10 North America Travel Ideas That Feel Like Faraway Escapes

Traveling overseas with kids can open their eyes to new cultures, landscapes and ways of life, but international adventures aren’t always easy to pull off. Between packed school schedules, budget considerations and the sheer effort of traveling abroad, many families need closer-to-home options that still feel exciting and fresh.  

Luckily, you don’t even have to leave the continent for an unforgettable family vacation experience — North America has plenty of destinations that offer a far-flung vibe without requiring a passport. From wild islands to dramatic coastlines and dreamy desert vistas, here are 10 of our favorite North America travel ideas that feel a world away. 

North America Travel Ideas for Families: Beyond the Everyday

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is called the Garden Isle for good reason: Its lush emerald cliffs, hidden waterfalls and tucked-away beaches make it feel more like the South Pacific than the United States (in fact, the movie South Pacific was filmed on its north shore). More than 80 percent of the island is inaccessible by road, preserving its wild feel and offering families a chance to explore truly untouched landscapes. Adventurous visitors can hike into fern-laden valleys, kayak through jungle rivers, take a boat along the spectacular Na Pali Coast, enjoy a helicopter ride over Waimea Canyon or zipline through the treetops. For families with younger kids, gentle beaches like Anini and Poipu offer safe swimming and snorkeling, while older kids will love Polihale State Park and Tunnels Beach. 

Aleutian Islands, Alaska

For families who crave rugged adventure and a true sense of remoteness, the Aleutian Islands deliver. Stretching from the tip of southern mainland Alaska far into the northern Pacific, these active volcanic islands are shaped by wind, sea and a fascinating blend of cultural history. In Unalaska (yes, that’s the name of the island and the town) and Dutch Harbor, you’ll find traces of Indigenous heritage, Russian influence and World War II history all in one place. Kids can spot bald eagles soaring overhead, visit the Museum of the Aleutians or walk along beaches where sea lions and otters gather. These islands are not easy to reach, but for intrepid families, the reward is a travel experience like no other — our CB! Travel Advisors can help you book a sightseeing itinerary that makes the most of your time and interests. 

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Step into a New Mexico desert that looks more like a snowfield. White Sands National Park is made up of the largest gypsum dune field in the world, and its pure white sand stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s easy to access from Albuquerque or El Paso, and a visit here feels like an adventure to another planet. Families can hike short trails, go on a horseback ride or just grab a sled and slide down the dunes, which stay cool to the touch even in summer. Sunset strolls, ranger talks and full moon hikes offer fun ways to explore after dark, and the views are incredible no matter the season. 

Olympic National Park, Washington

Where else can you hike through a moss-draped rainforest, explore tidepools along a wild coast and soak in hot springs, all in the same day? The glacier-covered peaks of Olympic National Park in Washington State offer a stunning mix of ecosystems, making it one of the most diverse national parks in the U.S. Kids will love spotting sea stars and anemones at Kalaloch Beach, while parents will appreciate a quiet break at Creekside Restaurant in the historic Kalaloch Lodge. Families can take a deep breath of fresh air as they wander beneath towering trees and moss-covered rocks in the Hoh Rainforest, and watching waterfalls tumble into fern-filled gorges along trails like Sol Duc Falls. Parts of the park are remote and time-intensive to reach, so a little extra planning is required with younger kids.  

Big Sur, California

A road trip down California’s Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) isn’t complete without a journey through Big Sur, where dramatic cliffs, redwood forests and crashing waves create postcard-worthy scenery at every turn. Pfeiffer Beach is a kid favorite thanks to its arched rock formations and sand dunes, plus horseback riding adventures to look for otters and wildlife along the shoreline. Sand Dollar Beach offers plenty of sand dollars and polished beach stones that look like jewels in the sunshine. McWay Falls, which drops straight onto the sand below, is a must-see and can be viewed from above on an easy walking trail located across from the falls. As you drive across Bixby Bridge (featured in the show Big Little Lies), take in the engineering ingenuity that made this drive along the Pacific Coast Highway possible.  

Cumberland Island, Georgia

Georgia‘s shoreline is home to a string of beautiful, tucked-away barrier islands, and one of the most captivating is Cumberland Island. Unlike many of its neighbors dotting the East Coast, Cumberland is almost entirely undeveloped and feels worlds away from the mainland. Base in nearby Amelia Island, Florida, and make ferry reservations for a day trip in advance, or stay at the island’s lone commercial establishment: the historic Greyfield Inn. This is the place to get off the grid as a family; spend your time wandering the ruins of the 19th-century Dungeness mansion, fishing in the Atlantic or biking past the wild horses that call Cumberland home.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park combines rocky coastlines, granite peaks and thick forests into a single unforgettable park. Located primarily on Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut, it offers a huge variety of outdoor family fun, from hiking and kayaking to scenic drives and wildlife watching. Kids love exploring tidepools to see mussels, sea stars and young lobsters, and joining in on free ranger-led programs about constellations, birding and local history. For a special treat, take a lobster boat tour to learn about Maine’s most famous catch (and maybe even spot a seal or two). The nearby town of Bar Harbor, Maine, is a cozy base with plentiful shops, restaurants and family-friendly places to stay. 

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

If your kids are dreaming of pirates, snorkeling, and deserted islands, Dry Tortugas might be your perfect match. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, this remote 100-square-mile national park is only reachable by boat or seaplane, and it offers a rare blend of natural beauty and fascinating history. At the heart of the park sits Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Most of the park is ocean, so plan to swim, snorkel and explore coral reefs teeming with sea turtles and tropical fish. Because of the distance and national park popularity, you’ll need to book tickets well in advance — but the journey is all part of the adventure. 

Newfoundland, Canada

Newfoundland is one of North America’s last great frontiers, an island filled with cliffs, fjords and charming fishing towns. Northeast of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island, you can reach the easternmost tip of North America, where the region’s oldest standing lighthouse sits. In Gros Morne National Park, hike past waterfalls and ride boats into glacier-carved fjords, and at L’Anse aux Meadows, kids can explore the reconstructed Viking settlement of explorer Leif Erikson. St. John’s, the capital city, is home to Jellybean Row, lined with colorful row houses that brighten the hillsides (legend has it that families painted them in bright colors so seafaring workers could find their way home in the fog). Summer is the perfect time for whale watching, iceberg spotting and learning about the region’s deep maritime roots through interactive exhibits at the lighthouse and family programs that might even include s’mores. 

Isla Holbox, Mexico

Just off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox offers a laid-back escape where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean. You’re more likely to see people getting around on bikes than cars on the streets made of sand that lead to crystal-clear water. This tiny island has retained its off-the-beaten-path charm, with a slow pace that’s perfect for families wanting to relax. Kids can splash in the shallow sea, kayak alongside flamingos (April through October) or try local treats like machaca, fruit shaved ice with milk and cinnamon. Day trips to the nearby Sacred Cenote, an underground cavern and pool, or the ruins at Chichen Itza add extra excitement. For families who’ve done Cancun or Tulum, Holbox is a peaceful, less touristy alternative that still delivers plenty of magic. 

These destinations prove you don’t have to leave the continent to experience something different. From tropical islands to glacier-fed fjords and white sand deserts, North America is full of places that feel a world away, without long flights and major time changes. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach escape, a mountain retreat or a wild island adventure, your next unforgettable family trip might be closer than you think. 

Reminder: You will need a passport to enter Mexico, Canada and the U.S.A. For U.S. citizens traveling through the country, a valid Real ID is required at the airport (as of May 2025), while visitors must present their passports.  

Relevant Links:

18 summer vacations to take before your kids grow up

10 family vacations that will change kids forever

Pick your passion: Family vacation ideas for every interest

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.