Most average American families go on trips every year.  Perhaps, you are planning a trip for your family as well.  Where can you go this year?  Forget about the usual places.  They’re often packed with tourists and travelers like you.  Maybe you can visit one of the country’s best-kept secrets, and you can have fun with your family without the annoying crowd.

So, here are the best places to bring your family to for a vacation:

1. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is one of the oldest cities in South Carolina.  It is also the second largest.  If your family enjoys exploring historical places, you might enjoy visiting Charleston.  It is a must-visit for history buffs.  There are just too many places you would enjoy visiting. Many places date back to the 17th century.  There are scores of historical sites and buildings.  If you love art, you will enjoy exploring the city.  It is one of the best art destinations in the country.

You probably can’t imagine your kids doing any of those things.  Fortunately, there are fun activities that your children can do as well.  They can explore the beautiful beaches and first-class golf courses.  There are many seafood and steak restaurants.

2. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

This place serves as a reservoir where people flocked for fishing.  If you love fishing, you will enjoy catching largemouth bass, bluegill, and walleye.  These fishes populate the lake all year round.  You’d find local guides who would be happy to take you on a fishing trip.  They will bring you directly to the best places.  They would provide you with the materials you need as well.

3. Newport, Rhode Island

This island has served as a vacation spot for many government dignitaries including President John F. Kennedy.  He also married his wife, Jackie Kennedy, at St. Mary’s Church.  This town is small, but it has some of the most luxurious mansions in the world.  It is where you will find The Breakers, the magnificent mansion of the Vanderbilt.

It is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts.  This is also a great place to go to if you are interested in learning how to sail.  Of course, the place is not just limited to these attractions.  There are other things that you can do as well.  Your family can go on tours.  You can visit museums and wineries.

4.  New Braunfels, Texas

This place was once a German settlement, thus its name New Braunfels, which came from the word Neu-Braunfels.  It is located near San Antonio, Texas.  Recently, the city has seen a growth in its tourism with more and more people visiting for its myriad of recreational offerings which include fantastic water sports like tubing, rafting, and water skiing.  You will also find the country’s biggest water park, Schlitterbahn, in New Braunfels. People flock to this place all-year round.  There are numerous home and condo rentals, so you need not worry about accommodations.

5. Carolina Beach, North Carolina

If you and your family are thinking of going to the beach for a vacation or weekend getaway, a great place to visit is Carolina Beach.  This is known for its water sports like windsurfing.  This is the most popular activity in this resort.  You will find the waters peppered with colorful sails especially on windy days.  You can also charter a boat if you’re going with a big group, and you enjoy some deep sea fishing.  The boardwalk has restaurants, souvenir shops, and stores that cater to family activities.

6. Orange Beach, Alabama

This Alabama beach has become considerably popular due to its cotton white sand beaches and warm waters.  But this is not all that Orange Beach has to offer.  You will also find a huge Ferris wheel at The Wharf.  The place also hosts some sporting events.  You can also go shopping, and you can enjoy the freshest seafood in the area.  There are Mardi Gras celebrations as well.  There are activities all year round.

7. Virginia Beach, Virginia

If you haven’t gone to Virginia, you should.  The beaches here are truly incredible.  The waves are considerably high, so they’re perfect for surfing.  The boardwalk is peppered with restaurants and stores which make the beach a great place to visit in the summer.

There are other places that you can visit aside from the beach.  There’s the Hampton Road where you’d find a couple of historically-preserved towns in the country: Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown.  These historical sites offer exhibits and activities that you and your family would enjoy exploring and doing.

8. Perdido Key, Florida

Perdido is a Spanish word which means “lost.”  This Florida barrier was elusive and difficult to find.  Many locals refer to it as the Lost Key.  It is located in the extreme northwest of Florida.  It has gorgeous beaches and parks which cover a significant part of the area.  If you and your family enjoy camping or hiking, this is your place.  You can even go diving at the Perdido Key Beach, and you can swim with sea turtles.

Image Credit
Boardwalk to the beach via Donald Lee Pardue
Historic Charleston South Carolina via harbourviewcharleston.com
Lake of the Ozarks via jayfram.com
Carolina Beach via city-data.com
Orange Beach via gosouthern.com
Perdido Key via visitflorida.triptuner.com