2-Day Family Weekend Guide to Varadero
Varadero is often celebrated for its white sands and turquoise waters, but it is also a fantastic destination for families seeking a relaxed pace. This guide embraces the Family Travel Guides style, focusing on accessible locations and activities that keep children entertained without the exhaustion of a typical tourist marathon.
With wide walkways in the central areas and plenty of shade-dappled parks, navigating the peninsula with a stroller is surprisingly manageable. From gentle marine encounters to tropical gardens, your 48-hour stay will be filled with moments that cater to both toddlers and parents alike.
Day 1: Varadero, Cuba - Beach Bliss & Botanical Gardens
Varadero Beach (Central Section)
Start your morning at the calmest stretch of sand near Calle 54. The water here remains shallow for dozens of meters, making it safe and perfect for toddlers to splash around while parents relax under a rented umbrella.
Lunch at Salsa Suarez
Enjoy a relaxed family lunch at this top-rated paladar. Known for its eclectic menu and welcoming atmosphere, it offers great options for picky eaters, including pasta and fresh fruit smoothies, in a shaded courtyard setting.
Parque Josone
This lush oasis in the heart of Varadero is completely stroller-accessible. Wander through the botanical gardens, watch the ducks in the central lake, or take a family-friendly rowboat ride for a quiet afternoon away from the salt and sand.
Dinner at La Vaca Rosada
Head to the rooftop terrace (accessible by stairs) or the ground floor seating for a sunset meal. Their grilled fish is legendary, and the staff is exceptionally accommodating to families with small children.
Day 2: Varadero, Cuba - Dolphins & Coastal Discovery
Delfinario de Varadero
Watch a captivating dolphin show in a natural mangrove lagoon. It is a major hit for children, and the facility is designed with easy walkways. If your kids are older, there are options for supervised swimming with the dolphins.
Plaza Las Morlas
Located at the end of the Hicacos Peninsula, this modern marina area offers wide, paved promenades perfect for strollers. Have a casual lunch at one of the waterfront cafes while watching the sailboats come in.
Varadero Street Market
Explore the artisanal market on Avenida 1ra. It is a great place to pick up handmade wooden toys or straw hats. The market is flat and easy to navigate, providing a colorful cultural experience for the little ones.
Open-Top Bus Ride
Hop on the Varadero Beach Tour bus for a final loop of the peninsula. The top deck offers great views and a cool breeze, providing a relaxing way to see the sunset over the Atlantic without any walking involved.
Best Time & Weather
The best time to visit Varadero is from December to April, during the dry season. The weather is consistently sunny with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. Hurricane season runs from June to November, which can bring humidity and afternoon rain showers.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), but many private businesses and restaurants prefer foreign currency like USD or EUR. It is highly recommended to bring plenty of cash in small denominations, as US-issued credit cards do not work and ATMs can be unreliable. Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated, typically around 10% in restaurants.
Getting Around
The most convenient way for families to get around is the Varadero Beach Tour bus, which allows for hop-on-hop-off travel along the entire peninsula for a flat daily fee. For a more unique experience, try a 'Coco Taxi'—a yellow, coconut-shaped motorized rickshaw—though these are better for short distances and not ideal for carrying strollers.
