By Isabel Prontes
If you are looking for a great
family vacation destination in the
United States, there are countless exciting spots to choose from. From cities with abundant theme parks to national parks and historical landmarks, the United States offers many great vacation spots that parents and children alike are both sure to adore. It's a smart idea to do research on some of the country's best family vacation locales before making a decision.
Orlando
Orlando, Florida is full of exciting theme parks and tourist attractions that appeal to the entire family. From Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild water park, Orlando has it all in terms of rides and attractions. The city also has several interesting museums and educational centers, like the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center. The city offers a well-rounded, exciting family vacation experience.
Walt Disney World
1800 Epcot resort Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Tel: (407) 939-6244
Universal Studios Florida
6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
Tel: (407) 363-8000
SeaWorld Florida
7007 Sea World Drive,
Orlando, FL 32887
Tel: (888) 800-5447
Wet 'n Wild
6200 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Tel: (407) 351-1800
Orlando Museum of Art
2416 N. Mills Ave.
Orlando, FL 32803
Tel: (407) 896-4231
Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St.
Orlando, FL 32803
Tel: (407) 514-2000
Williamsburg
Williamsburg, in Virginia, is one of the most fascinating vacation destinations in the United States due to its historic Colonial Williamsburg district. Whether you want to tour the Governor's Palace, check out colonial theater at Kimball Theatre, or relax at Wetherburn's Tavern (George Washington and American Revolution leaders used to gather here), Williamsburg is an intriguing place to feel like you're taking a walk into the 18th century.
Kimball Theatre
428 W. Duke of Gloucester St.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Tel: (757) 565-8588
Wetherburn's Tavern
Duke of Gloucester Street
Across Raleigh Tavern
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle beach is a popular resort city located in Horry County, South Carolina. It is one of the South's most beloved family vacation spots. With vibrant beaches, amusement parks, shopping centers and an abundance of recreational activities (swimming, sunbathing, jet-skiing, kayaking, parasailing and surfing), families can have a blast soaking up the rays and taking in the sights in this bustling South Carolina paradise.
Myrtle Beach Tourism Information
1200 N. Oak St.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Tel: (843) 626-7444
Hawaii
Hawaii is the shining gem of the United States located in the Pacific Ocean, and it is ideal for family vacations. From the lively beaches of Honolulu and the serene, crystal waters of the Big Island to volcanoes and palaces of ancient Hawaiian royalty, Hawaii has everything--tons of recreational activities (swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving), notable historical landmarks (the Dole Pineapple Plantation) and even excellent shopping (the Ala Moana Center).
Dole Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha Highway
Wahiawa, HI 96786
Tel: (808) 621-8408
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
Tel: (808) 955-9517
Wisconsin Dells
The Wisconsin Dells is a small city in Wisconsin that also happens to be the water park capital of the world. Whether you want to explore indoor or outdoor water parks, the Wisconsin Dells has it all, from water slides and wave pools to lazy rivers and flume rides. Not only does the Wisconsin Dells have water rides, it also has a lot of other entertainment options, such as video games. Be sure to check out Wiley's Woods at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, with an interactive video gaming adventure that consists of mazes, game consoles and bridges.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
1400 Great Wolf Drive
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Tel: (866) 833-1622
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.