16 Best Father Daughter Trips & Vacation Ideas

Hey Dads! Is it getting tougher to connect with your daughter? Today’s high-tech, fast-paced world makes it challenging to have any facetime, let alone quality conversations with our kids. Likewise, ladies, want to find a way to thank the first man in your life this Father’s Day?

Traveling together is an excellent way to strengthen your bond over common interests or share in an adventure.

Whether you share a love of sports, theater, music, or history, there’s something fun to experience together. We list some of the best father-daughter trips to get you started.

Best Father Daughter Trips & Destination Ideas

1. Best for Country Music Lovers – Nashville, Tennessee

Do you have a budding musician on your hands? Is the old man a country fan? If you and your daughter/you and your dad bond over the latest or greatest country music sensations, then Nashville is the destination for you. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum before taking in a show at the Grand Ole Opry. 

Try a segway tour or downtown walking tour to get the inside scoop on the town and spend some quality time. Not only can you get your fill of country music, but there is also a buffet of dining options to tempt every palate. 

With so much to experience in Nashville, it’s definitely one of the best father-daughter weekend trips you can plan. Book a room at the Ramada within walking distance of the Grand Ole Opry and score a complimentary breakfast.

Like what you are hearing? Check out these other best things to do in Nashville, Tennessee.

See Related: Best Museums in America

2. Best Eclectic Foodie Experience – Seattle, Washington 

If the two of you love watching food shows and bake-offs, Seattle might be one of the ideal father-daughter trip destinations.

Pick a hotel downtown, like the Warwick Seattle, to be within walking distance of some fabulous dining options, like Assaggio, Lola, and Margaux.  Pike Place Market is a festival of food and other goodies with dozens of intriguing stalls to explore.

It’s the site of the famous fish tossing, and if you’re lucky, you or your daughter might get to toss one! Plus, you can take a chef-guided food tour to sample delectable bites from several artisanal vendors. If you prefer a plant-based menu, try a plant-based food tour.

Bonus: don’t miss out on the Underground Donut Tour that takes you through the history of donuts in the city and treats you to some sweet samples!

3. Best Extended Vacation – Orlando, Florida

Do you have the time to take an extended trip? Orlando is one of the top father-daughter vacation ideas because there is so much to do in and around the city.

From Universal Orlando with the magical Harry Potter World to the other magic kingdom, DisneyWorld, you have plenty of options to fill several days.

You don’t have to spend your time at theme parks. If you stay somewhere in the area that’s not tied to one of the theme parks, like the Courtyard by Marriott in the Marriott Village, you have the freedom to take father-daughter day trips. 

Some other popular options include the Kennedy Space Center, Bok Tower Gardens, and several Escape Rooms. You could also explore Madame Tussauds Orlando and the Museum of Illusions for a change of pace.

4. Best for Theater Buffs – New York City, New York

How can you beat the bright lights of Broadway? Never mind the food and culture oozing from every street in the city; you guys can see some of the best live shows in the world!

Stay in the heart of it all by choosing a hotel in Times Square, like the Hilton Garden Inn, within walking distance of Broadway shows, the Museum of Modern Art, and Carnegie Hall.

Be sure to take a Broadway-themed tour, swing by Joe Allen Restaurant, and scope out scripts in the Drama Book Shop. 

Naturally, you need to fill your days with some sightseeing, including the Empire State Building. You might want to peruse one of the many museums if you’re both lovers of art. 

5. Best for Budding Politicians – Washington D.C.

For Dads with budding activists, it’s not easy to find the best places for a father-and-daughter trip. Likewise, if the old man is stuck in the past, it can be tough to find common ground.

So, why not lean into that discourse? Washington, D.C., provides a healthy dose of history and should tickle your fancy. Stay downtown at a historic hotel, like the Capital Hilton, to set the mood and give you easy access to the attractions in DC.

Stroll the National Mall or take a tour to explore the landmarks and soak in history. You can even take a Haunted History Ghost Tour. Don’t forget to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of History for a walk-through tour that you’ll both enjoy. There are also a number of museums for kids in Washington, D.C.

Bonus: Arlington National Cemetery and Mount Vernon are just a short drive away, and both are lovely areas for lazy strolls while you chat.

See Related: Best Washington D.C. Walking Tours

6. Best for History Meets Nature – Rapid City, South Dakota

One of the more unique father-daughter getaways involves monuments, badlands, and a lot of hiking.

Head to Rapid City to witness the wonder of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. You could also visit Dinosaur Park, a park with several massive dinosaur statues, or head to one of the history museums.

Downtown Rapid City makes for a fun stroll about town, complete with the City of Presidents statues. Plus, there are dozens of tour options, including Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Mammoth Site, and the Black Hills. These are among the wonderful sites and best things to do in South Dakota.

This trip should be as unique as the city, including where you stay. Try the Hotel Alex Johnson, which features rooms with period furnishings.

Or, if you’re both the rough and ready types, head over to Badlands National Park for a camping trip!

See Related: Best Things to Do in Deadwood, South Dakota

7. Best for Road Tripping – California

Sometimes, you must rent a car and download the right tunes for a road trip. California is the ultimate destination for father-daughter road trips, mainly if you stick to the coast.

Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway gives you breathtaking coastal views and plenty of places to stop. You can start almost anywhere and be rewarded with plenty of eye candy. 

Stop in San Francisco for a few days to see the Golden Gate Bridge and visit Yosemite National Park to see the Giant Sequoias.

Catch whale watching in Monterey Bay before heading down to Santa Barbara, where you’ll definitely want to spend time on the water.  Then, go to Los Angeles, where there’s a bevy of activities, from Celebrity Homes Tours to an Evening Ghost Walking Tour. End your trip to San Diego, where you must visit the San Diego Zoo.

In San Francisco, stay in the Marina District at HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel for a road trip-worthy experience. Plan on at least one night near the beach when you hit Santa Barbara.

You could go for glitz and glam in Los Angeles, but what about a little historic flourish, like the Hollywood Historic Hotel? Finish your trip in style with a glorious stay somewhere like the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.

See Related: San Francisco CityPASS Review

8. Best for Eclectic Spirits – Seattle, Washington 

Are you wondering where to go on a father-daughter trip if you’re both into a little bit of everything? Seattle makes the list a second time to look at it differently. Stay at a historic Queen Anne District hotel like The Mediterranean Inn to be closer to the Space Needle and a wealth of activities.

Even those who don’t love sports might enjoy a tour of Lumen Field, the home of the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders, and OL Reign. It’s one of the loudest stadiums in America, with unique history and architecture.

Purchase the Seattle CityPASS to save big and gain admission to some of the city’s biggest attractions, like the Museum of Pop Culture, Woodland Park Zoo, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Space Needle. Plus, the famous Fremont Troll is nearby.

See Related: Best Winter Destinations in Washington State

9. Best for Adventure – Fairbanks, Alaska

Do you both crave some adventure? Take a father-daughter vacation to Fairbanks, Alaska, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience neither of you will ever forget. 

Expect a relaxing vacation with some of the friendliest small-town folks you’ll meet anywhere. Stay in style at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, where you have views of the Chena River. 

Among the best things to do in Fairbanks is to head to the Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum, take a snowmobile tour, and see what it’s like to live in a yurt.

Time your visit right (typically August 21 through April 21) to witness the Aurora Borealis. For an extra special experience, take the Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights tour with a home-cooked Alaskan meal.

See Related: Best Restaurant in Fairbanks Alaska

10. Best for Beach Lovers – Kauai, Hawaii

Go all out for your father-daughter trip with a vacation to Hawaii, Kauai! Pack your bathing suits and wetsuits for days of fun and sun in this subtropical paradise. Plus, you can enjoy a little privacy at Waimea Plantation Cottages, where you can take a break from the fun to relax and bond. 

Explore some of the best beaches in Hawaii, including Polihale State Park, Poipu Beach Park, and Kalihiwai Beach. Make time to visit Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, where you can see over 200 bronze sculptures, a hardwood plantation, and more.

Spend at least one evening at Luau Kalamaku and make time to explore the gorgeous rainforest-like terrain. If you both feel adventurous, try a zipline tour for a different view of the island.

11. Best for History Buffs – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

So, you’ve watched National Treasure together a thousand times and know the importance of every building in Philly, so why not visit them in person? Philadelphia is home to some of the most historic buildings in the country, like Independence Hall and Eastern State Penitentiary.

If you don’t want to retrace your favorite film’s footsteps, try the Founding Fathers Historical Walking Tour for a different perspective.

You might want to stay at Wyndham Philadelphia since it’s located in the Historic District by the Liberty Bell. Other nearby historical sites include the Betsy Ross House and the Museum of the American Revolution. Bonus: If you are also a Rocky fan, you can check out the statue and jog up the famous steps!

See Related: Pennsylvania Slang Terms You Need to Know.

12. Best for Adult Daughters – Portland, Oregon

Not all father-daughter trip ideas need to be for all ages. There’s something special about fathers bonding with their adult daughters at wine or beer tastings, and Portland has it all. Keep things classy by staying at Dossier in downtown Portland. It’s near Powell’s City of Books and Portland’s Saturday Market.

Experience wine and waterfalls at a full-day Mount Hood tour. If you enjoy craft beer, visit the city for a craft brewery walking tour. Maybe you are a tea lover seeking the perfect brew. Check out one of Steven Smith Teamaker’s tasting rooms. 

Portland, Oregon, is also a foodie haven with dozens of food carts and fabulous niche restaurants to suit any taste. Don’t miss out on Voodoo Doughnut’s unique and wacky pastries!

13. Best for TV & Movie Buffs – Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia, is home to several hit television shows, including The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, and several Marvel installments. Of course, there’s plenty more to do in Atlanta, but one of the film location tours should get the ball rolling. 

Swing by the Center for Puppetry Arts or the Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Then, you could grab a CityPASS to visit more attractions, including the World of Coca-Cola and Zoo Atlanta. You can’t have the best father-daughter trip to Atlanta without stopping at Dad’s Garage Theatre for hilarious improv.

If you plan to stay for a few days, experience true Southern hospitality at a traditional hotel. For those who desire something with a little funk, try Reverb by Hard Rock in Downtown Atlanta.

14. Best for Hunting & Fishing – Salt Lake City, Utah

Does your ideal father-daughter trip include fishing and hunting? You can find some of the best of both in Salt Lake City, one of the best places to visit in Utah. Utah has resources and interactive maps to help you create your hunting plan and a list of the best fishing spots in the state.

Plus, you can take several adventure tours with you out and about in the wild for hiking or biking. If you feel truly adventurous, try the guided Wasatch Range Ice Climbing tour.

You need someplace comfortable and cozy to relax after a long day. Try staying at the Little America Hotel near Temple Square, where you can enjoy the sauna and hot tub.

See Related: Things to Do in Nephi, Utah

15. Best for Snow Lovers – Estes Park, Colorado

Colorado is filled with the best winter spots. Whether you ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or sled, Estes Park has you covered. Take a sledding tour or snowshoeing tour in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also take short trips to additional snow sporting spots, like Breckenridge and Telluride.

Explore the sleepy ski town and its many niche shops if you need time inside. Or, you could learn about The Stanley Hotel’s mysterious history, which inspired Stephen King’s Overlook Hotel in The Shining. Don’t worry; you can stay at a less haunted hotel, like Murphy’s Resort.

See Related: The Ultimate Colorado Springs Itinerary

16. Best Backpacking Adventure – Austin, Texas

Can you challenge each other to take everything you need on your back? You’ll find plenty to experience and many friendly locals when you backpack around Austin, Texas. It has the ideal blend of cowboys, music, and HUGE food.

Plus, you can go thrifting at some eclectic stores. Just don’t take more than you can carry. If you’re Halo or Rooster Teeth fans, you’re on hallowed ground! While you’re out and about, try the Haunted Austin City Exploration Game to solve puzzles and discover new ghost stories. When you must shower and repack, hang your hat at Hilton Garden Inn in the University Capitol District.

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