People often travel with Grandma, either their own or their kids’. That doesn’t mean you can’t go to your favorite places and do your favorite activities, especially if Grandma is an active senior, and many are these days. Following are 20 great vacation destinations in the U.S. when Grandma comes along.
These locations were chosen for their accessibility, variety of activities, and appeal to all age groups. They offer a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, ensuring everyone in the family enjoys their vacation, including Grandma.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is always busy and has a wide variety of quaint shops and restaurants. Rent a cabin with mountain views and use it as a base for exploring the area, which includes the famous Dollywood just up the road in Pigeon Forge.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Located on the Gulf Coast near Fort Myers, Sanibel is legendary for its sunsets and amazing shelling. Captiva Island, just to the north, is a little less busy, and don’t miss Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge to see wildflowers, wading birds, alligators, and more.
Williamsburg, Virginia
One of the country’s oldest and most historically important cities, Williamsburg is a place everyone can enjoy. You can leap back into colonial history in the Old Town section, and there’s fun for all ages at Busch Gardens, including the Loch Ness Monster and Big Bad Wolf, two of the country’s best roller coasters.
St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest city in the country has attractions that appeal to all ages and interests. And that doesn’t even count the beaches.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
This city is just the right size, not too big to be congested and overwhelming but not so small as to be boring. Walk along the Tennessee River and enjoy the shops and the scenery. For some more adventure, head to Lookout Mountain and all there is to do and see there.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Kayak tours will reveal manatees, dolphins, bald eagles, ibises, and more wildlife. The Kennedy Space Center is nearby, and you might get to see a rocket blast off. Oh, and then there are the beautiful beaches.
Helen, Georgia
If the budget doesn’t allow for a trip to Germany, try Helen instead. Located in the mountains of northern Georgia, this is a Bavarian-themed town with its own blend of special Southern charm.
Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital has so many important cultural and historical sites that it would take several visits to experience them all. When you need a break from the city, try wilderness pockets like Great Falls and Mason Neck.
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho-Montana-Wyoming
The world’s first and most legendary national park has a lifetime’s worth of wonders for all ages to behold. Geothermal features and iconic North American wildlife are the top draws, but it’s easy to get off the beaten path and enjoy the hidden wonders of this incredible place.
Huntington Beach, California
Sandy beaches and regular sunshine are staples of Southern California. Here, you can enjoy beautiful beaches and sign up for surfing lessons, and Disneyland is less than 20 miles away.
Orlando, Florida
Everyone knows about Disney World and Epcot. However, there’s a lot more to Orlando than most people know, and the whole family will like getting to know it. Don’t forget that the beaches are a short drive away.
Saratoga Springs, New York
When people think of New York, they often think of the huge, justifiably famous city. Way upstate in Saratoga Springs, you can enjoy a slower pace and beautiful scenery.
Yosemite National Park, California
For a beautiful natural destination that has something for everyone, nothing beats Yosemite. World-famous Yosemite Valley, where rock climbing was born, can mesmerize anyone. Still, there are trails all over the park so that anyone of any age or ability level can find something perfect.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Warning: Plymouth Rock, which you probably heard a lot about when you were a kid, is massively underwhelming and also not really the place where the Pilgrims stepped onshore. Still, it’s a beautiful area rich in colonial and native history.
Oahu, Hawaii
If you could go to Hawaii and visit only one island, this would be it. It has the perfect mix of outdoor sites and places within the towns and cities where you can experience real Hawaiian culture. It’s one of the easiest places to plan a family-friendly itinerary everyone will enjoy!
Virginia Beach, Virginia
It’s easy to get here, but then it seems a world away. Pristine beaches and a three-mile boardwalk are just an introduction to everything this refuge from the big cities offers.
Southern Utah
Back in the day, when people still bought and used road atlases, they saw a magical rectangle shaped by I-70, I-15, and the AZ and CO state lines. Out there is “Color Country,” a sandstone wonderland that includes five national parks and other scenery that attracts people from all around the world.
La Jolla, California
Visiting San Diego? La Jolla is close by. Waves crash against jagged rocks, and white sands line the beaches. At low tide, check out all the amazing marine life hanging on in tidal pools.
The Catskills, New York
The Catskills aren’t anywhere close to America’s tallest mountains, but they’re definitely among the steepest, and they’re also steeped in folklore. After all, Washington Irving used them as the setting for the mysterious encounter Rip Van Winkle had that led to his 20-year nap. You’ll find fun, adventure, and relaxation for everyone here, and it shouldn’t take 20 years to find them!
Olympic National Park, Washington
There aren’t a lot of places in this world that have easy drives to easy hikes yielding views of glaciated mountains, beautiful lakes, rugged coastlines, and rainforests. The mountains are usually best viewed in the mornings, and then you can end the day on the coast to enjoy an amazing sunset.
Lagoons at Ko Olina: Best Beach on Oahu For Families
Visiting the lagoons at Ko Olina was one of our favorite things about our vacation in Oahu. If you’re considering whether or not to spend time there, I’m here to give you the rundown on why I think you absolutely should!
Maybe.
Although we absolutely loved the lagoons at Ko Olina, there’s a specific reason why. Read on and I’ll explain why while answering all your questions.
Then you can decide if visiting the most popular lagoons in Oahu is what you want to do, too.
Best Cities to Vacation in That Don’t Require Renting a Car
When planning a vacation, there’s enough to worry about without stressing over renting a car, where to park it, and whether you can afford the extra insurance. What if you simply choose a location designed for people without cars and skip the rental car altogether? You could plan on walking, rent an e-Bike, or Uber when the occasion calls for it. It will still be cheaper than renting a car. Here are some of the absolute best cities for vacationing without getting behind the wheel.
Featured Image Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock
Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.