Trip with a 2 year old--beach location, need suggestions
 

HI,
I want to head somewhere in mid April with my hubby and 2 year old son.

Any ideas for family fun places that we can hit the beach? Hubby and I are not very good at relaxing for long, so we like to have good food, some touristy things, and shopping around if possible. I'd like to stay away from Disney as our son isn't into that yet.

The other option would be to hit San Fran and wine country--is that doable with a 2 year old?

Thanks in advance,
Mo

I have a couple of questions: where do you live? Do you want to fly or drive? Which coast? Also helpful, are you looking for upscale or simply a place to stay on a beach that you can drive to from your hometown?

I have four children that have a 10 year age span. We've alway travelled with them because if we didn't, we would be very, very old before the last was out of the house. That said, we did SF and the wine country with another couple (and their toddler) when our oldest was about 1 1/2. We took our nanny with us. Still, it was not fun to have the two wee ones. It just ruined so many of the experiences. Save that trip for when grandma can babysit for you. You and your husband will enjoy it so much more. We took our kids to SF a couple of years ago and they loved it. They were all older than two. Still, SF is a great city for exploring so if you don't mind pushing your stroller around, go for it. There aren't any beaches to speak of there.

You are smart to avoid Disney with a child this age. We have learned from experience that they don't remember a single thing prior to the age of 4 or 5, and even then, their memories are scant. Our deal is, we go to a Disney park when each of the kids reaches 5 or 6. The oldest lucked out on multiple trips, but she also has to babysit for us.

In April, you are going to be looking at So. Cal. or Florida if you want beaches. Miami is a good, warm, option with plenty of sites, great beaches, people watching and as much excitement as you want or don't want. Another possiblity is Mexico. From most US cities, it's a quick flight to either coast. We personally like what they now call the Riviera Maya, just south of Cancun. Most of the resorts are all-inclusives and kid friendly. You can be right on the beach, plan excursions that you and your husband can enjoy, and do as much or as little as you want. You are almost guaranteed nice weather so that's one less thing to worry about. Your son will love playing in the sand all day. We are not ones to sit in one place for long either. The last time we were in Mexico, we rented a van and drove to Chichen Itza and Uxmal. We also rented four wheelers and went out snorkeling on a catamaran. Something for everyone! I'm not as familiar with the west coast of Mexico, but I understand it's lovely.

Hi,
We're in Baltimore and are willing to fly or drive. I was thinking maybe the Carolinas or somewhere cool in Florida.

It sound slike SF and wine country shoul;d be a trip for the parents alone:)

Mo

I think mid-April for beaches in the Carolinas is too cold. I don't think you'll be able to do much beach time. What about Sanibel/Captiva? It will be warm, nice beaches, lots of shells, family friendly?

when you say "Carolinas or somewhere cool in Florida" are you referring to temperature? Or do you want to be able to swim? Something beachfront in Ft. Lauderdale might fit your needs.
It's more hassle free than Miami, and has a family atmosphere.

San Diego would be fun with the Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, beaches, etc.. And there are some fun touristy, shopping and dining options (Gaslamp dstrict, Seaport Village, La Jolla, Horton Plaza, etc.).

Oh, I forgot to mention Coronado and the San Diego harbor. There are also wineries in Temecula, 30 or 40 minutes away (inland) on I-15.
http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors

I love San Diego, but I wouldn't go there for beach action in April. The temperature there is lovely year round, but if I remember correctly, doesn't heat up to get-in-the-water temperature that early in the spring.

From Baltimore and with a child the age of yours, I would recommend either the Gulf Coast of FL (Destin, Seagrove, Beaches of South Walton) or Sanibel Island. Both of these locations are family friendly and should have warm but mild temperatures in April.

Maybe you can get a condo-type rental with a kitchen or kitchenette so that milk and peanut butter sandwiches are always a short walk away.

There are nice outlet malls that are very stoller-friendly for a little mommy treat. The whole region expects family travel, so no one will be looking down their nose at restaurants, etc.

We stayed at the Hilton Resort in Hilton Head, SC at Thanksgiving. The rooms have refrigerator and microwave for breakfast and lunch prep. The resort has a playground, children's pool and is right on the beach. Even tho' the water was cold--we couldn't keep the 2-year-old grandson out of the water. It's very shallow, lots of sand play and long walks (to wear him out). Can rent bikes or go over to the harbor and watch the boats. Very cool (and I'm a native Californian!).

Don't forget about the Texas Gulf Coast. South Padre. Corpus Christi, even Galveston. Wonderful places, less expensive, I believe, than Florida. Lots for children to do. Texas State Aquarium in Corpus. Log onto their individual websites for more info.

And keep in mind, new US regs will require passports for everyone traveling outside of US, including Mexico. (If you ever intend on traveling outside US, you might as well get them now. But I'm betting there is a backlog because the new rules go into effect this month.) I believe kids' passports good for 5 years, adults for 10. But check the government website to verify (and find out new rules).

Good luck!

PS I was to the Riviera Maya just two years ago, and for a non-beach-bunny still had a pretty good time. Though, the "5*" all-inclusive had food that would not quite get a 3* here. The plus side is the beaches are more "private" in this area. DON'T do Cancun proper. Too many people trying to sell you stuff/services, etc. Go all-inclusive if you go. And the Maya is great for families, too. Visit the ruins and the ecopark south on the peninsula. We spent a whole day at both and had a blast. (The roaming iguanas at the ruins are a site to see!)