School is winding down and summer is just about here. If you haven’t decided on where to take the family on vacation, we have some ideas to help! These five resorts offer a combination of kid-friendly activities and amenities their parents will love. We are highlighting five destination resorts from North to South on the East Coast.
Spruce Point Inn (Maine)
Amenities
There is so much to do at Spruce Point Inn that you’ll have a hard time fitting it all in. Located on Boothbay Harbor in Maine, this 57-acre oceanside resort has two outdoor pools: one saltwater and one heated fresh water, two tennis courts, a private boat launch, kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles for guests’ use, croquet, shuffleboard and a game room complete with classic arcade games. The adults will appreciate the Adirondack chairs and the spa while the kids play in the sun. But wait, there’s more! You can: Hike the trails on the property, go fishing, take a private harbor tour, and there’s even a Lighthouse Camp where kids can create and have an adventure while their parents enjoy some time to themselves.
Accommodations
There are quite a few lodging options at Spruce Point Inn. You can choose from rooms in the main inn, cottages, and townhouses. The Inn accommodations include a fireplace and private porch. The cottages and townhomes offer privacy and space for even a large family.
Dining
Spruce Point Inn has three restaurants on site. 88 is the fine dining restaurant, offering creative and relaxed cuisine with views of the sunset. Bogie’s is casual dining in a classic New England tavern setting that serves a breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner. For lunch, you can eat al fresco at Deck, a family friendly spot for enjoying the sea breeze.
Spruce Point Inn
88 Grandview Avenue
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Summercamp (Massachusetts)
Amenities
The largest oceanfront hotel on Martha’s Vineyard, Summercamp is in Oak Bluffs overlooking the blue waters of the harbor. It has been in continuous operation as a destination for travelers since 1879. Kids will love the nearby beaches and the game room with ping pong, Twister, and other vintage games. Parents will appreciate the guest lounge and modern amenities as well as the easy access to all the town has to offer— shopping, boat excursions, biking and hiking. The guest services crew can even arrange a take-out New England clambake for a picnic at Menemsha Beach at sunset.
Accommodations
Summercamp offers many room options, from suites to a room with bunk beds. Note: When you are booking your room, be aware that the main building has no elevator and rooms are accessed by stairs.
Dining
There is a Camp Canteen with classic snacks and sodas. The hotel doesn’t have onsite dining; however, you are steps away from all the restaurants of Oak Bluffs. Slice of Life and Sharky’s Cantina are two great options for casual dining close by.
Summercamp
70 Lake Avenue
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
The Cavalier Hotel (Virginia)
Amenities
A beacon on the Virginia Beach oceanfront, the Cavalier Hotel has been inviting guests for nearly 100 years. The hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted ten U.S. Presidents. In 2018, an $85 million renovation was completed. From the rooms and suites to the Seahill Spa and the Cavalier Beach Club, the hotel looks amazing. Spend some time at the beach club and enjoy the new infinity pool, poolside bar, cabanas and other services. Take the kids for a walk on the boardwalk or the nearby Beach Street USA. If you come in late August, you can watch professional surfers at the East Coast Surfing Championships!
Accommodations
The hotel offers 85 well-appointed rooms and suites. There are a wide range of room types, many of which have amazing views of Virginia Beach. Check out the King, Hospitality and Heritage suites; they are perfect for a family.
Dining
The Cavalier offers American-style garden to table menus at three onsite restaurants. Becca is a fine dining experience with outdoor seating. The Hunt Room provides a social club / tavern feel where you can also taste spirits from the Tarnished Truth Distilling Company. The Raleigh Room has a lounge feel and is the go-to restaurant for coffee, breakfast, afternoon tea and live entertainment on select evenings.
The Cavalier
4200 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Jekyll Island Club Resort (Georgia)
Amenities
Situated in Georgia’s Golden Isles, Jekyll Island Club Resort offers Victorian ambience with modern amenities. The resort offers tons of activities to keep the little ones entertained. Think white sand beaches, a nature center, and pools that include the Summer Waves Water Park. There are horse-drawn carriage tours of the island, 63 holes of golf, a croquet lawn in the center of the Resort, a mini-golf course, horseback riding, tennis courts, and bicycle rentals.
Accommodations
The resort offers two distinct areas for your visit. You can stay in the historic grand Jekyll Club and Island Cottages. Or, for a more relaxed getaway, stay in the all-suite Ocean Club on the water.
Dining
You won’t go hungry at this resort with five dining options to choose from. The Grand Dining Room is a traditional Southern fine dining experience. The Wharf is a fun option with a restaurant and bar on the pier, featuring open-air dining, a live music stage, and a variety of beverage choices. Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar is focused on local seafood, with a raw bar and grill. Enjoy casual dining at either the Pool House on the pool deck or The Pantry for fast and casual breakfast and lunch.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
371 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
The Don CeSar (Florida)
Amenities
The Don CeSar is in beautiful St. Pete Beach, Florida. The hotel was completed in 1928 and served as a hang-out for the well-to-do, movie stars, U.S. Presidents and even a few gangsters. Fast forward 90 years and a few amazing renovations- today guests stay at the Pink Palace for the natural surroundings this historic hotel offers. Kids will love the stretches of white sand and the warm Gulf water. Camp CeSar is a great kids’ camp for ages 4-12. There are dive-in movies, waverunners for rent, and a luxurious spa.
Accommodations
The Don CeSar has 277 contemporary rooms, including 36 suites, all with spectacular views. Alternatively, there are the Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar, located just a half mile down the beach from the main hotel. The all-suite accommodations are perfect for families and groups.
Dining
Being a destination hotel means there is no shortage of food options. If you are in the mood for fresh seafood and a meal prepared from local ingredients, you cannot go wrong with the Maritana Grille and Sea Porch Café. The Rowe Bar and Lobby Bar are perfect for grabbing a cocktail with lunch or dinner. The Beachcomber Bar & Grill offers poolside dining, a casual menu and relaxed environment. Grab an ice cream with the family at Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor. If you are feeling guilty afterwards, the fitness center is open 24-hours.
The Don CeSar
3400 Gulf Boulevard,
St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706
