Where are you planning to head this summer? (Photo Credit: penjelly)
Planning family vacations can be stressful. Will everyone enjoy the chosen location? Does it have enough for all ages? If you’re currently in the process of looking for that ideal family vacation spot, and with cheap flights springing up everywhere, check out our great summertime suggestions for the US.
Charleston (Photo Credit – Spencer Means)
#1: Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, is the perfect place to visit if you enjoy travelling back in time to the site where the Civil War began. From plantations to beautifully tended gardens to a whole host of history museums, this is an ideal vacation spot for those who have an inquisitive mind. In addition, USA Today has recognised Boone Hall Plantation as the top plantation to visit in the Charleston area.
Boone Hall Plantation (Photo Credit: pspechtenhauser)
Looking for a place to stay? Check out our recommended selection of hotels in Charleston.
Charlotte, North Carolina at Night (Photo Credit: James Willamor)
#2: Charlotte
If you have a family full of adrenalin junkies, then this is the place for you. Home to Carowinds amusement park and Ray’s Splash Planet, an indoor water park, Charlotte is bound to impress your energetic little brood this summer.
When all the excitement of this city gets to be too much, why not head out on one of Charlotte’s Themed Tours. You can either eat your way around the city, find out about its haunted past, or learn a little more about its racing history.
Looking for a place to stay? Check out the recommended selection of Hotels at Trip.com
Chicago (Photo Credit: Roman Boed)
#3: Chicago
This is an ideal family vacation spot for those who enjoy exploring new cities. With towering skyscrapers, world-class museums, famous food joints, and the shore of Lake Michigan, this really is a city worth visiting. Since it’s also home to some of the most famous sporting teams, a visit to Chicago will be far from boring.
Make sure you take a trip up to the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, the tallest building in the United States, to gain fantastic 360-degree views of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, step out onto the Skydeck, where you’ll get a clear view of the ground beneath you.
Willis Tower, Chicago (Photo Credit: Aurlmas)
Looking for a place to stay? Check out our recommended selection of hotels in Chicago.
Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville (Photo Credit: Ron Cogswell)
#4: Nashville
If your family enjoys country music, then Nashville, Tennessee, has to be the number one choice for your next family vacation. Take in a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, an iconic country music stage, before visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame.
It’s not all about the music here, though. You can also visit numerous Civil War sites during a trip to the are. Make sure you take the time to visit the areas around the Battle of Nashville, The Battle of Franklin, and the Battle of Stones River, all of which provide insight into what happened all those years ago.
If you’re looking to do something different, head over to the Parthenon, which was built in 1897. It’s a full-size replica of the one in Athens, Greece.
Nashville Parthenon (photo Credit: Will Powell)
Looking for a place to stay? Check out our recommended selection of hotels in Nashville.
Red Mountain Phoenix (Photo Credit: Martin Ely)
#5: Phoenix
This is the ideal family vacation setting for all those who have a love affair with the great outdoors. Surrounded by mountains to hike, a desert to explore, and red rocks to climb, this is one location that the outdoorsy amongst us will instantly enjoy.
Remember that this is also a large city full of high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and fantastic food, so there really is something for everyone when visiting the Valley of the Sun. Make sure you visit downtown Phoenix, where you’ll find not only hundreds of restaurants but also a number of rooftop bars, museums, and art galleries, which are all worthy of your time.
Downtown Phoenix (Photo Credit: Jerry Ferguson)
Looking for a place to stay? Check out our recommended selection of hotels in Phoenix.
No matter where you decide to head this summer, it’s guaranteed to be a fantastic year. For those of you seeking something different, perhaps this has inspired you to try something new for your 2017 family vacation.
Have you visited one of these locations before? Perhaps you have insights or suggestions for those looking to visit one of these areas this summer?
Nice choices! The US is so big and the list of fun things to see is long. I love your top choices and respectfully add Austin, Texas to the list. I am not biased in the least because I live there. LOL! Ok, I might be, but Austin’s city slogan is “Keep Austin Weird” which tells you a little about the fun that can be had here! My favorite spot is called The Cathedral of Junk. It is 60-100 TONS of ‘stuff’ in an artist’s backyard constructed into a…..well, cathedral. A you have to see it to believe it spot!
Ok so whilst that sounds completely bizarre it also interests me far more than I really probably should be admitting 🙂 🙂 🙂 Will have to remember that and add Austin to the cities to visit in the US 🙂
Nice write up! We’ve got friends and family down in Phoenix and make it down there pretty frequently. We really like it. There’s some cool places up in the NW too 😉
Do you have any personal recommendations you would like to share with us Jim? 🙂
Not only good for families but also for a getaway in general. I have been to four of these places and all of them had something which was special. My favorite is Chicago. Thanks for the great suggestions.
Why is Chicago your favourite? would love to hear any suggestions you may have? 🙂