Waterfall hikes are some of the most rewarding trails in the United States—short walks with big payoffs, dramatic canyons, and photo ops that stop people in their tracks. Whether you’re planning a national park vacation or road-tripping through small mountain towns, these waterfall hikes deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Below, you’ll find a guide to some of the most breathtaking waterfall trails in the country, including reader favorites like Fall Creek Falls, Stephan’s Gap, Flume Gorge, and more.
1. Fall Creek Falls – Tennessee
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 0.8 miles round trip
One of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S., Fall Creek Falls State Park offers breathtaking views and multiple trails. The hike to the base and back up is about 0.8 miles and accessible for most hikers. For a more panoramic experience, try the overlook trails.
Why it’s worth it: Incredible viewpoints, kid-friendly overlooks, and one of the most photographed waterfalls in Tennessee.
2. Stephan’s Gap – Alabama(Callahan Cave Preserve)
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 1.4 miles
This dramatic, cave-like waterfall pours through a vertical gap in the rock and creates a moody, cinematic scene. It’s a favorite among landscape photographers and adventurers.
Why it’s worth it: Unique setting—not your typical waterfall; perfect for photographers.
Hidden in the Green Mountains, Bingham Falls is a short but steep hike with a rewarding plunge pool at the bottom. Best visited in the summer, this waterfall is perfect for a quick refreshing stop during a Vermont road trip.
Why it’s worth it: Quick, accessible, and stunning in every season.
4. Flume Gorge – New Hampshire
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 2 miles
A natural wonder in Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge is a family-friendly trail featuring waterfalls, covered bridges, and granite walls. The 2-mile loop is easy to moderate, making it perfect for kids and photographers alike. Although it’s famous for its boardwalks, steep granite walls, and covered bridges, the Flume also features stunning cascades as the Flume Brook flows through the canyon.
Why it’s worth it: Scenic and safe for kids, with tons of photo spots.
5. Fern Falls – Arkansas (Ozark- St. Francis National Forest)
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 1.5 miles
This lesser-known Arkansas gem features a delicate veil of water falling into a mossy grotto. It’s peaceful, quiet, and ideal for families looking for a gentle adventure. Nestled in the Ozarks, Fern Falls is a quieter waterfall destination with scenic hiking trails. The hike is moderate and shaded, making it a great escape on a hot day. Pair it with nearby Hawksbill Crag hike for a full-day adventure.
Why it’s worth it: Great for beginners and one of the most peaceful waterfalls in the region.
6. Hidden Falls – Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Hidden Falls is one of Grand Teton’s most family-friendly waterfall hikes, delivering big views with minimal effort. The trail begins at Jenny Lake—either by boat shuttle or on foot—and gently winds through pines until you hear the roar of the falls. At 100+ feet, Hidden Falls impresses with its powerful cascade framed by rugged granite and lush greenery, making it a perfect stop before continuing on to Inspiration Point.
Why it’s worth it: Stunning mountain views, peaceful lakeside scenery, and a serene waterfall that feels like a hidden gem.
7. Alberta Falls – Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
A quick, scenic hike in Rocky Mountain National Park leads you to Alberta Falls, a beautiful cascade framed by lush forest and rugged mountain peaks. Perfect for a family stroll or a quick nature escape.
Why it’s worth it: Easy access, photogenic scenery, and a refreshing waterfall set in the heart of the Rockies.
8. Cascade Falls – Ouray, Colorado
Just a short walk from downtown Ouray, Cascade Falls offers a dramatic plunge into a narrow canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs and alpine scenery. Perfect for a quick stop or a family-friendly adventure.
Why it’s worth it: Easy access, stunning cliffside views, and a waterfall that captures the charm of Ouray’s rugged beauty.
9. Cedar Falls – Petit Jean State Park (Arkansas)
A moderate hike through lush forest leads to Cedar Falls, one of Arkansas’ most impressive waterfalls, cascading over sandstone cliffs into a serene pool below. Great for families and nature lovers alike.
Why it’s worth it: Scenic forest trails, a powerful waterfall, and one of the most iconic spots in Petit Jean State Park.
Tips for Chasing Waterfalls Across the US:
Check trail conditions before you go—some waterfalls are seasonal.
Bring layers and water-resistant shoes; trails can be slippery.
Pack or wear a swimsuit in case you want to take a dip!
Early morning visits help avoid crowds and capture the best light for photos.
Consider packing a picnic—many parks have beautiful spots to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Must Have Hiking & Photography Gear
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No matter which waterfall you choose, each offers its own unique beauty, adventure, and perfect photo opportunity. From serene forest cascades to dramatic mountain plunges, these hikes are well worth the journey. For more travel tips, waterfall inspiration, and behind-the-scenes adventure, follow me on Instagram @road_trip_queen and join the journey!
Aloha! We just returned home from our favorite family vacation on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu. Keep reading for an epic 8 day itinerary for families, plus helpful tips and things to know before you go!
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase items using any of the links provided. Thank you!
Day 1: Arrive in Hawaii
We took a nonstop flight on American Airlines from DFW to Honolulu. I highly recommend a direct flight, less chance of missing a connection and honestly the 7.5 hour flight wasn’t too bad. We were served lunch (a chicken curry sandwich or Asian veggie wrap option), snacks, and drinks. It went by much quicker than I thought! The whole vibe was awesome, everyone was just so happy!
Next, we checked into the hotel and grabbed lunch at Maui Brewing Company. The fish tacos and pizza hit the spot! Then we changed and headed down to Waikiki Beach. We enjoyed some beach time, but called it an early day because we were so tired after our day of travel.
Day 2: Waikiki
Not going to lie, the five hour time difference was rough getting used to. We knew it might be tough, so we didn’t make any real plans for day two. We were up pretty early and started with breakfast at the Hawaiian Aroma Café. This place was great and we ended up having breakfast here several times during our stay! I recommend the ham and egg sandwich and traditional waffles!
After breakfast we spent more time at Waikiki Beach. The water here is stunning! You can rent an umbrella and two beach chairs for $18 an hour. We pretty much just spent the day relaxing between the beach and the hotel pool.
Later in the evening, we walked around Waikiki and explored the Royal Hawaiian Center, which is basically an outdoor mall. We grabbed a quick dinner at the mall food court, which was a great option for our kids. They wanted Cane’s, Jereme and I wanted food we could only find in Hawaii. We enjoyed the burgers at Mahalo Burgers, this place was recommended to us by a local and it did not disappoint!
To end the night, we went back to the beach to watch the sunset. I am telling you, there is not a better sunset anywhere than on the beach in Hawaii!
Day 3: Snorkeling & Lanikai Beach
On day three, we had our first excursion booked with Turtles and You. We grabbed McDonald’s for breakfast and then drove to the harbor. This is a three hour boating and snorkeling with sea turtles adventure. It was a fun experience, we loved the crew on the boat and had some yummy spam musubi for lunch. We did see several sea turtles and then cruised around Diamond Head. BUT, we had much more fun snorkeling with sea turtles on our own the next day. So, I would recommend saving your money and check out our day four itinerary!
After the excursion was over, we headed to Lanikai Beach. Y’all, this beach is absolutely gorgeous and much less crowded than Waikiki! It’s about 18 miles from Waikiki, but with traffic on the island, it takes about forty minutes to get there.
We spent a few hours here relaxing, swimming, and strolling along the shore. And we happened to celebrate our 20th anniversary on this day!
Once we got back to Waikiki, we had a fantastic dinner at Duke’s. We opted to sit outside to take in the views and listen to live music. If you visit Dukes, be sure to get a Mai Tai!
Day 4: The North Shore
Day four was one of my favorite days of the entire trip! We headed to the North Shore to visit Waimea Bay, but we could never find parking! The North Shore is about 35 miles, 45 minutes from Waikiki.
So, we decided to grab lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and regroup. The food here is to die for! The line seemed long, but moved fast and honestly, it’s so good I would wait hours for the shrimp here. We all had the shrimp scampi plate, which is their most popular dish.
From here, we went to Shark’s Cove and spent the day snorkeling and swimming in the cove. We saw so many sea turtles and schools of fish, it was awesome! It was a much more personal experience swimming on our own rather than with a big group like our excursion the previous day.
I highly recommend coming here if you have kiddos and want a safe, FREE place to snorkel and spend the day!
Day 5: Diamond Head, Likeke Falls, and Kaaawa Beach
On day five, we got in two really cool hikes and even had some time for family beach photos! Our first hike time was at noon, so we decided to sleep in late. Then, we grabbed sandwiches, fruit, and pasta from the ABC Stores in Waikiki for lunch before our day of hiking.
The first hike was Diamond Head State Monument, the iconic volcano in Oahu. You do need advanced reservations for this hike, details can be found here.
The hike to the summit of Diamond Head is about two miles out and back. It’s not too hard, but it does require some climbing up and back down stairs and walking through a tunnel. The views at the summit are gorgeous!
My favorite hike of the day was to Likeke Falls! This is a fairly easy, one mile hike through the rainforest to a magnificent waterfall.
The drive from Waikiki to the Likeke Falls trailhead is about 30 minutes.
You can park at the Koolau Golf Club for ten dollars or free along the side of the road before entering the gate to the golf course. If you park along the road, make sure that none of your vehicle is on any part of the roadway!
After hiking, we went back to the hotel and got ready for beach photos. We decided to head to Ka’a’awa Beach Park for family photos. Ka’a’awa Beach offers a stunning backdrop for photo ops. It’s about 25 miles, 42 minutes from Waikiki Beach.
For dinner, we grabbed shrimp & chicken kabobs and summer shrimp rolls with peanut sauce from different street vendors in Waikiki. It was one of my favorite meals of the entire trip!
Day 6: Paradise Cove Luau
Day six happened to be our youngest son’s birthday, so we let him decide how we were going to spend the day. We started with breakfast from McDonald’s and then went to the mall for birthday shopping. After shopping, we went to Hula Grill for lunch. I had the poke bowl and it was great! We also shared a hula pie and it was delicious!
This is a hula pie!
For dinner, we booked a luau with Paradise Cove Luau. There are different package options, you’re greeted with a Mai Tai upon arrival, and it’s set in a gorgeous location that’s great for photos!
We enjoyed the buffet food and the show! The event lasts from 5:00-8:45, the fire show is one of the last performances and was our favorite!
The drive from Waikiki to Paradise Cove is about 30 miles away and takes about 40 minutes to get there.
Day 7: Waikiki Beach, Pali Lookout, Lanai Lookout
Day seven was our most scenic day! We started with a trip to the ABC Stores to grab lunch for the beach. We grabbed hot dogs, sandwiches, and I tried the beef pot stickers and they were yummy! We also grabbed coconut and pineapple drinks from a street vendor next to the Outrigger Beachcomber Hotel and they were a big hit!
After some time on the beach, we decided to venture to the Pali Lookout. It’s about 11 miles from Waikiki and takes about 25 minutes to drive there. You do have to pay $6 for parking.
The views from the lookout are fantastic! If you’re in Oahu, you definitely need to check this place out.
From the Pali Lookout, we drove about 25 minutes to the Lanai Lookout. This place is breathtaking! We parked at the lookout and followed people down to the water. When we returned to the car, we noticed signs that said not to do this. But, there were people out there fishing and we didn’t even pay attention to the signage. So, please be cautious and better than us!
The area is absolutely gorgeous though. It was very unique and nothing like we had seen on the island so far. These are the photos I took basically breaking the rules, eek I feel awful about that part.
After sightseeing, we stopped by Maui Brewing once again for fish tacos and pizzas before calling it a night. We really enjoyed the food here, but the best part was that there was never a wait for a table!
Day 8: Waikiki Beach and Travel Day
Day eight was sadly our last day of vacation. We had a wonderful last day on the island, though. We met up with friends that live in Oahu for lunch at Lulu’s right on the beach. Then we spent some time together at Waikiki Beach before we had to return our rental and head to the airport. It was a great way to end our last day in Hawaii!
We had a 7:00 pm nonstop flight back to Texas. I thought this was a great idea, but none of us got any sleep on the flight. So, we’re still tired and trying to get used to the time change!
Overall, it was such a fantastic trip and we loved our week in Oahu! You know it’s a great vacation when your kids don’t want to leave.
Things to Know
Rent a vehicle on Turo – we booked a jeep and loved it!
Traffic is pretty crazy – plan ahead and give yourself enough time to get to your destination!
Parking is a pain – like for real, a big pain! Pack your patience and be ready to circle parking lots over and over until a spot opens up!
Reservations are needed ahead of time for most things – be sure you have a plan of activities and excursions and book these before your trip!
Time Change – for us it was a 5 hour time change and hard to get used to. It’s been harder since returning home, so be ready for that!
Give yourself some down time, especially if you’re traveling with kids!
Hawaii thrives on tourism, but be a respectful tourist and kind to the locals!
More Oahu Activities
We had a pretty packed eight day itinerary, but there are so many activities to do in Oahu! Below are some things I had on my list that we didn’t get to, partly because Jereme and I had already done some of them, and also because we just ran out of time.
We really enjoyed staying in Waikiki Beach because of the easiness of walking around to get to restaurants and shopping. When we were parked at the hotel, we never needed a car!
Have you been thinking about taking your kids to a city destination, but you aren’t sure which one is best? I am here to help! I’ve had the opportunity to take my boys to both Washington, DC and New York City twice now, and I have tons of tips and recommendations. Both cities are truly remarkable in their own way, so keep reading to learn more about which city is best for you to visit with kids!
I have always wanted to take my boys to New York City, but my husband wasn’t really sure it would be a great idea when they were younger. We decided to try Washington, DC with them first, just to see how they’d handle long days of walking and riding public transportation. We had traveled to DC together, just the two of us, so we had a good idea of the city layout and points of interest before venturing there with our boys.
I truly feel that Washington, DC is a great “starter city” to try out with your children, especially if they are younger. My boys were six and nine on our first family trip to DC.
Washington, DC
We have visited Washington, DC over our fall break in November and also over our spring break in March. We loved the fall colors, but there’s also something magical about the cherry blossoms in the spring! The weather was awesome during both of our visits. We did spend more time in DC over our fall break than we did in the spring. The city is less crowded over the week of Thanksgiving, as businesses usually close for the holiday and people leave to visit their families. The downside is that the White House is closed for tours this week because it’s being decorated for Christmas.
Washington, DC Highlights
Family-friendly
Educational
World class museums
Walkable
Historical monuments and statues
Theatre and shows
Amazing outdoor parks
Nearby day trips
More affordable
What We’ve Done in DC
You’ll never run out of things to do in Washington, DC! My boys were so excited to learn more about the Presidents and early American history since they were also studying these things in school. And I will admit, it is really cool seeing the things that I grew up learning about in person. I mean, I got to see the actual Declaration of Independence, the original US flag, the bed that Lincoln died in, plus so much more!
Visit the National Mall
Monument Tour at Night
White House Tour
Ford’s Theatre & Petersen House Tour
Day at Mount Vernon (George Washington’s House)
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
National Archives Museum
Arlington Cemetery
Went to the Top of the Washington Monument
Capital Building Tour
Cherry Blossoms
Click here for my complete guide to visiting Washington, DC!
Click here for tips on securing a White House tour!
New York City
We also visited New York City over our fall break this past November and in the summer, too. We absolutely loved our fall visit because we got to experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and we got to see all of the amazing holiday décor around the city! The only downside to visiting during this week is that it’s crowded! So many people are here to either watch the parade or be in the parade. The Rockefeller tree is also not complete, so that is one of thing that I will have to return to see in person! This city does the holidays BIG and that was our favorite part! We even witnessed Elton John perform outside of Macy’s, right in the middle of the street, for their holiday light display. This was an experience that I will never, ever forget!
New York City Highlights
Family-friendly
Educational
World class museums
Walkable
Excellent nightlife
Fantastic shopping
Amazing playgrounds
Theatre and shows
Holiday décor/events
What We’ve Done in NYC
It is true, you will never be able to do all of the amazing things you have on your New York City bucket list in one visit! My boys thought it was so fun to see those famous landmarks and the NYC skyline that are often featured on television and in the movies! I was so excited to go inside of the Statue of the Liberty for the first time on our past visit. There are still several things on our list that we just didn’t have the time for. I hope we’re able to return soon to knock those things off the list!
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty Museum
Times Square
Empire State Building
9/11 Museum & Memorial
Top of the Rock
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Floats Inflation
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (from hotel)
Central Park
American Museum of Natural History
Christmas Outside Radio City Music Hall
Naked Cowboy
Click here for my complete guide to visiting NYC with kids!
Click here for my complete guide on visiting NYC over Thanksgiving break!
Our Take Away
There are several factors involved when planning your trip besides just all of the touristy things that your family will want to explore. Along with activities and experiences, you need to consider costs for lodging, food, and transportation. Also, the ease of maneuvering around each city is also a factor. Below, I’ve broken down our biggest considerations that we discussed when deciding the best time to visit both Washington, DC and New York City!
Cost
In our experience, visiting DC has been a little more budget friendly than our trips to New York City. This goes for flights, hotels, dining, and activities!
Lodging – We stayed in a great place in Washington Circle in DC that had once been an apartment complex that was converted into hotel rooms. (I’m not linking this property because it’s undergoing renovations right now, but will update soon.) Here, we had a living room, bedroom, two bathrooms, and a kitchen for the same rate as a traditional hotel room. Lodging in NYC is often older, smaller, and pricier depending on what time of year you’re visiting and what area you’re staying in.
Transportation – I will say that both cities are both walkable and you do not need to rent a car to experience either destination. We found that we mostly walked everywhere in DC. Occasionally, we would use an uber, mostly at the end of a long day when our youngest would get tired. In New York, we also mostly walked, but did use the subway several times, too. It was a little quicker to venture around NYC using the subway system and much cheaper than taxis or ubers.
Activities – Both cities are jam packed with amazing activities that anyone can enjoy! We never ran out of ideas on things to do. In fact, we usually found ourselves running out of time to get everything accomplished that we wanted to see and do in both places. I love both DC and NYC, but in my experience, we found that most of the touristy things we decided to do in DC were free!
Free Activities
Speaking of those free activities, DC has tons of free things to do and see! The Smithsonian Museums are free and so are all of the historical memorials and monuments. We enjoyed walking around the National Mall and taking in the historical sites, both during the day and at nighttime. And of course, touring the White House is also free and a must do activity if you’re in the city!
Click here for a list of the best free things to do in DC!
You can also enjoy free activities in NYC. Times Square is one of my boys’ favorite places in the city and it’s free to walk around and take in the lights and different street performers. Central Park is another free location in NYC. And on Monday afternoons, you can visit the 9/11 Museum for free as well, if you request tickets the same day and early in the morning. The Staten Island Ferry is free and you can take in the Statue of Liberty from the boat ride. And there are also other free museum days here, too!
Click here for a list of the best free things to do in NYC!
Getting Around
Again, you can visit both cities without needing to rent a car. In fact, I have actually driven in both cities and I don’t recommend it! We did a lot of walking in both destinations, I am talking about eight to ten miles each day. So, I highly recommend making sure that your kids can handle that. We did find that walking around DC was less crowded and easier for us to maneuver. There just didn’t seem to be the same amount of people or vehicles to watch out for in DC as there is in New York.
Food
Both DC and New York have so many amazing restaurants to choose from! We had no problem finding places to eat at either destination. We didn’t particularly enjoy everywhere we ate, you know kids can be kind of picky. I do think we saw more fast food places in New York than I remember seeing in DC, which came in handy for us with the boys. We also found ourselves grabbing donuts and random snacks in NYC, even pretty late at night!
More Tips
Travel during the slow season.
Find hotels that offer free breakfast.
Hotel rates are more expensive on Friday and Saturday nights.
Have a plan for both destinations – some places will need reservations ahead of time.
You can visit both cities over a weekend or for a whole entire week.
Make sure to plan for the right weather, check the forecasts ahead of time & pack accordingly.
Allow some down time during a visit to the city. Kids (and adults) can experience some sensory overload in all the hustle and bustle.
Expect some crowds and wait times.
Keep a positive attitude & have fun!
I truly feel that you cannot go wrong with either destination. Both cities are extremely family-friendly and you’re guaranteed to make memories that will last a lifetime! I asked my boys which city that liked the best, and they both said New York City! I am not sure if this because we visited just a few months ago and it has been a few years since we’ve traveled to DC. They both agreed that they love both cities, they just really had a great time in NYC!
If I were traveling with my kids to a new city, I would probably choose Washington, DC first and wait until my kids were a little older for New York City. If this is a once in a lifetime trip for your family, then I would probably choose to visit New York City, there’s just no other place like it!
I hope you find these tips and personal experiences helpful. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Galveston, TX is one our closest beaches and one of our favorite family road trip destinations! We like to venture down to the coast at least once a year, but we’ve been known to make the drive several times in under a year, too. Traveling to Galveston brings so much joy to my family and this destination holds such a special place in my heart. Growing up, I looked forward to our annual summer vacation to Galveston and I’ve kept the tradition going with my boys! Keep reading to learn more about these 30 awesome things to do in Galveston.
30 Awesome Things to do in Galveston
Be sure to click on each link for more information!
You can’t make the trip to Galveston without visiting the beach! We love spending the days splashing in the ocean and lounging under an umbrella while our boys play. There are several different beach areas in Galveston, the most popular seems to be along the Seawall Blvd.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, head to the Historic Pleasure right on the Seawall. There are restaurants, rollercoasters, rocking bands, and more! We love to go at nighttime when the sun goes down and the rollercoasters are all lit up with bright lights!
If you feel like a bike ride along the Seawall with views of the ocean next to you, then check out the four to six seater bike rentals right on the Seawall!
The Strand is the downtown area of Galveston and known as the heart of the island. Here, you can find even more restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment. I love walking along the streets, admiring the ornate buildings dating back to the 1800s.
For some reason, Galveston is the one place that I can build really good sandcastles! If you’re headed to the beach, bring some sand buckets and shovels for the kiddos! Be sure to check out the sandcastle competition if you’re visiting in August!
Murdoch’s is my favorite souvenir shop in the whole world! And I am being completely honest about this. This was one of my favorite shops to visit as a child and I love taking my boys here, too. They sell everything from beach gear to t-shirts, shoes to toys, and even alcoholic beverages! You may even come home with a hermit crab or two!
We have never found crabs at night like the ones we’ve caught here in Galveston! Grab a flashlight and head to the sand, you’ll be sure to find a few. If you wade in the waters, you might even stumble across some really big ones, so keep your eyes open!
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Galveston and not seen at least one dolphin! We’ve watched them from our condo balcony, from the beach, and at dinner! Last weekend we watched them play in the bay right outside of the restaurant we were at (Fisherman’s Wharf).
There are also several different dolphin watching boat tours in the area, as well. Research shows the best time to spot dolphins in Galveston is June-September, but again we saw several in April!
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, then look no further than LaKing’s Confectionery! From old fashioned sodas, to candy, to ice cream, they have it all. You can even watch salt water taffy being made here or try a new flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!
My boys have loved each time we’ve taken them fishing on the Pier! We haven’t been lucky enough to catch anything too big, but it’s always fun to watch the regulars around the pier reel in something!
I haven’t gone on a mansion tour since I was a kid, but I still remember the time we did this! These mansions are very impressive and well kept. I highly recommend a tour if you’re looking for something historical away from the hustle and bustle of the beach!
For just a dollar (kids free), take a ride around Galveston on a trolley! There are two loops, one around downtown, the other travels from Stewart Beach to Moody Gardens!
There are so many fun photo ops around Galveston! We love the Galveston postcard down near the Strand! The link above has several photo op recommendations for the best instagramable spots around the island!
This is a quick and fun activity for anyone that likes pirates! Here, you’ll learn all about the myths and legends of some of the pirates that were once in Galveston!
This is the perfect place to visit if there’s a rainy day at the beach or you’re recovering from a sunburn! Here you’ll find an aquarium, a rainforest, dining options, and more! We especially enjoyed the sharks, stingrays, and the jellyfish!
My favorite activity anywhere on the coast is eating fresh seafood! There are so many dining options in Galveston! Our favorite is Fisherman’s Wharf! We love to come here for dinner and take in the sunset and watch dolphins play in the bay!
My boys really enjoyed this a few years ago! I sat it out because I get super motion sick, but they had a blast. It also makes a fun photo op at the beach! This is located across the street from the Pleasure Pier and this is also where we purchased the tickets!
Several cruise ships depart from the port in Galveston. Sunday is a popular day to watch the cruise ships depart. Head to the port area or grab an outdoor dinner and watch one set sail!
We haven’t surfed in Galveston ourselves, but we’ve watched several try it out! We prefer to boogie board. Whether you surf or prefer to chill on a boogie board, the waves here in Galveston are excellent to ride!
Mini golf at the beach is one of our absolute favorites! This course is so much fun and we love all of the fun beach themes. Plus, the views of the ocean while you’re playing can’t be beat!
Waterparks are some of the best summertime entertainment options, especially in the Texas heat. Rent a cabana and have a blast on the many waterpark rides while beating the heat!
Take a walk around the historic seaport and tour the 1877 Elissa. My boys loved exploring the tall ship! If you like history, you’ll love this stop. The Texas Seaport Museum is very educational, too!
You can find Seawolf Park on Pelican Island. This park has a fishing pier, picnic areas, and a playground. You can also see a WWII submarine, the USS Cavalla!
The ferry to Bolivar Peninsula takes about 18 minutes and is completely free! It’s a very peaceful ride and you might even spot dolphins on the journey! You can hit the beach in Bolivar, hunt for shark teeth, and even shop or enjoy the local restaurants!
Tour a submarine and destroyer from WWII right at the Galveston Naval Museum! Tickets are $13.00 for adults, $8.00 for kids.
Where to Stay
We love to stay at Seascape Condos when we visit! We’ve been staying here for over ten years and I can’t imagine visiting Galveston and staying anywhere else. These condos sit right on the beach side and are so spacious and well kept.
Address: 10811 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
Phone Number: (409) 740-1245
What to Expect
It’s very true that Galveston Island is not known for white sand beaches and clear blue waters. It’s often pretty hot and humid here in the summers, it is Texas after all. But, it is still a fun family destination! We’ve taken our boys to beaches all across the US and even in the Caribbean. They will tell anyone that asks that Galveston is their number one favorite beach destination! It can get really crowded in the summertime, especially around the holidays (Memorial Weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day Weekend). I prefer visiting in April, when the humidity is lower and the crowds are smaller. My boys like the summer better because the water is warmer! This is a place that is fairly close to us, so we keep going back year after year. I have forty years of cherished memories here and hope to make many more! If you haven’t been, you should give it a chance. Just lower those expectations, Texas doesn’t have beaches like Florida does.
Galveston Island is the closest beach to us in north Texas. We like to travel down to the coast a couple of times a year. And we only stay at one place, Seascape Condominiums! It’s the best place to stay in Galveston!
The view from the balcony!
We’ve been staying at Seascape for over ten years now. Our first visit was when my oldest was almost two. Now he’s twelve! My boys LOVE this place. It holds so many special memories for us.
Galveston is our happy place!
What Makes Seascape So Great?
Beach Access – The location to the beach is the absolute best! If you’re familiar with Galveston, then you know that most of the hotels are located across the street from the beach. So on beach day, if you’re staying anywhere else, you have to lug all of your stuff across the busy Seawall to get access to the beach. Seascape Condominiums is actually one of the few places that sits right on the beach side! That means, you simply walk outside and over the boardwalk, and you’re on the beach!
The boardwalk from the grounds to the beach!
I love the convenience of being just a short walk back to our room or the restrooms by the pool. I cannot imagine having to go back and forth across the four lane road. There’s many reasons that we love Seascape Condos, but the location right on the beach is number one for me!
Seascape Condos sits right on the beach!
Space – Staying in a condo is always much more spacious than a hotel room! The units have several different floor options, but the one we return to year after year has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and full kitchen, plus two balconies! It’s very spacious for our family of four and we’ve even stayed there with friends and have easily slept up to eight with the bunk beds in the hallway and the sleeper sofa!
One of the two balconies in this unit!
Living room
Kitchen
Bunks in the hallway
Master bedroom
Master bathroom
Bathroom
Second bedroom
Bathroom
An added bonus is having a washer and dryer! I don’t particularly like doing laundry on vacation, but having a dryer is a game changer! We use the dryer for our beach towels, so each day they are nice and dry for us. We sometimes even throw our swimsuits in the dryer to remove sand and dry them for the day. There is nothing worse than putting on wet swimsuits in the morning!
Washer and dryer in the master closet
Pools – Our favorite place at Seascape Condos is the pool area! There is a large swimming pool and it’s even heated in the winter! There’s a kids pool and two hot tubs. One hot tub is open to anyone above the age of six. The other hot tub is more secluded and is only for adults age twenty-one and older. The landscape around the pool is beautifully maintained and there are plenty of lounge chairs and picnic tables! You’ll also find restrooms and vending machines near the pool area.
We love the pools!
I’ve taught both of my boys how to swim in this pool!
Safety – Finally, we always feel really safe when staying here! There is a guard that is stationed at the entrance of Seascape. These guards are on sight twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They monitor the vehicles coming in and out and only registered guests or condo owners are permitted. They also walk the grounds several times per day to ensure that everyone is safe and behaving appropriately.
You cannot get onto the grounds without a special gate code!
The pool area and beach area are only accessed with a special gate code that you receive upon check in. So, the beach in front of the hotel is essentially only used by guests from Seascape Condos. And guests are required to wear a bracelet while staying at Seascape to ensure that only registered guests/owners are on site and using the facilities and pools.
Address: 10811 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
Phone Number: (409) – 740 – 1245
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Galveston, be sure to check out Seascape Condominiums! This is one of the few destinations that we keep returning to. The units are the perfect size for families of all sizes. The grounds are stunning and the location on the beach is ideal!
Nothing is better than a gorgeous Texas sunset at the beach!
Week long school breaks are my absolute favorite! I love the time we have off together and the memories we are able to make. For us, we have a fall break, winter break, and spring break. These have been fantastic times to travel for our family! Even though we don’t have as many week long breaks during the school year as we do long weekend breaks, I still try to plan some kind of getaway for each of them. Some things to keep in mind for week long travel is the weather, especially if you’re traveling in the winter (snow/ice) or spring (rain/thunderstorms). Week long breaks can also draw more crowds, so keep that in mind when choosing your destination!
More Things to Consider for Travel Over School Breaks:
Fall break tends to be a more budget friendly time to travel
Winter/Spring break travel tend to be more expensive
Pay attention to the weather during all seasons of travel & pack accordingly
Expect airports, roads, destinations to be more crowded during holiday travel
Week long travel equals more time exploring your destination
You can visit farther away destinations over week long breaks
Week long travel allows a day or two of down time before returning to school/work
Fall Break Destination Recommendations:
The week during Thanksgiving break is an excellent time to take a quick trip with the family! We like to head out over the weekend and return on Thanksgiving Day so that we don’t miss any time, or delicious food, with our families. Traveling during this week seems to be very budget friendly and the locations are not as crowded, either!
For us, returning home on Thanksgiving Day has worked out very well! We try to avoid those busy airports and road conditions the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We like to book morning flights on Thanksgiving Day. We make it home in the early afternoon, just in time for dinner! Below are some of our favorite fall break travel destinations.
Our first family trip to DC!
Washington DC – Visiting DC over Thanksgiving break was a dream come true for my family! The weather was amazing and the crowds were small. I hear that a lot of people that work in DC leave the city for the holiday, so it’s an ideal time to visit. This is one of my most favorite family trips to date! We packed in so much during the week and saw so many historical sites. The only downside to traveling to DC during this week is that the White House is closed to tours because they are decorating for Christmas.
We couldn’t wait to show the boys all the monuments!
Grand Canyon, AZ – Another fantastic destination for fall break is Grand Canyon National Park! It’s a lot less crowded this time of year since it’s considered the off season. We didn’t have to fight many crowds at the viewpoints and the lodging was a lot less costly in November. We really enjoyed the weather and cooler temps while hiking, too!
We were all so excited to finally see the Grand Canyon in person!
New York, NY – Visiting the Big Apple over fall break is the most ideal time to go! Not only did we get to explore the entire city and all the famous landmarks, we also got to check out the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons being inflated, we got to watch the parade from our hotel room, and the entire city was also decorated for Christmas! I feel like we got the best of both worlds in regards to Thanksgiving and Christmas. This trip was truly magical and we made some memories that we will never forget!
I can’t believe we got to see the parade floats this close!
Traveling over the two week winter break can be a fun change of scenery and sometimes our trips are even a part of our Christmas gifts to our family! We love to hit the slopes and snowboard, but we’ve also traveled to other parts of the US over the holiday break and had tons of fun! Below is one of our favorite winter break destinations.
It never looks like this at Christmastime in Texas!
Winter Park, CO – Since we live in Texas, I love to hit the road and head north to the mountains to get that feel of having a white Christmas! We also love to snowboard together and my boys are having a blast learning each year we visit! Winter Park has some excellent ski and snowboarding conditions, plus there’s plenty of activities like tubing, snowshoeing, snow mobile rentals, and even dogsledding! If you’re looking for a fun winter getaway, this is the place to go!
Spring break is one of our favorite times of the year to travel! Usually for us, spring fever has set in and it’s so fun to get away with the family to regroup and recharge! We’ve traveled to several destinations over this school break, but below are my three favorites!
Utah rocks!
Moab, UT – Moab has been on my bucket list forever and I am so, so happy that we decided to visit over our spring break a few years ago. The weather was a little chilly, but it was perfect since we did a lot of hiking! We didn’t have to worry about timed-entry permits for Arches National Park and there weren’t too many crowds at all. This was our first trip Utah and it definitely won’t be our last!
California to Oregon – We spent an unforgettable week traveling from San Francisco to Cannon Beach over spring break last year. It was everything we hoped it would be and more. On our road trip, we explored San Francisco, Redwoods National Park, and Cannon Beach, Oregon. We got really lucky and had gorgeous weather the entire week. I highly recommend road tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway and I think spring break is an excellent time to go! Nothing was crowded at all and I cannot even describe the landscapes in each of these places!
Orange Beach, AL – Our most recent family trip was to Orange Beach, just last month! Again, we got extremely lucky with unseasonably warm weather so early in the season. This trip was so relaxing, we didn’t do much besides play at the beach and eat delicious food at night! If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, check this beach destination out!
These boys had the best time!
Plan Like a Pro!
Whether you’re traveling over a weekend or for an entire week, you should plan your trip like a pro! Here are some ways to do that!
Since Jereme and I both work, and our kiddos keep us busy with school and sports, we aren’t a full time traveling family. But, I have become an expert at taking advantage of school breaks! I have several tips for squeezing in travel when the kids are not in school that I hope you find helpful!
We’ve created so many wonderful family memories traveling over school breaks!
Now, I’m not saying that you have to travel every single time your kids are on a school break. Sometimes it is so nice to rest and recharge at home. But there are several different times throughout the school year that taking a trip might be fun for you and your family, besides just during the summer! Below, I’ve included some tips and things to keep in mind when traveling over a long weekend. I’m also sharing some of our favorite travels over different school breaks that we’ve recently taken!
Tips for Traveling Over a Long Weekend
Finding the time to travel over a long weekend does involve some planning ahead, but it can be a lot more budget friendly than a longer trip! So, first things first. Get your school calendar at the beginning of the school year and take note of when you’ll have long weekends for possible travel and start making plans. When thinking about the destination you’d like to visit, the biggest consideration will be the amount of time that will be spent on the travel days. Do you have time for a road trip or will flying be the better and faster option? There are several pros and cons to weigh when traveling over a long weekend. One pro is that you don’t have to pack as much, but a con is not having a ton of time in the location you’re visiting! Below are more things to think about when taking advantage of school breaks and traveling over a long weekend.
Choose closer destinations to reduce the amount of time spent on traveling
Plan a Staycation
Take a day trip
Camping can be a fun and easy weekend getaway
Keep it simple – don’t try to pack in too many activities
Off season travel (fall/winter) can be less crowded & more budget friendly
Think about the weather at your destination
Remember that attractions are typically busier on weekends
Hotels can be more expensive on Friday and Saturday nights
Visit a National or State Park
National Parks also have free entrance on certain days throughout the year. Below is the list of days for the year (2023) that you can visit the Parks for free!
Jan. 16 — Martin Luther King Day.
April 22 — First day of National Park Week.
Aug. 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act.
Sept. 23 — National Public Lands Day.
Nov. 11 — Veterans Day.
Weekend travel bonus: The shorter the trip, the less you have to pack!
Weekend Travel Destination Recommendations:
I really have become an expert at planning weekend trips! We’ve taken advantage of several school breaks and squeezed in some amazing places, just over a long weekend. Below are some of my favorite long weekend getaways!
We had no idea just how amazingly unique this National Park is!
Winter: Carlsbad Caverns, NM – This is our most recent long weekend family trip that we were able to make over our school break for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday! This is the perfect weekend destination because you don’t need too many days to really explore these impressive caverns and the temps inside the caverns stays the same year round!! The drive for us was about seven hours, so we left out early on Saturday morning and arrived in the early afternoon. Then we explored the caverns for most of the day on Sunday and drove back home on Monday. We all were amazed inside the caverns and Jake participated in the Jr. Ranger program while we were there and earned a badge.
Inside the caverns is like what I imagine being on another planetis like!
Spring: Chicago, IL – Chicago is a great weekend destination! I’ve been lucky to find reasonable airfare to the Windy City using both Google Flights and Skyscanner. I also feel like this destination can be more budget friendly since you don’t need to rent a car! I’ve visited Chicago over the weekend, both with my boys and on a girl’s trip! The city in the spring is absolutely wonderful, the weather is perfect and the flowers are in bloom everywhere. There are so many great places to eat, some of the most impressive museums I’ve ever visited, and so many fun outdoor adventures.
I really couldn’t get over the flowers that were everywhere!
Anytime: Dallas, TX – Our Dallas Staycation has been one of my favorite weekend trips to date! We’ve lived close to Dallas my whole life, and I had no clue how much fun exploring our nearest city would be. My family took advantage of the CityPASS and it made exploring Dallas not only fun, but extremely easy! With the CityPASS, we got ideas of where to go and then were able to skip all the entry lines with the PASS. This trip was also extremely budget friendly, since it was so close and didn’t require a lot of gas to get there. Plus, we went with friends and split the cost of parking and the hotel.
These kids thoroughly enjoyed a “fancy” hotel with a rooftop pool!
Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park really is a dream!
Fall: Estes Park, CO – Last fall, I traveled to Estes Park, CO on a solo road trip to the mountains. Even teachers need a break sometimes, and the long weekend we had off in October was just the time I needed to recharge. I met up with some of my girlfriends there, and together we spent our weekend hiking, watching wildlife, and being pampered! I highly recommend this destination for a long weekend getaway, either with your family or with your friends!
Check out Pinterest for more information specific to your destination.
If flying – find flights under 2-3 hours max.
If driving – don’t go farther than 4-6 hours unless you’re a road trip pro!
Google search free activities or “best attractions” at your destination.
If you’re visiting a city, look into the CityPASS for additional savings.
Have a plan in mind, choose at least one thing to do or see each day.
Make sure you pack for the right weather, check the forecasts ahead of time.
Allow some down time, either before, during, or after your trip.
Expect some travel delays and keep a positive attitude.
Take tons of photos!
I hope you have found these tips helpful and that you’re able to squeeze in some amazing adventures over the next school break! Be sure to check back soon for more tips about traveling over longer school breaks!
There’s nothing like a trip to the beach, especially for a busy family! While we love adventuring, hiking, and exploring, it’s sometimes really nice to plan a low-key vacation to a beautiful destination. And then, when you get to that beautiful destination, it’s perfectly alright to do absolutely nothing except enjoy where you are and who you’re with! I think that’s why we love going to the beach. It never involves too much planning and we usually return feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. I’m including some of our favorite beach destinations, both in the US and south of the border. This doesn’t cover every beach we’ve visited, but it’s a nice start if you’re getting ready to plan a trip to the beach!
United States
The US has some fantastic beach destinations, some more unique than others! I am fascinated with the different landscapes from coast to coast. Below are just a few of our favorite beaches in the United States and why we love them!
Orange Beach, Alabama
Beautiful beach sunset
This is our most recent beach vacation, and even though we’ve been traveling to Orange Beach for over twelve years now, we still enjoy each and every visit! This is one of those places that has beautiful white sands, emerald waters, delicious food, and isn’t very crowded if you plan your trip out right! The past two visits to Orange Beach have been in March and April and the crowds were basically non-existent. It looks a little different during those peak summer months, though. We love Orange Beach because we keep it super low-key and chill. You can find us hanging out at the beach, boogie boarding on the waves, warming up in the hot tub, and trying new seafood restaurants each evening. The boys love that we start each day with no major plans!
My favorite boys at one of our favorite places!
Those waves though!
Our most recent family photo, Orange Beach 2023.
These boys stayed in the ocean for basically three days straight!
Jereme walking along the tide pools at Haystack Rock
I have wanted to visit Cannon Beach for forever and I finally got the chance last March over our spring break. We visited as part of a Pacific Coast Highway road trip and we all agreed that we wished we would’ve had more time here at this beach. We adored the little beach cottage we stayed in and the town is super quaint and welcoming! The tide pools made my whole life and the boys still talk about having bonfires on the beach in the evenings. We have big plans to return to Cannon Beach and stay at the exact same cottage one day!
The first ever tide pools and starfish I’ve seen in nature!
We were all amazed at the marine life!
It was a little chilly at this beach, but we still loved it!
Folly Beach was our first ever trip to South Carolina and it was a great one! We loved the hotel we stayed at and I highly recommend it for families! Folly Beach is also known for amazing finds, like shark teeth and shells. So if you have kiddos that love sharks or shells, check this destination out! I also loved the proximity to Charleston and some of the plantations and historical sites in the area. Overall, this is a really fun family destination. South Carolina is such a beautiful state!
This destination has it all! You can visit just to relax at the beach all day, but there’s also a vast amount of water sports, shopping, & dining! We visited a few summers ago and the boys still ask to go back. We had a blast parasailing, sliding on some of the inflatable slides outside of the hotel, relaxing, and eating amazing seafood! The water is also stunning and so blue! It was a little crowded, but we were there during the peak summer months, so that’s to be expected when you’re visiting just about any beach in Florida! The hotel really made the stay worthwhile and we didn’t even leave this resort much because it truly had everything! We also really enjoyed the beach’s proximity to Tampa.
If you live in Texas, then visiting Galveston is a must since it’s in our state! Even though Galveston is not known for white sand beaches and clear, blue waters, it’s still my kiddos’ favorite beach destination! We always have such an awesome time when we visit. I think my boys love it so much because it doesn’t require a lot of driving to get there and it holds such special memories for us. We’ve visited for just a weekend and even stayed once for ten days!
There’s something really special about those all-inclusive beach resorts in the Caribbean and our family has had many wonderful experiences visiting Mexico! So far, we’ve had the chance to take our boys to Cozumel, Cabo, and Cancun. Each destination offers many excursions and activities that are fun for all ages! The resorts in Mexico make it so easy for travelers and usually have people assisting you upon arrival to find the perfect excursions for you family!
Cozumel, Mexico
Love the water and those palm trees
We really love this little island. Jereme and I have traveled to Cozumel at least five times on our own and with our kids. The people are amazing and we have made many special memories exploring the island. I cannot get over the water! It’s so clear and you can literally see fish swimming everywhere, right from the shore!
Cabo is one of my personal favorite destinations in Mexico! I love the how the desert meets the ocean here. And watching whales right from our hotel balcony was a truly amazing experience. It’s not always the best place to swim in the ocean and finding a hotel where this is available involves some planning. But it’s such a beautiful destination and there’s something here for everyone to enjoy!
Look at these fish right off the shore of the resort
Cancun is a wonderful place to visit, especially since the international airport is located here! We’ve actually only stayed in Cancun once as a family, but it has been one of our favorite vacations to date! On our first night here, we were able to help a local group release baby sea turtles back into the ocean and this experience is one that I will never forget!
We use the fabulous travel agent, Alexa Spahr to book our trips to Mexico and beyond. She comes highly recommended and has helped us book several trips. She really works within your budget and travel dates and it’s always been such a smooth and easy process with her help. You can contact Alexa via email at alexa@travelwithalexa.com and be sure to check out her website www.travelwithalexa.com. If you reach out to Alexa, please let her know I sent you her way!
As you can see, beach destinations can be a low-key and relaxing trip, but there are also a ton of activities to explore! We like a nice balance, so we’ll usually spend a day at the resort and then a day packed full of excursions and continue that pattern! If you’re interested in planning a trip to the beach and are in need of any ideas or recommendations, please reach out! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, so leave me a comment. I’d also love to hear about your favorite family beach destinations!
If you follow along on our adventures, then you might know that we love a good historical site! This honestly didn’t start with me, although I highly encouraged it. My boys became fascinated with the things they were learning about in school and therefore, their curiosity got the best of them, and they wanted to visit some of the places that they were studying in social studies class! And of course, I’m also an elementary teacher so I would never discourage their love of learning and I jumped right on board and started planning US history trips across the country! It’s worked out great because my kids are learning and I am bringing valuable knowledge back to my classroom at the same time.
We’ve had the opportunity to explore several different historical destinations in the country, but I’m mostly focusing on Presidential sites that we’ve visited in different states. This is a small list compared to every site that is open and available to visit. I have a lot of destinations on my list that we just haven’t gotten to yet, so remember that I’m only sharing those that we’ve actually ventured to today. Keep reading to learn about some wonderful places to visit that people of all ages can enjoy!
Historical Sites to Visit for President’s Day Weekend
Washington DC. – Obviously Washington DC is a great place to start if you’re interested in exploring historical sites. There are so many fascinating places in DC, it’s one of my favorite cities to visit in the entire US! You can also add in museums, a Capital Building tour, eat some amazing food, and more!
So cool being behind the White House gates!
The White House – You can’t visit DC without seeing the White House! It took us three different trips before we were able to get tickets to go inside for a self-guided tour! If you can, I highly recommend a visit inside. How cool is it to say you’ve been in the President’s house?
This is the view from inside the White House looking out at the Washington Monument!
Washington Monument – The Washington Monument is easily one of the most recognizable monuments in DC. But did you know that you can go inside and ride an elevator to the top? Jett really wanted to do this while we were visiting, so we looked into getting tickets. They do offer some online to reserve, I believe the cost is $1.00. Otherwise, you can wait in line when the visitor center out front opens and grab free tickets for the number of people in your group! Jett and I woke up early one morning and waited in line for about an hour (maybe a little under) and got tickets for our family of four for later in the day. It’s really cool inside and the views from the top are great!
Posing with the Washington Monument behind us!
National Mall – The National Mall is also a must see destination in DC. It’s a wonderful area to walk around, take in the sights, and play or relax on the grassy area if the weather is nice! We really enjoyed taking a nighttime guided bike tour of the monuments along the National Mall! I highly recommend this activity! If you would rather do your own tour, there are plenty of maps online and in the area and you can explore all of those monuments and statues on your own! I suggest visiting the National Mall both during the day and at night!
The Lincoln Memorial, one of our DC favorites!
Ford’s Theatre/Petersen House – Abe Lincoln has always been a favorite of ours, so we just had to visit Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House across the street. Ford’s Theatre is sadly where President Lincoln was shot and the Petersen House across the street is where he was taken and later died. Both are open for tours and even though it’s sad, it’s very informational. Ford’s Theatre has a small museum that you visit first before going inside the theatre. Lincoln’s seats have been memorialized, but you’re able to view them and then listen to a Park Ranger share the events that led to this fateful assassination. We were all so engaged in this Ranger led talk, even my five year old was completely interested in the story. Once the talk is over, you go across the street and can see the bed that he died in and more artifacts from that era.
These are the balcony seats Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated.
Mount Vernon – George Washington lived at Mount Vernon, which sits right on the Potomac River, about 13 miles from Washington DC in Alexandria, Virginia. This is an amazing day trip from DC if you’re in the area. We spent about half a day here, touring the house and the grounds. I loved the colors and décor inside the home and sitting outside on the back porch. I can only imagine how it really was back in those days so long ago. We learned a lot on the visit, good and bad. We also visited George and Martha Washington’s tombs on the property, as well as, the slave quarters and the slave cemetery. The best part was exploring the museum, which actually had a pair of George Washington’s false teeth on display!
Posing in front of George Washington’s home!
Monticello – Thomas Jefferson has such a unique home outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. It’s filled with treasures and artifacts mostly brought back from Lewis and Clark’s expedition. It was fascinating, his home was more like some kind of exotic museum! Pictures inside the home are not allowed, but trust me its super cool! We also got some insight on some of his own personal inventions that are in the home. Needless to say, we really enjoyed the guided tour and learning more about our 3rd President! The grounds are great to explore and also very educational. There is a special video inside of Sally Heming’s slave quarters, be sure to check that out if you’re able to visit. And don’t forget to stop by his gravesite on the property, too.
Posing in front of Thomas Jefferson’s home!
The Ruins of Presidents Park – This is such a unique place to visit! Long story short, there was a Presidents Park in Virginia that went out of business around 2010. The park included huge busts of all the presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush. These busts were moved to a new location outside of Williamsburg, Virginia and were basically ruined in the process. Now they sit in all their eerie glory and you can visit! We really enjoyed exploring the busts, it was such a fun and different experience than most of our travels! We also really loved the presidential trivia at the end.
Philadelphia – Not only is Philadelphia an amazing city to visit, there’s so many historical sites that you can see, as well! Around the city you might see people dressed up in time period clothing and you should definitely be on the lookout for tour guides dressed as Ben Franklin or George Washington! My kids really enjoyed this part.
I can’t believe we were inside of the room that the Declaration of Independence was signed in!
Independence Hall –Independence Hall is known as the birth place of our country. Y’all, the actual chair that George Washington sat in is still there! I might have a cried a little on our tour. I am just so fascinated with this part of our nation’s history and the Park Rangers there do a great job of sharing what they know! I left there with more knowledge and respect for some of our founding fathers. How cool is it to see the room that the Declaration of Independence was signed in?
We really enjoyed the people dressed in time-period clothing!
Congress Hall – Right next door to Independence Hall is Congress Hall, which is the building that housed the first two presidential inaugurations. The Ranger Led talk about the first inaugurations was very informative. I highly recommend checking this out if you plan to visit the area.
Washington Crossing Historic Park – This was such a random stop for us on the drive from Delaware to New York City, but we all had fun! I don’t recommend centering a trip around this destination, but if you happen to be in the area, then you should definitely make the stop! Basically, this site preserves the spot that George Washington crossed the Delaware River. This image is extremely iconic, so it’s really cool to say that we’ve been here! It was a nice stop to get out and stretch our legs and explore the preservation of the area!
Lincoln’s Home – If you find yourself near Springfield, Illinois you should totally stop by Abe Lincoln’s home! This was our first president’s home to ever visit and my boys and I sure did love it! You can stroll along the streets surrounding the home and it feels like stepping back in time. A Park Ranger will give you a guided tour of the home if you have tickets. You can purchase these at the Visitor Center, which is right by the parking lot.
I just adore this home!
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library – Down the street is the Presidential Library and Museum, which is fantastic for kids! This museum was truly great for all ages, but I really marveled at how well done it was to keep kiddos engaged. Abe Lincoln has always been a favorite of mine, so it was really fun to explore the different artifacts in the museum and learn more about him! Springfield is just a really cool city with lots of different things to explore related to our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln!
Galena, Illinois – We traveled to Galena, IL this past August and I basically knew nothing about this place until we started planning our Midwest road trip. Let me tell you, this little town is so patriotic and rightfully so! It’s the former hometown of President Ulysses S. Grant. Here, you can explore Grant Park and even take a guided tour of his home! It was really interesting learning about him, I don’t feel like he was a president that I knew much about until touring his home. From all accounts he was a great general and a very interesting man.
Lincoln’s Boyhood Cabin – Another fun stop for my family was Lincoln’s Boyhood’s National Monument in Lincoln City, IN. The actual cabin is not still standing, but there is a memorial in place where it would’ve been located. There are other cabins in the area that were built to recreate the Lincoln farmstead and the grounds are gorgeous. We did some easy walking along the Trail of Twelve Stones, just imagining what life would’ve been like for a young Abe Lincoln. This trail has different markers that review the major events in Abe Lincoln’s life. The Visitor’s Center looks very interesting, too. But unfortunately it was closed when we visited during the pandemic.
George W. Bush Presidential Center – We had the opportunity to visit this presidential library and museum in Dallas this past summer and had a wonderful time! I had forgotten how funny George W. could be until we visited and saw different videos of him in the museum. The artifacts were very interesting, my boys were really excited to see how much his family loves baseball! There wasn’t a lot here geared for kids, but we all still enjoyed the visit!
If you visit Dallas, be sure to check out The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. I can’t believe that we haven’t gone to this museum yet, but it’s definitely on my list! Here you will learn more about President JFK’s assassination and you can see the exact spot that he was shot. There’s also a memorial for JFK in the area.
Mount Rushmore – For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to see Mount Rushmore in person. We finally had the chance a few years ago and this trip is still one of my favorites! The entire park had way more than I was expecting! It was really fun to walk along the trails through the Black Hills and see the monument from different vantage points. We also enjoyed the informational plaques along the hiking trails that gave more insight on the monument, the construction, and facts about each of the represented presidents!
As you can see, there are several different presidential sites across the US that are really interesting! If you love learning, if you love history, if you love this country, then I highly recommend checking some of these destinations off your list. President’s Day makes for a great, long weekend to explore some of these places and you might just learn something new at the same time! Happy travels, my friends!
I like to think of a girls trip like a little recharge button. The trips I’ve gotten to take with my girlfriends have been so good for my soul! I cannot recommend getting away with the girls enough, even if it’s only for a night. In this post you’ll find ideas about planning the perfect trip, activities, destinations, and more!
Steps forPlanning the Perfect Girls Trip
Choose Your Destination – This is the part that I love! It’s so fun to find out where your girlfriends want to explore and to bounce ideas back and forth. Plus, you can use trip planning as an excuse to get together for brunch or a girls night. Start with the destination, then it will be easier to figure out the rest!
Pick a Date – Often times, planning a girls trip can be tough! With so many different work schedules, kid schedules, etc. it can be hard to find the time. I suggest choosing your dates after deciding on the destination. My girlfriends and I usually go for a long weekend. But if you’re a mom, you know that there are so many moving pieces that follow. Do you have childcare while you’re gone? Do your kids have events that they will need to get to? Can you take the time off work? This is always the hardest part, so get that out of the way quick!
Budget – Next, set a budget, respect where everyone is financially, and stick to it! This doesn’t mean you have to share your financials with your girlfriends, but be mindful that everyone might not be in the same position as you. Don’t feel bad to speak up if you just simply can’t afford what others are suggesting. There are so many budget friendly options out there!
Think About the Activities – Once you have picked your dates and set the budget, then it’s time for the fun part! Create a wish list of activities that you would like to do at your chosen destination. My girlfriends and I usually always have something outdoorsy, some kind of pampering, and something relaxing on our lists. And these ideas might change, based on the time of year you’re able to travel together. Be open minded and brave enough to try out some new activities that might not be on your list.
Girls Trip Activities:
Spa treatments & pampering
Get outdoors and take a hike
Hit up a beauty bar for a makeover
Go wine tasting
Go for a bike ride
Relax on the beach
Take a road trip
Explore a new city
Go dancing or sing karaoke
Watch a sunrise or sunset
Visit a quaint town
Take a yoga class
See a show or concert
Go on a ghost tour
Have a quiet wine & movie night
Go to a fancy restaurant
Designate a Leader – If someone in your group has more of a take charge personality, designate them as the group leader! We all need someone to keep us on track with our schedule and reservations, especially when we get together with our best friends!
5 Epic Destinations for Your Next Girls Trip
These are some of the girls trip destinations I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of! I can’t recommend these locations enough!
Estes Park, Colorado
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
My most recent girls trip was to Estes Park this past October. It was such a wonderful fall weekend, spent hiking in the mountains during the day and relaxing in the evenings! I will always suggest traveling to the mountains when you need a little reset.
Mimosas are always a good idea! Fall in Colorado is simply stunning!
One of my most memorable girls trips was to Snowbird, Utah. My best friend and I did some intense hiking, but also made time to relax at the spa and take a yoga class. But, what I enjoyed the absolute most was the day we ordered room service for every single meal and watched true crime documentaries the whole day!
San Francisco is always a good time, especially so when you’re with your girls! There are so many different options to explore when you’re visiting this city. But my favorite activity is probably eating, the more fresh seafood the better!
My first ever trip to Chicago was several years ago on a girls trip! I didn’t really know what to expect here, but we ended up having an absolute blast! I tried some new foods that I wouldn’t normally pick, took in all the sights, danced the night away, and have returned to Chicago several times since. It’s a really great girls trip option, there are so many things to do and see! Late spring, early summer is a wonderful time to visit, the city is bursting with flowers!
Love these girls and that Chicago skyline! Loved all the tulips, too!
Fall in Michigan is breathtaking! This Texas girl was thrilled to see what fall is actually like in other parts of the country! I can still envision walking along the quaint waterfront towns and wanting nothing more than to move there. Even though it was a quick weekend getaway, it was so memorable. Grab your girlfriends and your cutest sweaters and booties and make the trip this fall!
These quaint waterfront towns are to die for! Girls trip are good for the soul!
Don’t try to pack too many activities into one trip.
Rent a cool car, I suggest a convertible!
Use the Splitwise app to split the cost of the trip/activities.
Don’t spend the whole time talking about your kids or your job or your hubby!
It’s perfectly okay to order room service for every meal & watch true crime tv all day!
Plan a Staycation in your nearest city if you’re on a budget and tight schedule!
Just remember, it’s not always about the destination, but rather the people that you’re with! Chances are, no matter where you end up, you’re going to have an amazing time with your best girlfriends! I do hope that you find this information helpful. I’d love to hear your favorite girls trip destinations and activities, so leave me a comment. Happy travels, my friends!
Day to day life is just flat out hard these days, so making the time to get away with your significant other is highly recommended! Jereme and I try to get away together once a year, but it can be hard to find the time with our busy schedules. I thought I would share some helpful tips for planning a memorable getaway with the one you love the most. After all, it is the season of love!
Planning Activities
For starters, I recommend creating a list of activities that you’ll both be interested in trying. Before I plan a destination, I usually think about what it is I’m craving in the moment. Some days I want to relax on the beach, while other days I want to climb a mountaintop! Once I’ve figured out just what we want to do the most, I start researching destinations that offer those activities. Jereme can be a little more adventurous than me, so I try to include things that we’ll both enjoy! For example, I might prefer cozying up in a cabin surrounded by snow, but I know Jereme is going to want to snowboard. If we decide to head to the mountains together, we’ll go boarding a few days and then hang around the cabin together the other days. It’s a win-win!
Romantic Vacation Activities You’ll Both Enjoy:
Spa treatments
Take a hike
Go snowboarding or skiing
Wine Tasting
Go for a bike ride
Relax on the beach
Take a hot air balloon ride
Go camping
Take a road trip
Go kayaking or canoeing
Explore a new city
Watch a sunrise or sunset
Go snorkeling
Take a cooking class
See a show or concert
Go to a fancy restaurant
Go sailing
Visit a National Park
This is a fairly small list of activities for a romantic getaway. I’ve spent many hours researching ideas for us, and there are some lists that go on and on. Ultimately, you know yourself and your significant other best. I absolutely know that Jereme would never want to take a dance class together, so I would never plan for that on one of our trips. I am all about trying new experiences, but know your interests and your limits. After all, this is supposed to be a fun getaway!
Amazing Destinations for Couples
Who even are these babies?Photo circa 1998.
You might not know that Jereme and I are high school sweethearts! I love sharing our story. We started dating at fifteen years old and now have spent more of our lives together than apart. Traveling is something that we started doing together over twenty years ago. We were married for six years before we even thought about having kids, so we’ve had countless trips together! The following destinations are some of our favorite places that we’ve visited fairly recently together.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Secret Cove Beach
Lake Tahoe is an amazing destination for a memorable romantic getaway! The location itself is absolutely stunning and there are so many outdoor adventures and places to explore. I have honestly never seen a lake so beautiful in my entire life!
Secret Cove Beach view from the hiking trails Kayaking at Emerald Lake State Park
Our first trip out of the country without kids was to Cabo San Lucas for our anniversary. I cannot recommend this place enough! We stayed at an amazing All-Inclusive resort that I never wanted to leave. The food, the drinks, the views were unforgettable! So much so, we ended up returning to the exact same resort the next summer!
We had the best time at the beach! This resort is amazing! And the food was the best part!
Watching whales right from the shore of the resort
Full disclosure – I spent a lot of time puking on this boat ride, I was so seasick. Jereme had fun LOL!
Winter Park, Colorado
The views here are gorgeous!
The truth is, we haven’t gone on a ski trip together without our kids in a quite some time. We used to go every winter together before we had them. It was the one trip a year that I knew we would make sure to plan for and we just continued that tradition once we had our boys. We have taken grandpa on several of our recent trips, which gives us some alone time to spend together on the mountain! This is such a great destination for couples that are adventurous. And it doesn’t get more romantic than being tucked away in a cozy ski lodge together!
Finally boarding together by ourselves! I still got it!
Our Winter Park Highlights:
Snowboarding
Hot tubbing
Ice skating
Tubing
Snowshoeing on the Frasier River Trail
Can you tell the mountains are our happy place?
Washington, DC
I went to the White House on my birthday!
Remember when I mentioned to find activities and destinations that everyone will enjoy? Well, Jereme totally took one for the team when we visited DC a few years ago for my birthday! He knows that history is totally my thing, even though it’s not really his. But, we both ended up having a wonderful time! It was so much fun exploring a new city together for the first time. And we really both enjoyed the historical sites around DC and the museums and monuments are amazing!
This bike tour was so much fun! I highly recommend seeing the monuments and memorials at night
Our Washington DC Highlights:
Eating all the lobster rolls & clam chowder
Nighttime bike ride tour of the monuments
Seeing the White House for the first time
Smithsonian Museums
Massages
We really enjoyed this trip!
Romantic Destinations and Activities on Our Bucket List
We have so many trip ideas on our bucket list! Here are a few destinations and activities that I hope we get to do together, just us!
I hope you find these ideas and recommendations helpful for planning the most memorable romantic getaway! Check back soon to see where Jereme and I end up exploring this year. If you have a destination that we should add to our list, I’d love for you to leave a comment! Happy travels, my friends!
I absolutely love taking advantage of school breaks and have found that the spring season is such a fun time for adventures. I’m an elementary teacher and let me just say, spring fever is a real thing! Getting away for the week has become a favorite of ours. The weather is getting warmer, the days are longer, and the crowds aren’t as busy as those in the summer. I have included a list of the most epic spring break destinations that I believe your family will love just as much as we do!
Moab, Utah
Those views through Canyonlands National Park
I have some mad love for Utah! Our first visit to this state was a few years ago over spring break and we have plans to return again this coming up break. Moab is the perfect destination for adventurous families! Our highlights included exploring two National Parks and going on a guided UTV excursion.
Delicate Arch in Arches National Park UTV riding through the Sand Flats
What makes a trip to Moab so great in the spring is the weather! Spring and fall are the best times to visit. In the spring, you’ll find temps in the 70s. Although it was a little chillier for us in early March and even snowed one day! We loved that we didn’t need timed-entry reservations for Aches National Park when we visited, like is required in the summer.
Cannon Beach just might be my new favorite beach destination! I was just flat out giddy during our spring break visit last year. The views, the food, the beach bunnies, the tide pools! Ah, this place is amazing! We decided to squeeze in a few days in Cannon Beach during our Pacific Coast Highway road trip last minute. We all agreed that out of everywhere we visited on the trip, we wished we had more time here!
The sunsets were impressive! This was the view right outside of the beach cottage
My oldest absolutely loved playing with the beach bunnies that were often hanging outside the cottage we were staying in. Did I mention that we spent a few days in the cutest little cottage right on the beach? It was just perfectly adorable. We strolled along the beach, ate amazing seafood, finally saw tide pools in real life, and built campfires on the beach at night. I cannot wait to go back, it truly is a magical place!
Sea Sprite Inn at Haystack Rock Our first time seeing tide pools!
These tide pools are at Haystack Rock Beach campfires at night are a must!
Washington, DC
Washington Monument in the spring
The history buff in me adores this city just about any time of year! We made the trip over spring break a few years ago and had an amazing time seeing the cherry blossoms, touring the White House, seeing all the monuments, and exploring the museums.
The Capital Building The White House after our visit!
Springtime temps in DC are pleasantly in the 50s-60s in March. The earlier in the month you visit, the less crowded you will find it! The best times to visit this city are September-November and March-May.
Our favorite stop in DC, the Lincoln Memorial! We were all so excited to be going inside the White House!
Our first cross-country road trip led us from Texas to South Carolina over spring break several years ago. I loved just about every single part of this trip, but Saint Helena Island was my absolute favorite! I really hope that we can head back to that area in the future. From the food to the landscape, this place is truly unforgettable!
More at Hunting Island Beach My boys loved climbing on the trees!
What I loved the most was the unique beaches and rugged coastlines that Saint Helena Island offers. I’ve found over the years that I enjoy visiting the beach in cooler seasons more so than when it’s hot and muggy. I know, it probably sounds odd to most. But there’s just something so special about exploring the coast and truly taking in all the sights without the crowds. Saint Helena is a great place for relaxing, exploring, and eating excellent seafood!
If you’ve never visited the Redwoods National & State Parks, then you must add this to your list fast! We were blown away at the sheer size of these trees. Our spring break visit last year was perfect and filled with plenty of adventures! The weather was fantastic, not too cold or too hot. And it felt like we had the whole entire forest all to ourselves!
Stout Memorial Grove TrailThe drive through the Redwoods is gorgeous!
We enjoyed exploring Jedediah Smith State Park by car and on foot, walking along the rugged California coast, and hiking through groves of giant trees in the forest. If you have kids, or a husband that sometimes acts like a kid, then I’m sure they will love climbing on trees and crawling through downed tree trunks! It was such an amazing adventure that we will never forget.
This is the view from the main street through Colonial Williamsburg
The first time I ever visited the Historic Triangle was over our spring break in March and I loved it so much I returned again that same year over Christmas break. I thoroughly enjoy learning about our country’s history and those early days before our country was even established. They really do a fantastic job of bringing history to life in the Historic Triangle! But, I don’t think that means that you have to be a history buff to enjoy all of the things this special place has to offer!
Behind us are stores and shops that are set up like they were in Colonial days You can take a horse drawn carriage ride through Colonial Williamsburg
We packed in so much during our spring visit! We walked the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg, visited the Jamestown Settlement, and also ventured to Yorktown and explored the beach there. My boys had the best time learning about these places that they had studied in school and my teacher heart loved the learning that we all experienced! If you enjoy visiting museums, then I believe you’ll especially love these amazingly recreated living-history museums!
Jamestown Settlement was my favorite! Even the kids will enjoy the living history museums and relics in the Historic Triangle Native American homes in Jamestown Settlement
San Francisco is another destination that I have enjoyed many different times of the year. We traveled there last spring break on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip and it was the perfect starting point of our journey. I’ve always loved the vibe of this city and was so excited to take my boys there for the first time!
We also hiked up to the Golden Gate Bridge
There are so many different activities to do in San Francisco! I know there is something here for everyone. My boys loved playing on the beach after hiking up to the Golden Gate Bridge. They also wanted to go to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf almost every single day we were there! And I especially enjoyed eating all the fresh seafood dishes in the area!
Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 area Beach cave at Baker Beach
Weather – Spring weather can change at the drop of a hat. Be prepared for thunder storms or even snowstorms, depending on where you’re going! Severe weather can cause travel delays, so be sure to monitor conditions before and during your travel dates.
Travel Insurance – I don’t always purchase travel insurance, but I usually do when we travel in the spring. Like I mentioned above, severe weather can happen and cause travel interruptions. It’s better to be prepared in case of an emergency!
Safety – Always stay alert and vigilant, no matter what time of the year you decide to travel. Don’t share too much on social media, especially if you’re traveling solo, until you return home. Avoid first floor hotel rooms, these can be a target for thieves. Practice appropriate water safety if you’re headed to the beach. Talk to your kids about stranger danger. Protect your skin and wear sunscreen! Do your research beforehand and make sure that there are no travel advisories for the area you plan to visit.
Travel Documents – I always recommend printing a copy of your confirmation number for lodging and excursions that you’ve reserved, just in case your reservation is missing upon arrival. Take a photo of your passport and driver’s license in case it gets lost.
Leave No Trace – Always practice leave no trace principals. Leave the area you visit just like it was when you arrived. Pack your trash out, leave what you find, and respect all wildlife.
Happy Travels!
Whether you find yourself staying close to home, road tripping across the country, relaxing on the beach, or hiking trails through the forest, I hope you have an amazing spring break! Be sure to check back in to see what we’re up to over the break. If you have a favorite spring destination, I’d love for you to share about it in the comments so we can check it out, too!
It’s no secret that I love to travel as much as I possibly can. Traveling can be a pricey hobby, but not if you plan your trips around budget friendly destinations! I’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite budget friendly vacations and have included some tips on saving money while traveling that I hope you find helpful!
Top 5 Budget Friendly Destinations
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon – it truly is grand!
We visited The Grand Canyon for the first time a few years ago and I was utterly shocked at how little this trip cost us! Some might think that visiting one of the true wonders of the world would be expensive, but it was quite the opposite for us. National Parks are excellent destinations for budget-minded travelers since most Parks only charge a $35 entrance fee that’s good for seven days!
South Rim Entrance
So, are you wondering how we saved money on this trip? To start, we traveled over Thanksgiving break in November. The months between November and February are considered the low season, and flights and lodging prices are typically much cheaper this time of year. We also stayed outside of the Park in the fantastic little town of Tusayan, which is also a much cheaper option. To our delight, the entire town was already decorated for Christmas which we absolutely loved!
Tusayan decorated for Christmas!
We stayed at the hotel at the Red Feather Lodge and really enjoyed this place. Since we were visiting in the low season, we paid under $100 per night for our room. Summer rates are a little higher, around $235 per night. From the hotel, it was less than a mile to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim entrance. The rooms at the hotel have refrigerators and microwaves, so we took advantage of this. We shopped at the grocery store in town and bought things for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. We are notorious for packing a picnic lunch to take with us on our hiking adventures and only spending money on dinners at night.
Views for days!
We spent two days at the Grand Canyon, which consisted of hiking, checking out the different look-outs and observation points, and exploring the Yavapai Geology Museum. Once we paid our entrance fee, we didn’t spend any money on any of the activities in the Park!
The hike back up from Ooh-Aah Point
Entrance Fee-Free Days at the Grand Canyon for 2023
Monday, January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Saturday, April 22: First day of National Park Week.
Friday, August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act.
Saturday, September 23: National Public Lands Day.
Saturday, November 11: Veterans Day.
We did choose to fly on this trip instead of road tripping. We actually had Spirit Airline credits that we HAD to use before the end of the year. While this is not my favorite airline, we actually had no issues flying out or returning home. We found that flights to Las Vegas were cheaper than flights into any of the airports in Arizona. So, this too helped us save money and we added a new state to our growing list!
Overall, we had a fantastic trip that didn’t break the bank! Click here to read more about our trip to the Grand Canyon!
We loved our visit!
Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma
Inside the cave at Robbers Cave
Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton, OK is one of our favorite summer destinations! This little gem isn’t necessarily a place we go to beat the heat, but we always have a great time here. This state park is only about 2.5 hours from us in Texas, so it doesn’t even take a full tank of gas to get there! This is a fun destination that never costs our family too much!
It’s almost like Oklahoma has its own slot canyons!
This state park offers several activities from hiking, swimming, camping, horseback riding, ATVing, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, and more! We like to load up our bikes, pack a cooler of food for the weekend, and hit the road! Once here, we always take the hike to the infamous cave that outlaws like Jesse James hid out in, hence the name Robbers Cave! Since we mostly explore and bring our bikes, we actually aren’t spending any money on these activities.
The hike to the caves is so fun, especially for kids!
You really can’t visit Oklahoma in the summer without spending time at the lake! Right across the street from the entrance to Robbers Cave State Park is the lake which has an area designated for swimming, canoe/kayak rentals, a playground, and small museum. There’s also a swimming pool that costs $5 per person for the day. We have never purchased tickets to swim at the pool, but we have paid about $20 to rent kayaks and then we swim at the lake. The kids loved this adventure!
Kayaking fun! These boys love the lake!
We always stay at one of the 26 cabins in the park, but these are really just a step above camping. The cabins are small, but they include a living room, bathroom, 1-2 bedrooms, and a full kitchen. Very little time is spent inside the cabin, we mainly use it for cooking and sleeping. Other than that, you’ll find us outdoors exploring, grilling, or hanging out around the fire pit! Cabin reservations cost about $88 per night, which is what we spend the most on this entire weekend.
This was the cabin we stayed in! We loved having a kitchen and an ac!
This is a great destination for just a weekend or a couple of nights. Our boys love exploring and climbing all the rocks behind the cabins! The caves in the area are pretty cool, too. Click here to read more about our last visit to Robbers Cave!
Even the parents had fun on this adventure!
Colorado Springs, Colorado
I will never get tired of this view!
Colorado Springs is one of those places that we find ourselves visiting again and again. There are so many things to do in this area and we will never tire of the mountains. I will admit that even though we’ve been to Colorado Springs a countless number of times, I have never actually based an entire trip around this destination. In writing this post, I have realized that I need to change that!
Garden of the Gods Park
So, we typically stop and stay in Colorado Springs on our drive to other places. It’s always a great location because it’s easy for us to get to or home from in one day of driving. We like to stay at the My Place Hotel due to the hospitality we received there a few years ago when our Yukon broke down right near this place. They were truly life savers in this unfortunate turn of events and have our loyalty! Plus it has a full kitchen, so that makes it nice to cook breakfast in the morning.
If you have kids, they will never get tired of exploring this place!
We love the many attractions that Colorado Springs has to offer, as well. Two of our favorites besides driving up Pikes Peak is Garden of the Gods Park and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. I could spend the entire day at Garden of the Gods and we’ve visited in several different seasons. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings only require a couple of hours! Garden of the Gods is FREE, so you definitely need to take advantage of this and add this park and visitor center to your itinerary! It costs $12 for adults and $7.50 for kids to enter the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. This allows you to explore both the dwellings and the museum.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings The dwellings are the best part of this place!
Colorado Springs is a nice getaway and has lodging and attractions for just about any budget! It’s an ideal location to visit for the day, but I can see how we could spend an entire week here, too!
Even we enjoyed seeing and learning the history here!
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
The Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
We recently visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park this past winter and my mind is still blown away at the sheer size and beauty of the caverns. This was just flat out an epic adventure for our family! It’s also now one of my favorite destinations because of how little we had to spend for this adventure and how short the drive was from home.
The Chihuahuan Desert is fantastic!
We spent two nights in Carlsbad, NM and only needed one day at the caverns. I had been given some Christmas money and gift cards and decided to put it all together for a quick weekend trip. Since Carlsbad is only a seven hour drive, I knew this would be the perfect getaway over the long MLK weekend. The caverns are truly stunning and since we visited in the off season, it felt like we had them all to ourselves! All of us were mesmerized and the boys said it was one of their favorite weekend trips to date. We didn’t have to pay to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park because my America the Beautiful pass is still valid for one more month.
Stalagmites and Stalactites galore!
We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Carlsbad, the rates were under $100 per night. And we definitely took advantage of the free breakfast each morning. We actually had lunch at the nearby Subway and got extra sandwiches to eat the next day on the drive home. We did splurge a little on dinner one night and had steak and seafood at YellowBrix in town. Totally worth it, the food was amazing!
We added a fun stop on the drive to New Mexico at Monahans Sandhills State Park in west Texas. This stop was super fun for the boys and only cost us $8 for the day! All in all, it was a wonderful weekend and I cannot recommend this National Park enough. Click here for information about our recent trip!
Monahans Sandhills State Park in TX
Orange Beach, Alabama
The beach is my happy place!
Orange Beach in the off season is truly a dream come true! This is one of those destinations that I’ve debated even sharing and letting the secret out. If you can visit in the spring, I think you will love it during this season just as much as we do!
No crowds in April!
This destination is awesome for families, friends, couples, etc.! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hampton Inn right on the beach. Overall, we saved about $400 visiting in the spring verses paying the summer rates the hotel charges. We loved those beach views and that free breakfast each morning! Usually when we travel to the beach, we spend most of our time at the beach /pool all day every day – which is always FREE. In the spring, the temperatures are not too hot and muggy to enjoy being outdoors and the water is just warm enough to keep the kiddos entertained!
I love a free breakfast that’s actually edible!
The difference in this location during the spring verses the summer is not only the price, but also the amount of tourists. Before my last visit in April, I had only traveled to Orange Beach in the summers. Don’t get me wrong, I still love it then, too! But it is really crowded, both on the beach and at restaurants and other attractions. In the spring, there’s no issues finding a great place to set up for the day at the beach. And there’s basically no wait at any of the restaurants.
Again, no crowds! Only epic waves!
Orange Beach is a gorgeous beach destination, no matter what time of the year you choose to visit. Click here to check out more about our spring getaway to Orange Beach.
Yep, we all got sunburned!
More Tips for Traveling on a Budget
Driving vs. Flying – For us, driving is always the cheaper option when we travel. We don’t use credit cards, so this might not be the case for you if you like to use those points to book flights. But, we prefer to drive when we can. It’s much more budget friendly than paying for a flight, paying for seats & luggage, and then having to rent a car. Driving also allows us to bring more things with us, like food and snacks which also helps us save money!
I can even travel with just a shoe bag when we drive ha!
Food Options – When I look at our travel budget, it seems like the majority of our funds go to feeding our family of four. I have found that if we book a hotel that includes free breakfast, this saves us about $30+ per day. This is a savings of at least $150 if we stay for a week! I also prefer to book rooms that have a refrigerator and microwave. This allows us to grab items to make sandwiches for lunches, especially if our trip involves hiking or other outdoor adventures.
Picnic lunches are amazing when the landscape looks like this!
Off Season Travel – Traveling in the off season is my favorite time to travel! The prices are always cheaper and the crowds can be nonexistent. If you can handle cooler weather, since the off season is usually in the winter, then I highly recommend giving this a try! You might just find that the off season is your favorite time to travel, too.
If you prepare for the weather, off season travel can be a blast!
Staycation/CityPASSes – My boys and I just recently did a staycation in Dallas, TX and had the most fantastic time! We basically had a 45 minute drive to our hotel and saved a total of $115 by using the Dallas CityPASS to visit four popular attractions in the area. I cannot recommend traveling to your nearest city and spending a couple days exploring all that it has to offer. Several locations have a CityPASS or something very similar. We look forward to visiting different cities in Texas in the future!
We enjoyed our Dallas staycation this past summer!
Weekend/Day Trips – Not every trip has to be something grand! Weekend trips and day trips are a fun way to get out there and make memories with your family. You can still have a wonderful trip, even if you only have a couple days available in your budget. Day trips are also a great way to explore a local area or attraction without breaking the bank. For us, we have driven 2-3 hours to a location and just spent the day there and then drove back home. When you don’t have to pay for lodging, this can save you hundreds of dollars!
This was a fun day trip to Glen Rose, which is about 2 hours away!
National & State Park Trips – National Parks are great places to visit because the most you will pay is typically $35 for your entrance fee and this is usually good for seven days. There are also several different passes available that might offer you even more savings. We have visited several Parks for free using the Every Kid Outdoors Pass when our oldest was in fourth grade. We also saved about $75 this past year using my America the Beautiful Pass. This pass costs $80, but once you visit two Parks, it’s paid for itself! State Parks cost even less to enter. We just recently visited a State Park in TX and it only cost my whole family a total of $8 for the day.
The Every Kid Outdoors Pass got us into so many Parks for FREE!
National ParkEntrance Fee-Free Days for 2023
Monday, January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Saturday, April 22: First day of National Park Week.
Friday, August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act.
Saturday, September 23: National Public Lands Day.
Saturday, November 11: Veterans Day.
Travel Buddy – Finding a travel buddy is another fun way to save money! I love traveling with my best friend and her two boys. It’s so nice to split the cost of gas, lodging, parking, and more. If you have a friend that also loves to travel, you should plan a trip together! Girls/guys trips are also a way to travel together and split costs.
My best friend is my favorite travel buddy!
Rewards Programs – If you travel a lot, you should look into different rewards programs. Most of the time when I book a hotel, I use Expedia. Since I have attained Gold Status, I get really nice hotel discounts. These discounts have saved us a lot of money over the years. For instance, I once paid $20 per night for a room at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I really like booking our hotel stays through Expedia because there’s an option to reserve now/pay later and you can usually cancel most hotel bookings 24 hours before your check in date. This has been extremely helpful in the past few years with the changing health protocols and travel restrictions.
It’s only January and I already have over $100 in credits to use!
I hope you have found these destinations and travel tips helpful! It truly is my passion to share all things travel with you. I haven’t done it all, but we sure have had a lot of fun over the years! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help planning your next adventure! I’d also love for you to share any of your favorite budget friendly destinations. Leave a comment if you have a place that we need to add to our list!
If your New Year’s Resolution is to be more adventurous, but you’re not sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place! In our family, we truly believe in experiences over things and travel ranks very high on my list of priorities. If I could, I would travel somewhere every month. Now that the boys are older and involved in little league sports, it’s harder and harder for us to get away as much as we used to. Nonetheless, I’ve compiled a list with our tried and true travel recommendations for every month of the year that I hope inspires you to get out there and explore a little more of this amazing country!
January: Winter Park, Colorado
We took family photos on our last trip to Winter Park!
What better way to ring in the New Year than a trip to the snowy mountains? This is usually our go to winter adventure destination and I am here to tell you that there is something in Winter Park for everyone! Maybe you’re an adventure seeker and snowboarding or skiing is the thing for you.
My youngest and me snowboarding together!
Maybe you want a more restful start to the New Year and would love to cozy up in a cabin and watch the snow fall out the window while sipping hot chocolate! Either way, Winter Park is one of my most favorite winter destinations in Colorado! If you get the chance to go, make sure to check out the tubing hill and you have to eat at Hernando’s Pizza Pub!
We love all the ski lodges in Winter Park!
Click here for more details and our full Winter Park itinerary!
February: San Antonio, Texas
Winter at The Alamo!
Texas is a great state to visit in the winter months if you’re looking for something a little milder than cold, snowy mountains! The best times to visit San Antonio fall between November and April due to milder temps and less crowds. We enjoyed strolling along the River Walk, without needing bulky jackets, and touring The Alamo without the summer crowds!
The River Walk
The average daytime temperature in February is around 65 degrees and only 5 days of rain are expected this month. Even though it’s typically mild during the day, be sure to pack for chilly nighttime temperatures. You’ll never regret visiting this destination. The food is outstanding, the history and missions are incredible, and everyone is friendly down in Texas! Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance to visit The Alamo and add Natural Bridge Caverns to your itinerary!
Another view of the River Walk
Click here for more information on visiting San Antonio!
March: Moab, Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, UT
Our first trip to Utah was in early March a few years ago. To date, this trip has been one of my all-time favorites and I really credit the two National Parks here for inspiring us to visit more throughout the years. We initially traveled to Moab to visit Arches National Park and ended up riding UTVs on some intense trails, seeing petroglyphs, canyons, wildlife, and even some snow!
An amazing excursion, we all highly recommend!
This is a fantastic spring break destination, the crowds are much smaller than those in the summer. It will still be chilly here in early March, but it is warming up. You can expect temps to range from 30-60 degrees, so bring layers. Like I mentioned before, it snowed on us one day during our visit so be prepared for unpredictable weather! Check out Wilson Arch on your way in to Moab! It’s a short walk to a stunning arch outside of the National Parks, right off the highway!
I have found that I prefer to visit the beach in the spring when it’s not so hot, humid, and crowded! Orange Beach was the perfect spring destination for us! It was still warm enough to play in the ocean and the restaurant waits were non-existent. We didn’t have many plans for this trip, besides relaxing on the beach and eating as much seafood as possible!
These boys were all smiles our whole visit!
The average April temps here fall between 60-70 degrees. But don’t let that fool you, we all got super sunburned! Be sure to grab dinner or lunch at The Hangout, kids will love the hourly foam party! If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway surrounded by emerald water and white sand beaches, then you’ve got to visit Orange Beach, AL!
Sunny and hot in April!
Click here for more information about visiting Orange Beach, AL!
May: Sedona, Arizona
Munds Wagon Trail to Bell Rock
Sedona has been on my bucket list forever and my boys finally decided to take me over Mother’s Day weekend last May. It was such a special trip! My main goal in visiting was to hike around those stunning red rock formations and my dream came true. Sedona is such a mystical place, it was truly an epic adventure.
Cathedral Rock trail
May is a very popular time to visit because the temps are ideal for getting outdoors. The average high this month is around 82 degrees and the lows are around 50 degrees. This makes for the best hiking conditions as it’s not too hot in this desert climate. The trails are also popping with wildflowers galore, adding to the picturesque scenery! I cannot recommend this destination enough!
We made it to Bell Rock!
Click here for more details and our Sedona, AZ itinerary!
June: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We walked along the bridge from New Jersey to Philadelphia!
Our very first visit to Philadelphia was in June a couple of summers ago. The weather was absolutely perfect the entire time we were there, which was great since we walked everywhere! I always love walkable cities, especially since I live in a more rural area in Texas. And while we were savoring our week in Philly with 80 degree days, the temps were in the upper 90s at home!
The boys loved playing in this fountain right in the middle of Philly!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and all of the early-American history this city proudly showcases. Even the boys really enjoyed all the history and seeing the places they’ve learned about in person! There is so much to do in Philadelphia, we weren’t able to do it all in one visit. I’d love to take another trip here and would likely visit again in early summer! Take the double decker bus tour when you first arrive to map out all of the places to explore on foot later!
Another wonderful summer vacation was spent in Rapid City, South Dakota. Who knew this entire area was so rugged and beautiful! We hiked, we caved, we explored, all the while enjoying the most pleasant summer weather! And I still remember how amazing this little town smelled, too!
Custer State Park
While we didn’t visit Mount Rushmore on July 4th, I think it would be a really cool experience to be there for the firework celebration! There truly is a lot to do in the area, the landscape is stunning, and it remains one of my favorite road trips to date! If you are in decent shape, hike the Sunday Gulch Trail in Custer State Park. It’s a challenge, but the trail is awesome!
Sunday Gulch Trail in Custer State Park
Click here for our full itinerary on visiting South Dakota!
August: South Lake Tahoe, California
Secret Cove Beach
If you’re looking for a dreamy destination, you should head to South Lake Tahoe! Most kids are headed back to school this month, so I am recommending this destination as an adult getaway! Jereme and I celebrated our anniversary here right before I went back to school last August. It was pretty hot, but the good thing is, there’s plenty of water to cool off in!
Emerald Lake
We spent our time here around the picturesque beaches and on the water as much as we could. It was a quick trip for us, but we really, really enjoyed this getaway. I have never seen lake water so clear in all my life! We felt like we were in Mexico looking at the Caribbean. There’s nothing better than some nice quality time with the one you love in a gorgeous location! If you’re craving something peaceful and serene, then head to Lake Tahoe! Rent kayaks at Emerald Lake State Park and take a leisurely trip out to the island to hike around ruins on top!
Trail to Secret Cove Beach
Click here for more details and information about our trip to South Lake Tahoe!
September: St. Louis, Missouri
Gateway Arch National Park
September to October is considered the best time to visit St. Louis, MO and I couldn’t agree more! Our trip to Missouri was taken in very early Oct. several years ago. We were originally scheduled to visit in mid-September, but unfortunately we all got Covid and felt awful and had to push our trip back about a month. The average daily temps are typically in the lower 80s and can be quiet chilly at night! I recommend packing layers!
We stayed at the Hyatt to the left in this photo.
St. Louis is a very dog friendly location, so we brought our pup with us! She enjoyed the outdoor sites, just like we all did. I had no idea how much Lewis & Clark history there is in St. Louis! We did a ghost tour, visited Gateway Arch National Park, and you have got to check out the City Museum. It is the coolest museum we’ve ever visited!
View from the hotel room!
Click hereto see more about our trip to St. Louis, MO!
October: Saugatuck, Michigan
There is something truly special about those Michigan beaches!
Cool, crisp weather and ideal leaf peeping is what you’ll find if you travel to Saugatuck, Michigan in the fall! I had the opportunity to visit Michigan for the first time ever and I am ready to go back. I had no idea how stunning and picturesque these quaint waterfront towns could be.
I still cannot get over the colors!
The weather in Saugatuck is in the 60s, the perfect temps for cute sweaters and booties! If you can, take a road trip along the Michigan coast and check out towns like St. Joseph and New Buffalo! We actually stayed in New Buffalo and I highly recommend lodging at The Marina Grand Resort! Saugatuck is the most adorable waterfront town and the Wicks Park Bar & Grille serves delicious food and provides cozy flannel blankets for outdoor dining!
Wicks Bar & Grille
Click herefor more information about my visit to Michigan!
November: Washington D.C.
The boys playing football in front of the Washington Monument.
I have had several trips added to my favorites list, but this one is hands down my most favorite family trip of all time! I wanted to visit DC with my boys and decided to look into this location for a possible trip during our Thanksgiving break. It was highly recommended as a great time to go, because everyone leaves the city that’s there for business. The weather was stunning, we dressed in layers and only needed our jackets early in the morning.
The view from the top of the Washington Monument.
We enjoyed the cooler weather as we ventured along the streets and sidewalks taking in all of the historical sights! It was so neat to watch the boys’ excitement as they got to see things from their textbooks in real life! The only downside is that the White House is closed for tours because it’s undergoing Christmas decorating this week. We ventured to George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, we explored all of the monuments and memorials at both day and nighttime, we ice skated outdoors, we ate delicious food, and made memories to last a lifetime!
Lincoln Memorial
Click here to learn more about why DC is my favorite trip & to grab our full itinerary!
December: New York, New York
Christmas decorating in New York is next level!
I had to include the Big Apple, even though I technically visited the city the last week of November and not actually in December. But there is something truly magical about NYC at Christmastime. It’s cold, it’s crowded, it feels grimy, it smells bad BUT it is still so beautiful! I absolutely love New York, no matter what time of the year. I’ve been six times, still have tons of things on my list I haven’t seen or done, and I cannot wait to plan another visit! I just adore how festive NYC feels around the holidays. If you get the chance to travel in December, I cannot recommend a trip to New York enough!
Radio City Music Hall
It was pretty chilly the week were here and we needed coats and hats and gloves. But with the right attire, we had a wonderful time! I recommend doing all of the normal touristy things, while enjoying the holiday decorations. Watch the Saks Fifth Avenue storefront at night, the lightshow is amazing! Venture down by Radio City Music Hall for a show and to see the décor in the area. It will not disappoint. Christmastime in New York should be on everyone’s bucket list!
Road Trip Queen 