06 Best – My Favorite US Destinations to Travel with Family

While traveling with small kids, I prefer traveling on a shoestring with my family. This helps us to make a fun-filled vacation time while also maintaining our budget with kids. And if your kids are not school going yet, you can stay longer in your favorite places.

When my kids were small, I preferred traveling to different U.S. places rather than moving out of the U.S., and I love going there anytime, even today. 

Here I will tell you about my favorite US destinations to travel with family. Here is the guide with valuable tips on where to stay for a memorable trip, even if your kids are not small enough!

List of My Favorite US Destinations to Travel With Family – Vacation Spots on a Budget

1. Branson, MO

Branson’s Promised Land ZOO, World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex, and The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure are just a few of the attractions that draw visitors of all ages to this spectacular mountain hamlet.

In addition, Table Rock State Park (a famous hiking and bicycling spot), Moonshine Beach (a sandy public beach perfect for swimming, picnics, and sunbathing), and Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area (a 140-acre trail system with waterfalls and picnic spots) are all located in Branson.

Where to Stay: Big Cedar Lodge is a family-friendly paradise that spans over 4,600 acres. A 50,000 square-foot activity center, five golf courses, an 18,000 square-foot spa, two marinas, fantastic dining options, and rustic-chic-inspired residences are just a few of the highlights. Dance workshops, yoga, and tie-dye are among the other on-site activities.

2. Lake Tahoe, CA

Lake Tahoe is, one of my favorite US destinations to travel with family. The place is well-known for its winter skiing, but it is also a beautiful place to visit in the summer. Of course, no trip to the area would be complete without a visit to Emerald Bay State Park, where you can go on a family trek and have a picnic lunch.

Alternatively, dodge the throng by visiting D.L. Bliss State Park, which is often ignored. Visit one of the many surrounding beaches, such as Regan Beach or El Dorado Beach, if you prefer a more relaxing activity.

Another great alternative is Speedboat Beach, especially when you travel with family and your kids enjoy kayaking and canoeing.

Where to Stay: The Landing Resort & Spa is an elegant waterfront resort with a strategic location. Gas fireplaces, breathtaking vistas, and heated bathroom floors are available in the rooms. There is also a pool, a full-service spa, and an attractive bar and restaurant on the premises.

3. Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beach locations in the United States for families.

There are 60 miles of beaches in the city, as well as a 1.2-mile boardwalk that will satisfy even the pickiest diners (think: ice cream, pizza, and whatever else you or your kids may want!).

And if you want to get away from the beach for a while, take a stroll through Barefoot Landing, where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants.

Ripley’s Aquarium and Family Kingdom Amusement Park are two other prominent attractions. A popular attraction is WonderWorks, which has over 100 science exhibits as well as a laser tag and ropes course.

Last, make a reservation at House of Blues for live music and hearty southern staples like gumbo, BBQ brisket nachos, and jambalayas, followed by a round of mini-golf at Lost Treasure Golf.

Where to Stay: The Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes is conveniently located and offers luxurious accommodations, including a stunning beachfront location. Each of the modern rooms and suites has a private balcony. A spa, a swimming pool, and four restaurants are also available on-site.

4. Cannon Beach, OR

This small coastal town, located around 90 minutes from Portland, is known for its beautiful beaches.

As its name implies, Cannon Beach is home to a multitude of beaches, including the Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site. Nesting birds, tidepools, and Haystack Rock can all be found here. The sea stack is awe-inspiring, standing at a massive 235 feet tall.

Ecola State Park, which is famous for its magnificent hiking paths and surfing opportunities, is also close by.

You will also want to allow enough time to see the city’s dynamic downtown sector, which is home to a varied range of galleries, stores, and restaurants.

Where to Stay: The family-friendly Surfsand Resort provides 95 large rooms and suites just 12 steps from the beach. Your stay includes daily s’mores bonfires and beach cruisers. Children’s programming and enjoyable activities are also available at the hotel.

5. Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach is known for its extensive hiking and bike activities for a teen traveling with you, in addition to its stunning beaches.

The 2,888-acre First Landing Acre Park and the 4,321-acre False Cape State Park provide stunning scenery and hiking trails. Meanwhile, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has barrier islands, dunes, woodlands, beaches, marshes, and forests that cover 9,108 acres.

The 165-acre Mount Trashmore Park is made up of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skate park, and other entertaining, family-friendly attractions.

My family loves art, so we used to set aside an afternoon to explore The ViBe Creative District and admire the public art murals. So if you admire the arts too, don’t forget to visit the place and do not forget to bring your camera.

Where to Stay: The 156 contemporary rooms and suites at the oceanfront Hyatt House Virginia Beach have private terraces and sleeper sofas with kitchenettes or full-sized kitchens (some with full living and workspaces, too). You would also find two restaurants on the premises.

6. Wisconsin Dells, WI

The attractions in Wisconsin Dells are sure to please everyone in your family. Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park, Timbavati Wildlife Park, and Timber Falls Adventure Park are all great for youngsters – and kids at heart.

Take a stroll along the quarter-mile-long Scenic River Walk, which provides spectacular views of the waterfront. If you like nomadic traveling, it is also worth seeing the city’s walkable downtown district.

You will find everything here, from ax-throwing to homemade fudge. Nearby, you will find some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful state parks, such as Devil’s Lake, which has over 30 miles of hiking trails and panoramic views.

Mirror Lake has spanned over 2,200 acres and is ideal for peaceful strolls and picnicking; Roche-A-Cri and Rocky Arbor are ideal for hiking and fishing. 

Where to Stay: The Chula Vista Resort & Waterpark is a great place to stay for both kids and adults. The resort offers a variety of facilities (from modest double rooms to spacious luxury villas), as well as indoor and outdoor waterparks, cabana rentals, a spa, and five on-site restaurants (not including two grab-and-go options).

However, the U.S. is open to many other destinations that you may travel with family, and that your kids would enjoy. But here, I have listed some of the all-time-fav destinations that I guarantee you won’t regret visiting any time of the year.