Fun, Relaxing, and Memorable Family Vacation Ideas for Summer: Beaches, Mountains, & Rocket Launches
Are you looking for fun and meaningful family vacation ideas for summer? Whether your kids are home from school or, like mine, returning from college, this is the perfect time to create memories and explore new places together. I’ve pulled together five of our favorite trips—some with just one of my kids, and others all together as a family. Each destination holds special memories and might help to inspire your own summer adventures!
1. Duluth, Minnesota & the North Shore
Our go-to more “local” vacation spot is the beautiful stretch from Duluth to Gooseberry Falls along Minnesota’s North Shore. Whether it’s hiking, walks by the lakeside, or going to our favorite restaurants, this destination is always a favorite! I am also a University of Minnesota Duluth graduate, so Duluth is a little extra special to me (go Bulldogs!).
What to Do in Duluth & the North Shore:
- Walk the Duluth Lakewalk in Canal Park
- Eat at Grandma’s Restaurant for cozy North Shore vibes
- Visit Leif Erikson Park for lake views and gardens
- Hike the waterfalls at Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Explore Split Rock Lighthouse just a short drive north
This may just be our next destination again this summer!
2. Fort Myers & Sanibel Island, Florida
My daughter and I took a mother-daughter senior trip to Fort Myers Beach and absolutely loved it! It’s the perfect mix of laid-back beach life (which is our perfect vacation!) and charming excursions.
What to Do in Fort Myers Beach:
- Stroll and shop along Estero Boulevard
- Visit the Sanibel Island Lighthouse and seashell-strewn beaches
- Enjoy perusing the Fort Myers Beach Farmers Market
- Explore Captiva Island for boutique shopping and art galleries
- Give pickleball a try (it’s huge here!)
This area offers sunshine, shells, and serenity, and we can’t wait to visit again sometime soon!
3. Hawaii (Big Island & Maui)
This was one of those dream trips! We tagged along with friends visiting their daughter on the Big Island and also spent a few days in Maui to explore another island.
Big Island Highlights:
- Relax on Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Hike to the remote Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
- Tour Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- Snorkel at Kahalu’u Beach Park
Maui Musts:
- Drive the Road to Hana (terrifying but worth it!)
- Attend a traditional Luau
- Lounge on Ka’anapali Beach
- Visit ʻĪao Valley State Monument for lush hiking
This may have been a once-in-a-lifetime trip—but we hope to go back in the future to further explore the other Hawaiian islands!
4. Kennedy Space Center & Orlando, Florida
For my son’s senior trip, he had one request: watch a rocket launch. Though launch delays meant we missed the actual liftoff, the trip was still a lot of fun and the delayed rocket launch gave us more time to explore the attractions below!
Highlights:
- Explore the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- Hang out at Cocoa Beach—perfect for surfing and sunsets
- Escape from an Orlando escape room
- Play mini golf with live gators (yes, really!)
- Treat yourself at Farris and Foster’s Famous Chocolate Factory
If your family loves space, science, and adventure, I would highly recommend the Kennedy Space Center—launch or no launch! We are still hoping to catch that rocket launch at some point in the future!
5. Scottsdale, Arizona
My daughter and I found a great flight deal to Phoenix, Arizona and we decided to go on a long weekend to explore Scottsdale, Arizona. We fell in love with the desert beauty and specifically the area of Scottsdale.
What to Do in Scottsdale:
- Hike Camelback Mountain or Pinnacle Peak
- Browse the galleries in Old Town Scottsdale
- Stay at The McCormick Scottsdale for lake + mountain views
- Enjoy many shopping options
- Play pickleblal or relax at a local spa or next to a pool
The April weather was perfect, and it was such a fun mix of relaxing and exploring. We can’t wait to go back again!
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a road trip up the North Shore or a tropical escape to Hawaii, the best part of these trips is always the time spent together. You don’t have to go far or spend a fortune to create lasting memories—just choose a spot that brings you together.
Have a favorite family vacation destination or summer tradition? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear!
Looking to try pickleball? Check out my blog post on some reasons to give pickleball a try!
