6 Last-Minute Spring Break Getaways

Beach Getaways

South Seas Island Resort

Captiva, Florida

This resort sits on 2 1/2 miles of private coastline, where your brood can collect seashells, take a dolphin cruise, or splash in 20 pools. Snag free time by enrolling your kids, ages 6 to 13, in an ecology-based class at Sanibel Sea School. Southseas.com

Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort

Panama City Beach, Florida

Scoop up a one- to three-bedroom villa (with a kitchen) and hit the waves. When the kids are feeling waterlogged, head to the tennis courts or nine-hole golf course. Resortcollection.com

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Theme-Park Trips

The Grove Resort & Spa

Orlando, Florida

Traveling with extended family? Book this new, all-suite resort not far from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. Groveresortorlando.com

The Garland

North Hollywood, California

Whether you want to see stars at the Griffith Observatory or Hollywood Walk of Fame, this bohemian-chic resort with family suites serves as site-seeing hub. At night, watch classic movies by its outdoor pool or take the free shuttle to nearby Universal Studios Hollywood. Thegarland.com

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Nature Retreats 

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

Tucson, Arizona

After hiking at Sabino Canyon (a free shuttle takes you there), cool off at the pool, where staff hand out fruit and smoothies. Four- to 12-year-olds can feed fish and take an ecology walk at the Coyote Kids Club while you get a spa treatment. Loewshotels.com

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

San Antonio, Texas

With nature trails, a playground, golf, and a spa, your family may not want to leave this resort, situated just outside the city. But if you do venture out, visit the Chisholm Trail Winery, which welcomes kids with brick-oven pizza and games. Hyatt.com 

• By Karen Cicero