As the back-to-school season looms and routines begin to take shape, there’s still time to squeeze in a last-minute family getaway. You may be craving beach time, mountain air, or big city fun, and luckily, there is still for one last summer vacation.
Whether you have just a weekend or a few days at your disposal, these vacation ideas fit the bill. Pack your bags and get ready for a week of hiking, swimming and exploring! Where can you book a last-minute vacation and enjoy the final weeks of summer?
End of Summer Vacation Destinations in the US
1. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is popular in late summer because of the nice weather and numerous family-friendly activities. For instance, after exploring the Museum of Science, your crew can tour 16 significant historical sites on the Freedom Trail, including the Old North Church.
It’s a terrific opportunity to get hands-on educational experience before your kids head back to history class. Besides the colonial sites, there are plenty of modern attractions in Beantown.
For example, the Boston Red Sox’s regular season lasts through September, offering baseball throughout the late summer. You might be able to get last-minute vacation deals if the team falls out of playoff contention and reduce ticket prices. Your family might want to stay at The Langham or The Boxer, considering they have family suites and connecting rooms.
2. Redwood National and State Parks, California
If your family enjoys the outdoors, head west to California and savor views of the tall redwood trees. Redwood National and State Parks include recreational areas such as Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park with its famed Fern Canyon hike and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Regardless, you’ll surround yourself with 80,000 native trees creating scenic canopies.
Coastal Northern California has cool weather this time of year, making it favorable for family outings. Once you’re at the park, you and your children can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. The misty coastal trails make you feel like you’re in a mystical forest, so it should be among your top last-minute vacation ideas.
3. Orange Beach, Alabama
Summertime is for tanning, playing in the water and building sand castles. Although some northern locations may have cooler weather, you can relax in the warm waves at Orange Beach. Alabama’s Gulf Coast region is a must-see family vacation spot due to the white sands and locally sourced seafood.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have 32 miles of white-sand beaches, so there’s plenty of room for your family. Embrace the coastline by swimming in the water, enjoying seafood at local restaurants and viewing wildlife. Charter a fishing boat to explore the Gulf of Mexico to see dolphins, sharks and beautiful reefs.
Orange Beach stays could include camping at Gulf State Park or short-term rentals by the ocean. If you prefer hotels, you can find a great place to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach Beachfront.
Note: Late summer and early fall both fall into hurricane season and while the chances of your trip being impacted by a major storm are small, travel insurance is a good idea.
4. Grand Junction, Colorado
Colorado might be famous for its skiing, snowboarding and cold weather, but locations like Grand Junction are incredible last-minute summer vacation opportunities. This western town rests along the Colorado River and provides endless outdoor activities for families. From horseback riding to golfing, you won’t be bored!
Grand Junction includes diverse terrain and wildlife, so you may need a guided tour to navigate the area. Colorado guides can take you to hidden spots and ensure a safe experience, especially if you’re rafting the riveting rapids.
Grand Junction is also the gateway city to Colorado National Monument, known for its scenic route, Rim Rock Drive, which has 19 scenic viewpoints to enjoy along the way.
Families heading to Grand Junction should check the availability of local hotels and Airbnb rentals before departing. The DoubleTree is a good option is you are looking for full service lodging and the Hotel Maverick is a great option for families who might want to check out the Colorado Mesa University campus while in town.
5. Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you like lakes and rivers, head to Grand Rapids, Michigan, before the first school bell sounds. This western Michigan city is divided by the Grand River and is only a short drive from the Great Lakes. Summertime means enjoying outdoor attractions, such as the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park or Fulton Street Market.
Zoos are a big hit with kids, so take your family to the John Ball Zoological Garden. This outdoor area piques kids’ interest in conservation due to its STEM programs and hands-on activities. From kindergarteners to seniors, your students can enjoy their time and prepare for the school year. If you want more indoor activities, check out the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
To appreciate the area, your Grand Rapids stay should include a hotel with Grand River views. Some accommodations with these waterfront displays are JW Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown and Residence Inn Grand Rapids Downtown.
6. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is a relaxed yet vibrant city along the Atlantic Ocean. While it’s the fifth-largest city in Georgia, it has a small-town feeling due to its slower pace of life and intimate atmosphere. Summertime includes picnicking in Forsyth Park and touring Fort Pulaski National Monument.
The city is terrific for visiting the beach and enjoying the Atlantic breeze, though your little ones may enjoy the educational opportunities. Take your crew to the Savannah Children’s Museum for its sensory gardens, puppet theater and exploration maze. Then, you can take advantage of the nearby family-friendly restaurants like The Pink House and York Street Deli Restaurant.
Planning a trip to Savannah could include hotels in the city or short-term rentals near Tybee Island. Regardless, late-summer reservations are available at Hotel Indigo, Hyatt Regency or The Marshall House.
7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Travel north along the Atlantic Coast to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — one of the best last-minute vacation spots for families. This coastal town is full of attractions, restaurants and shops, fulfilling the typical tourist town experience. Start your adventure on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade to enjoy roller coasters, delicious eats, and local businesses.
Myrtle Beach is famous for its sandy shores and warm waters, though the town can easily fill your itinerary with attractions. Families should check out Ripley’s Aquarium to see sharks, sea turtles and South African penguins. If your family has thrill-seekers, visit Family Kingdom Amusement Park for kid-friendly rides and memorable adventures.
Here are more of our favorite things to do in South Carolina with kids.
Look for resorts that include last-minute vacation deals in the last few weeks of summer. Popular hotels and condo rentals include Grande Cayman Resort Hotel, Ocean Bay Club, and Dunes Village Resort.
8. Catalina Island, CA
The crowds of Los Angeles can be overwhelming in the summer, so where can you find time for yourself? Take your family to Catalina Island off the California coast for unique outdoor activities. This area has a strong reputation for scuba diving, with water visibility of up to 100 feet and consistently warm waters, making it friendly for first-timers.
Diving in Catalina Island exposes you to incredible wildlife viewing opportunities underwater, including octopus, leopard sharks and scorpionfish. If you prefer on-land fun, try hiking the interior or soaring above the canopies in a zipline.
Read our full guide to visiting Catalina Island.
When it’s time to go inside, you can enjoy indoor activities like the Catalina Museum for Art & History and the shops on the boardwalk. While options are limited, there are places to stay on-island. Families can enjoy lodging at Hotel Metropole which is steps from all the fun in Avalon.
9. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County, Wisconsin, is where you can find a last-minute vacation to one of America’s most underrated destinations. This part of the Midwest is far from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, so it flies under the radar, but you shouldn’t miss seeing Green Bay and Lake Michigan. From Sturgeon Bay to Baileys Harbor, summertime fun lives in Wisconsin.
Nature lovers convene in Door County to connect with the outdoors and have fun with their families. Popular summertime activities in this eastern Wisconsin region include bird watching at Horicon Marsh, hiking on Horseshoe Island or swimming at Mendota County Park. Your indoor agenda should contain the Door County Maritime Museum, the Northern Sky Theater and the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.
Read our complete guide to visiting Door County in the fall.
Family-friendly accommodations in Wisconsin include Landmark Resort and Eagle Harbor Inn which have pools and other convenient amenities for children.
Trekaroo tip: Combine a trip to Door County with a pre-season Packer’s game in Green Bay!
10. Chicago, Illinois
Summer adventures in eastern Wisconsin mean you’re not far from Chicago. The Second City is an excellent summer destination due to its proximity to Lake Michigan and outdoor spaces. If you need last-minute vacation ideas, this Illinois metro area has a week’s worth of fun for the whole family. From music festivals to boat tours, there’s something for everyone.
Your family’s Chicago trip should include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free to enter and open year-round. It’s among the nation’s oldest and is famous for its diverse animal exhibits. From giraffes to pygmy hippos, the zoo’s wildlife viewing is a unique learning experience for young minds. Other outdoor activities in Chicago include Millennium Park, the Lakefront Trail and the riverwalk.
Check out all our favorite things to do in Chicago with kids.
Chicago’s vast hospitality industry includes family-friendly hotels and rentals in the city or the suburbs. Consider the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, the London House or The Royal Sonesta Downtown.
11. Portland, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is an outdoor lover’s dream, so plan a Portland trip to enjoy the best of Oregon. Your family can hike in Forest Park, ride a boat in the Columbia Gorge or soak in the views of the Willamette River. Traveling to PDX means being close to nature at every turn, such as Mount Hood National Forest and Tillamook State Forest.
A last-minute vacation to Portland means taking advantage of the city’s late-summer events. For example, your family can visit the Northwest Art & Air Festival to watch air balloons in nearby Albany, shop at craft vendors, and participate in a scavenger hunt.
Late summer is excellent for visiting the International Rose Test Garden, which features 10,000 bushes and seasonal blooms.
12. Asheville, North Carolina
If you crave more mountain views, head east to Asheville, North Carolina. This growing city has become a must-see vacation destination year-round, whether you want to ski in the winter or swim in the summer. Late August and early September let you enjoy the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains to the iconic Appalachian Mountains.
Here are our favorite things to do in Asheville with kids on a family getaway.
This western North Carolina city is famous for its arts and culture scene, so check out the local galleries and hobby shops. Mountain crafters make unique Appalachian souvenirs. If your family has history lovers, take them to the Biltmore Estate to explore the gigantic mansion and appreciate the architecture.
Asheville has terrific family-friendly hotels like the Grand Bohemian Lodge and the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park.
13. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Summertime in Appalachia could also take you to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. This small town is underrated, so booking a last-minute vacation might be worth your family’s time. It’s the intersection of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, so there are plenty of opportunities for aquatic activities.
Your West Virginia vacation should include whitewater rafting on the Shenandoah River. While some rapids are challenging, there are beginner-friendly waters for your family.
If you want a more relaxed outing, head to the water for tubing or the John Brown Wax Museum for indoor exploration. Return during the fall for exhilarating ghost tours! Family-friendly hotels in Harpers Ferry include the Clarion Inn Harpers Ferry and Lily Garden Bed & Breakfast.
14. Washington, D.C.
Take a train from Harpers Ferry to the nation’s capital. It’s a history-filled city with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities. From the Washington Monument to the Jefferson Memorial, the architecture makes D.C. an excellent place for a last-minute family vacation.
Read our guide to the best things to do in DC with kids on a memorable family vacation.
Families can start their journey at the Smithsonian National Zoo and watch the pandas. This facility houses over 2,000 animals from 400 species, and admission is free. Other educational opportunities include the Smithsonian Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Your trip to Washington, D.C., could include hotels in the District, Maryland or Virginia. Fantastic accommodations include Grand Hyatt Washington as well as these other favorites we include in our guide to family-friendly DC hotels.
What You Should Bring on Your Last-Minute Vacation
A last-minute vacation may mean you don’t have much time to pack. If you’re in a pinch, remember to bring the following items:
- Travel documents: Double-check you have your Real ID or passport, health insurance card, and necessities like plane tickets and hotel check-in details.
- Comfortable clothes: Summertime could bring unexpected showers, so bring the appropriate gear based on the forecast.
- Chargers: Don’t leave the house without your phone charger and a power bank for your devices.
- First-aid kit: Last-minute vacation ideas shouldn’t skip safety, so bring an emergency kit.
- Medications: Besides bandages, you’ll need enough daily medications and prescriptions for the trip.
I've loved writing my whole life, whether through personal blogs, news coverage or travel logs. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Brooklyn College in 2017, and in the time since then have written for dozens of publications across a wide variety of industries. I've also obtained certifications in Batteries and Electric Vehicles from Arizona State University and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from Politecnico di Milano.
In my time in the men's lifestyle space, I've covered everything from the automotive industry to hobbies and self-improvement. I'm also the father of a young son, and have recently been writing about my experiences as a relatively new parent.
Outside of Trekaroo, my writing has been featured by Car Mechanics Magazine, the National Motorists Association, MOTOR, Hennessey, BarBend, EETimes, Innovation News Network, ParentCo., The Travel Magazine, Duluth Pack, Washington Trails Magazine and more.
In particular, I've always been a lover of camping, hiking, backpacking and any travel that lets me explore nature and really get in touch with my surroundings. Outside of travel, I love raising pets, the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia Eagles (to the disdain of my New Yorker family), working on cars, gaming and spending time with family.
- 14 Last-Minute Vacation Ideas Before the School Year Starts (2025) - August 5, 2025
- The 15 Best U.S. Cities for Cool Weather Summer Vacations - June 23, 2025
- The 14 Most Accessible Cities in the U.S. - June 26, 2025