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Top U.S cities for a family vacation in 2023

  • Things To Do
  • Celine Jerly
  • 6 minutes

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Can’t wait for your first family vacation of the year? It’s time to plan a trip! How about a road trip? Instead of the usual Disneyland weekend getaways, these cities are a perfect choice for a family vacation – there’s always a variety of things to do for all ages.    

Sunny San Diego, cool Chicago, or wonderful Washington DC – what will it be? Let’s find out more about what these cities has to offer for family friendly trip. Check out what’ll be more fun for all and pack your bags before the summer crowds hit the road. And, don’t forget parking if you don’t want to waste your time driving around in circle in the city!

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A Sunny Family Vacation in San Diego  

Sun, sand, and surf – the kids love it, and the grown-ups badly need it right now. After spending all that time indoors during the winter, loads of Vitamin Sea must be on your travel radar. The shores of San Diego can be your perfect family vacation getaway in 2023.   

beach san diego

What to Do in San Diego

Need two good reasons to plan your trip to San Diego now? Gorgeous beaches and Mexican food! And, don’t forget one of the must-visit zoos in the country – the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park is sure to gift your kids the best travel memories for a lifetime. La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, Balboa Park, Mission Beach, Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway Museum, Petco, SeaWorld, and Belmont Park are some of the other must-visit places in San Diego for a fun-filled family vacation.   

When to Visit

The best time to visit San Diego is in the spring and fall; you’ll find great deals on hotels, tickets, cruises, and more as compared to the peak summer season. Then again, you could plan a San Diego tour anytime – thanks to year-round warm weather. Keep an eye out for rains in the winter months; you don’t want to plan a day at the beach during this time or the often-gloomy May-June period.     

Family vacation
La Jolla Cove, San Diego

How to get around

Getting around San Diego is great with your own set of wheels – make it a road trip or rent a car at the airport. San Diego trolley and bus routes aren’t quite reliable; when you travel as a family, it isn’t practical either. Don’t worry about getting directions and finding parking; the streets are laid out in a grid, and there are plenty of parking spots in San Diego. It helps to book your parking space in advance, at a safe parking lot near the neighborhood you wish to visit, and then explore the area on foot.    

Family Weekend Getaway to Chicago  

Chi-Town must be on the top of your list if you are looking for a weekend getaway with the family. Skyscrapers might be your first thought, but no, it’s not just any concrete jungle. Chicago neighborhoods are steadily carving out their niches in arts, food, and even shopping. And then, of course, there are museums and exciting outdoor activities to check out with the family.  

What to See in Chicago 

Must-visit places in Chicago? Start at the Grant Park – about 300 acres of green space starting at the Loop’s eastern edge and surrounded by popular Chicago attractions like Millennium Park, Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium. The Lincoln Park Zoo is a great place to spend time with kids, and so is the Navy Pier. Adults looking to splurge can give the Magnificent Mile a try – only if your credit card can handle ultra-luxury shopping and dining.    

Family vacation
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago

When to Visit

Summers in Chicago are peak tourist and festival season, while the winters are notoriously unwelcoming. April, May, September, and October are ideal for taking advantage of the windy city’s warmer weather.    

Navy Pier, Chicago

How to get around

The L-train and bus systems offer good public transportation options in Chicago. But driving yourself around has its many benefits. Chicago’s grid layout makes it easier to figure out directions but be prepared for rush hour traffic. Parking in Chicago could be a challenge if you plan to rely only on free and street parking spaces. There are several affordable garages and parking lots you can book your spot at for a hassle-free experience. Download a Chicago parking app to find the cheapest parking spaces near your destination. 

Let Washington D.C Surprise You   

While marbled monuments and national landmarks dominate even the thought of a D.C tour, the U.S capital is so much more than that. In recent years, the city has actively pursued its transformation from a center of political drama to a thriving cultural hub that appeals to every visitor. There’s a long way to go, yet you’ll be surprised by what Washington D.C has in store for all ages.    

What to See & Do

On the one hand, you have the traditional Washington D.C city tours that round up the museums, memorials, and monuments. On the other, the new and exciting urban neighborhoods, farmers markets, contemporary food, and arts stand in perfect contrast to the city’s reputation. Listing down the must-see places in Washington D.C would be endless; let’s say that you’ll never run out of things to keep the kids interested, and most attractions are free admission too. 

family vacation
Tidal Basin, Washington D.C

When to Visit

When’s a good time to visit Washington D.C for a family vacation? The spring is highly recommended – you can’t miss the Cherry Blossoms at Tidal Basin. The summer is a high season for tourists, so if you are looking to escape the crowds and the heat, block your dates for March to April. Winter months are a big ‘No’September to November is ideal if you plan your family vacation for the latter half of 2023.    

How to get around

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) pleads an excellent case for using public transportation in the city. The sky-high parking rates do not do much to encourage driving around either. However, when you are on a family vacation, especially with kids, it’s safer to stick to a private vehicle. Washington D.C parking woes can be easily solved with a bit of clever planning – compare rates and benefits online, book in advance, and know where you are going.  


Don’t let parking leave you in a tight spot – the Way out is right here on your phone! Book the best parking spots anywhere in the city at unbelievably cheap rates.  

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