Popular destinations for Mother’s and Father’s Day getaways
Parents need a break, and nothing beats a well-deserved weekend getaway. Whether it's for Mother's Day or Father's Day (or both!), moms and dads have their own unique vacationing preferences.
While over 50% of moms describe themselves as “zen travelers” in search of rest and relaxation while on vacation, the majority of fathers—51%, to be exact—label themselves as companion-oriented travelers. Based on these preferences and Vacasa.com search data for the respective holiday weekends, here are six of our top spots to treat mom or dad this year.
Folly Beach is made for those who love a laid-back beach lifestyle and fresh-caught shellfish with a southern twist. It’s the closest beach to downtown Charleston and is home to the Charleston Waterfront Park, which is surrounded by a variety of restaurants and bars featuring live music. For moms who prefer a relaxing night in, live like the locals and haul your local catch home for a classic Lowcountry Boil.
With great weather, a host of family-friendly activities, and several ways to spoil well-deserving moms, a refreshing getaway in San Diego is exactly what the doctor ordered. This Southern California city boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, which are often enjoyed over brunch, and has no shortage of luxury spas. For some fresh air, moms can take a relaxing stroll through four miles of garden trails at San Diego Botanic Garden—or simply kick back to enjoy the beachy views at a vacation rental like Seafoam Sunset, where the sea breeze is plentiful.
Galveston is a charming retreat just 50 miles from Houston where moms will discover a destination full of art, chic boutiques, historic architecture, and more. Perfectly timed with Mother’s Day, the Galveston Historical Foundation opens its doors to the island’s rich architectural history with tours of grandiose private properties during its annual Historic Homes Tour. Or, for a firsthand experience of grand living, stay at De Galvez to Paradise, a quintessentially southern home featuring a spa-like ensuite with a deep soaking tub.
This small coastal town in Delaware is part of an area known as "The Quiet Resorts,” beloved for its easy pace and sprawling, boardwalk-backed beach. The proximity of the Delaware Seashore State Park just north of town contributes to Bethany Beach's reputation as a quiet place and is where dad can enjoy some quality time fishing, birding, or picnicking with the fam. At the end of the day, he’ll love a coastal retreat like this Sea Colony condo, which boasts a ocean views and modern conveniences.
Perhaps most recognized as the home of Dollywood, the mountain town of Pigeon Forge is a quaint retreat in eastern Tennessee with plenty of bonding opportunities. The surrounding Smoky Mountains are full of great outdoor adventure, from ziplining to horseback riding to whitewater rafting, and log cabins like Sherwood Forest Resort: Bear Climbing Getaway to call home after an action-packed day. When the family’s not off on an excursion, the group can partake in games of pool, a dip in the hot tub, or dinner fresh off the grill—courtesy of dad’s barbecue skills, of course.
Just over a three-hour road trip from Portland, this Central Oregon retreat is located in the beautiful Deschutes National Forest with a plethora of attractions to make lasting Father’s Day memories. History buffs will appreciate the town’s past as a World War II training camp, while golf fanatics will have their pick of premium courses. When it comes to fun for the whole family, let nature be your playground, cruising the area’s bike trails or embarking on a river float. All that Sunriver has to offer is easily accessible from a weekend home base like 18 Antelope.
