Here you can witness nature at its best, explore acres of pristine hiking trails and scenic terrain and immerse yourself in outdoor adventure. Dont forget to download one of these travel apps to help you plan this marvelous quick trip. Once youre here, catch a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game at the Rogers Centre right under the CN Tower (take a trip to the top of the tower for the amazing views too), and ride a moving sidewalk through a shark tank at the neighboring aquarium. Weve gathered places to visit in the U.S. within one days drive for more than a majority of people. About half an hour from Asheville, the second-largest city in the North Carolina mountains has a lot to offer with a lower price tag. Where to stay:Enjoy swim-in movies, life-size games and smores at the beachside fire pit at beachfront Sandpearl Resort. Despite being an 8-hour drive from 60% of the U.S. population, the West Virginia way of life is crowd-free. Where to stay: The Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village is an Art Deco gem ideally located between Washington Square Park and Union Square, putting all the hip downtown restaurants, shops and sights right at your fingertips. Budget tip: All beaches in St. Martin are public and free. Budget tip: A Denver CityPASS gives you discounted access to kid-friendly city highlights, including the aquarium, zoo and museums, starting at $36 for kids ages 3 to 11, and $43 for adults. Adventures might be interested in the Class II and IV rapids in Richmond, one of the only cities to have rapids of this size in an urban setting. Dont miss these top family travel destinations in every state. You can hike, bike, or run on their extensive trail network, including the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and the bucket-list Appalachian Trail. Why youll love it: Known as the base camp to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Estes Park is only 90 minutes from Denver International Airport but has an authentic Colorado mountain village feeling, with plenty of outdoor activities to suit any visitor. Why youll love it:Not only does this destination feature 60 miles of gorgeous beaches and warm ocean waters, its also known as the mini-golf capital for its plethora of pint-size courses. We were thinking about maybe Tulsa, OK, or somewhere in Arkansas or somewhere else that borders Missouri. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius like 5 hours. Ohio travelers who make the short run to Motown will be pleasantly surprised by frugal places to stay and play. 6 hours from Oklahoma City - Within Hours One of my favorite family golf vacations was a road trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with my dad. Broadway At the Beach is South Carolinas most visited attraction, packed with entertainment, shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Highlights include kayaking, family basketball tournaments, outdoor movies, kite making, smores at the private beach bonfire, scavenger hunts and lawn games. Where to stay: Check out Tanque Verde Ranch, a family-owned property that provides an authentic Wild West experience with horseback riding (and much more) through Arizonas most breathtaking desert landscapes of the Rincon Mountains. Portland, ME 408 miles (approximately 7 hours) Portland, Maine offers a plethora of fun activities for the whole family. Budget tip:The U.S. dollar is strong against Canadian currency, so it will feel like the whole city is on sale. We have already done: Branson. Home to the most visited National Park in America, The Great Smoky Mountains, these vacation spots welcome 15 million guests a year to their natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and an almost endless list of fun, family-friendly attractions. The town has a vibrant arts and culture scene as one of only 13 cities in the country with its own ballet, opera, fine art, symphony, theater companies, and museums. Poppys Pointe Family Resort. Prices start at $1,780 in 2023 (slightly less for kids). Only 90-minutes away from the nation's largest city, New York City, 80 miles north of Philadelphia, and less than a 6-hour drive from most of the Northeast, Indianapolis, and Charlotte, it . In the past two years, the American Road Trip came roaring back. Take a drive over to North Lake Tahoe to enjoy the sun, beach and water sports. And exploring ABQ BioPark, a unique environmental museum comprised of an aquarium, botanic garden and zoo, is always a hit too, as are the free fishing lakes at Tingley Beach. Theres also a number of unique festivals throughout the summer. Budget tip:Explore the extensive, and free, beauty of the Central New York Region, the perfect setting for outdoor adventures, from hiking along 350 miles of trails to paddling down the historic Old Erie Canal or even mining for diamonds. Branson also has ten golf courses, including five of Missouris top 10 and some rated among the best in the United States. Theres also a wide range of accommodations that average $150 a night in peak season. WITHIN HOURS Find places 1 hour 1-1/2 hours 2 hours 2-1/2 hours 3 hours 3-1/2 hours 4 hours 4-1/2 hours 5 hours 6 hours 50 miles 100 miles 150 miles 200 miles 250 miles 300 miles 350 miles 400 miles from me Or explore the city via The Richmond Beer Trail, sampling ciders, wines, and meaderies from almost 40 local breweries. Why youll love it: A perfect getaway from Los Angeles, its just 35 miles east, but completely without all the traffic that plagues the city. Sarasota is a lively coastal beach town on the sandy shores of the Gulf coast just one hour south of Tampa. Washington Auto Road in New Hampshire, the oldest man-made attraction in America. And culture hounds will love the dozens of museums, galleries and performance spaces. Their rustic lodgings are well-equipped with all the comforts needed to enjoy a break from the city. Washington Auto Road, within the White Mountain National Forest, and is the perfect base camp for any drive on your mini-vacation. This Fall, the Moonshot Museum opens at the headquarters of space robotics company Astrobotic Technology providing visitors with an up-close look at real lunar landers and rovers being built and readied to fly to the Moon. Bring yourNational Parks Passand youll be able to catch the sunrise at The House of the Sun for free. Where to stay: The YMCA of the Rockies is one of the best-kept family vacation secrets in the country. Why youll love it: Albuquerque is the hot air balloon capital of the world, with skies always filled with colorful inspiration for kids with a love for things that fly. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer . Kids and adults of all ages will love to splash year-round at Wilderness at the Smokies indoor/outdoor waterpark resort and the new 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark. You can also sightsee by water-taxi or climb aboard Fearless, Baltimores own pirate ship in Fells Point, to hear swashbuckling tales of adventure. Kids under 2 ride for free, by the way. We Went To The #1 Indoor Water Park. Intrepid's Thailand Family Holiday is available to book on multiple dates in 2023, 2024, and even 2024. Pismo Beach Pier is the place to go to throw a line in the water and wait for a tug, while Pismo Beachs award-winning boardwalk is rife with delicious treats and colorful boutique shops. This is the largest commercial cave in the state and open year-around. Where to stay: Margaritaville Lake Resort will keep you entertained for your entire stay. Ive confirmed through correspondence with these cities that 50% or more of the U.S. population can drive to these destinations in 12 hours or less. It offers 60 different activities across its 250 acres, a variety of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and amenities like its swimming pool with a stunning overlook of the New River Gorge. There are also some unexpected things to do, like visiting Brookgreen Gardens. You might only know this destination as the home of the iconic Kentucky Derby or the birthplace of Bourbon, but it has so much more for vacationers. All of the towns monuments and memorials are free, and so is its long list of parks, such as 100 Acres: Art and Nature Park at Newfields or the downtown canal walk within White River State Park. This quirky city on the rise has incredible street murals, the Nevada Museum of Art and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for Tallest Outdoor Rock Climbing Wall at the Whitney Peak Hotel. For the latter, plan a picnic hike to the Craggy Mountains, stop to smell the berry bushes and take in the exceptional panoramic views of the Craggy Pinnacle Trail. Where to stay: Ocean Edge Resort offers a summers worth of fun on a sprawling 429 acres. Why youll love it: Start your Music City visit with a stop at the Ryman Auditorium to explore the origins of country music and even step on the stage where The Grand Ole Opry started. No town, not even Fayetteville, has more than 50,000 people. 13. Duluth, Minnesota. Why youll love it: Playful Pismo Beach and nearby Shell Beach offer the quintessential southern California sand-and-surf vacationfrom swimming and hiking to kayaking and surfing, its all outdoor fun all the time. Budget tip: Theres no need to travel overseas to get a taste of Basque culture; Boise has the largest Basque population in the United States. Budget tip:The summer months are filled with free outdoor movies and music at spots such as Land-Grant Brewing and Easton. Where to stay:The Embassy Suites at Centennial Park puts you right in the middle of the action, provides you with a second room so you can close the door on your big kids, has a pool and includes a free all-you-can-eat breakfast. For over 160 years, travelers have driven more than a mile into the sky to reach the highest point in the Northeast for views of the Atlantic Ocean and into Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York and even Canada. Budget tip:One of the most fascinating U.S. national parks is located way up in the clouds at Haleakala National Park, a dormant volcano. Budget tip: Live music fills the streets of Asheville, and you can listen to everything from old-time mountain music to new alternative rock just by dropping something in the tip jar. The Disney experts at UnderCover Tourist offer discounted tickets and additional money-saving tips at their site, as well as calendars about when to visit when its least crowded. Where to stay: Youll be surprised at the range of affordable options in St. Martin, where you can book anything from a low-cost hotel room to a spacious villa. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is 70,000 acres of public land full of rich history and prime for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. Where to stay: The Marram Montauk offers guests an oceanfront, barefoot luxury experience just a few feet from the sand. Washington bumper sticker on their car when they reach the top. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Fishing enthusiasts know that Bass Pro Shops was founded in the region and built Bransons Big Cedar Resort, a beloved and iconic outdoor upscale resort that is a destination in itself. Just a short drive from L.A. and San Diego, this is a hidden wine country with beautiful vineyards and plenty of outdoor activities in a near-perfect climate. Find out how to budget for a road trip. Budget tip:Take a drive outside the citys perimeter to hike up to the rushing waters of Multnomah Falls. Located halfway between New York City and Miami, Florida, on Interstate 95, Fayetteville, North Carolina, is within one days drive for 75% of the United States population. More than half of the country can drive to its 60 miles of beaches and other world-renowned attractions. Courtesy Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Harri Jarvelainen Photography/Getty Images, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), fun facts about the worlds most beautiful waterfalls, top family travel destinations in every state, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor, reasons Maui is the best island in Hawaii, Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Explore each citys distinct personalities and a long list of outdoor activities. Why youll love it: With silky-soft, snow-white sand and gentle Gulf of Mexico water, Clearwaters beaches are multiple award winners and some of thebest beaches in Floridaperfect for those who want to spend their quick trip splashing in the surf. Why youll love it: During the winter, Park City is a veritable wonderland of skiing, snowboarding and outdoor adventure. If youre looking for an urban destination, Columbus, Ohio, is now Americas 14th largest city, with more residents than San Francisco, and offers months worth of activities. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Budget tip: Pack a picnic and visit the gorgeous Falls Park on the Reedy, which boasts some seriously beautiful trails and gardens. Where to stay: The Inlet Inn is right on the waterfront in Beaufort and offers water-view rooms with private porches and continental breakfast delivered right to your room every morning. Where to stay:Pechanga Resort Casino might not sound like a wine-country retreat destination, but its 4.5-acre Cove pool complex means a true resort stay, and a $3 million expansion added a wealth of rooms, so theres always a deal to be had. Feel like flying to Sedona? Its conveniently located just minutes away from Bowling Greens local attractions, such as Lost River Cave, Beech Bend Raceway and Park, Mammoth Cave and the National Corvette Museum. Best Places to Stay. Everywhere you look are the stunning peaks and spires of red rocks and sandstone outcroppings. Where to stay: The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino offers double rooms, a location that lets you easily explore Old San Juan and front-row access to the new Entertainment District, plus theres a super cool infinity pool with great views over the San Juan lagoon. A three-hour drive from New Orleans will get you to Orange Beach, Alabama where you can take a parasailing tour, go fishing on a boat ride, or even get airborne in a helicopter. A highlight of the Country Music Hall of Fame is the Taylor Swift Education Center, where kids can learn to strum a ukulele or create a take-home art project. Browse through these tips on how to travel for free before booking your trip. Leave room in your itinerary to explore and learn about the Ohio River, including the National Landmark Falls of The Ohio. When youre not riding the rails, stop by Conner Prairie, the Smithsonian-affiliated living history museum and park, with hundreds of acres to explore, including four-story, interactive treetop outposts and an outdoor 1836 Prairietown where kids can visit with 1800s Indiana settlers, play games and learn a trade from the local interpreters dressed in period garb. Due to significant fashion brands headquartered in town, Columbus is a surprising fashion mecca. Plus, its only a 15-minute drive from Sam Houston National Forest. Budget tip: Theres a free sunset festival with live entertainment every single night, right at Clearwaters main beach at Pier 60. Oh, and pizza, lots and lots of cheesy, stringy, deep-dish pies for a decadent dining treat. The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology and the Folk Music Center are local favorites to visit, so keep an eye on the schedule for the latter to find out about live concerts that will hopefully be back soon. Rangers take visitors on guided tours, which depart every 20 to 30 minutes starting at 9am. One way to soak up the romance and charm is to book a carriage ride for two. It really is a perfect Midwest vacation spot. Budget tip: Pack your own lunch and visit Cascade River State Park for an afternoon of bird-watching and trail hiking. Point Randall Resort, Lake Ozark. Baseball fans will want to steal straight to The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, while art lovers should make a date with The Fenimore Art Museum, which boasts an extraordinary collection of American Indian and folk art. Why youll love it: This western city offers a special treat: a true, old-fashioned dude ranch offering an Old West vacation at throwback prices. Monica Fish helps her fellow adventurers live a financially savvy life so they can travel and explore our beautiful world no matter their budget. Energize your vacation with an ATV drive on 5.5 miles of beaches open to off-road vehicle use in Oceano Dunes, the only California State Park where vehicles may be driven on the beach. Why youll love it:San Diegos near-perfect summer weather, the free beaches of Coronado Island and the museums and outstanding zoo in Balboa Park all add up to a memory-making quick getaway when it comes to vacations in Southern California. Spend a day exploring the largest municipal urban forest in the country, Jefferson Memorial Forest. Where to stay: A visit to a national park is the perfect time to fire up an RV (either your own or a rented one) for a cheap family vacation. Meramec Caverns, Missouri. Explore the mountains and waterfalls in DuPont State Forest, view four states from Jump Off Rock, and end your day on their award-winning Main Street with extra-wide sidewalks, brick planters, park benches, public art, alfresco dining, galleries, shops, boutiques, and the Appalachian Pinball Museum. My Kids' Ages By proceeding, you agree to our . Pittsburgh is home to 165 parks and places to hike, bike, or walk along the citys trails. Here are some of our other favorite family-friendly beaches around the country. Budget tip:Dont miss the live music at the surprisingly family-friendly (during the day, that is) Honky Tonks up and down Broadway. 7 Best Family Resorts Near St. Louis, MO that All Ages Love! Budget tip:A visit to Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key penned The Star-Spangled Banner, is free for everyone. Budget tip: Theres plenty to do for free in Rapid City: Visitors can participate in a free, interactive walking tour of the City of Presidents, a series of life-size bronze statues of our nations past presidents along the citys streets and sidewalks. Where to stay: Providence Marriott, which has a bike program with preset routes. If you prefer the all-inclusive type of resort, one of the top six adventure resorts in the country, Adventures on the Gorge, is also found here. Families can enjoy Wet-n-Wild Water Park, obstacle course & ziplining at Safari Nation, The North Carolina Zoo, All a Flutter Butterfly Farm, and Piedmont Environmental Center. Why youll love it:The City of Trees is a perfect destination when youre looking for a quick trip where you can enjoy the outdoors. 10 Cheap Family Weekend Getaways - Family Vacation Critic Budget tip: Houston CityPASS is just $68 (kids tickets are $56) and includes admission to Houston favorites such as the out-of-this-world Space Center Houston, the Childrens Museum and nearby Kemah Boardwalk Amusement Park on Galveston Bay, for the most summer bang for your buck. Or opt for a quieter getaway with time at the luxe spa, the zero-entry lagoon pool (where you can also order a cocktail and snack to your lounge chair) or in a private cabana with everything from HDTVs to lounge chairs and refrigerators within steps of the pool.
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