The world is your oyster when it comes to vacation destination possibilities. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other, a trip with friends, or a family vacation, there is a perfect destination for you. And, with so many amazing places to see, the hardest part might be narrowing down your choices! If you are dreaming of a luxury beach vacation, there are plenty of amazing places to choose from. If you would prefer to explore an iconic city, there are many options for that as well. No matter what your vacation dreams are, there is a perfect place for you to make them come true. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s plan your dream vacation today!
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Thrills From Peak to Shore
Lake Tahoe is the kind of destination where adventure feels woven into the landscape, with postcard-worthy views to boot. As you draw near, the Sierra Nevada mountains rise around you in striking layers of pine and granite. Hiking trails wind through forests scented with sun‑warmed cedar, leading to breathtaking vistas that make you stop mid‑stride. Routes such as the Rubicon Trail or the climb up Mount Tallac deliver sweeping overlooks of the lake’s deep green and blue hues. If you’re up for some cycling, Lake Tahoe’s network of mountain‑bike trails promises exhilarating descents.
On the Water
Lake Tahoe’s water is a source of adrenaline in its own right. With visibility extending beyond 70 feet deep, you can marvel at boulders and shifting light patterns beneath your kayak as you glide across Emerald Bay. Stand‑up paddleboarding challenges your balance, and for faster thrills, wakeboarding, jet‑skiing, and parasailing provide high‑energy ways to soak up the shoreline. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour and discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations. Feeling a bit more daring? Brave the lake’s cool temperatures for a quick plunge.
Winter’s Playground
When winter arrives, Lake Tahoe transforms into a snow‑covered adventure wonderland. Ski resorts, including Northstar, Heavenly, and Palisades Tahoe, offer terrain for every skill level, from wide‑open groomers to steep bowls and tree runs. Off the slopes, snowmobiling across powder‑covered meadows or snowshoeing through quiet forests adds refreshing variety to your day. Tahoe’s famous “bluebird days”—bright skies following fresh snowfall—make every run feel cinematic, with plenty of cozy spots around the lake for you to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.
Adventure After Dark
Evenings in Lake Tahoe keep the momentum going. Lakeside restaurants glow brilliantly with fire pits, and the night sky—far removed from city lights—brings constellations into view with sharp detail. Whether you’re taking a moonlight hike along the shores of Spooner Lake or stargazing over dinner, Lake Tahoe proves that adventure and awe don’t end when the sun goes down.
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Making Big Waves
A trip to Myrtle Beach shifts into high gear pretty quickly. The boardwalk hums with activity day and night—with arcades chiming and music drifting from open‑air bars, all while ocean breezes carry the scent of salt and sunscreen. Whether you’re strolling the pier with iced coffees in hand or relishing a ride on the SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach sets a lively tone that keeps your group energized and senses engaged.
Thrills on the Water
The Atlantic Ocean is Myrtle Beach’s main stage, and it delivers nonstop excitement. Parasailing lifts you high above the shoreline, giving you sweeping views of the Grand Strand’s 60 miles of scenic beaches. Jet‑skiing quickens the pulse as you zip over waves, while banana boat rides guarantee laughter and splash‑filled moments. For a more immersive experience, kayak through expansive salt marshes, where herons glide overhead and dolphins occasionally surface unexpectedly. Whether you’re chasing speed, savoring the scenery, or a little of both, the water offers a slew of ways to play.
Adventure on Land
The fun at Myrtle Beach extends well beyond the beach. Ziplining courses send you soaring over treetops, and ATV tours kick up sand as you navigate rugged terrain. Conservation areas such as Huntington Beach State Park offer hiking trails and, when you’re ready for a little breather, ample wildlife viewing. Golfers can choose from a wide range of courses, but if mini‑golf is more your thing, you’ll find some of the most creative, over‑the‑top options the East Coast has to offer. Plus, escape rooms are sure to provide interactive, problem-solving fun for the whole crew.
Nights That Keep the Fun Going
The city doesn’t clock out at sunset. The SkyWheel lights up the boardwalk, amusement parks buzz with energy, and live entertainment spills into the streets. Ride roller coasters, join a party boat, try your hand at night fishing, or experience the popular Pirates Voyage Dinner Show. In Myrtle Beach, adventure is no doubt fueled by lights and energy around every corner.
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In Full Color
Crete is one of Greece’s hottest destinations thanks to its rich geographic diversity, an (enviable) authentic lifestyle, and its distinct Cretan culinary legacy. This sun-kissed island has so much to offer, and in particular: its beaches. From pink-sand shores to turquoise lagoon-style bays, there is a stretch of sand for every kind of beachgoer.
Pretty in Pink
Elafonisi Beach, on Crete’s remote southwestern coast, is known for its subtle pink sand, which is colored by countless crushed coral shells. The rose-tinted dunes slope gently into the clear cyan water, where kids can have fun wading and splashing. This Blue-Flag beach is also great for swimming, snorkeling, picnics, or simply soaking up the coast’s laid-back beauty. Although it takes a little longer to reach, its exotic, Caribbean-like scenery makes it well worth a day trip.
On the northwest coast, Balos Lagoon is known for its silky-soft white sand and its shallow lagoon in shimmering shades of aquamarine and turquoise. Getting there is part of the adventure: take a boat from Kissamos port or hike down from the nearby parking area and enjoy sweeping views of the rugged cliffs and inviting water along the way.
The Wilder Side
For a wild, remote beach experience, visit Seitan Limani along the eastern side of Akrotiri’s peninsula. This small, fjord-style cove is popular with swimmers, hikers, and the resident goats that can often be seen roaming freely across the rugged landscape.
In southern Crete, Matala, a former fishing village discovered by hippies in the 1960s, is best known for the caves carved into its honeycomb-colored cliffs. The scene comes alive at night, with lively nearby bars serving sunset cocktails and beachside tavernas offering authentic Greek specialties.
Palm-fringed Preveli Beach, another old hippie hideaway on Crete’s southern coast, draws visitors with its saltwater lagoon and dramatic gorge setting. At the beach’s eastern end, a heart-shaped rock rises from the sea. Nearby, Moni Preveli, a historic monastery perched on a promontory above the Libyan Sea, is also worth a visit.
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A Shore Thing
The grandest of Grand Cayman’s sandy strands, Seven Mile Beach, might not be quite seven miles long—but that’s about the only thing that won’t live up to the hype about this seemingly endless stretch that’s often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Fringed by many top resorts, Seven Mile Beach also boasts serene crystalline waters that are the stuff of legendary Instagram posts and YouTube videos.
The beach is so long, in fact, that it encompasses several other popular strands, including Cemetery Beach—known for its offshore reef alive with colorful tropical fish and corals—and the shaded Governor’s Beach, which fittingly sits in front of Grand Cayman’s governor’s mansion.
Beaches Upon Beaches
Not to be overlooked, however, are Grand Cayman’s lesser-known shores, where visitors can swap the resort vibe for solitude, laid-back beach bars, or close encounters with local aquatic life.
Calm, shallow waters make the north shore peninsula of Rum Point worth the 25-mile drive from Cayman’s capital, George Town. If you’re only going to have one drink at a beach bar (unlikely though that sounds), make it a mudslide from the Wreck Bar at Rum Point—the bar claims to have invented the frozen cocktail in the 1970s.
Sheltered Smith’s Cove (also known as Smith’s Barcadere) is where generations of Caymanian families have taken their children to learn to swim. For visitors, it has the dual benefits of being uncrowded and close to the cruise port and airport. The weekend fish fry at the Grape Tree Cafe on the beach in Bodden Town is a must for a taste of local cuisine.
Under the Sea
Underwater life abounds in most of the waters surrounding Grand Cayman, but certain spots have rockstar species worth seeking out. Stingray City, a submerged sandbar in the North Sound where waders “swim” with stingrays, is the most famous.
Another safe-touch opportunity is found at Starfish Point, where you can see abundant starfish in the shallow waters. Early European explorers dubbed Grand Cayman “Las Tortugas” (the turtles), and the best place to find green turtles paddling through the sea grass is at Spotts Beach, a popular spot for snorkelers.
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From the Mountaintop
The culture of Vail and the other nearby communities can be summed up in one word: mountains. The mountains are the reason the town exists. And no matter during which season travelers choose to visit, the mountains almost certainly dominate the itinerary. From skiing and snowboarding in the cold-weather months to hiking, mountain biking, and simple sightseeing the rest of the year. In other words, the mountains—and all they have to offer—are Vail’s raison d’être.
So, when it comes to cultural activities, it’s only fitting to start your intellectual enlightenment at the town’s Colorado Snowsports Museum, an institution that also owes its existence to the area’s surrounding summits. Admission is free (donations are appreciated) and with exhibits that range from highlighting the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, which trained at nearby Camp Hale during WWII, to a timeline of Colorado skiing that dates to the 1860s and the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame, you’ll quickly become an aficionado of high-altitude history.
For fans of live music, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater hosts an eclectic summertime lineup that includes popular touring acts, fun tribute shows, themed performances, orchestra productions, and more. The open-air venue is situated at the base of Vail Mountain, so whoever is performing, the views are always legendary. And while it’s tough to compete with those elevated views, you’ll want to keep your eyes focused on ground level whenever you’re strolling around Vail Village. The town is known for its Art in Public Places Program, with some 70 pieces—sculptures, murals, and more—erected on local sidewalks, buildings, street corners, and more. Self-guided tours are available, and sanctioned art walks take place on Wednesdays in the summer.
Mountain Style
Vail Village and adjacent Lionshead—not to mention nearby Beaver Creek—have plenty of fashion boutiques and cool shops where you can find everything you need to up your style game. The requisite take-home piece, though, is a very simple amoeba-like figure of a bear purchased at The Golden Bear jewelry shop. It’s known as The Symbol of Vail Valley and comes in all sorts of styles, including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings.
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Speed Meets Style
Daytona Beach’s legendary NASCAR race might bring you to this fun Florida location, but what will keep you coming back are its long stretch of coastline, live music, and local culture.
Built for Speed
No visit to Daytona is complete without paying respects to the motorsport legacy that made its name. The Daytona International Speedway—the “World Center of Racing”—is a pilgrimage site for fans and the curious alike. Every February, the Daytona 500 transforms the city into a roaring cathedral of horsepower, drawing nearly half a million fans for NASCAR’s most celebrated race and accompanying events. If you visit other times of the year, you can still visit the speedway during a behind-the-scenes guided tour.
Meanwhile, Biketoberfest, held in mid-October, brings a different rumble to town—a long weekend of motorcycle rallies, live music, and leather-clad camaraderie that fills every bar and boulevard.
Beach and Beyond
A sun-kissed stretch along the Atlantic Ocean, Daytona Beach envelops 23 miles of coastline and even allows you to drive right on the sand in certain parts. Daytona’s Main Street Pier juts out over the water like a punctuation mark in the heart of the action and is flanked by shops, seafood shacks, and the Ocean Center convention and entertainment venue.
Along Main Street, iconic spots, such as the Boot Hill Saloon, Main Street Station, and Caribbean Jack’s, keep the party going with live rock, country, and blues almost every night.
The cultural side of Daytona Beach rewards those looking to go beyond speed and surf, too. At Halifax Historical Museum, rare photographs, postcards, and enduring artifacts help to tell the story of the people, places, and unique events that shaped this distinctive coastal community.
When it’s time for visitors to fill up, Daytona’s casual catch-of-the-day enjoyed dockside at any number of restaurants will hit the spot: Sample fresh grouper sandwiches and nibble on steamed shrimp paired with tropical cocktails. Then finish up with Cuban coffee strong enough to fuel all of your vacation activities.
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Family “Sol” on the Costa
Spain’s popular “sun coast” serves up a fine array of traditional tapas bars, chiringuitos (open-air beach bars), authentic whitewashed villages, Andalusian landscapes, and plenty of beaches tracing the Mediterranean coastline. Every year families are enticed by the near promise of year-round sun and its diverse mix of kid-friendly attractions, too. From fun-filled days along the shore to nature-rich experiences, the whole family will fall for a Costa del Sol escape.
Sandcastles and Sangria
One of the greatest joys of a family vacation is a day at the beach. Little ones can dig their toes in the sand and build mighty sandcastles at Playa del Cristo, a Blue Flag beach in Estepona. Meanwhile, Playa de La Rada, another Blue Flag family-favorite, is popular for its golden sands, a floating water park (during the summer months), myriad maritime activities, and children’s playgrounds. There’s a bustling promenade nearby with plenty of beach bars and tapas restaurants, too, perfect for a post-beach Spanish feast—expect Málagan favorites, such as pescaíto (fried fish) or sardine skewers, washed down with a refreshingly fruity glass of Sangria for the adults in the family.
Adventure, Amplified
Beyond the beaches, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained from morning time to dusk. Start the day at Andalucia’s largest adventure park, Aventura Amazonia Marbella, where kids can zip through the jungle treetops and tackle other aerial challenges along the way. When the temperature starts to heat up in the afternoon, cool off with Aqualand Torremolinos’ water slides and other splash-tastic attractions.
For your family’s nature lovers, visit Monowa Butterfly Park in Málaga. Set inside a Thai-style temple, the tropical greenhouse is home to more than 1,500 butterflies fluttering about in vibrant colors. Further inland, at the heart of Andalucia, Lobo Park offers a fascinating insight into the world of wolves. Its “Wolf Route” is designed for children ages five to 12, with safe, up-close encounters, while the monthly “Howl Nights” reveal the pack at dusk, when howls can sometimes be heard across the El Torcal mountain range.
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Playtime Amid the Palms
The Coachella Valley has long been synonymous with sun-drenched vacations, but this stretch of Southern California holds a surprise. It’s also one of the Southwest’s most engaging destinations for families.
With easy airport access, warm weather nearly every day of the year, and an impressive lineup of kid-friendly attractions, Palm Springs and Palm Desert deliver the kind of trip that keeps the whole family entertained.
Elevated Adventures
Start your activities aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, one of the world’s most dramatic cable car journeys. The rotating tramcars climb more than 8,500 feet in just 10 minutes, whisking visitors from the desert floor into the pine forests of Mount San Jacinto State Park. Once at the top, kids of all ages can tackle the trails that run past granite outcroppings and to panoramic overlooks with views that stretch for miles.
Once you’ve returned to the valley, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert offers far more than a traditional zoo. Families can spot desert bighorn sheep, watch cheetahs sprint at full speed, and meet wallabies up close, all surrounded by native desert landscapes. The facility recently expanded to include a splash pad perfectly sized for little ones, too.
Aviation lovers should also make time for the Palm Springs Air Museum, where massive World War II aircraft and vintage warbirds fill the hangars. Many are still airworthy and occasionally roar to life on the runway.
Sun, Surf, and Sweet Treats
When temperatures climb, the Palm Springs Surf Club is the place to cool off. Families can test their balance on the FlowRider surf simulator, drift along the lazy river, or turn younger kids loose in splash zones built just for them.
Afterward, you can wander downtown Palm Springs for an ice cream cone and a stroll along Palm Canyon Drive, where restaurant patios buzz late into the evening beneath desert sunsets and glowing palms. If you’re visiting on a Thursday night, the weekly VillageFest brings downtown to life with street performers, local artists, music, and plenty of sweet snacks to keep kids happily occupied.
In Palm Desert, The Street Fair, at College of the Desert, typically held on Saturdays and Sundays from October through May, makes for another lively stop to browse local crafts, vintage finds, and souvenirs.
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Fun, Sun, and Mayan Wonders
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world, with millions of visitors heading south from Cancún to enjoy the myriad coastal charms that can be found between Puerto Morelos and Tulum. Thanks to the wide range of vacation activities, it’s also a wonderful family destination.
Discovering the Mayan World
While most vacationers still come for the warm Caribbean waters and sunshine—and all the requisite wet-and-wild activities that go along with a beautiful seashore—large patches of jungle are still wild, some with stone pyramids poking out above the treetops.
Several sets of Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula are accessible from the Riviera Maya. The easiest to visit are in Tulum, where you can explore what’s left of a former port city dating to the 13th century. Inland from there is the Coba site complex, a larger ancient city in the jungle that peaked between 201 and 601 AD.
The most popular set of ruins is at Chichen Itza, named one of the seven wonders of the world and an all-day excursion. Or you might opt to visit the less crowded ruins of Ek Balam, which was the seat of Mayan kingdom from 770 to 840.
The Pyramid of Kukulkan, within the Chichén Itzá archaeological site, served as a gathering place where Mayans worshipped and sought divine guidance. Endless Entertainment
For families seeking outdoor thrills or top-notch entertainment, the Riviera Maya is ready to deliver.
Fishing, whale shark visits, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all easy excursions from the marinas along the coast. Inland activities include underground caverns and pools. The Xcaret company supplies ready-made fun via its various themed adventure parks, from the original multi-activity location to others focused on ziplines (Xplor) or family water park activities (Xel-Ha).
The famed Cirque de Soleil presents one of its signature acrobatic performances — Joya — in a dedicated theater located midway between Cancún and Playa del Carmen. And both of those cities are packed with entertainment, too — from nightclubs with DJs or live bands to folkloric dance performances.
Enjoy a serene swim in one of Riviera Maya’s cenotes—a blissful experience for body, mind, and soul. -
Small Town, Big Fun in British Columbia
Historic Kimberley, British Columbia, combines the rugged majesty of the Canadian Rockies with the charms of a quaint frontier settlement. Voted Best Small Town in B.C. during a competition organized by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 2022, Kimberley is known for its winter activities, but still offers families plenty to do year-round.
Outdoor Activities for All Ages
The largest municipal park in British Columbia, Kimberley Nature Park and the neighboring Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest have more than 31 miles of hiking trails, with opportunities to explore old-growth cedar and spot native wildlife. For a stroller-friendly trek, Marysville Falls offers impressive views of a cascading waterfall from an accessible wooden boardwalk.
In colder months, Kimberley transforms into a winter wonderland, with nearby slopes receiving an average of more than 10 feet of snowfall annually. The Kimberley Alpine Resort boasts 80 downhill runs for all skill levels and boasts the longest night-skiing run in North America. For cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Kimberley Nordic Club offers about 21 miles of groomed trails, including accessible tracks designed for Paralympic skiing.
Local History Lessons
Kimberley’s colorful history comes to life at several family friendly attractions. Hop aboard the Underground Mining Railway, a train tour that takes visitors through the scenic Mark Creek Valley and into the Sullivan Mine tunnel. A walking tour of the mine’s interpretive center provides a close-up look at equipment and tools, while a former miner shares stories of the men who worked in this once active lead and zinc mine.
Located about 25 miles east of Kimberley, the Fort Steele Heritage Town recreates life in 1898 with costumed interpreters, live demonstrations of blacksmithing and other trades, and a working general store stocked with old-fashioned candies and handcrafted goods. Kids will enjoy the Clydesdale wagon tours, while a daily schoolhouse “orientation” gives them a taste of what it was like to be in the classroom during the Gold Rush.
While both Fort Steele and the Underground Mining Railway tour close for winter, the Kimberley Heritage Museum is open year-round. Packed with historical artifacts, photographs, maps, and other documents from the town’s past, the museum features seasonally rotating exhibits, sharing Kimberley’s mining history, stories of notable residents, and a taste of daily life in days gone by.
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Outdoor Adventures in the Austrian Alps
In St. Johann im Pongau, a small town about one hour south of Salzburg, the soaring beauty of the Austrian Alps offers a panoramic backdrop for a range of all-season activities. Winter highlights are obvious and snow-centric (think skiing and snowboarding, sledding, and so on). Many ski and snowboard schools offer lessons for kids, helping your little ones to feel confident on the snow from an early age while their older brothers and sisters can refine their snow-gliding skills.
And in the warmer months, events such as St. Johann Kids’ Week can provide family fun that includes fairy tales in the city park, activities at Geisterberg Ghost Mountain, and even a children’s concert by the Salzburg Philharmonic orchestra. For a memorable family adventure, check out Liechtensteinklamm, an awe-inspiring gorge several kilometers south of St. Johann im Pongau. To reach the waterfall, follow the family-friendly trail that weaves through tunnels and over bridges while listening to the thundering sound of water as it plunges from the ravine in the distance. It’s a wonderful way for the kids to witness the dramatic beauty and magnificence of Mother Nature.
Less than an hour’s drive east, the medieval village of Schladming has four interlinked mountains to explore and plenty of family-friendly ways to stay active together. For the smallest children, there’s the stroller-friendly Fairytale Trail, while bigger kids will love the Rittisberg Coaster summer toboggan run. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, be sure to visit Hopsiland Planai, a mountain playground for kids. Open through summer — and transforming into the Hopsi Children’s Winter Wonderland during the winter months — there is something to keep all kids endlessly entertained. Fun-filled adventure stations include the Dachstein gondola, gold panning, a Hopsi forest trail, and the North Pole play area. During winter, there are fun ski zones, such as the Funslope snow park and a slalom racetrack.
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Family Fun in Williamsburg
The past is all around you in Williamsburg, site of one of the country’s largest living history museums, but you can also make plenty of new memories with your family in and around this popular region.
There really is nothing quite like immersing yourself in American history at Colonial Williamsburg, where costumed interpreters serve as your liaison to the 18th century. While you stroll among various historic government, family, and community sites, the interpreters share stories about life in the 1700s. Perhaps the most fascinating stops are at the Historic Trades and Skills establishments, where modern folks use traditional techniques and tools to demonstrate more than 20 crafts. You can watch all sorts of trades happening in real time, from cabinetmakers to wheelwrights, wigmakers to blacksmiths, and apothecaries to bookbinders.
Complete your exploration of America’s Historic Triangle with visits to nearby Historic Jamestowne, site of a 17th-century fort along with a settlement and ongoing archeological dig, and the Yorktown Battlefield. End your day back in Williamsburg proper for a memorable period-style dinner at the King’s Arms Tavern. Menu highlights include soupe of squash, stewed black eye peas, Cornish hens, onion pye, and bread pudding for dessert.
When you’re ready to rejoin the 21st century, you’ll find plenty of modern-day family fun throughout the region, too. Busch Gardens Williamsburg, with its European motif, has been a favorite among theme park aficionados for decades. It’s spread across some 100 acres (40 hectares) and is home to more than 50 rides and attractions. The signature Loch Ness Monster interlocking loop coaster was recently refurbished and now features immersive storytelling elements and some new thrilling effects to further enhance the overall thrill-ride experience. Other cool rides — albeit a bit more low-key — include the Der Autobahn bumper cars, Escape From Pompeii water flume, and the Rhine River Cruise through the heart of the park. There’s also a range of live entertainment, such as the OktoberZest music show, Celtic Fyre dance performance, and American Jukebox: Summer Remix extravaganza.
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Family Time on Kaua‘i
The oldest and considered the quietest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kaua’i offers an appealing mix of history, accessible beaches, and family-friendly outdoor activities. Here are some fun day-trips and excursions in this picturesque slice of paradise.
Hanalei Bay
Head to the North Shore for a day of family fun. The peach-sandy beach and blue-green waters of Hanalei Bay are a perfect place to take a picnic, splash around in protected shallow waters, or just lounge in the sun. When it’s time for a break, head to local chain JoJo’s Shave Ice in the center of town; all profits from these traditional treats fund summer camp spots for Native Hawaiian children.
If you have time, drive about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east to Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, and climb to the top of the old lighthouse for sweeping views and the chance to sight spouts of migrating humpback whales (from October through April). Then, wander the refuge’s grassy trails in search of rare sea and wetland birds — you might glimpse Laysan albatross, tropicbirds, red-footed boobies, and one of the largest populations of the world’s rarest goose, the endemic Hawaiian nēnē.
Līhu‘e and Waimea Canyon
In Līhu‘e, you can take a deep dive into the island’s recent sugar plantation history while floating in an inner tube down a maze of irrigation channels. During a typical three-hour tour of the former Līhu’e Plantation, your tube will follow flumes of gently flowing water corridors past jungle scenery in remote farmlands with ocean and mountain views, and through 19th-century hand-dug tunnels (headlamps provided). There are a few mini drops and quick turns to keep you on your toes — and a refreshing post-float swim in a spring-fed pool.
Winding west in your rental car, there’s much to explore. A self-drive audio tour from Shaka Guide can provide helpful background and historical commentary, as well as recommendations for the best lookouts, hikes, and stops. High-elevation forests home to native honeycreeper birds are interspersed with red rock landscapes, which open up into a mini version of the Grand Canyon. The Waimea Canyon spans 14 miles (23 kilometers) by 1 mile (2 kilometers) and drops some 3,000 feet (914 meters) down from the rim. Other highlights on this drive include a waterfall amid bright red dirt, a natural history museum with a great gift shop at Kōke’e State Park, and the misty clifftops of the lush Nāpali coastline.
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Sea Life Encounters in South Carolina
Whether you’re traveling with an aspiring zoologist or you all just love chance encounters with local wildlife, Hilton Head Island is a haven for nature-loving families. Treat the whole crew to a kayaking and dolphin nature tour with Kayak Hilton Head and look out for bottlenose dolphins as they surface the waters. There’s nothing quite like seeing these intelligent and super curious creatures in their natural environment. It truly makes for a magical moment that’ll be remembered long after the vacation itself. Time your trip with the summer season when baby sea turtles hatch on Hilton Head Island and you may be lucky enough to witness the resilient hatchlings as they make their epic journey toward the ocean. It’s another unforgettable experience that’ll be forever etched in your family travel memories.
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Lakeland Adventures in England
Affectionately known as the Lakes, this mountainous British wilderness is wonderful for exploring — and it’s a perfect place for memorable family adventures. Jump right in with exciting water sports at Lake Windermere. Rent stand-up paddleboards or a rowboat for the whole family from Stoked Watersports and glide along tranquil waters while taking in the stunning surrounding mountain views. On land, little ones can discover the garden of Peter Rabbit™, and learn about the inspiration behind Beatrix Potter’s much-loved children’s books at The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction. Save a day to meet real-life animals on a trip to the Lake District Wildlife Park, where the kids can get up close to red pandas, alpacas, and inquisitive meerkats.
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Britain’s Great Outdoors
The Broads National Park, Britain’s largest protected wetland, in Norfolk and Suffolk, is an idyllic family-friendly attraction. Rent a boat and explore some of the sanctuary’s vast waterways, visit The Museum of the Broads, and see a Sumatran tiger, snow leopard, and mangrove snake at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens in Great Yarmouth. Then take the family to BeWILDerwood, an adventure park with treehouses, super slides, swings, zip lines, and more.
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Family Fun in Branson
Want to win MVP of your family? Take the clan to this city in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. It’s chock-full of attractions and activities so everyone will get to pick their own personal favorite. Start your fun at 19th-century-themed amusement park Silver Dollar City®, famed in part for its enclosed steel Fire-In-The-Hole roller coaster.
Hike and bike at Table Rock State Park. Soak up history at the Titanic Museum™, where you’ll find more than 400 artifacts from the sunken luxury ocean liner. Hop aboard the Branson Scenic Railway® (The Polar Express™ Train Ride begins Nov. 3). And don’t forget that Branson is known as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, so for a mix of food and fun, see Dolly Parton’s Stampede® dinner show.
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Canals, Coastline, and Culture
Fort Lauderdale, the sun-soaked playground once synonymous with raucous spring break crowds, is all grown up. Known as the “Venice of Florida” for its more than 300 miles of inland waterways, this South Florida city has become a more refined destination, popular for its luxe architecture, dining scene, arts and culture, and, of course, those glorious white-sand beaches.
Sand and Surf
Begin your visit offshore. You can board a water taxi along the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway and glide past mega-yachts, lush mangrove corridors, and sprawling waterfront mansions. For a more active journey, rent a paddleboard or kayak in Las Olas Isles—the picturesque canal neighborhood where streets end at private docks—and explore a side of the city only visible from the water.
The beach is never far away. Iconic Fort Lauderdale Beach, where lively parties once played out, is now lined with upscale properties, beach clubs, and shaded boardwalks bordering a pristine stretch of sand. The spirit on the beach is still festive, but more chill, and the fashion has only gotten better.
Every April, Fort Lauderdale Beach hosts the Tortuga Music Festival, a three-day concert featuring a range of genres from country to hip hop to rock, with the proceeds benefiting ocean conservation. In December, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade ushers in the holiday season and lights up the Intracoastal Waterway with decorated boats of every size.
Where the Arts Are
Las Olas Boulevard serves as the city’s elegant spine. By day, it features galleries, boutiques, and open-air cafes. At night, the boulevard transforms into a spirited dining scene serving everything from fresh Florida seafood to Latin and Caribbean specialties.
Fort Lauderdale’s cultural ambitions match its coastal beauty. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts stages world-class productions year-round, while the NSU Art Museum boasts an extensive collection of contemporary, Latin American, and European pieces from the avant-garde CoBrA movement. The museum is also home to works by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, known for wrapping landmarks including Berlin’s Reichstag and New York’s Central Park.
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Vegas, In a New (Non-Neon) Light
The allure of Las Vegas was built on the thrill of cashing in, beginning with the mining boom of the 1800s and continuing with a wave of casinos that shaped the local gambling industry. While some of the neon marquees were replaced by giant LED video screens and others are preserved at the Neon Museum, Vegas remains a place where anything can happen. Go home up a jackpot—or have fun trying.
Yet Sin City isn’t quite as naughty as it used to be. It’s grown at a rapid pace and evolved into a place families live as well as visit. The NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights opened the door to the community becoming a major-league sports town (once believed to be incompatible with betting) and the NFL’s Raiders followed suit with Allegiant Stadium, which has already hosted one Super Bowl and has another on the way (in 2029).
World-Class Dining
You don’t see buffets and shrimp cocktail as often these days, but Vegas restaurants compete with the very best in the world, prompting the Michelin guide to make a long-awaited return in 2026. The Strip’s indulgent dining lineup (featuring the likes of boldface names such as Gordon Ramsay, José Andrés, and Lisa Vanderpump) is equal parts sizzle and spectacle, but Las Vegas also has one of the most underrated Chinatowns in the country, while the up-and-coming Downtown Arts District is full of independent bars and restaurants with cool cred.
If you can’t decide, book a night with Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, a walking restaurant crawl that serves up signature dishes with a little history mixed in.
Rooms with a View
The views are incredible, especially from elevated vantage points, including the Legacy Club cocktail lounge on the 60th floor of the Circa hotel tower and The LINQ High Roller observation wheel on the Strip. But the city’s inescapable glow might be best enjoyed with a stroll down the Fremont Street Experience, which includes the energy and lights of historic casinos, such as the Four Queens and Golden Gate. Balance out that urban exploring with an outdoor adventure to the Valley of Fire’s colorful sandstone peaks or the waters of Lake Mead, created by the Hoover Dam. Or visit ghost towns in Rhyolite and Nelson for a full-circle moment to relive where that 1800s mining boom began.
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Island Romance
With myriad opportunities to maximize the romance quotient—from night after night of gourmet dining to simply strolling a beach hand in hand or discovering some other island-inspired amorous activity—you’ll have no trouble celebrating true love on St. Maarten/St. Martin.
For the Love of Food
This little landmass is regarded as the culinary hotspot of the Caribbean and while it’s easy to find a good meal anywhere on the island, the town of Grand Case is the unquestioned centerpiece of St. Martin’s foodie reputation.
In a stretch of less than a block along the town’s main street, you’ll find three incredible French dining experiences: L’Auberge Gourmande, La Villa, and Le Cottage. The vibe is a bit different at each—traditional formal white linen at L’Auberge Gourmande, tropical-fancy at La Villa, and Le Cottage feels like a neighborhood wine conclave—but the food is delectable across the board. Think duck foie gras, frog legs, escargot, French onion soup, mushroom ravioli, lamb, triggerfish, and much more.
And keep in mind that casual can be just as delicious—especially in Grand Case. The ceviche and lobster salad (and frozen la pina colada) at the beachfront Rainbow Café are tough to beat and Cynthia’s Talk of the Town is one of the island’s most popular lolos (a small local eatery, usually with an open-air barbecue grill and picnic-table seating).
A Soft Spot for Sandy Strands
Orient Beach isn’t the most secluded strand on St. Maarten/St. Martin (consider Happy Bay Beach or Pinel Island Beach for that), but it is referred to as the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean” and that alone should entice unabashed couples to plan at least one day here to dig their toes in the sand.
This stretch is about 1.2 miles long and is known for its array of available water activities, including windsurfing and parasailing, and the numerous beachfront bars and restaurants. And if you and your loved one have ever wanted to sport matching swimsuits and strut along the water’s edge, this is definitely the place to do it.
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A Couples Guide to the Arizona Desert
With more than 300 days of sun each year, a couples’ escape to the Phoenix area is sure to light up your romance. The Valley of the Sun offers a unique combination of big-city culture and resort-style amenities, framed by the stunning desert landscape.
Treat the Body and Soul
When the mercury soars, couples can beat the heat by starting early with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert, an easy hike on the Bajada Nature Trail in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, or a round of golf at one of nearly 200 courses.
Scottsdale is a spa mecca, too, and a day spent reconnecting with a couples massage at an upscale retreat such as Joya Spa, CIVANA, or The Phoenician Spa—or the facilities at your resort accommodations—easily sets the scene for romance. Culture lovers shouldn’t miss touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, Taliesin West, while history buffs will delight in strolling hand-in-hand through the Native American-focused Heard Museum. Couples can make their own beautiful music together at MIM, the world’s largest musical instrument museum.
Toasting to Love
Surprise and unexpected discoveries fuel romance, and couples will find just that exploring Arizona wine. Even locals are surprised to learn that Arizona has more than 120 wineries—nine of them, including award-winning Los Milics Vineyards and Carlson Creek Vineyard have tasting rooms in downtown Scottsdale.
If your beverage of choice leans more toward a Manhattan than a Merlot, you’ll want to raise a glass at Bitter & Twisted, rated one of the nation’s best cocktail bars. For a more immersive experience, book a boarding pass to Phoenix’s Carry On, which recreates the experience of flying in first class on a jumbo jet, or ride the rails at Platform 18 at Century Grand, which similarly replicates riding on a 1920s-era Pullman car.
In recent years, Phoenix has morphed into a foodie destination. Regularly ranked as one of the top romantic restaurants in the U.S., Café Monarch offers a four- or eight-course menu in a fine-dining setting, while Bacanora and Espíritu serve traditional Mexican cuisine. Some of the area’s hottest restaurants include Din Tai Fung for Taiwanese-style dumplings, Telefèric Barcelona for Spanish tapas and paella, and Starfish Scottsdale for coastal Asian flavors.
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Pure Fun Paired With the Past
In Williamsburg, which served as the capital of the Colony and Commonwealth of Virginia from 1699 until 1780, exploring with friends makes every moment richer. The charm of Colonial Williamsburg turns a simple stroll into a shared adventure, with horse‑drawn carriages, cobblestone streets, and costumed interpreters creating an atmosphere that’s immersive and surprisingly lively. Instead of merely reading about history here, you’re stepping directly into it—peeking inside centuries‑old workshops, chatting with wigmakers and blacksmiths, and wandering through verdant gardens that have been tended for generations. Experiencing it all with friends adds a layer of connection, sparking conversations that last long after the trip ends.
Delightful Discoveries at Every Turn
Beyond Williamsburg’s historic district, the area offers group‑friendly experiences that meld learning with exploration. Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at nearby Yorktown bring the region’s past to life through interactive galleries, hands‑on exhibits, and recreated ships that everyone is sure to enjoy. Climb aboard a 17th‑century vessel or put yourself in the shoes of Revolutionary War generals during a musket demonstration. Art fiends should not miss the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum or Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, boasting more than 70,000 pieces spanning antiques, furniture, and decorative objects.
Fresh Adventures Between Centuries-Old Stories
Williamsburg balances its deep historical roots with plenty of modern energy, too. Busch Gardens adds heart-pounding excitement to the itinerary, offering roller coasters, themed villages, and live shows. For a slower pace, cafes, local breweries, and farm‑to‑table restaurants give your group a chance to refuel, unwind, and unpack the day’s events.
Enchanting Evenings with Friends
Williamsburg takes on a different kind of magic as the day winds down. Ghost tours weave through lantern‑lit streets, blending storytelling with suspense. Prefer something lighter? Catch a performance at the Kimball Theatre in Merchants Square, then dine at the AAA Four-Diamond Fat Canary, open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. Without a doubt, this historic city stands apart in its ability to bring people together through discovery, delectable food, and discourse.
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Antigua’s Sun, Sea, and Smiles
Antigua makes a trip with friends feel effortless from the moment you arrive. With 365 beaches between Antigua and sister island Barbuda, the island invites your group to let the turquoise sea and warm breezes put you at ease. Whether you choose a lively stretch of sand with music drifting from nearby beach bars or a serene cove where the lone sound is the surf, Antigua gives you space to reconnect with each other and yourself. Indeed, the island’s famously relaxing waters make swimming with friends feel like second nature.
Shared Adventures on the Water
Sailing is a signature part of island life here, thanks largely to steady winds and a coastline dotted with hidden bays. Chartering a boat for the day turns the ocean into your playground, with stops for snorkeling over coral reefs popping with color. Paddleboarding and kayaking offer quieter ways to explore, while jet‑skiing is a must for groups yearning for fast-paced action.
Easygoing Fun and Island Culture
Beyond the beaches, Antigua’s culture adds immense depth to your trip. St. John’s markets, music, and local cuisine all combine seamlessly to ensure a vibrant experience best enjoyed with friends. Sample fresh seafood, share plates of pepperpot stew, or sip the island’s signature rum punch. Be sure to explore historic attractions, including Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only continuously working Georgian dockyard in the world; Fort James, built in the early 18th century to defend St. John’s Harbour from French invasion; and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, which covers 10,000 years of the island’s rich history.
Pleasant Nights in Paradise
Evenings in Antigua are infused with warmth and possibility. Beach bars glow with soft lights, live bands play soca and reggae, and the ocean becomes a backdrop for conversations that stretch late into the night. At sunset, head over to Shirley Heights, a hilltop lookout almost 500 feet above sea level, for steel drums, dancing, and dazzling views. While there, toast to an unforgettable experience with the people who matter most.