Ready to plan the ultimate family vacation? These Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots will be a big hit with your family, whether you are looking for a beach retreat, an adventurous hiking location, or a thrilling theme park excursion, our list of Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots will have everything you and your family need to plan the best family vacation!
Orlando, Florida
Starting our Summer Vacation Picks: Orlando, Florida, is the best U.S. family spot. Home to some of the best theme parks in the world, you have your pick of several Disney parks, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure, or enjoy all three parks for discounted rates on hopper pass tickets. Not to mention SeaWorld and water parks. Orlando boasts some of the most affordable hotel and condo deals, not to mention the Airbnb rentals available. For an even more affordable stay, check out the rustic campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Campground, just minutes from Disney World’s theme parks.
The campsite offers RV spots, tent sites, and adventures like horseback riding or canoeing. There are others to choose from as well, like Magnolia Park Campground. For a little family-friendly nightlife, try City Walk, where you can shop, eat, and socialize. Orlando has some of the most incredible family-friendly restaurants in the world, both inside the parks and outside of the parks. With all there is to see, do, and eat in Orlando and great options for an affordable stay, it is one of the great Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Are you looking for a destination that will take your breath away? Next up on our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots, is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Plan a hiking tour where you will find stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife. Your family will be awed at the sights to see in the first national park in the world! Make sure you check out the top attractions in Yellowstone National Park, such as, Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers that erupts roughly every 90 minutes, Grand Prismatic Springs, a colorful hot spring, and Lamar Valley, the perfect place to spot bison, wolves, and bears, earning it the nickname America’s Serengeti.
There are plenty of great places to stay as well. Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers cabins, campgrounds, and hotels, giving you several options depending on your budget and what kind of experience you want. Yellowstone Park Mountain Retreat is a cozy little retreat with breathtaking mountain views. For a truly unforgettable experience, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is one of the Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots.
Maui, Hawaii-
Next up for Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots is the pristine beaches of Maui, Hawaii. Maui offers a superb blend of beaches, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Your family will love to immerse themselves in the beautiful location with activities such as Road to Hana, a scenic drive with gushing waterfalls, lush rainforests, and everyone’s favorite black sand beaches. For an adventure, try the Atlantis Submarine Tour, an underwater experience where families can discover marine life without getting wet.
Maui Ocean Center features a top-rated aquarium full of Maui’s marine life. There are other activities like hiking and whale tours. Maui has something for every family member on your trip. Kid-friendly hotels like the Wailea Beach Resort have water slides and a kids’ club. As for the foodie on the trip, enjoy local Hawaiian flavors, fresh seafood, and family-friendly dining. With all there is to offer, Maui in Hawaii is on our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots list.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee-
For a fantastic family-friendly experience, Pigeon Forge in Tennessee is next on our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots, for its plethora of family-friendly activities and stunning mountain landscapes. A great escape in the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge has a little something for everyone in your crew. There are scenic adventures, hiking, fishing, white-water rafting, and family fun activities such as mini golf and go-kart racing.
Your family will love Parrot Mountain and The Garden of Eden, where they can encounter beautiful tropical birds, lush gardens, and engaging activities where you can feed and interact with them. Also, no trip to Pigeon Forge would be complete without a visit to the classic American theme park Dollywood, where you will find a blend of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Appalachian culture. Pigeon Forge fits perfectly on our list of Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada Border-
For something slightly different, check out the next destination of Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots, Lake Tahoe, which sits on the border of California and Nevada. The stunning views alone make Lake Tahoe a top vacation pick, but there is so much more for the whole family. Plenty of ski resorts surround Lake Tahoe, so there are plenty of slope adventures to choose from that fit your family’s needs.
Visiting during the warmer months does not disappoint. There are over 70 miles of shoreline to indulge in sunbathing, swimming, boating, or hiking the many trails. You can also explore the quaint little towns surrounding the lake and take an educational detour at the Tahoe Science Center or the wildlife centers. For a striking landscape and diverse activities, Lake Tahoe is one of our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Taking you to the East Coast of the United States, next on our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots, is Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Cape Cod has been a favorite family vacation destination for many years. Its historic maritime atmosphere is a hit, with its scenic beaches and rich summertime tourism. Cape Cod offers some must-visit spots to take the whole family, like Cape Cod National Seashore, known for its serene coastline and hiking trails, and Race Point Beach, known for its dunes, wildlife, and stunning sunsets.
For some adventure, try a Whale Watching Tour, or visit Nickerson State Park for some excellent camping and outdoor activities. For a historical experience, Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum are a must-see, where you and your family can learn about Cape Cod’s history and take beautiful panoramic photos from the monument. Cape Cod must be on our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots list with its quaint and scenic atmosphere, busy tourism, and plenty of activities.
Anchorage and Kenai Fjords, Alaska
For a one-of-a-kind family trip, next up in Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots is Anchorage and Kenai Fjords in Alaska. Anchorage offers a great starting point for exploring Alaska, with the Anchorage Museum, Alaska’s largest museum, featuring exhibits in art, science, and history, making it the perfect place to learn something new. Kids will love the hands-on learning experience at the Discovery Center, and there are plenty of parks to take in the beautiful scenery, camp, and interact with Alaska’s rich wildlife.
Moving on to Kenai Fjords National Park, your family will experience a stunning landscape, glaciers, fjords, and incredible marine life. Try a wildlife cruise or a guided experience at Exit Glacier. With all the rich cultural experiences and adventures, Anchorage and Kenai Fjords in Alaska are great picks on our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots.
Destin, Florida
For a laid-back beach destination, one of our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots is Destin, Florida. Destin is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for the whole family. It is an ideal beach location with its white sandy beaches, dolphin cruises, and plenty of boating and fishing. Destin also has a fantastic water park, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, where everyone in your crew can enjoy slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. If you are in Destin, you must check out Harborwalk Village for fantastic shopping, dining, and live entertainment, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere to explore. For the beach getaway your whole family will love, Destin makes our list of Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
There is hardly anything as beautiful as the Pacific Northwest, and one of our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots, is Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Offering a breathtaking landscape, outdoor adventures, and educational opportunities, everyone in your family will find something to love about Crater Lake National Park. Start your vacation with the Scenic Rim Drive, 32 miles of incredible views and unique photo opportunities.
The kids will love the Junior Ranger Program, where they can have an educational experience like no other, learning about the park through interactive activities. Crater Lake National Park also offers adventurous hiking trails, boat tours, and camping and lodging at Crater Lake Lodge and Mazama Village. With a stunning landscape and unique adventures, Crater Lake National Park fits on our list of Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots.
Yosemite National Park, California
For an unforgettable family-friendly vacation, last but not least of our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots, is Yosemite National Park in California. Families love Yosemite for its breathtaking landscapes, kid-friendly hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and educational activities for all ages. The stunning scenery includes striking giant Sequoias, granite cliffs, and waterfalls. You can encounter bears, deer, and diverse bird species during a wildlife viewing.
Yosemite’s junior ranger programs offer educational discussions and guided hikes for the whole family. For a different type of stay, besides hotels, motels, and condos, Yosemite National Park offers some of the best camping, cabins, or rustic lodging in the U.S. For an immersive experience and stunning sightseeing, Yosemite National Park is a hit for the whole family and featured on our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots list.
We hope you enjoyed our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots. Whether planning your next summer vacation or learning more about traveling in the U.S., these destinations will pique your interest. From serene family beaches to rustic adventures, you can find something for everyone in your crew on our Summer Vacation Picks: Best U.S. Family Spots. Do you have a destination you would add to this list? Tell us about your best U.S. family vacation experiences.
