Summertime is finally (almost) here! For us, this means the kids are done with school, and we have a chance to take a few Family Summer Vacations and have a little fun together. It also means that the muggy Texas weather has settled in. While I love the great state of Texas, I’m always happy to escape the heat for a bit, especially if I get to hang out with my amazing kids and an awesome wife.
Best Family Summer Vacations United States
If you’re looking to get some quality time together this summer, these are some of my favorite places to visit.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is a city that folks love to visit in the winter, but often it gets overlooked for trips during the summer. Let me just say, Colorado in the summer is gorgeous. The Mile High City has sun almost every single day without being unbearably hot. It’s also surrounded by beautiful mountains calling for you and your family to get out and get active. Just be sure to adequately prepare! The altitude in Denver is no joke, so bring along some survival items to keep you and your family safe. Also, hot tip for dads out there: Denver is home to some of the best breweries in the country, so try to sample a few of the local wares if you get the chance!
Panama City, Florida
I don’t know about you, but Summer always has me dreaming of the beach. For a classic beach vacation, Panama City is one of the can’t-miss spots in the US. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better location. Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City features perfect beaches. On top of that, the water is warm, and the Panama City Beach hotels are super affordable. If you’re feeling adventurous, take an airboat tour of the water. Who knows, you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of a baby alligator getting
some sun!
For more ideal places to visit in Florida be sure to check destinywateradventures.com.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is another overlooked city for family vacations, but where else can you take a hot air balloon tour at sunrise? Talk about stunning views! There are also plenty of trails nearby and plenty of local history in the town. If you have foodies in your family, check out some New Mexican cuisine from one of the restaurants in Old Town, which is sure to be authentic and delicious. This is one of our favorite spots to road trip to because the scenery is incredible. However, be sure to plan some car games or activities, especially if you have younger kids, as it’s a bit of a trip!
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Another spot for families interested in a beach vacation that won’t hurt your wallet is the Outer Banks. This is a small chain of islands off the coast of North Carolina, featuring miles of gorgeous beach. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of campgrounds that are perfect for a good old-fashioned family camping trip. Have kids who are interested in wildlife? The Outer Banks islands are known for exciting local creatures like wild horses, boars, and even sea turtles! Think of this as a classic beach vacation with a twist. If you get tired of relaxing by the ocean, you can take advantage of the Great Outdoors in so many other ways, such as watersports or hiking. No matter what your family is interested in, you’ll be able to keep yourselves entertained here.