Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Boasting a hodgepodge of vast landscapes, the United States offers a host of tourist hot spots, many of which cater to vacationing families. Depending on a family's individual tastes and needs, vacation destinations may vary from bustling cities to regions filled primarily with outdoor adventures. Booking a vacation early can cut back on costs while camping in a national park helps save on hotel rates.
Situated on a series of islands off the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park features mountains, ocean views, lakes and forests. The park also includes guided boat cruises, more than 125 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads for bike and horseback riding opportunities.
Visitors to Boston can walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile path through the city, with stops at such historic landmarks as Paul Revere's house, the Old North Church and the site of the Boston Massacre. Other popular summer activities include rowing on the Charles River, picnicking in Boston Common and taking in a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
More than a mile deep and 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon draws more than 5 million tourists each year. Visitors may hike or ride mules to the bottom of the canyon, home to the Colorado River. Tourists also may whitewater raft upon the river, camp at several sites throughout the park or book a helicopter ride over the canyon.
Hershey, Pennsylvania, home to the famed Hershey Chocolate Co., features scores of family-friendly attractions, including Hersheypark, an amusement park with more than 65 rides and live stage shows. Admittance to the theme park also includes access to an attached zoo, Hershey's Chocolate World and The Boardwalk, a water park with nine attractions.
The Hawaiian island of Maui features Haleakala National Park, home to Haleakala volcano, wilderness campsites and scores of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls. The island also features black sand beaches, white sand beaches, as well as excellent surfing and windsurfing conditions.
With its pristine beaches and tourist-friendly attractions, Myrtle Beach draws more than 14 million visitors each year. Myrtle Beach plays host to oceanfront resorts and state parks. The area also features the Family Kingdom Amusement Park with more than 30 rides and an attached beachfront water park.
Orlando famously serves as the home to numerous theme parks, including the Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and the Universal Orlando Resort. The region also features such outdoor adventures as hot air balloon rides, horseback riding opportunities and boating excursions on area lakes.
Perched along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego plays host to scores of family-friendly attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Popular shopping and entertainment regions include the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village and Old Town San Diego.
Sun Valley, Idaho's preeminent ski resort, offers plenty of outdoor activities during the summer months as well. For starters, the region features numerous summer festivals, including a bike and music festival and an arts and crafts festival. Sun Valley also offers opportunities for rock climbing, golfing and river rafting.
Spread across Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park features massive rivers, lakes, mountains, waterfalls, hot springs and geysers, including the famed Old Faithful. Scores of wild animals, including bison and grizzly bears, call Yellowstone home. Visitors to the park may enjoy such activities as fishing, bicycling and backcountry hiking and camping.