Each year I start the search for unique family vacation ideas…and inevitably, I always end up being reeled into why Disney is the most MAGICAL place on the earth for kids. And while I don’t disagree and absolutely LOVE Disney, I also know we’ve been twice now in five years and it’s time to try something new. I like to find the locations that aren’t super popular, maybe a little off the beaten path that won’t be so touristy, so today I wanted to give you some non-Disney family vacation ideas in hopes that I can assist you in planning your late summer vacation or get prepared for vacation next year!
I polled a community mom group I’m in online and they had tons of great ideas. I can’t say I’ve been to all of them, but they came highly recommended from local mothers! Let’s see what they had to say!
- Captiva Island, Florida
- Hilton Head, North Carolina
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- San Antonio, Texas
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Singer Island, Florida
- Savannah, Georgia / Tybee Island, GA
- Clearwater, Florida
- San Diego, California
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Yellowstone
- Outer Banks
- Destin, Florida
- Washington D.C.
- San Francisco, California
- Hershey, Pennslyvania
- Boston, MA
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Lake Cumberland, Kentucky
- Adirondacks, New York
- Sedona, Arizona
- New River Gorge, West Virginia
- Sanibel Island, Florida
My personal favorites and places I’ve been and highly recommend include: Gatlinburg, TN, Clearwater, FL, San Diega, CA, Washington D.C., San Francisco, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, Lake Cumberland, KY, Sedona, AZ, and New River Gorge, WV. All of these place give me fond memories and I highly recommend!
I hope some of these suggestions give you some fun ideas for places to consider for you and your family. Obviously, this list is limited to the continental United States and is meant to be a list for all age groups.
Where is YOUR favorite family vacation spot? Leave me more ideas to update the post in the comments below!
