When people ask me for my favorite family friendly vacation destination on the West Coast, my answer is always the same- San Diego. With its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and endless activities, its nearly impossible to have anything less than a great vacation in this Southern California beach town
Though much of the country has experienced record breaking heat and humidity this summer, San Diego has hardly seen a day above 90. Now, with fall fast approaching, many people across the nation will be turning in their tank tops and shorts for parkas and scarves. Not in sunny San Diego! Fall brings the California Coast some of its best weather and gives visitors the chance to keep those shorts from being packed away for just a little bit longer. The summer crowds may be long gone, but warm days spent lounging by the pool or splashing at the beach are far from fading.
This past spring, my family and I were lucky enough to be guests of the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina in San Diego. I immediately fell in love with the tropical but contemporary decor, bay front location, and amazing pool area. Not to mention the fine but still family friendly dining at the Hyatt’s own Red Marlin restaurant, the on site children’s programs, the watercraft rentals, and the spa. Oh the spa. Suddenly my recommendations for families to make San Diego their vacation destination were followed by the suggestion of making the Hyatt their home base during their stay. You can read my entire review of the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina here.
Another great thing about the Hyatt’s bay front location is that the resort is within walking distance of SeaWorld. This marine park has great animal exhibits, shows, and even water rides which are perfect for cooling off on a warm autumn day. Be sure to check out Blue Horizons, SeaWorld’s new show. It has a dolphin show meets Cirque du Soleil feel and is very entertaining.
If are interested in taking your family on a sunny San Diego autumn getaway, be sure to check out the Hyatt Mission Bay Spa and Marina’s Sunshine on Sale package . From September 7th through the end of the year, book two nights at the Hyatt MB and you will receive a third night at the resort for free! What a great way to extend the weekend and soak up few extra rays before winter chill back home sets in.
And now for…
The Steal: Win a Weekend Stay at the Hyatt Mission Bay and Tickets to Sea World
Number of Winners: 1 winner
Prize: Two nights at the Hyatt Mission Bay in San Diego, CA and four (4) one day passes to Sea World San Diego
Visit the Hyatt Mission Bay Spa and Marina website and tell us what hotel amenities or activities you are most looking forward to enjoying if you win.
For additional entries, feel free to do any or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry but be sure to leave a separate comment for each one. This is how we keep track of extra entries.
- Fan Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina on Facebook.
- Fan the Red Marlin restaurant on Facebook.
- Fan the Blue Marble Spa on Facebook.
- Follow the Blue Marble Spa on Twitter.
- Write a review on Trekaroo and post a link to it in the comments (include your Trekaroo username) one entry per review
- Subscribe to the Trekaroo Blog
- Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo
- Post this on your Facebook Wall using the Facebook Share link above
- Fan Trekaroo on Facebook
- Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
- Post this giveaway on your blog
- Subscribe to Trekaroo in your reader
Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
Deadline to enter: Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 11:59PM PST
What is Monday Madness?
Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal. It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.
Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.
Disclosure: My family received a complimentary stay at the Hyatt Mission Bay. I received no other compensation besides the stay and dinner and the Hyatt didn’t state any requirements that I express any particular point of view. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Every now and again, I need to experience something a little kitschy while on vacation. You know, something that makes me feel like a tourist. Luckily, duck tours are around to provide that perfect amount of cheesiness while still giving families a great way to see a city. A “DUCK” is a World War II style amphibious landing vehicle which allows riders to experience the streets and waterways without ever having to leave to switch vehicles. They are typically manned by tour guides who are full of personality and great information about their hometown. And, best of all, they seem to be popping up all across the country. So where do you find a little bit of goodness? Well, here are five duck tours to get you started:
Photo courtesy Boston Duck Tours
This tour is a Boston classic. Ride past historical sites such as Boston Common, the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall all while being informed and entertained by great tour guides who filled with fun facts about Beantown. Of course, no Duck Tour is complete without a little time on the water and this trip takes you down the Charles River. Quack at kayakers and enjoy the skyline before coming back on land and finishing the tour. Have you been on this tour? Tell us about it!
Grab the kids and hop on board for a quacktastic tour of Philly. Explore the Old City before plunging into the Delaware River for a view of New Jersey and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Kids will love the free duck kazoos (aka: quackers) but parents may want to “accidentally” lose the noise makers after the ride for sanity’s sake. Have you quacked in Philly? Share your experience with other Trekaroo families.
3. Just Ducky Tours of Pittsburgh
Photo courtesy Just Ducky Tours
Head on over to Station Square and take a ride on the duck. Enjoy the architecture and historic sights of The Burgh all from your seat on an amphibious vehicle. This tour takes riders out on to the Allegheny, one of Pittsburgh’s famous Three Rivers. Did you find things just ducky in Pittsburgh? Share you story.
4. Original Wisconsin Ducks in the Wisconsin Dells
For over 65 years, The Original Wisconsin Ducks have been taking families on a fun tour of the beautiful dells of the Wisconsin River as well as scenic Lake Delton. Squeeze through Red Bird Gorge and enjoy the shaded trails and famous rock formations of the Wisconsin Dell region all while being entertained by some good old fashioned cheeseball humor. Have you experienced the original duck tour in the Wisconsin Dells? We would love to hear your thoughts.
5. Ride the Ducks, San Francisco Duck Tours
Take a ride from Union Square out to Chinatown and North Beach all while learning fun facts about one of the greatest cities on the planet. Yes, the locals may look at you funny, but as long as you have a sense of humor about yourself, there is plenty of fun to be had. This tour’s water entry is near Pacbell Park, in McCovey Cove. Rumor has it that more often than not, passengers are spotted quacking while dancing away to YMCA…. Did you shake your tale feathers on board an amphibious vehicle in San Francisco? Tell us what you thought!
Are you still looking for more duck tour fun? Trekaroo researchers have discovered duck tours in Seattle; South Beach; San Diego; Austin; Fort Lauderdale; Portland, Maine; Honolulu; Long Beach, California; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Ketchikan, Alaska; Galveston, TX; Washington DC; and Albany, New York. If you have been on any of these tours, be sure to share your experiences with Trekaroo families and write a review!
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
For years I stared at her, wondering what life was like in her world. She was so close; just looming quietly in the distance, but she might as well have been in a foreign land. All we needed was a boat and a weekend, then we could finally make her acquaintance. Finally, the temptation became too much and I decided that our family had to go see her. I wanted to know what life was like on Catalina.
Santa Catalina Island is only a 22 mile ferry ride from the Port of Los Angeles, but as soon as the town of Avalon appears on the horizon, travelers quickly realize that they have arrived someplace very far from the freeway clogged urban monster that is LA. In Avalon, golf carts rule the roads and rush hour is nothing more than a few hotel shuttles picking up guests from the dock. Catalina is the US version of Mediterranean paradise. Mountain peaks surround Avalon Bay and vacation homes cling to their little piece of the hillside. The 12 story casino building dominates the skyline, battling with palm trees and azure waters to capture your attention. After only a few hours on the island, my husband and I were already plotting ways for us to move there permanently.
We stayed at the newly remodeled Pavilion Hotel, just 14 steps from the main beach in Avalon. Sipping complimentary wine (or lemonade for the little ones) as we lounged in the garden sitting area gazing out at the ocean was pure heaven. It was so nice to stay in a hotel that was literally steps away from Avalon’s action hub, while still being able to find peace and serenity by the fire ring or strolling through the palm fringed courtyard. You can read my entire review of the Pavilion Hotel here.
Catalina offers a wide array of activities and tours from parasailing to snorkeling to island tours. The island even has what my family has deemed, the best miniature golf course of all time! My pick for must-do island activity has to be the zipline. Flying through the sky with nothing but incredible ocean panoramas in view was definitely the highlight of my trip. The friendliness of the staff and the focus on safety helped me push my nagging fear of heights out of mind. In my group there was an eight year old, 12 year old, and sixteen year old, and they all had an absolute blast.
Photo Courtesy Cataline Zip Line Ecotours
The zipline tour begins and ends at Descanso Beach, a beautiful little cove that serves as an activity headquarters. Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and snorkeling gear can all be rented here. For those looking to spend a lazy day on the beach, the Descanso Beach Club is the best place to do it. Private cabanas and chaise lounges are available for rent, and food and drinks are available at Avalon’s only seaside restaurant and bar. As I sat enjoying my post-ziplining lunch from the comfort of our cabana and took in our amazing view, I had to keep reminding myself that I was still in Southern California and not some far off locale. Catalina had officially stolen my heart.
Our final morning on Catalina was spent on an Undersea Tour. We chose this activity because it was suitable for all ages and I had always wanted to get a close up view of the sea life that called the Southern California coast home. The tour is given in a semi-submersible boat which reminded me a bit of the submarine ride at Disneyland. Luckily instead of an animatronic Nemo, we were greeted by brightly colored orange garibaldi and calico bass weaving their way through the kelp beds. My kids were incredibly excited about the fish swimming freely just outside their windows and their excitement only grew as the crew sprinkled some fish food into the water and the feeding frenzy began.
As with all great weekend this vacations, this one had to end so we could return back to the mainland and a life filled with obligations and responsibilities. We boarded the Catalina Express once again for our high speed journey home. As we sped away from the island and we lounged fin the comfort of our deck seats, I found myself turning back more than a few times so I could watch Catalina slowly lose its detail and become nothing more than a mysterious shadow of an island once again. Its nice to know that when we need to get away from it all, she will still be waiting for us just across the channel.
Great deal alert!!!
If your family decides to book a two night stay at the Pavilion Hotel between August 22nd and October 16th, 2010, you will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s Unlimited Package. The package includes:
Unlimited (aka: free) Access to all the following Discovery Tours:
Undersea Tour, Behind the Scenes Casino Tour, The Casino Walking Tour, Skyline Drive Tour, Avalon Scenic Tour, GPS Walking Tour, Flying Fish Tour, Glass Bottom Boat, and Sundown Isthmus Cruise.
And…Unlimited use of these activities:
Golf Gardens Miniature Golf, Catalina Island Golf Course, Descanso Beach Club Entry, Avalon Movie Theatre, Tennis Court Rental
Plus..
Preferred seating and reservations at the new Avalon Grille Restaurant and 50% off the Zip Line Eco Tour (savings of $45 per person).
Now that is an AMAZING deal! Pick and choose which activities you are interested in and be entertained all day long for the price of a two night stay. But remember, this package is only available August 22nd through October 16th, 2010.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
We’ve all wrestled hopelessly with our heavy portable cribs through airports and hotel lobbies. We have also all gone through that half hour of bewilderment as we stare hopelessly at a travel crib trying to figure out why on earth it’s sides just won’t stay up.
Well, what if I told you that there’s now a travel crib on the market that weighs only 11lbs. (1/3 the weight of a Graco Pack and Play)? What if I told you that this travel crib sets up and takes down in just one flip? Well, there you have it! The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib does just that!
Pros:
- Lightweight (11 lbs with the case)
- Packs up small- easy to carry and to store
- Very sturdy
- Unbelievably easy to set up
- The mattress cover and fabric of the crib (that’s most of it!) are removable and machine washable.
Cons:
- Since the legs slant outward, you have to pay attention to where the bottom of the crib is when you’re walking by. This could be an issue in a small space, and is definitely something that you need to be aware of when it’s set up.
- Only useful for young kids, up to age 3 (possibly younger if you have a tall child)
- Fairly expensive, selling for ~$225-275, depending on the website/store
Full review of the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib
Comparison Review of Lightweight Travel Cribs
The Steal: Win a Baby Bjorn Travel Crib in the Dreamin’ Baby Photo Contest
We are really excited to give away a Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light to one lucky family with the cutest photo of your baby in dreamland.
Number of Winners: ONE (1) winner
Prize: A Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light worth $275
How to enter:
1) Enter a photo of YOUR sleeping baby: Entry Form
2) Get your friends to vote for your little cutie pie
Winner will be chosen based on popular vote.
Rules and guidelines: see entry form for official rules
Deadline to enter: Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 11:59PM PST
What is Monday Madness?
Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal. It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.
Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.
Disclosure: The Baby Bjorn Travel Light Crib was provided to Trekaroo by the manufacturer for review. No other compensation was received and Trekaroo was not required to express any particular point of view.
Last week I watched a family travel expert give her top picks for US destinations that every child should visit on a morning news program. She smiled and schmoozed as she ran down her list, which included everything from the Statue of Liberty to Disneyworld. Then she came Yellowstone. She giggled and then confessed that while she had been to over 100 countries, she had never actually visited the park. Then the morning show host confided that she had also been to over 50 countries but had never been to Yellowstone. There was definitely an heir of superiority in their travel confessions. Who had time for geysers and bison in Wyoming when Andorran ski resorts were calling their names? Yes, international travel is wonderful and exotic, but some of the most amazing places on the planet are right here in the US, and they deserve a proper endorsement. So without further ado, here is why I think every family should visit Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone was not just the first national park in the United States, it was the first national park in the world. Without Yellowstone and the precedent it created, the Yosemite Valley may have become a luxury development and the last remaining old-growth redwoods could have become nothing but sawdust and lumber. Without the example that our first national park set, many of the world’s protected lands may have otherwise been exploited.
In Yellowstone, families can watch a mother bear lead her cubs through a meadow and view a herd of buffalo graze in a sagebrush dotted valley as the sun sets. There is no plexiglass wall separating tourists from the herd of elk hanging out near Mammoth Hot Springs. No on and off switch for the geysers. Nature is unpredictable and that is pat of what makes spotting a moose chomping on water lilies or happening upon Steamboat Geyser in mid-eruption so incredible.
Where else can you see the sunrise over a lake and share the experience with nobody but a beaver strengthening his damn; go on a horseback ride through the very same valley the Theodore Roosevelt fell in love with; watch a waterfall plunge dramatically into a canyon so surreal, it looks like a watercolor; picnic in a meadow under clouds so fluffy that can’t possibly real (but they are!); and gaze at a night sky filled with thousands of stars instead of light pollution and smog- all in the same day?
Trekaroo Launches Yellowstone National Park!
This week, Trekaroo is proud to announce the launch of Yellowstone on our site. The Yellowstone page is a place where families can share their opinions on where to stay and what to do within the park. Moms can plan their family’s vacation based on a perspective that only parents who have visited Yellowstone with their own kids can truly give.
We want each of our national park pages to be a success, but we can’t do it without the wonderful members of our Trekaroo community. If you have been to Yellowstone, write reviews some of your favorite destinations. Perhaps they have already been listed on our site and just need your input. Or maybe you have a secret spot that has yet to be published but should definitely be added to a family’s itinerary. Either way, your advice is family travel planning gold.
Read more about Activities around Yellowstone.
Read more about Lodging around Yellowstone.
Related National Park Posts:
- Best Hikes for Tykes in Yosemite National Park
- Trekaroo Families’ Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Yosemite National Park
- 15 Family Friendly National Park Adventures
- National Park Junior Ranger Program
- 5 National Monuments Your Family Should Visit
- 5 family-friendly hikes in Yellowstone National Park
- Bryce National Park with Kids
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
For a vacation idea that’s made to order, consider a timeshare rental when you travel with kids. Vacationing this way can really be a custom family vacation to fit your needs because of these three reasons:
1. The variety in size and style of the resorts.
2. An abundance of destination choices.
3. They are budget friendly!
Do you want to take your family on a vacation to the Bahamas? To Hawaii? To a
National Park? To a Theme Park? All of these destinations, and more, are family-
affordable by renting budget timeshares. On a per person basis, a timeshare rental can be
as much as 50% less than hotels. And there’s no comparison in the space you get for your
money. On the one hand you can have a cramped hotel room; on the other you get real
bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, and best of all a fully-equipped kitchen. You’ll
almost always have a balcony or patio, often a whirlpool tub, and maybe even a working
fireplace.
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Many resorts offer an area where you can barbecue. Speaking of which, having your
own kitchen is a wonderful convenience and a great money-saver. It’s an easy way
to feed those constantly hungry kids, while saving on the cost of meals. Often resorts
will pre-stock your kitchen with groceries to your specifications, and most are close to
supermarkets and sometimes even a farmer’s market.
Separate bedrooms means you can put the little ones to bed in a quiet room while the
rest of the family enjoys television, games, movies, etc., in the living room, knowing that
your late night activities won’t disturb the youngsters. Try doing that in a hotel room.
And one of the main advantages of a timeshare rental is that it’s attached to a resort.
Many of the resort’s amenities will be included in your one low timeshare rental price.
That means that everything from swimming pools (often with water park features) and
hot tubs to tennis, golf, volleyball, arcade rooms, bocci ball tournaments, arts and crafts,
dance lessons, Kids Clubs, or just about anything else you can think of, might just be part
of your resort experience.
So go the non-traditional route and plan to stay in a kid friendly timeshare rental for
your next vacation. It just might become your family’s traditional vacation from now on!
RedWeek.com is the largest online marketplace for timeshares. Owners sell, rent, or exchange their timeshares. Travelers find luxury accommodations for pricing less than typical hotel rooms. Try a timeshare rental for your next vacation.
Up until last summer, I associated Park City with only two things: the Olympics and snow. So when I was planning our cross country road trip I only booked a stay in Park City to in hopes of getting a good deal at an off season resort while breaking up the drive between the Grand Tetons and Bryce Canyon. It turns out that Park City was the biggest surprise of our trip! I had no idea this mountain town had so much to offer families outside of the ski season. Here is a taste of the summer fun that awaits families in Park City:
Ride a bobsled at Utah Olympic Park:
Riding in a bobsled is said to be one of the most intense experiences a thrill seeker can experience. Anyone at least 14 years of age can take on 15 curves at 70 MPH with a trained professional in the pilot’s seat. If the bobsled seems like too much of a thrill, children (and their parents) weighing at least 50lbs can try out the Ultra Zipline which follows the freestyle skiing hill and will still provide a safe, exhilarating thrill. While at the park, be sure to take a free self-guided tour of the Olympic competition sites. Its a great way to get a close up view of the place where so many Olympic dreams were reached.
Spend the Day at Park City Mountain Resort:
I couldn’t believe how much there was to do during the summer at this winter ski hot spot. When the snow melts, Park City Mountain Resort takes on a new identity. Chair lifts take guests up to zip lines, alpine slides, and alpine coasters. I am not sure who had more fun whizzing down the mountain on the alpine slide- me or the kids!
Back at base there are also kiddie rides in the Little Miners Park area, mini golf, a legacy launcher (those trampolines you jump on while harnessed in), and a rock climbing wall. I only wish we would have set aside a full day to spend at this resort because we definitely enjoyed the time we did have to spend there.
Take a Hike or Ride a Bike:
Chair lifts can give hikers a head start on their way up to scenic vistas and help bikers skip the grueling ride up and get right to the fun of riding down the mountain. The Town Lift on Main Street will take your family straight up to where the action is and trail guides are available at the chair lift ticket windows. There are trails for all skills and abilities, and the fresh mountain air is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. The Beaver Creek Trail is a good family friendly off-road trail that is fairly flat and perfect for beginning mountain bikers.
Golf the Day Away
My son may only be three, but he is already an obsessed golfer. As he grows older, I have a feeling more and more of our vacations will include him getting in 18 holes with his dad. Last year both Ben and his dad sat on our patio at the Hotel Park City and drooled as families teed off on the ninth fairway. There are two public courses in the city (and 5 private) and both are worth a visit for just the scenery alone. Luckily for me, my daughter has inherited my interest in golf so I will always have someone to keep me company on a hike or at the spa while my boys chase that little white ball around.
Giddy Up in the Wasatch Range
While my son stares longingly at golf courses, my daughter dreams of life on horseback. The Stillman Ranch is a highly acclaimed horseback riding facility and guest ranch just outside of Park City. Families with children as young as six can enjoy riding around the 9,000 acre ranch on trail tours ranging from one hour to overnight. For those of us who have children who are still too young to ride horseback but crave a horse related experience, a wagon ride with dinner through the gorgeous countryside will fit the bill just nicely.
Has your family spent time in Park City? Share your experiences with Trekaroo families by reviewing all the hotels and activities you have enjoyed. Let’s spread the word about this great family friendly destination!
Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Its hard not fall in love with water rushing over a cliffs edge into a sparkling pool below. Waterfalls have always been a favorite destination of families, and anyone who has stared up at H2O in free fall or watched a river suddenly take a drop into a canyon hundreds of feet below can understand why; they are just plain gorgeous. Trekaroo families have shared so many of their waterfall secrets and each one is worth a visit, but here, in no particular order, are ten of our favorites:
1. Yosemite Falls :
The tallest waterfall in North America is also one of the most stunning on the planet. Located in the impossibly beautiful Yosemite Valley, its an easy (and stroller friendly) walk from the shuttle stop to the base of the lower falls. Older kids who love to hike can make the 2600 foot climb (7.6 miles round trip) to the very top of the upper falls. Its an incredible view that will be etched into their minds forever. Peak flow is in late spring and early summer. While you are in Yosemite be sure to check out Bridalveil, Vernal, and Nevada Falls. They are all guaranteed to make your jaw drop.
Photo courtesy Flickr user bdesham
While the Niagara Falls are not the tallest, they are certainly some of the most impressive falls your family will ever see. They straddle the international border with Canada and have been a popular vacation destination for decades. Families can throw on a poncho and hop on board the Maid of the Mist to get a close up view of the falls, or wander through the tunnels behind the falls to get a very different (but equally as wet) view. At night the falls are lit up with multi-color lights, but I think they look much more beautiful during the day when they are able to show their much more stunning natural colors.
Yellowstone is probably best known for being a geothermal wonderland, but it also has some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country. Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls plunge with tremendous force down deep into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, creating incredible vistas along the way. There are a number of different spots to view the falls including Artist’s Point, but I think one of the most unique vantage points is taking the trail down to the brink of the Lower Falls. Watching thousands of gallons per second pour over the brink is spellbinding.
4. Akaka Falls
Photo Courtesy of Flickr User Snuffy
There are so many amazing waterfalls plunging deep down into the tropical forests of the Hawaiian Islands but Akaka Falls on the Big Island made our list because of its dramatic beauty and family-friendly accessibility. A short walk leads visitors to water plunging 442 feet into the spring carved gorge. If standing within view of Akaka Falls doesn’t make you want to build a grass hut and take up permanent residence in the jungle, nothing will.
Photo Courtesy of Flickr user Redefinery
Just outside of Seattle are Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most popular natural attractions. 1.5 million visitors come every year to watch the Snoqualmie River plunge 268 feet, creating a white curtain of water. There are observation points at the top and bottom of the falls and plenty of nice hiking trails in the area. If you simply can’t get enough of the falls then consider staying at the Salish Lodge and Spa which is just perched near the brink, and enjoy a piece of Northwestern luxury.
6. Shoshone Falls:
Photo courtesy of Trekaroo member gwosatum
Near the city of Twin Falls, ID, the Snake River decides to ditch the whole “winding through the countryside” routine and do something a bit more exciting. It plunges 212 feet creating a dramatic spray and a beautiful spectacle. This waterfall is best viewed in the spring as irrigation diversions can reduce the flow quite a bit in the summer and fall. There is a nice picnic area near the parking lot with an incredible view, so don’t forget to pack a lunch!
Photo Courtesy Flickr User Odalaigh
This gorgeous waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge is hard to miss while traveling along Interstate 84. Don’t just give it a drive by, take time to stop and enjoy these beautiful falls. Multnomah Falls drop 620 feet, and its an easy walk from the parking lot, through a tunnel under the highway, to a viewing area near the base. If you are looking for a real adventure, take the steep hike up multiple switchbacks to the top of the falls. The view will be worth the burn in your thighs.
This forested park just east of Salem, OR is a waterfall lovers dream. An 8.7 mile trail takes hikers past 10 waterfalls along Silver Creek. Whether you only have time to visit the easily viewed 177 foot South Falls or an entire day to follow the trail and see them all, you are guaranteed at least one “wow” to escape under your breath.
9. Upper Whitewater Falls:
Photo courtesy RomanticAsheville.com
Located 60 miles from Asheville, NC in the Jocassee Gorge, this stunner is the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies. Its just a short stroller-friendly walk from the parking lot to the upper viewing platform. For an even better view, head down 154 steps to the lower viewing platform and take it all in. While in the area, be sure to check out Gorges State Park for more wonderful waterfall-filled goodness.
I know, I know, Glacier National Park isn’t a waterfall. But come mid-summer, a drive down Going to the Sun Road will place you in a waterfall lover’s paradise. Snowmelt cascades over cliff edges, down steep mountainsides, and even on to the road itself, creating drama that only Mother Nature can dish out. This may be the only place on the planet where I was happy to be stuck in road construction traffic. The delays allowed us to slow down and enjoy parts of the park (waterfalls included) that we might have otherwise missed.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
