Give your spring break international flair (sans the hassle of passports and exchange rates) with a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico. A U.S. territory located in the Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico is just a four-and-a-half-hour flight directly from Dallas.
In addition to the white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water, the island paradise offers lots of family-friendly fun. The Museo del Niño, the only children’s museum in Puerto Rico, is built in a 300-year-old Colonial villa and offers exhibits and educational activities for kids of all ages ($5 adults; $4 children under 15). Luis Muñoz Merín Park is a hot spot for families, with its playgrounds set amid several small lakes. A small cable car system gives visitors great views of San Juan’s beautiful landscape ($2).
For even more stunning photo opps, check out El Morro Fortress, a castle built into a rocky mountainside complete with dank dungeons and lovely lookouts over San Juan harbor. Little science and nature fans will want to check out Luis A. Ferré Science Park, featuring exhibits, a planetarium and a zoo.
And, of course, the whole family will love spending lazy days on San Juan’s sparkling beaches, like Balneario de Isla Verde, a public beach complete with lifeguards, bathrooms and picnic areas.
