Top Family Weekend Getaway Destinations in the U.S.

A memorable family vacation should meet various expectations. Whether you're gearing up for a quick spring or winter break, a summer weekend retreat, or an unplanned escape, the ideal destination should cater to every family member, from young to old. The United States offers an array of exceptional weekend getaways, spanning the South, East, West, and Midwest, featuring diverse options like cities, islands, mountains, and lakes. Everyone's needs can be fulfilled here.

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Ideal for: A nostalgic retreat and digital detox

Visiting this island, a National Historic Landmark located at the entrance to Michigan’s stunning Upper Peninsula, feels like stepping into a different era. With no cars permitted, you’ll find historic forts, impressive Victorian architecture, and charming horse-drawn carriages around the island, particularly along Main Street. This bustling avenue features some of the finest and most historic fudge shops in the nation, a grocery store established in 1884, art galleries showcasing Mackinac’s famous lilacs, and toy shops filled with kites and other analog fun. Nature lovers will appreciate the extensive hiking and biking trails, and the newly opened Milliken Nature Center located next to the iconic Arch Rock. One of America's oldest hotels, the Grand Hotel, invites guests to relax on the world's longest porch, enjoy afternoon tea, play mini golf, or race down the dirt bike track.

2. Bath County, Virginia

Ideal for: Family wellness and a touch of presidential history

Located about four hours from Washington, D.C., Bath County boasts numerous healing mineral springs that have drawn the attention of Native Americans, physicians, and presidents alike, making it a perfect destination for families looking to unwind—literally. Begin your journey at the historic Warm Springs Pools, established in 1761 and favored by presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. The Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Bathhouses, which underwent a $4 million restoration last year to preserve their charm, are octagonal wooden structures encircling two warm pools, both recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

A daily co-ed family hour (pool noodles included) requires advance booking. The delightful town of Hot Springs is just a few miles away, where you can visit the Sam Snead Tavern, named after the legendary golfer who began his career on the nearby courses, and the Duck In Deli & Market for coffee and milkshakes. Additional attractions include the Garth Newel Music Center concert hall, over 160 miles of hiking trails, and Falling Spring Falls, a stunning 80-foot waterfall once visited by Thomas Jefferson.

Regardless of whether you stay overnight, the Omni Homestead Resort, welcoming guests since 1766, is definitely worth a stop. Spanning 2,300 acres, the resort features a historic movie theater, 10 bars and restaurants, a large hot spring spa, and several natural hot springs. Winter activities include skiing and tubing, while summer offers horseback riding, falconry, fly fishing, and mountain biking.

3. Lake Oconee, Georgia

Ideal for: Family-friendly lake activities

While beaches are always a family favorite, lakes provide an equally enjoyable escape for all ages. The nearly 20,000-acre Lake Oconee in central Georgia is just 90 minutes from Atlanta, making it a great weekend getaway. The lake offers activities such as boating, swimming, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding. Off the water, the 100-acre Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds features fun for all ages, including sporting clays and an archery range.

The area features seven championship golf courses, some crafted by renowned designers like Jack Nicklaus and Bob Cupp, along with hiking trails that wind around the lake through wetlands, forests, meadows, and archaeological sites. On rainy or chilly days, visit the historic downtown Greensboro to explore the Greene County African American Museum, which highlights the lives and history of the county’s African American community. Afterwards, pick up souvenirs at Genuine Georgia and Ripe Thing Market, which offer local delicacies like jams, chocolates, and handmade crafts. If you prefer not to rent a vacation home, the place to stay is the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee resort, featuring a kids' club, beautiful lakefront views, a new spa, and an arcade/game room.

4. The Catskills, New York

Ideal for: Family adventures ranging from skiing to water parks

Located just north of New York City, the Catskill Mountains offer a vast region brimming with adventure. In winter, skiing at resorts like Hunter Mountain, Windham Mountain Club, and Belleayre Mountain is ideal for beginners. Water parks are abundant year-round, providing aquatic fun no matter the season—check out Kartrite for indoor water activities and Zoom Flume for outdoor excitement. When the weather warms up, enjoy the stunning landscape featuring hikes suitable for all skill levels, abundant waterfalls, towering peaks, and diverse wildlife.

For a meal, visit one of the charming nearby towns such as Livingston Manor, Saugerties, Callicoon, Catskill, or Woodstock, each boasting quaint Main Streets lined with boutiques, cafés, and ice cream parlors (don’t miss Alleyway in Saugerties, Ollie Grey’s in Callicoon, and Cone-E Island in Catskill). Larger cities like Hudson and Kingston offer even more shops and dining options and are worth exploring. Consider a stay at Mohonk Mountain House, an all-inclusive resort located by a private lake, offering activities from snowshoeing, tubing, and ice-skating in winter to biking, boating, and horseback riding in summer.

5. Indianapolis, Indiana

Ideal for: Budget-friendly family fun

This Midwestern city is perfect for family visits without straining your wallet—even flights here tend to be affordable. Indy features the largest children’s museum in the world, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, with exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to outer space. The city is home to several professional sports teams, the renowned Indy 500, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, set to reopen next year after an $89 million renovation, offering an engaging, high-tech experience. Newfields includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art, beautifully designed gardens, the historic Lilly House, a seasonal outdoor beer garden, and the Virginia Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, which spans 100 acres and features quirky art installations like Funky Bones, a giant cartoon skeleton kids can climb on.

A must-see is the expansive White River State Park, home to the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Indian Art, and the Indiana State Museum featuring the largest IMAX screen in the state. It also hosts the NCAA Hall of Champions and a concert stage. Families can rent paddleboats or book a ride on a Venetian gondola with a singing gondolier (yes, you read that right). For accommodation, consider the Bottleworks Hotel, located in the city’s former Coca-Cola bottling plant, nestled in a vibrant district with a food hall and a bowling alley and pinball arcade.

6. Park City, Utah

Ideal for: Year-round active family adventures

Deer Valley in Park City is a skier’s dream, welcoming families with its snowboard-free slopes, outstanding ski school, daycare, and immaculate lodges and lifts. In summer, Park City transforms into an outdoor playground, offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding against breathtaking mountain scenery. The season also hosts a variety of outdoor concerts featuring rock and country music, along with lively barbecues and numerous adventure day camps for kids up to age 12, filled with sports, nature exploration, scavenger hunts, and arts and crafts.

Beyond skiing in winter, families can enjoy snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snowshoeing, and the après-ski scene is legendary. Savor meals at family-friendly spots like Sammy’s Bistro, Twisted Fern, and Five5eeds. For a more upscale dining experience, Glitretind at Stein Erickson Lodge offers fine cuisine with a kid-friendly menu. Montage Deer Valley features a fantastic kids club, a relaxing spa for parents, Daly’s Pub & Rec with darts, bowling, and arcade games, and a private snow tubing area during winter. Their partnership with Uppababy also provides stroller and gear rentals to ease your travel burden.

7. Outer Banks, North Carolina

Ideal for: Expansive, underdeveloped beaches

Unlike many crowded East Coast beaches filled with developments, the Outer Banks—a series of barrier islands off North Carolina’s coast—offer a refreshing escape with their unspoiled charm. They boast some of the finest beaches in the state, featuring stunning sand dunes, roaming wild horses, and thrilling waves. For larger family gatherings, vacation rentals in this area are typically more spacious and affordable compared to those in most Northeast beach destinations.

You have a variety of towns to choose as your base, from Cape Hatteras to Duck to Nags Head, but Kitty Hawk is the nearest town to the Wright Memorial Bridge from the mainland. Besides enjoying the beach, explore the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve or ascend the towering sand dunes at Jockey Ridge State Park, where adventurous teens and adults can try hang gliding. The region is rich in history; learn about the Wright Brothers’ pioneering flight at the Wright Brothers National Memorial and uncover the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island through live reenactments.

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

Ideal for: Families seeking excitement and entertainment

While Las Vegas is often seen as an adult playground, it also offers a wealth of fun for kids, featuring imaginative activity parks, exhilarating rides, and even wildlife experiences. Begin your adventure at the newly launched PopStroke Las Vegas, a modern mini golf venue created by Tiger Woods, featuring two 18-hole courses, a restaurant, playground, and an ice cream shop.

When the heat outside is overwhelming, visit AREA15, an indoor entertainment hub packed with virtual reality rides, laser mazes, and live performances. For thrill-seeking families, the five-acre Adventuredome indoor theme park boasts 25 rides, ranging from roller coasters to carousels. Experience stunning views of the city from the High Roller observation wheel, or conquer four of the world’s highest thrill rides at the Strat Hotel. For a nostalgic outing, head to the Pinball Hall of Fame, showcasing over 200 vintage pinball machines, with games costing just 25 to 50 cents. Animal enthusiasts should explore the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, a vibrant outdoor area home to Chilean flamingos and other birds. For more wildlife encounters, the Lion Habitat Ranch features various rescued animals, while the Shark Reef Aquarium houses over 2,000 marine creatures. Finally, for family-friendly entertainment, consider catching a show like Cirque du Soleil Mystique or Jabbawockeez, both suitable for all ages.