Traveling internationally as a family is a great experience for the kids, but the cost of flights alone can put you well over budget (especially if you need to purchase multiple seats), and not everyone can swing such a vacation. But what if you didn't need a passport or an eight-hour flight to get that international vacation feel?
For parents who want to take their kids to a new, unfamiliar place without breaking the bank, there’s still hope. You can satisfy your craving for foreign landscapes and cultures with one of these US family vacations that feel just like a visit to another country. And, bonus: Many also offer the chance to learn about the area’s Native American history, which shouldn’t be missed. Here are my top picks for US destinations
that are almost like traveling to a new country.
NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 15 best all-inclusive family resorts in the US
1. Solvang, California
Feels like: Denmark
Your kids will feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale in this colorful European-style town tucked away in California’s Central Coast. Since being founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, Solvang has preserved its authentic history, architecture, and culture—all of which is palpable as families meander around its festive downtown.
The Solvang Trolley is a great way to get the lay of the land upon arrival. Families will love visiting the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, which offers scavenger hunts, as well as the Old Mission Santa Inés museum, OstrichLand USA, and Nojoqui Falls Park. Don’t forget to stop at the whimsical Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat.
Where to stay: Solvang has a real mix of accommodations, including the luxe dude ranch Alisal Ranch and downtown's hip and boutique-y The Winston.
GO WEST: 7 affordable California vacation ideas for the whole family
2. Chimayo, New Mexico
Feels like: Mexico’s Countryside
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains hold many secrets, and one of them is the village of Chimayo. Only a roughly 30-minute drive from Santa Fe, Chimayo looks like something out of a vintage postcard from rural Mexico. Its pueblo-style architecture, weaving shops, and slower way of life make a visit here one of the most unique US family vacations.
Chimayo’s close proximity to Santa Fe means you can easily spend a few nights in town or visit as a day trip from the city. Families can relish a handful of educational experiences that showcase the local history and culture at the Chimayo Museum, El Santuario de Chimayo church, and Rancho de Chimayo. Outdoor activities also include Santa Cruz Lake and rafting in the nearby Rio Grande Gorge.
Where to stay: Find plenty of smaller, independently run inns and B&Bs in Chimayo, including Casa Escondida Bed & Breakfast, which sits on six beautiful acres of mountain landscapes. Bonus points for the ultra-comfy beds and family-friendly rooms.
SOUTH OF THE BORDER: The ultimate guide to family vacations in Mexico: Beaches, ruins, and unforgettable adventures
3. Holland, Michigan
Feels like: The Netherlands
Much like what you’d see in the Netherlands, fields across Holland, Michigan, dazzle with the colors of tulips in the spring. The annual Tulip Time Festival is one of the city’s greatest attractions, but there are many more reasons why this little slice of Dutch paradise makes for one of the most unique US family vacations.
Nelis’ Dutch Village offers a glimpse of what the Netherlands was like more than 100 years ago. Other must-visit sites for families include the Windmill Island Gardens, Outdoor Discovery Center, and the shallow-water Ottawa Beach, which has a playground, restrooms, and general store on-site.
Where to stay: In addition to all the usual major hotel chains, you'll also find Teerman Lofts, a hotel that offers fully furnished luxury apartments instead of the usual hotel rooms.
MIDWEST MAGIC: These 13 Midwest vacations are the perfect way to bring the whole family together
4. 1000 Islands, New York
Feels like: Northwestern France (Côtes-d’Armor)
The northwestern coast of France isn’t on many families’ radars. Its small archipelago of Île-de-Bréhat, however, is a hot spot for Europeans who are drawn to its dramatic landscape of tiny, lush islands surrounded by deep-blue water. The setting shares similarities with New York’s 1000 Islands, particularly Alexandria Bay, whose Boldt Castle can make anyone feel like they’ve teleported to Europe.
A quick, 30-minute drive from Alexandria Bay to the charming town of Cape Vincent will give you a closer look at the 1000 Islands’ French history, which is celebrated every year at the French Festival. Other activities like hiking, go-kart rides, drive-in movie showings, boating, and water sports all cater to families with adventurous spirits.
Where to stay: Roadside motels, little inns, and family-run resorts rule when it comes to lodgings in Alexandria Bay. For castle views and a swimming pool, check out The Ledges Resort & Marina.
CLOSE TO HOME: 25 best family resorts and hotels in the US
5. Alys Beach, Florida
Feels like: Santorini, Greece
White stucco buildings overlooking shimmering waters conjure up scenes of Santorini, Greece—only at Alys Beach, the sand is powdery white. Nestled along Florida’s pristine Panhandle, this family-friendly, planned community offers the aesthetics of Greece at a fraction of what you’d likely pay to haul the entire gang to the Cyclades.
Family amenities include a resort-style pool, private beach access, bike rentals with baby seat mounts available if needed, a nature preserve with a boardwalk and trails, an amphitheater that hosts occasional concerts and movie nights, splash pad-style fountains, and seasonal blueberry picking along Lake Marilyn. (Learn what makes the Panhandle one of the top unique Florida attractions for kids.)
Where to stay: There are no hotels in Alys Beach (for a traditional hotel stay, look to nearby Panama City Beach), but there are plenty of vacation rentals featuring great design and local vibes.
SUNSHINE STATE: Florida’s best beach towns, plus where to stay and eat
6. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Feels like: The English Countryside
From Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to the Harry Potter series, family films have long fed the desire for many to visit England’s countryside. For those not able or ready to fly across the pond, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a lovely and unique US family vacation. Quintessential English cottages, tucked-away courtyards, and cobblestone streets look as if they’ve been plucked from a town like Rye or Stratford-upon-Avon.
Enjoy a more British experience with an afternoon cuppa at the local tea house and imported British treats at the candy store. And don’t forget to make time to check out Carmel Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, the Forest Theater, and the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Where to stay: Family-friendly lodging options in Carmel (which includes Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, and Carmel Highlands) include The Quail, which has big rooms and suites plus a year-round heated outdoor pool.
PACK YOUR FLIP-FLOPS: 7 best hotels on the beach in California
7. Helen, Georgia
Feels like: Bavaria, Germany
German traditions like Oktoberfest and Christmas markets have become pretty ubiquitous, but few places close to home can transport you to Deutschland like Helen, Georgia. What makes this one of the top underrated US cities for a pseudo-international getaway is not only its Bavarian look and feel, but also its sheer variety of activities that both parents and kids will love.
A candy factory, handmade wooden toy store, recreational center with Alpine-style miniature golf, and the Cabbage Patch Kids Babyland General Hospital will make little ones’ dreams come true. Throw in authentic restaurants serving up everything from schnitzel to spaetzle, an Alpine mountain coaster, and scenic nature hikes, and everyone will be a happy camper. (See why Helen is also one of the best skip-gen destinations that guarantee fun for both grandparents and grandkids.)
Where to stay: When it comes to places to stay in Helen, you can choose from its blend of chain hotels and independent motels and inns. For everything you need with kids, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen is a good bet.
7 family vacation spots in the USA that feel just like an international destination originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
More from FamilyVacationist:
- 10 tropical destinations you can visit without a US passport
- 10 charming European-style Christmas markets are right here in the US
- 8 off-the-beaten-path destinations great for family travel on a budget
- Popular European tourist attractions that live up to the hype
- 7 iconic tourist attractions every kid should see before they grow up
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com, LuxuryVacationist.com, and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You don't need a passport for these international-feeling getaways
