Are These Really the Best Family Vacation Spots in Every US State?

When it comes to family vacations, every state claims to have that one perfect spot—the theme park everyone raves about, the beach town that’s supposedly a best-kept secret, the national park that promises endless adventure.

But do they all really live up to the hype? After countless road trips, cross-country detours, and a few surprise detours that turned out to be way better than the actual destination, I’ve learned that some so-called “best” spots are actually just overrun and overpriced, while others are genuine gems worth the drive.

From iconic landmarks to unexpected finds, here’s a look at the top family vacation spots in every state, along with a reality check on whether they’re actually worth the trip.

1. Alabama | Gulf Shores

If a family vacation with activities on and by the beach sounds appealing, Gulf Shores is the place to be. Relax and spend time lying on the beach, get lost in excursions like dolphin watching, paddle boarding, and parasailing, or get ready to shop ’til you drop.  

2. Alaska | Denali National Park

As a US National Park, Denali in Alaska is home to more than 100 animal species, including grizzlies, wolves, and caribou. Visitors will spot all kinds of wildlife on a bus tour, and Denali also offers several trails, including kid-friendly routes, to catch a glimpse of different animals.

3. Arizona | Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is a bucket list item for visitors of all ages and is impressive to appeal to anyone who visits. The park offers several hiking trails and plenty of scenic vistas, so families can be as adventurous as they feel comfortable, all while appreciating the majesty of the Grand Canyon. 

4. Arkansas | Hot Springs National Park

This southern national park is a year-round destination but is a great family vacation spot in the summer. Visitors can tour historic bathhouses, hike scenic trails, photograph wildlife, and more. Hot Springs is also home to Arkansas’ only water and theme park and other great activities, including an interactive science museum.

5. California | Disneyland

Visitors of all ages can embrace their inner child at California’s magical wonderland bursting at the seams with fun. Visitors can explore attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, meet classic Disney characters, ride thrilling roller coasters, and so much more. The only limit to fun is the imagination!

6. Colorado | Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415 square miles of alpine lakes and snow-covered peaks, anchored by the Continental Divide. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., is one of the best road trips with views of glaciers and tundra while connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake.

7. Connecticut | Mystic Seaport

This coastal Connecticut village exudes small-town historic charm and provides an opportunity to see what a 19th-century seaport looked like. Families can marvel at hundreds of historic ships, bike or walk along the waterfront, and hear stories of the town from storytellers and talented artisans.

8. Delaware | Rehoboth Beach

Families who seek an oceanside vacation can explore this scenic Delaware city along the Atlantic Ocean. During the day, beachgoers can spend time by the water or walk the city’s famous boardwalk while enjoying their favorite vacation foods. After dark, the town comes to life with excellent dining options and nightlife.

9. Florida | Walt Disney World

The ultimate spot for a family vacation in Florida appeals to the kid in every visitor and invites them to explore four different theme parks, including Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and two water parks. The only question one might ask is what do I do first?

10. Georgia | Savannah

Savannah is consistently ranked one of the nation’s best cities (and one of the most haunted). The city greets visitors with a heaping dose of Southern hospitality. Savannah has something to offer every visitor, including museums and a historic district, scenic walking paths, arts and culture, delicious Southern food, and more.

11. Hawaii | Honolulu

Hawaii is kissed by the sun all year round, and families who want to spend vacation by the water can sunbathe, swim, play in the sand, and even surf. There are also opportunities to see wildlife, including whales, go on scenic hikes, and much more.

12. Idaho | Silverwood Theme Park

What was once a small local amusement park has grown into a sizeable regional destination in Idaho with dozens of shows, attractions, and rides. Thrill seekers can ride a thrilling array of coasters, and the park also includes a lazy river, wave pools, raft slides, and a toddler play area.

13. Illinois | Chicago

Believe it or not, the Windy City is full of kid-friendly activities. Illinois sees a menagerie of animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo, explore sandy beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan, see a baseball game at Wrigley Field, visit one of Chicago’s excellent museums, and more.

14. Indiana | Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is a hub of sports, culture, and history, known for the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The city’s Canal Walk and White River State Park has green spaces, museums, and outdoor activities, while the Mass Ave Arts District is packed with galleries, theaters, and local restaurants.

15. Iowa | Amana Colonies

This collection of seven historic villages in east-central Iowa offers family fun for all ages. Visitors can stop into quaint shops and find unique toys and gifts for kids, handmade chocolates, and even furniture. There are also hands-on activities, places to bike and hike, and even spots to paddle on the Iowa River.

16. Kansas | Wichita

Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, blends Old West roots with a thriving arts and cultural scene, anchored by the revitalized Old Town district. The city’s rich aviation history is showcased at the Kansas Aviation Museum, while the Keeper of the Plains sculpture stands as a striking tribute to Native American heritage.

17. Kentucky | Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the world’s longest known cave system, stretching over 400 miles of mapped passageways. Guided tours reveal vast chambers, underground rivers, and formations like the Frozen Niagara and Gothic Avenue. Above ground, visitors can explore forested trails, the Green River, and diverse wildlife habitats in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

18. Louisiana | New Orleans

New Orleans might be best known for its adults-only fun, but its cultural events and museums make it a lovely place to take your kids. Even a stroll in one of the city’s historic districts and tasting New Orleans cuisine will make visitors smile.

19. Maine | Acadia National Park

The Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities to hike, camp, fish, bike, drive, and much more. Choose your favorite outdoor adventure and explore the park and its quaint surrounding East Coast towns.

20. Maryland | Ocean City

Through the years, Ocean City has earned a reputation as “America’s Greatest Family Resort”. It’s brimming with dining hot spots, special events, amusement parks, beaches, a nearly 3-mile boardwalk, and plenty more to give families all the ingredients for a perfect vacation.

21. Massachusetts | Cape Cod

One of New England’s most famous and scenic places, Cape Cod lets you soak up the sun on beautiful, sandy beaches, take a scenic drive, visit historic villages, experience the taste of the freshest seafood, and much more.

22. Michigan | Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is a car-free haven. The island’s main attraction, Fort Mackinac, has panoramic views and a glimpse into 18th-century military life, while the Grand Hotel’s massive porch is a throwback to the Gilded Age. Biking, horse-drawn carriages, and fudge shops line the charming downtown.

23. Minnesota | Mall of America

Vacationing families who want to “shop til they drop” can do just that at the nation’s largest shopping mall. The four-floor mall has more than 500 stores but also has rollercoasters, mini-golf, an aquarium, a movie theater, and plenty more for families to see, do, and experience.

24. Mississippi | Gulfport

On the Gulf of Mexico, Gulfport offers visitors more than 20 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches, making it easy for vacationing families to have a beach day (or two). The city’s waterfront complex also allows access to a fish pier, a playground, a volleyball net, and more.

25. Missouri | Silver Dollar City

With dozens of unique shops, great restaurants, skilled craftsmen, and more than 40 rides and attractions, every family member can find something fun to do in Silver Dollar City. Thrill seekers can ride the Time Traveler, and visitors of all ages can enjoy the diverse selection of live shows.

26. Montana | Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is perfect for outdoor adventures and is known for its abundance of wildlife, picturesque lakes, and glaciers. Take a variety of short hikes, which offer incredible viewpoints to soak in the park’s majesty and beauty and where families can take photos, enjoy picnics, and more.

27. Nebraska | Omaha Zoo

Omaha, Nebraska, is home to one of the best zoos in the world and offers visitors a top-notch interactive experience where fun is around every corner. The zoo has more than a dozen main exhibits, including kids’ adventure trails, a gorilla valley, and a butterfly and insect pavilion.

28. Nevada | Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers plenty beyond the casinos, from the colorful Discovery Children’s Museum and shark-filled aquarium at Mandalay Bay to the towering rides atop the Stratosphere. The Springs Preserve provides interactive exhibits and desert trails, while the Bellagio Fountains captivate visitors of all ages with synchronized water shows.

For a break from the Strip, families can explore nearby Red Rock Canyon or take a day trip to Hoover Dam.

29. New Hampshire | White Mountains

The White Mountains in New Hampshire are a mix of rugged peaks, scenic drives, and historic sites like the Mount Washington Cog Railway. The Kancamagus Highway winds through fall foliage and access points to waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. In winter, the region transforms into a hub for skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy mountain inns.

30. New Jersey | Atlantic City

Atlantic City blends classic boardwalk vibes with modern entertainment, from the historic Steel Pier amusement park to the glittering casinos along the shoreline. The city’s waterfront is lined with iconic saltwater taffy shops, live music venues, and the sprawling Atlantic City Aquarium. Just beyond the boardwalk, the Absecon Lighthouse has views of the coastline.

31. New Mexico | Santa Fe

Santa Fe’s motto is “The City Different,” and families vacationing here will find an eclectic mix of cultures and plenty to do. Venture downtown for Native American art and the Santa Fe Railyard for concerts and kid-friendly fun.

32. New York | Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls straddles New York State on the U.S.-Canada border with three powerful cascades—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—thundering into the Niagara Gorge. The Maid of the Mist boat tour takes visitors up close to the roaring waters, while the Cave of the Winds boardwalk offers a soaking, up-close experience. At night, the falls light up in bright colors, visible from both sides of the border.

33. North Carolina | Outer Banks

The Outer Banks has long been a haven for North Carolinian beachgoers with its over 100 miles of windswept beaches, historic lighthouses like Cape Hatteras, and the wild horses of Corolla. The Wright Brothers National Memorial marks the site of the first powered flight, while the secluded Roanoke Island delves into the mystery of the Lost Colony.

34. North Dakota | Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is an expanse of badlands, prairies, and wind-carved canyons, where bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs roam freely. The scenic loop drives offer panoramic views of colorful rock formations and the Little Missouri River winding through the landscape.

35. Ohio | Cedar Point

With dozens of rollercoasters ranging from kid-friendly to more advanced, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, is the ultimate family vacation spot for thrill seekers. But Cedar Point is more than coasters, offering live performances, petting zoos, character interactions, and two waterparks next door.

36. Oklahoma | Tulsa

For both youngsters and youngsters at heart, Tulsa, or T-Town as some call it, gives visitors a chance to explore sights like the Tulsa Zoo, the Tulsa Botanic Garden, and the Gathering Place, an award-winning riverfront park offering must-see attractions for visitors of all ages. 

37. Oregon | Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is great for natural scenery as well as historic sites. Visitors can take the scenic Rim Drive to look out from a scenic overlook and take beautiful photographs of the lake, the surrounding landscape, wildflowers, and more.

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is centered around the nation’s deepest lake, a brilliant blue caldera formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago. The Rim Drive circles the lake, to dramatic overlooks to take beautiful lake photographs, while boat tours provide close-up views of Wizard Island and the sheer volcanic cliffs. Hiking trails lead through old-growth forests, up volcanic peaks, and down to the lake’s pristine waters.

38. Pennsylvania | Hersheypark

The chocolate dreamland of Hersheypark has been a family destination for decades. The amusement park spans more than 100 acres and is open seasonally from May through early September. The 70+ rides in the park are strategically placed so families don’t have to split up. Families can also enjoy their fair share of sweet treats.

39. Rhode Island | Newport

Newport, Rhode Island, is a coastal gem known for its Gilded Age mansions, historic harbor, and cliffside paths with sweeping ocean views. The Cliff Walk weaves past opulent estates like The Breakers, while Thames Street buzzes with waterfront dining and boutique shops.

40. South Carolina | Myrtle Beach

Spend hours swimming in warm ocean waters, building sandcastles, and frolicking in the sand in a place that’s less crowded than big beach towns like Miami. But Myrtle Beach offers plenty more in the way of attractions, including ziplining, seaside shopping, mini-golf, live entertainment, and much more.

41. South Dakota | Mount Rushmore

As one of the most popular historical sites in the nation, Mount Rushmore is a must-visit spot for those who love history. The carved faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt are a sight to behold, and there is also lots to do nearby.

42. Tennessee | Dollywood

Pigeon Forge is home to activities and sites of all kinds, but the Dolly Parton-inspired Dollywood theme park easily stands out among the rest. It welcomes almost three million guests a year and features a variety of events and activities year-round, including rides, live entertainment, crafts, and much more.

43. Texas | San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio is a town steeped in rich tradition, and families who visit the iconic River Walk are encouraged to start traditions of their own that can be passed down to future generations. The River Walk features unique restaurants, historic sites, and one-of-a-kind events that turn it into a place of celebration.

44. Utah | Zion National Park

Zion National Park in Utah is a canyon oasis of towering red cliffs, emerald pools, and winding slot canyons. The park’s signature hike, Angels Landing, challenges with steep switchbacks and dizzying drop-offs, while the Narrows offers a trek through the Virgin River’s cool waters. Scenic drives reveal dramatic vistas of rock formations like the Great White Throne and Court of the Patriarchs.

45. Vermont | Stowe

Nestled way up in New England, Vermont has many great towns to explore. But Stowe, which sits near Mount Mansfield, is a town for all seasons. It’s one of New England’s top skiing destinations in winter. In the spring, summer, and fall, Stowe has lots of space for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and scenic drives.

46. Virginia | Virginia Beach

Love Virginia Beach for its perfect backdrop for a family getaway. Spend time on sandy beaches enjoying the Atlantic surf and scenic coastlines. The city also has a water park, aquarium, and lots more to do away from the shoreline.

47. Washington | Seattle

Seattle, Washington, is a city where coffee culture meets coastal views, with the iconic Space Needle towering over waterfront neighborhoods. Pike Place Market hums with fishmongers, artisans, and the first Starbucks, while ferries glide across Puget Sound to the nearby islands.

The city has a host of museums, ranging from interactive museums to ones specializing in pop culture and airplanes. The city also has an excellent aquarium and zoo.

48. West Virginia | Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry in West Virginia is a historic town where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers converge, offering scenic hiking trails and living history exhibits. Visitors can explore Civil War sites, walk along restored 19th-century streets, and take in panoramic views from the Maryland Heights Overlook. The nearby rivers provide opportunities for kayaking, tubing, and spotting wildlife along the water’s edge.

49. Wisconsin | Wisconsin Dells

With nearly 100 attractions, four local state parks, and more than 100 restaurants, every family member can find something to do and enjoy. Kids of all ages can spend the day at an outdoor waterpark or playground, and families can see the wonders of the Dells on a double-decker boat tour of the Wisconsin River.

50. Wyoming | Yellowstone National Park

As the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone has remained a popular tourist destination for those who love the outdoors. Yellowstone spans more than 2 million acres and features geysers, including Old Faithful, mud pots, hot springs, and more. Visitors can also keep their eyes peeled for diverse wildlife, including bison, bears, and elk.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.

James Andersen

• These Are the Family-Friendly Destinations That Make Each State Worth Visiting