With its perfect blend of urban adventure and beachfront bliss, there’s no better place than South Florida to plan a spring break the whole family will love. Whether your dream vacation includes lounging by the pool, playing in calm Atlantic waves, embarking on outdoor excursions, or exploring vibrant city life, there’s something for everyone to enjoy — especially when you’re planning your Miami spring break at Acqualina Resort & Residences.
Set on the pristine sands of Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina is an ideal launching pad to discover all that the Magic City has to offer. And that’s no small feat, considering the endless options open to South Florida visitors.
Need some guidance? Here’s how to plan a spring break in Miami that the whole family will be eager to recreate to for years to come.
1. Beach & Pool Days
Think “spring break in Miami,” and chances are, your mind jumps straight to lazy days spent lounging by the pool or with your toes in the sand on the beach. And believe it or not, whatever images your mind conjures up, Acqualina has a way of topping them.
Comfortable lounge chairs and well-appointed private cabanas line not one but three outdoor pools, each inspired by the resort’s signature old-world Mediterranean opulence. And, of course, the beach is just steps away, the white sand dotted with umbrellas and chaises in Acqualina red.
For the busy bees of the family, the resort also offers plenty of pool and beach activities, as well as an oceanfront soccer field, dual basketball hoop, foosball, and an outdoor king-sized chessboard. Check mate.
2. South Florida Outdoor Adventures
While lounging by the water is all well and good, for more adventurous family members, there are also plenty of opportunities to get out and explore South Florida’s lush surrounding nature.
With the resort’s Kayaking Tour Acqua Experience, guests can embark on a private kayak excursion of nearby Oleta River State Park with expert guide Lauren. For about an hour, you’ll paddle through the mangrove canopy of Crazy Creek and then through the waters of Biscayne Bay — keep your eyes open for dolphins and manatees! — before spending the remainder of the two-hour tour lounging on one of two remote beaches.
For a boating experience that requires a bit less work, Captain Matt of The Charter Agency is ready to welcome you aboard for the Yacht Cruise Acqua Experience. This three-hour tour is entirely customizable, but no matter where your cruise takes you, you’re likely to spot some exciting local wildlife, including dolphins, turtles, and more.
3. Urban Exploration
Photo: Miami Design District
Beyond the water, the bustling urban energy of Miami calls. With no less than 36 neighborhoods making up Greater Miami and its beaches, there are endless pockets of the city to discover during a spring break in South Florida. There’s the ritzy Bal Harbour (in close proximity to Sunny Isles Beach), home to some of the city’s top luxury shopping destinations ranging from Aquazzura to Versace. Plus, top-tier dining destinations including the French bistro-inspired Le Zoo and Japanese sushi hotspot Makoto offer see-and-be-seen settings to refuel.
The Design District is also home to some of the city’s finest shopping and dining, plus a thriving art and design scene. While you’re there, stop by the renowned de la Cruz Collection and Institute of Contemporary Art to marvel modern works. And nearby, the buzzy bohemian Wynwood neighborhood is home to the famed multicolored Wynwood Walls, a collection of murals created by the country’s most notable street artist. Wherever you end up, Miami’s diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone.
For urban explorations tailored specifically to your tastes, Acqualina also offers a handful of Acqua Experiences designed to immerse you in whatever it is you love, including fashion, art, and culinary tours throughout the city.
4. Museums & Cultural Experiences
Photo: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
To bring a bit of education into spring break, Miami offers a handful of world-class museums to capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike. Featuring a mind-bending planetarium, enthralling exhibit halls, a stingray touch tank, and a viewing portal into the Gulf Stream Aquarium habitat (to name just a few of its draws), the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a dazzling destination for curious minds.
And for young ones interested in fairy tales, there’s no better way to live out royal dreams than a visit to the ornate Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. The pastel-hued, gold-accented mansion is surrounded by exquisite grounds fit for a princess.
To engage artistic minds, pair the aforementioned Design District hotspots with a trip to the Pérez Art Museum Miami, one of the country’s most celebrated institutions of its kind. (Feeling inspired? The Painting Workshop With Haena Acqua Experience is the perfect way to channel that unleashed creativity afterwards.)
5. Activities Together & Apart
Family time is always worth cherishing, but sometimes, a break is in order. With Acqualina’s award-winning AcquaMarine children’s program, kids can immerse themselves in marine biology-centered educational activities, including Ocean Mammals, Amazing Alligators, Brilliant Dolphin Buddies, and more. Meanwhile, parents can part ways with young ones and retreat to a sanctuary of their own—the 20,000-square-foot Acqualina Spa by ESPA.
When golden hour sets in and everyone’s reunited, take the opportunity to schedule a family photoshoot with master photographer Pipe Yanguas. Under the setting South Florida sun, it’s the perfect way to commemorate your most memorable spring break yet.