Best summer vacation spots for families in the us
Best summer vacation spots for families in the US. After a long winter and thriving spring, summer vacation is almost here. Planning a family trip and want an itinerary? Are you travelling with kids and need to know some family friendly destinations in the US? If you are, then it’s important for you to take care of certain aspects before starting your trip!
In the United States, there are many great family-friendly destinations to go on your summer vacation. You can visit theme parks, museums and historical sites that will entertain you, your spouse and kids. These general guidelines can help you prepare for this summer trip with your loved ones
Summer is the perfect time to get out of town and spend some time with family. There are a number of fun and exciting places you can choose to go this summer, and some are better than others. If you’re trying to decide which vacation spot is best for your family, use the helpful tips below.
-The National Mall in Washington, DC, is one of the most popular destinations for families looking to visit a city while on vacation. The National Mall has a variety of activities and attractions, including museums and memorials. The Smithsonian Institution is another famous attraction located on The National Mall.
-The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park are both located in San Diego and are great destinations for families looking to visit an animal park while on vacation. The zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals from 650 species, with one of its most popular exhibits being SeaWorld’s Dolphin Show with an immersive 360-degree viewing area.
-The Getty Center in Los Angeles offers visitors a unique experience where they can explore art up close through interactive exhibits and multimedia installations. One of the most popular exhibits at the Getty Center is Artful Dodgeball, which allows visitors to play dodgeball against each other while wearing lighted suits that glow under black lights; this exhibit was created by artist David Best.
As summer approaches, many families are looking for a place to go on vacation. Some may be considering going to one of the best summer vacation spots for families in the US. Many people enjoy going to these areas because they have a lot to offer and are great places to relax and have fun with your family.
Some of the best places to go include Florida and California. Florida is a popular destination because it has plenty of beaches, water parks, amusement parks and much more. If you’re looking for something more exotic then California might be right up your alley. The weather is nice year round so you won’t have any problems finding something fun to do there either!
Another option is taking a cruise ship around the Caribbean Sea or Mediterranean Sea on a luxury liner such as Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager Class ships (Oasis Of The Seas & Allure Of The Seas), The Disney Cruise Line’s Dream & Fantasy ships or Norwegian Cruise Line’s Getaway & Breakaway ships!
Monterey County, California
Best for: A something-for-everyone family gathering
Why we love it: There is almost nothing compromised on a summer vacation to Monterey County, California, which makes it an easy, ideal coastal location for big family get-togethers. Encompassing Monterey, Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea, Seaside, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach, the county shines with totally unique destinations that are all within easy reach of one another. In Monterey, beeline to the just-reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium‘s excellent touch exhibits, embark on guided kayaking tours on Monterey Bay with Adventures By the Sea, and walk Fisherman’s Wharf for clam chowder or to hop on a whale watching cruise. Some of the world’s best golfing can be found at legendary Pebble Beach with three top 50 public courses abutting the coast, and more in Seaside and Pacific Grove. Rent a bike in Pacific Grove to explore Asilomar State Park and its rich tide pools, and hike some of the best coastal trails and marine wildlife viewing in the state at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where you should also visit the historic Whaler’s Cabin. Family dinners, candy and gelato shops, and beach bonfires (dogs welcome, too) are hard to beat in Carmel-by-the-Sea. A total departure awaits on the 25-mile drive south to Big Sur, with epic scenery at every turn—once there, check out the Notable Trail redwoods at California’s “mini Yosemite,” Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Where to stay: For a waterfront perch on Monterey Bay and an easy walk to the aquarium, Intercontinental The Clement Monterey on Cannery Row is a good option. Go a few miles inland to the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains and you’ll find upscale, 500-acre Carmel Valley Ranch for a full-on family resort playground with three swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course, activities like beekeeping, falconry, hiking, and guided foraging walks, plus all-suite accommodations with private decks.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Best for: Families that love mountain adventures
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Why we love it: An all-seasons nirvana for adventurous families, Colorado shines bright in summer with action-packed activities at every turn. Zero in on Colorado Springs and Readers’ Choice Awards winner The Broadmoor, an all-encompassing, 5,000-acre basecamp. There’s tons to do, but don’t miss falconry lessons, golf, fly fishing, ranch cattle drives, and a breathtaking canyon zip-line tour above Seven Falls. Beyond the resort, raft the Arkansas river with River Runners and float under the highest suspension bridge in North America, Royal Gorge Bridge, part of a massive park where thrill-seeking kids will want to try the bungee-like sky coaster. There’s also guided cycling tours down Pikes Peak Highway, rock climbing in Garden of the Gods Park, and even full-moon tours at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center.
Where to stay: Options at the Broadmoor include luxury hotel rooms and cottages, plus the chance to hit pause as a family at its all-inclusive Cloud Camp 3,000-feet higher, atop Cheyenne Mountain.
Costa Rica
Best for: Families practicing Spanish
Why we love it: In stark contrast to the big brand all-inclusives near popular Arenal and Nayara, intimate, eco-focused properties like those in the laid-back Cayuga Collection get you off the beaten path to reveal Costa Rica’s local communities and natural beauty—something that’s especially vibrant in the green summer season. Ideal for families with young children on up, the Arenas Del Mar hotel in Manuel Antonio is both in the rainforest and directly on a fabulous beach with two pools, monkeys and sloths in the trees, and Manuel Antonio National Park at your door. Get closer to the clouds at Senda Monteverde, a perfect base for exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: enjoy zip line tours through a thrilling canopy, guided climbs outside (and inside) the trunks of giant trees, and wildlife spotting from treetop suspension bridges. At Hotel Aguas Claras in Puerto Viejo, the first luxury hotel on the vibrant Caribbean coast, soak in some of Costa Rica’s best beaches while picking up on a fun Patois-influenced dialect. Bonus: The hotels all include Spanish lessons among their regular free programming.
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Where to stay: Families can spread out in modern two-bedroom suites at Senda Monteverde, oceanfront suites at Arenas Del Mar, and the private two-story, five-room Casa Floralia house, just steps from the beach at Aguas Claras.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Best for: Water-loving, Shark Week families
Why we love it: Set your sights on Cape Cod for waves and beaches from the bay to the Atlantic, lobster rolls and ice cream (try Ice Cream Cafe in Orleans), whale watching cruises, and culture fixes spanning everything from Cape Cod Baseball League games to the Whydah Pirate Museum. If you’d like to keep this summer trip somewhat educational, check out Chatham Bars Inn with its great mix of kids’ programming, plus an exciting opportunity for your family to shadow the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy as they tag great whites along the coast, all of which you can see from onboard a second guest boat.
Where to stay: For a classic family vacation, rent a shingle-style house or get the best of both worlds with a private residence at waterfront Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, a family-friendly resort with a robust children’s center, pirate-themed splash park, and a pool deck you’ll never want to leave.
Bluefields Bay, Jamaica
Best for: New parents in need of a proper Caribbean vacation
Why we love it: Arriving in touristy Montego Bay, you won’t believe how far removed you’ll be in a just under an hour, on an easy highway drive (complete with a quick stop for the best jerk chicken, at Border Jerk) to relaxed and little-known Bluefields Bay. This seemingly private oceanfront destination ticks all the right boxes for families—especially those with infants and young children—at the low-key, all-inclusive Bluefields Bay Villas. The beauty is in the pairing of a Caribbean beachfront escape with everything you could need—six oceanside villas complete with airport transfers, a pool and private beach with toys, gourmet meals, butler and laundry service, cribs and high chairs, and poolside cocktails.
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Where to stay: Choose the two-story, four-bedroom Hermitage villa for easy beach access and a superb pool deck with sweeping sunset views.
Chicago, Illinois
Best for: Families with savvy gourmands and culture hounds
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a big city with plenty to see, do, and eat, this Midwestern gem on the shores of Lake Michigan fits the bill. Tick off any number of stellar cultural activities: get lost in the Museum of Science and Industry, embark on a river cruise or rent from Chicago Electric Boat Company and do it yourself, take in an open-air concert at Millennium Park next to the shiny Chicago Bean, and challenge yourselves to a private scavenger hunt at the Art Institute of Chicago with Watson Adventures. The Windy City is also a blast for a kid-friendly, star-studded foodie crawl that goes beyond deep-dish pizza (which Giordano’s is great for, by the way). Start in Fulton Market with Croatian-influenced Italian at boisterous Rose Mary from Top Chef winner Joe Flamm, and super fun Chinese at Duck Duck Goat by James Beard-winning Stephanie Izard, the first woman to win the show. Hit the Sunday farmers market in Logan Square then try modern Greek cuisine at Andros Taverna, with a huge, kid-friendly patio that opens right up to Logan Square Park. There’s also authentic Italian everywhere from divey La Scarola to fancy Gibson Italia overlooking the Chicago River, more noodles at HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen in Pilsen and Furious Spoon ramen in Lakeview, Gemini has a “zero proof” cocktail menu just steps from Lincoln Park Zoo, and fantastic milkshakes are at Jojo’s Milk Bar in River North.
Where to stay: Opening in May, the new Pendry Chicago takes over the 1920s-era Carbide & Carbon building on Michigan Avenue, reimagining the space previously occupied by the St. Jane Hotel and promising a more luxurious twist. For an Airbnb meets hotel experience, try Lincoln Park’s Neighborhood Hotel, a comfortable basecamp with kitchenettes and apartment-style accommodations.
San Diego, California
Best for: An iconic California beach vacation
Why we love it: One of the best places in California to stick your feet in the sand and still have access to urban adventures for the kids is San Diego. Boasting year-round warm temperatures, the city offers 70 miles of dreamy coastline with options for everyone. At La Jolla Shores, tide pools and small, slow waves are great for little kids, while older ones will go bananas for surf lessons in the gold-flecked waters fronting Hotel Del Coronado (those sparkles are thanks to naturally occurring pyrite, aka “fools gold”). Wildlife lovers will want to see the seals and sea lions at Shell Beach, where it’s also easy to hop on a whale-watching cruise. Of course, you can’t miss a visit to Balboa Park‘s 17 museums, and the San Diego Zoo, one of the best in the world with its giant pandas, an exciting safari park experience, and some 4,000 other animals representing 800 species. Around town, there’s also the California Surf Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and rounds of mini golf at Tappers Mini Golf & Cocktails, scheduled to open this summer.
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Where to stay: Nab a fire-pit room with a private deck and beach access at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a new resort just north of San Diego with a modern laidback luxury vibe. That means lounge chairs at the beach and poolside cabanas, private surf lessons taught by Surfin Fire, biplane tours with SD Sky Tours, complimentary e-bikes for cruising into town, and sunrise yoga for mom and dad.
New York, New York
Best for: Families with pop-culture loving teens and tweens
Why we love it: You could take the kids to New York at any age and have a blast, but it’s a flurry of new exhibits and pop culture offerings that’s really speaking to teens and tweens for this summer’s vacation. At the Brooklyn Museum through September 5, see “KAWS: What Party,” an exhibit of the bubbly works by ex-Disney illustrator and street artist Brian Donnelly, which includes his popular cartoon-figured sculptures. The incredible Whitney Biennial survey of the latest American art at the Whitney Museum of American Art is always a draw, and there’s the just-unveiled “Dawoud Bey: An American Project,” an 80-piece photography retrospective running through October 3, 2021, complete with the artist’s Harlem portraits. The digital and all-encompassing “Immersive Van Gogh” exhibit opens June 10, and contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s new “Cosmic Nature” is adding awesome whimsy to the New York Botanical Garden through October 31. While it’s not pop, some 5,000 cool new rocks on display at the new Halls of Gems and Minerals opens this June at the American Museum of Natural History and are hard to resist no matter your age.
Where to stay: Pendry Manhattan West opens this summer with an open-air terrace, a flagship 35,000-square-foot Peloton Studios in its retail space, and a solid location, steps from Hudson Yards, the new Moynihan Train Station, and the Highline (it’s just a 30-minute walk to the Whitney from here).
Orlando, Florida
Best for: Daredevils and thrill seekers
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Why we love it: Children are easily smitten with Disney and Orlando theme parks, and this season bigger kids will get excited over a boatload of new thrill rides. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster catapults you 70 mph on Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster, while Ice Breaker, SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster, sends you down a 93-foot-tall plummet on the steepest beyond-vertical drop in the state. Icon Park on International Drive also operates the world’s tallest slingshot ride, at 300 feet. Simmer it all down on the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway railway, Disney’s first-ever Mickey ride and the newest attraction at Hollywood Studios. Yep, it’s summer and it’s hot, but lighter crowds and well-cooled lines at the parks (think fans, shade, and misters) do keep things tolerable.
Where to stay: Universal Orlando Resort’s new Dockside Inn and Suites is a fresh budget-friendly option, while the splurge-worthy Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World has recently updated guest rooms and suites we love. Days here can start with a character breakfast and a five-minute motor coach ride to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot; or can just as easily be filled loafing around the resort’s own 18-hole golf course, spa, and five-acre water park with slides, a splash zone, lazy river, and an adults-only pool.