The United States of America is home to wondrous diversity and an abundance of family-friendly destinations. So whether you’re a beach-bum, intense adventurer, cosmopolitan traveler, or history buff, there’s a little something for everyone.
One is always spoilt for choice while deciding one destination to choose for a family vacation. So we’ve taken it upon ourselves to make the process easier and simpler. Our round-up of worthy family-friendly places offers a well-rounded and endlessly exciting experience. These destinations will align with everyone’s interests, including children, adults, and seniors.
Here, feast your eyes:
1. The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smokies, nestled at the tip of Eastern Tennessee, are the ultimate family-friendly vacation spot for a well-rounded experience. There’s something to delight and excite every family member. Children can enjoy thrilling rides at amusement parks and learn from a riveting historical heritage.
Nature-loving adults can explore over 100 nature trails that lead to cascading waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and soaring cliffs. And seniors can bask in the glory of snow-laced mountains, admiring the view from afar. The scenic vistas brim the heart with contentment and serenity. One doesn’t even have to move an inch to rejoice in the beauty of the landscape.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a glorious treasure trove of rip-roaring adventure sports, such as ziplining, rock climbing, and more. The nearby town of Gatlinburg is the perfect, centrally-located region to look for quality accommodations. Families typically explore luxury hotels in Gatlinburg TN, to position themselves in the heart of the area.
Gatlinburg allows proximity to all leading attractions, including Pigeon Forge, Clingman’s Dome, and Cade’s Cove. As a result, the local cuisine and cultural scene are amazingly vibrant, and we urge you to explore the local marketplaces for artisanal treasures.
2. Yosemite Valley
The Yosemite National Parl beckons travelers to explore its breathtaking expanse, dominated by stunning waterfalls and rugged cliffs. Yosemite is undoubtedly the crown jewel in the North American landscape, stretching over 7 miles of mesmerizing beauty.
There’s much to see and explore here. Waterfalls are abundant in this valley, and each offers a uniquely rewarding experience—some famous attractions including Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Yosemite Falls, a 2425-foot tall natural wonder, is the most spectacular of all waterfalls found in the region.
The valley is also home to an abundance of exotic wildlife species: wildlife photographers and birdwatchers worldwide flock to Yosemite to photograph rare creatures. However, if you want to explore the valley in its entirety, we urge you to walk its expanse and connect with the wilderness.
3. Yellowstone National Park
Did you know that Yellowstone is the first official national park in the world? That’s right. It was formally established as a national park back in 1872, and since then, it has enjoyed unparalleled popularity. Nestled across the mountain ranges crossing between Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, it offers the best of all three terrains.
The Yellowstone National Park has a beautifully verdant terrain, stretching over 3483 square miles of lush vibrancy. Around 80% of the parking area is forest lands, opening many nature walks and hiking trails. The region is a geographical wonder, with over 10,000 thermal splendors and more than 300 geysers.
This park is home to the largest, most breathtaking hot springs in the US. Travelers flock to the grand spring to rejoice in the healing energy of the hot water and serene backdrops. In addition, one cannot help but marvel at the glorious colors of nature, dominated by deep notes of green, red, orange, and yellow.
Yellowstone features more than 350 stunning waterfalls, of which the Firehole Falls and Gibbon Falls are the most majestic. The park is also home to more than 15 species of fishes, over 70 mammals, and more than 300 exotic birds.
4. California
The Golden State is undoubtedly the crown jewel of America’s travel industry. California beckons travelers with everything wondrous about nature, from glorious beaches to national parks, alpine lakes, soaring cliffs, and more.
The stunning coastline, stretching over 840 miles, is by far the most breathtaking asset of the Golden State. Families enjoy rewarding road trips alongside the picturesque coast, stopping over at national parks and beaches along the route. It’s the ultimate road-trip destination, and with each turn, exalting views of the Pacific Ocean will leave you craving more adventure.
The best thing about California is indeed its pleasant and versatile tropical climate. The state is home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the US. Covering all would prove overly ambitious, but you must visit Yosemite, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. The Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Redwood national parks are equally beguiling and rewarding.
California is also home to the glitzy and glamorous Hollywood – the land of dreams and make-believe. Take your children to explore Universal Studios, and of course, everyone’s favorite dreamland, Disneyland.
5. The Wave
We’ve all seen mesmerizing pictures of travel bloggers posing in the vibrant sandstone wonders of The Wave. This splendid install-worthy destination is tucked near the border of Arizona and Utah, and it is breathtaking.
The wave-like rock formations are unbelievably stunning. Words fall short of describing the brilliant hues of nature and the exquisite shapes of the rock formations. The terrain offers an opportunity to rejoice in the healing energy and vibrance of sandstone.
Hiking and photography enthusiasts flock to the Wave to rejoice in the rock formations and impressive color spectrums. Natural catastrophes created wave-like formations and shapes over hundreds and thousands of years. Standing in the landscape, surrounded by soaring rock formations, is an intensely spiritual and exalting experience.
The intensity of the light creates a breathtaking interplay of colors and shades. Sunsets and sunrises are utterly and insanely spellbinding in The Wave.
Conclusion
Planning a trip across the United States is as challenging as it is exciting. While some states are budget-friendly, others, like Montana, are overly expensive. When one travels with family and children, expenses get out of hand very quickly. Therefore, we urge you to budget your trip as extensively and as diligently as possible.
If you’re aiming for a well-rounded and diverse experience, we advise picking a state as versatile as California. There, you can enjoy a little bit of everything. For instance, you can head out to the beaches, national parks, and dazzling waterfalls to connect with nature. And when you want to explore cosmopolitan experiences, you can head over to San Francisco or Los Angeles.
