With so many great options, how do you choose the best trips out west for families like yours? Here are five suggestions that appeal to a variety of interests.
1. Yellowstone National Park
As the first ever national park, Yellowstone National Park is an iconic spot for a family vacation with a wide variety of outdoor activities. The park is full of hot springs, mudpots, steam vents (fumaroles), travertine terraces, and over 10,000 geysers.
Not-to-Miss Attractions and Activities
Plan for Yellowstone activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, photography, biking, horseback riding, camping, cultural events, boating, fishing, and stargazing. Or choose skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling during winter visits.
Start your visit at a visitor center for exhibits to explore and pick up your Junior Ranger booklet before setting out on your explorations. There are 10 visitor centers throughout the park, each offering unique exhibits and information. If you have to choose the best places to stop, consider the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and the Albright Visitor Center.
Be sure to check which ranger programs are being held during your visit for entertaining information and exploration.
You can also hire independent tour companies for wildlife, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and many other experiences to fill up your itinerary as you plan your trip out west. If you’re interested in great adventures with skilled guides, Wild West Rafting offers a variety of rafting trip options, fly fishing excursions, and horseback riding.
To visit some of the most popular stops in Yellowstone, take a drive along Grand Loop Road for stops at Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Old Faithful.
The Best Time to Visit
For thinner crowds and moderate weather, visit in May, early June, or September.
You’ll get to experience the best of spring with flowers and wildlife during April and May.
January and February provide the best winter experiences. For more information to help you decide, see our article on the best times to visit Yellowstone.
Where to Stay in Yellowstone
Camping is the most popular option, but a variety of accommodations are available. Nine lodges are located inside Yellowstone.
For accommodations outside of the park, try these:
Where to Eat
Picnicking is a popular option in the park, but you will also find restaurants near many of the Yellowstone lodges (the Mammoth Dining Room is a favorite). This makes a convenient option if you choose to stay in the park.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
When you think about trips out west that families will enjoy, the Grand Canyon is often near the top. This mile-deep canyon is surrounded by eleven different tribal communities and provides access to the Colorado River. Head for the South Rim; it’s a little less rustic while offering maximum family fun.
Not-to-Miss Attractions and Activities
Plan for rafting, camping, stargazing, and remarkable views. If you make your reservation early enough, you can even tour the canyon from the back of a mule.
Stop by Desert View Visitors Center and don’t forget to pick up your Junior Rangers booklet.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is one of the most unique experiences. This horseshoe-shaped glass skywalk is located on the western side of the canyon and allows visitors to peer into the canyon. It is owned and maintained by the Hualapai tribe and is sure to make great memories.
The views are awesome from Horseshoe Bend and Havasu Falls. You’ll also want to hit Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Grandview Point, Yavapai Geology Museum, and the Tusayan Museum and Ruin.
The most family-friendly hiking options are Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail.
The Best Time to Visit
Summer is a popular time to visit the Grand Canyon, but spring (March–May) or the fall (September–November) may be a better bet. Winter in the canyon is also a beautiful experience.
Where to Stay
Grand Canyon Village is within walking distance of the canyon rim.
Try Tusayan, AZ, for your best options for accommodations and other services outside of the park.
You might want to consider:
Where to Eat
3. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, with a maximum depth of over 1,000 feet. Pick your favorite area and get back to nature.
Not-to-Miss Attractions and Activities
Water sports, hiking, camping, and all things outdoors can be found around Lake Tahoe. Take time to visit Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park in Tahoe City. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival happens in late summer and is a fun family adventure as well.
Emerald Bay is a great spot for kayaking and getting a great view of Vikingsholm Castle. Take time to visit the Vikingsholm Castle and the Tallac Historic Site. Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park offers access to the historic Hellman-Ehrman Estate for a different type of experience.
Tahoe Rim Trail offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and educational programs.
Eagle Lake offers breathtaking views and out-of-the-way decompression options. Even little legs can enjoy the hike along Eagle Falls. You’ll want to take time to enjoy Stateline Lookout for gorgeous views as well.
Kings Beach offers kayaking and paddleboards, plenty of picturesque picnic spots, boutique shopping, and great food.
Sand Harbor State Park is great for beach time. The beautiful water allows swimmers, kayakers, and scuba divers to enjoy themselves.
Families can also find great winter sport options with bargain off-peak lift tickets at smaller ski areas like Homewood or Diamond Peak, and rent gear affordably in town.
The Best Time to Visit
There isn’t really a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. It all depends on the experience you’re looking for. If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy great beach and water weather, plan for March to May or September to November.
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
4. San Francisco, CA
When you’re ready for an eclectic adventure, head for San Francisco. But remember to pack and dress for layers, no matter the time of year!
Not-to-Miss Attractions and Activities
Sometimes it’s better to ask what isn’t available in San Francisco than what is. There’s something for every member of the family here. Plan for beaches, woods, gardens, museums, history, music, amusement attractions, and so much more.
The most iconic site is the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll find great views for pictures in Crissy Field. It is possible to walk or bike across the bridge for free—most people choose to go halfway for the photos and experience, then turn back. There is a toll for driving across the bridge, but visiting the redwoods in Muir Woods is worth it.
Head for Fisherman’s Wharf and make sure to visit Pier 39 to see the sea lions, visit attractions, eat great food, and do some shopping. Head to Baker Beach or Ocean Beach for a more relaxing beach experience.
Parks and gardens worth visiting include Golden Gate Park, Mission Dolores Park, and the Presidio.
Indoor sights and museum choices include the Aquarium of the Bay and the San Francisco Carousel, the Maritime National Historical Park, and the Randall Museum.
Alcatraz Island is another must. Make your reservations early!
Memorable Sunday strolls can be found along JFK Drive and Lombard Street. A wide variety of entertaining walking tours are available on subjects like historical periods and Alfred Hitchcock. Don’t forget to ride a Cable Car as well!
The Best Time to Visit
Summertime may seem like a good idea, but this timeframe provides a foggy experience that can affect your visibility for sightseeing and driving. Spring and fall are better choices. Fog is still possible, but not as much.
Where to Stay
Try these hotels for unique experiences:
Where to Eat
- San Francisco Magic Theater at the Marrakech
- Fog Harbor Fish House
- Ghirardelli Square
- Halal Piccolo Pizza
- Hula Hoops
5. Los Angeles, CA
This bustling city offers a ton of family-friendly options. You can plan to visit amusement parks, beaches, boardwalks, museums, and celebrity homes.
Not-to-Miss Attractions and Activities
If you’re here to see the stars, head for Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame, and any number of celebrity home bus tours. Get the best views of the famous Hollywood sign from Mt Hollywood Trail, Brush Canyon Trail, or the Cahuenga Peak Trail in Griffith Park.
The best picks for family beaches, amusement parks, and boardwalk entertainment are at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, and Malibu Lagoon State Beach.
Kids love visiting the Los Angeles Zoo and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Depending on your kids’ ages and interests, you can also plan stops at Griffith Park and Observatory, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Broad, Grand Central Market, Petersen Automotive Museum, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Getty Center and Central Garden, and Greystone Mansion.
Aside from all there is to see in LA, it is also your gateway to amusement park heaven. You’re just a short ride from Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Knott’s Berry Farm.
The Best Time to Visit
The weather is great from March to May, and the crowds are lighter. You might also try September and November.
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
More Great Trips Out West for Families
Do you need more recommendations when planning a trip out west? Try these additional family-friendly destinations:
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Las Vegas, NV
- San Diego, CA
- Santa Fe, NM
- Seattle, WA
Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone with Wild West Rafting
If you’re ready for a memorable outdoor adventure in Yellowstone, book a rafting, fishing, or horseback riding trip with Wild West Rafting.