Where Is The Best Place To Take A Family Vacation – Are you ready for your next family adventure? For the upcoming summer vacation, we’ve rounded up the best family travel spots in the United States. From under-the-radar beach towns to beautiful southern beauty and the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, this list features a variety of popular options for outdoorsy, dining, or traditional families.
Families are increasingly looking for places that are known to appeal to children. In fact, searches for “good for kids” increased by 88% in 2023 compared to 2021.* To make travel planning easier, we’ve rounded up activities and destinations with our “Good for Kids” feature. We’ve identified the best family-friendly destinations in 2024 by analyzing data from cities where “family-friendly” searches have seen significant growth, and rounded out the rankings with the expertise of trend expert Tara Lewis.**
Where Is The Best Place To Take A Family Vacation
Browse this list to find your next family vacation and the best things to do along the way, including cultural landmarks, natural wonders, dining and more.
Top 35 Best Family Vacation Spots In The Us For 2023
In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg offers small-town charm just a short drive from Austin and San Antonio. Experience the town’s German heritage at the Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten for sips and a historical look at the Pioneer Museum. Visit the vast wildflower gardens with acres of wildflowers in bloom and take home seeds for your garden. For a family-friendly hike, head to nearby Echanted Rock, a red granite dome that overlooks central Texas. While you stroll and shop Main Street, cool off with a Butter Pecan Cone or White River Winter Banana Split.
While Napa may be best known for its top wineries, the region offers many incredible attractions for the whole family. Shop local vendors at Oxbow Public Market and dine at family-friendly restaurants like Boon Fly Cafe, which will delight fans of Dr. Seuss with green eggs and ham. For a taste of culture, visit the Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art and the tranquil outdoor art gallery. Head to Connolly Ranch for an educational nature experience with everything from goats, wildlife gardens and chicken coops.
Founded in 1762, Charlottesville is a thriving southern gem, rich in history and fun to explore. For fresh fruit and great views, head to Carter Mountain Orchard, named one of the best apple orchards in the country in 2023. There you can explore the grounds, pick ripe seasonal peaches and apples, and get your shoes on a divine cider slush. Satisfy your hunger at soul food and community restaurant Mel’s Cafe, which reviewers love for its fried chicken, charcuterie and cheese, and old-fashioned family atmosphere. For adventurous families, take an afternoon drive to Shenandoah National Park, where various hiking options along the Appalachian Trail take you through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, along with its valleys and waterfalls.
Don’t let the name fool you—located in the heart of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills is an under-the-radar, family-friendly beach destination. With plenty of public beach access, there are plenty of places to play, swim or surf. Check out Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports for water activities like tubing, water skiing and swimming. At Ocean Atlantic Rentals, you can rent everything you need, from umbrellas and cribs to golf carts and golf carts. For history buffs, people recommend a stop at the historic site of the first successful flights at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The food scene in Dila Devil Hills is no secret, in 2022, it was named one of the Foodie Cities. The best rave restaurants are also great for kids, grab a bite to eat at The Kill Devil Grill and The SaltBox Cafe, two seafood standouts that made our list of the Top 100 Places in the Carolinas for 2023.
Thailand, A Family Vacation Destination
In the heart of the Rockies, Breckenridge may be best known for its snow-capped peaks, world-famous ski resorts and Nordic activities, but this scenic beauty less than a two-hour drive from Denver is also the place to be. The ultimate in summer outdoor fun. Activities like rafting and ziplining with AVA’s highly rated guides offer adventure while you’re in the great outdoors. You can also rent gear from Alpine Sports to go backpacking at Maggie Pond or hit the trails of some of the best mountain biking in the country. For a relaxing day, enjoy Breck’s walkable main street with shops and restaurants like the beloved family sports bar and arcade, Down at Eric’s.
Along with its urban beauty, Burlington – the founding city of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and the rock band Phish – is also full of creativity, excitement and family-friendly attractions. At Shelburne Gardens, families can explore walking trails, interact with farm animals and watch hands-on demonstrations. If you want to indulge, head to Burlington Bay Market & Cafe for a burger and maple creme (Vermont soft serve). Rent a bike from Local Motion Trailside Cycling Center to explore the city and nearby trails, and stop for an unusual roadside photo at the world’s largest file office. For those traveling in August, check out the Festival of Fools, which features free performances of music, acrobatics, comedy and more on Burlington’s historic Church Street.
In the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is known for its spectacular gorges and waterfalls. Popular places to see nature’s beauty include Ithaca Falls near downtown and Robert H Treman State Park for beautiful walks and relaxing swims. It is recommended to take the Discovery Trail, which conveniently showcases the best of Ithaca’s nature, science and art, including Cornell Botanical Gardens, Science, the Earth Museum, and more. Be sure to visit Cayuga Lake, where Paddle-N-More can provide family kayaks, paddle boards and canoes. Do you have a sweet tooth? Grab a tub or sundae from Purity Ice Cream, a local staple since 1936.
Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is a popular destination for family vacations by the water. Virginia Beach boasts a 3-mile boardwalk for an endless day of playing, dining and shopping. Want to catch some waves? Improve your family skills with lessons at Vb Surf Sessions, where you can also rent beach equipment such as chairs, games and toys. For a trip to the beach, head to Hunt Club Farm for petting zoos and ponies, or the Virginia Aquarium for an up-close look at marine life, as well as Adventure Park for ziplining. Finally, paint your memories of marine life at the Mermaid Factory for a unique and creative souvenir to take home.
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On California’s Central Coast, you’ll find scenic views, a vibrant arts and food scene, and more in San Luis Obispo. Visit the sites of the Cerro San Luis Trail or experience the visual arts at the San Luis Obispo Art Museum, which is said to be good for all ages and regularly has free family events. Montaña de Oro State Park has many views of the coast along with many tide pools full of marine life. For dinner, check out the Firestone Grill, which reviewers say is great for adults and kids, and enjoy the outdoor seating. End your SLO adventure with some fun by catching a movie at the historic Sunset Drive-In Theater.
Nestled in the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon’s capital Salem offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment, from beautiful parks to museums and attractions. In the heart of downtown, Riverfront Park has expansive play and nightlife areas and is home to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel and the Gilbert House Children’s Museum. Just south of Salem, you can find the Enchanted Forest, a unique seasonal theme park that will take you right out of a magical storybook. When you’ve worked up an appetite, Salem’s beloved brunch spot, Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro, offers delicious food for parents and kids alike, including Creme Brulee Toast.
As always, be sure to plan ahead by checking local travel tips, guides and seasonal opening hours. Are you heading to another vacation destination or have you chosen to stay put this year? Find family businesses near you by searching for “Good for Kids”!
Does your family have a favorite place for kids and parents? Share with us on Instagram and TikTok @!
Three Family Vacation Destinations
* Trends identified in consumer searches for “baby goodies” in 2021 compared to 2023 in the United States.
** Trends identified in consumer searches comparing searches for “family” in 2022 vs. 2023
