Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a birthday, or just because, mother-daughter trips are a fun way to connect, bond, and make memories. This quality time can be spent hiking, bicycling, shopping, wine tasting, or simply relaxing on the beach. With these mother-daughter trip ideas, you’ll be in good hands to make everlasting memories together.
How do you go about putting together a mother-daughter trip? Whether your trip involves a road trip, an airline flight, or a train ticket, you’ll want to consider your shared interests, physical abilities, and new activities you’d like to experience.
Are you into arts and culture? Do you crave time to lounge on the beach with a good book? Do you want to do all the adventurous things? Now’s the time to write ‘em all down and compare.
Going to a favorite vacation spot is always fun, but you could choose somewhere new. Luxurious resorts, cozy bed and breakfasts, and unique cottages make terrific mother-daughter trips wherever you plug into the GPS or type into a travel booking site.
From mountain climbing, ziplining, and snorkeling to wine tasting, bird watching, and walking down cobblestone streets flanked by historic homes, colorful window boxes, and unique architecture, we’ve collected some stellar mother-daughter trips to get the wanderlust going.
What We Cover
- TL;DR
- Our Favorite Mother-Daughter Trip Ideas
- 1. New York City, New York
- 2. Charleston, South Carolina
- 3. New Orleans, Louisiana
- 4. Austin, Texas
- 5. Nashville, Tennessee
- 6. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
- 7. Snowbird, Utah
- 8. Killington, Vermont
- 9. Orlando, Florida
- 10. Granby, Colorado
TL;DR
| Destination | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | New York | Shopping, Broadway, Sports |
| Charleston | South Carolina | History, Cuisine, Shopping |
| New Orleans | Louisiana | Nightlife, Cuisine, History |
| Austin | Texas | Music, Cuisine, Nature |
| Nashville | Tennessee | Music, History, Cuisine |
| St. John | U.S. Virgin Islands | Beaches, Nature, Relaxation |
| Snowbird | Utah | Skiing, Hiking, Outdoor Adventure |
| Killington | Vermont | Skiing, Nature, Outdoor Adventure |
| Orlando | Florida | Theme Parks, Entertainment, Shopping |
| Granby | Colorado | Hiking, Nature, Mountains |
Our Favorite Mother-Daughter Trip Ideas
1. New York City, New York
From the retail therapy of 5th Avenue to Broadway’s bright lights and show tunes, New York City is one of the best mother-daughter trip ideas for fans of urban life and entertainment. Ride bikes around Central Park, gaze at masterpieces at The Met and other museums, or take in a Mets game.
You could also head to Wall Street or explore Trinity Church and search for Alexander Hamilton’s gravestone (hint: it’s the really big one). Eliza and Angelica (but not Peggy) are buried there as well. We hear there’s a musical about them.
Channel Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on a Sex and the City bus tour. Check out bars, brownstones, and other hot spots from the show.
Foodies can enjoy world-class dining and sample some of the best cheesecake around (Junior’s is my favorite). Don’t forget a slice of authentic NYC pizza.
You’ll find luxury hotels and boutique hotels in NYC that offer spas, room service, and afternoon tea. The New Yorker, A Wyndham Hotel is my go-to for Big Apple stays. It’s near Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, which makes it convenient for train travelers and exploring on foot.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
The Southern city of Charleston is a beautiful destination for a mother-daughter trip. Take carriage tours by lush gardens, historical sites, and the pastel hues of Rainbow Row. You could also visit local museums, the South Carolina Aquarium, or Fort Sumter National Monument.
Go designer and boutique shopping along King Street or pick up authentic sweetgrass baskets, jewelry, baked goods, gourmet coffee, and souvenirs at the historic Charleston City Market. Nature lovers will want to visit the Angel Oak Tree or spend the day at nearby Folly Beach.
Foodies should take advantage of every chance to experience authentic Lowcountry cuisine, such as shrimp and grits, Carolina BBQ, and seafood boils. Mother-daughter trips call for a special brunch. Church and Union Charleston is just the place for that.
Located in a former church, this beautiful property features stained glass windows and the words of Sun Zu’s The Art of War (the whole thing) hand painted on the soaring vaulted ceiling. Spend the morning sipping mimosas and dining on huevos rancheros, maple sage bacon, or praline French toast.
Hotels in Charleston include boutique, luxury, and mid-range options that are perfect for a mother-daughter trip. The Vendue, the Moxy Charleston Downtown, and Hotel Emeline offer amenities like fitness centers, onsite restaurants, pools, and rooftop bars and lounges.
See Related: Is Charleston Safe To Visit? Things To Know
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
If you and your mom are foodies, history buffs, music enthusiasts, or party animals, set that GPS straight for the Big Easy. Even if you’re not into the nightlife associated with Bourbon Street or Mardi Gras, plenty of other entertainment is available around town all year. This bucket list destination is one of the best mother-daughter trips for all the above reasons.
Embark on a riverboat tour on the Steamboat Natchez or the paddle-wheeler Creole Queen, where you can enjoy jazz music, a buffet lunch or dinner, and the sights and sounds of Old Man River (that would be the mighty Mississippi).
Stroll by St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and historic buildings boasting intricate cast-iron architecture. Additionally, you could tour the Garden District mansions, the French Quarter, or Tremé on these mother-daughter trips.
Famous restaurants and bars like Commander’s Palace, Arnauds, or Acme Oyster House serve all Creole favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, and fried oysters.
Don’t miss a batch of beignets at Café du Monde or Café Beignet, which offers fantastic beignets and refreshing beverages in a French-inspired “bistro-style” setting (without the long lines of Café du Monde).
Take a trip to the spooky side with a New Orleans ghost, voodoo, and vampire tour. Learn about the city’s storied past and tour historic sites like St. Louis Cemetery, Lafayette Cemetery, or Metairie Cemetery.
4. Austin, Texas
Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is an excellent choice for a mother-daughter getaway. Head to Austin for events like the Austin Food & Wine Festival, the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Fantastic Fest, a fantasy, sci-fi, and horror film festival.
Visit Texas Hill Country and its wineries, historic sites, farmers’ markets, and outdoor recreation at Wimberley, Marble Falls, and Lake Travis. Head to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail or Lady Bird Lake for kayaking and canoeing. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Zilker Botanical Garden are perfect for nature viewing and birdwatching duos (or trios).
Moms and daughters with a penchant for partying will want to check out the local nightclubs, bars, cafes, and concert venues. A few include the Zach Theatre, the Paramount Theatre, the Paker Jazz Club, and The Moody Theater.
Looking for things to do in Austin on the foodie side? To sample the state’s specialties, take a Texas BBQ and food tour in Austin on one of your mother-daughter trips.
If you’re into adventure, exploring, and unusual events, you’ll want to go by the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Bats (yes, bats) take flight nightly from March to October.
5. Nashville, Tennessee
For moms and daughters who share a love of music, culture, history, or even sports, Nashville needs to be high on the list. You’ll be in country music heaven with attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman Auditorium, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Walk of Fame Park.
Bridgestone Arena, home to the NHL’s Nashville Predators, has hosted Fall Out Boy, Nicki Minaj, Tim McGraw, and Noah Kahan. The NFL’s Tennessee Titans home base, Nissan Stadium, is one of the best venues for concerts by Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks, and Def Leppard. Both venues are easily accessible from downtown.
Visit the Parthenon (there’s an art gallery inside), the Frist Art Museum, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Nashville Zoo for a fun mother-daughter vacation in Nashville.
Take a 90-minute Nashville hop-on hop-off trolley tour to visit areas around town like Bicentennial Park, Marathon Village, and Lower Broadway. You’ll learn about Nashville’s history along the way.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a massive complex near the Grand Ole Opry and the General Jackson showboat, which features dinner cruises on the Cumberland River. Walk through the gardens, ride on a small boat through an indoor river, and explore onsite restaurants, pools, a water park, and a world-class spa. The popular holiday ICE! experience is not to be missed.
The Hotel Fraye Nashville offers a rooftop pool and bar (I always recommend the frosé), a fitness center, a restaurant, and walking distance to Vanderbilt University and several restaurants, including Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.
See Related: The Best Time to Visit Nashville: Make the Most of Music City
6. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
If lying on soft sand beaches, swimming in crystal clear water, and snorkeling with colorful fish is a shared love, look no further than the gorgeous views of St. John. You don’t even need a passport to visit this tropical paradise (from the U.S.).
Two-thirds of the island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, making it a perfect destination for moms and daughters who want to escape it all but still have the chance for island adventure. Hike the Cinnamon Bay Trail or lounge on Cruz Bay on this mother-daughter getaway.
For a unique experience, add a night kayaking tour to your trip-planning game. You’ll paddle along in clear-bottom kayaks that send off a glowing light, allowing you to see rays, fish, and other marine animals.
Consider a stay at the luxury Westin St. John Resort Villas, Peter Bay Gatehouse, or vacation rentals like the Sugar Bird Cottage or an ultra-modern cottage with ocean views.
7. Snowbird, Utah
Maybe you and Mom are more into powdery snow than powdery sand. If so, the gorgeous mountain town of Snowbird, in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, might be more your speed.
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort has a spa and several fine-dining and casual restaurants. The resort hosts Women’s Wednesdays, multi-week programs, and other women’s ski and snowboard camps throughout the season.
Snowbird is a wonderful year-round mother-daughter trip idea. You can take scenic tram rides, soar down an alpine slide, or ride the mountain coaster. There’s also a ropes course, a climbing wall, and more.
Go underground at Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Along the hike to the cave system, you’ll catch stunning scenery, making this a memorable excursion for mother-daughter vacations.
Enjoy a stay at the Snowpine Lodge or the Alta Peruvian Lodge, which has an outdoor heated pool, two hot tubs, and a game room, as well as an elegant dining room for daily breakfast and lunch buffets
8. Killington, Vermont
Killington is a great choice for a mother-daughter duo who prefers the East Coast mountains. This Central Vermont destination is known for Killington Ski Resort and Pico Mountain.
Sections of the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail, which runs along the Green Mountains, go through the area. In addition to skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and other winter sports, Killington Ski Resort offers hiking, bicycling, restaurants, a nightclub, a spa, and live music events.
The rooms at the Greenbrier Inn Killington have balconies with beautiful views of Vermont’s Green Mountains. It’s near Killington Ski Resort, Green Mountain National Golf Course, Killington Golf Course, and other things to do in Vermont. Area attractions include Gifford Woods State Park, Green Mountain National Forest, McLaughlin Falls, and the Killington Distillery.
9. Orlando, Florida
Moms and daughters who love the nostalgic, thrilling, and animated side of things will find their happy place in Orlando, which has a vast collection of theme parks, water parks, entertainment, and shopping. Fandoms like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, and the many characters associated with the famous mouse are prime draws to this destination.
Partake in nature and animal attractions such as Gatorland, SeaWorld, and Discovery Cove, or sit back and enjoy a dinner or Cirque du Soleil show. The Orlando area is about an hour from Cocoa Beach, which provides an excellent day trip to enjoy the sand and surf.
When you’re done with the roller coasters, water parks, thrill rides, and foot-stomping shows, head to Sunset Walk, I-Drive, Disney Springs, or Universal’s CityWalk for shopping, dining, and even more entertainment.
To slow it down, the Conrad Orlando features a serene setting of a nature preserve, a water garden, and an eight-acre lagoon. It also has a luxury spa, a golf course, and several onsite restaurants.
See Related: Best Resorts in Florida for Adults
10. Granby, Colorado
Get in touch with your inner cowpoke without going entirely off the grid at a dude ranch in Colorado. Near the famous Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby is in north central Colorado, just west of Boulder and north of Vail, Breckinridge, and Keystone.
Moms and daughters into outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, horseback riding, biking, boating, and fishing on the Colorado River will want to consider Granby when planning mother-daughter getaways.
The 8,500-acre all-inclusive C Lazy U Ranch features horseback riding, mountain biking, fly fishing, and luxury spa treatments. You can also take sleigh rides, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Participate in Western activities like horsemanship classes and cattle pushing clinics.
The Inn at Silvercreek offers onsite ski and snowboard rentals, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, tennis courts, a game room, and gorgeous Rocky Mountain views.
For summer fun, check out Lake Granby, the Fraser River, or the Williams Fork River for boating, fishing, and swimming. Head to a rodeo at High Country Stampede Rodeo or the Middle Park Fair and Rodeo.
Take scenic drives along Stillwater Pass, Trough Road, or Trail Ridge Road, or visit Cozens Ranch Museum and Stage Shop or the Pioneer Village Museum to learn about western life in the 1800s.
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