Best Vacations for Multigenerational Families

The best vacations for multigenerational families offer mixed activities, flexible accommodations, and accessible amenities for travelers of all ages. It’s becoming increasingly popular for three or more generations of family members to travel together. In addition to being cost-effective, big family vacations create shared experiences that help bridge age gaps, especially for families that live far apart.

While coordinating different needs and preferences can be challenging, the right planning makes it manageable. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places for multigenerational family vacations, cover planning tips, and explain why vacations with extended family are worthwhile.

Best Multigenerational Vacation Destinations

When organizing your family trip, choosing the right destination is key. These multigenerational vacation ideas balance relaxation, recreation, and accessible amenities:

Florida Beaches

Florida beaches, including Hollywood Beach, Cocoa Beach, Panama City Beach, and Daytona Beach, are popular for multigenerational vacations. These coastal destinations offer plenty to do locally and they’re within striking distance of major airports, so they’re convenient to get to. Families enjoy them for their warm climate and easy access to family-friendly attractions.

Florida beaches work well for multigenerational vacations, thanks to:

• Easy-to-navigate outdoor spaces, including wide, gently sloping beaches and paved boardwalks accessible to older adults and young children
• Flexible day-trip options with nearby theme parks, aquariums, and attractions that appeal to kids, teens, and young adults while family members relax locally
• Low-key group outings with options from waterfront dining to shopping areas and scenic walking paths for casual time together
• Family-friendly accommodations, including beachfront resorts and vacation rentals with multi-bedroom layouts and shared living spaces

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a longtime favorite for big family vacations, thanks to its affordability and variety of entertainment. It features expansive beaches, an upbeat and family-friendly boardwalk, and an abundance of shows and attractions. Unlike quieter coastal towns, this destination makes it easy for families to enjoy relaxed beach time along with entertainment and outings that appeal across age ranges.

Myrtle Beach is a top destination for multigenerational families because it offers:

• Beach time for all energy levels, with accessible shorelines and gentle surf that support both active play and oceanfront lounging
• Built-in entertainment for energetic younger travelers, including a lively boardwalk with arcades, mini golf, and amusement-style attractions
• Plenty for adults and grandparents to enjoy, from golf courses and live shows to shopping districts and oceanfront restaurants with a view

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod offers a slower-paced setting that works especially well for multigenerational families who want to unwind and spend quality time together. Its compact towns, scenic coastline, and outdoor activities make it easy for all generations to slow down and connect while appreciating the area’s New England charm.

Multigenerational families love Cape Cod for:

• Relaxed days together, thanks to calm beaches and scenic walking paths suited to a wide range of ages and mobility levels
• Shared outdoor experiences that appeal across generations, including bike trails, boat tours, and seasonal whale watching
• Simple, self-paced exploration of historic villages, family-friendly museums, and quaint shops, with short travel times between towns and attractions
• A variety of vacation homes, small inns, and coastal resorts that let families choose between character-rich historic lodging or modern accommodations with greater accessibility and more amenities

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City brings a laidback beach town experience with plenty of indoor activity options for visitors across generations. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to get from place to place, so your family can spend more time doing activities and less time planning logistics.

Families travel to Ocean City to enjoy:

• Family-friendly boardwalks and beaches with lifeguards, sprawling shorelines, and ample space for group outings
• Choose-your-own-pace activities, including fishing, boating, and water activities that can be enjoyed together or separately
• Built-in variety throughout the year, with seasonal festivals and events that add interest without requiring full-day excursions
• Easy group coordination, thanks to a centralized layout that allows families to split up and reconnect effortlessly

Vail, Colorado

With its stunning mountain landscape, Vail, Colorado, is a beautiful destination for families. Visitors appreciate the area’s well-designed resort layout, which offers ample activities for travelers of different energy levels.

Travelers choose Vail for multigenerational family vacations because of its:

• Activities for every age, from skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, to hiking, festivals and cultural events throughout the year
• Leisurely downtime options, including spas, scenic views, boutique shops, and fireside dining spots for slower-paced days
• Natural gathering spots, including a walkable village lined with shops, dining, and entertainment that brings families together
• Resort-centered layout, which reduces transportation needs and simplifies group planning

Why Multigenerational Trips Are Worth It

The best multigenerational family vacations create opportunities for meaningful connection across ages and life stages. Traveling together gives families dedicated time together without daily distractions or competing schedules, allowing them to slow down, be intentional, and make memories.

• Meaningful shared experiences strengthen relationships between grandparents, parents, and children and become family stories and traditions that live on for generations.
• Traveling together introduces practical perks, from savings through shared lodging or group pricing to extra support for parents and caregivers.
• Multigenerational travel is a natural way to celebrate special occasions, including milestone birthdays, family reunions, retirements, graduations, and holidays.

How To Plan Multigenerational Family Vacations: Essential Tips

Successful family vacations start with thoughtful planning. Try these tips to make the trip smoother and more enjoyable for everyone:

• Choose destinations with a wide selection of activities but enough downtime to accommodate different energy levels.
• Look for lodging with multiple bedrooms and shared living spaces, as well as elevators, step-free entry, and other accessibility features.
• Plan travel and book accommodations early to secure better rates and availability for larger groups. A good rule of thumb is to plan multigenerational family vacations 6–12 months in advance.
• Consider individual needs, including dietary restrictions, mobility concerns, and nearby services.

Why Book Your Multigenerational Vacation With Vacation Escapes

Planning a multigenerational vacation can feel complex, but the right partner makes it easier. Vacation Escapes offers lodging in a wide range of destinations for groups of all sizes, helping families travel comfortably while staying connected.

From resorts with multi-bedroom suites to vacation rentals with generous shared spaces and convenient amenities, there are options to suit a variety of travel styles and needs. With experienced planning experts who match each group to the right destination and property, Vacation Escapes handles the logistics so you can relax and enjoy time together.

Need help choosing the best place for your multigenerational family vacation? Contact us today to learn more about our destinations and properties.