Expect multi-generational travel at its finest.
By: Lydia Mansel for Southern Living
Southern hospitality is renowned, and nowhere is it more prominent than at family-friendly resorts across the South. These are properties that go above and beyond when catering to travelers of all ages. They offer activities that appeal to younger children while never alienating teens, young adults, or those well into their 80s. Many of them also have multi-bedroom accommodations, curated kids’ programming, and thoughtfully designed amenities that leave everyone in your party planning a return trip ASAP.
From treasured beach retreats to year-round mountain getaways, here are some of the best Southern resorts for families, in no particular order.
High Hampton has a long history as a playground for travelers of all ages. In its modern era, helmed by the Blackberry Farm leadership team, the Cashiers resort is laid-back and luxurious, offering a family-friendly mix of activities—everything from croquet and tennis to fishing, kayaking, and hiking. There’s also a kids’ club, available by reservation only, and the property has a mix of multi-room suites and cottages to accommodate groups of various sizes.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
Lakeside retreats are all about good, old-fashioned family fun, and The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is proof. Ideal for multi-generational groups, the resort is designed to cater to all manner of travelers. Gather around the family pool to beat the Georgia heat with geysers and splashpads, or head to the lake to paddleboard, fish, kayak, try your hand at jet-skiing, or climb aboard a Double-Decker Tritoon with a slide. As the fun-filled day comes to an end, everyone can reunite for the resort’s complimentary s’mores celebration before tucking in for the night.
