Top 5 Family Holiday Destinations For Summer
What are the best family holiday destinations for summer?
From beach vacations to jungle adventures, these top picks will make the perfect getaway. Unwind on pristine white-sand beaches or explore historical landmarks and exotic marine wildlife.
Bermuda’s Shipwreck Park offers kids an exciting adventure under the sea. While there, you can snorkel around coral gardens and see animals endemic to the island.
1. The Galapagos Islands
A trip to the Galapagos Islands will make for a summer Family Holiday Destinations vacation like no other. This eco-paradise, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ecuador, is home to extraordinary wildlife, including the famed marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and see how these animals have adapted to their unique surroundings.
The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, but June through December tend to be cooler and drier, making them ideal for families looking for some outdoor adventure. You can explore the black beaches of Santiago Island or scuba dive into waters where hammerhead sharks, manta rays and sea turtles thrive.
There’s no place quite like Mackinac Island, a National Historic Landmark free of chain hotels and cars, where you can get around by bike, horse-drawn carriage or even a traditional frog boat called a “panga.” It’s one of the best ways to see the coastline of this archipelago and to reach those hard-to-reach spots where lava lizards and basking sea lions are waiting to be spotted.
2. The Caribbean
The Caribbean is a top summer destination for families who want to relax on beaches, go swimming and snorkeling, and play games. It’s made up of 700 islands, so there is a lot of variety and things to do, depending on the island you choose. In Nassau, kids can explore the pirate-themed Pirates of Nassau Museum, where they’ll enjoy theatrical reenactments of Blackbeard and Captain Rogers and see what life was like for real pirates in the infamous stocks!
The Bahamas have everything a family could need for a fun vacation, including water parks and beautiful beaches. On Grand Bahama, you can visit Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park, which was featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies; shop for fresh seafood at Port Lucaya Marketplace; and see birds and wildlife at Garden of the Groves or Peterson Cay.
In Jamaica, Ocho Rios is a cruise ship stop and family resort town that offers tons of activities for all ages. Take your teen on a Cool Runnings-inspired adventure on Mystic Mountain, or scale Dunn’s River Falls, one of the country’s most-visited waterfalls.
3. New York City
The iconic city that never sleeps is a hot destination all year round. Whether you want to see the sights that made When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail famous, or take part in NYC activities like skating under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree or shopping for the latest holiday window displays, there is no bad time to visit the Big Apple.
Explore the High Line, a park built on a former freight railway line, or catch a Broadway show in the heart of Manhattan. A stroll through Times Square, which is always buzzing, is a sight to behold, especially if you make it for the New Years Eve celebrations and ball drop.
The capital has so much to offer, whether you want to learn about history at museums and monuments or take in the views over the Washington Monument and reflecting pool. Or why not try a more hands-on approach to learning at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and let kids get close to lambs and chickens at family-friendly farms in Austria’s Tyrol? A trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is also a must.
4. Baja California
With its pristine beaches and unique wildlife, Baja California has something for everyone. Families can also indulge in the local food scene, which features a variety of delicious cuisines. Try the famous tacos at K38 Taco Surf, or sample some of the region’s best seafood dishes at La Chorrera.
If you’re looking for a change of pace from the sandy beaches, check out the rugged beauty of Baja’s mountainous landscape. The soaring pine forests of Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857 are a welcome contrast to the desert that inhabits much of the peninsula. It’s a popular destination for hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife-watching.
Glamping is one of the hottest trends in family vacations, and it’s perfect for kids. The newest way to connect with nature, glamping combines rustic camping with the luxurious comforts of a resort. In the wine country of Valle de Guadalupe, you can enjoy a glamping experience at one of the many luxury tent camps in the area.
5. Cabo San Lucas
The pristine beaches and spectacular landscapes of this Baja destination make it an ideal summer family vacations spot. Relax on white-sand beaches, snorkel among tropical fish and explore historic ruins. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants for fresh seafood and Mexican cuisine.
The famous natural wonder of El Arco is one of the top attractions in Cabo San Lucas. It’s easy to see the rock formation from Medano Beach, but for a different view of this iconic site, book a tour that takes you out to sea on a glass-bottom boat or whale watch charter.
Conclusion
A great way to add a wholesome experience to your vacation is at Flora Farms. This 25-acre organic farm offers a free walking tour and field kitchen where you can try lemon chicken, zucchini pasta or wood-oven pizza. It’s a little out of the way, but the scenery and delicious food make it well worth the trip.
