15 Best Summer Family Vacation Spots in the US

Posted on June 10, 2025 | Julie J. |

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Ah, summer vacation—the magical season when parents everywhere trade lunchboxes for road maps, and kids turn into snack-demanding adventurers with sunscreen-sticky fingers.

If you’re ready to swap school drop-offs for seaside sunsets (or waterfall hikes, or rollercoaster screams), I’ve rounded up 15 of the best summer family vacation spots across the U.S.

From wild national parks to splash-happy waterparks, and charming coastal escapes to theme park meccas, these destinations offer something for every type of family traveler—whether you’re team “nature all the way” or “give me a hotel with a waffle maker.”

So pack the car, charge the tablets (or don’t!), and get ready to make some core memories.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

If your idea of a perfect family summer includes geysers that blast like soda cans gone rogue, herds of bison that could stop traffic (literally), and jaw-dropping scenery that makes screensavers jealous—then Yellowstone is your golden ticket.

This place is America’s first national park, and honestly, it’s still one of the best. It’s got everything: bubbling hot springs, dramatic canyons, waterfalls, and enough wildlife to turn every kid into a junior ranger.

Pro tip: cell service is spotty, which means your kids might accidentally talk to you. Win-win.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Watching Old Faithful erupt—nature’s version of a water park (without the lines).
Geyser gazing and bubbling mud pots in the Upper Geyser Basin.
Wildlife spotting in Lamar Valley—think elk, bison, and maybe even a bear (from a safe distance, of course).

Where to stay:
Book a cozy cabin at Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Canyon Lodge for rustic charm right inside the park—or stay in West Yellowstone for more dining and lodging options.

San Diego, California

Sunshine, sandy toes, and surf’s up! San Diego is basically summer vacation’s cool older cousin who always knows where the fun’s at.

This SoCal gem offers the perfect mix of beach bum bliss, world-class attractions, and tacos that will ruin you for life (in the best way). With consistently gorgeous weather and a laid-back vibe, it’s the ultimate family escape.

Whether your crew wants to ride roller coasters, hang with penguins, or just dig the world’s most ambitious sandcastle, San Diego’s got you covered.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Meet pandas, elephants, and a whole world of animals at the San Diego Zoo.
Build, ride, and imagine big at LEGOLAND California.
Beach day at La Jolla Shores—bonus points if you spot sea lions sunbathing like vacation pros.

Where to stay:
Try the Hotel del Coronado for historic beachfront charm or go family-friendly with a stay at Bahia Resort Hotel on Mission Bay—complete with its own private beach and marina fun.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando isn’t just a city—it’s an adrenaline-fueled, sugar-rushed, character-hugging fever dream of fun. It’s where childhood fantasies meet grown-up caffeine requirements.

From theme parks the size of small countries to splash zones that redefine “wet and wild,” Orlando is the family vacation where everyone ends up wearing Mickey ears at some point (yes, even you, Dad).

Be ready to walk a lot, spend a little, and make memories that will outlast your kids’ attention spans.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Conquer Cinderella Castle and soar with Peter Pan at Walt Disney World.
Get spellbound sipping butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
Cool off and slide into fun at Typhoon Lagoon or Volcano Bay water parks.

Where to stay:
Go full immersion with Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort—both brimming with family-friendly perks and zero chance of boredom.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Lake McDonald reflections, Glacier National Park

If your family craves fewer crowds and more wow, Glacier National Park is your go-to summer escape. It’s like stepping into a screensaver—but real, and with way more huckleberry-flavored snacks.

Think towering peaks, alpine lakes so clear they look fake, and wildlife that might casually stroll past your car. It’s rugged, wild, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Bonus: there’s zero mouse-shaped merchandise in sight. This is nature’s playground, where kids (and grown-ups) swap screens for streams and say things like, “Whoa, is that a moose?”

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Drive (or take the red bus tour) along Going-to-the-Sun Road—arguably the prettiest road trip of all time.
Hike the Trail of the Cedars—short, stroller-friendly, and enchanted forest vibes galore.
Look for mountain goats and marmots at Logan Pass—binoculars recommended, squeals guaranteed.

Where to stay:
Book a room at Many Glacier Hotel for old-school mountain lodge charm, or stay just outside the park in West Glacier for cozy cabins and easier access to civilization (a.k.a. snacks).

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Ah, Myrtle Beach—where flip-flops are basically formal wear and family fun is cranked up to beachside bonanza levels.

This Atlantic coast favorite is like a summer carnival that stretched itself out along 60 miles of sandy shoreline. It’s got everything: boardwalk thrills, pancake houses on every corner (seriously), and enough mini golf to spark a full-blown family rivalry.

Whether your kids are building sandcastles or begging for one more ride on the SkyWheel, this place delivers full-throttle vacation vibes.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for sky-high ocean views and dramatic selfies.
Splash around at Broadway at the Beach—home to Ripley’s Aquarium, arcades, and every sugary treat imaginable.
Chill (or chaos, your choice) on the beach—shell collecting, boogie boarding, or just getting spectacularly sandy.

Where to stay:
Try Dunes Village Resort with its epic indoor waterpark or go all-in on ocean views with Breakers Resort, steps from the boardwalk and loaded with family perks.

Washington, D.C.

Who says learning can’t be a blast? In D.C., your kids can soak up history, science, space, and pop culture—all before lunch.

This city is like a living textbook, but way cooler and with better food trucks. Think Smithsonian museums (which are free, thank you very much), monuments that make you feel tiny in the best way, and giant pandas that steal the show.

It’s walkable, snackable, and surprisingly full of green spaces for little legs to run wild between presidential photo ops.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Gawk at rockets, moon landers, and real-life spacesuits at the National Air and Space Museum.
Explore dinosaurs, mummies, and glittering gems at the Natural History Museum.
Ride a paddle boat in the Tidal Basin or play spy games at the International Spy Museum.

Where to stay:
Stay at The Darcy for a boutique vibe close to the action or opt for the family-friendly Residence Inn Capitol—hello, kitchenettes and breakfast buffets!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Warning: The Grand Canyon may cause jaws to drop and phones to fill up with a lot of “look at this!” photos.

This mile-deep natural wonder is one of those places that actually lives up to the hype—and then some. It’s like nature decided to flex a little.

While the views are definitely the star of the show, there’s plenty for families to do beyond just staring slack-jawed over the edge (though that’s fun too). It’s the ultimate unplugged adventure—unless you count plugging in your phone to take a million sunset pics.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Walk the Rim Trail or hop on the shuttle for safe, stunning views.
Earn a Junior Ranger badge—because kids love a good badge and learning disguised as fun.
Ride a mule or take a helicopter tour (for brave families who like their views with adrenaline).

Where to stay:
Snag a room at Yavapai Lodge inside the park for easy access and rustic charm, or stay in Tusayan just outside the gates at Grand Hotel for comfy digs and pizza within reach.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Welcome to the OBX—where wild horses roam free, beach days last forever, and shoes are purely optional. The Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands that feel like a best-kept secret… except everyone who visits won’t shut up about how perfect it is (and they’re not wrong). It’s got laid-back beach towns, epic dunes, pirate lore, and just enough “I saw that on Netflix” vibes (looking at you, Outer Banks fans) to keep the teens entertained too.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse—bonus points for pretending you’re a pirate lookout.
Race down the giant sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park (sand in your shoes guaranteed).
Go wild horse spotting in Corolla—yes, actual wild horses, just casually strutting on the beach.

Where to stay:
Rent a beach house in Nags Head or Duck for ultimate family chill time, or book a room at Sanderling Resort if you want upscale vibes without sacrificing the sand between your toes.

Branson, Missouri

Branson is like that super fun relative who always has a magic trick, a corny joke, and front-row tickets to something flashy.

Tucked into the Ozark Mountains, this place is family vacation gold—part wholesome Americana, part neon-flashing entertainment mecca. You’ve got roller coasters, dinner theaters, live music galore, and lakes for days. It’s kitschy in the best way, and your kids won’t even realize they’ve gone a whole day without Wi-Fi (okay, maybe half a day).

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Scream your face off at Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed amusement park with rides, crafts, and cinnamon bread dreams are made of.
Dive into swashbuckling chaos at the Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show—horses, stunts, and finger-licking eats.
Explore caves and zip lines at Branson’s Promised Land Zoo or ride ducks (the vehicle kind) at Ride the Ducks.

Where to stay:
Try Big Cedar Lodge for rustic luxury and tons of outdoor activities, or check out Chateau on the Lake for resort vibes with lake views and easy access to the fun.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is where beachy charm, lobster rolls, and breezy bike rides collide in a glorious explosion of summer perfection. It’s the kind of place where time slows down just enough for ice cream to melt on your hand, and no one even cares.

With shingled cottages, quaint villages, and beaches that stretch for miles, this is New England summer at its finest. Families flock here for a reason—it’s relaxing without being boring, with plenty of quirky seaside charm to keep things interesting.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Go seal-spotting (and maybe shark-spotting!) on a boat tour off Chatham.
Ride bikes along the Cape Cod Rail Trail—flat, scenic, and snack-break friendly.
Build sandcastles and splash around at Mayflower Beach or Coast Guard Beach (pro tip: tides make great shallow pools).

Where to stay:
Book a cozy cottage in Wellfleet or Eastham for peace and nature, or go full Cape charm at Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster—with pools, bikes, and easy beach access for sandy adventures.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe in the summer is like nature’s version of a Swiss Army knife—mountains! beaches! forests!—all wrapped around one ridiculously blue lake that looks photoshopped. It’s where your family can paddleboard in the morning, hike a waterfall trail by noon, and roast marshmallows under a billion stars by night.

Oh, and did I mention you can be in California and Nevada at the same time? Bragging rights unlocked.

Whether you’re a beach bum, a thrill-seeker, or just in it for the s’mores, Tahoe brings the heat (and the cool, literally—it’s a mountain lake).

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Splash around at Sand Harbor—think clear water, smooth boulders, and zero boredom.
Ride the Heavenly Gondola for views that make kids go “WHOA” (and grown-ups too).
Explore hidden coves by kayak or try beginner-friendly hikes like Eagle Lake Trail.

Where to stay:
Go full lakefront with a stay at The Landing Resort & Spa in South Lake Tahoe, or opt for rustic-luxe vibes at Zephyr Cove Resort with cozy cabins steps from the beach and boat rentals.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells isn’t just the “Waterpark Capital of the World”—it’s like someone dared a town to put fun on steroids and it totally delivered. This place is a technicolor dream of waterslides, go-karts, laser tag, and cheesy (in a good way) attractions, all wrapped up in Midwestern hospitality and a healthy dose of melted cheese curds.

Whether your family loves thrill rides or just floating on a lazy river with a giant inner tube and zero responsibilities, the Dells has your summer sorted.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Conquer indoor and outdoor slides at Noah’s Ark, America’s largest waterpark.
Cruise through scenic canyons on a classic Duck Boat Tour (part road trip, part water ride, all fun).
Get delightfully weird at Wizard Quest or race down the roller coasters at Mt. Olympus.

Where to stay:
Go big with Kalahari Resort—a waterpark-hotel hybrid with all the bells and waterslides—or opt for the rustic charm of Wilderness Resort, where cabins meet chaos (in the best way).

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is where rainy-day charm meets summer sunshine and suddenly everyone’s outside pretending it’s always been this nice. It’s a city that serves up coffee, culture, and killer views—with just enough quirk to keep things interesting.

Nestled between mountains and water, Seattle gives families the best of both worlds: big-city adventure and outdoor escapades. Plus, the food scene is on point—fresh seafood, world-famous donuts, and more coffee than your parenting nerves could ever need.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Ride to the top of the Space Needle and let the kids press their faces against the glass floor (don’t worry, it’s safe).
Explore the Museum of Pop Culture—where music, movies, and sci-fi dreams collide.
Play scientist at the Pacific Science Center, then say hi to the sea otters at the nearby Seattle Aquarium.

Where to stay:
Check into The Edgewater Hotel for unbeatable waterfront views (and Beatles history!), or keep it comfy and central at Hotel Max, walking distance to just about everything worth seeing.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is where the mountains meet the weird—and families love it. Think hiking by day, street performers and drum circles by night, and plenty of farm-to-table snacks (and treats) in between.

This artsy mountain town in western North Carolina is bursting with color, creativity, and just enough hippie energy to make tie-dye cool again. Add in scenic drives, river fun, and a castle (yes, a legit castle), and you’ve got yourself one underrated summer gem that’s equal parts nature and novelty.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Explore the sprawling gardens and actual castle vibes of the Biltmore Estate—bonus: there’s a kids’ farm and ice cream.
Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway—short trails like Craggy Gardens offer big views with minimal whining.
Tube down the French Broad River or splash in waterfalls at Sliding Rock—natural water slide, anyone?

Where to stay:
Check into The Omni Grove Park Inn for epic mountain views and history, or stay downtown at Aloft Asheville—rooftop pool, walkable fun, and pet-friendly for that furry plus-one.

Destin, Florida

Henderson Beach State Park, Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL, USA

Destin is basically the overachiever of beach towns—sugar-white sand, emerald-green water, and sunsets that look filtered (but aren’t).

Tucked along Florida’s panhandle, this Gulf Coast gem serves up all the chill of a tropical island with none of the passport drama. It’s a paradise for families who want to play all day, eat fresh seafood by the pound, and collect enough seashells to open a small shop.

The vibes are laid-back, the tan lines are guaranteed, and yes, you will be tempted to buy matching family beach shirts.

Can’t-miss experiences for kids:

Splash and scream at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park—slides, waves, and lazy rivers galore.
Go dolphin spotting on a sunset boat tour—squeals of delight included.
Build sandcastles, boogie board, or just float your worries away at Henderson Beach State Park.

Where to stay:
Book a beachside condo at The Palms of Destin for poolside perks and family space, or go luxe at Henderson Beach Resort—think spa for you, splash pad for them.

Final Thoughts

No matter how your crew defines “fun”—whether it’s chasing geysers, zip-lining over treetops, or just eating ice cream in three time zones—there’s a U.S. summer vacation spot with your family’s name on it.

From coast to coast, these destinations serve up equal parts adventure and relaxation, with just enough chaos to make it memorable (and worth scrapbooking later).

So choose your spot, embrace the road trip snacks, and get ready for a summer that’s heavy on joy and light on screen time. Happy travels!

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