Top Family Vacation Destinations Recommended by Experts
When you live in a country as vast and varied as the US, it’s hard to decide where to spend that oh-so-precious family vacation. The answer also depends on your point of origin and how far you’re prepared to go. To give you a few ideas, we asked 10 family travel experts to name their favorite spots to take the kids, including familiar yet fabulous domestic destinations and some unforgettable adventures overseas.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Recommended by Laura Begley Bloom, chief content officer at Family Traveller Magazine.
My family started vacationing on Cape Cod when I was a child. My parents loved it so much they moved here about 10 years ago. So now, I go back all the time with my own family, and it has not changed much since I was a kid. Our first stop is always the Chatham Squire, a seafood joint where my daughter Lucy can dance to live bands and play pinball. Across the street is any kid’s dream: the Chatham Candy Manor, a classic sweet shop. We also love going to the Chatham Bars Inn for lobster rolls by the ocean.
The town of Dennis Port has plenty of family-friendly activities like go-kart racing, squirt-gun boats, and trampolines. When I was a kid, I saw Jaws at the Wellfleet Drive-In, and now I enjoy taking Lucy to one of the country’s last remaining drive-in movie theaters. The stunning beaches range from the white-sand National Seashore to hidden coves like Jackknife Beach.
For adventure, we head to artsy Provincetown, where you can go on whale-watching tours with Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch and explore the dunes in four-wheel drives with Arts Dune Tours. These experiences create memories that last a lifetime.
Colorado
Recommended by Eileen Ogintz, author, columnist and creator of Taking the Kids.
Colorado greets you with spectacular wildflowers and mountain views, epic hikes and bike rides, great food, and a wealth of fun in winter. It’s my family’s regular destination, offering a plethora of activities at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park during family reunions, exploring the trails of Rocky Mountain National Park.
We’ve made it a winter tradition to ski and ride Colorado’s famous slopes, and also experience snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the backcountry at Vista Verde Ranch. Our grown kids enjoy leading us on new adventures, from mountain biking to fly fishing, often finishing the day with a sample of Colorado’s finest craft brews.
San Diego
Recommended by Katia Hetter, senior producer at CNN Travel.
San Diego delights visitors with sunshine nearly every day, sandy beaches, koalas at the zoo, and a wealth of excellent Mexican food. After many years away, my family returned to explore my hometown and its charming attractions. This kid-friendly city offers year-round beach action, the zoo, the safari park, and the world-class theater at the Old Globe in Balboa Park.
During our visit, the Cabrillo National Monument offered a panoramic view of the city, followed by a short trek down Sunset Cliffs to explore the tide pools. A stop at Point Loma Seafoods for fresh seafood while watching boats dock completed the experience. Of course, we couldn’t leave without visiting the world-famous zoo, home to the largest koala colony outside of Australia.
Chicago
Recommended by Kirsten Maxwell, owner of Kids Are A Trip.
Chicago presents endless entertainment options, making it a favored family vacation spot. The city’s diverse museums captivate visitors of all ages, while the exuberant Maggie Daley Park offers a magical playground experience.
On sunny days, don’t miss the architectural boat tour on the Chicago River or a visit to Willis Tower, where families can step out onto The Ledge, a glass box hovering 103 floors above the streets. End your Chicago adventure with a slice of famous deep-dish pizza and Garrett’s Chicago Mix popcorn, unique flavors of the Windy City.
San Juan Islands, Washington State
Recommended by Matt Villano, creator of Wandering Pod.
The San Juan Islands in Washington State are a fantastic summery family destination featuring three major islands—San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez—all where nature reigns supreme. With abundant wildlife such as seals, eagles, and salmon, there’s never a dull moment.
Famed for shore-based whale watching during summer, the waters are home to three family groups of orcas. Orcas Island is perfect for hiking, while the 2400-ft Mt Constitution offers a challenging trek. On Lopez Island, the flat terrain is perfect for scenic bike tours, and all three islands boast ample vacation rentals.
Jupiter, Florida
Recommended by Elizabeth Anne Shaw, editor in chief at FamilyFun Magazine.
Jupiter has been a family favorite since we started visiting Grandma. This destination provides all the beauty of Florida without the overwhelming tourist crowds. On our latest trip, we enjoyed paddle-boarding on the Intracoastal Waterway (where we spotted two manatees), took a boat tour up the Loxahatchee River into Jonathan Dickinson State Park, and explored the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.
The undeveloped beaches, like Jupiter Beach Park, Coral Cove, and Juno Beach, invite hours of fun. All you need are boogie boards to keep the kids entertained for hours. Don’t miss Dune Dog for a delicious lunch or dinner—our boys can’t resist the ribs!
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Recommended by Colleen Lanin, founder and editor of Travel Mamas.
San Miguel de Allende provides a unique Mexican vacation perfect for families looking to unplug from technology and reconnect with each other. With its cobblestone streets, grand haciendas, and beautiful central square, it feels like a slice of Europe in the heart of Mexico.
San Miguel is home to the country’s oldest art school, Instituto Allende, attracting artists, and it features art classes for all ages. Families can explore an array of handicraft stores and galleries. After falling in love with this vibrant city during a week-long stay, we’re excited to return for an entire month this summer.
Belize
Recommended by Carrie Simmons, creator and host of the family travel documentary series Travel with Kids TV.
Belize is a perfect family destination, combining lush jungles dotted with ancient pyramids and beautiful white-sand beaches next to turquoise Caribbean seas. The unique culture and welcoming locals enrich the experience. We’ve cherished our visits to Belize since 1992.
Our favorite adventures include climbing the Mayan pyramids at Xunantunich, savoring lobster burritos on Caye Caulker, observing monkeys and manatees near Placencia, learning to play drums in a Garifuna village, and tubing through the beautiful caves.
Peru
Recommended by Sharlene Earnshaw, editor in chief at Trekaroo.
My lifelong dream of visiting Peru materialized when my family journeyed to Machu Picchu. The stunning sights exceeded my high expectations in countless ways.
Highlights of our visit included white-water rafting along the Urubamba River amidst Incan ruins, trekking into the High Andes to interact with local women who skillfully weave traditional blankets, and encountering curious llamas while hiking up to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. The cultural richness remains unmatched.
The Philippines
Recommended by Rainer Jenss, president and founder of the Family Travel Association.
Recently, I learned that children as young as 10 can become scuba certified. The Philippines is incredibly family-friendly, and my kids and I had the opportunity to explore its deep blue waters and pristine reefs during a week-long Kids Sea Camp.
The dive guides at Pura Vida Dive Resort in Dumaguete rank among the best globally, and their Sea Explorers PADI 5-Star Dive Center expertly accommodates children. When we weren’t discovering sea turtles, whale sharks, frogfish, and seahorses, my boys bonded with local kids over basketball.
