The 10 Best Luxury Family Vacation Destinations in the US

The best luxury family vacation destinations in the US are places where logistics feel manageable, days don’t require overplanning, and everyone has room to relax without feeling disconnected. Space, privacy, and location matter more than bells and whistles, especially when you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or a mix of both.

The destinations below stand out because they support that kind of travel. Some work best for outdoor-focused families, others for beach days or city-meets-nature trips. All of them offer the kind of setting where a well-designed home makes a noticeable difference to how the trip feels.

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1. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada

Why it works for luxury family travel

Tahoe is one of those rare places that genuinely works for families year-round. Winter is about skiing, snow play, and quiet evenings inside. Summer shifts to swimming, boating, and long days outside. The scale of the lake and surrounding mountains makes it feel adventurous without being chaotic, and it’s easy to shape days around energy levels.

Families tend to love Tahoe because you can be active without being scheduled, and relaxed without being bored.

Things to do

• Ski at Northstar or Palisades Tahoe with strong ski-school options

• Swim, paddle, or boat along the West Shore in summer

• Bike paved paths around Tahoe City

• Take scenic lake cruises for low-effort sightseeing

• Spend evenings cooking and unwinding at home

Travel tips

• The West and North Shores are generally quieter than South Lake

• Winter storms can affect mountain passes — build flexibility into arrival days

• Summer mornings are best for calm water and fewer crowds

Where to stay

• Wander Lake Tahoe Vista – Wake up to stunning lake views and spend your days enjoying the private hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains.

• Wander Tahoe Oasis – Wander Tahoe Oasis is a 7-bedroom lakeside retreat offering unparalleled access to the beauty of Lake Tahoe with a private pier.

2. Park City, Utah

Why it works for luxury family travel

Park City removes many of the stress points that come with family ski trips. The town is walkable, ski schools are excellent, and the overall setup is intuitive, even for first-timers. Outside of winter, it becomes a surprisingly easy summer destination with hiking, alpine slides, and scenic chairlift rides.

It’s especially good for multi-generational trips where not everyone skis all day.

Things to do

• Ski Park City Mountain or Deer Valley in winter

• Walk Main Street for shops, galleries, and casual meals

• Visit Utah Olympic Park for hands-on experiences

• Hike or bike mountain trails in warmer months

• Take scenic gondola or lift rides

Travel tips

• Deer Valley is ski-only (no snowboards), which some families prefer

• January is calmer than holiday weeks or February

• Staying close to town reduces daily transportation stress

Where to stay

• Wander Park City Aspens – This luxury townhome features sleek architectural details, rich wood accents, stone finishes, and expansive windows that frame stunning mountain views.

• Wander Park City Ridges – Enjoy full access to a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pit, fitness room, dry sauna, and steam shower, for a true mountain luxury escape.

• Wander Park City Powder – Wander Park City Powder is a cozy-chic mountain retreat perfectly designed for comfort, relaxation, and easy access to world-class skiing.

3. San Diego, California

Why it works for luxury family travel

San Diego is one of the easiest family destinations in the country. The weather is reliable, the beaches are approachable, and attractions are spread out enough that you can pick a few rather than trying to do everything. It’s a great option for families who want flexibility — beach mornings, quiet afternoons, and simple dinners.

Luxury here shows up as privacy and location, not formality.

Things to do

• Explore tide pools and beaches in La Jolla

• Visit Balboa Park’s museums and open spaces

• Spend a day at the San Diego Zoo

• Walk or bike along Coronado Beach

• Enjoy outdoor dining year-round

Travel tips

• Mornings are best for beaches before crowds and wind

• La Jolla and coastal neighborhoods feel calmer than downtown

• You don’t need to do everything — San Diego rewards slower pacing

Where to stay

• Wander San Diego Civita – Guests can savor the panoramic vistas from the sophisticated rooftop, perfect for memorable evenings under the stars, or relax on the private balcony.

• Wander San Diego Oceanfront – Perched above the waves with stunning beachfront views, this home invites laughter and leisure with ping pong, cornhole, darts, foosball, and life-size games.

• Wander San Diego Waves – Wander San Diego Waves is a one-of-a-kind modern architectural marvel perched above the city, offering sweeping panoramic skyline and ocean views from its floor-to-ceiling glass bedrooms.

4. Palm Springs, California

Why it works for luxury family travel

Palm Springs is at its best for families in winter and spring, when days are warm but not hot and outdoor living feels effortless. Homes here are built around pools, courtyards, and open layouts, which makes it easy for kids to play while adults actually relax.

It’s a strong option for families who want sunshine without crowds or constant movement.

Things to do

• Spend full days poolside

• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a change of scenery

• Take short desert hikes suitable for kids

• Explore mid-century neighborhoods

• Enjoy slow mornings and early dinners

Travel tips

• Evenings cool down quickly — bring light layers

• Morning is best for outdoor activity

• Pool safety planning matters for families with younger kids

Where to stay

• Wander Palm Springs Haven – This meticulously designed retreat provides the ultimate in comfort and relaxation, promising an idyllic Palm Springs getaway filled with sunshine, serenity, and unforgettable moments.

• Wander Palm Springs Edge – Terracotta rooflines and arched details open to a resort-style yard made for easy desert days – swimming beneath the palms, grilling in the palapa kitchen, or lingering by the fire pit as the air cools.

• Wander Palm Springs Buena Vista – This luxurious retreat combines classic Beverly Hills ranch-style architecture with sleek Mid-century modern design, offering an unforgettable getaway.

5. Orlando & Central Florida

Why it works for luxury family travel

Orlando works best when families don’t try to do everything at once. Luxury trips here often revolve around staying in a private home and treating theme parks as part of the trip, not the entire trip. Pool days, flexible schedules, and downtime make a big difference.

This approach works particularly well for larger families and mixed-age groups.

Things to do

• Visit Disney or Universal selectively

• Spend rest days at home by the pool

• Explore nearby springs or nature preserves

• Plan shorter park days instead of full marathons

Travel tips

• Alternating park days with rest days improves everyone’s mood

• Early entry hours are worth using

• Staying outside the immediate park zone often feels calmer

Where to stay

• Wander Orlando Bliss – This exceptional property boasts a state-of-the-art home movie theater, perfect for family movie nights under the stars, complemented by a bubbling hot tub for ultimate relaxation after a day of adventure.

• Wander Orlando Grand – This Wander property is designed for the ultimate family getaway, where luxury and entertainment seamlessly blend. Immerse yourselves in the enchantment of a themed bedroom, a captivating escape for young and old alike.

• Wander Vero Beach – The whole family can indulge in oceanfront luxury at Wander Vero Beach, which is just steps away from the water. Gather round the fire pit after a swim, or watch the waves lap at the shore over breakfast from your balcony.

6. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Why it works for luxury family travel

Hilton Head is calm in a way that families appreciate. The beaches are wide and uncrowded, bike paths connect much of the island, and the overall pace encourages everyone to slow down. It’s especially popular with families traveling with younger kids or grandparents.

Luxury here is quiet, not flashy.

Things to do

• Bike under live oaks across the island

• Spend long beach days without crowds

• Kayak through salt marshes

• Play tennis or golf

• Enjoy sunset dinners near the water

Travel tips

• Bikes are often easier than cars

• Beaches are calmest early in the morning

• Summer humidity is real — plan midday breaks

Where to stay

• Wander Hilton Head Waves – Discover a stunning ocean retreat designed for effortless coastal living. The open-concept layout connects the kitchen, living, and dining areas directly to the pool, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow for family gatherings.

• Wander Hilton Head Charm – This is where coastal elegance meets serene lagoon views. Just minutes from the beach, it features a sparkling outdoor pool and the privacy of a stylish pool house.

• Wander Hilton Head Tropic – Take in stunning ocean vistas from the expansive patio, spend sun-soaked days in the large outdoor pool, or walk straight onto the sand with direct beach access just steps away.

7. The Catskills & Hudson Valley, New York

Why it works for luxury family travel

This region shines for families who want nature, privacy, and easy East Coast access. It’s particularly good for long weekends or multi-generational trips where shared space matters more than constant activities.

Each season brings something different, from summer lake days to fall foliage to winter snow play.

Things to do

• Hike waterfall and forest trails

• Spend afternoons by lakes or streams

• Visit small towns and markets

• Enjoy slow, home-based days together

Travel tips

• Bring groceries – many homes are intentionally secluded

• Fall weekends book early

• The weather can shift quickly in shoulder seasons

Where to stay

• Wander Windham Slopes – Wake up to breathtaking mountain and forest views, with easy access to the slopes just steps from the door. After skiing, you can unwind in the private hot tub, gather around the outdoor fire pit, or enjoy meals on the outdoor dining patio.

• Wander Craryville Golf – Wake to wide-open water views, gather in the airy living space with its fireplace and dining for twelve, or step onto the deck for a soak in the hot tub.

• Wander Sleepy Hollow Lake – Enjoy breathtaking lake views from nearly every room, perfectly complemented by the soothing sounds of nature. Spend your days kayaking across the pristine lake, or challenge your family to a friendly game of ping pong.

8. Crested Butte, Colorado

Why it works for luxury family travel

Crested Butte offers a gentler mountain-town experience than many larger resorts. The town feels welcoming, the skiing is approachable for kids, and the pace encourages families to settle in rather than rush.

It’s a strong choice for families newer to mountain travel.

Things to do

• Ski family-friendly terrain in winter

• Explore the historic town center

• Hike and bike alpine trails in summer

• Attend seasonal festivals

Travel tips

• The airport is small — book flights early

• Winter weather can be intense, but crowds stay manageable

• Summer wildflowers are a major highlight

Where to stay

• Wander Crested Butte Mountain – Gather the whole family at this luxurious escape nestled in the heart of the majestic Colorado Rockies.

• Wander Crested Peaks – Wander Crested Peaks is a luxurious ski-in/ski-out haven offering unparalleled access to the slopes and breathtaking mountain views.

• Wander Mount Crested Butte – This home features an outdoor hot tub, an elegant fireplace, a gourmet kitchen for culinary enthusiasts, and a luxurious bathtub for ultimate relaxation.

9. Door County, Wisconsin

Why it works for luxury family travel

Door County has a nostalgic feel that works beautifully for family trips. Lake Michigan beaches, small towns, and outdoor activities create days that feel full without being overwhelming. It’s especially popular in summer, but quieter shoulder seasons are appealing too.

Things to do

• Swim and kayak along the lake

• Visit lighthouses and waterfront towns

• Explore Peninsula State Park

• Enjoy local bakeries and markets

Travel tips

• Summer books early

• Water temperatures vary — check conditions

• Sunsets are a daily event

Where to stay

• Wander Door County – This serene retreat offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from expansive windows in every room and a secluded back deck, perfect for embracing the magic of lake life.

• Wander Newton Lakefront – Enjoy a range of activities with a tennis court, basketball court, pool table, arcade machine, movie projector, and a fully equipped private gym on this 10-acre property.

• Wander Jacksonport Lakeshore – Indulge in the ultimate lakeside escape with private lake access, perfect for swimming, boating, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views.

10. The Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina

Why it works for luxury family travel

The Blue Ridge Mountains offer cooler summers, scenic drives, and an easy pace that works well for families. Outdoor activities are accessible without being extreme, and nearby towns add culture and food into the mix.

Things to do

• Hike gentle mountain trails

• Visit waterfalls and overlooks

• Explore Asheville’s food scene

• Spend evenings outdoors together

Travel tips

• Summer afternoons can bring storms

• Fall foliage weekends are busy

Where to stay

• Wander Black Mountain – This mountainous retreat offers a unique design experience, evoking a sense of "sleeping in the trees." With accommodations for up to 12 guests, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private hot tub, this home is perfect for a family getaway.

• Wander Alexander Mountain – Wander Alexander Mountain is a serene escape perched high among the trees, where sweeping mountain views and cozy modern comforts come together for the perfect getaway.

Choose Your Family Destination – Then Stay With Wander

The best luxury family vacation destinations in the US are the ones that make travel feel easier once you arrive. Where space replaces schedules, privacy replaces crowds, and the home becomes part of the experience rather than just a place to sleep.

Wander’s luxury family vacation rentals are designed for that kind of family travel – thoughtfully located homes with room to relax, reset, and actually enjoy time together. 

Choose the destination that fits your family’s rhythm, then book a Wander stay that makes the trip feel as good as the place itself.