25 of the Best Underrated U.S. Cities For Your Next Family Vacation

Twenty-five smaller and/or lesser-known cities in the United States recommended for family vacations by travel writers.

When planning a family vacation in a U.S. city, the first destinations that are likely to come to mind are large cities such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. These are all fabulous destinations with long lists of family-friendly attractions and activities but they can also be quite expensive to visit. If you’re willing to think outside the box though you might find that a smaller city has everything you are looking for in a family vacation and will be easier on the budget too. 

Last updated September 2024

I asked a group of family travel writers to recommend their favourite smaller and/or lesser known U.S. cities and we came up with this list of 25 cities that are great for family vacations. 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase then we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

1. Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a family vacation in Florida but the city has a lot to offer and is easier on the travel budget than many other areas of the state. Spending 2-3 days here en route to Orlando or combining a city break in Tallahassee with a beach vacation elsewhere in the state are both great choices for families.

One of the best attractions for families is Tallahassee Museum which has a challenging Tree to Tree Adventures course with ziplines and obstacles, a living history museum with costumed interpreters and hands on demonstrations, and elevated nature trails where visitors can observe Florida’s native wildlife.

Other must-see attractions include Mission San Luis, a National Historic Landmark where visitors can explore Florida’s Hispanic and Native American roots and experience life as it was in the 17th century and Wakulla Springs State Park, a 6,000 acre wildlife sanctuary where visitors can take a guided boat tour on the Wakulla River to see resident and migratory birds, turtles, alligators of all sizes and possibly manatees up close in their natural habitat as the boat glides among cypress trees dripping with Spanish Moss.

Don’t leave Tallahassee without taking the family to Lofty Pursuits where they can enjoy a delicious ice cream at an old-fashioned soda fountain, watch employees demonstrate the making of folded hard candy and shop an eclectic selection of toys and other items. 

Contributed by Lisa Goodmurphy, Editor – Gone with the Family

2. Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon has emerged as a trending, trendy city appealing to equal parts hipster, outdoorsman, and foodie. It’s a great place to spend a long weekend if you’re hoping to hike through a forest in the morning, visiting dining hot spots with locally-sourced ingredients in the afternoon, and sleep in a boutique hotel serving craft cocktails at night.

And lest you think Portland is all about the young, urban hipster and not about families, there are hikes to waterfalls in temperate rainforests, one of the best zoos on the west coast, a children’s museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits, and fun sporting teams to root for.

Contributed by Amy Whitley, Pitstops for Kids

3. Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World, is one of the coolest, artsiest, best foodie towns I know – and it is also one of the most family-friendly, as well. Kids are welcomed everywhere, from gourmet restaurants and hamburger joints (kiss the moose at Sleder’s Family Tavern!) to the ice arena and ski slopes (it is year-round sports country, after all).

You’ll also find a hands-on discovery center at Dennos Museum Center (as well as kids’ programs), a butterfly house and bug zoo in summer, an observatory, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, an adventure park, a Children’s Theatre, tall ships and lake cruises, artistic activities galore, a whole shop devoted to popcorn, and countless seasonal activities.

Up here, the outdoors is the star, including a plethora of great family-friendly beaches on Lake Michigan (Traverse City has been named one of the top 10 of America’s Beach Towns), watersports of every ilk, including diving shipwrecks and stand up paddleboarding, and the most beautiful place in America, Sleeping Bear Dunes, where you can hike, climb enormous dunes, and earn a Junior Ranger Badge – it’s a National Lakeshore!

Contributed by Dr. Jessie Voigts, Wandering Educators

4. Irvine, California

Consistently rated as one of the safest cities in the United States, Irvine in Orange County, California is a great destination in itself as well as being close to other family-friendly destinations. For example, Disneyland is only 20 minutes away as well as the beachside resort of Laguna Beach. Los Angeles is technically only 40 miles away but the traffic can make it much longer than the estimated 1 hour drive.

Irvine itself has plenty of activities to keep you busy though. A planned city which is only about 50 years old, Irvine has put lots of thought into maintaining an outdoorsy lifestyle for its citizens. For example, the city planners have built in 50,000 acres of open space into the historic Irvine ranch land.

There are hundreds of miles of cycling lanes, both off-road and on-road, for cyclists and hikers. In Great Park, you can find the Orange Balloon (Great Park Balloon Ride) which is fun for its cheap helium balloon ride, a play area and a farmers’ market. It’s also the headquarters of California cult classic, In-N-Out Burger, so you know you could have a great burger and shake any time!

Contributed by Shobha George, Just Go Places

5. Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

When I tell people I used to live in Minnesota, they often make comments about farms and cows. As a city girl, I didn’t see many cows. I lived in the Twin Cities, a bustling metropolitan area comprised of Minneapolis and St. Paul. You have probably heard that the beloved Purple Rain-singing pop star Prince used to play in downtown Minneapolis. This city is still rocking out with live entertainment venues, many of which are family-friendly.

Kids will especially like the Children’s Theater Company which puts on its productions for families within the same beautiful building as the Minneapolis Institute of Art. In summer, listen to live tunes or watch a flick for free at the Lake Harriet Bandshell with views of one of the city’s four main lakes.

Rent bicycles to ride around the lakes or get a canoe to paddle through them. Stroll over to Sebastian Joe’s in Uptown Minneapolis for a handmade scoop of chocolately Nicollet Avenue Pothole or refreshing White Orangina. Wander through the Walker Art Center to get your kids’ take on modern art and visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to see the Spoonbridge & Cherry sculpture which has become a symbol of the city.

Neighboring city St. Paul has a more gentrified feel and prides itself on its gorgeous 19th- and 20th-century homes, most notably along Summit Avenue. St. Paul is the state’s capital and boasts an impressive capitol building, crowned with horses plated with real gold.

Located along the Mississippi River, set sail with the Padelford Riverboats April through October to learn the city’s history and take in gorgeous skyline views. The Science Museum of Minnesota will keep kids busy with 70,000 square feet of hands-on activities and an Omnitheater and little ones will especially enjoy the Minnesota Children’s Museum with its interactive displays.

The St. Paul Winter Carnival attracts over 250,000 visitors each year for its parades, twinkling lights, snow activities, ice sculptures and a walk-through ice palace. In summer, St. Paul is home to the Minnesota State Fair, which consistently ranks among the best state fairs in the country. No matter which time of year you visit, I’ll bet you’ll be surprised by how much there is to do…and how few cows you see!

Contributed by Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas

6. Pasadena, California

You may know Pasadena for the Rose Bowl but this often overlooked city is a perfect family destination. Located just 20 minutes outside of the bustling Los Angeles (and 45 minutes from LAX), you can enjoy the proximity to major attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and downtown LA without the traffic and cost of being in a large urban centre.

Pasadena also offers families a taste of nature with easily accessible kid-friendly hikes in Eaton Canyon or by way of the Griffith Observatory to get a closer peek at the famous Hollywood sign. The strong arts influence and historic architecture make Pasadena a vibrant city during the day and night. You’ll find alley shops for hand-packed ice cream, family-owned hole-in-the-wall cafes celebrating cultural delights and even a restaurant that’s transformed the city’s train station (La Grande Orange Cafe).

Contributed by Carrie Anne Badov, EverythingMom.com

7. Omaha, Nebraska

Located on the far eastern edge of Nebraska, Omaha seems to spring from the banks of the Missouri River and stretch westward, as if drawing you into a warm, Midwestern hug. Omaha is home to the fabulous Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium which is often ranked best in the nation – and well worth half a day of exploration (at least). 

Other family friendly attractions include the Durham Museum, the once majestic rail station turned exploratorium; Lauritzen Gardens, be sure you don’t miss their amazing Model Railroad Garden (May through October); and the wonderful Omaha Children’s Museum, an award-winning space to delight kids of all ages.

Omaha has dozens of city parks to choose from but one you shouldn’t miss is Kenefick Park, located on the bluff behind Lauritzen Gardens. Omaha has been a railroad hub for decades and two of the largest locomotives ever built now sit on this rise, welcoming traffic from the East. Another terrific spot for a photo opp is upon Bob the Bridge where you can stand atop the river with feet in both Iowa and Nebraska.

For a family place to stay choose a hotel in the Old Market district. Dozens of tasty eateries and boutique shops line the brick-paved streets. At the edge of the district is Hollywood Candy – a massive store filled with old-tyme candies, a soda fountain, a diner, a pinball arcade and a movie theatre!

Contributed by Jody Halsted, JodyHalsted.com

8. Kansas City, Missouri

This Midwestern town sits near the center of the US – making it an easy destination to reach by plane, train or automobile. As you begin to explore you’ll quickly learn why Kansas City has been dubbed the city of fountains – it is said that the only city with more is Rome, Italy. Hundreds of family-friendly spots can be found throughout Kansas City and her suburbs, but two that draw the most visitors are Crown Center and Country Club Plaza.

Crown Center is an 85 acre complex that is home to Hallmark Cards, Inc. Inside the interconnected buildings you’ll find shops, theaters, restaurants, the Hallmark Visitors Center, Kaleiodoscope (where kids and families can create amazing art), SeaLife Kansas City Aquarium, LEGO Discovery Center, and a multi-use terrace (which hosts movies, festivals, and ice skating depending on the season). The surrounding area, known as The Crown Center District, is home to historic Union Station (which houses Science City, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, a model train gallery, touring exhibitions, a movie theatre and a theatre for live performances), the National World War I Museum and Memorial and The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

Just a few short miles away is Country Club Plaza, a 15 block district designed to mirror the architecture of Seville, Spain. Though this is, at its heart, a shopping district, the public art is a big draw for families. Sculptures, tile mosaics, murals, and grand fountains are found throughout the area. When the buildings are lit at night while horse-drawn carriages clop through the streets or the gondoliers float along Brush Creek you could be forgiven if you think you’re in Europe.

Contributed by Jody Halsted, JodyHalsted.com

9. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina is an amazing family travel destination! There are a ton of hiking trails that are perfect for kids since they are not long and end with a waterfall or stream to play in or an amazing view. Our favourite was Sliding Rock which is a natural waterslide!

In the downtown area of Asheville you will find family-friendly breweries (some serve root beer on tap), a pinball museum where you can play unlimited pinball, the Biltmore Estate, an adventures rope course and zip-line, a chocolate boutique and an overall relaxed atmosphere. A week would not be enough time to experience everything that Asheville and the surrounding area have to offer!

Contributed by Bryanna Royal, Crazy Family Adventure

10. Sacramento, California

The capital of California – Sacramento – is a family-friendly city with a large variety of activities and places to visit. Located in California’s central valley, the weather is cooperative most of the year but on the hot side in summer.

With attractions like the Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, Funderland Amusement Park, the California State Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento, the California State Capitol Building, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Sacramento River Cats baseball, NBA basketball team the Sacramento Kings, rafting and fishing on the American River and the Crocker Art Museum, you’re sure to find something to entertain everyone.

You’ll find wonderful shopping in and around Sacramento as well as many wonderful cafes and restaurants. With so much to offer, Sacramento can serve as your complete vacation or as a small part of a longer California trip.

Contributed by Ashley Jorgenson, See Ash Blog

11. Kenosha, Wisconsin

Perched along Lake Michigan with lighthouses along the shore, Kenosha, Wisconsin‘s easy to navigate layout with attractions in close proximity makes a visit a delight for families. We were impressed by the number of museums clustered together providing various activities without too much fuss. Saturdays offer the lively European-style Harbor Market featuring local farmers and craftsman and open year-round. During the winter the market moves inside with fewer vendors yet still maintains a local flavor.

Kenosha’s historic electric streetcars each painted to represent a different North American city (that operated these PCC cars in the 1940s and 1950s) piqued our interest during our visit and provided a fun way to explore downtown and enjoy a scenic tour of the Lake Michigan shoreline. During our day trip, we quickly learned that Kenosha is a city worthy of exploration and we look forward to future visits and discoveries!

Contributed by Melissa Schwartz, A Little Time and a Keyboard

12. Eugene, Oregon

Eugene is the second-largest city in the state of Oregon but you would never guess over 150,000 people call the Emerald Valley their home. Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Coastal Range, Eugene is totally green.

A community that values nature and the environment, visitors can expect a wide variety of outdoor activities from hiking and biking to kayaking and rafting down the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers. Home to the University of Oregon, sports, education, arts and culture are also high on the city’s to-do list.

Contributed by Julie Henning, Road Trips for Families

13. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a city you visit to admire the charming streets and soak in the genteel Southern vibe rather than to check off a long list of must-see tourist sights. We loved eating there because tourists mix with locals in most restaurants and you can eat very well in places that are casual and kid-friendly.

The Charleston Farmers Market (Marion Square) on Saturday morning offered lots of samples (boiled peanuts, sweet potato pie), produce that was new to us like giant muscat grapes, and hot food vendors too. With a 2-year-old along we spent a lot of time exploring the waterfront park and Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park across the river which has a cool playground and a pier with great city and river views.

You can manage a short horse-drawn carriage tour even with a very young child and it’s worth it to get some local history. Kids old enough to be learning history will like Fort Sumter, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and some of the plantations outside the city (do your research – some are more kid-friendly than others). With tweens and teens, take a walking tour which is the absolute best way to find out all that has gone on behind all those lovely townhouse doors.

Contributed by Eileen Gunn, FamiliesGo!

14. Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama, home to the US Space and Rocket Center, is a wonderfully international city perfect for family vacations. German rocket scientists relocated here after WWII and influenced the city’s growth especially the symphony, food and architecture. But there’s more to Huntsville than rockets!

Families can explore the city’s rich history at one of the many hands-on museums. Adventurers can enjoy the many parks and trails throughout the city or nearby Burritt on the Mountain. Most everything is within a 15 minute drive of downtown making it an easy place to explore! Whether blasting off to space or walking the footsteps of the past, a Huntsville vacation is one families are sure to remember for years.

Contributed by Karen Dawkins, Family Travels on a Budget

15. Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana might be a little mountain town in the northern Rocky Mountains, however, it’s anything but sleepy. Missoula is a funky family-friendly town with numerous coffee shops, specialty restaurants, and a thriving art and music scene. What is so appealing is the abundance of affordable year-round activities geared towards all ages.

Hike the ‘M’ for the best views of the valley. Rent a bike to explore the city via a large network of bike-friendly paths suitable even for the little ones. Stroll along the Clark Fork River and stop to watch the surfers and kayakers take on Brennan’s Wave. Spend the day plunging down a large waterslide at popular community water park Splash Montana. And finally, enjoy a beautiful morning sampling local organic foods at the weekend farmers market.

Missoula strives to make healthy living a priority and provides a wealth of activities such as free bus transportation, open space for outdoor recreation, concerts, museums and community events. In fact, since 2009, Missoula has had the honor of being named a Playful City for ensuring that kids in the community get the balanced and active play they need to thrive.

Missoula has so many wonderful and unique qualities, but its greatest asset is the strong sense of community which anchors the town with its generosity, sincerity and acceptance. It’s Uniquely Missoula!

Contributed by Lara Dorman, 2 Moms Travel

16. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona is best known for its picturesque red rocks and art scene but, we also found many family-friendly attractions and activities. My kids’ favorite activity was the bumpy 4×4 off-road adventure on a converted jeep. There are plenty of jeep tours with various themes ranging from sightseeing or sunset viewing to finding the paranormal.

We loved the many hiking and biking trails with incredible backdrops. ATV and horseback riding tours are also available. If you’re visiting during the summer, Slide Rock State Park is an ideal place to visit with various swimming areas and an 80-foot natural water slide on red sandstone. Sedona is also a great base to explore nearby National Parks and for the kids to earn Junior Ranger badges. Montezuma Castle National Monument is a short drive and the Grand Canyon is only two hours away.

Contributed by Mary Solio, The World is a Book

17. Knoxville, Tennessee

The popularity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes East Tennessee an attractive vacation option for American families. If heading that way, I recommend paying a visit to Knoxville, Tennessee. Only 45 minutes from the Smokies, Knoxville has all the charm of a small town with all the luxuries of a big city.

Parks and greenways abound in Knoxville along with public art displays, kid-friendly museums and historical sites. Sports fans will appreciate attractions such as the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and Knoxville Holstons Vintage Base Ball, while the music lovers in the family will relish Knoxville’s role in Tennessee’s rich musical heritage.

Contributed by Francesca Folinazzo, The Working Mom’s Travels

18. Anacortes, Washington

Anacortes is a quaint town on the I20 (about 20 minutes off the I5 in Western Washington) and physically lies on Fidalgo Island. Although a short bridge connects it to land, it features some unique geography and plants such as the beautiful arbutus trees which thrive on rocky terrain. It has cute character and offers beautiful ocean views from many vantage points on the steep hills around town.

Anacortes is a port city and its largest industry is oil refining. Its economy is also based on shipbuilding and tourism. Anacortes is situated in what is known as the Olympic Mountain Rain Shadow and it only gets about half as much rain as Seattle which is less than 50 miles to the south.

Contributed by Lindsay Nieminen, Carpe Diem Our Way Family Travel Blog

19. Golden, Colorado

Your family-friendly visit to Golden begins with the “Howdy Folks” welcome sign stretched across Main Street in celebration of the city’s Old West roots. Located just 20 miles west of Denver, this Colorado mountain town embraces its Rocky Mountain backdrop with biking and hiking trails.

Enjoy free admission to the Mines Museum of Earth Science (formerly known as the Geology Museum) at the Colorado School of Mines and to the Foothills Art Center. Take a drive up to Lookout Mountain for a monumental view of Golden and Denver as well as an opportunity to get in touch with nature at the Lookout Mountain Preserve and Nature Center.

Contributed by Diana Rowe, Traveling in Heels

20. Burlington, Vermont

Set on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain you will find Burlington which is Vermont‘s largest city. With just over 44,000 residents, this vibrant town is the perfect blend of chic boutiques, farm-to-table food and a bustling art scene. It is also the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s, Phish and Grace Potter.

Church Street Marketplace anchors the town with a pedestrian-only open air mall. It draws people from near and far to enjoy year-round festivals, museums, shopping and dining. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the close proximity to the bike path, sailing center and beaches. There are plenty of spots to rent kayaks, paddleboards and boats so that you can get out on the lake as well.

There is no shortage of things to do with kids in Burlington either. Right on the waterfront you will find the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a science and nature museum which has 70 species of live animals, over 100 interactive exhibits and daily activities. Not too far away is Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm where visitors can hike the trails, visit the animals or take a tour to see how their famous cheese is made.

It is also worth a visit to the nearby Shelburne Museum. Here kids will love exploring the steamboat Ticonderoga, exploring the Circus Building and riding the vintage carousel which has handpainted figures of horses, tigers, giraffes and more. Burlington truly has something for everyone!

Contributed by Dana Freeman, Dana Freeman Travels

21. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island is a small seaside city with much to offer visiting families. Gilded Age mansion/museums (be sure to ask for children’s self-guides), the world-renowned Ocean Cliff Walk, summer music festivals, shallow entrance white sand ocean beaches – all make great choices for a perfect day or weekend trip for families.

On a family day trip to Newport (we live about an hour away in a suburb of Boston), we enjoyed a sail in Newport Harbor and a trolley tour through the center of town and along the Ocean Drive.

Contributed by Victoria Burdman, Celebrate the Weekend

22. Temecula, California

Temecula is a gorgeous family-friendly destination midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Best known for its up & coming wine country but as the locals know…Temecula is actually a hidden gem for families too. Explore the history of Old Town, check out the children’s museums, go hot air ballooning or explore the Santa Rosa Plateau.

Whether your family enjoys the outdoors or watching a Broadway-style play, Temecula has you covered with everything from geocaching, to golf lessons for kids, a water park, trampolining, rock climbing, roller skating, horseback riding and more!

Temecula also has some fabulous events throughout the year including the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, the annual Pechanga Pow Wow showcase of Native American culture and, my personal favorite, holiday season events featuring Santa’s Electric Light Parade and an outdoor ice skating rink in the center of Old Town lit up in holiday style.

Contributed by Amber Mamian, Global Munchkins

23. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach, VA is one of those small beach towns that come alive in the summer but is still fun in the off season. Families flock to this part of Virginia year after year once they discover that there are so many things to do in Virginia Beach with kids.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the perfect spot on a rainy day for families who want to meet the creatures that live below the sea but when the sun is out you will want to hit the beach, hop on a boat for a dolphin cruise or head inland to pick a few pints of fresh blueberries. Nights come alive when Virginia Beach brings in local and national acts to play their pier pavilions and street artists entertain along Atlantic Avenue.

Virginia Beach is safe enough for parents to let their teens wander with friends while parents with babies and toddlers will enjoy the memorable food and art scene. Don’t fret over crowds and high prices, this beach destination is well-priced for the number of amenities you get in the area and if you want to escape the beach crowds then stay at one of the hotels north of the boardwalk where most of the action takes place.

Contributed by Keryn Means, Walking On Travels

24. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Better known for the college vibe and football fever, Ann Arbor is also a fantastic place for families. There are plenty of kid-friendly fairs and festivals throughout the year where music, dance and food abound and art projects for the kids fill the sidewalks. (Check Ann Arbor with Kids for current events.)

Don’t miss the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, a visit to the Cherry Republic to celebrate the spirit of northern Michigan and taste their cherry food creations and, of course, the famous Zingerman’s Deli, an Ann Arbor institution that serves up delicious sandwiches, and Zingerman’s Roadhouse for a laid-back meal.

Contributed by Patty Monahan, Our Whole Village

25. Monterey, California

Located just north of California’s Big Sur coastline, Monterey is known for its world-class aquarium, top-rated golf, burgeoning winery scene and immense natural beauty. Where else can you go behind the scenes with marine biologists at a sea otter feeding and training session at an aquarium and then kayak alongside a flotilla of these adorable creatures all on the same day?

The Monterey region is known for its ever-dramatic, often fog-shrouded coastline and is perhaps at its best at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – a meeting of turquoise waters, craggy cliffs, and sculptural cypress trees. After a full day of exploring (be sure to make time for the kids to enjoy the city’s massive Dennis the Menace Playground), cozy up with a steamy bread bowl of clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf and watch the sea lions frolic as daylight disappears.

Contributed by Sharlene Earnshaw, Trekaroo

Which one of these cities would your family choose to spend their next vacation? Let us know in the comments below.