The Best Family Vacation in the United States

Do you want to plan a family vacation but aren’t really sure where?  I know that feeling!  Trying to find the best places that your family will love can be hard.

Let’s explore a few options in the United States as well as some international locations for those of you who are up for an adventure! We will find the best country for a family vacation. 

This post includes many destinations all over the world.  If you are like me, I tend to dream and start planning vacations years in advance. 

For instance, I already have a trip to Hawaii and a summer in Europe planned before my oldest graduates high school (I have 5 years left).   I am determined to find the “best countries to visit with family,” and then go! 

Let’s explore all the best family vacation destinations in the World! 

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Family Vacation in the United States – East Coast 

1. Maine

Acadia National Park

Hiking, biking, and swimming while seeing dramatic seaside sights make a trip to Acadia National Park the perfect family vacation.

Located 4 ½ hours north of Boston along Maine’s southeastern rocky coast, Acadia attracts 3.5 million visitors each year.

Things to Do at Acadia National Park

A wide variety of outdoor activities keeps all ages engaged and entertained.  Hiking trails include easy routes as well as adventurous sky-high climbs overlooking the crashing ocean waves.

My family’s favorite hike was up Gorham Mountain. It’s not the tallest mountain, but climbing over boulders and in and out of little caves made for an exciting family-friendly hike. The best part was the panoramic ocean view from the top!

Biking the wide, motor-free carriage roads is also a fun way to see the park. Forty-five miles of well-kept wooded roads wind around Acadia’s natural beauty.  The children will enjoy a stop at Sand Beach to cool off in the crisp, ocean water or swimming in the warmer water of Echo Lake.

Sunrise at Acadia National Park

Acadia is home to Cadillac Mountain – the first place in the country to see the sunrise.  You’ll want to get the kids up early for this serene experience.

Whichever way you choose to spend your time in Acadia, it’s sure to be a fun, memory-filled family vacation.

Contributed By: Scenicandsavvy.com

2. Washington DC

Choosing Alexandria, VA, and Washington, DC for your next family vacation will be an amazing historical trip for your family. You will be able to expose your family to the history of our nation, fabulous museums, and great food that make this area a fantastic choice for your next epic family vacation.

Things to do in Washington DC

Walk the cobblestone streets of Alexandria of Captain’s Row, while you enjoy homemade ice cream. If you prefer riding, a free trolley runs up and down King Street, allowing visitors to hop on and off to browse trendy boutiques, cute coffee houses, dining options from casual to elegant, and lazing away a sunny afternoon at the wharf.

You will love your Washington DC family vacation!

Contributed By: Borntobeboomers.com

3. East Coast Road Trip

The East Coast has so many amazing things to do and see.  Taking a road trip down the coast is a great family vacation.  Especially if you are on a budget but still want to make memories with your kids.

As we planned this trip we wanted to do as much as possible but not break the bank.  We included activities such as historic parks, National Parks, and museums.  There are so many places to visit on the East Coast that you will be sure to find something that your family will love.

Contributed By: Statebystate.net

4. North Carolina

Outer Banks, NC

Outer Banks, an archipelago of islands off the coast of North Carolina, is one of the best family vacation destinations in the US.

Things to Do in Outer Banks

There are many things to do in Outer Banks NC and not just the mesmerizing beaches.

This is where Wright Brothers – Wilbur Wright and Orville Wright created history by successfully inventing and flying an aircraft. The Wright Brothers memorial displays the model aircraft, the airstrip where they flew for the first time, and many other interesting facts.

The Jockey Ridge State Park has the most massive natural dunes on the East Coast. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

Driving on Outer Banks

For adventure seekers, Outer Banks has one of the best beaches to drive on, and the thrill to ride on the beach is unmatched. Corolla and Cape Hatteras do allow driving, but you need a permit for Cape Hatteras. 

Wild Horses

Outer Banks is famous for its wild horses, the Spanish Mustangs. You can find them roaming freely on Corolla Beach.

Beach Time

There are some amazing hotels and vacation rentals right on the beach. You can enjoy the beach all day. Build the sandcastles, bask in the sun, or enjoy fishing – a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate in Outer Banks.

You can visit the Outer Banks all year round, but summer is the most popular time to enjoy the weather and water. 

Contributed By: Travelmelodies.com

5. South Carolina

Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is mainly known as a golf destination. But it’s also the perfect spot for a family trip! HHI has miles of pristine sandy beaches with lifeguards and super-clean public facilities, so it’s a great location to take even the littlest vacationers.

Coastal Discovery Museum

The island’s Coastal Discovery Museum caters to nature lovers of all ages. Visit the butterfly pavilion, say hello to their resident tacky horses, and spend some time learning about local animals in the interactive kids’ room. Get out on the water with a dolphin-spotting tour, or take an easy (and stroller-friendly!) hike to the ibis rookery on nearby Pinckney Island.

Hilton Head’s pre-Civil War history will definitely interest older kids and teens. Take a free self-guided tour of the ruins of the Stoney-Bayard Plantation. Local lore says the grounds are haunted! Or take a short trip over the bridge to tour the Garvin-Garvey House, a rare Reconstruction-era home of a formerly enslaved man.

Food Choices at Hilton Head

Hilton Head is one of my favorite places to take the whole family, and it’s also a foodie paradise! Kids will love the hush puppies that many casual eateries provide as a free starter. Adventurous eaters will want to try the island’s famous soft-shell crab or local favorite she-crab soup.

Hilton Head Island is kid-friendly without being kid-centric, so busy parents can just relax and enjoy the vacation! There are truly so many things to do at Hilton Head.  It is a perfect place to plan a family vacation!

Contributed By: Shouldbecruising.com

6. Alabama

Gulf Shores

If you’re looking for an affordable beach vacation the whole family will enjoy, Gulf Shores should be your go-to. This laid-back Gulf Coast town has 32 miles of pristine, powdery soft beaches. The best part? No crowds. You can stretch out on the sand, fish off the pier, and look for dolphins swimming by in the emerald green water.

Things to Do in Gulf Shores

Besides the gorgeous beaches, there are lots of fun things to do in Gulf Shores with your family. Bike ride through Gulf Shores State Park under moss-covered trees, past lakes, marshes, and swamps. Walk nature trails at Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge (keep your eyes open for alligators!). You can also kayak, zipline, ride a Ferris Wheel, and go on a dolphin cruise.

Things to Eat in Gulf Shores

When it’s time to refuel, there are lots of family-friendly places to eat. Choose from party spots on the beach to an amazing hot dog bar to a hole-in-the-wall pizzeria that locals love. Kids will go bonkers for milkshakes almost too pretty to eat, while grownups love brunch that comes with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Of course, there are fried pickles (it’s the South y’all!) and rum drinks (because it’s the beach!) too.

Contributed By: ReadymadeTravelPlans.com

Family Vacation in the United States – Western States

7. Arizona

Seattle on a Budget

Seattle is a fun getaway for families!  Seattle is perfect if your family is on a budget but still wants to have fun.  We spent less than $500 for an entire weekend!

Things to Do in Seattle 

The beach is a perfect free attraction that kids love and could spend a lot of time at.  Pike’s Place Market is quite an experience as well.  There are many restaurants in the area.  We loved picking a foreign restaurant and trying to experience a new culture through food.

The Woodland Park Zoo was the highlight for our trip although it can be crowded so plan accordingly.

Seattle Underground

If your family loves history then the underground Seattle tour can not be beat! This tour includes the beginnings of Seattle, the great fire, and even a ghost stories!

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to still have a fabulous vacation in Seattle.

Contributed By: Afamilyonthemove.com and Thisfamilyblog.com

9. Texas

South Padre Island

A barrier island located along the Texas coast, South Padre Island is a resort community with a population of around 2900 people but attracts thousands of families year-round.

Things to Do at Padre Island

With the Laguna Madre on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, there are plenty of activities for you to choose from. The options for water sports are vast, some of them are jet ski rentals, boat rentals, kiteboarding, surfing, kayaking, dolphin watching tour, sunset boat tour (this one is a must by the way), and the Beach Park at Islan Blanca water park are among the selection.

You not only have the water to keep you occupied, but you also have other family-friendly activities on land, like a tour of the Brownsville Port, the Sea Turtle Inc., Port Isabel Lighthouse and square, SPI adventure park, and SPI Birding and Nature Center.

These are just a few of the fun alternatives you can enjoy on South Padre Island. The food around the island is also worth a mention, some of the freshest you will find and the people are very welcoming.

Lodging  at Padre Island

As far as lodging, it can range from a fancy resort with a view of the Gulf, a nice rental on the Laguna Madre, and anything in between, so whatever you pick it’ll make your family vacation memorable.

Contributed By: Travelfamlife.com

10. Utah

Utah is a great place for a family vacation.  There are three awesome national parks with adventures for the whole family.  Arches National Park has great hikes, including the all-day hike in Devil’s Garden (good for fit families) or short easy hikes such as Sand Dune Arch and Skyline Arch, perfect for the very young.

A moderate trail that culminates at the incredible Delicate Arch (which is on Utah’s license plates) is great for slightly older kids.  Nearby Moab is an adventure-lovers paradise, so if your family likes white water rafting, mountain biking, or canyoneering, this is the place to go.  Canyoneering is also a great activity for older kids near Zion National Park.

For the less adventurous, other things to do in Zion include hiking the Narrows, where you hike in a river through a narrow slot canyon, or just do a simple hike along the River Trail to the start of the canyon.

Nearby Bryce Canyon National Park also has plenty of great hikes for the family to do, as well as an easy drive with frequent stops at viewpoints of the hoodoos along the way. There’s also a fun western show nightly near the park entrance.

If your family likes the great outdoors, Utah is hard to beat!

Contributed By: Travelingcollecting.com

11. Nevada

Las Vegas

When you think of Las Vegas I am sure family-friendly is not the first thing to come to mind. If you think Las Vegas is only for gamblers and college students looking to have a good time, you’d be wrong.   Las Vegas is a fun place for families with kids, from babies to teenagers.

Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids

Families with younger children can enjoy the children’s museum, mermaid show, indoor rain, aquarium, circus shows, and the M&M Factory.

Older kids will enjoy viewing the strip from 500 ft above in the Linq, ziplining, the Marvel museum, fireworks show, and Red Rock Canyon.

Food in Las Vegas

As if all of the activities aren’t enough, the food is phenomenal. Many of the most famous chefs in the world have a restaurant in Las Vegas. I recommend Burger by Gordon Ramsey, it was the best thing I think I’ve ever eaten.

If you want to truly enjoy everything that Vegas has to offer, you have to get off the strip and enjoy the city. The Fremont Experience is a foodie’s dream, with everything deep friend to perfection for you to indulge for days.

There are light shows, live music, museums, and shops to keep you busy for days. If you have time day trips to The Grand Canyon or Death Valley are amazing side trips. It is like taking a vacation within your vacation. 

Contributed By: Itzafamilything.com

12. California

San Diego

San Diego is the perfect place for a family vacation!  The weather in San Diego can not be beat with 70-degree temperatures year-round.  You can plan a 3 day San Diego trip or plan to stay much longer if you have the time.

Things to Do in San Diego

There are so many things to do in San Diego for families!  There are two amazing amusement parks SeaWorld and Legoland that will be fun for all.  The world-famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks can not be missed.

The beach is a great way to spend the afternoon.  You can learn to surf, dolphin watch, or just swim. (although the water is kind of chilly) My kids didn’t care and swam in December!

If your family loves history be sure to check out the USS Midway ( a historic battleship) and Balboa Park (15 museums).  Also, Old Town San Diego and the Mormon Battalion Museum is a family-friendly adventure.

San Diego is amazing!

Contributed By: Planningaway.com

13. Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the top family vacation destinations in the United States because there’s truly something for everyone there. From underwater explorations and thrilling adventures to relaxing on a beach and sipping tropical drinks, there’s an endless list of activities to keep your whole family engaged and entertained.

Hawaiian Islands 

Plus, each island has its own unique attractions. On Maui, head up to Haleakala to see an epic sunrise or drive the famous Road to Hana. On the Big Island, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for your chance to see real lava.

On Kauai, drive up to Waimea Canyon (known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) or go tubing down a sugar cane canal. And on Oahu, tour around Pearl Harbor or learn more about the Pacific Islands at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The Best of Hawaii

Hawaii is also a foodie paradise with all kinds of Asian-infused cuisine like Hawaiian poke and shave ice plus traditional Hawaiian food like kalua pork and poi.

And it’s got some of the best beaches for surfing and snorkeling in the world. Whether you plan to stay at a swanky resort or are doing Hawaii on a budget, Hawaii is a kid-friendly destination you should add to your family travel bucket list!

Contributed By: Hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Are You Ready to Plan the Best Family Vacation?