Mother’s Day Weekend Getaways
Ready to unplug from the daily routine and treat your mom to something special? I explored many of these spots over the last decades during Mother's Day with my son and husband, and I find them ideal for spending quality time together. This is exactly why I decided to share my favourite Mother’s Day expediences so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own road trip.
Given a 23% traffic jump at U.S. airports at Mother’s Day, I was glad to discover we weren't the only explorers. Here are my favourite, personally tried-and-tested Mother’s Day ideas (some as a part of a larger ten day road trip) - I hope you will love them too.
New York City
Although we lived here for 10 years, we set on celebrating in Midtown Manhattan. I have to warn you that since there is so much to take in, join a guided tour if you need some help getting oriented.
First thing we did in NYC was check into a sleek lifestyle hotel close to SoHo and Tribeca, and I was obsessed with the vibrant design, curated art, and that cool, modern energy that just felt like NYC magic.
We dropped our bags, and walked straight to Central Park which is one of the most amazing underrated gems, especially in spring with tulips everywhere.
After that we grabbed brunch at a hidden café near the Upper West Side, one of my favorite experiences because it was affordable, cozy, and had the best people watching.
Later we explored The Met, which is always a brilliant idea, and walking those halls together felt like such a special and meaningful Mother’s Day experience.
In the afternoon we wandered through Fifth Avenue, popped into a few interesting shops, and took way too many photos, which you can see in my photos because the city looked spectacular.
That evening we headed downtown to the High Line near Chelsea, one of the coolest urban parks and an underrated NYC gem with vibrant city views everywhere.
Dinner was in the West Village at a small restaurant that felt unique and intimate, making it one of the best meals of the weekend and honestly a highlight.
The next morning we slept in, ordered room service, and just enjoyed the calm before heading to Brooklyn for a relaxing walk along the waterfront. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
We ended the getaway with a sunset ferry ride near the Brooklyn Bridge, which felt exciting, emotional, and like the perfect Mother’s Day memory.
Grand Teton National Park
For me, this place felt like one of the most meaningful Mother’s Day vacation ideas. In Grand Teton National Park everything slowed down and the world felt impossibly big and peaceful all at once.
We began our road trip driving into the park as the Tetons rose dramatically ahead of us, their snow-dusted peaks glowing softly in the morning light and setting a tone that felt both awe-inspiring and deeply calm. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
Stopping at scenic overlooks along the Snake River, we took our time soaking in the reflections of the mountains on the water, pausing often just to stand quietly together and admire how beautiful everything felt.
Walking near Jenny Lake was especially memorable, with crisp spring air, patches of lingering snow, and the gentle sound of water and birds making it feel like nature’s own celebration of the day.
We shared a simple picnic with a view—coffee, snacks, and laughter—nothing fancy, but somehow perfect in that setting, where the scenery did most of the talking.
One of my favorite moments was visiting Mormon Row, where the historic barns framed by towering peaks felt timeless and grounding, reminding us how small yet connected we are to places like this.
Throughout the day, there was a sense of gratitude—both for the landscape and for the chance to spend Mother’s Day together somewhere so quiet, beautiful, and full of space to breathe.
What I loved best:
Standing together as the sun dipped lower behind the Tetons, the mountains turning pink and gold, was my favorite moment—a peaceful, unforgettable Mother’s Day memory that felt both powerful and tender at the same time.
My photo of the beach in Kapalua, Maui
Nestled on the northwest coast of Maui, our getaway felt like a dream come true, especially around the stunning beaches of Kapalua. From the moment we arrived, the island’s relaxed rhythm invited us to slow down and truly savor our time together.
Mornings began with gentle ocean breezes and walks along Kapalua Bay, where soft golden sand met impossibly clear water, perfect for wading, snorkeling, or simply sitting side by side watching the waves roll in.
We spent hours hopping between nearby beaches like Napili Bay and Oneloa, each one offering its own peaceful beauty and postcard-worthy views.
One of my favorite moments was sharing breakfast at a cozy open-air café, sipping fresh Kona coffee and enjoying tropical fruit while talking and laughing without any sense of hurry.
We explored the area at an easy pace, browsing local shops and art galleries that reflected Maui’s culture and laid-back charm.
In the afternoons, scenic coastal drives revealed lush landscapes and lookout points where we paused to take photos and soak it all in together. As the sun dipped lower, we returned to Kapalua’s beaches to watch the sky turn shades of pink and gold, a perfect backdrop for quiet conversation and gratitude.
Dinner that evening was unhurried and heartfelt, with fresh island flavors enjoyed in a setting that felt both special and comforting—an ideal way to celebrate Mother’s Day.
What I loved most about Maui, and especially Kapalua, was how effortlessly it blended beauty, calm, and togetherness, making the trip feel less like a vacation and more like a shared memory we’ll always treasure.
Congratulations for reading through all my Best Mother’s Day Weekend Getaways on a Road Trip. I hope that our experiences inspire you to go on your own road trip to one (or more!) of my favorite USA destinations!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
