Family travel is always fun and one of the best ways to make memories together. Whether you travel by plane, train or automobile ~ visiting one of these popular spots will definitely give your family a vacation to remember!
22 U.S. Destinations for Family Fun
1. Anaheim, California
Take a trip to the Anaheim Packing District and journey down Center Street Promenade for farm to fork eateries and craft breweries. You can ride waves in the heart of Surf City USA at Huntington Beach Pier or explore the Golden State’s history and culture at Disney’s California Adventure. The best time to visit is January when the weather is just perfect!
2. Atlanta, Georgia
Swim with whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium. Dine at Ponce City Market and Krog Street or kick a field goal at the College Football Hall of Fame. The best time to visit Atlanta is in the fall. It isn’t too hot. It isn’t too cold. There are tons of festivals, including Taste of Atlanta and Imagine Festival.
3. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Try your luck at the slots in any of the city’s casinos followed by a leisurely stroll down the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. Visit the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse. Atlantic City in late March is ideal with lower rates and no crowds.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Get a taste of the original Boston Cream Pie at the Omni Parker House after a day of touring Boston’s history on a walk on the three mile Irish Heritage Trail. Head to Boston Harbor’s Pier 1 and step aboard the USS Constitution. Boston is best in September – art and sporting events and the start of fall foliage season!
5. Chicago, Illinois
Look down on the city from the Skydeck and the Ledge at the Willis Tower. Explore Chicago’s architecture with a tour from the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust and catch an improv show by the famous Second City troupe. The best time to visit Chicago is in the summertime. The city is full of outdoor activities to take advantage of.
6. Dallas, Texas
Explore the Dallas Art District, the largest contiguous arts district in the United States. Wander Downtown Dallas and be sure to see “The Eye” at the Joule Hotel. Purchase a CityPASS to explore and see all of the top attractions. Spring is a fun time to visit Dallas. It’s the perfect weather for exploring the city.
7. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Explore the gateway to the Everglades on an airboat tour through Sawgrass Recreation Park. Hop aboard a sightseeing cruise of the Intracoastal Waterway. Snorkel and dive into a living coral reef straight off the beach at Lauderdale-By-The Sea. The Tortuga Music Festival in April welcomes top music artists who perform right on the beach!
8. Honolulu, Hawaii
Visit the Pacific Island villages of the Polynesian Cultural Center for an immersive Hawaiian experience. Hike to the top of Diamond Head for the best view in the world. Tour the famous Shangri La estate with its impressive collection of Islamic art. Winter in Hawaii can’t be beat!
9. Houston, Texas
Visit Space Center Houston, relax at the Water Wall (a 64 foot tall “horseshoe of running water”) or head to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to see woks by Picasso, Matisse and Rembrandt. Rodeo season is one of the best times to visit Houston. The entire month of March is full of cook-outs, concerts and carnivals!
10. Las Vegas, Nevada
People watch at the dancing fountains in front of the Bellagio. Take a lesson in gaming at the Golden Nugget. Free fall 108 stories from the Sky Jump at the Stratosphere. You’ll never run out of things to do in Las Vegas – a fantastic destination year-round.
11. Los Angeles, California
Visit the Griffith Observatory right before sundown for one of the best views of L.A. Catch a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in the L.A. Music Center or just cruise along Mulholland Drive.
12. Miami Beach, Florida
Stroll along Ocean Drive Boulevard and work on your tan at South Beach. Visit the ancient Spanish Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux in North Miami Beach or explore the postcard perfect buildings of the city’s historic Art Deco District. The best time to visit Miami Beach is early December. The weather is fabulous and the city is brimming with star studded events.
13. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Collect sea shells along 60 miles of beach. Stroll the Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet for beautiful views and fresh caught seafood. Embrace your inner foodie by trying out as many of the 1,500 area restaurants you can. Golf!
14. New Orleans, Louisiana
Take a ride on the Steamboat Natchez up the Mississippi River. Meander through the Sculpture Gardens after touring the New Orleans Museum of Art. Eat at Commander’s Palace Restaurant and then tour some cemeteries. April and May offer the best weather in New Orleans and local festivals almost every weekend.
15. New York City
Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise or take the ferry to Governors Island. Snag a free seat to a TV show taping. September is perfect in New York City.
16. Orlando, Florida
Theme parks, of course, but you can experience Orlando’s growing culinary scene at uniquely themed restaurants throughout the city or explore Park Avenue. Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art to see the most incredible collection of Tiffany glass. Visit Orlando in September when school is in full swing.
17. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Visit rival Philly Cheesesteak shops to do some taste testing! Head to the Liberty Bell Center before embracing your inner foodie at the Reading Terminal Market, America’s oldest operating farmer’s market. Springtime in Philadelphia offers cherry blossoms and Chinese lantern festivals!
18. San Antonio, Texas
Explore the city’s five UNESCO World Heritage missions, including the Alamo. Bar-hop along the network of walkways that make up the San Antonio Riverwalk. Eat at the famous Market Square, America’s largest Mexican market. April in San Antonio is magical! There is a 10 day city wide festival and the weather is perfect for margaritas on the patio!
19. San Diego, California
Hike Mt. Woodson and take a photo at Potato Chip Rock. Spend a day exploring the museums and architecture. San Diego is the craft beer capital of America so make sure to take at least one beer tour. October is the best time to visit. Kids Free October is an annual event that restaurants, hotels and attractions all participate in.
20. San Francisco, California
Wake up at dawn and head to Pier 39 to watch the sea lions before having breakfast on Fisherman’s Wharf. Walk Lombard Street and enjoy the views along the “crookedest” street in the world. Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. May 1st kids off a six month “Peter Pan” season full of costumed weekends and dancing in the streets.
21. Seattle, Washington
Head up to the top of the Seattle Space Needle or explore the city’s buried past with a Seattle Underground Tour. The historic Pike Place Market is open 363 days a year. Summer is the ideal time to visit Seattle when it is full of outdoor activities and live music.
22. Washington D.C.
Eat in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood at D.C.’s original art and culinary Eastern Market. See D.C.’s most important memorials in one day with a Monuments Bike Tour. Try contacting your member of congress and enjoy a self-guided tour of the White House. Late March is the best time to visit. The cherry blossoms are in bloom!
Where would you like to visit?