Lying along India’s western coast, Goa provides the ultimate family getaway blending rich Portuguese and local history with an idyllic tropical setting. Things to do in Goa during a family vacation range from relishing fresh-caught fish by golden sand beaches to exploring ornate cathedrals and forts from the Portuguese colonial era.
Family members of all ages flock to vibrant night markets where stalls brim with colorful textiles, aromatic spices, sparkling jewelry, and other handicraft treasures all unique to Goa. With such varied things to do in Goa with family, the biggest challenge lies in deciding where to start the fun on each event-packed day.
While rental bikes and scooters are popular choices in Goa, for a truly hassle-free and comfortable journey, nothing beats the convenience of a self-drive car. It allows you to navigate the region with ease and flexibility, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Also Read: 13 Best Places to visit in North Goa 2024, List of Tourist places
Best Activities To Do In Goa During Family Vacation
Here are the best activities to do in Goa during a family vacation:
Visit Dudhsagar Waterfalls
The majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls are located inside Mollem National Park in South Goa. Plunging 310 meters in four tiers, they rank among India’s tallest waterfalls. Fed by the Mandovi River flowing over the Western Ghats escarpment, the falls transform into an awe-inspiring cascade during the monsoon season.
Explore Fort Aguada
Rising high above the shores of North Goa, the meticulously preserved 17th-century Fort Aguada is worth visiting for the panoramic vistas overlooking the Arabian Sea alone. Constructed by the Portuguese as a grand coastal defense fortification, it also houses a four-story lighthouse.
Buses and taxis provide essential transportation services in Goa, but if you’re looking for a superior travel experience, self-drive car rentals are the way to go. They give you the freedom to plan your itinerary, visit off-the-beaten-path locations, and travel comfortably without the constraints of public transportation schedules.
Relax at Calangute Beach
Fondly called the “Queen of Beaches,” Calangute Beach embodies the archetypal Indian seaside holiday with swaying coconut palms, beach shacks, and water sports galore. It draws lively crowds of domestic and foreign tourists. Parasail high above golden sands or grab a craft beer after satisfying seafood curry lunches.
Visit Candolim Beach
For a quieter, more relaxed beach holiday perfect for families or couples in North Goa, visit laidback Candolim Beach just up the coast from brash, neon-fueled Baga. Its tranquil waters offer every water sport tourists enjoy without overwhelming crowds, especially on the southern end where five-star resorts with gleaming pools overlook the sea.
Visit Mangeshi Temple
Stepping into the beautifully kept Mangeshi Temple transports visitors into an oasis of spiritual serenity away from Goa’s usual crowd. While rental bikes and scooters are popular choices in Goa, for a comfortable journey opt for self-drive car rentals in Goa.
Explore Reis Magos Fort
Believed to be Goa’s oldest surviving fortification with construction dating back to 1551, hilltop Reis Magos Fort near Panjim safeguarded the broad Mandovi estuary flowing below. Named after the neighboring “Three Wise Men” village church, its sturdy laterite walls with coastal views look little changed from over four centuries ago.
Visit Butterfly Beach
Southern Goa’s hidden palm-shaded Butterfly Beach is a secluded haven for travelers seeking solace away from the crowd. Accessible only by a short jungle trek or by private boat timed for low tide, it rewards intrepid visitors through pure tranquility and encounters with the astonishing diversity of butterflies and birds inhabiting the unspoiled forests.
For transportation in Goa, buses and taxis are readily accessible, but for those who prioritize flexibility and comfort, self-drive car rentals are ideal. They allow you to travel conveniently, stop at your favorite spots along the way, and enjoy the journey without the hassle of coordinating with public transport or hired drivers.
Visit the Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa
In Rajnagar village just 10 kilometers from Palolem Beach, Goa’s one-of-a-kind Butterfly Conservatory provides nature lovers an up-close glimpse into the fragile ecosystems supporting the region’s exotic but threatened butterfly habitats.
Visit Cansaulim Beach
Escape the tourist hordes mobbing northern beaches to experience Goa’s pure coastline beauty unfettered on the endless golden sands of Cansaulim and adjoining Colva Beach. Lounge under breezy palm-thatched shacks eating fresh prawn curries.
Visit Sinquerim Beach
Sinquerim’s quieter, cleaner white sands appeal to upscale travelers preferring 5-star resort luxury stays over chaotic hostel crowds packing Baga further north. Sip mango lassi cocktails at stylish shacks while admiring the postcard vista stretching to Fort Aguada’s buff-colored ramparts.
While buses and taxis can efficiently get you around Goa, self-drive car rentals provide a level of flexibility and comfort that enhances your travel experience. Renting a car gives you the autonomy to explore at your leisure, discover hidden attractions, and move around the region with ease, ensuring a more enjoyable and relaxed vacation.
Visit Margao
The vibrant city of Margao in South Goa holds delights for history buffs beyond sun and sand holidays with a distinctive flair of colonial Portuguese architecture around every turn. Feel transported back a century wandering past the 1928 Margao railway station and through the imposing São Mathias Church today embellished by modern murals.
Visit Mapusa
For an intimate look into the vibrant local Goan culture, head to the breezy inland town Mapusa near Anjuna and Vagator beaches. The bustling Friday bazaar crammed with hundreds of stalls explodes with colors and scents overflowing with mounds of fragrant spices, flower chains, and tropical fruits.
Visit a Spice Plantation
Refresh your senses and learn the integral role spices played over centuries of Goan history by visiting plantations growing everything from pepper to nutmeg, vanilla, and exotic curry leaves. Guided tours pass through lush orchards filled with fragrant flowering trees.
Go Go-Karting
Zooming around high-speed go-kart tracks offers adventure for all ages and a welcome change from beach lounging. Professional facilities like the Nuvem kart circuit near Margao and the outdoor track with lights in North Goa cater to everyone.
Visit the Cumbarjua Backwater Canal
Gliding past mangrove forests filled with birds and wildlife sightings promise a serene diversion minutes from crowded beaches. Local boat tour operators based at Cumbarjua and Nagoa villages guide small groups down placid canals winding through the Mayem Lake wetlands sanctuary.
Also Read: 7 Fun Things to Do in Panjim: A Travel Guide to Goa’s Capital
Conclusion
Discover Goa’s hidden gems with self-drive rental cars in Goa from GOICAR. Create your itinerary and explore at your own pace with our well-maintained fleet of hatchbacks and SUVs for car rentals in Goa. Whether you need car hire in Goa at the airport or thar rentals in Goa, we offer reliable cars for rent. Say goodbye to strict bus schedules and pre-planned taxi routes. Rent a car in Goa at an affordable rate with GOICAR and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Contact us today to start your journey!
FAQs
What are some kid-friendly activities in Goa for families?
Go-karting tracks, amusement parks, and boat rides to spot dolphins are exciting activities kids enjoy.
What cultural sites and landmarks should families visit on a Goa trip?
Historic churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and seaside forts like Aguada with its lighthouse provide insight into Portuguese influence, while temples like Mangeshi dedicated to Lord Shiva reveal distinctive Indian heritage.
Which beaches in Goa are best for families to visit?
For calmer waves, activities, and shacks serving food kids enjoy, Candolim and Palolem rank amongst the top beaches for families visiting Goa. Buses, rental taxis, and cabs are available for transport but renting a self-drive car allows you and your family the flexibility to easily explore Goa’s treasures.
Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to learn more about things to do in Goa.