Not Your Average Family Vacation

Spring and summer are on the horizon, and for families around the country, that means it’s time to start planning your annual family vacation. The seasons’ warm and sunny weather is perfect for outdoor adventures, but no school means you’ll have to get creative with entertaining the kids. Fear not, Independent Collection is here with fun family getaways across the country, complete with special offers on room rates, dining credits, museum admission, action-packed water sports, and more. 

Check out some of our favorite offers from Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts, and get ready to make lifelong memories with those you love the most.

The Florida Keys – Islamorada

A string of coral islands south of Miami, the gorgeous Florida Keys offer endless aquatic adventures for every age. Here, you’ll find some of the world’s best fishing and snorkeling spots, a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, and miles and miles of sky-blue water begging you to jump in. 

Start your family getaway to the Florida Keys at the iconic Islander Resort. Located on 24 acres of oceanfront paradise, the Islander Resort has a seriously impressive list of on-site amenities: two pools, a private beach, outdoor grills, a beach volleyball court and a basketball court, nature trails, a butterfly garden, and private cabanas, just to name a few. Even better, guests of the Islander Resort and its sister property, Bayside Villas by Islander Resort, also enjoy exclusive access to a range of water sports and kid-friendly activities like paddleboards, bicycles, kayaks, snorkel gear, and arts and crafts hosted in a tropical tiki hut. 

Looking to extend your stay in paradise? Opt for a week-long vacation at Bayside Villas by Islander Resort with the Villa Vacation package. Stay seven nights or longer in a luxurious, oceanfront villa, and you’ll receive a special discounted rate and a complimentary boat slip rental, in addition to all of the Islander Resort’s on-site amenities and beachy activities.

Learn more about the Islander Resort and Bayside Villas by Islander Resort, and book one of these special offers with Independent Collection! 

The Florida Keys – Key West

Half the fun of traveling through the Keys is the road trip. At every mile marker, there’s something curious to discover — waterfront tiki huts selling hand-painted signs, mom ‘n’ pop restaurants claiming the best Key Lime pie, kitschy souvenir stores, and lots more. Not to mention, jaw-dropping ocean views that will make the kids scream with excitement. (Parents too!)

Hit the road and head south from Islamorada towards Parrot Key Hotel & Villas in Key West. The southernmost island of the Florida Keys, Key West is undeniably fun for kids and adults alike. The historic Old Town area is perfectly walkable and close to historic sites like Ernest Hemingway’s house. You’ll have your pick of waterfront restaurants and ocean activities. And, for adults who can score a babysitter, a street-long stretch of bars with live music awaits.

You may be tempted to spend all your time at Parrot Key, though. This hotel has everything — beautiful suites overlooking the ocean, four swimming pools, on-site dining all day long, on-site watersports equipment rentals, kid-friendly beach games, and much, much more.

Make the most of your Key West family vacation with Parrot Key’s “Stay and Play” package. It comes with a three-night stay in one of the resort’s airy villas or suites, a $100 dining credit, beach games, and a boating adventure with their partner Sunset Watersports. You’ll get to tour the waters, watch the dolphins jump, and explore the best reefs in Key West by snorkeling.

Find out more about Parrot Key’s “Stay and Play” package, and check out Independent Collection’s blog for even more Florida Keys inspiration! 

Cape Cod

For an equally exciting — yet strikingly different — beach getaway, make your way to the dreamy shores of Cape Cod. Bursting with historic charm and delicious seafood, Cape Cod has that classic American summer vibe you’ll want to return to year after year. It’s relaxing, adventurous, and uniquely scenic all at once, making it a perfect destination for families.

The only beachfront resort in Upper Cape Cod, the beautiful Sea Crest Beach Resort is an elegant and cozy home base for you and your little ones. Choose from spacious guest rooms with private decks to one- and two-bedroom suites overlooking the ocean. Sea Crest’s three-bedroom cottage is extra spacious and features a private backyard and a fire pit for s’mores under the stars. 

The resort also features a private white sand beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas, an indoor pool, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and an arcade for some friendly competition. Plus, kid-friendly beach games and seasonal arts and crafts activities.

Curious about the Sea Crest Beach Resort? Find out more on Independent Collection’s website. Then count down to a fantastic family vacation in Cape Cod!

Boston

Just because school’s out doesn’t mean the learning stops. For a spring break or summer vacation with an educational edge, follow the coastline to Boston, Massachusetts. Boston is home to a range of art museums and learning centers in the country, including the famous New England Aquarium and the historic Gardner Museum. The city has a surprising number of urban green spaces, too, as well as bike paths and waterfront walkways that weave through its picturesque streets. 

At The Whitney Hotel — a charming, residential-style hotel in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood — families are invited to stay and play with the “Museum of Science” package. Designed to spark curiosity, this package includes tickets to Boston’s Museum of Science, where kids of all ages can all learn about science-related studies like math, engineering, technology, and natural phenomena through interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, 4-D films, live presentations, and more. 

After a fun-filled day, the discoveries continue at The Whitney Hotel. With the “Museum of Science” package, your room will be transformed into a space exploration hub with a rocket ship play tent, Sky Lite star and galaxy projector, and glow-in-the-dark sheets. Families will also receive a space-inspired cookie decorating kit for a sweet ending to an awesome, science-packed day.

Discover more about The Whitney Hotel and this special offer, and start planning your Boston vacation with Independent Collection! 

Washington, D.C. 

For an epic family vacation with a side of history, look no further than the ever-thrilling Washington, D.C. Our nation’s historic capital is overflowing with famous landmarks like the White House and the National Mall. “The District” also boasts some of the best cultural institutions in the world, and most of them are free to enjoy! Not to mention, D.C. has a fantastically diverse culinary scene. Whatever you’re in the mood to eat, you’ll find it here. And we have a feeling you’ll be back for seconds.

A central location is key to exploring D.C.’s history. And it doesn’t get more central than Capitol Hill, a historic neighborhood amid iconic D.C. landmarks like — you guessed it — the U.S. Capitol Building, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court. In this area, we love to stay at the Capitol Hill Hotel for its many amenities and extra-spacious family-friendly suites, some of the largest in all of D.C. Each suite is equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette, refrigerator, roomy living space, an oversized closet, and a large work desk. Highchairs and rollaway beds are also available upon request. Additionally, Capitol Hill Hotel offers daily continental breakfast, a fitness center, self-service laundry, and even complimentary bike cruisers!  

Learn more about Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington, D.C. and start planning with a little help from Independent Collection! 

Miami

Escape to the Miami sun with your family for the most fun-filled vacation. There’s always something for everyone in Miami Beach, whether you’re looking to just relax on the beach while the kids play in the sand or take in some culture at one of the city’s world-famous museums. What’s more, the city is incredibly kid-friendly, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep the little ones entertained. Kids will love checking out Miami Seaquarium, going to the beach, playing in the park, and visiting the Jungle Island Zoo. So if you’re looking for a spring break destination that has something for everyone, Miami Beach is a terrific choice.

You’ll find Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club to be the perfect summertime oasis as it serves up an entire city block of pristine Miami Beach. With two pools and direct beach access, the kids can splash around and build sandcastles on the beach while you soak in the sun and relax. There is also no shortage of activities as you get complimentary access to the hotel’s selection of fun beach games and snorkeling equipment. During the downtime, unwind at any of the four on-site restaurants. Psst—Il Merkato has some of the best Italian gelato that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Discover everything Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club has to offer and book your Miami Beach family vacation with Independent Collection.

New York

There’s no place like New York City for a family vacation! From the world-famous sights and sounds of Times Square to the historical landmarks of Lower Manhattan, the number of things to see, do, and visit is endless in the Big Apple. Take a morning stroll through Central Park, where there are playgrounds, a zoo, and a carousel. Drop by the Museum of Natural History, where the kids can learn about science and history. There are also plenty of kid-friendly Broadway shows that you can book in advance. And don’t forget the amazing food! New York City is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, ranging from the renowned New York pizza to the many Michelin-starred restaurants to a diversity of cuisines. So why not come and enjoy all that New York City has to offer your family? It’ll be a vacation they’ll never forget!

For a centrally located hotel in New York City, Aliz Hotel Times Square is an excellent option. Not only is the hotel situated in the heart of Times Square, but it’s also just a few blocks away from some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, including Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and the Museum of Modern Art. The hotel is also home to a number of on-site amenities, including an all-American restaurant that serves breakfast and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the New York skyline. Plus, the hotel’s staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and they’re always happy to give recommendations for things to do in the city. So if you’re looking for a fun, convenient, and cool boutique hotel to stay in New York City, Aliz Hotel Times Square is the one.

Learn more about what Aliz Hotel Times Square has to offer and book your family trip to New York City with Independent Collection.