The Best Family Vacation Destinations and Travel Tips

Cape Cod

Cape Cod holds a very special place in my heart — it’s where my husband proposed, where we scatter ashes of loved ones, and where our family returns every single year. Planning a Cape Cod family vacation? We book all of our Cape Cod rental homes through Del Mar Vacation Rentals — their properties are clean, beautifully stocked, and perfect for families. Use code HOUSTONBLOG005 at checkout for 5% off your rental!

Whether you’re looking for a classic summer beach vacation or a quieter off-season escape, the Cape delivers every time. Here are some of my favorite spots:

Eastham is our family’s home base on the Outer Cape. We love it for the stunning beaches, the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and the incredible food scene. It’s the perfect low-key base for exploring the whole Outer Cape. Read my year-round Eastham Family Travel Guide

Chatham is one of the most charming towns on the Cape — we go back every year for the seafood, the seals at Chatham Pier, and the Chatham Squire. Don’t miss the Pumpkin People in the Park if you’re visiting in the fall! Read my Chatham Cape Cod Guide

Not sure where to start? Check out vacation homes to rent. I’ve rounded up my Top 5 Places to Visit in Cape Cod → and even have tips for visiting Cape Cod in the off-season → — it’s truly magical when the crowds disappear.

Ocean Edge Resort, Cape Cod

When we aren’t renting a vacation home on the Cape we are staying at the award winning Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club. With gorgeous weather and smaller crowds, fall is a great season to enjoy Cape Cod’s picturesque beaches, charming towns, and biking trails. Heading to Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster with your family? Read all about our Family Vacations to Ocean Edge here!

Basin Harbor Resort, Lake Champlain

My family had not experienced Vermont in the summer until our trip to the family owned Basin Harbor Resort. There is so much to do and see on Lake Champlain, from boating adventures to lakeside cookouts. We have visited Basin Harbor Resort twice and love every trip! Basin Harbor offers a sense of exclusivity when arriving on the property because you feel like you’re entering a secret summer camp hidden in the woods.

The Nantucket Hotel

The Nantucket Hotel and Resort is a kid friendly place to stay in the heart of Nantucket if you’re looking for another New England family vacation. From the family pool to kids’ club, from nightly s’mores to its proximity to the island’s best things to do, The Nantucket Hotel is a great place for families (read Part 1 and Part 2). We loved renting bikes to ride to the nearby beach and visiting the lobby for kids’ happy hour with cookies and lemonade. If you haven’t already heard, Nantucket is a 19th century whaling island most known for its historic cobblestone streets and dune-backed beaches (a must see!).

Mystic, CT

Looking for a fun family trip to a coastal town in CT? My family has taken multiple mini vacations to Mystic, CT. There is so much to do and see in the beautiful coastal village, like explore the Mystic Aquarium and downtown shops! The Whalers Inn is a family friendly hotel in downtown Mystic while the Hilton Mystic is right across the street from the aquarium! Here is a peek at what you can do in Mystic with your family!

The Winnetu Oceanside Resort, Martha’s Vineyard

One of my favorite family trips has been to the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Martha’s Vineyard. The full service resort has every amenity imaginable – on-site dining, kids’ camp, pool AND beach access, plus so much more. The Winnetu offers a daily cookie and lemonade happy hour, complimentary lawn games and a turtle pond. Check out part II of my vacation here and our trip to Martha’s Vineyard in the Fall here.

The Woodstock Inn & Resort, Vermont

Driving up to The Woodstock Inn & Resort felt like something out of a movie. The Resort is a grand white estate set in the center of a picturesque town covered in snow. We visited the Woodstock Inn during Christmas and they make the most incredible Gingerbread House! If you enjoy skiiing, shopping, and great food – Woodstock, VT is a great destination to visit! Want to see Woodstock in the summer? It’s on our bucket list!

Portland, Maine

Are you looking for a unique weekend getaway in New England? I highly recommend visiting Portland, Maine, where Brandon and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. Portland is a wonderful family vacation destination, but also great for a romantic trip. love everything about Portland, with the food ranking highest on our list of reasons to visit the coastal town. Check out my Portland Travel Guide to see where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.

Spruce Point Inn

Just about an hour down the coast from Portland lies one of Maine’s most special resorts — Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa in Boothbay Harbor. Situated on 57 acres of stunning oceanfront woodland, this historic Condé Nast-recognized resort is both family and pet friendly, making it a wonderful base for exploring the Maine coast. Highlights include an oceanside pool, complimentary bikes, incredible dining featuring fresh local seafood, and the unforgettable boat ride out to Burnt Island Lighthouse — one of the most magical experiences I’ve had in all of New England. Whether you’re planning a romantic couples getaway or a full family trip, Spruce Point Inn delivers. Read Part One → and Part Two → of my full review!

Woodloch Pines Resort, The Poconos

Woodloch Pines Resort is a must-visit all inclusive family resort located in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. My family and I spent a wonderful weekend at family owned Woodloch Pines Resort during the winter that was jam packed with activities like sledding and ice skating. Woodloch also an adult only spa at The Lodge. Read about my experience here.

The Coonamessett Inn – Falmouth, Cape Cod

The beautiful coastal town of Falmouth is located on the Upper Cape and less than three miles from our house in Connecticut. We stayed at The Coonamessett, a Cape Cod Inn part of the Lark Hotel family. Located less than a mile from downtown, The Coonamessett is in a prime spot for couples or families hoping to explore, shop, and dine at many incredible establishments in Falmouth.

Mount Snow in Dover, VT

If your family is ready to try skiing for the first time, Mount Snow in Vermont is the perfect place to start. It was our family’s very first ski trip together and honestly, it exceeded every expectation. The slopes are approachable, the staff are incredibly welcoming, and staying at the Grand Summit Resort made the whole experience feel effortless. We used the Epic Pass which unlocks 20% off food, lodging, lessons, and rentals — a total game changer for a first-time ski family trying to keep costs manageable. I came home already planning our next trip back! Read my full Mount Snow & Epic Pass guide →

Take a day trip to Manchester. It is a quintessential Vermont town with gorgeous mountain views, an exciting downtown with unique businesses, an abundance of delicious restaurants, and even a cozy bookstore with a kids playroom.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head, South Carolina quickly won a special place in my heart — from the Spanish moss and Lowcountry landscape to the white sandy beaches. This past summer, our family spent an incredible week in the Sea Pines area with extended family and I’m already counting down to our next visit. Hilton Head is the perfect mix of relaxing beach days, delicious seafood, and activities the whole family will love. Whether you rent a home, ride bikes along the trails, or catch a sunset at Harbour Town, it’s a destination that truly has something for everyone. Read my full Hilton Head Travel Guide here!

Newport, RI

Newport is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in New England, set on the Aquidneck Island in the state of Rhode Island. The quintessential Newport experience must include seafood, a historic mansion, and shopping on Thames. Here is Part I and Part II of my Newport Travel Guide. Looking for a convenient place to stay? Check out my stay to The Gilded on Brinley Avenue.

St. George Island

Florida’s St. George Island is picturesque, with pristine beaches, lush vegetation, and wildlife around every corner. The coastline is a canvas for some of the most breathtaking sunrises I’ve ever seen in my life. The best place to stay on St. George Island is a vacation rental home. Read all about our family trips to SGI with details on how to get there and what to do on the island.

Destin, Florida

Since the summer of 2005, I’ve been visiting Destin, Florida on 30A with my husband. The beautiful panhandle town is where his family has vacationed for years. It only makes sense he share the white beaches, crystal blue ocean, and delicious seafood with the love of his life, right? Destin is the ultimate family vacation destination in the panhandle!

Napa Valley, CA

Sneaking away without the entire family? Take an adults-only trip to Napa Valley. We spent our sixth wedding anniversary in Napa for three wonderful days. Upon multiple recommendations, we booked a night at the Andaz Napa in downtown Napa and loved every second of our stay. While in Napa I found my 5 favorite wineries, but there are so many to visit!

Flying with Toddlers

Flying with toddlers can be scary. The days leading up to a trip is hectic enough, especially if you’re traveling alone with toddlers. List making is helpful, but you have to be prepared for a sudden delayed flight or toddlers gone wild. From vomiting during takeoff to full blown sister fights, I’ve seen it all. Heading to the beach? Check out Tips for Babies and Toddlers at the Beach.

What to Bring to a Vacation Rental

If you’re renting a vacation house for the first time it can be very overwhelming. Most vacation rentals supply basic amenities while guests are required to bring everything else. Even though my family spends a week in Cape Cod every summer, we always forget something. I’ve put together a list of What to Bring to a Vacation Rental so we never forget anything.

Beach Bag Must Haves

Do you have a summer vacation planned? There are so many beautiful beaches in New England to visit, but a trip can easily be ruined if you don’t have what you need for a day in the sun. Check out this post so you don’t forget to pack the ultimate beach bag. 

The Best Tips for Vacations with a Toddler

Looking for tips for taking your toddler on vacation? This summer we are entering the “Toddler Tornado” era and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about taking it on the road. It’s been a five years since we’ve been on vacation with a toddler of our own! Since we have multiple trips planned this summer, I’m refreshing myself on all the important tips for taking a toddler on vacation.

Tips for Staying Overnight in a Hotel with Toddlers

Traveling on vacations with a toddler can be stressful. Most tiny humans only like to sleep in their own beds and find new places scary and strange. Here is what worked best for my two kids when we would stay at hotels.

What to Pack for a Road Trip with Kids

There are essentials for a road trip with kids that can make your travel more enjoyable though. It is so important to be prepared for anything – car sickness, potty accidents, hunger, thirst, and boredom. Here are 10 Must Haves for Family Road Trips with Kids as well as a list of easy road trip friendly snacks/meals.

Tips For Visiting Cape Cod

From the beaches to the restaurants to the quaint towns, we relaxed, ate, and explored our hearts out. Here is what to do on a Cape Cod vacation.

Planning a Cape Cod family vacation? We book all of our Cape Cod rental homes through Del Mar Vacation Rentals — their properties are clean, beautifully stocked, and perfect for families. Use code HOUSTONBLOG005 at checkout for 5% off your rental! Considering how much time I’ve spent on the Cape, I have not seen as much as I would like! But, a few friends have asked for a list of my favorite places to go and I thought I’d share my Top 5 Places to Visit in Cape Cod in case you ever visit.

Each year my parents, siblings and spouses, plus all the grandchildren take a weeklong vacation together. We are all so excited to step away from work and relax together. Read: The best of Cape Cod. Enjoy!