More families are choosing to travel with grandparents, parents, and kids in tow—making memories across generations. In fact, multigenerational travel is on the rise, often led by grandparents eager to bond with their grandkids.
But planning a trip for three or more generations takes extra thought—from kid-friendly lodging to accessible spaces and activities for every age. Whether you’re eyeing an all-inclusive resort, a cozy rental, or a nature escape, these eight U.S. destinations offer something for everyone.
More families are using their vacation time to make memories with extended family. Now more than ever, multigenerational travel— trips with three or more generations of a family— are increasing in popularity. Grandparents are often the ones initiating these trips.
Read more: Awesome Summer Road Trips Every Metro Detroit Family Should Take
Best U.S. Destinations For A Multigenerational Vacation
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs in Southern California is a popular desert oasis for families, including those traveling with several generations. The area has outdoor activities for everyone, from kid-friendly hikes to hot springs and golf courses for older age groups. Generations of all ages may enjoy the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes riders 2.5 miles over the Chino Canyon. Families can visit the Palm Springs Art Museum for free on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., then check out VillageFest, a weekly street fair on Thursday nights.
The Palm Springs metropolitan area is a certified autism center, which means several restaurants and other businesses in the area make accommodations for people with autism.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Beach vacations are a favorite among multigenerational travelers. The East Coast’s barrier islands deliver much of what the entire family is after. The Outer Banks, off the coast of North Carolina, are especially popular for families who want a remote beach getaway. There are many different lodging options, including bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, vacation homes, and cottage courts, which share a common courtyard.
Family members have a diverse set of land and water activities to choose from. Some highlights include birdwatching—Outer Banks is one of the best birding locations on the East Coast, viewing lighthouses, and visiting the area where the Wright Brothers took their first flight.
Durango, Colorado
This small town in southwest Colorado is all about hot springs and railroads. For hot springs, families stay at the Durango Hot Springs Resort, with 19 family-friendly and 10 accessible soaking pools compliant with guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Visitors from around the world come to Colorado to ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark that takes passengers through the San Juan Mountains. For cultural and historical activities, families visit the ancestral homes of the Pueblo at Mesa Verde National Park. Families who visit during ski season can take advantage of the snow at Purgatory Resort, where kids 12 years old and under ski for free.
Orlando, Florida
Disney World is just one of Orlando’s many theme parks, a huge draw for family travelers. People may not know Orlando is an emerging city for dining, one of the top priorities for travelers and foodies of all ages. Four Orlando area restaurants have earned a Michelin star, and 11 more are labeled Bib Gourmand, the guide’s label for quality food at more affordable prices.
Orlando also has more short-term rental inventory than any other U.S. city, according to AirDNA, which tracks data on short-term rentals. Orlando and its local theme parks also have initiatives in place to make them accessible to people with cognitive and mobile disabilities. For example, Walt Disney World offers Disability Access Services for people who cannot endure long waits inside the theme park due to a disability. Some Orlando restaurants also have private dining rooms for families looking for a sensory-friendly experience.
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County, Wisconsin, was named one of the top 20 locations for a multigenerational trip in a study published by Gogo Charters using TripAdvisor and AreaVibes data, and it’s easy to see why. Lake Michigan surrounds the peninsula and offers ADA-accessible playgrounds, and hikes and beaches that accommodate wheelchairs.
Families can take trolley tours to see the area’s lighthouses, spring blossoms, or outdoor scenery. There are also plenty of water activities on Lake Michigan, including fishing, sailing, and scuba diving. Lucky families may even spot the northern lights on nights with a clear sky.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
A family vacation in the Appalachian Mountains is popular among multigenerational vacationers. Members of the family have lots of choices of activities, such as spending the day in the downtown Gatlinburg shopping district or hiking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The area also has small theme parks, such as Rowdy Bear Mountain and the Soaky Mountain Waterpark. The whole family can come together in the evenings around a cabin fireplace to enjoy the views of the sun setting over the Smoky Mountains.
Many cabins in the area offer multiple bedrooms. Some, like those offered by the Cabins of the Smoky Mountains, offer five or more bedrooms, additional beds, and entertainment and game room options, perfect for big family gatherings and reunions.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix over-delivers on options for dining with kids. Check out The Teapot, a coffee shop with a complimentary playhouse and rock climbing wall for kids in its backyard, or Rustler’s Rooste, a steakhouse with an indoor slide. Hikes are plentiful in the Phoenix area, and some are barrier-free, meaning they’re wide enough for wheelchair users to navigate.
There are also plenty of vacation homes and lodging options to choose from. Some resorts also offer water parks like those in the Hyatt Gainey Ranch or the Westin Kierland. The Phoenix and Scottsdale area ranks 10th worldwide for the number of short-term rentals based on AirDNA data.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has many accommodation options for multigenerational travelers. AirDNA ranks Atlanta 11th in the world (behind Phoenix/Scottsdale) for the number of short-term rentals available. The BeltLine trail loops around the city and is a mostly ADA-accessible way to get to know the city, with stops at local restaurants and shops along the way.
The Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola are two adjacent downtown stops for families. The King Center on Auburn Avenue is a short drive away. Foodies will enjoy the city’s newly created Michelin guide, including five restaurants that earned a Michelin star and 10 that landed the Bib Gourmand in 2023. Or head to Buford Highway for international fare at every price point.
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