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Family summer getaways: Four must-visit summer destinations everyone will enjoy

  • Writer: Sun Country
    Sun Country
  • 9 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

Journey back through US history, explore beautiful hikes, encounter wildlife, and maybe even dinosaurs in Lake Tahoe, Anchorage, Washington DC, and Rapid City. Fly nonstop to these four destinations for a great summer getaway for you and your family filled with adventure, learning, and endless memories.  

 

Three people hike a rocky trail in a desert landscape with jagged peaks under a partly cloudy sky. The mood is adventurous.
Image credit to Visit Rapid City

Just a quick flight from the Twin Cities, Rapid City is a quick getaway and the perfect jumping off point to embark on a scenic trip around South Dakota. With several monuments, parks, and forests within an hour of the Rapid City Regional Airport, you can create the perfect journey for you and your family. 

  • Explore the parks: Burn off some energy from the car ride and discover the beautiful trails. For endless wildlife sitings, beautiful mountain views, and flourishing greenery, check out the Black Hills National Forest, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park.  

  • Learn about history up close: Check out Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Jewel Cave National Monument. These landmarks offer beautiful views as well as a great opportunity for the kiddos to discover the history behind them.  

  • Tour the ‘City of Presidents’: Rapid City was coined this name because of their statues of each president through the city. These life-size statues honor and highlight each president’s unique interests and personality. Explore the statues at your leisure or listen to an audio tour to learn about each president and the meaning behind the details of their statue.  

  • Check out a prehistoric park: Dinosaur Park is a great stop whether you are searching for a view of Rapid City from above or to check out some dinosaurs. Dinosaur Park is a great spot for kids to explore, learn about, and climb on the 7 giant dinosaurs.  

 

A person in shorts and a t-shirt stands on a rock overlooking a large blue lake surrounded by pine-covered mountains under a clear sky.
Image credit to Visit Lake Tahoe

Just an hour drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Lake Tahoe is the perfect summer getaway.  Full of outdoor activities for all ages - the perfect spot to make some new summer memories. 

  • Jump in the lake: Lake Tahoe has a variety of beaches all boasting golden sand and bright blue water. Dive in or rent a paddle board or kayak to explore the beautiful water and take in the picturesque mountain views.  

  • Hop on a boat: Rent a boat for the day and take your family on a tour around the lake or check out the guided boat tours if you’d rather sit back and enjoy the ride.  

  • Explore out of the water: Check out the mountain biking and hiking trails for a great scenic adventure perfect for the whole family. 

  • Find mountain-top views: Ride the Heavenly Gondola up Heavenly Mountain to see the beautiful views of the south shore of Lake Tahoe. If your or your kids are looking for some thrill and even more amazing views, take the Heavenly’s Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster down the mountain.  

 

Three people in colorful jackets stand on a boat deck, gazing at a towering blue glacier under a bright sky with snowy mountains in the background.
Image credit to Visit Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska has great opportunities for families from museums to outdoor adventures. Whether you are looking to see wildlife or glaciers, Anchorage has endless hikes with stunning views, made for the whole family to enjoy.  

  • Learn about bush planes: Check out Lake Hood, one of the busiest seaplane bases in Alaska, for plenty of daily action at its runway. While there, don’t miss the Alaska Aviation Museum and their bush plane simulators to learn more about flying the most iconic style plane in Alaska.  

  • Explore glaciers: Take a day trip to explore Portage Glacier or Matanuska Glacier on a guided tour. There are also boat tours that will lead you to the picture-perfect glacial views if hiking isn’t your style.  

  • Take a tour off the water: Hop on a train on the Alaska Railroad bringing you all the views from mountains to wildlife. Sit back and enjoy time with the family surrounded with perfect views all around.  

  • Satisfy your sweet tooth: Alaska may be known for beautiful views outdoors, but the world’s largest Chocolate Waterfall, 20-feet tall at Alaska Wild Berry Products is also a site to see, especially for the kids. 

 

Two children sit by a fountain at the National Mall, with the Washington Monument in the background. Flags and visitors create a lively scene.

While the nation’s capital is home to plenty of important sites and museums, there’s no shortage of activities for non-history buffs to enjoy, too. From great shopping to baseball games, Washington DC has something every family member will enjoy.  

  • Discover museums: Located along the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums are a great free opportunity for learning on your trip. The museums are filled with interactive exhibits that kids, and even parents will enjoy. There are 17 Smithsonian museums in DC to catch everyone’s interests, from the Air and Space Museum to the Museum of American History.  

  • Stroll through the National Mall: The National Mall is a greenspace perfect for a leisurely walk and home to many remarkable monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Memorial.  

  • Explore Georgetown: A flourishing neighborhood in DC, Georgetown is full of beautiful historic homes, endless shopping, and delicious restaurants, many with patios perfect for summer.  

  • Take a break from history: Make your way to the Smithsonian Zoo to see their more than 200 animals. If you’re up for a ball game, head to Nationals Park to watch the Washington Nationals play.  


Ready to start planning your family’s summer getaway? 


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