Did spring break creep up on you? Are you staring down the barrel of a full week of your kids laying on the couch staring at their phones like zombies? No worries — we’ve scouted out some last-minute getaway options that are just a short drive away. These adorable vacation rentals are all close to the beach and/or other family friendly points of interest. It just might encourage the littles to put those screens away and hang out with mom and dad for a change (notice we said “might”).
Here’s what we found:
Sunset Beach
This luxury four-bedroom, four-bathroom oceanfront duplex can sleep up to 12 people, so you can even bring the grandparents along. The whole family will enjoy walking through the nearby nature conservancy called Bird Island, which features high natural dunes, salt marshes and tidal creeks. Head to Julie’s Rentals and pick up some bikes or kayaks to take in the sights and sounds of the island. Sunset Beach also features a variety of restaurants and shopping destinations. Feel like staying closer to home? The duplex’s front porch rockers face the ocean at sunset — the perfect time to enjoy a glass of wine and some quiet time. For more information, click here to visit the duplex’s VRBO page.
Looking for something a little smaller? This duplex called A La Plage on the east end of Sunset Beach sleeps eight, has gorgeous views and features a newly updated master bathroom. There’s a seven-night minimum stay, perfect for spending a week at the beach. Click here to visit its VRBO listing.
Visit Sunset Vacation Rentals for more options in Sunset Beach.
Pawley’s Island
Bringing all the kids and their huge group of friends? Check out this huge oceanfront home on Pawley’s Island. It’s got two master bedrooms upstairs, four bathrooms, an oversized porch with hammocks and rockers and a stunning view. It sleeps 16 total and is close to activities like Brookgreen Gardens, which features gorgeous gardens and even a zoo, as well as a 17,000-acre wildlife preserve called Hobcaw Barony, where families can learn fishing techniques like throwing a cast net and using a cane pole. Check out the home’s VRBO listing here.
Change it up with this adorable home called “Pawley’s Creekside.” It’s got its own private dock and is just a short walk from the beach. The kids will be obsessed with boating, stand up paddleboarding, fishing, crabbing and tubing on the creek, and mom and dad will love sipping a beer and taking in the amazing view from one of the home’s several porches. It sleeps 12 and has a three-night minimum stay. Check out its VRBO listing here.
The Lachicotte Company has lots more vacation rentals on Pawley’s Island and Litchfield. Visit them here.
Isle of Palms
Clocking in at about 3.5 hours in the car, Isle of Palms is a super short drive from Charlotte, which means less time stopping for bathroom breaks and more time soaking up the sun. When you get there, stay in this beautiful home with gorgeous updates, a rooftop deck and … wait for it … your own private pool (!) . This home is just steps away from the beach and just minutes away from Isle of Palms’ famous Wild Dunes resort. Kids will love learning about new hatchlings from the island’s Turtle Team, and mom and dad will love the newly designed front beach area as well as the restaurant options. The house sleeps eight so it’s perfect for one large family or two smaller ones going together. Check out the VRBO listing here.
If you and the kiddos enjoy hitting the links or living the resort life, Wild Dunes still has lots of rooms available for Spring Break week. Check out the options here.
Kiawah
This charming Kiawah condo is called “The Treetops” because of its high-up location and stunning views. It’s a short walk from the beach and a short drive from Kiawah’s amenities like championship golf courses, delicious restaurants, biking, boating and more. Send the kids to Kamp Kiawah, a counselor-led program at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, while mom and dad enjoy couples golf lessons or a relaxing day at the spa. You’re also close to exciting Charleston and all its delicious food and fascinating history. This condo sleeps six and is a great option for staying in Kiawah but having a little privacy. See its VRBO page here.
If the resort life is more your thing, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort still has several vacancies in the Sanctuary Hotel, villas and private homes for Spring Break week. Visit them here.