After leaving Tuscany, we rented a car and set off on a family road trip through Croatia — and it quickly became one of our favorite adventures yet. From hiking Plitvice Lakes National Park with a toddler to wandering the colorful streets of Dubrovnik and ending in seaside Opatija, every stop had its own charm, delicious food, and unforgettable views.
Day 1: Exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park
We stayed in a charming bed and breakfast near Plitvice, which set the tone for our relaxing stay. For dinner, we tried Bistro Antonio, just a short walk from the hotel — it was cozy, welcoming, and perfect after a long day of travel.
The next day, we headed into Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most famous natural wonders. We stopped for lunch at Black River Steak and Pasta House, located right at the park entrance, which made it easy to fuel up before our hike.
We brought our toddler along in a baby carrier, making the hike manageable and fun. The park offers different trails depending on how long you want to explore, and a ferry ride takes you to the trailhead. The highlight? Walking along the boardwalk suspended over crystal-clear waters and ending at a breathtaking waterfall. It truly felt magical! Afterward, we returned to Bistro Antonio for a second delicious dinner.
Day 2: Ston and a Seaside Airbnb
On our way south, we stopped in Ston to pick up groceries and were pleasantly surprised by the town’s charm. There’s a great wall fortress here, and a band was playing in the town square, making the atmosphere feel lively and festive.
We continued to our Airbnb about an hour west of Dubrovnik, which quickly became one of our favorite stays. The house faced the Adriatic Sea, with beach access and a gorgeous outdoor dining area surrounded by lush plants and fruit trees. It was peaceful, private, and perfect for a family getaway.
Day 3: Dubrovnik Highlights
After checking out, we drove into Dubrovnik for a day of sightseeing. We spent the afternoon eating gelato and exploring the castle grounds, letting our toddler stretch his legs outside of the stroller for some moments. The city was bursting with Mediterranean flowers in every color, which made walking around feel like strolling through a living garden.
Day 4: Opatija and Hotel Imperial
Next, we drove to Opatija and checked into Hotel Imperial. This charming seaside town was one of the highlights of our trip — the vintage-style buildings, ocean views, and coastal walkways were perfect for a leisurely afternoon. We had dinner at Roko Restaurant, where the food was incredible, and it felt like a true Croatian culinary experience.
The next morning, we enjoyed a luxurious buffet breakfast at the hotel — Europe really knows how to do breakfast! It was the perfect way to fuel up before continuing our journey.
Tips for Traveling Croatia with a Toddler
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Baby carrier or toddler backpack: Trails at Plitvice Lakes can be uneven, so carriers make exploring much easier.
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Trail selection: Check trail lengths and recommended durations at Plitvice to match your toddler’s stamina.
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Bring snacks and water: While there are restaurants near park entrances, having toddler-friendly snacks is a lifesaver.
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Flexible itineraries: Croatia’s roads are beautiful but winding — build in extra time for stops, beaches, and local discoveries.
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Airbnb with outdoor space: It makes a huge difference for toddlers who need space to run and play.
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Local food: Try regional specialties at small restaurants — it’s a fun way to experience culture and flavors.
Croatia was an unforgettable family adventure — full of natural beauty, delicious food, and toddler-friendly moments. Whether you’re hiking past waterfalls at Plitvice, enjoying seaside air at your Airbnb, or wandering colorful streets in Dubrovnik and Opatija, this road trip has something for every traveler.
