Summer is almost here, which means the kids are out of school and it’s time to squeeze in as much family time as possible!
One of the best ways to get some old fashioned quality time with your family this summer is to take a vacation, obviously!
Not all vacations are created equally, though. Some families love to sightsee, some like to chill at the beach, some like to go on wild and crazy adventures, and some just like to eat! If you and your family fall into the latter category, then keep on reading, because we’ve compiled a list of 18 must-visit vacation spots around the United States for families who consider themselves foodies!
From fresh seafood in Seattle and the best BBQ you’ve ever had in Austin to authentic tacos in LA and toasted ravioli in St. Louis, everyone in your family will undoubtedly be satisfied with these delicious finds all across the country!
1. Austin, TX
Austin may be catered towards a younger, millennial crowd, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of family-friendly things to do in this Texas town! Your best bet for experiencing Austin in its true foodie form is heading over to Franklin BBQ for their brisket — or literally anything on the menu.
2. Honolulu, HI
Honolulu isn’t just a relaxing beach paradise, it’s also a food paradise! Try out some local dishes like Loco Moco, which is any variation of white rice, a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy. Shaved ice is also wildly popular here and makes for a great sweet treat to beat the summer heat. Plus, you can’t go wrong with fresh seafood! It all sounds so delicious!
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is filled with tons of things to do, like catching a Royals baseball game or visiting a museum downtown. If you’re looking for unique, local cuisine to indulge in, you can’t go wrong with toasted ravioli at Mama’s On The Hill — a famous dish in the area. Also, the frozen custard here is truly mind-blowing, and the BBQ is a culinary delight.
4. Las Vegas, NV
Although Las Vegas is widely known as the City of Sin, there are tons of things for people of all ages to do there. Each hotel has a plethora of options to choose from, including huge buffets that’ll take you on a food tour of the world! Try the buffet at Caesars Palace or the Aria — you won’t be disappointed!
5. Los Angeles, CA
When it comes to Los Angeles, there are so many options for activities AND food, it can be a little overwhelming. While enjoying the beach, downtown, and any other touristy things, be sure to stop at any of the local taco trucks you see parked on the street — I guarantee they will be the best tacos you’ve ever eaten! Also, you can’t go wrong with sushi or Thai food in LA. The possibilities are truly endless — there’s something for everyone!
6. Madison, WI
Madison, Wisconsin, is one of the most beautiful places in the midwest during the summer (and any other season). State Street boasts tons of mom-and-pop restaurants and shops, and the terrace at the student union is the perfect place to grab a pitcher of beer or cider (for adults, obviously). Those who aren’t of age can enjoy a scoop or two of Babcock ice cream. Other must-try cuisines of the cheese capital of the world? Brats and cheese curds!
7. Miami, FL
If you find yourself and your family sauntering through the streets of Miami, you have to try some authentic Cuban food, obviously! Head over to places like Sergio’s or Little Havana, and enjoy beautiful dishes like fried plantains, fried pork, and fresh seafood!
8. Nashville, TN
Not only is Nashville THE destination for music lovers of all kinds, but it’s also THE destination for fried chicken lovers, too! And who doesn’t love fried chicken? Try out Hattie B’s in Midtown for an authentic taste of Nashville’s very best hot chicken!
9. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is filled with so much rich history — if you haven’t been there already, now is the time to visit! Not only is there a lot to do, like ghost and vampire tours, but there’s also a plethora of local delicacies that you HAVE to try, like the world-famous beignets from Cafe du Monde and gumbo from the Gumbo Shop.
10. Portland, ME
Maine is so beautiful during the summer, you’d be crazy not to head up there for a weekend vacation. Enjoy fresh seafood — specifically lobster rolls — while taking in the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean.
11. Portland, OR
Even though it’s super touristy, if you find yourself in Portland, OR, you must visit Voodoo Doughnut — there’s a reason why these delicious doughnuts are so popular! There are also tons of food trucks and street food options on pretty much every corner, so you can get a little taste of Portland anywhere you go!
12. New York, NY
The best thing about New York City is that you can get any type of food, anywhere, pretty much at any time. You can’t visit the Big Apple without stopping at one of the iconic hot dog stands and picking up a street dog or a pretzel. So New York!
13. San Diego, CA
San Diego is perfect for beach lovers and taco lovers alike! Fish tacos were allegedly invented here by Ralph Rubio, and if the name sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve probably eaten at — or at least heard of — Rubio’s, a Mexican fast-food chain. Nothing compares to the original, though, so if you find yourself in San Diego over the summer, definitely check out this local eatery!
14. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has a ton of different types of food to experience — however, you can never go wrong with its fresh seafood! Fisherman’s Wharf has a little something for everyone, but one place you definitely have to hit up is Boudin Bakery for fresh clam chowder in a bread bowl! Also, the original Ghirardelli chocolate shop is close by, so it’s the perfect place to grab a sweet treat after walking around all day!
15. Savannah, GA
For families who are fans of a charming, slower-paced city, Savannah is the place to be! Leopold’s Ice Cream will surely satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth, as there’s a little something for everyone! Plus, you can even take some ice cream to go with a made-to-order, hand-packed pint of a flavor of your choice!
16. Seatlle, WA
If you’re taking a summer trip to Seattle, there’s absolutely no way you can go and not try all the fresh seafood on the west coast! You can also visit the original Starbucks, which is near Pike Place Market — one of the food hubs of the Pacific Northwest! Finally, while you’re there, you have to try a Seattle-style hotdog, which has cream cheese on it. Hey, don’t knock it till you try it!
17. St. Louis, MO
If you find yourself vacationing or visiting St. Louis, you can’t NOT eat some famous St. Louis-style barbecue while you’re there! Head over to the famous Sugarfire Smoke House for some of the most decadent, fall-off-the-bone barbecue you’ve ever had!
18. Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC may be famous for being our nation’s capital, however, it should also be famous for the amazing food it has to offer! Comfort foods like pasta and pizza are staples around here; try the truffle mac ‘n’ cheese at Duke’s Grocery or pizza at Menomale!