, where you park at a small dock and take a short boat ride to the restaurant. The building sits on a beached barge and has a colorful history dating back decades. Even though the meal itself wasn’t our favorite of the trip, the boat shuttle made the evening unforgettable.
We also enjoyed a relaxed meal at The Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe in Lighthouse Point, where we ate along the marina and watched boats come and go. While waiting for a table, we strolled a colorful row of townhouses and amused ourselves by counting sunbathing lizards—an unexpected, silly highlight for the kids.
Another memorable meal took place at the Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar at the Beachcomber Resort near our rental. The view from our table—sitting beachside in a large tiki hut—was the main draw and made for a special family dinner.
Most restaurants in the area offer seafood, salads, and burgers, and many are relaxed and kid-friendly with children’s menus. We also enjoyed casual lunches at local spots for burgers, sandwiches, and beachfront cafes.
One fun discovery was a coffee and gelato shop named Bean & Barnacle, a quirky name that made us smile thanks to family nicknames we’d used for our kids. We stopped in for gelato and enjoyed the bright, creative interior.
We’ve been home for over a week and are still missing the sunshine and slow rhythms of Florida. It was one of our best family trips—simple, restorative, and reassuring that flying with kids can go smoothly. If you’re considering a South Florida family getaway, think about a private rental near Pompano Beach or Lauderdale-By-The-Sea for easy beach access, a quieter neighborhood vibe, and a private pool that keeps kids entertained for hours.
Other vacation posts you might enjoy for more travel inspiration:
- Our Anniversary Trip To Puerto Rico
- A Summer Vacation To Destin, Florida
- Hawaii Part 1: How We Saved Money
- Hawaii Part 2: What We Did