A US Summer Vacation for Every Type of Traveler

The highly anticipated summer season is nearly upon us, and travelers all over the U.S. are gearing up for their big vacations and epic adventures. While some of these globetrotters have been eagerly planning their trips for quite a while, those who find themselves with the last-minute wanderlust itch should consider these domestic options. Whether it’s a big family gathering or an active girls’ weekend, here are a few summer vacation ideas for every type of traveler.

Road Trips

Good for Families With Young Children

Road trips are the perfect family outing because they’re an extremely flexible travel option. Not only are parents in control of the pace at which the family moves from spot to spot, but they also have the freedom to adjust their plans along the way without causing too much of a headache. Additionally, the young ones tend to boast a suspicious amount of energy, so sometimes a traditional vacation in one destination loses its appeal rather quickly. Because parents can customize a road trip itinerary more freely, a consistent change in scenery will help keep children invested and excited about the adventure. 

Another perk of road tripping is that it (usually) is a cheaper alternative to other vacation options. Evidently, this depends on a number of factors, such as how far the family is driving, what types of accommodations they book along the way, where they eat while on the road and the cost of entrance to some of the attractions. Generally speaking, however, road trips are more budget-friendly as the adults can organize them in a way that best fits their financial requirements, ensuring that the family gets to have those special moments away from home without breaking the bank.

Road Trip Suggestions

• Pacific Coast Highway: On the west side, this one starts at Washington’s Olympic National Park, idly weaving its way 1,650 miles south to San Diego. Highlights along this journey include Olympic National Park, Three Capes Loop and Redwood National Park.
• The Loneliest Road: An ambitious cross-country option, the Loneliest Road covers 3,200 miles, reaching from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland. Along the way, notable stops include South Lake Tahoe, Moab, Utah, the Million Dollar Highway and Washington, D.C.
• Atlantic Coast: Offering 2,000 miles of scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, this trip begins in Key West, Florida, taking travelers up to New York. Important attractions include Cocoa Beach, Savannah, Georgia, the Assateague Island National Seashore and the Statue of Liberty.

Beach Resorts

Good for Multigenerational Families

Multigenerational travel has been hot in the industry, with family members of all ages joining in on the vacation fun. Naturally, because of the wide age range that multigen families span, each traveler will have very different ideas about what “fun” looks like. Beach resorts are the perfect compromise. The slew of available day-to-day activities keeps the young ones entertained, while older relatives can choose to join in or relax on the beach. Amenities like spas and well-furnished gyms also mean that the adults have options when it comes to how they prefer to spend their time.

Aside from the activities themselves, beach resorts prove to be useful for multigenerational families because the adults can book separate room arrangements that allow everyone to be together, with some semblance of privacy and separation. Similarly, the dining options at resorts fit each age group’s taste palette, ensuring that every guest is satisfied with their stay.

U.S. Beach Resort Suggestions

• Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa: Located on the beautiful Clearwater Beach in Florida, this lodging option has several restaurants and bars (including one on the beach), a pool, a spa, age-appropriate games and much more.
• Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne: Located in hotspot Miami, Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne boasts a tennis center, kids club, family pool, shops and a variety of restaurants.
• Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes: Situated in beloved Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this property offers a spa, fitness center and a handful of pools. Its prime location in the city and by the water means that guests have plenty of outdoor excursion options to choose from as well.

National Parks and Nature-Centric Cities

Good for Active Couples/Groups

Warm summer weather + natural scenery = the perfect recipe for hiking and exploration. Visiting national parks or nature-centric cities is a great option because of their flexibility. These parks boast miles of trails and attractions along the way, meaning that visitors can structure their outdoor adventure based on how challenging they want the hike to be and what kinds of sights they prefer to see along the way. Of course, hiking is a great way to move the body without being too vigorous, and the added bonus of stunning views makes this an excellent choice for the ambitious traveler. 

Many of the beloved U.S. national parks are also located near cities with the same outdoor vibe, allowing couples or groups to better diversify their vacation and sprinkle in some other activities aside from hiking.

National Parks and City Suggestions

• Antelope Canyon, Arizona: An option that may require a little more planning, as travelers are only allowed to visit with a certified tour operator, the dramatic line formations in the red rocks are a breathtaking sight. The park is also a sacred place for the Navajo Nation, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about their history and connection to the land as well.
• Glacier National Park, Montana: With over 700 miles of trails, travelers aren’t limited to hiking here. Fishing, biking, horseback riding and white-water rafting are also options at the park, offering visitors plenty of fun ways to engage with the scenery around them.
• Moab, Utah: A recommendation that only continues to grow in popularity, Moab is situated near both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. The city itself has plenty to do, but the close proximity to both parks means unlimited opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Leisurely Destinations and Casual Experiences

Good for Older Couples/Groups

When life has been go, go, go for the last few decades, retirees or empty nesters might particularly enjoy a moment to slow down and smell the roses. It’s not to say that these casual destinations can’t be packed full of fun, but these cities are known for balancing chill vibes with a good time. Similar to the other types of vacations, leisurely destinations are ideal for couples to spend some quality time with one another or for groups who are looking for a variety of activities to choose from without the pressure to be running around all day.

Casual Destination Suggestions

• Hawai’i: As a whole, travelers can’t go wrong wherever they choose to visit in Hawai’i. Golfing on world-class courses, a leisurely bike ride through the area, relaxing on the beach, exploring charming towns, taking a farm tour or even splurging on a boat excursion are some of the ways visitors can kick back and relax here.
• Savannah, Georgia: This city is bursting with history, so something like a trolley tour would show travelers the best parts of Savannah without being overly strenuous. Its location by the water is convenient for riverboat cruises, though food and ghost tours are also recommended in this Southern city.
• Outer Banks, North Carolina: This destination places a bit more emphasis on the outdoor exploration component, offering activities like birdwatching, walking through nature preserves, standup paddleboarding and exploring old lighthouses. Visitors could also fish or participate in a dolphin tour.

City Exploration

Good for a Friends Trip

A long weekend in the city is great for a group of friends because they’re jam-packed with things to do — concerts, food tours and sporting events, just to name a few. These recommendations are perhaps the most obvious because it’s what many travelers think of when planning a city outing, but admittedly, they’re at the top of the list for a reason.

Learn more about these U.S. cities on VAX's destination pages

City Suggestions

• Las Vegas: Friends in search of good entertainment, casinos, world-class shows, colorful nightlife and dining experiences will find all of that and more in the lively Las Vegas.
• New Orleans: This eclectic city is ideal for cultural diversity with its unique cuisine, jazz music and history woven throughout the streets.
• Chicago: Another great option for yummy eats, Chicago also has a reputation for its architecture, sports scene and quirky museums, making it an unconventional option.
• New York City: A hub for arts, finance and other industries, NYC is a melting pot type of destination. Broadway and other entertainment venues, in addition to exciting neighborhoods, ensure that the good times never end.
• Nashville: Yeehaw! Friend groups with an appreciation for country music, historic music-related attractions and the arts as a whole will fall in love with the bustle of Nashville.
• San Diego: City vibes with outdoor activities — San Diego boasts some beautiful beaches and green spaces for groups to relax on, while museums and a thriving culinary scene are two of the many ways in which visitors can experience the city.