When summer rolls around, families are often drawn to beaches and theme parks, but mountains offer something even more magical. From cool, crisp air to stunning scenery and endless outdoor activities, a mountain getaway provides the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Whether your family loves hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply unwinding in a cozy cabin, there’s a perfect mountain destination waiting for you. Let’s explore twelve incredible spots for a summer escape, starting with the first three.
1️⃣ Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 🌲
Grand Teton National Park is a dream destination for families looking to experience the raw beauty of the American West. Towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife make it a perfect summer retreat.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Kid-friendly hikes with breathtaking views, including Taggart Lake and Hidden Falls.
- Opportunities for wildlife spotting, with moose, elk, and even bears roaming the park.
- Boating, fishing, and swimming in Jenny Lake for a refreshing summer escape.
Best Activities
- Take a scenic float trip down the Snake River, where kids can spot bald eagles and otters.
- Visit the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center for interactive exhibits on the park’s wildlife and history.
- Explore Mormon Row Historic District for a glimpse into early settler life with the famous barns set against the Tetons.
Travel Tips
- Start hikes early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
- Bring binoculars for spotting wildlife from a safe distance.
- Stay in Jackson Hole for easy access to the park and a variety of family-friendly lodging and dining options.
2️⃣ Acadia National Park, Maine 🌊
For families who love mountains but also want to be near the ocean, Acadia National Park offers the best of both worlds. Located on Mount Desert Island, this gem combines rocky coastlines, lush forests, and stunning mountain vistas.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Easy-to-moderate hikes like the Jordan Pond Path are perfect for kids.
- Scenic drives with breathtaking overlooks, including the famous Park Loop Road.
- Tide pools along the coastline where kids can discover crabs, starfish, and other marine life.
Best Activities
- Hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, to watch an unforgettable sunrise.
- Enjoy a bike ride along the historic Carriage Roads, free from cars and surrounded by nature.
- Explore Sand Beach, one of the few sandy shores in Maine, for a cool dip on a warm day.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early for Cadillac Mountain’s sunrise, as parking fills up fast.
- Visit Bar Harbor, the charming town right outside the park, for delicious lobster rolls and family-friendly shops.
- Consider taking the free Island Explorer shuttle to avoid parking hassles.
3️⃣ Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina 🍂
The Great Smoky Mountains offer a mix of adventure, wildlife, and Appalachian culture, making it an ideal family getaway. With its lush forests and mist-covered peaks, this national park is one of the most visited in the country.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Hundreds of hiking trails, many of them easy and kid-friendly.
- A chance to see black bears, wild turkeys, and fireflies in their natural habitat.
- Historic cabins and mills that give kids a glimpse of early Appalachian life.
Best Activities
- Drive or hike to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, for panoramic mountain views.
- Walk the kid-friendly trail to Laurel Falls, a stunning 80-foot waterfall.
- Visit Cades Cove, a scenic valley with historic buildings, wildlife, and a bike loop.
Travel Tips
- Pack a picnic and enjoy one of the park’s scenic picnic areas.
- Arrive early to popular spots like Cades Cove to avoid heavy traffic.
- Stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for fun attractions like Dollywood and Ripley’s Aquarium.
4️⃣ Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 🏞
Rocky Mountain National Park is a paradise for families who love alpine lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife. With over 300 miles of hiking trails and one of the most scenic drives in the country, this park offers endless summer adventure.
Why It’s Great for Families
- A variety of easy hiking trails suitable for all ages.
- Frequent wildlife sightings, including elk, marmots, and bighorn sheep.
- High-altitude lakes perfect for picnics and relaxing by the water.
Best Activities
- Drive along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, for breathtaking views.
- Hike the Bear Lake Trail, an easy loop with stunning mountain reflections.
- Take kids to the Alpine Visitor Center to learn about the park’s unique ecosystems.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early in the morning, as parking lots fill up quickly.
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes, as temperatures can drop at higher elevations.
- Stay in Estes Park for a mix of charming shops, local dining, and easy park access.
5️⃣ Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 🌋
With its massive glaciers, wildflower meadows, and cascading waterfalls, Mount Rainier National Park is a spectacular summer destination. The park offers a mix of adventure and beauty, perfect for families looking to explore the Pacific Northwest.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Stunning wildflower blooms in summer create postcard-worthy landscapes.
- Short and scenic hikes ideal for kids and beginners.
- A chance to see an active volcano up close without extreme hiking.
Best Activities
- Walk the Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls for an easy hike with breathtaking views.
- Explore the Paradise Visitor Center, which offers educational exhibits about the mountain’s history and wildlife.
- Visit the Grove of the Patriarchs to see ancient, towering trees on a family-friendly boardwalk trail.
Travel Tips
- Visit in late July or early August for peak wildflower season.
- Stay in Ashford or Packwood for cozy cabins and mountain lodges.
- Check road conditions before visiting, as snow can linger in some areas even in summer.
6️⃣ White Mountains, New Hampshire 🏔
The White Mountains are one of the most stunning mountain destinations in the Northeast, offering scenic hikes, charming small towns, and a perfect escape from summer heat. Whether your family enjoys scenic drives or thrilling outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Home to Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, with a scenic auto road leading to the summit.
- Plenty of easy-to-moderate hiking trails with rewarding views.
- Fun attractions like scenic train rides and old-fashioned mountain resorts.
Best Activities
- Drive the Mount Washington Auto Road or take the historic Cog Railway to the summit.
- Explore Flume Gorge, an easy hike through towering granite walls and waterfalls.
- Visit Story Land, a fairytale-themed amusement park perfect for younger kids.
Travel Tips
- Be prepared for changing weather at higher elevations, even in summer.
- Stay in North Conway for easy access to hiking trails, outlet shopping, and family-friendly restaurants.
- Book train tickets in advance for the Cog Railway, as they sell out quickly.
7️⃣ Yosemite National Park, California 🌿
Yosemite is one of the most iconic mountain destinations in the country, known for its towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and stunning meadows. A summer visit offers endless outdoor adventure for families looking to explore one of America’s most breathtaking national parks.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Spectacular landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
- Easy hikes with world-class scenery suitable for all ages.
- Abundant wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and bobcats.
Best Activities
- Walk the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail for up-close views of granite cliffs and meadows.
- Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, a short but scenic trail leading to the base of a stunning waterfall.
- Visit Glacier Point for panoramic views of the entire Yosemite Valley.
Travel Tips
- Yosemite gets extremely crowded in summer, so arrive early or use the park shuttle to get around.
- Book campsites or lodges months in advance, as accommodations fill up quickly.
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as temperatures can rise in the valley.
8️⃣ Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina & Virginia 🚙
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a scenic and peaceful retreat, stretching through North Carolina and Virginia. With lush forests, rolling hills, and historic sites, this region is perfect for a relaxed yet adventure-filled family vacation.
Why It’s Great for Families
- The famous Blue Ridge Parkway offers one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
- A mix of gentle hikes, waterfalls, and historic attractions.
- Plenty of small mountain towns with family-friendly activities and local charm.
Best Activities
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop at scenic overlooks for incredible mountain views.
- Hike to Linville Falls, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in North Carolina.
- Visit Grandfather Mountain, home to a mile-high swinging bridge and nature preserve.
Travel Tips
- Summer temperatures are mild, but higher elevations can get chilly in the evenings.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic pull-offs along the parkway.
- Stay in Asheville, North Carolina, or Roanoke, Virginia, for easy access to hikes and local attractions.
9️⃣ Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho 🏕
Often overlooked compared to more famous national parks, the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho offer rugged beauty, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and uncrowded hiking trails. For families looking to escape the crowds, this is a perfect summer retreat.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Stunning mountain landscapes without the high tourist numbers.
- A mix of adventure and relaxation, from hot springs to backcountry trails.
- Endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
Best Activities
- Paddleboard or kayak on Redfish Lake, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by peaks.
- Take the family-friendly hike to Alice Lake, one of the most scenic spots in the Sawtooths.
- Soak in the natural hot springs near Stanley, a small mountain town at the heart of the range.
Travel Tips
- Stanley, Idaho, is the best base for exploring the region, with cabin rentals and campgrounds.
- Mosquitoes can be heavy near lakes in early summer, so bring repellent.
- Pack layers, as mountain weather can change quickly, even in the warmer months.
🔟 Glacier National Park, Montana ❄️
Glacier National Park is often called the “Crown of the Continent,” and for good reason. With its stunning glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and dramatic mountain peaks, this park offers one of the most breathtaking summer getaways for families.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Spectacular scenery with over 700 miles of hiking trails.
- One of the most scenic drives in the U.S., Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- A chance to see mountain goats, grizzly bears, and even glaciers up close.
Best Activities
- Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic route with incredible mountain views.
- Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, an easy-to-moderate hike with a high chance of spotting wildlife.
- Go boating or fishing at Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park.
Travel Tips
- Summer is the busiest season, so reservations for lodging and vehicle passes are required.
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes, even in July and August.
- Stay in Whitefish or Kalispell for convenient park access and family-friendly accommodations.
1️⃣1️⃣ Adirondack Mountains, New York 🚣
For families looking for a classic summer mountain retreat, the Adirondacks offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and small-town charm. With over 6 million acres of protected land, this region is filled with lakes, forests, and scenic hiking trails.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and fishing.
- Charming lakeside towns with family-friendly resorts and cabins.
- A great alternative to national parks with fewer crowds.
Best Activities
- Hike to the summit of Mount Jo, an easy trail with panoramic views.
- Spend a day kayaking on Mirror Lake or Lake Placid.
- Ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain for breathtaking views.
Travel Tips
- Lake Placid is a great base for exploring the Adirondacks, with restaurants, shopping, and Olympic history.
- Bring bug spray, as mosquitoes and black flies can be active in early summer.
- Pack for both warm days and cool evenings, as mountain temperatures fluctuate.
1️⃣2️⃣ Black Hills, South Dakota ⛰
The Black Hills offer a unique mix of mountains, wildlife, and iconic American landmarks. Families can enjoy both natural beauty and historical sites, making this a well-rounded summer vacation destination.
Why It’s Great for Families
- A combination of scenic drives, hiking, and famous attractions.
- Home to Mount Rushmore, one of the most famous landmarks in the U.S.
- Plenty of opportunities to see bison, prairie dogs, and wild mustangs.
Best Activities
- Visit Mount Rushmore and explore the Presidential Trail for up-close views.
- Drive through Custer State Park, one of the best places to see bison in the wild.
- Hike to Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota with stunning views.
Travel Tips
- Stay in Keystone or Custer for easy access to parks and attractions.
- Arrive early at Mount Rushmore to beat the crowds and see the monument in the best light.
- Don’t miss the scenic Needles Highway, a winding road with incredible rock formations.
The Perfect Summer Mountain Getaway
Mountains offer the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery for a family summer vacation. Whether you’re looking for a rugged national park experience or a laid-back lakeside retreat, there’s a destination for every type of traveler.
From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, each of these twelve destinations offers something unique. The key to an unforgettable trip is choosing a spot that matches your family’s sense of adventure.
So pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready for a summer filled with fresh mountain air, incredible views, and lifelong memories.
