The best family vacations in the U.S.

Best for: Small children 

Why we love it: With sunny beaches, fantastic theme parks, and the world’s largest comic book convention, there's no such thing as bored children in sunny San Diego. Like a good Pixar flick, the best kid-friendly activities won’t leave adults gaping at their phones. We promise parents will love mingling with exotic animals, splashing through waterfront fountains and marveling at towering Lego sculptures right alongside the kids. Avoid rowdier crowds and embrace calm waves alongside other families at Mission Beach, Coronado Beach, or La Jolla Shores.

Best time to go: March–May, September–November

Where to stay: The oceanfront Hotel del Coronado is a National Historic Landmark, which has been welcoming fun-loving families since 1888. 

Best for: Single parents

Why we love it: Given how easily navigable it is to explore, thanks to public transportation and highly walkable hotspots, Charlotte is an excellent spot for single parents with kids in tow. Family-friendly attractions include the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Discovery Place Science. This major metropolis is also warm and welcoming, affordable, and offers many flight options. (Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a.k.a. CLT, is one of the country's busiest airports, and direct flights to numerous domestic and international destinations abound.) All in all, it’s a place where you can enjoy both urban experiences and outdoor spaces like the massive Carowinds amusement park and The Whitewater Center.

Best time to go: March–May, September–November

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, which has multiple pools and kid-friendly activities and amenities through its Ritz Kids programming.

Best for: Families with neurodiversity   

Why we love it: This seaside city has been a certified autism-friendly destination through the Champion Autism Network (CAN) since 2016, meaning many of its attractions, hotels, restaurants, and more have specially trained staff, sensory-friendly experiences and autism awareness. For example, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach offers noise-canceling headphones, and at WonderWorks, a science-oriented indoor amusement park, families can attend special sensory days. Savannah’s Playground is the first in the Southeast to have all ASA-approved equipment. Finally, the beach, as is the boardwalk, is a must-visit, lined with rides, attractions, restaurants and hotels.

Best time to go: March–May, September–November

Where to stay: Ocean Creek Resort, which features a secluded locale away from the hustle and bustle of the beach and boardwalk, is the first Champion Autism Network (CAN) Certified Resort in the country. 

Best for: Adventure-loving families

Why we love it: No other place on earth is like Yellowstone National Park. The massive, natural sanctuary (3,471 square miles of green) mesmerizes all visitors with its mountains, canyons, geysers and subalpine forests (and don’t be surprised if you spot buffalo). With challenging hikes into the backcountry as well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone are for everyone. Plan a trip to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to see animals without hiking for it. Bring a tent and get here early to take advantage of the affordable campgrounds (seven are first-come, first-served and five require reservations). Pack the car with a cooler of campfire meals and snacks to get you through the weekend.

Best time to go: May (before Memorial Day) or September (after Labor Day)  

Where to stay: Old Faithful Inn, the park’s most popular lodging facility, was built with local logs and stones so that it looks like it’s been plucked straight from a storybook.

Best for: Big kids

Why we love it: One mile deep, 277 miles long and visible from space, the Grand Canyon is right up there on the cool chart for big kids. Explore it from the rim on foot (the guided hikes are perfect for children six and older) or bike, or ride a mule to the bottom. When you get out of Wi-Fi range, the kiddos might complain, but they’ll remember hiking these trails forever. Don’t miss the spectacular Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, which juts out 70ft from the canyon rim—there’s nothing but glass between you and the Colorado River 4,000ft below.

Best time to go: March–May, September–November

Where to stay: El Tovar Hotel, built from local limestone and Oregon pine, exudes elegance and has hosted many famous folks such as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Sir Paul McCartney. 

Best for: Families craving urban adventure 

Why we love it: San Francisco is a giant urban playground for adults and kids of all ages. There's plenty of room to roam and play, from stunning parks to exciting museums to picturesque beaches. Check out the city's newest playground, the Outpost at the Presidio Tunnel Tops. When it comes to indoor activities, the Children's Creativity Museum, the Aquarium by the Bay and the Exploratorium are all classic favorites. And, of course, you can't miss a ride on a cable car that will leave the kids giddy, with a stop at Ghiradelli Square for a sundae that will make them even giddier. 

Best time to go: September and October

Where to stay: The centrally located Hotel Caza is among the best family-friendly hotels in San Francisco. It offers an evening milk and cookies hour for kids and adults.

Best for: Large families

Why we love it: Resort complexes don’t come bigger than the 43-square-mile Disney World in Orlando, Florida, comprising four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, golf courses and 36 hotels; as such, large families will find lots to do here. For full theme-park immersion, add a day or two at Universal Orlando Resort, home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Allow at least two days (multi-day tickets are the way to go) and stay on-site as it gives you extended hours in the parks and early access to Fast Pass reservations, essential for skipping the lines. 

Best time to go: Early September and early March

Where to stay: The Grove Resort, which is close to Disney, offers amenities like a water park, a 6,000-plus-square-foot Family Fun Center, a kids’ activity center, several pools, and spacious accommodations, including two—and three-bedroom Family Suites.

Best for: Adolescent children 

Why we love it: There’s no better place to learn to surf than the long rolling breaks of Oahu’s Waikiki Beach, but other family-friendly activities include paddling an authentic outrigger canoe or learning the graceful movements of hula and unique crafting like lei making. Explore the island’s most scenic and historic sights on a Waikiki Trolley tour, swim with dolphins at Sea Life Park and attend an authentic luau at the Polynesian Culture Center. Also, don’t skip town without visiting Pearl Harbor, hiking Diamond Head State Monument, exploring the expansive Kualoa Ranch or venturing out to the island’s secluded North Shore for excellent surfing opps.  

Best time to go: March–May, September–November

Where to stay: The Kahala Hotel & Resort, where you can swim and play with dolphins, go snorkeling in the ocean, lounge by the pool or partake in kid-friendly cultural activities like hala weaving and lei making. 

Best for: Families with teens 

Why we love it: Chicago is fun to visit with kids year-round, but we'll be honest, it's more fun when it's not in the depths of winter—and when you’re traveling with older kids. When the weather isn't frigid, explore the many urban parks and the beach, many surrounded by awe-inspiring skyscrapers. A visit to Navy Pier, which is dotted with eats, shops, attractions and amusement rides, is a must. Still, even when it's cold, there's plenty to do, including taking in the view at the top of Willis Tower, shopping along Michigan Ave, and visiting museums like the Field Museum as well as the Shedd Aquarium. No matter the season, you can't miss indulging in a famous deep-dish pizza, which will surely be a hit even amongst the pickiest eaters. 

Best time to go: April–May, September–October

Where to stay: The Loews Hotel Chicago, which has curated programming, partnerships, special events and menus for children as part of its Loews Loves Families initiative. 

Best for: Beach bums in training  

Why we love it: Known for its fishing spots and sprawling white sand beaches, Destin is full of family fun in the sun. Kids will love the calm shorelines, especially along Henderson Beach State Park and the shores at Crystal Beach Park and the amusement parks—head to Big Kahuna's for waterslides and a lazy river and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to see dolphins and penguins. A boat tour is a must. Destin offers everything from dolphin-spotting excursions and pirate-themed cruises to glass-bottom boats and high-speed racers.

Best time to go: April–May, September–October

Where to stay: The amenity-packed Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, which offers programming for children of all ages (teens included!).  

Best for: Budget-conscious families 

Why we love it: You'll find family-friendly fun without the crowds and the soaring price tag in Branson, Missouri. Enjoy classic family fun in the great outdoors, from hiking and biking in Table Rock State Park to kayaking on Lake Taneycomo. Plan to spend some time at Silver Dollar City, too, which offers rides, attractions, shows, and food for families of all ages and interests. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake, Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve features a cave and nature trail, a golf course, a natural history museum, four restaurants, a clifftop wedding chapel, and a Civil War-era cabin. It’s considered one of the best entertainment spots in the state.

Best time to go: June–August

Where to stay: Grand Country Inn, which has its own water park plus accommodations complete with bunk beds.

Best for: Budding history buffs

Why we love it: The nation's capital is a perfect destination for a family trip, especially for history buffs of varying ages. Let stops along the way bring history lessons to life, from touring the U.S. Capitol and White House to visiting George Washington's in Mt. Vernon, Virginia. Best of all, a trip to D.C. won't break the bank: all Smithsonian museums are completely free and could fill up your itinerary alone, from the Air & Space Museum to the National Museum of Natural History. 

Best time to go: March–May, September–November

Where to stay: Lyle Washington D.C., which offers multi-bedroom suites and interconnecting rooms, children’s boos and toys and a central location near top kid-friendly attractions.

Best for: Multi-gen families

Why we love it: Asheville gets a lot of credit for being the 'gateway city' to the Great Smoky Mountains, but Gatlinburg, a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, is actually the closest city to the national park—and it was practically made for multi-gen families thanks to its abundance of attractions, from action-packed to leisurely. When you're not exploring the national park, take a ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway to reach the amusement park of the same name. Or, head to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies to view various marine animals. The area has developed a reputation for vacation kitsch, and there’s a ton of it in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg’s neighbor to the north, where you'll find no shortage of old-time photo booths and believe-it-or-not attractions. 

Best time to go: September and October

Where to stay: The expansive Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park has spacious rooms and suites, a water park, seven dining venues, and mini-golf.