The 10 Best Family Getaways for 2026

July 22, 2026

Beautiful places, iconic moments and memories your family will carry forever

The best family vacations are rarely remembered because everything went perfectly.

They are remembered because of the first glimpse of unbelievably blue water. The laughter during a boat ride. The photograph everyone almost skipped taking. The dinner that lasted longer than expected. The moment your children saw something they had only known from pictures.

In 2026, family travel is becoming more intentional. Families are planning milestone trips, traveling with grandparents and extended relatives, staying longer, and choosing experiences that give everyone a reason to reconnect. Hilton’s 2026 travel research points toward more playful, multigenerational vacations, while current travel reporting shows many families placing greater value on better lodging and longer trips.

Whether your family dreams of an island escape, a European coastline or an adventure filled with wildlife, these ten destinations offer more than a change of scenery.

They offer the chance to create a family story.

1. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

For effortless beach days and unbelievably clear water

Seven Mile Beach is the kind of place that looks edited even when you are standing directly in front of it.

Soft white sand meets calm, transparent Caribbean water, creating an easy setting for families who want beauty without sacrificing comfort. Resorts, restaurants and watersports are readily accessible, allowing parents to enjoy the day without constantly coordinating transportation or complicated excursions.

The calm conditions and nearby amenities make beach days especially manageable for families. Beyond the shoreline, visitors can explore Stingray City, the Cayman Turtle Centre, Starfish Point and the waterfront dining and shopping around Camana Bay.

The iconic moment: Walking into the crystal-clear water together while someone captures the family from the shoreline.

Best for: Families seeking a polished Caribbean vacation with gentle water, good dining and easy access to activities.

Do not miss: A sunset family photograph on Seven Mile Beach.

2. Oʻahu, Hawaii

For famous scenery, island culture and something for every generation

Oʻahu gives families the Hawaii they have imagined while offering enough variety to keep different ages interested.

Spend a morning on Waikīkī Beach, hike Lēʻahi—better known as Diamond Head—for panoramic views, visit Pearl Harbor, experience Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, or drive the island in search of beaches and food trucks.

The island works particularly well for first-time Hawaii visitors because relaxing beach days can be combined with history, nature, shopping and family attractions. Official Hawaii tourism resources highlight Waikīkī, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation and several family-friendly cultural and outdoor experiences.

The iconic moment: A family photograph with Diamond Head rising beyond Waikīkī Beach.

Best for: Families who want tropical scenery without spending the entire vacation at one resort.

Do not miss: Watching the sky change over Waikīkī after a full island day.

3. The Exumas, Bahamas

For swimming pigs, sandbars and water that almost looks unreal

The Exumas feel more like a collection of private discoveries than one crowded destination.

The island chain is known for luminous turquoise water, secluded beaches, boating and the world-famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Families can spend their days crossing shallow sandbars, snorkeling, exploring cays or simply finding a stretch of beach that feels entirely their own.

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park protects 176 square miles and was established in 1958 as the first land-and-sea park of its kind. Great Exuma and Little Exuma also offer quieter accommodations and beaches, including the appropriately named Tropic of Cancer Beach.

The iconic moment: Arriving by boat as the children spot the swimming pigs heading toward the water.

Best for: Families who want a boating-centered island adventure with plenty of memorable photographs.

Do not miss: A family boat day through the Exuma Cays.

4. The Florida Keys

For road-trip memories, island personality and famous photo stops

The Florida Keys prove that families do not always need a passport to experience an island-style escape.

Drive across the Overseas Highway, stop beside turquoise water, spend time snorkeling or fishing in Marathon, walk part of the Old Seven Mile Bridge and finish the journey in colorful Key West.

The Keys also provide several instantly recognizable family-photo locations. The Southernmost Point buoy has long been one of Key West’s signature landmarks, while Mile Marker 0 marks the end of U.S. Route 1. The official Florida Keys tourism site identifies Marathon as a particularly strong family destination and highlights the Southernmost Point as a classic photo stop.

At the time of publication, repairs have affected the original Southernmost Point location, so families should verify its current status before planning their photograph.

The iconic moment: Taking the family photograph everyone takes—and being glad you did.

Best for: Families who enjoy road trips, boating, casual island dining and stopping whenever something catches their attention.

Do not miss: Sunset at Mallory Square or a walk along the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

5. Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

For limestone islands, boat adventures and unforgettable scenery

Few family excursions create a sense of adventure quite like traveling by boat through Phang Nga Bay.

Towering limestone formations rise dramatically from green-blue water, creating a landscape unlike an ordinary tropical beach. The region’s most famous landmark is Ko Tapu, widely called James Bond Island because of its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun.

A typical excursion may also include sea caves, canoeing, floating communities and quiet coves. Thailand’s official tourism resources feature routes through Ao Phang Nga that include Ko Tapu, Ko Phing Kan, sea caves and Ko Panyi.

Families can use Phuket as a comfortable home base, combining resort time with island excursions, cultural experiences and memorable Thai food.

The iconic moment: The family standing together with the unmistakable James Bond Island formation behind them.

Best for: Adventurous families who want tropical luxury mixed with culture and exploration.

Do not miss: A private or small-group boat trip through Phang Nga Bay.

6. Costa Rica

For wildlife, waterfalls and screen-free adventure

Costa Rica is an excellent choice for families who want their children to return home talking about what they did—not only what the hotel looked like.

Depending on the region, a family trip can include rainforest walks, hanging bridges, wildlife watching, waterfalls, volcanoes, surfing, beaches and canopy adventures. It offers the rare ability to combine education, physical activity and relaxation without making the vacation feel like a lesson.

Costa Rica’s official tourism site specifically promotes family itineraries and experiences centered on scenery, wildlife and shared exploration. Its family-travel guidance also emphasizes disconnecting from devices and reconnecting through activities and time together.

The iconic moment: Watching a child spot a monkey or sloth in the wild for the first time.

Best for: Active families who value nature, wildlife and hands-on experiences.

Do not miss: Splitting the trip between a rainforest region and the coast.

7. Sanibel Island, Florida

For shell collecting and a slower kind of family vacation

Not every memorable getaway needs packed schedules and major attractions.

Sanibel Island offers something increasingly valuable: permission to slow down.

Families come for peaceful beaches, biking, wildlife, boating and some of the most famous shell collecting in the United States. The island’s laid-back character makes it especially appealing for parents who want their children to enjoy simple pleasures—walking the shoreline, examining seashells and watching the sunset.

Sanibel was identified in Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List coverage as a standout family escape, praised for its shelling, wildlife, biking and relaxed atmosphere.

The iconic moment: Everyone searching the shoreline in the early morning for the shell they will take home.

Best for: Younger families, grandparents and anyone needing a quieter alternative to a busy resort corridor.

Do not miss: An early visit to Bowman’s Beach with a shell bag in hand.

8. Saint Lucia

For dramatic scenery and a Caribbean trip that feels extraordinary

Saint Lucia is instantly recognizable because of the Pitons—two volcanic peaks rising sharply above the Caribbean.

Although the island is often associated with romantic travel, it can also provide an unforgettable family escape when the right accommodations and activities are selected. Families can explore beaches, waterfalls, botanical gardens, boat tours and volcanic landscapes while enjoying one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive settings.

Saint Lucia led Expedia’s 2026 island-interest coverage, reflecting increased attention toward the destination and its striking scenery.

This destination is particularly suited to families with older children who can appreciate boat excursions, hiking, snorkeling and longer sightseeing days.

The iconic moment: A family boat photograph with the Pitons rising behind the water.

Best for: Families seeking a Caribbean destination that feels adventurous, scenic and elevated.

Do not miss: Viewing the Pitons from the water near sunset.

9. The Amalfi Coast, Italy

For coastal villages, memorable meals and a trip everyone will talk about

The Amalfi Coast is not the easiest destination on this list—but it may be one of the most memorable.

Colorful villages sit above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Roads follow dramatic cliffs. Boats move between small beaches and towns filled with historic buildings, ceramic shops, cafés and lemon groves.

The UNESCO-recognized coastline includes celebrated destinations such as Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Minori and Vietri sul Mare. Italy’s official tourism resources describe a landscape of steep cliffs, tiny bays and terraces planted with citrus, olives and vines.

Families should plan thoughtfully. Stairs, narrow streets and transportation can be challenging with very young children. With older children—or a carefully chosen home base—the coast becomes an extraordinary blend of culture, scenery and shared meals.

The iconic moment: A family photograph overlooking Positano’s hillside buildings and blue water.

Best for: Families with older children who enjoy food, culture, boat rides and beautiful surroundings.

Do not miss: Seeing the coastline from a boat rather than only from the road.

10. Orlando, Florida

For milestone trips, multigenerational fun and childhood wonder

Some destinations become famous because they offer something no substitute can fully recreate.

Orlando remains one of the most versatile family destinations because the trip can be shaped around toddlers, teenagers, parents and grandparents. Theme parks may be the central attraction, but families can also enjoy water parks, resort pools, nature experiences, shopping, dining and quieter rest days.

Orlando is especially meaningful in 2026 as the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, with the destination promoting special events and experiences throughout the year. The area also offers numerous family suites, adjoining rooms and vacation homes that make multigenerational trips easier to organize.

The iconic moment: Capturing the children’s expressions when they see the castle, globe or favorite character for the first time.

Best for: Families who want a high-energy trip with something recognizable and exciting for every age group.

Do not miss: Scheduling one slower day so the family can enjoy the resort and recover together.

How to Choose the Right Family Getaway

The most beautiful destination is not automatically the right destination for your family.

Before booking, consider three questions.

What pace does your family enjoy?

Some families feel alive when every day includes a new excursion. Others need room for slow mornings, naps and unplanned beach time.

Costa Rica and Thailand are ideal for exploration. Sanibel and Grand Cayman can provide a gentler pace. Orlando rewards careful scheduling and planned recovery days.

What will your children remember at their current ages?

Young children may treasure sand, pools and simple wildlife encounters more than complicated sightseeing.

Older children may better appreciate international food, cultural destinations, hiking, boating and historic landmarks.

What single moment do you want to create?

You do not need to control every minute of the trip.

Choose one experience worth building the vacation around:

The family photograph at the Southernmost Point
The first view of Diamond Head
A boat approaching James Bond Island
Swimming beside the pigs in Exuma
Searching for shells on Sanibel
Watching the Pitons appear from the water
Seeing Positano from the sea

Those moments often become the stories that survive long after the itinerary is forgotten.

Dress for the Memories

Family photographs become more valuable with time.

Years from now, the children will be taller. Traditions will change. Someone may live farther away. The image that felt casual during the trip may become one of the photographs everyone treasures most.

Coordinated family clothing does not have to mean identical outfits. The most timeless vacation photographs use complementary colors, shared prints and relaxed silhouettes that feel connected without looking forced.

For tropical destinations, consider: