Looking for a small town getaway adventure this year? Maybe trying to avoid the super touristy destinations and enjoy a more mellow, socially distanced, or low-key vacation? We’ve got some fantastic options for you!
Here are 8 family-friendly small town getaway locations in the USA for you to enjoy. The below list may be small but it is mighty! Each destination has tons to offer the entire family. Know of a small town that’s perfect for a family vacation? Add it in the comments below!
PS: All of these destinations have BabyQuip Quality Providers, so no need to lug all your gear!!
New Bern: Best Small Town in North Carolina
New Bern is a riverfront town on the Neuse and Trent rivers in beautiful North Carolina. It’s super historical as was originally settled back in 1710! In fact, one of the most iconic attractions in New Bern is Tyrone Palace, an 18th-century mansion. You and your kids can travel back in time for an unforgettable experience that immerses you into life in the 1830s. Definitely a must-see!
This North Carolina town is also known as the birthplace of Pepsi, so make sure to visit the store and museum in the downtown area. Your kiddos will love the sweet treats the Pepsi store has to offer!
If you’re visiting New Bern in the summer months, there’s tons of waterfront fun to be had: kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and more!
Lastly, what kid doesn’t love a good park? You have to stop by Kidsville (the name says it all, right??). It’s a fort-like park with tons to do! Pack a picnic and bring an umbrella or sun shelter for the baby. You’ll have a great time!
Woodstock: Best Weekend Small Town Getaway in New York State
Most folks know about Woodstock because the famous 1969 Woodstock Festival was named after the town. The festival didn’t actually happen there (it was relocated about 40 miles away) but the name stuck! Most folks don’t know that Woodstock is actually a super great, small town getaway family vacation spot and makes a perfect weekend of fun!
It’s in the Catskills of New York and is a couple of hours away from the city. We highly recommend a hike on Overlook Mountain which offers impressive views of the Hudson River Valley. Rent a carrier backpack for the baby and put on your hiking boots. You’ll take in some gorgeous views along the way.
After your hike (and naptime), head to the theater! Your kids will love seeing a musical or play at The Woodstock Playhouse, which has been around since 1938!
After the play, we think you’ll love getting dessert at Woodstock Peace Love and Cupcakes! Order a “Jimi Hendrix” or “The Dylan” and give your kids some music education while you chow down on some delicious treats. Make sure to look into Airbnbs or VRBOs for your Woodstock trip. You’ll have a much more homey and relaxing experience in this small town!
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Cle Elum: Best Little Gem in Washington State
The Pacific Northwest is full of small town getaway gems with tons to offer families, but there’s one town, in particular, we think you’ll really enjoy: Cle Elum. (Pronounced clee ELL-um; you’re welcome!) Located about an hour and a half from Seattle, it’s an easy family-friendly small town to get to! And great for year-round travel.
The summer is hot and perfect for outdoor fun. The winters are snowy and cold; perfect for cozy, winter getaways. The most popular destination is Suncadia Resort, a Destination Hotel. It’s an amazing, family-friendly resort full of things to do. The resort offers hiking, biking, pools, Junior Rangers programs, and even a camp for the kiddos. And for mom and dad: spa treatments, golfing, wine tasting, and food! You can stay in the lodge, the inn, condos, or rent one of the awesome vacation rentals throughout the 6,000-acre property.
Downtown Cle Elum is Adorable – with a capital A, so don’t miss it! Walk, shop, and dine on the main street of this small town getaway spot.
Nacogdoches: Best Small City Destination in Texas
Located in East Texas, Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas and a great small town getaway for families. It’s got A LOT to entertain the kiddos for being a smaller-sized town.
You can enjoy a safari park, a water park, and see a Texas Pro Bowl game all in the same trip! We hear it’s not a perfect vacation in historic Nacogdoches without a visit to Auntie Pasta’s. It’s a super family-friendly restaurant with great options for everyone (kids menu items for $4.95!) and the food looks delicious. Now offering limited indoor seating and curbside pickup for togo orders!
The city is also home to Stephen F. Austin State University, an NCAA school, and home to an amazing orchestra. Spend an afternoon touring the campus with your older kiddos and enjoy some music or see a play. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll definitely enjoy your time in the oldest town in Texas!
Crested Butte: Best Small Ski Town in Colorado
Known as the “last great Colorado ski town”, Crested Butte is primarily a winter destination but has so much to offer during the summer months too! We encourage you to plan a trip to this family-friendly small town any time!
The Crested Butte Ski Resort is an ideal ski destination, but don’t be surprised about how much there is to do at the resort year-round! The resort has Adventure Park in the summer which is just for kiddos. They’ll have so much fun and be exhausted, so you can enjoy relaxing evenings! The resort has Kids Summer Programs such as Camp CB which is perfect for adventure-seeking kids ages 3-14! They’ll have so much fun and be exhausted, so you can enjoy relaxing evenings!
By the way, if you are planning a winter ski trip to the resort, kids under 6 ski for FREE. Brownie points, right?! We also recommend exploring beyond the resort as the region has so much to do. There’s lots of water fun including fishing! Take the kids to catch some fish at the Roaring Judy Hatchery, which offers guided tours – lookout for some kokanee!
Last but not least, go dog sledding. Yep! You heard it! Cosmic Cruisers sled dogs tours run every day of the week from November to April! The kids will love it.
6. Auburn: A Legacy of Adventure in California
The historical small town getaway of Auburn feels like stepping back in the times of the infamous Gold Rush. Rich with history, fine food, and outdoor excitement, Auburn is a California local’s favorite secret getaway. Stroll through Old Town with the family and stop at the locally loved coffee shop, The Pour Choice, and enjoy some third-wave coffee, delicious food, and live music three nights a week! Have breakfast at Edelweiss, home of the “Super Omelets.”
Saturday mornings, Old Town Auburn hosts the most amazing Farmers Markets with the finest fruits, vegetables, meats, and other locally grown products the region has to offer, as well as hand-made artisanal goodies. Stop by Tango Frozen Yogurt in DownTown Auburn and relax around the outdoor firepit. Venture to the outskirts of town to the Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewery and have tons of family fun playing outdoor games, tasting their delicious brew, and indulging in the artisanal food they have from their local food truck!
Auburn offers everything from fabulous hiking, horseback riding, river rafting, wine tasting, and fishing, you name it. Hidden Falls has 30 miles of multiple-use trails for hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding!
Added bonus, Auburn is located just about an hour drive away from Lake Tahoe and two hours drive from San Francisco! Can you say “day trips?” The possibilities are endless!
7. Grand Rivers: Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky
This southern charmed village is a small town getaway with a grand population of 382. But do not be fooled! It is not lacking in the family-friendly adventure department. Being famously placed between two man-made lakes, this little town is known for its outdoor beauty and water sports activities! You can rent a boat kayak, canoe, or take a sailing class!
Have an unforgettable movie experience and “See the Stars Under the Stars” at the Calvert Drive-In Theater! How fun does that sound?! The kids most definitely will love it! Speaking of driving, Grand Rivers is one of the only communities that allows golf carts to be driven on city streets.
Get the Rainbows End Pool Cottage at the Rose of the Lakes Bed & Breakfast. This is a perfect family-style cottage with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a washer & dryer, and is located poolside. Check out that slide!
8. Paia: Live like a local on Maui
Paia is the ultimate small town getaway that will make you not want to go back home, no matter where home is. Located on the North Shore of the island of Maui, Paia is a quaint surf town with plenty to do. Paia is within driving distance to the traditional tourist locations; such as those in Lahaina or Kaanapali but is tucked out of the way of the hustle and bustle, giving you a perfect small town getaway experience. Spend your day at Baldwin Beach surfing, playing volleyball, or relaxing in the sun. Check out the amazing waterfalls on your hike in the Bamboo Forest just off Hana highway.
If you and your family are early-risers, visit the sacred summit of Haleakalā Volcano in Haleakalā National Park for its infamous sunrise. There’s no better way to start your day! Finish your day at Mama’s Fish House for a delicious, albeit fancy, fresh fish dinner! (Say that three times fast!) Whether you are surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or whale watching; there is plenty of fun to be had in Paia and the rest of the island of Maui.
Pro-Tip #1: For peak whale watching season, visit mid-January through March.
Pro-Tip #2: If you and your family dare to do the Road to Hana drive, grab this digital download tour guide!
That’s a wrap! We hope you are inspired to pick a small town getaway destination for your next family getaway. No matter how small, as long as you’re exploring and spending family time together, there’s always plenty to do. Happy trails!
Do you have a favorite small town getaway that you love? Let us know in the comments below!
