Turks & Caicos: Family Vacation
Turks & Caicos Travel Guide: Family Vacation
Turks and Caicos, a stunning archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of the Bahamas, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and sea. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts, this destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Here's a guide to help you plan your perfect vacation in Turks and Caicos.
We flew Southwest Airlines from St. Louis, MO with a layover in Orlando and Landing in Providenciales. Turks and Caicos is a part of the British Virgin Islands so a passport is required to visit. We probably did a tropical island vacation different than most people who are visiting with families! We rented cars, ordered groceries to be delivered and stayed in a house on the residential/industrial side of the island. We felt 100% SAFE and loved the experience that we had!
If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, soft white sand, and dinners under swaying palms, let me take you along on my Turks and Caicos escape. From sunset dinners to snorkeling adventures and poolside lounging, this island getaway was the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. Upon arrival to the house (House Link ) we chose our rooms and were able to relax a bit! We had our groceries delivered by a company and my brother and SIL picked up the adult beverages on the way home! Since we had a large party we did plan our meals ahead of time and booked reservations for each evening.
Night 1: Dinner @ Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl
We kicked things off with a local favorite—Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl. Right on the water in Five Cays, this spot offers the ultimate toes-in-the-sand dining experience. Think fresh conch salad, grilled lobster, and reggae playing as the sun dips below the horizon. It was truly breathtaking views and the owner made the experience one to remember!
Outfit: A breezy two-piece set was perfect for the tropical evening—comfortable, stylish, and perfect for dinner by the beach.
Pool Day + Dinner @ BLT Steak (The Ritz Carlton)
After a much-needed sleep-in, we soaked up the sun with a full pool day—the kind where your only decision is whether to go for another swim or sip on a cold drink. We grabbed lunch just down the road in our neighborhood and it was an easy spot to pop into! Omar’s Beach Hut is another great option close by to grab lunch at on the water and the kids can play on the beach! I do warn those who are visiting this area and exploring the non resort side of the island that there is a lot poverty, stray dogs and litter! I warn people because we were shocked. Even after all of this we would go back again and again because it was so magical there!
That evening, we got a little fancy at BLT Steak at The Ritz-Carlton. With its chic ambiance and ocean views, this upscale steakhouse called for elevated resort wear. Outfit Tip: Gentlemen, make sure to pack a collared shirt and pants—it’s part of their dress code! We took all of the kids and they made it a super welcoming experience for kiddos!
Our house was walking distance to local beach that provided us with amazing views and you could walk 0.5 miles out and the water still stayed at knee level!
Another evening we dined oceanside again—this time at Bay Bistro, a charming gem right on Grace Bay Beach. Their seafood curry and coconut pie are must-tries. The atmosphere was laid-back yet romantic, perfect for catching the evening breeze as the waves rolled in.
Boat Day + Dinner at Home
Easily a trip highlight: Boat Day! We spent the day out on the water—snorkeling, swimming, and stopping by the iconic Noah’s Ark floating bar for drinks and music. It’s a must for anyone wanting the full Turks and Caicos vibe. Our private boat day was the kiddos favorite! The captains took care of everything and even dove down to catch fresh conch and cooked us lunch on the beach!
Back out on the town, we headed to Blue Water Bistro, a newer spot known for its modern coastal menu and chic setting. It’s one of those places where you can dress up a little and still feel totally relaxed.
Dinner time: 6:30 pm – perfect for catching golden hour before your meal.
Another evening We had dinner at Indigo at 6:45 pm, located at Wymara Resort. Think elevated Caribbean cuisine, gorgeous plating, and a luxe but unfussy vibe. Definitely one of the best meals of the trip.
Final Day: Massages + Fish Fry Fun
We wrapped up the trip with a morning massage—10 am spa appointments were just what our sun-kissed bodies needed. The women came directly to our house and completed four massages in under 2.5 hours and this was one of my favorite massages ever!
Our final evening took us to the Fish Fry in downtown Turks, a lively celebration of island culture. With local vendors, live music, and an energetic crowd, it was the perfect way to say goodbye (for now) to paradise.
Final Thoughts
Turks and Caicos is the kind of destination that feels both indulgent and easygoing. Whether you’re sipping wine at a waterfront bistro or dancing at a floating bar, the island makes every moment feel special. Already dreaming of going back—and next time, I’m adding paddleboarding and horseback riding on the beach to the list.
