17 Best US Family Vacation Spots to Get Everyone Off Their Phone and Spending Time Together

From Cape Cod to Charleston, these destinations promise fun for the whole family.UnsplashEvery few years, my immediate family likes to plan a multigenerational trip where we can meet up for a week and enjoy our time together. For someone like me who lives in a different city from all but one of my family members, this trip is a great chance to catch up with everyone outside of my usual holiday season visits. One of our favorite parts—though it can be challenging—is picking a destination. Finding a family vacation spot in the US that has enough to entertain our group of 11 spanning the ages of 3 to 75 is fairly difficult (so far we've enjoyed locations like Tybee Island, Georgia, and San Juan, Puerto Rico), especially when you take into account the variety of tastes, lifestyles, and age-appropriate interests. Sticking to a domestic location can mean one less travel obstacle to navigate, and luckily, there are plenty of kid-friendly (and parent-approved) spots right here in our own backyard.From wandering around Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort in Florida to splashing on the beach in San Diego, there are so many excellent kid-friendly destinations for the whole family reachable without a passport. These locations make it easy to find a spot the whole family will enjoy. While you can't avoid the inevitable back-and-forth over which restaurant or activity to pick each day, you can be sure that the locations below will impress fussy toddlers, angsty teens, and tired adults alike. Read on for 17 of the best family vacation spots in the US—nature lovers, city dwellers, history buffs, skiers, and beach bums will all find a little something to enjoy.Vacation destinations in the NortheastVacation destinations in the SouthVacation destinations in the MidwestVacation destinations in the WestFrequently asked questionsRobert KirkBethany Beach, DelawareCity-dwellers will love this beachy option, just about two-and-a-half hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. This is the spot for a quintessential East Coast beach weekend, filled with soft, powdery sand, crashing waves, and water sport rentals. A favorite activity for all ages is walking along the charming boardwalk, featuring snack options, souvenir shops, and cafés. As opposed to some other seaside summer towns, Bethany Beach is known as a quieter, more residential spot, perfect for families who want a relaxing vacation with a bit less commotion than somewhere like popular Ocean City, Maryland.Where to stay in Bethany Beach:Best for big groups: Whimsical pink beach houseBest for proximity to the beach: Three-bedroom with bunk bedsBest for tennis and pickleball: Modern condoWLDavies/GettyWashington, DCGettyFinger Lakes, New YorkCovering over 9,000 square miles and wrapping around 11 narrow blue lakes, New York’s Finger Lakes region is a natural marvel. It's the ultimate escape for families seeking a vacation filled with outdoor adventure, farm-to-table food (like the restaurant at Elderberry Pond, which sits on its own farm), and, when the season is right, ample leaf-peeping opportunities. Spend a few nights at the Lake House on Canandaigua, just a five-minute walk from Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park. Not only is the hotel easy on the eyes, with its warm, breezy design, but it also provides plenty of prime family-friendly extracurriculars, including kite flying, bike riding, and arts and crafts like printmaking and rock painting. Beyond hotel walls, the Strong National Museum of Play has plenty of interactive games for kids, like DanceLab and Imagination Destination, while the Corning Museum of Glass offers them a chance to create their very own glass-blown souvenir.Where to stay in the Finger Lakes:Best for proximity to a state park: Lake House on CanandaiguaBest for a modern boutique: Gould HotelBest for a dreamy, historic experience: Inns of Aurora Resort and SpaGettyCape Cod, MassachusettsCape Cod has remained a favorite of vacationing families for generations—and for good reason. From the moment you cross Sagamore Bridge (or Bourne Bridge—both connect the island to mainland Massachusetts), you too will be swayed by all it has to offer. The picturesque ocean views and fresh-from-the-water lobster rolls are just the beginning. For a dose of family fun, visit the historic, 48-foot-tall Nauset Lighthouse, which dates back to the 19th century and played an important role in the area’s maritime history, and spend the rest of the day communing with nature at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, where kids can learn about the area’s wildlife and habitats on a 45-minute clue-filled quest. The Villages at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, at the northern tip of the peninsula, has a massive pool, plus activities for kids of all ages, from oyster bed tours and tennis lessons to stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on its very own Blueberry Pond.Where to stay in Cape Cod:Best for a quintessential New England summer: Red Jacket Beach ResortBest for activities galore: Villages at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf ClubBest for a nearby Nantucket escape: White Elephant Hotel NantucketCarol A HudsonTybee Island, GeorgiaJust a 30-minute drive from Savannah (one of my favorite cities in the US with its historic architecture and charming Spanish moss), is the remarkable seaside haven of Tybee Island. I spent a memorable multi-generational family vacation here, with guests ranging in age from 1 to 67, and the area had no trouble providing fun for everyone. From lounging on the beach to riding bikes around the island, there was plenty to do. Sweet treats and tasty seafood were the perfect ways to end every day, and a short day trip to Savannah was an exciting weekend activity to mix up the beach days. Tybee Island was the perfect place to step out of everyday life and live in the moment with family.Where to stay in Tybee Island:Best for a private pool: Beachy bungalowBest for big groups: Colorful five-bedroom cottageBest for coastal luxury: Two-bedroom beachfront apartmentThomas FaullSan Antonio, TexasFrom theme parks, natural caverns, and a zoo, to historical sites, a picturesque waterway, and delicious food, the question isn't whether there's enough to do in San Antonio to entertain the whole family, but rather how to pick from so many great options. Whether you're looking to spend the day indulging in Tex-Mex, hopping on and off theme park rides, or taking a trip to the Alamo, kids and adults alike will be wowed by the plethora of activities in this wonderful city. Take a walk along the river and then hop into one of the incredible restaurants (or bars like Jazz, TX, an underground jazz bar, for the adults) to enjoy day and night in the Lone Star State.Where to stay in San Antonio:Best for a hip hangout: Thompson San AntonioBest for a multi-functional resort: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & SpaBest for plenty of activities: Canopy by Hilton San Antonio RiverwalkUnsplashCharleston, South CarolinaThe charming city of Charleston is a dream destination for foodies and architecture lovers alike. The brightly colored streets will pull you in, and the delicious barbecue, seafood, and Southern cuisine will keep you there. From beautiful beaches to self-guided walking tours to afternoon tea at Hotel Bennett—a luxe experience your older ones won't soon forget—there's so much to do you'll have trouble fitting it all in. The Charleston Museum and Gibbs Museum of Art are both worth a visit, while those with a little more energy to expend will enjoy a trip to one of the water parks or playgrounds in the area. Take a horse-drawn carriage or a boat ride to see the city in style. The Charleston City Market and Charleston Farmers Market are both fun daytime activities for the whole family.Where to stay in Charleston:Best for a magnificent view: The Dewberry CharlestonBest for a central location: Charleston PlaceBest for big groups: Adorable guesthouse rentalUnsplashOrlando, FloridaHome to more theme parks than you could ever hope to explore during one trip, Orlando has plenty to do for the whole family. The crown jewel of this Floridian city is, of course, Disney World, home to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, but don't overlook other nearby options, including SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Islands of Adventure. Beyond just amusement parks, there are a ton of other great activities to get up to in the area, including some beautiful golf courses, fun shops, and tasty restaurants for the whole family.Where to stay in Orlando:Best for an overwater bungalow in Disney: Disney's Polynesian Village ResortBest for an animal escape in Disney: Disney's Animal Kingdom LodgeBest for an off-Disney stay with a kids' program: Waldorf Astoria OrlandoGettyHilton Head, South CarolinaWith miles and miles of white sandy beaches, biking trails, family-friendly resorts like the Omni Hilton Head, golf courses, and delicious Lowcountry cuisine and seafood (try the stuffed shrimp or fried oysters at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks), it’s no surprise our readers have voted this southeastern getaway the number one US island for eight years in a row. But more than that, Hilton Head’s unique cultural history makes it an important educational destination. Learn about the country’s first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people at Mitchelville Freedom Park, or spend the day with local guide Sallie Ann Robinson, a sixth-generation Gullah native, on nearby Daufuskie Island, to immerse yourself in the area’s Gullah culture.Where to stay in Hilton Head:Best for resort life: Omni Hilton HeadBest for a private beach house: Two-bedroom townhouseBest for a 8x Readers' Choice Award–winning stay: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront ResortBjarte Rettedal/GettyChicago, IllinoisGettyDoor County, WisconsinKnown as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County, Wisconsin, is a great spot for families who enjoy small-town culture, lake activities, and maritime decor. With its picturesque lighthouses, scenic shoreline, and charming shops and restaurants, it's ideal for Midwesterners who don't want to stray too far from home. Spend the day by the water, walking through the Maritime Museum, or gazing at the Cana Island Lighthouse. Come late afternoon, grab a sweet treat at Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim or Door County Ice Cream Factory & Sandwich Shop in Sister Bay. Finish off the night with a performance at Northern Sky Theatre or Peninsula Players Theatre, and if the kids aren't tired out, enjoy some stargazing at Newport State Park.Where to stay in Door County:Best for beachfront access: Baileys Harbor CottageBest for big family reunions: Five-bedroom in Fish CreekBest for Lake Michigan views: Sister Bay getawayGettySt. Louis, MissouriHome to the smallest national park, a massive interactive playground, and plenty of delicious barbecue, St. Louis has much to love for visitors of all ages. Spend a day exploring the Gateway Arch National Park, learning about the start of Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea's journey, and taking in the impossible size of the monument. Kids of all ages will adore the City Museum, an artist-built playground inside an old shoe factory that offers hours of interactive fun. Then, top off a spectacular day with some delicious St. Louis–style barbecue, which is unlike anything else you'll find in the South. If you have the time, families will also enjoy the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the Saint Louis Science Center, the Citygarden Sculpture Park, or the Saint Louis Zoo.Where to stay in St. Louis:Best for Arch access: Drury Plaza St. Louis at the ArchBest for an indoor and outdoor pool: Four Seasons St. LouisBest for large groups: Six-bedroom near the Botanical GardenGettySan Diego, CaliforniaCan't decide between city activities and beach days? San Diego is where you can do both. From world-class attractions and parks like the San Diego Zoo and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps to miles of sandy beaches perfect for lazing about and enjoying the sun, there's plenty to do in this sunny Southern California spot. Spend some time admiring the architecture and enjoying the kid-approved museums at Balboa Park, or make a splash at SeaWorld San Diego. Either way, all ages are sure to have tons of fun in this city—and the year-round warm weather makes it perfect no matter the season.Where to stay in San Diego:Best for a CNT Triple Crown Award–winning property: Fairmont Grand Del MarBest for family-friendly suites: Rancho Valencia Resort & SpaBest for a private pool: Oceanfront villa near Sunset CliffsBetty Wiley/GettyJackson Hole, WyomingWhether you're checking in for a winter break trip or booking a summer getaway, Jackson Hole has a little something for everyone. Adventurous families can go in the winter for the spectacular ski scene, while summer-breakers can enjoy equally gorgeous vistas in the warm weather. The lush wilderness of the Jackson Hole Valley is home to Grand Teton National Park and is just a short trip from Yellowstone, making it the perfect base to tour all the spectacular nature in the area. This is a particularly great trip for outdoorsy families who are interested in hiking, biking, and enjoying the surrounding flora and fauna. If you've had enough of the great outdoors, head to the town of Jackson to walk through the galleries, shops, and restaurants.Where to stay in Jackson Hole:Best for a budget-friendly option: The Lodge at Jackson HoleBest for a rooftop terrace with a view: Cloudveil, Autograph CollectionBest for a stay in the heart of town: Hotel JacksonFAQ:Are there all-inclusive resorts in the US for families?Yes, there are some great family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the US for those who have enough on their plate without planning every detail of the trip. Whether you're looking for something relatively more affordable like Mohonk Mountain House, or want to splurge on a special stay for the whole family somewhere a bit more pricey, there are some great options all over the country to consider.What are the most affordable family vacation spots in the US?There are some excellent affordable vacation spots for families in the US. San Diego is a great pick for those who prefer cities and beach activities. Orlando is another relatively affordable option when it comes to flights and hotels, but keep in mind that the activities (like theme park tickets) can add up.In Albuquerque, tickets for museums and cultural centers can be quite budget-friendly, as are flights and accommodations. However, those who are headed to the New Mexico city for the hot-air balloon festival should expect steeper prices and more difficult reservations.How far in advance should you book a family vacation?Those with school-aged children will likely want to book far in advance (up to nine months ahead of a trip) to ensure that you'll be able to get hotel rooms and activities squared away for high season travel during summer, spring break, or winter break. On average, domestic trips—like the ones above—require less lead time, but since families may only be able to travel during high seasons, want to stay in specific suites or larger room configurations, or have theme park and activity tickets to score, planning ahead as far in advance as possible is wise.This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kimberly Wilson.Jamie Spain is Condé Nast Traveler's Travel Bookings Editor where she covers hotels, stays, and deals. 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