Best Family Vacations in the USA
The family vacation has become a sacred rite of passage for American parents and their children. Almost every family has packed the car or booked their plane tickets to explore the diverse and gigantic American landscape. But the choices are so abundant that it's almost overwhelming to make a decision, so we tried to ease the process by narrowing down the very top U.S. family vacation destinations. Our list includes destinations with an abundance of diverse attractions, unique sights, world-class museums and the best family-friendly hotels.
Why go: The Grand Canyon seems like the outdoors version of Disneyland. It retains a "personality" as a universal and generally admired family destination, perhaps due to the Brady Bunch. But it also contains an abundance of family-friendly attractions and offerings, including hiking, kayaking, rafting, the Grand Canyon Railway, and several family-friendly restaurants. The Grand Canyon is the iconic family destination, a place that is often listed as a "see before you die" attraction, and makes the top five for its natural appeal.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Grand Canyon»
Why go: Yosemite stands with the Grand Canyon as one of the most worthwhile outdoors/adventure destinations in America. What makes it an excellent family destination is its diversity of outdoor offerings -- from hiking to camping to mountain climbing to rafting -- as well as its sheer size and family-accommodating attractions. When ranking family destinations, we specifically choose destinations known for their mind-blowing, completely unique attractions that are particularly awe-inspiring for children. Yosemite's relative proximity to San Francisco is also a major draw, especially for parents.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Yosemite»
Why go: Disney World is one of the premiere family destinations in the world. Known all over the world for its distinctly American appeal and attractions, Disney World is engineered specifically toward children and families, and its formula is very successful. Disney World's place among the top five is also a reflection of its ubiquity. Almost all American families have likely visited Disney World or its affiliates at least once. Disney World beats Disneyland because of its more advanced and modern offerings, as well as its location in Orlando, which offers proximity to Florida's great beaches.
Why go: Yellowstone, like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, is one of the most highly recommended outdoor destinations, or destinations in general, in the United States. Its assortment of attractions -- especially those geared toward families, such as hiking and rafting, make the park an exceptional, must-see destination for families. However, Yosemite's proximity to San Francisco and the Grand Canyon's utter uniqueness make these two destinations more desirable than Yellowstone for many travelers and writers.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Yellowstone»
Why go: San Diego without question is one of the top travel destinations for any tourist, but its sheer diversity makes it the best family vacation in the U.S. As MSNBC says, "Kids want nothing more than to play on the beach? No problem -- San Diego offers 70 miles of sandy fun. Mom and Dad are museum junkies? Balboa Park offers a collection of the world's finest in one place. And when you're ready for something you'll all enjoy together, you can head straight to the San Diego Zoo or Sea World -- because no matter how young or old you are, these places always please." Simply put, San Diego has attractions that offer the most to both child and adult. Whereas other family-oriented destinations aim their focus almost entirely on the children, San Diego's attractions have double appeal. The beach, museums, SeaWorld and more are guaranteed to give families a fun getaway.
Read on: Top Things to Do in San Diego»
Why go: San Antonio contains many attractions that highly appeal to parents and children alike. When writing on San Antonio, writers note an abundance of family-friendly attractions, including Alamo City Ghost Tours, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld, cowboy and music shows, historic parks, natural preserves, canyons and caves, etc. Add to that an abundance of family-friendly restaurants and a relatively unique setting -- "Don't mess with Texas" -- and San Antonio truly is a first-rate family destination.
Read on: Top Things to Do in San Antonio»
Why go: O'ahu and Honolulu would be the perfect family's destination if it didn't require thousands of miles of travel to access. But Honolulu -- and especially Waikiki -- offers excellent child-friendly beaches and attractions, from snorkeling to whale watching to swimming with dolphins to the nearby Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. These attractions are also located in an almost surreally tropical island that will amaze children and parents alike. Travel writers also recommend touring the landscape of the island, saying that it's a popular thing to do for families.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Honolulu - Oahu»
Why go: It might seem a stretch to place Washington among the top 10 family destinations in the country. The city is often perceived as a bland and plain city best kept to boring old bureaucrats. But the key to D.C.'s appeal is the National Mall, which contains an abundance of world-class museums that are friendly to any family's budget: They're free. Other family-friendly tours of the Lincoln Memorial, war memorials (like the Vietnam or World War II), the Capitol Building, the White House, etc also provide excellent family attractions. The burgeoning restaurant scene also provides great food for families.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Washington D.C.»
Why go: Philadelphia's South Street offers an excellent restaurant scene for families, and Philadelphia in general contains an abundance of family-friendly museums, making the city a hotspot for educational attractions. (Definitely check out the fascinating Franklin Institute Science Museum). Philadelphia's compact size and mobility also makes it easier on families, especially those with younger children. The Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market are also uniquely Philadelphian attractions that appeal to children and parents alike.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Philadelphia»
Why go: According to Travel Channel, "Myrtle Beach is designed almost exclusively for families, with most amusement parks and activities geared toward children." Myrtle Beach is primarily -- almost exclusively -- a beach destination, so it lacks the diversity of other destinations. But in terms of accessibility, cost, and quality of beaches, Myrtle Beach offers an excellent family beach vacation. Its proximity to other beaches also makes it a great representative for the East Coast beach scene.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Myrtle Beach»
Why go: Dallas might be a surprise to some readers looking for a family vacation. But in terms of family-friendly destinations, both Dallas and Fort Worth are definitely worthwhile, with unique attractions including Six Flags Over Texas, zoos, aquariums, children's theaters and Wild West demonstrations.
Why go: Chicago, despite being a very large city, has more accessible attractions than New York City, including several museums and Six Flags. Hotels cater to families, and there are dozens of restaurants throughout the city that welcome families and remain affordable.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Chicago»
Why go: Phoenix has several child-friendly attractions, including zoos, Wild West exhibitions and the Arizona Science Center, while a hike up Camelback Mountain or a stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden are great ways to experience Phoenix's natural beauty. However, Phoenix's unique, dry desert climate may also appeal to children unaccustomed to the area.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Phoenix»
Why go: Austin, surprisingly, has much of the appeal of San Diego: A diverse urban environment that is also accessible to the outdoors, creating a variety of family-friendly attractions. Writers say that families can enjoy a city tour while taking a tour of the city's million-strong bat colony. The preponderance of family friendly restaurants is also available at some of the cheapest prices in the country. Austin lacks the iconic, once-in-lifetime appeal of the top five, but is a great pick for an underrated family travel destination.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Austin»
Why go: San Francisco is home to some excellent family-friendly attractions: Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, the winding Lombard Street and the Golden Gate Bridge, to name a few. The city also offers proximity to some great family-friendly attractions, including Lake Takoe, Yosemite and Muir Woods. San Francisco's downside is simple: It's pricey, one of the most expensive cities in the country.
Read on: Top Things to Do in San Francisco»
Why Go: Nearly every attraction in this tiny Virginia town caters to families with children of all ages. Colonial Williamsburg, for example, allows youngsters and adults to immerse themselves in history with hands-on activities and exciting re-enactments. If you're visiting during the warmer months, don't deny the kids a chance to cool down at Water Country USA or to ride the coasters at Busch Gardens.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Williamsburg»
Why Go: Trade crowded and expensive Orlando for less hectic, more affordable Tampa. Don't worry: Your kids won't pine for Mickey as this gulf-side city has lots to offer. Spend time mingling with manatees at the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center or looking for lions at Big Cat Rescue. And if your family can't shake their longing for roller coasters, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island will do the trick.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Tampa»
Why Go: If you've got younger skiers in tow, Telluride is the ideal place to test the powder. The Telluride Ski Resort offers numerous programs for younger gliders, including the Children's Ski School, which offers downhill ski and snowboard instruction for children age three to 12. Plus, the Kid's Club and Eco Adventures will also keep your children occupied while you're hitting the slopes, and the Kid's Night Out program will free you up for a romantic dinner for two.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Telluride»
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