Best Family-friendly Southern Resorts: Experience the Best of the South with Style and Comfort
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Resorts That Will Entice You to Return
Welcome to the South's ultimate family vacation destinations! These Southern resorts stand out for their exceptional hospitality, catering to travelers of all ages. They offer activities that delight the young and old alike while ensuring everyone feels right at home. Let's explore the top Southern resorts perfect for your family getaways.
1. Wild Dunes Resort - Isle of Palms, South Carolina
If you picture a family-friendly beach resort, Wild Dunes Resort is likely the image that comes to mind. Sprawling over 1,600 acres, this retreat on Isle of Palms boasts direct beach access, a spa, tennis center, golf course, on-site dining, and multiple pools. Choose from a variety of accommodations, including suites, condos, and home rentals.
hyatt.com/destination-by-hyatt/wilddunes-charleston-island-resort ; 5 Seagrove Ln., Isle of Palms, SC 29451
2. The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa - Hot Springs, Virginia
This hidden gem in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia is an outstanding choice for family getaways. The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa offers natural hot springs, a spa, a water park, and activities like golf, tennis, and nightly movies. With two 18-hole golf courses, four clay tennis courts, and a dog-friendly policy for pets under 60 lbs., it's the perfect spot for everyone in the family.
omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia ; 7696 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA 24445
3. Montage Palmetto Bluff - Bluffton, South Carolina
Bluffton, one of the South's best small towns, is home to another crowd-pleasing family retreat, Montage Palmetto Bluff. With two-bedroom cottages and two-to-five-bedroom residences, this resort offers plenty of room for larger parties to unwind in Lowcountry style. From exploring treehouses and pools to kayaking, golfing, and beach cruises, there's something for everyone.
montage.com/palmettobluff ; 477 Mt Pelia Rd., Bluffton, SC 29910
4. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee - Greensboro, Georgia
A lakeside retreat that promises nostalgic, old-fashioned family fun, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, welcomes multi-generational groups with open arms. Gather around the family pool to cool off with geysers and splash pads, enjoy water activities like paddleboarding and fishing, or participate in fun-filled evening activities like s'mores celebrations.
ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ahnrz-the-ritz-carlton-reynolds-lake-oconee ; 1 Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro, GA 30642
5. The Cloister at Sea Island - Sea Island, Georgia
Sea Island's The Cloister has long held a place among Southern favorites, with its beachside retreat catering to all kinds of travelers. In addition to private beach access and a host of waterfront activities, the resort offers Camp Cloister for children between the ages of 3 and 14.
seaisland.com/stay/the-cloister ; 100 Cloister Dr., Sea Island, GA 31561
6. Blackberry Farm - Walland, Tennessee
Blackberry Farm is a lesser-known treasure among travelers seeking a romantic escape, but it's just as enticing for families. Offering activities like archery, geocaching, and a working farm tour, this resort ensures a mix of adventure, relaxation, and education for families with children aged 4 and up.
blackberryfarm.com; 1471 W Millers Cove Rd., Walland, TN 37886
7. High Hampton - Cashiers, North Carolina
A long-standing playground for families, High Hampton offers a blend of luxury and relaxation. Activities include croquet, tennis, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The resort also boasts a kids' club and multi-room suites and cottages to accommodate groups of various sizes.
highhampton.com ; 1525 NC-107 #1525, Cashiers, NC 28717
8. Jekyll Island Club Resort - Jekyll Island, Georgia
One of the favorite family getaway destinations, Jekyll Island Club Resort offers various accommodations and a multitude of activities suitable for all ages. From biking around the island to history tours and beach adventures, the resort ensures there's always something to do.
jekyllclub.com ; 371 Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527
9. JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa - Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach, with its pristine sand, is home to one of the best Southern resorts for families. JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa offers a rooftop pool, multi-bedroom residences, beach rentals, and exclusive beach access. Drop the kids off at the Hideaway Hangout JW Kids Club, where they can enjoy resort scavenger hunts and mazes, or relax together on deck chairs at the beach.
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tpajw-jw-marriott-clearwater-beach-resort-and-spa ; 691 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
10. Cataloochee Ranch - Maggie Valley, North Carolina
For families who love the great outdoors, Cataloochee Ranch is the perfect option, providing an adventurer's paradise in the Great Smoky Mountains. Spend your mornings on trail rides through the national park, then return to the ranch to explore the adventure course or engage in bird watching. Many of the rustic-chic ranch cabins accommodate up to eight guests, featuring comfortable sleeper sofas and bunk beds.
cataloocheeranch.com ; 119 Ranch Dr, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
- Discover the beauty of spring travel with family-friendly Southern Living resorts, starting with Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
- Spend your summer vacation at The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa in Hot Springs, Virginia, offering natural hot springs, a water park, and activities for all ages.
- Set your sights on Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina for fall travel. This resort boasts ample accommodations and diverse activities for families to enjoy.
- Experience a cozy, nostalgic family retreat at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, featuring fun-filled activities and multi-generational gatherings.
- Book a visit to The Cloister at Sea Island in Sea Island, Georgia, where both waterfront activities and Camp Cloister cater to families with children.
- Escape to Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee this winter, enjoying activities like archery, geocaching, and farm tours tailored for families with children aged 4 and up.
- Plan your vacation around the seasons with Southern resorts offering thoughtfully designed accommodations and activities for families, like High Hampton in Cashiers, North Carolina.
- Jekyll Island Club Resort in Jekyll Island, Georgia, stands out year-round as a perfect family getaway destination with various accommodations and age-appropriate activities.
- Spend your winter break at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa in Clearwater Beach, Florida. With a rooftop pool, multi-bedroom residences, and Hideaway Hangout JW Kids Club, there's something for every family member.
- For an outdoor adventure, visit Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. This Great Smoky Mountains retreat offers trail rides, an adventure course, and rustic-chic cabins for families of up to eight guests.
