5 Summer Vacation Ideas for the Family

According to a recent survey by the American Automobile Association (AAA), 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. are planning to take a family vacation this summer. Cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland can be exciting, but there’s so much more out there. If you haven’t decided where you want to go, now is the time to get started – these ideas are sure to spark the inspiration you need to plan an unforgettable trip! 😁

Estes Park, Colorado

The town of Estes Park lies at the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most spectacular destinations in the country, renowned for its abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk and moose, as well as its dramatic peaks, gem-like lakes and outstanding fly-fishing rivers. In the town itself you’ll find a host of attractions, from shops and art galleries to an amusement park. The Family Amusement Park offers miniature golf, a big slide, bungee jumping and go-karts.

Seaside, Oregon

Located on the northern Oregon coast, Seaside is a popular summer destination for families with its nearly three-mile-long stretch of powdery sands and multiple attractions. Funland Arcade offers all sorts of carnival-type amusements like bumper cards, skee ball, video games and pinball, while the Seaside Aquarium makes an especially entertaining visit with its sea lions – and you can even toss them fish. You can also rent bikes and other pedaling options to ride the oceanfront promenade.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver Island lies off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada and can be reached by ferry from the city of Anacortes in Washington, or Vancouver, B.C. Enjoy the scenic ride to discover a nature and wildlife lovers’ paradise, with the chance to witness everything from humpback, grey and orca whales to black bears and bald eagles. Hike through lush rainforest to waterfalls, soak in natural hot springs, stroll driftwood-strewn beaches and enjoy city delights in beautiful Victoria too.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Summers in Cape Cod are famous for enjoying a beach vacation with endless sand dunes, swimming opportunities and all sorts of other activities, not to mention some of the world’s most mouthwatering clam chowder and fresh lobster. At the northern tip of the Cape, Provincetown hosts more than 30 miles of beaches and an especially colorful downtown with unique museums, shops, art galleries and great people watching. It’s also a popular spot for sailing tours, including whale watching excursions with typically bringing some of the highest numbers of humpback whales to the area.

San Francisco, California

While you’re unlikely to find many sunbathing opportunities with a summer vacation in San Francisco, it’s a fabulously beautiful city for escaping the heat with cooler, often foggy weather.  Enjoy a trip to the zoo or take a cruise on the bay to tour Alcatraz, the former island prison that was once home to infamous criminals like Al Capone. You can ride the famous cable cars, drive down the world’s most crooked street, check out the attractions on bustling Pier 39 and explore renowned museums like the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Walking or cycling the 1.7-mile span of the Golden Gate Bridge is really a must – you can get a great photo of it from Baker Beach or Battery Spencer on the Marin County side of the bridge.

I definitely plan on hitting up these spots and adding them to my bucket list. Where would you like to travel next on this list?!