Are you planning a family vacation somewhere in the US? There are plenty of great places to visit no matter where you might be located in the country. The attractions are not just limited to the West Coast or East Coast as just about every major city has something to offer. From beach vacations to theme parks, family vacation spots abound. Hence, you do not need to leave the country to have a fun time with your loved ones. Read our travel tips on places to visit and activities in the US to plan your next family getaway.
1. Orlando, FL
One of the best places to take your family in the US is Orlando, Florida. It is home to resort complexes and Disney World which houses two water parks and four different theme parks including Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Magical Kingdom, and Epcot. You can also take the kids to Universal Orlando Resort for a full theme-park experience. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must-visit. To skip the lines, we suggest that you get Fast Pass reservations.
2. Grand Canyon, AZ
Another great family travel tip that you should consider is heading to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It is 277 miles long and is loved by everyone, especially kids. You can schedule a guided hike if your children are at least six years old and explore the canyon on foot. It is also a good idea to ride a mule. The hiking trails will allow you to bond with your little ones during your time off. The Skywalk at Grand Canyon West is worth checking out. Walk along the Colorado River and let go of your fears. There is nothing like living on the edge.
3. San Diego, CA
San Diego has a lot to offer families. It has the largest comic book convention in the world, fantastical theme parks, and sunny beaches. Your kids will never get bored when you take them to sunny San Diego. They can mingle with exotic animals, marvel at the huge Lego sculptures, and try out water activities. La Jolla Shores, Coronado Beach, or Mission Beach are the perfect place to take your family as they do not have rowdy crowds and have calmer waves.
4. Yellowstone, WY
Yellowstone National Park is a place unlike any other. It is a natural sanctuary that stretches 3.471 square miles. You and your little ones will be mesmerized by the subalpine forests, geysers, canyons, and mountains. In fact, you might even spot some buffaloes during your trip. Take a challenging hike to burn those extra calories and get your kids to leave their phones and spend some time in the best that nature has to offer. As the park offers handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, there is no excuse not to visit. All you need is to head early in the morning and bring a tent along. Do not forget to bring a cooler filled with snacks to make it through the day.
5. LA & Anaheim, CA
A trip to Los Angeles and Anaheim is a must for families wanting to get out and explore everything that our amazing country has to offer. However, this SoCal vacation requires more than just a weekend. You can check out the many attractions in Anaheim and Santa Monica. Your kids might even spot their favorite celebs during the trip. Make sure to go for a studio tour and watch stars act for the newest Netflix series. Besides, Santa Monica Pier is always bustling with life and offers plenty of activities such as carnival games, an aquarium, and a vintage carousel. Otherwise, you can just bike along Venice Beach or hit the beach.
6. Oahu, HI
Teach your kids how to surf by taking them to Oahu. Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to surf and indulge in family-friendly activities like canoeing, volleyball, and building sandcastles. You could even get a hang of hula-hoops. Oahu is best explored on foot. It offers historic and scenic sights that will keep the adrenaline pumping. Besides, you can even head to Sea Life Park and swim with the dolphins. Divide your time between urban and rural Honolulu to make the best of both worlds. North Shore is family-friendly and should be included in your itinerary. Its laid-back atmosphere will help you unwind and forget about all your worries.
7. Gatlinburg, TN
Although Asheville is worth visiting as it has the Great Smoky Mountains, you should not overlook the mountain town of Gatlinburg in Eastern Tennessee. As it is super close to a national park, you can expect to have a great time with your family. After you have explored the national park, you can take the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway and spend time at the amusement park with the same name. Ripley’s Aquarium is also a must-visit for watching all types of marine animals. Your kids will love you for taking them along. Gatlinburg has a great reputation for being a family-friendly vacation spot. It is filled with attractions and will leave you more than satisfied.
8. Branson, MO
Branson, Missouri is another excellent spot for some family-friendly fun. It is not as crowded as other places in the country which is why you should consider paying a visit with your loved ones. Besides, Branson is a more affordable option. The city provides access to the great outdoors. This means that you can go biking and hiking at Table Rock State Park. Then, you should visit Lake Taneycomo to go kayaking. Make sure to visit Silver Dollar City too as it offers shows, attractions, rides, and more. There are things for every age and interest. Moreover, you should also visit the Ozark Mountains to spend time at the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve. It features a Civil War-era cabin, a wedding chapel, restaurants, a natural history museum, a golf course, a nature trail, and a cave.
9. Yosemite, CA
Known for its diverse wildlife, waterfalls, giant sequoias, granite cliffs, and sweeping valleys, Yosemite is a great place to visit if you are heading to California. Some of the family activities that you can try out include fishing, rafting, swimming, and hiking. The natural park covers 1,169 square miles and does not disappoint, to say the least. Since reservations for the campgrounds can be quite competitive, you must book in advance. Curry Village is just the place to set up a tent or stay in a cabin.
10. Destin, FL
Destin has some of the best white sand beaches and fishing spots in the country. It is where families go to enjoy their free time in the sun. You and your kids will be blown away by the calm shoreline. Besides this, Henderson Beach State Park is just the place to go for a stroll. There are also amusement parks which you can visit such as Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park for seeing penguins and Big Kahuna for waterslides. Destin also offers boat tours which you can book to go on a pirate-theme cruise or dolphin-spotting excursion. The high-speed racers and glass-bottom boats will take your US family-friendly adventure to the next level.
11. Tucson, AZ
Sometimes, all you and your family need is a ranch vacation. This is where Tucson shines. Tanque Verde offers spectacular trails that cover mountain scenery and desert terrain. If your kids want to give horse riding a try, it is just the place to stay. As for novice equestrians, they can test their horsemanship and learn new skills. On the other hand, kids can try out arts and crafts. There is even a spa where you can relax and get a soothing massage after you are tired of riding a horse. Make sure to head into the city to check out the microbrewers, local coffee roasters, and museums. The gorgeous landscape features cactus and saguaros.
12. Outer Banks, NC
Have your kids watched Outer Banks on Netflix? Then, you need to take them to the Outer Banks so that they can enjoy island living. Ever since the show became a huge hit, more and more families have visited the area. Each of the neighborhoods is unique. There are secluded beaches, rugged dunes, and old lighthouses. You can engage in water sports or shop at the kitschy beach shops. This seaside destination has plenty of barrier islands where you would not encounter huge crowds.
13. Lake Tahoe
Lastly, Lake Tahoe is also a great destination for families. The beauty of Lake Tahoe is on another level. It is located on the California and Nevada border and offers towering mountaintops, crystal-clear waters, and granite cliff sides. You will love the surrounding area as it features hiking trails, skiing spots, and picture-perfect vistas.
Conclusion
Once you have finished reading our travel tips for families in the US, you will know the top places to visit. From Orlando to Lake Tahoe, each of the above destinations is unique and completely safe. So, what are you waiting for? It is about time that you planned a family vacation.
