25 Best Under-the-Radar Family Vacation Ideas in the U.S.

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Grand Marais is a lovely harbor town nestled on the shores of Lake Superior against the backdrop of the majestic Sawtooth Mountains in Minnesota. The town is bursting with great scenery, local art, and a diverse choice of adventures. The town’s natural beauty has long attracted artists from afar to capture it, and is home to the renowned North House Folk School, as well as a range of restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on a canoeing trip, or drive along Lake Superior to Grand Portage State Park to see the breathtaking High Falls, the highest waterfall in Minnesota. Visit the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center and learn about the history of the Gunflint Trail, or enjoy exhilarating adventures on a Towering Pines Canopy Tour, Mountain Tram ride or Alpine Slide. The town is located about four hours from Minneapolis and plays host to a number of kid-friendly festivals such as Moose Madness and the Fisherman’s Picnic.

Where to Stay: The Shoreline Inn has beautiful views of the water, connecting family rooms and offers easy access to the town shops and restaurants.

Where to Eat: Harbor House Grille serves homemade American cuisine such as wood fired oven pizza, sandwiches and a tempting kids’ menu.

Don’t Miss: Explore the lake in a kayak with North Shore Expeditions which offers kayaking trips for families with children under 13 years old in tandem kayaks.

More vacation ideas: family trips and other Weekend Getaways in MN.

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Old-world Bavarian charm meets modern-day Northwestern hospitality in this beautiful German-American town. Nestled amidst the magnificent Cascade Mountains in Washington State, this beautifully designed destination offers a plethora of fun things to see and do, ranging from seasonal outdoor activities, theater-under-the-stars, festivals, food fairs and Bavarian traditions. There is a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and watersports.

For some indoor fun in Leavenworth, head to the Icicle Junction Activities Center, where you can find mini golf, arcades and great restaurants. There are a number of parks around town with shady picnic spots, children’s playgrounds, bicycle paths and a skate park. Visit the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum to view a collection of nutcrackers, including Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader, Disney and Sesame Street characters.

Where to Stay: The Enzian Inn will make you feel like you have teleported to the Bavarian Alps with its inviting European décor.

Where to Eat: Andreas Keller Restaurant offers fun live events and has been serving traditional Bavarian food and imported draft beers for 20 years.

Don’t Miss: Schocolat’s gourmet chocolates are sure to be a hit with kids.

More places to visit: Asheville, Iowa, Portland, Kansas City, Hawaii Honeymoon, Arizona.

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In Lake Charles, Louisiana families are surrounded by beautiful natural landscape, scenic rivers, tranquil lakes, fun festivals, and fairs. Lake Charles offers a wide variety of things to do for whole family, including camping, swimming, mini golf, laser tag and bowling. Explore beautiful natural scenery, wildlife and birds along the Creole Nature trail.

Wrapping around Lake Charles Civic Center and bordering the lake, the Lakefront Promenade, otherwise known as Bord du Lac Drive is ideal for biking, relaxing strolls, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Bord du Lac Park has great playgrounds and adventures for children, including a pirate’s ship, climbing wall, a maze tunnel and a tree house.

Where to Stay: Grosse Savanne Lodge is a plantation-style retreat with a game room, fireplace and large porches.

Where to Eat: Luna Bar & Grill has a delicious kid’s menu, including fried shrimp, kids burger, grilled cheese and chicken strips.

Don’t Miss: Have a family picnic with a view of the water in Prien Lake Park.

More vacation ideas: Atlanta, Long Beach, Maui, Tropical Islands.

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Boasting a vibrant art scene, major league sports teams, Newport Aquarium with walk-through tunnels, and a popular riverfront bustling with shops, restaurants and cafés, the city of Cincinnati is bursting with great things to do on your family vacation. Overlooking the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio, the city is home to the famous Kentucky Speedway and Kings Island, where you will find the longest inverted roller coaster in the world.

Visit the numerous parks such as Fountain Square with its historic ice rink, or take the kids to see a show at the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden provides a great way for children to learn about animals, walk through beautiful gardens and go on fun rides. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal has a children’s museum, history museum and a science museum where you will find something to do with kids of all ages.

Where to Eat: Take the kids to Greater’s for handcrafted ice cream and other treats.

Don’t Miss: Watch the Cincinnati Reds in action at their new ballpark.

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Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the hip college town of Athens, Georgia, is a unique blend of old and new, where beautifully preserved Antebellum architecture and a quaint Victorian-era downtown district merge seamlessly with trendy stores, vibrant nightlife, and a blossoming culinary and contemporary art scene.

Home to the University of Georgia and the Georgia Bulldogs, this beautiful town has much to offer in the way of family fun. Take the kids to Bear Hollow Zoo, visit the botanical gardens, spend an afternoon at the Georgia Museum of Art and have fun outdoors at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. Trail Creek Park has outdoor exercise equipment, football, softball and Frisbee games.

Where to Stay: Graduate Athens has individually decorated rooms, a pool and a spa.

Where to Eat: Mama’s Boy is a great spot for a family breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Don’t Miss: Let the kids climb, jump and play at the World of Wonder Playground, followed by a family picnic in Southeast Clarke Park.

Travel destinations: Sioux Falls, SD, West Palm Beach, Fargo, ND

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Madison is a beautiful university town with a friendly atmosphere, and exquisite natural scenery of glacial waterways and beaches. Home to over 250 parks and green spaces, this vibrant town is perfect for a family getaway that combines culture, history and outdoor fun. Head to one of the beaches around the city, or explore the parks where you will find jungle gyms, sporting facilities and picnicking areas.

Henry Vilas Zoo provides a great day out for kids, and the International Crane Foundation boasts lovely nature trails to walk, exhibits to explore and is the only place in the world where you will find all 15 species of cranes. The Madison Children’s Museum features excellent exhibits for children to imagine, play and learn, and the Overture Center for Arts offers popular children’s programs on Saturday mornings, with storytellers, jugglers and theater. If you are staying over the weekend, visit the farmers market which features live music and great food.

Where to Stay: The Edgewater has beautiful rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake.

Where to Eat: Babcock Hall Dairy Store has excellent ice cream, sandwiches and pastries.

Don’t Miss: Olbrich Botanical Gardens are filled with stunning flower displays, fountains and a waterfall - admission is free.

More Wisconsin destinations: Madison, Milwaukee and Bayfield

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Silicon Valley meets Spanish heritage in this culture-rich Californian town, which boasts a wealth of beautifully preserved architecture, an array of excellent museums, art galleries and theater, as well as bountiful family-friendly activities. The Children’s Discovery Museum and the The Tech Interactive are a great stop for their fantastic hands-on interactive exhibits, where children can poke, prod and tinker.

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum in San Jose offers a wonderful introduction to the world of trains, while the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum provides a fascinating insight into ancient Egypt. Head to Voorhees State Park for hiking, sledding, biking and skywatching programs, or Raging Waters for some family fun spread over 23 acres of water-based activities and attractions. Holly Hummingbird Farm offers farm tours, picnics and interaction with a range of farm animals. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a family favorite as well.

Don’t Miss: San Pedro Square Market for great food, coffee and weekly entertainment. Here you will find wood-fired pizza, great sushi, art and the oldest building in San Jose.

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Little Rock offers historic sites, attractions and great restaurants. Families can visit museums with interactive hands-on activities, such as the Museum of Discovery, where kids learn new concepts in mathematics, science and technology in a fun way, or the Clinton Presidental Library.

Visit Little Rock Zoo where you can observe unique animals and habitats. Pinnacle Mount State Park and Woolly Hollow State Park offer hiking, biking and picnicking surrounded by nature. Wild River Country and Magic Springs Theme Park have water slides, tidal pools, rapids and wave pools.

Where to Stay: The Capital is the Grande Dame of downtown Little Rock, close to the Arts Center, The Museum of Discovery and other attractions.

Where to Eat: The Pantry has two locations in Little Rock and serves amazing starters, salads, sandwiches, sausages, burgers and more. You can order a Family Style dinner with a 36-hour notice for 8-10 people.

Don’t Miss: Walk or bike along the Arkansas River Trail and enjoy scenic river views.

More vacation ideas: Things to Do in Denver and Things to Do in Boulder This Weekend

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Sebring, Florida, is home to the world-renowned Sebring International Raceway and offers a great base for exploring the surrounding lakes and attractions. Take a journey back in time with a walk through the Historic District, which dates back to the 1920s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Explore quaint boutiques and galleries that line the streets, where you will find clothing, décor, jewelry and gifts. Highlands Hammock State Park offers beautiful natural surroundings, winding paths and walkways. If your children are old enough, take them to one of the scenic golf courses in the area to play a round of family golf.

Where to Stay: Inn On The Lakes offers rooms and suites with views of Little Lake Jackson.

Where to Eat: Garden Cafe at McLane's Country Garden offers a diverse menu in a beautiful garden setting.

Don’t Miss: Childrens Museum of The Highlands was designed for children ages one through 12 and offers diverse exhibits, a water play area, climbing and a mini grocery store.

More Florida destinations: Sanibel Island, Cape Coral and St. Petersburg

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Montgomery, Alabama is a historic town where you will have a chance to step back in time and learn about the Civil Rights movement at the Civil Rights Memorial Center and the Rosa Parks Library and Museum.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents plays and shows such as The Importance of Being Earnest, As You Like It and King Lear. The Ice Palace at the Eastdale Mall offers hours of fun at the indoor ice rink, while the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum and Montgomery Zoo showcase exotic animals from around the world.

Where to Stay: The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa has a rooftop pool, a spa and modern guest rooms.

Where to Eat: The Tipping Point serves great sandwiches, hot dogs and a fun kids menu.

Don’t Miss: Jump on board the Harriott II Riverboat, docked beside the Riverwalk and Amphitheater, for dinner, dancing and live entertainment, along with a variety of activities for children.

More day trips & weekend vacations: 10 Best Things to Do in Huntsville, Alabama with Kids and best lake vacations.

© The Chautauqua Institution

The Chautauqua Institution in New York offers family-friendly weekly themed events, lectures and entertainment during the summer season from the end of June through the end of August. Located on Chautauqua Lake, the 750-acre educational center was originally founded in 1874 as a United Methodist Sunday School camp and now attracts 100,000 visitors each year.

Younger guests can enroll in a variety of programs based on their age, which are both fun and educational. The beautiful 17-mile lake offers sandy beaches, fishing, sailing and swimming.

Where to Stay: Accommodation options include vacation rentals and the historic Athenaeum Hotel.

Where to Eat: Visitors can choose from a range of restaurants and cafes which serve delicious farm-to-table cuisine.

Don’t Miss: Watch a show in the open-air Amphitheater.

You may also like: 25 Best Weekend Getaways from New York City.

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Brookings, South Dakota, is a beautiful university town offering a variety of things to see and do. The Children’s Museum of South Dakota is a hands-on learning experience with a variety of displays and exhibits, while the South Dakota State Art Museum houses many unique works of art which will interest older children. For outdoor fun, head to the Hillcrest Aquatic Center, where waterslides, sprays, fountains and pools offer endless entertainment.

Visit the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum to learn about the history of the state (admission is free). The Dakota Nature Park & Center’s lush green landscape and winding pathways make for excellent biking and hiking.

Where to Stay: Super 8 Brookings has an indoor pool, hot tub and rooms with flat screen HDTVs.

Where to Eat: Nick's Hamburgers serves some of the best hamburgers in the state and has been in business since 1929.

Don’t Miss: McCrory Gardens let children learn about gardening in a beautiful setting, surrounded by 25 acres of formal gardens.

You may also like: 20 Best Things to Do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

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Raleigh is a modern, energetic city which lets you combine cultural, historical and outdoor activities on your family getaway. You will have a choice of several great museums, including the North Carolina Museum of History, the Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural Sciences. For those who prefer to spend time outdoors, there is a selection of parks offering swimming, boating, biking and outdoor adventures.

Raleigh Farmers Market is a beautiful stop, open seven days a week, offering fresh produce, great ice cream and welcoming atmosphere. The beautifully restored historic carousel and train rides at Pullen Park will delight children of all ages.

Where to Stay: Sheraton Raleigh Hotel has an indoor pool and is located close to downtown shops and restaurants.

Where to Eat: Fiction Kitchen is a vegetarian restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine.

Don’t Miss: Marbles Kids Museum is a fun place to spend an afternoon with children under 10, offering themed exhibits, IMAX films and play-based learning.

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Nestled on the shores of Lake Pepin on the Mississippi River, Stockholm, Wisconsin, is a charming village that provides a quiet escape from the city and offers a wonderful array of outdoor activities and things to see and do for the whole family. Visit the small Stockholm Museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Stockholm area and see a performance at the WideSpot Performing Arts Center located in the former 100-year-old Opera Hall.

Stockholm Pie & General Store sells a selection of cheeses, Wisconsin beer, jam, jellies, local preserve foods, local chocolates and other treats. In the fall, Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery offers wagon rides, picnics and orchard tours during which you can pick your own apples in the barn.

Where to Stay: Cabin at Riverside is a scenic hideaway on the shores of Lake Pepin.

Midwestern USA Weekend Getaways: Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, from Chicago, from Minneapolis, North Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri.

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Sag Harbor, New York is best known as a setting in Herman Melville's iconic novel Moby Dick, established as America's first commercial port in the early 18th century. The beautiful Suffolk County region makes for a delightful weekend getaway for adults and families alike, showcasing gorgeous preserved and reconstructed buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places throughout its quaint downtown district. Nautical-themed attractions include the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum and Sailacat Catamaran Cruises, which offer kayak, paddleboarding, and catamaran experiences on the Atlantic Ocean waterfront. Adults can catch performances at the Bay Street Theatre or the Sag Harbor Cinema, while families can grab homemade ice cream from Big Olaf or stretch out and play along spacious, scenic Foster Memorial Beach.

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Winter Park, Florida offers a charming alternative to the hustle and bustle of nearby Orlando's theme park attractions, noted by National Geographic as one of the world's top preserved historic destinations. The beautiful city is a paradise for arts and culture lovers, home to attractions such as the acclaimed Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural Art, which showcases gorgeous works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. More than 70 parks dot the city's landscape, including expansive public parks like Central Park and outdoor attractions like the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden. Visitors can also explore the beautiful campus of 1885 Rollins College or peruse the vibrant shops and restaurants of the Park Avenue Shopping District.

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McMinnville, Oregon is known as "Oregon's Favorite Main Street," acclaimed throughout the Willamette Valley for its world-class wineries, eclectic boutiques, and gourmet restaurant offerings. More than 220 wineries and vineyards dot the city's landscape, taking advantage of the region's rich volcanic soils to produce internationally-acclaimed wines throughout the year, including renowned Pinot Noir varietals. Downtown, visitors can explore the city's tree-lined streets and stop in at hip coffee houses, craft brewpubs, and award-winning restaurants serving up a wide variety of cuisine offerings. The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum showcases Howard Hughes' famed Spruce Goose, while the Wings and Waves indoor waterpark offers high water thrills year-round. Annual special events include a Turkey Rama celebration and a yearly UFO Festival.

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Doylestown, Pennsylvania is the county seat of Bucks County, voted as one of America's top small town cultural destinations by USA Today. The beautiful city, which is located half an hour north of Philadelphia's city center and less than 80 miles southwest of New York City, is home to a vibrant downtown cultural district showcasing attractions like the James A. Michener Art Museum, known for its impressive collections of Impressionist paintings by Pennsylvania artists. Independent and foreign films are showcased at the 1930s-era Art Deco-style County Theater, while an assortment of gorgeous historic castles are on display throughout the city's Mercer Museum region, which features 2oth-century concrete castles constructed by archaeologist Henry Mercer. Excellent global cuisine offerings dot the city's downtown district, ranging from empanada joints to locally-operated seafood markets.

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Lookout Mountain, Alabama is a gorgeous stretch of mountain ridge located at the Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee state lines, best known as the site of the 18th-century Last Battle of the Cherokees and the 1863 Civil War Battle of Lookout Mountain. Throughout the 20th century, the region became a popular tourist destination for families, home to attractions such as Lookout Mountain Cave and the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Today, visitors can explore the unique rock formations of Rock City or view the gorgeous Ruby Falls, which is located deep within the caverns of Lookout Mountain cave. Battle information and exhibits are showcased at the Battles for Chattanooga Museum, while outdoor recreational opportunities are offered at Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park. The stunning Lookout Mountain parkway extends for 93 miles from Chattanooga to Gadsden, Alabama, offering opportunities to view scenic waterfalls, canyons, and small town landscapes.

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Woodstock, Vermont is a charming year-round destination within the picturesque Green Mountains, known for its historic pedestrian village and colonial-era covered bridges. Local artisans and crafters sell throughout the village center at quaint boutiques, bookstores, art galleries, and country stores, carrying on the region's rich historic cultural traditions. Visitors can sample 100% raw-milk cheeses at Billings Farm and Museum, which also highlights daily cow milkings and a sprawling heirloom garden and apple orchard. The 550-acre Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park preserves more than 20 miles of carriage roads and hiking trails in the shadow of Mount Tom, while the Ottauquechee River is home to landmarks such as the Quechee Gorge.

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Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a picturesque port city along the banks of the Piscataqua River, known for its gorgeous preserved 17th- and 18th-century houses and buildings. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Strawberry Banke Museum, which features interpretive programming from costumed docents throughout the summer months, or the family-friendly Seacoast Science Center, which offers marine-themed exhibits.The city's beautiful Music Hall has been designated as an American Treasure for the Arts by the National Park Service, showcasing live concerts and performances throughout the year. Riverside gardens are on display at Prescott Park, while exciting water thrill attractions are showcased at Water Country, New England's largest seasonal water park.

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Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre recreation area on Maine's Mount Desert Island along the Atlantic coast. Located southwest of Bar Harbor, the park was established to preserve half of Mount Desert Island, along with many adjacent smaller islands, and part of the Schoodic Peninsula on the coast of Maine. The 49,075-acre park features pristine landscapes ranging from rocky beaches and dense woodlands to grand granite peaks, the highest point on the United States’ East Coast and is home to a wide variety of wildlife such as bears, moose, whales, and seabirds. The bayside town of Bar Harbor features many restaurants and shops and a popular gateway into the park, and recreational activities include hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking and canoeing, swimming, sea kayaking and guided boat tours on the ocean.

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Cave of the Winds is a gorgeous cave within Colorado's picturesque Pikes Peak region, located near the city of Colorado Springs and the lovely preserved Manitou Cliff Dwellings. The cave, which was initially discovered in the modern era in 1881 by brothers John and George Pickett, has been open to the public as a show cave for over a century, known around the world for its stunning natural wonders. Visitors can explore underground areas such as the Old Curiosity Shop passage, the Colorado Rose formation, and the Spider Web Valley as part of guided cave tours offered throughout the year. Rare crystalline speleotherms are on display at the Silent Splendor Room, which is also showcased on 90-minute lantern tours. Above ground, visitors can enjoy family attractions such as the Wind Walker ropes challenge course and the Terror-Dactyl cliff diving experience.

100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, Phone: 719-685-5444

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Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is one of America's great iconic highways, originally constructed in the early 20th century prior to the implementation of the Interstate Highway System. Though most of the road's route has been converted into other highways today, Oklahoma is home to more preserved drivable patches of the highway than any other state, making it a great destination for roadside Americana enthusiasts. Over 400 miles of the road still stretches throughout the state today, home to iconic attractions like Catoosa's Blue Whale, which was constructed as a roadside swimming hole in the 1970s, and Hydro's Lucille's Service Station, one of only two gas stations of its type still operating in the state today. Route 66-themed museums abound, including Clinton's Route 66 Museum, Chandler's Route 66 Interpretive Center, and the National Route 66 and Transportation Museum in Elk City.

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Cross Ranch State Park is a lovely public recreation area spanning nearly 600 acres along the west banks of the Missouri River, approximately nine miles south of the city of Washburn. The park was originally established in 1982 after the purchase of an 11,000-acre ranch that once belonged to Burlington Northern Railroad land agent A.G. Gaines, which was deeded to the city by subsequent owners Gladys and Bob Levis. Today, the ranch's lands have been divided between the state park and the adjacent Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, which stretches for 6,000 acres and is home to a herd of several hundred bison. Park visitors can explore over 16 miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, open throughout the year. Boating and canoeing launch sites are also offered, along with overnight stay yurts and modern campsites.

1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, Phone: 701-794-3731