The Best Vacations in the U.S. for a Family

Wendy Rose Gould, Leaf Group

A family vacation is a great way to relax, enjoy the company of your family and do a little family bonding. It’s also a perfect opportunity to teach a little history, geography and/or culture to your family members and yourself. These vacation destinations are excellent choices for a family trip and provide activities for all ages and personalities.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

South Carolina experiences temperate climates throughout the year and is an ideal tourist destination. It’s actually the second most traveled to state (after Florida) with Myrtle Beach serving as the state’s No. 1 vacation spot. The beach itself stretches 60 miles across the east coast of the United States, and is family-friendly and ideal for budget travelers. There are neighboring amusement parks, a number of dining and hotel options, and activities great for kids of all ages. Those include Medieval Times restaurant (where you can watch a medieval-inspired duel while you eat), water parks and water-related activities.

San Diego, California

San Diego has a number of tourist destinations for any type of family. Whether your clan is into amusement parks, wildlife, zoos or shopping, there is a little something for everyone. Some of the more popular destinations in San Diego include the world-famous San Diego Zoo (considered the best zoo in the United States), LegoLand Amusement Park and SeaWorld (home of Shamu the whale). There are also myriad museums and shopping centers for older children and adults, and beaches that are perfect (and free) for the whole family.

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Drive

San Diego, CA 92101

619-231-1515

sandiegozoo.org

SeaWorld San Diego

500 SeaWorld Drive

San Diego, CA 92109

800-25-SHAMU

seaworld.com

LegoLand California

One LegoLand Drive

Carlsbad, CA 92008

760-918-LEGO

legoland.com

Highgate Springs, Vermont

The Tyler Place Family Resort in Highgate Springs, Vermont, is the perfect place to take your family. It opened in 1933 and, because its specialty is family vacations, you can rest assured your family will be in good hands. This particular resort provides activities and events for children of all ages, ranging from newborns to teenagers. Highlighted activities include musical games and bikes with baby seats for babies, and water sports like skiing and rafting for older children. Other activities include a petting zoo, tree forts, archery and food gathering. The Tyler Place is located on a lakefront lot of 165 acres, so the opportunities and activities are endless.

The Tyler Place Family Resort

P.O. Box 254

Highgate Springs, VT 05460

802-868-4000

tylerplace.com