The perfect blend of city and beach awaits in San Diego. When you're not building sandcastles on Coronado Island or riding bikes at Moonlight State Beach, you can visit the renowned San Diego Zoo and its sister property, Safari Park, where interactive shows, animal encounters, and unique exhibits will entertain everyone in your group. In short, families seeking everything from outdoor adventures to beachy relaxation to theme parks such as LEGOLAND® will all be satisfied.

Washington DC boasts more than 80 world-class museums, the most per capita of any US city. You can delve into the world of espionage at the International Spy Museum, strap into fighter jet simulation at the National Air and Space Museum, and enjoy interactive science- and art-focused exhibits at The National Children’s Museum. When you need a break from museums, you can stroll among lush flora at the National Arboretum or paddleboard in the Tidal Basin.

If it’s your first visit to NYC, start by hitting some of the most legendary sites: Scale the heights of the Empire State Building, learn about immigration history on a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and enjoy a family-friendly Broadway show. Depending on the age of your group, you can also add stops at One World Observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the National September 11 Museum. The city is also full of kid-friendly open spaces like Central Park.

Despite the state’s rainy reputation, Bend, Oregon sits at a high elevation and receives fewer than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rainfall annually, making it an ideal destination year-round. You can go white-water rafting down the Deschutes River, then go hiking in Riley Ranch Nature Reserve—a 184-acre (74.5-hectare) area with miles of trails along the river—or enjoy the Old Mill District, where you can find live music shows at the outdoor amphitheater.

Boston offers activities for families with wide-ranging interests. Take a deep dive into the American Revolution on the historic Freedom Trail: The 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) route is home to 16 significant sites including Boston Common, a historical frigate named the USS Constitution, and the Paul Revere House. You can also get up close and personal with marine life and penguins at the New England Aquarium, then head to the Seaport District—a kid-friendly hot spot and home to the Children’s Museum.

Santa Barbara boasts beautiful beaches and Spanish architecture. The weather also makes it a great location for outdoor activities such as beachfront bike tours, kayaking, or family surf lessons. When you’re not soaking in the sun, block out some time to discover the city’s museums. MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is particularly kid-friendly thanks to its hands-on, interactive space. Other options include the Museum of Natural History and the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden.

If you’re looking for a chance to recharge, plan a family adventure getaway to Newport. The town’s close proximity to New York and Boston makes it an ideal seaside escape from the city, and its Gilded Age mansions, scenic cliff walks, and charming oyster shacks entertain all ages. If you want to start with an overview, take a trolley tour that offers history lessons about places like Fort Adams State Park, Marble House, and the Breakers.

Austin is more than just a great spot for live music; it's a hot spot for families seeking a vacation that combines outdoor activities with urban charm. Here, you can kayak along Lady Bird Lake or tour the scenic Barton Springs Pool, then catch a concert in Zilker Park, where kids can dance and unleash their energy. You can also surprise little ones with a bat-watching tour or spark their curiosity at the Austin Nature & Science Center, where they can dig for fossil replicas.

No list of family-friendly getaways would be complete without a mention of Orlando, the home of Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando Resort™, and Epcot Center®. Plan ahead, and you can book a behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios or Wonderworks. Once you’ve had your fill of the theme parks, you can enjoy a Kennedy Space Center tour, then take older kids on a kayak adventure in Silver Springs to see local wildlife such as birds, fish, manatees, and rhesus monkeys.