9 of the Top Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways in the US

The perfect blend of city and beach awaits in San Diego. With temperate weather and sunny skies throughout most of the year, this laid-back, never-fussy coastal city makes everyone feel at home. When you're not building sandcastles on Coronado Island or riding bikes at Moonlight State Beach, you can visit the renowned San Diego Zoo and its sister property, Safari Park, where interactive shows, animal encounters, and unique exhibits will entertain everyone in your group.

In short, families seeking everything from outdoor adventures to beachy relaxation to theme parks such as LEGOLAND® will all be satisfied with a stay in America’s Finest City.

Related: 9 Family-Friendly Things To Do in San Diego

Washington DC boasts more than 80 world-class museums, the most per capita of any US city. You can delve into the world of espionage at the International Spy Museum, strap into fighter jet simulation at the National Air and Space Museum, and enjoy interactive science- and art-focused exhibits at The National Children’s Museum. Then, if you’re not tired of museums yet, book a private guided tour at the Museum of Natural History for a personalized walkthrough.

When you need a break from museum hopping, you can stroll among lush flora at the National Arboretum or paddleboard in the Tidal Basin (which offers a unique viewpoint of the Jefferson Memorial). Cap off the memorable weekend on a donut tour of the nation’s capital and the whole crew will be left with lots of sweet memories.

Related: Visiting Washington DC for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

New York City’s infectious energy makes it a hit for families eager to explore and learn. If it’s your first visit to NYC, start by hitting some of the most legendary sites: Scale the heights of the Empire State Building, learn about immigration history on a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and enjoy a family-friendly Broadway show. Depending on the age of your group, you can also add stops at One World Observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the National September 11 Museum. (If you’re planning to cram in a lot of sights, you can also opt for a New York City pass that includes access to a variety of top spots.)

The city is also full of kid-friendly open spaces; for a famed spot to relax and run around, head to Central Park, arguably one of the most well-known public green spaces in the world. You’ll find playgrounds, the carousel, public concerts, and lots of space to run around. There’s even a small (but fun) zoo right in the park.

Related: Visiting New York City for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

Nestled amid the majestic landscapes of Central Oregon, Bend is a vibrant city ideal for families seeking a weekend brimming with outdoor adventures, tranquil beauty, and a welcoming community spirit. Despite the state’s rainy reputation and lush forests, this central Oregon city sits at a high elevation and receives fewer than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rainfall annually, making it an ideal destination year-round.

You can crash through waves while white-water rafting down the Deschutes River, then go hiking in Riley Ranch Nature Reserve—a 184-acre (74.5-hectare) area with miles of trails along the river—or enjoy the Old Mill District, where you can find live music shows at the outdoor amphitheater, enjoy first Friday art walks, and explore plenty of kid-friendly cafés and shops. You can also head to the High Desert Museum (just 10 miles, or 16 kilometers, from downtown), where kids can learn about the region, interact with animals, and engage in interactive exhibits.

A global metropolis full of New England charm, Boston offers activities for families with wide-ranging interests. To learn about the country’s history, take a deep dive into the American Revolution on the historic Freedom Trail: The 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) route is home to 16 significant sites including Boston Common, a historical frigate named the USS Constitution, and the Paul Revere House.

But there’s more than just history here. You can get up close and personal with marine life and penguins at the New England Aquarium, then head over to the Seaport District—a kid-friendly hot spot home to the Children’s Museum, Lawn on D (an outdoor space with seasonal events and games for kids), and the Boston Fire Museum. Along the way, make sure to stop by one of the area’s many seafood restaurants for a tasty bowl of chowder or a lobster roll and get a slice of Boston cream pie for dessert.

Insider tip: If you visit in spring or summer, make time for a behind-the-scenes tour of Fenway Park, home of the city’s beloved Red Sox.

Nicknamed the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara boasts pristine beaches and gorgeous Spanish architecture, and its casual, easy-going vibe makes it an ideal location for a family retreat. The balmy weather (especially in summer and fall) also makes it a great location for outdoor activities such as beachfront bike tours, kayaking, or family surf lessons.

When you’re not soaking in the sun and playing in the surf, block out a few hours to explore, play, and discover at the city’s many museums. MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is particularly kid-friendly thanks to its multi-floor, hands-on, and interactive space. Other top options include the Museum of Natural History, which is relatively small—just perfect for kids—and the lovely Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, a beautiful spot for walking, wandering, and finding unexpected surprises—such as an on-site Japanese teahouse.

If you’re looking for a chance to rewind and recharge, plan a family adventure getaway to Newport. The town’s close proximity to New York and Boston makes it an ideal seaside escape from the city, and its Gilded Age mansions, scenic cliff walks, and charming oyster shacks entertain all ages. If you want to start with an overview, take a trolley tour that offers history lessons about places such as Fort Adams State Park, Marble House, and the Breakers.

Newport is also home to one of America’s biggest annual regattas, and sailing is taken seriously here. In fact, there's a museum devoted to the sport along the souvenir strip of Thames Street. Weather permitting, you can embrace the nautical feel of the coastal city by boarding a sailboat for a sightseeing tour around Narragansett Bay.

Insider tip: While Newport draws huge crowds in the summer, the winter months have their own quiet charm; visit to enjoy treats such as the hot chocolate bar at the Chanler at Cliff Walk and the heated igloo dining experience at the Reef.

Austin is more than just a great spot for live music; it's a hot spot for families seeking a vacation that combines outdoor activities with urban charm. Here, you can kayak along Lady Bird Lake or tour the scenic Barton Springs Pool, then catch a concert in Zilker Park, where kids can dance and unleash their energy. You can also surprise little ones with a bat-watching tour or spark their curiosity at the Austin Nature and Science Center, where they can dig for fossil replicas and help them solve environmental mysteries on the Eco-Detective Trail.

No list of family-friendly weekend getaways would be complete without a mention of Orlando, the home of Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando Resort™, and EPCOT®. Plan ahead, and you can book a behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios or Wonderworks to augment your theme park adventures.

Once you’ve had your fill of the theme parks, you can enjoy a Kennedy Space Center tour, then take older kids on a kayak adventure in Silver Springs to see local wildlife such as birds, fish, manatees, and rhesus monkeys. If your family is full of adrenaline fans, you should also visit the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, where kids age seven and up can climb, swing, and zipline their way through the treetops. Or, for a quieter adventure, you can stroll through Leu Gardens and get lost in the butterfly, rose, and tropical stream gardens.