The American West offers tons of incredibly diverse options for a family trip. There are forest adventures, lakeside retreats, and coastal getaways. You could opt for a West Coast family vacation in the snowy mountains or the desert canyons.
The West Coast really does offer some of the best family weekend getaways in the United States (and we’ve included some spots in Western Canada and the Pacific side of Mexico)! There are many beautiful places to choose from whether you’re flying in from different states or live nearby. This guide offers inspiration for your next family trip out West including the best family-friendly hotels and fun activities.
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Top West Coast Family Vacation Destinations
1. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
The Golden State has so many places worth visiting on big family road trips! Why not take a summer vacation to Lake Tahoe? Active family members will love sailing, paddleboarding, and hiking on North America’s biggest (and, let’s face it, most beautiful) alpine lake.
Where to Stay
This large multi-family house on VRBO is the perfect place for multi-family gatherings, offering eight bedrooms and ample living space. The open-concept design and well-equipped kitchen make shared meals effortless. A game room and outdoor hot tub provide entertainment for all ages. Plus, it’s available from $600 per night!
2. Cannon Beach, Oregon
If you’re dead set on a Pacific Northwest family vacation, it doesn’t get much better than the Oregon Coast. Enjoy long walks along the four-mile beach, check out the tide pools in Arcadia Beach, and shop in the cute boutiques and art galleries.
Where to Stay
Schooner’s Cove Inn is a great option for a West Coast family vacation. It has spacious suites with direct and easy access to the beach. Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from the private balconies set the scene. Each unit includes a kitchenette and a picnic area, plenty of space to relax together.
3. San Diego, California
Families attracted to the year-round sunshine of Southern California have to visit San Diego. Head to Balboa Park for all the kid-friendly museums with interactive exhibits and the San Diego Zoo. Wear out the kids at Waterfront Park while the parents enjoy views across the Pacific Coast.
Where to Stay
Loews Coronado Bay Resort provides a waterfront retreat with gondola cruises, sailing excursions, and bike rentals. With three heated pools and multiple on-site restaurants, there’s no better place for unwinding between activities than the resort’s serene marina setting.
4. Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona
Enjoy both city life and a desert escape by flying into Phoenix, which is within easy reach of Scottsdale. You can explore Downtown’s Old Town Scottsdale one day, and on the second day head into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Where to Stay
Hyatt Regency Resort at Gainey Ranch boasts 493 rooms across 27 acres, providing ample space for multi-family groups. The resort features a 2.5-acre water park with a lazy river, waterslides, and a sandy beach pool. Obviously, young kids are well-catered here! The on-site Gainey Ranch Golf Club and Soothing Oasis Spa offer activities for everyone.
5. Tucson, Arizona
Another option for Arizona is Tucson, yet another perfect blend of city and country. Families can indulge in delicious Mexican-American cuisine (it’s a UNESCO City of Gastronomy!) and the fun art museums in galleries. Then, head out of the city and see the Saguaro cacti in Saguaro National Park.
Where to Stay
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa offers a luxury retreat with five outdoor pools and scenic desert views. Families love the water slides with mountain views! It’s a great way to enjoy quality time together with activities like tennis, hiking, or golfing on the 27-hole course. The award-winning Agua Serena Spa is a particularly popular spot!
6. Park City/Deer Valley, Utah
If your family loves skiing, heading to Park City for the ski season has to be on your bucket list! Relish in a luxury mountain town experience with gourmet dining options and slopes suitable for all abilities. Family members who aren’t confident on skis can take fun snowmobile tours.
Where to Stay
Stein Eriksen Lodge is one of the best places to enjoy a luxurious alpine escape in Deer Valley. With an on-site spa and ski-in/ski-out amenities, the whole family has easy access to the slopes and trails from this five-star lodge. With multiple fine dining options, including the Michelin-recognized Glitretind, your family can sample some of the top dishes in the region.
7. Zion National Park, Utah
Head south of Park City for Utah’s amazing national parks! You can’t beat the cool rock formations and dramatic canyons of Zion. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail or rent bikes and ride through the Pa’rus Trail. Cool off by paddling in the Virgin River that runs through the park. Drive through the 1.1-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel–it’s an awe-inspiring place to make last memories!
Where to Stay
Zion Wildflower Resort is a great choice for outdoorsy families planning an unforgettable adventure. The resort features cozy glamping tents, covered wagons, and cabins, each with kitchenettes and private patios. Older kids will adore visiting the on-site petting zoo and playing outdoor games. After hiking the national park’s trails, unwind by the fire pit or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool.
8. Vail, Colorado
Vail offers the charm of a European alpine town with the convenience of being in the U.S.! Plan your West Coast family vacation in summer for blooming flowers, 17 miles of hiking trails (like the scenic Booth Falls Trailhead), and a packed schedule of music festivals. Of course, winter in Vail is for winter sports! Vail offers 5,289 skiable acres across its snowy mountains.
Where to Stay
Antlers Resort features condo-style accommodations with full kitchens, fireplaces, and private balconies overlooking Gore Creek. Families can enjoy outdoor activities like skiing nearby at Vail Mountain, biking the scenic Vail Pass, or fly fishing in Eagle River. The year-round outdoor pool and complimentary ski valet add extra convenience for big families.
9. Colorado Springs, Colorado
While Vail is ideal for outdoorsy families who enjoy some artsy activities, Colorado Springs is for artsy families who enjoy time outdoors. Visit impressive institutions like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Take a scenic family walk through the Garden of the Gods with dramatic sandstone formations.
Where to Stay
The Broadmoor Resort blends luxury with recreation across its 5,000-acre property. Families can explore fun spots like Seven Falls and the Broadmoor Soaring Adventure zip lines nearby. With gourmet dining, a lakeside infinity pool, and a world-class spa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
10. Missoula, Montana
Don’t worry if your family doesn’t like long drives, Missoula is super easy to reach by plane from over a dozen U.S. cities. Two national forests bookend the city so active families will love hiking up Mount Sentinel for the views. Drive out to Garnet Ghost Town or visit Fort Missoula Museum to step back in time.
Where to Stay
Mountain View Villa at Alpine Falls Ranch is the perfect spot for large family reunions in Montana. Beautiful places like the ranch’s private trails, nearby Lolo National Forest, and crystal-clear alpine lakes are on the doorstep. The villa’s wraparound deck, fire pit, and access to horseback riding create the perfect setting for a memorable family getaway.
11. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
As the gateway city to Grand Teton National Park and a ranching town through and through, tell the family to pack their cowboy boots! Unless you’re visiting in winter, in which case, pack your snowshoes. In summer, sail across Jenny Lake and visit the National Elk Refuge.
Where to Stay
The Wort Hotel in Jackson combines historic charm with modern comfort in the heart of downtown. Families can enjoy live music at the famous Silver Dollar Bar or relax in the luxurious Western-style rooms. With easy access to local shops and restaurants, it’s a perfect base for a mountain getaway.
12. Maui, Hawaii
There’s something for everyone on Maui. Multiple generations will enjoy driving up to the Upcountry farms and along the Hana Highway. The calm waters of Kaanapali Beach and Wailea Beach are ideal for families with little ones who want to swim/paddle and grandparents who want to chill.
Where to Stay
Ho’olei Villas at Grand Wailea is perfect for big families with three-bedroom villas and private lanais. The spacious layout allows families to relax together, while the resort’s family-friendly pools, like Hibiscus Pool, provide fun for everyone. The resort’s beach access and dining options, like Bistro Molokini, make family vacations effortless.
13. Kauai, Hawaii
Alternatively, active families should book Kauai for a big family reunion trip to Hawaii! As “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon is a must-see with short hikes for younger kids. Plan a beach day in the beautiful Hanalei Bay. Turn it into a once-in-a-lifetime vacation with helicopter tours over the island.
Where to Stay
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu features spacious villas with full kitchens and washer/dryers for convenience. Young children can splash around in the resort’s lagoon-style pool, which includes water slides, waterfalls, and a shallow kiddie area. The resort also offers direct access to the beautiful Poipu Beach, perfect for snorkeling, plus dining options like the casual Nalu Health Bar & Grill.
14. Napa Valley, California
Plan a classic California vacation in Napa Valley wine country! Only a one-hour drive from San Francisco Airport, this Northern California break is easy to reach for families spread across the country. One of the best tours is the Napa Valley Wine Train, but there are plenty of other wine tour options. Check out the music festivals in the summer.
Where to Stay
Meritage Resort and Spa is a luxurious option for adults-only multi-family reunions, offering stunning vineyard views. Enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience in the underground cave or unwind at the spa. Dining at Olive & Hay and visiting nearby favorite spots like Oxbow Public Market make this a memorable getaway.
15. Lake Chelan, Washington
Lakeside views, fresh forest air, easy hiking paths… You can find that quintessential lake trip right here in Washington state. Take a scenic Lady of the Lake Cruise on Lake Chelan before heading to Historic Downtown Chelan for a group lunch. Slidewaters, Chelin’s 19-slide waterpark, is the perfect place for young kids to blow off steam.
Where to Stay
Campbell’s Resort is ideal for groups seeking affordable family getaways. They offer cozy rooms with kitchenettes and suites with lake views. Enjoy the resort’s private beach and outdoor pool. It’s a perfect spot for a laid-back family vacation with a nearby wine-tasting room and casual dining options,
16. Sun Valley, Idaho
Want to book a big family ski trip, but you’re traveling with young children? Head to Sun Valley in the winter. Dollar Mountain is known for its easy slopes and kids’ programs. Plus, there’s dog-sledding and snowmobiling! Summer is also a great time to visit, with horseback riding at Sun Valley Stables, and you can take the gondola up Bald Mountain.
Where to Stay
Sun Valley Resort spans 2,000 acres and offers 145 rooms with mountain views and luxurious amenities. Families can hit the slopes or relax at the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. The resort also features the Sun Valley Village, which has shops, restaurants, and the Sun Valley Ice Rink.
International West Coast Family Vacation Spots
17. Whistler, Canada
Travel north to British Columbia and the best snow Canada has to offer! Whistler Backcomb is one of North America’s largest ski resorts. There isn’t a winter sport you can’t attempt here, whether you’re a thrill-seeking ski jumper or a fair-weather ice skater. Whistler offers something for the whole family, including an adorable chalet-style town center.
Where to Stay
First Tracks Lodge is the ideal, affordable retreat for active families. Enjoy full kitchens, fireplaces, and private balconies. Take advantage of the heated outdoor pool and hot tubs after a day of shredding powder. The lodge’s proximity to shops, dining, and entertainment in the Canyons Village is super convenient for evening entertainment.
18. Vancouver/Victoria, Canada
Appease any arguments by visiting a city like Vancouver which has everything you could want in a family vacation. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery for culture, Stanley Park for nature, and Motortown for great restaurants. Take a ferry ride to Vancouver Island and check out the capital, Victoria, and its stunning colonial Victorian architecture.
Where to Stay
Fairmont Waterfront offers luxurious rooms with stunning harbor views and easy access to the Seawall. Families can relax at the rooftop pool and dine at the on-site restaurant, Herons West Coast Kitchen. The hotel’s prime location near Stanley Park, Granville Island, and other attractions makes it a great base for exploration.
19. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The family-friendly Cabo San Lucas is a great choice if you want to head south of the border. Hop on a boat and whale watch in the Sea of Cortez. Snorkel in Chileno Bay or take a day trip to a theme park like Wild Canyon Adventures.
Where to Stay
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is an all-inclusive resort with ocean-view rooms, minibars, and flat-screen TVs for comfort. Families can enjoy expansive pools, water slides, and daily activities like cooking classes and themed shows. The resort also features a kids’ club, a spa, and direct beach access for a truly relaxing break together.
20. La Paz, Mexico
Alternatively, travel to the opposite coastline of the Baja California Peninsula. It has a more artsy, bohemian vibe with great museums and the grand 19th-century La Paz Cathedral. Stroll along the Malecón promenade and buy a painting from one of the artists as a souvenir.
Where to Stay
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés offers stylish rooms with kitchenettes, private terraces, and views of the Sea of Cortez. Families can relax at the resort’s infinity pool, enjoy snorkeling trips from the on-site marina, and explore nearby beaches. The property’s proximity to local restaurants and the Malecón means you can celebrate in style and witness daily sunsets.
21. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Another great option for families planning a trip to Mexico is the coastal resort city of Puerto Vallarta. It’s ideal for beach lovers, as you’ll no doubt be spending all your time on Los Muertos Pier and Las Caletas Beach. Try jet-skiing, surfing, paddle-boarding, and more together!
Where to Stay
Velas Vallarta Suites Resort is another all-inclusive beachfront resort offering spacious suites with kitchenettes and private balconies. Families can enjoy the resort’s three pools, including a kid-friendly pool with water slides, and daily activities. With gourmet dining options and a kids’ club, it’s perfect for a stress-free family reunion.
Choose Best Coast, West Coast for Your Family Vacation
A West Coast family vacation could mean anything from scenic drives along the Oregon Coast, beach-hopping in Mexico, or visiting world-famous national parks. Stay somewhere in the great outdoors, surrounded by natural beauty, or seek comfortable catch-ups in a luxury villa. Choose a great place the whole family will love and create lasting memories on your next family getaway out west!
About the author: Kirsten is a family travel expert who has been traveling with kids for over 20 years. She has been featured in Travel & Leisure, Parents Magazine, AFAR, Vogue, NBC, Lonely Planet, and Thrillist, to name a few. Kirsten is also the content creator behind Kids Are A Trip, an award-winning site for planning family vacations.