Family vacations are more than a change of scenery – these are the days you break from routine and make the memories you’ll be talking about for years to come. It’s about silly inside jokes and deeper connection, chasing waterfalls and building sandcastles.
The US is brimming with places that spark wonder, but with so many options, choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. We’ve narrowed it down to the 16 best family vacation spots in the US – breaking it into four themed sections. Whether you’re seeking nature, a beach break, city fun, or something all together different – memory-making is guaranteed!
US national parks and nature escapes
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
“Is that a bear?!” This is America’s original (and wildest) national park – and it’s a bit like a science fair. Between the trees find bubbling geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs and thundering waterfalls. Kids love spotting bison and elk right from the car (and let’s be honest, so do adults). Safe to say it’s somewhere that leaves a strong impression – and makes you feel small (in the best way).
2. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Stretching 277 miles long and a mile deep, the Grand Canyon is a masterpiece of Mother Nature, carved by the Colorado River and millions of years of patience. Families can stroll the rim trails for jaw-dropping views, take a mule ride down into the canyon, or simply gape in awe at the colors shifting hour by hour. Better yet – ranger programs help bring the geology to life (without too much homework energy) or you can jump on Trafalgar’s Pioneer Adventures of the Old West family tour.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Towering granite cliffs, waterfalls that tumble for hundreds of feet and giant sequoias from a fairytale – Yosemite National Park is a must-see. Families can start with easy wins – like walking to Lower Yosemite Falls or picnicking at Mirror Lake – then graduate to bike rides through Yosemite Valley or a tram tour with a park ranger who knows all the secrets. After dark, nothing beats gathering under the stars for a ranger-led astronomy talk.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
Fall in Acadia National Park is like stepping into a postcard – crimson maples, golden aspens and ocean views that will make you pinch yourself to check you’re not dreaming. It’s a fun time for families – bike along the car-free carriage roads, hike easy trails to Jordan Pond, or watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain (it’s worth the early wake-up call). In between, warm up with blueberry pancakes or pop into Bar Harbor for small-town Maine charm.
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Beach & coastal getaways
5. Maui, Hawaii
Snorkel with sea turtles, hike to hidden waterfalls or watch the sunrise at Haleakalā crater. Hawaii is such a fantastic destination for family vacations with accessible adventure for all ages and interests. Go in whale season to spot humpbacks, trek across lava fields, or just kick back with shaved ice by the beach.
6. Monterey, California
Monterey is a coastal California gem for families. Visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium to watch sea otters and touch tide pool creatures, then drop by Carmel Beach to build sandcastles. There’s nowhere like the scenic 17-Mile Drive, and you could cap it off with a whale-watching tour or seafood feast. Better yet, join Trafalgar’s Northern California with Yosemite National Park to combine coastal fun and nature.
7. San Diego, California
Anothe California gem, San Diego is the ultimate easy-win family destination. With sun-soaked beaches, the world-famous San Diego Zoo and stacks of interactive museums this is a seaside city where there’s never a dull moment. Go paddleboarding in La Jolla, explore tide pools, board a harbor cruise, or picnic in Balboa Park. A great climate with year-round sunshine makes San Diego an ever-growing favorite.
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8. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
For classic East Coast charm, take the family to Cape Cod. A family vacation here is a cliché in the best way – spend your days biking along trails, hunting for seashells and snacking on fresh lobster rolls. Cape Cod offers a nostalgic, laidback coastal holiday with quaint villages, clam shacks, lighthouses and ferry trips to nearby islands. Think slow summer fun.
Big city fun
9. Orlando, Florida
Theme parks dominate the scene in Orlando – there’s Disney World, Universal Studios and LEGOLAND. But don’t stop with the big thrills. Take an airboat ride through the Everglades to meet real-life gators and spot wild birds soaring overhead. Take the kids to water parks or mini-golf courses, depending on your adrenaline.
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10. Washington, D.C.
Want to vacation on the cheap? In Washington, D.C. most of the major museums are free, so make learning fun and interactive with a family trip to the nation’s capital. Visit the National Air and Space Museum and explore natural wonders at the Smithsonian museums. Grab ice-cream and take a walk past monuments, then go paddleboating in the tidal basin. It’s a great destination for both kids and teenagers, as everyone will get something different from the experience.
11. New York City, New York
New York, New York – it’s a city with a seemingly endless array of things to do. Take the family to Central Park, where you’ll find rowboats, playgrounds and endless people-watching. Catch a Broadway show (the matinee session is great for kids), stroll the High Line, or hop on the Staten Island Ferry for views of Lady Liberty. Go hopping across the city for foodie classics – mega-sized pizza slices, dense NY-style bagels and a classic hotdog. Every corner feels like a scene from a movie – so write your own script.
12. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago might not be the first family-friendly city that pops to mind, but between sharing deep-dish pizza, marveling at The Bean, and watching a Cubs game you’ll realize how fun and approachable it can be. Explore the city like it’s a playground – jumping between Millennium Park, Navy Pier and lakefront trails.
13. San Francisco, California
Cable cars rattle uphill, sea lions bark at Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge offers the perfect backdrop for a family selfie. San Fran is a fun city filled with quirky neighborhoods and waterfront play areas to explore. Don’t miss the California Academy of Sciences – under one roof you’ll find a four-storey rainforest, planetarium and aquarium.
Quirky & underrated gems
14. Jekyll Island, Georgia
This Southern gem brings history, nature and quirky coastal charm together. Explore the island’s driftwood-strewn beaches, cycle the scenic trails and wander the historic district filled with Gilded Age cottages. Jekyll Island was settled in 1733 as the Georgia Colony, and here you can explore stories of enslaved people brought here 160 years ago. On Trafalgar’s Charms of Southeast USA tour you’ll walk the Jekyll Island Wanderer Memory Trail, a UNESCO Slave Route Project “Site of Memory”. Balance out history with a visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where kids can learn about conservation while meeting rescued sea turtles.
15. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage is your gateway to wild Alaska. On Trafalgar’s Majestic Alaska trip, you’ll travel from here into Denali National Park’s tundra, or sail past humpback whales and icebergs on an Alaska cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Kids will love visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a non-profit, wildlife rehabilitation center where you can learn about the resident moose, reindeer, black and brown bears, lynx, foxes and more. In summer, the midnight sun stretches adventure well into the evening!
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16. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a perfect destination any time of year. Winter brings skiing, snowball fights and cozy lodges, while summer is about the water, paddleboarding and lakeside picnics. Get active with hiking trails, which range from easy strolls to epic views. It’s an outdoor, off-beat US destination for families.
What is the number 1 vacation spot in the USA?
Yellowstone National Park often takes the top spot for U.S. vacations. Its dramatic geysers, waterfalls and wildlife offer a mix of adventure and natural beauty. It’s a quintessential American bucket-list destination.
Where is the best place to vacation with kids?
Orlando, Florida, is a dream for family vacations. Disney World, Universal Studios, water parks and fun, interactive museums offer something for all ages.
Which state is best for a family trip?
California is a top pick for family travel. From Yosemite’s towering cliffs to sandy beaches, theme parks, and quirky towns like Monterey, the state offers diverse experiences. The mix of outdoor adventures, culture and city fun make it perfect for multi-generational family trips.
That’s our guide to the best family vacation spots in the US. Anywhere else we should add? Leave a comment….