How to Choose a U.S. Vacation Destination

For those who have scrimped and saved, or are not economically strapped this year, choose a vacation area of the country that has activities for the whole family. Many travel agencies offer great family value packages or plan the vacation on MapQuest.

A drive down the coastal areas of Washington and Oregon offers beautiful scenery, beaches, whale watching, visiting the numerous lighthouses and deep-sea fishing. The seafood at a "just caught" pier café is fabulous.

Step2 - Wikimedia Commons Driving down the Coast Highway from the Redwoods to Las Angeles makes the California coastline a number one vacation spot.

The weather always cooperates and budget saving offers are abundant. From eating lobster on the wharf in San Francisco and visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, to going on a tour through Alcatraz, swimming.

At the glorious beaches, visiting Knott's Berry Farm, taking in Disneyland, and going on a tour through Universal Studios, this adventure is sure to have something to please the whole family.

Driving through the desert southwest has given people a whole new perspective of desert scenery and quite an education on ancient peoples. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a must see. Traveling a bit east, a stop at Canyon de Chelly reveals the ancient ruins of the Anasazi people.

The four corners area where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona intersect is also a fun place for the kids to have their photo taken. The magnificence of Mesa Verde National Park, in the southwest corner of Colorado, is certainly awe-inspiring for the whole family. Investigating the well-preserved cliff dwellings is an educational adventure.

One must see Carlsbad Caverns to appreciate the wonders of Mother Nature. Once and inland sea, the formations are breath-taking. The main cave is well-lit and tour guides are available. Don’t forget to be there at dusk when thousands of bats exit the surrounding caves.

Sea World in Florida has been a number one vacation spot for years. The weather couldn't be better, but don't make plans during hurricane season. Orlando offers Disney World, while further south one can visit the Kennedy Space Center and Space Coast, the Florida Keyes, and the Everglades. The cultural and historical benefits of traveling the northeast cannot be overstated.

The museums, Broadway plays, Statue of Liberty, United Nations, Empire State Building, Times Square, and Grand Central Station make New York City a vacation all its own. Washington D.C. has great historical attractions from the White House, to the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Veteran's Memorial, the Smithsonian's nineteen museums, and the U. S. Capitol; the whole family will get a glimpse of where the Nations leaders live and work. The kids will love the National Air and Space Museum and the National Zoo.

Boston, Massachusetts also has numerous museums, Paul Revere's homestead, Six Flags Amusement Park, the Salem Witch Museum, and Boston Harbor, all memorable sights. Maybe a winter vacation is in the future. There are many affordable family vacation packages that offer a variety of winter sports.

Grand Targhee Ski Resort located outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming has boasted for being the number one ski spot for years. The scenery of the Grand Tetons is unmatchable and the town offers an abundance of activities for every age.

The Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is also a number one ski resort. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains supplies the ski resort with the two steepest ski runs in the country. Don't forget to check out Telluride, Colorado, Squaw Valley, California, Sun Valley, Idaho, and Park City, Utah.