Spring break is right around the corner and summer vacation planning isn’t far behind. Deciding where to travel with kids can often be a daunting task, though. Fortunately for busy parents, FamilyFun magazine announced today its annual Travel Awards winners and we have some insights to share with you on the Top 10 Tourist Towns for family travel!
The annual Travel Awards from FamilyFun is designed to help ease the process of choosing the best family-friendly vacation spots, as the winners were chosen by real families from across the country. We are highlighting the Top 10 Tourist Towns for family travel selected, but FamilyFun’s April issue also features a list of top destinations in various categories including animal attractions, science museums, state parks, and more. Be sure to check it out!
Top 10 Tourist Towns for Family Travel
1. Sanibel, FL
This cozy island offers plenty of beach time and family-friendly activities. A laid-back destination, you’ll find plenty of fun, relaxation and great dining choices in this little corner of paradise! Find out more at: http://www.sanibelisland.com/
Right in the heart of the Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg offers breath-taking natural wonders and plenty of outdoor play. You’ll also find family-friendly activities, spectacular views, cabin rentals and some great down-home cooking, too. We’re heading there soon and will be sure to share all the fun spots and tips we gather along our journey. For more information, visit: http://www.gatlinburg.com/
3. Savannah, GA
Known for it’s gorgeous architecture, the history and charm of this city is one-of-a-kind! There’s no shortage of activities and absolutely a little something for everyone. Check out http://www.savannah.com/ for more details!
4. St. Augustine, FL
Known as the “Ancient City,” historical landmarks are as abundant as Florida sunshine! A little off-the-beaten path, it’s well worth the trip, even if you just want to kick back and enjoy the 43-miles of beaches. Visit http://www.oldcity.com/ for more details.
5. Wisconsin Dells, WI
As a former Chicagoan, I grew up visiting the Wisconsin Dell frequently. While it’s everything you may expect from a tourist town, it’s also a lovely haven to build family memories around the campfire in one of the many camp grounds, cabins or resorts available. Be sure to take a Duck ride while you’re there! For more information, visit http://www.wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells.htm
6. Myrtle Beach, SC
On a funny note, growing up I had no idea the abundance of beach front living that existed in the Carolinas, but I’m so glad to have discovered them as an adult! Myrtle Beach offers some of the best family-friendly stops and attractions for you to enjoy. Visit http://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/ to discover more.
7. Estes Park, CO
Colorado is a destination still on my bucket list and apparently for good reason! Estes Park offers some of the top destinations for families to enjoy all the Rocky Mountains has to offer. Learn more at http://estes-park.com/
8. Petoskey, MI
This lesser know ski resort area boasts a wealth of family activities and attractions. The nearby Villiage of Bay Harbor also provides a plenty of shopping and upscale dining for a special treat. Visit http://www.petoskeyarea.com/ to get the full scoop!
9. Key West, FL
Key West is one of our favorite destination so I was happy to see it make the top 10 list! The sunrises and sunsets are absolutely amazing in this island paradise, along with the food and attractions. Take a catamaran ride or jet ski around the island for a special treat and be sure to enjoy a slice of Key Lime pie! Plan your visit at: http://keywest.com/
10. Mackinac Island, MI
Families into water sports and boating will truly treasure this quaint area. It’s also home to a gorgeous state park and two butterfly sanctuaries. For more details, visit http://www.mackinacisland.org/
A few areas I might add to this list for U.S. family travel (especially if you are traveling with older children or teens) are Washington D.C., Put-In-Bay Ohio, Norfolk Virginia, San Francisco California, and Orlando Florida where, of course, Walt Disney World is the star family attraction, but there are also oodles of nearby family attractions and beach areas to explore.
What tourist towns for family travel would you add to the list?
Looks like some great places to visit. I’m one that likes the non-tourist areas, getting info from locals, etc. I know if we ever get blessed to visit Alaska again, I want to go away from the jewelry shop nonsense and see the real area!! 🙂
Alaska is on our bucket list! I agree with you, going off the beaten path always reveals so much more and often, I find that local restaurants have the best food, too.
I would love to take a family trip to Virginia and Washington DC now that they are older. I know the girls would probably prefer heading south to any one of the warmer locations you’ve shared. This is a handy list I’ll keep in mind the next time we are ready to hit the road!
Hoping to get back to the DC area soon. It is such a thrilling experience for the Middle School and High School crowd, for sure, as what they are studying suddenly comes to life. I’m with your girls, though, I do love the warmer locations and sandy beaches!
Now that we moved to Texas, I need to visit the ones nearby us. Savannah, GA sounds like a great destination for a road trip.
Such a lovely area Savannah is. Hope to take a road trip there, too, someday soon!