The Best Family Vacation Spot in Every U.S. State
(Because Family Travel Shouldn’t Feel Like a Chore
Family travel gets a bad rep-but it doesn’t have to.
If you’ve ever spent hours planning a “perfect” family vacation only to end up with overtired kids, a grumpy partner, and a suitcase full of dirty laundry and regret-you are not alone.
The truth is, traveling with your family can be magical-but only if you pick the right destination. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing the right kind of trip for your crew.
Whether you’re dreaming of a beach, craving a road trip, or looking to make the most of a long weekend, this guide has you covered with one amazing family-friendly destination in every single U.S. state.
No more guessing. Just packing.
The Best Family Destination in Every U.S. State
(Scroll to your state—or your dream one!)
Alabama: Gulf Shores – White-sand beaches, dolphin cruises, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Alaska: Anchorage – Wildlife centers, glaciers, and endless summer daylight.
Arizona: Sedona – Red rock hikes, vortex vibes, and off-road Jeep tours.
Arkansas: Hot Springs – Thermal baths, quirky downtown, and easy hiking.
California: San Diego – Beaches, LEGOLAND, and the world-famous zoo.
Colorado: Colorado Springs – Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and family museums.
Connecticut: Mystic – Aquariums, seaport charm, and maritime fun.
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach – Boardwalks, rides, and plenty of saltwater taffy.
Florida: Orlando – Disney, Universal, water parks galore (and good coffee for you).
Georgia: Savannah – Riverfront strolls, carriage rides, and ghost tours for brave kids.
Hawaii: Maui – Snorkeling, luaus, turtles, and beach bliss.
Idaho: Coeur d’Alene – Lakes, ziplining, and gorgeous mountain views.
Illinois: Chicago – Museums, Navy Pier, Cloud Gate (aka The Bean).
Indiana: Indianapolis – The world’s largest children’s museum is here.
Iowa: Des Moines – Adventureland, science centers, and open skies.
Kansas: Kansas City (KS) – Great Wolf Lodge, kids’ museums, and BBQ.
Kentucky: Louisville – Slugger Museum, waterfront fun, and horse love.
Louisiana: New Orleans – Swamp tours, street music, and a very cool zoo.
Maine: Bar Harbor – Coastal hikes and Acadia National Park.
Maryland: Ocean City – Beach fun, mini golf, and classic boardwalks.
Massachusetts: Boston – Freedom Trail, whale watching, and Fenway tours.
Michigan: Mackinac Island – No cars. Just bikes, horses, and fudge.
Minnesota: Minneapolis – Mall of America and 10,000 lakes to explore.
Mississippi: Biloxi – Gulf beaches, shrimping trips, and lighthouse views.
Missouri: Branson – Live shows, Silver Dollar City, and family fun.
Montana: Glacier National Park – Mountains, lakes, and unplugged wonder.
Nebraska: Omaha – Henry Doorly Zoo = one of the best in the country.
Nevada: Lake Tahoe – Beaches, kayaking, and family-friendly snow days.
New Hampshire: North Conway – Train rides, hikes, and Story Land.
New Jersey: Cape May – Victorian charm, dolphin cruises, and chill vibes.
New Mexico: Santa Fe – Art, food, and cultural adventures.
New York: Adirondacks – Lakes, trails, and fresh air therapy.
North Carolina: Outer Banks – Wild horses, beach days, and family fishing.
North Dakota: Fargo – Red River Zoo and quirky road trip stops.
Ohio: Sandusky – Roller coasters at Cedar Point + water parks nearby.
Oklahoma: Tulsa – Gathering Place is a world-class family playground.
Oregon: Bend – Rivers, lava caves, and high desert beauty.
Pennsylvania: Hershey – Theme park + Chocolate World = yes.
Rhode Island: Newport – Coastal beauty, Gilded Age mansions, and sailing.
South Carolina: Hilton Head – Biking, gators (from a distance), and calm.
South Dakota: Rapid City – Mount Rushmore and Badlands road trip base.
Tennessee: Gatlinburg – Gateway to Smoky Mountains and Dollywood.
Texas: San Antonio – The River Walk, SeaWorld, and historic sites.
Utah: Moab – Arches National Park and stargazing like no other.
Vermont: Stowe – Maple syrup, scenic hikes, and ski-town charm.
Virginia: Williamsburg – History comes alive with costumes and cannonballs.
Washington: Seattle – Ferries, Pike Place, and mountain-meets-city adventure.
West Virginia: Blackwater Falls – Waterfalls, easy hikes, and natural beauty.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Dells – Waterparks, indoor and out.
Wyoming: Jackson Hole – Old West town meets national park wonder.
Alaska: Anchorage – Wildlife centers, glaciers, and endless summer daylight.
Arizona: Sedona – Red rock hikes, vortex vibes, and off-road Jeep tours.
Arkansas: Hot Springs – Thermal baths, quirky downtown, and easy hiking.
California: San Diego – Beaches, LEGOLAND, and the world-famous zoo.
Colorado: Colorado Springs – Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and family museums.
Connecticut: Mystic – Aquariums, seaport charm, and maritime fun.
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach – Boardwalks, rides, and plenty of saltwater taffy.
Florida: Orlando – Disney, Universal, water parks galore (and good coffee for you).
Georgia: Savannah – Riverfront strolls, carriage rides, and ghost tours for brave kids.
Hawaii: Maui – Snorkeling, luaus, turtles, and beach bliss.
Idaho: Coeur d’Alene – Lakes, ziplining, and gorgeous mountain views.
Illinois: Chicago – Museums, Navy Pier, Cloud Gate (aka The Bean).
Indiana: Indianapolis – The world’s largest children’s museum is here.
Iowa: Des Moines – Adventureland, science centers, and open skies.
Kansas: Kansas City (KS) – Great Wolf Lodge, kids’ museums, and BBQ.
Kentucky: Louisville – Slugger Museum, waterfront fun, and horse love.
Louisiana: New Orleans – Swamp tours, street music, and a very cool zoo.
Maine: Bar Harbor – Coastal hikes and Acadia National Park.
Maryland: Ocean City – Beach fun, mini golf, and classic boardwalks.
Massachusetts: Boston – Freedom Trail, whale watching, and Fenway tours.
Michigan: Mackinac Island – No cars. Just bikes, horses, and fudge.
Minnesota: Minneapolis – Mall of America and 10,000 lakes to explore.
Mississippi: Biloxi – Gulf beaches, shrimping trips, and lighthouse views.
Missouri: Branson – Live shows, Silver Dollar City, and family fun.
Montana: Glacier National Park – Mountains, lakes, and unplugged wonder.
Nebraska: Omaha – Henry Doorly Zoo = one of the best in the country.
Nevada: Lake Tahoe – Beaches, kayaking, and family-friendly snow days.
New Hampshire: North Conway – Train rides, hikes, and Story Land.
New Jersey: Cape May – Victorian charm, dolphin cruises, and chill vibes.
New Mexico: Santa Fe – Art, food, and cultural adventures.
New York: Adirondacks – Lakes, trails, and fresh air therapy.
North Carolina: Outer Banks – Wild horses, beach days, and family fishing.
North Dakota: Fargo – Red River Zoo and quirky road trip stops.
Ohio: Sandusky – Roller coasters at Cedar Point + water parks nearby.
Oklahoma: Tulsa – Gathering Place is a world-class family playground.
Oregon: Bend – Rivers, lava caves, and high desert beauty.
Pennsylvania: Hershey – Theme park + Chocolate World = yes.
Rhode Island: Newport – Coastal beauty, Gilded Age mansions, and sailing.
South Carolina: Hilton Head – Biking, gators (from a distance), and calm.
South Dakota: Rapid City – Mount Rushmore and Badlands road trip base.
Tennessee: Gatlinburg – Gateway to Smoky Mountains and Dollywood.
Texas: San Antonio – The River Walk, SeaWorld, and historic sites.
Utah: Moab – Arches National Park and stargazing like no other.
Vermont: Stowe – Maple syrup, scenic hikes, and ski-town charm.
Virginia: Williamsburg – History comes alive with costumes and cannonballs.
Washington: Seattle – Ferries, Pike Place, and mountain-meets-city adventure.
West Virginia: Blackwater Falls – Waterfalls, easy hikes, and natural beauty.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Dells – Waterparks, indoor and out.
Wyoming: Jackson Hole – Old West town meets national park wonder.
One Last Thing: Family Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Exhausting
Here’s the secret: the best trips are the ones that match your family’s vibe.
Some families are born for hiking boots and cabins. Others want theme park thrills, beach days, or quiet time in nature. There’s no one-size-fits-all. But there is always a right fit.
Need help finding it-or figuring out how to make the most of your time off? That’s what I do.
Whether you’re planning your first big trip or just want to start exploring your own state, I’m here to help you go from “where do we even start?” to “that was the best trip ever.”
Let’s make some memories.
