22 best family vacation ideas

When you’re looking for family vacation ideas, there’s a lot to consider. Do you want adventure or laid-back fun? Will there be attractions for the kids? What about activities for parents and grandparents? And then there’s the matter of creating a memorable trip without breaking your budget.

Start planning your next trip with 22 family-friendly vacation ideas from Capital One. 

What you’ll learn:

• The U.S. has many family-friendly vacation spots, from the bright lights of New York City to the laid-back beach towns of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. 

• Capital One Venture and VentureOne cardholders can use their rewards miles to pay for flights, hotels and more on Capital One Travel.

• Capital One Travel offers free price alerts, price drop protection, flight cancellation and other cardholder benefits.

Sun, surf, sand…nothing says “summer” like a trip to the beach. So it makes sense to start the list with some of America’s best beaches. Want to avoid the crowds? Consider an oceanfront vacation during the offseason. There’s plenty to see and do at the beach in fall and spring. You might also benefit from lower prices.

It’s no wonder San Diego is one of America’s favorite family vacation spots. The weather’s nearly perfect all year round. Plus, miles and miles of spectacular coastline provide plenty of beach options. Be sure to visit the world-renowned San Diego Zoo and the performing arts centers of Balboa Park. And don’t forget the city’s coastal neighborhoods. Each has its own personality, from family-friendly Carlsbad to La Jolla (pictured below), a favorite of surfers.

The Outer Banks (also known as OBX) can be anything you want them to be. Looking for a laid-back beach getaway? The Outer Banks delivers. Looking for some adventure? The Outer Banks have plenty of that too. The family can spend the days swimming in the ocean under bright blue skies. And then enjoy evenings speeding around a go-kart track or climbing Jockey’s Ridge, the largest sand dune on the East Coast, to take in a breathtaking sunset.

Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Island can be great day trips. So can Roanoke Island and its aquarium. For history buffs, there’s the Wright Brothers National Memorial, dedicated to the groundbreaking flight of Wilbur and Orville in 1903. Looking for something more romantic? Head to historic Manteo for candlelight walking tours.

What keeps families coming back to Cape Cod year after year? It’s partly the world-famous beaches. Partly the fresh seafood, with a lobster shack seemingly on every corner. And partly the one-of-a-kind New England charm. 

Adults and kids can fill their days on Cape Cod with plenty of outdoor adventures, from whale watching to hiking, from kayaking to scenic bike tours. The islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are nearby and make ideal day trips. And museum lovers won’t want to miss the Cape Cod Children’s Museum in Mashpee, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster and the Whydah Pirate Museum in Yarmouth.

Located on the Gulf Coast in southwest Florida, Fort Myers has vacation appeal in abundance. Your family can spend long days strolling its miles of beautiful beaches, swimming in sparkling waters and exploring its many secluded nearby islands like Captiva and Sanibel. 

There’s plenty of fun waiting away from the beach, too. You can tour the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, board a chartered boat for deep-sea fishing or join a kayak excursion. And the 105-acre Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium lets you connect with nature through its hiking trails, aviary, planetarium and butterfly garden.

Ocean City is one of America’s quintessential resort towns. It’s got a world-renowned boardwalk that’s perfect for strolling or biking on warm summer nights. It’s got 10 miles of sandy beaches, free to the public for swimming, boating and jet skiing. And for the kids, it’s got an endless array of amusement parks, arcades, water parks, miniature golf courses and more.

After you’re done exploring the boardwalk, make sure to pencil in a day to visit the wild natural beauty of nearby Assateague Island National Seashore. It’s known for its secluded camping, outdoor recreational activities and world-renowned wildlife, including the famous wild ponies that wander its beaches and marshes.

The Grand Strand. It’s the iconic name for a 60-mile string of sandy beaches lining the South Carolina coast. Millions of tourists come every year to tee off at one of the 90 championship courses in what’s known as “The Golf Capital of the World.” For more family-style activities, Myrtle Beach offers a little bit of everything, and a whole lot of fun.

Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Take a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk. Go deep-sea fishing for red snapper, tuna or something bigger. You can also enjoy some friendly competition during an afternoon of miniature golf. Then watch the night come alive from the top of a Ferris wheel at one of the beach’s many amusement parks.

South Carolina’s Lowcountry is known for its stunning cultural attractions, pristine beaches and diverse wildlife. One of its true highlights is Hilton Head Island, offering a unique blend of southern hospitality and outdoor adventure. Take a leisurely ride down its 70+ miles of picturesque bike lanes. Soak up the sun on 12 miles of breathtaking white sand beaches. Or tee off on one of more than two dozen golf courses. 

There’s plenty of fun for the kids as well. The island features some of the warmest water on the Atlantic coastline, where you can spend your days surfing, sailing and waterskiing. Away from the beach, pickleball has taken Hilton Head Island by storm, with countless courts available at its many deluxe resort hotels. Hilton Head is also known for its vibrant arts, culture and live music scene, with thrilling shows, performances and entertainment happening seven nights a week.

Looking for some adrenaline on your vacation? If a beach town is too laid back for your family, get pumped for one of these adventurous options:

Situated in the center of sunny Florida, the city of Orlando offers a nearly endless array of family fun. It all begins with its legendary theme parks. They offer everything from enchanted kingdoms to aquatic wonderlands to unforgettable adventures based on the magic of movies. These parks helped put Orlando on the map and are the reason it’s one of America’s most visited cities year round. 

But there’s much more to Orlando than its famous theme parks. Try ziplining. Or learn about the animals at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

Gatlinburg claims there’s no place in the world quite like it. And your family just might agree. This quaint village nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains is surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Dining, shopping and attractions are an easy walk away. And for more intentional walking, there are miles of trails, offering everything from easy strolls to challenging backcountry hikes.

More adventure awaits at Anakeesta mountaintop theme park with its gondola rides, ziplining and Treetop Skywalk. Gatlinburg SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, offers panoramic views of the mountains. Add in the museums, arcades and vibrant nighttime music scene, and your Gatlinburg vacation has the potential to be filled with memory-making moments.

You’ll find Harrisburg on the banks of the Susquehanna River. While you’re visiting Pennsylvania’s capital city, be sure to visit the capitol building with its opulent dome, modeled after the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. You also might want to see the science exhibitions at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts or take in a show at the Planetarium at the State Museum of Pennsylvania.

Hersheypark, just east of the city, is a must-see for the kids. It’s dedicated to all things chocolate. Plus, it has thrilling rides, thunderous roller coasters and a water park. Kids will also enjoy nearby ZooAmerica, the 11-acre walk-through park spotlighting the diverse plants and animals of North America.

Branson calls itself the “live entertainment capital of the world.” But while the shows are great—with A-list entertainers performing every night of the week, not to mention everything from comedy to nationally known musicals—they’re just part of what makes Branson ideal for families.

Branson’s historic downtown area offers free trolley rides, plus museums, golf courses, go-kart tracks, amusement parks, arcades and aquariums. There’s plenty of natural beauty thanks to the surrounding Ozark Mountains. That means lots of opportunities for hiking, biking, canoeing, horseback riding, rock climbing and boating on one of Branson’s three lakes—Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake.

Wisconsin Dells in southern Wisconsin is all about family-friendly vacations. One big reason? Waterparks. The city calls itself “The Waterpark Capital of the World” and for good reason—it’s home to some of the wettest and wildest attractions anywhere, including the largest waterpark in the U.S. Beyond the slides, the Wisconsin Dells offers a thrilling array of trampoline parks, ropes courses, petting zoos and horse stables for trail rides. 

Scenic tours of all kinds are big in Wisconsin Dells—sunset boat tours, jet boat tours, lost canyon tours, fishing tours, zipline tours and after-dark ghost tours. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is a popular family destination, as is the Dells Scenic River Walk with beautiful views of the Wisconsin River and its sandstone bluffs.

Whether you want to rough it at a rustic campsite or rent a quiet cabin, these spots bring the great outdoors to life, with activities for the whole family:

You’ll find loads of New England charm in picturesque Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island. The town offers movies, miniature golf and historic walks based on ghost stories.

One of Bar Harbor’s major claims to fame: It’s the gateway to the 49,000 acres of Acadia National Park. For a scenic drive, take Park Loop Road with its ocean cliffs, mountain forests and famous attractions like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach. And if you’re visiting during the winter, you can try your hand at snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

It’s easy to see why the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, would be on your bucket list. The rugged beauty of the place is breathtaking. 

Try the South Rim of the canyon, located in Arizona, for what’s generally known as the traditional Grand Canyon experience. It has sweeping views and nearly endless choices for family activities. Want to hike the South Rim or take a mule ride into the canyon? How about experiencing its grandeur by airplane or white-water rafting down the Colorado River? There are so many once-in-a-lifetime options to choose from in the Grand Canyon. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen. That’s because there’s no place in the world like it.

Custer, the oldest town in the storied and picturesque Black Hills, has a quirky appeal that alone makes it worth the visit. But it’s also a short drive from some of South Dakota’s biggest attractions: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and Wind Cave National Park.

Additional Black Hills attractions include Wildlife Loop Road, where you’ll wind your way through 18 miles filled with bison, elk, eagles, prairie dogs, and whitetail and mule deer. Sylvan Lake offers aquatic adventures like kayaking and paddleboarding. And hot air balloon rides and safaris are a great way to experience the Black Hills’ wide-open spaces.

Ask any American to name an American park, and chances are good the first one they’ll come up with is Yellowstone National Park. At Yellowstone, the first national park, your family can enjoy spectacular hiking trails, sun-soaked prairies and abundant wildlife, including the famous prehistoric bison. 

You’ll want to see Old Faithful, of course. Yellowstone’s famous geyser has erupted more than a million times since the park was established in 1872. And while Grand Prismatic Spring (pictured below) isn’t as well known, it can be just as memorable. It’s big—the third largest spring in the world, in fact. And it’s beautiful, with bright blue water at the center rimmed by successive bands of bright green, yellow and orange water.

Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains was designated in 1890. The country’s third national park features eye-popping waterfalls, like Horsetail Fall. For two weeks in February, the water glows deep orange as the setting sun washes over it. 

Your visit to Yosemite might also include ice age glaciers, vast stretches of wilderness, deep valleys, lush meadows and the park’s world-famous giant sequoia trees. 

The sequoias live in three groves in Yosemite. Mariposa Grove is home to more than 500 of these trees and is generally considered the easiest grove to access. Other activities at Yosemite include camping, hiking, fishing, backpacking, bird watching and stargazing. It’s also home to some of the world’s most famous—and challenging—rock climbing on famous features like El Capitan and Half Dome.

Niagara Falls isn’t just one waterfall, but three: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, the largest. The falls span the border between the U.S. and Canada, with the U.S. side located in western New York.

When you visit the U.S. side, Niagara Falls State Park offers sightseeing boat tours on the iconic Maid of the Mist. Don’t miss your chance to go deep into the Niagara Gorge to see the world-famous Cave of the Winds, where you’ll experience the falls in extreme close-up from an observation platform. 

And be sure to catch the spectacular nighttime fireworks show at different times throughout the year. You can check the fireworks schedule. Make sure you stick around past sundown to see the majestic illumination of the falls, which begins at dusk every night of the year.

Experiencing history and culture is a great way to help your kids learn more about the world around them. Whether you’re looking to tour major historical sites, take in a world-renowned museum or simply immerse yourself in a dynamic setting, these locations won’t disappoint:

It’s pretty safe to say that your family will never run out of things to see, do and experience in New York. After all, it’s the city that never sleeps. New York is a melting pot of interesting people, legendary architecture, fantastic food and historic locations.

So where to start? Catch a cab to Times Square, where the city hums and the lights dazzle. Take in a show on Broadway. Take a memorable stroll down the High Line. Watch the world go by in Central Park. And take a boat ride around New York Harbor to see the Statue of Liberty. 

Live like a Southern Californian when you visit Los Angeles. Grab a green juice and go for a hike in Griffith Park to enjoy sweeping views of Hollywood. If you’re feeling sporty, try your hand at surfing and catch some waves in the Pacific Ocean. Or just take a nice leisurely stroll around the Santa Monica Pier. Once you work up an appetite, you can get a quick lunch at a neighborhood food truck or dine at world-class restaurants. Don’t forget to go people-watching (not to mention some of the nation’s most exclusive shopping) on iconic Rodeo Drive.

Music aficionado? Take in a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Art connoisseur? The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Broad and The Getty. Cinephile? The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures awaits, not to mention Hollywood itself. 

Together with Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg forms Virginia’s Historic Triangle—named for the major role the three cities played in early U.S. history. Many of Williamsburg’s attractions shine a light on that history, including museums dedicated to the country’s colonial and Revolutionary eras. 

And then there’s Colonial Williamsburg. On more than 300 acres, it’s America’s largest living-history museum, with costumed actors bringing the 18th century back to life. 

Yes, Williamsburg is a blast from the past, a history buff’s dream. But the city can also be modern and fun, with a major theme park, plenty of restaurants, antique and specialty shops, and beautiful public parks.

One thing that’s often true about family vacations in Washington: No matter how long your stay is, it won’t be long enough. That’s because D.C. is brimming with art, history, culture and adventure. So put on your walking shoes and plan to see as many of the city’s monuments, museums and neighborhoods as you can. 

Start with the Smithsonian museums like the National Gallery and the National Air and Space Museum. Explore the National Mall and visit the nearby memorials honoring Presidents Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. Take in the lively atmosphere of Georgetown, and experience the international flavor of Adams Morgan, with many of the city’s best dining spots. Head to Penn Quarter and see what events are happening at Capital One Arena. And go back in time in the Hall of Fossils at the National Museum of Natural History (pictured below)—it’s a D.C. must-see for kids who can’t get enough of dinosaurs.

When it comes to family vacation spots, there are nearly endless choices. Looking for a day at the beach? Cape Cod, San Diego and Ocean City are all fantastic oceanside destinations for families. Want some adventure in your vacation? Orlando, Harrisburg and the Wisconsin Dells all deliver thrills. Interested in exploring cultural and historical sites? New York City, Los Angeles and Williamsburg offer culture, history and fun.

No matter what your budget, Capital One has ways to help you make the most of your family getaway.

• Let everyday purchases pave the way. A travel rewards credit card allows you to earn rewards on everyday purchases—and then use those rewards to pay for airline tickets, rental cars, stays at your favorite hotels and more. 

• Find the card that works best for you. It may help to compare travel rewards cards before you apply for one. That’s because each has its own combination of rewards structure, benefits and special perks. The Venture and VentureOne cards might be options.

• Save when you book with Capital One. Capital One Travel can help save you the hassle. With free price alerts, price drop protection, flight cancellation and many more benefits, eligible cardholders can plan their vacations with ease.