The United States has an interesting history, with tons of hidden gems that are still standing today. Hearst Castle, for instance; The land was bought in the late 1800s by George Hearst and in 1947, George Hearst’s son, William Hearst, built a castle with architect Julia Morgan. You can still visit it, but that bit of info is for later.
Orlando, Florida is being raved about right now. From the amusement and theme parks, to the hotels and beach fun, Orlando looks like a great place to see right now. Most resorts have a pool and spa area, so after taking a few days to run around and wear yourself out, spend some time at your hotel or resort and indulge yourself of the simpler things that makes vacations fun. Or take a trip to Discovery Cove, where you get to be a part of a simulation Caribbean isle, where you can go snorkeling with fish or the giant rays, or take a float down one of the rivers. Visitation is limited to a thousand people per day and food and drinks are included in the admission price.
Amelia Island, Florida is a little-known place a few miles south of Orlando. It’s two miles wide and is 13 miles of beaches on one side and the other is marsh lands. In Amelia Island, there are 2 beach resorts, and there are boat trips that can be taken year round. When you take a boat ride, look out for the wild horses on Cumberland Sound. If you’re staying at the Amelia Island Plantation Resort, you can bike ride or hike through 7 miles of nature trails.
New York City, New York is the family vacation for you if you have teens; you can take an on-site tour of the movies and tv shows filmed in New York, and you can head down to Rockefeller Plaza and go ice skating or go to the top and see the glittering city. You can stop by Grand Central Station to see the giant hall, take a tour, then pick a restaurant on the bottom floor and eat a good lunch, dinner or delicious dessert. Take a walk through Little Italy or just meander on through Times Square. There is so much to do in New York City, I can’t put it all here without going on a huge paragraph that English teachers would frown at. Teens and New York City go well together, and the Big Apple Greet will help with finding your way around the subways.
Hawaii and it’s islands, also known as “The Family Islands”, is a great place to take your kids. Oahu is my pick, because of the surfing lessons, glider rides, luau’s, nature tours and just about everything about Oahu is kid and adult fun. So much to do, not enough time. Take a snorkel and jump into The Hanauma Bay Nature Park, which is an Underwater Park and is a popular snorkeling spot. Or just lounge on the beach and lavish the warm breezes, the smell of the ocean and the laid-back atmosphere of Hawaii.
Hershey, Pennsylvania is a family hotspot. Maybe because of Hersheypark, the famous and delicious chocolate company’s theme park, or maybe it’s because of Dutch Wonderland, the amusement park geared towards kids? It could even be the Hotel Hershey, with a club and spa full of chocolate treatments for kids. In case you hadn’t noticed, Hershey, PA is all about Hershey’s chocolate. All the main attractions feature at least one thing chocolate and if I had the money, I’d be packing my bags right this minute to go. All kids love chocolate and this would be one place your kids would brag about to their friends and talk about non-stop.
Hearst Castle in San Simone, California is a real castle with tons of gardens, a gigantic pool that you can swim in, and self guided tours that reveal magnificent views. There used to be a zoo at the castle, but the animals were sold or given away back in the 1930’s, but you can still see the unique way it’s built and maybe even catch a glimpse of a wild zebra or two wondering around near San Simone. There’s a lot to be seen at Hearst Castle, and it is recognized as a Nation Park.
Arizona, while really hot in the summer, you can cool down by swimming or by going down a huge waterslide at select Arizona Resorts. You can take a boat ride through a flooded canyon or visit the Navajo Interactive Museum. It doesn’t seem like much, but it will keep you happy and busy. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Williamsburg, Virginia is a wealth of history, with tons of historic activities for kids, including running around in the Carpenter’s Yard helping tread clay in preparation for brick making, or helping make soap or candles. Kids can even play numerous outdoor games that Colonial kids played when the chores were done. Sightseeing, fun, and learning about history all in one spot.
Leadville, Colorado used to be a mining town during the gold rush and it was one of the richest. While visiting, you can see a view of the historic places that have been named randomly throughout history books and novels, including the Silver Dollar Saloon and the Delaware Hotel. You can just spend the whole time in Leadville just walking around and seeing all the sights and learning more everyday.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a vacation hotspot all year round, with heated pools and water parks, and most hotels offering activities for all ages, Myrtle Beach is becoming populated with more and more tourists each year. And, of course, the beach, which is part of a 60-mile long beach called the Great Strand and is rumored to be the best place for body surfing.
The U.S. is a great place for family vacations, and with the right planning, your vacation will be very memorable and your kids will be talking about it for years.
