25 Best Mother-daughter Trips Around the World

Monteverde and Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica

There may be no better place in the world to zip line than in the forest of Monteverde. During our tour at Selvatura Park, we couldn’t see the opposite end of our zip line because of the thick clouds blanketing us, so we flew through the magical gray, trusting we’d make it to the other side.

Try a nighttime tour in the nearby wildlife refuge to spot animals like sloths, kinkajous, toucans, tarantulas, and vipers. Then, make your way approximately three hours west to the beach town of Tamarindo — great for surfing lessons (the tide is low and ideal for beginners), leatherback turtle sightings (which nest here from October to May), and beautiful sunsets. It’s also a fantastic place to snorkel.

Sedona, Arizona

The red-rock peaks of the American Southwest are stunning, and Sedona is my favorite place to experience them. Known for its vortexes, or places of more intense earthly energy, Sedona is also the place to feel the Earth’s vibrations. You can tackle easy hikes with children of all ages, like the creekside Baldwin Trail that offers views of Cathedral Rock (which is a vortex). Boynton Canyon (another vortex) is a gorgeous playground for nature lovers; drive in for a hike here (about 20 minutes from town center), or stay right in the canyon at Enchantment Resort, where meals and pool time come with stellar views of the canyon. If your daughter is 16 or older, Mii Amo spa is a primo place to indulge in a self-care vacation.

Puerto Rico

On tropical walks in El Yunque National Forest, you are surrounded by lush vegetation, wildlife, and waterfalls, making Puerto Rico another destination for mother-daughter pairs wanting to recharge in nature. Leap into a swimming hole to cool off, or book a zip-line tour to get your adrenaline going as you soar through the forest canopy. Then, get to one of the three bioluminescent bays in Lajas, Fajardo, or Vieques for a kayaking trip illuminated by glowing dinoflagellates. Just wandering the streets of Old San Juan, snacking on piraguas (shaved ice), is also fun.

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is the ultimate alpine lake, its shores speckled with world-class ski slopes, casinos, and forested hiking trails. In the winter, my daughter goes ice skating or takes a ski lesson at resorts like Palisades Tahoe or Northstar. And you’re never too young for some après-ski — a bloody mary in the midday sun for adults, and hot chocolate for the young ones after a couple hours on the mountain.

In the summer, tube down the Truckee River (you can DIY it or go with an outfitter) and spend lots of time in the woods. Try the Tahoe East Shore Trail (three miles) for a paved walk right along the water, or pick from many paths in local-favorite Emerald Bay State Park. For lakeside fun, picnic and play at Pope Beach on the south shore or Kings Beach on the north shore. If the kids paddleboard or kayak, gear up for that on Tahoe’s crystal-blue waters.

North Shore, Oahu

It's hard to have a bad day in Hawaii, but the most serene days might be those spent on Oahu’s North Shore. Long protected from major development, there are no malls or modern complexes here, so come for respite and wildly gorgeous waters. Turtle Bay Resort is a great accommodation option close to the white sand of Kawela Bay. Snorkel at Three Tables, Shark’s Cove, Turtle Bay, or Kuilima Cove — the latter two are best for beginners. Hike through lush rain forest to Waimea Falls, saving time to grab quintessential (and kid-friendly) local snacks. Roadside fruit stands are bright with lychees, rambutans, and guavas. Matsumoto Shave Ice and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa are required eating on the island.

The Mighty Five, Utah

Traversing Utah's "Mighty Five" — Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion national parks — makes for one of the grandest road trips in the U.S. Some people even try to visit one park a day for a scenic five-day adventure. Pack solid hiking gear, tons of snacks, and all your energy to tackle great trails and scramble wild rock formations. Or, just visit a couple of the parks to reduce the driving. In Zion, a smooth-running shuttle system makes getting to trailheads easy; try the Watchman or Emerald Pools trail. In Arches, do the Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch hikes. In Canyonlands, find the iconic Mesa Arch. Capitol Reef is great for watching the sunset and spotting petroglyphs. And in Bryce Canyon, observe incredible hoodoo formations from Rainbow Point or along the Queen’s Garden Trail.

Banff, Canada

Banff impresses with its turquoise alpine lakes, geothermal springs, and accessible glaciers. Stay at the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs — perhaps the most majestic property I’ve ever slept in — so you can return to excellent on-site restaurants and cozy beds after each long excursion. A hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse is life-changing; from Lake Louise, you pass through a dramatic glacial valley to a 1927-built structure about 3.5 miles in. House-made soup or biscuits and jam await your arrival. The next day, soothe your muscles at Banff Upper Hot Springs, or explore the shops and eateries of Banff and Lake Louise villages. Kayaking on Moraine Lake or Emerald Lake are other must-dos while you're in the area.

Mendocino County, California

Come here to spend time under California’s singular redwood trees and to revel in the beauty of the Golden State’s coastline. A ride on the historic Skunk Train (a remnant of a retired rail system used for logging) will take you through the woods. Otherwise, explore the forest on foot with a walk on the two-mile loop trail in Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve. Then, hunt for sea glass at Glass Beach and enjoy gorgeous ocean views and wildflowers as you wander in Mendocino Headlands State Park.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Hiking to the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and an epic experience for a teen. While the Inca Trail is long — 26 miles — and sometimes steep, it’s not an insurmountable feat when done over multiple days, which is the typical method. Book an expedition with a recommended outfitter that guides you for four days and three nights (or more), and get ready for spectacular views. Watching the sunrise over the ruins — set nearly 8,000 feet above sea level — is a bonding experience that will be tough to top.

Mayakoba, Mexico

This eco-resort destination is easily reached via Cancun and has a wondrous setting, where blue waters, white-sand beaches, and mangroves meet. There are four luxury properties here, and all are ideal for a relaxing and tropical mother-daughter getaway. Should you want to venture off the property, take a motorboat to a neighboring hotel (you’re sure to see tons of bird species en route), book an excursion through your concierge to a local cenote, or take a day trip to the Mayan ruins at Tulum.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Known for its magical winters, this mountain resort draws boarders and skiers of all levels to its fresh powder. Book lessons for your littles on Dollar Mountain, or enjoy the atmosphere at a slower pace with a snowshoe session, cross-country ski adventure, or horse-drawn sleigh ride. There's also plenty to do in warm weather, from hiking and biking to fishing (try nearby Redfish Lake) and rafting. Don’t miss the free-admission outdoor symphony performances (usually in August) or the burgers at Grumpy’s, a local institution.

Nairobi, Kenya

Giraffe Manor caught my eye years ago, and I’ve talked about it with my daughters ever since. Set in a suburb of Nairobi, this 12-room boutique hotel is also a Rothschild giraffe sanctuary — the immense creatures are known to stick their heads into your bedroom window for a snack. From there, we’d move on to a multiday safari experience in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where game drives regularly include elephant, buffalo, and wildebeest sightings.

East to West Ireland

Dublin is a fantastic starting place for a mother-daughter driving tour of Ireland — catch an Irish dance and music show, cross the River Liffey via the Ha'penny Bridge, then start your adventure through stunning countryside. My eldest daughter and I joined Adventures by Disney for an epic itinerary in the country when she was just five years old. Her favorite stops were mine, too: picking flowers around the Rock of Cashel, shopping in Kilkenny, sleeping at Dromoland Castle in County Clare, and walking along the Cliffs of Moher, where puffins are often spotted. But an early evening visit to Rathbaun Farm was the ultimate highlight. We made biscuits from scratch with the farm owners, fed baby sheep, and ate a home-cooked Irish meal accompanied by live piano music.

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara, Japan

Japan’s renowned rail system makes traveling within the country easy and pleasant (read: great with kids, who are nearly always enthralled with a train ride). Spend a few days in Tokyo, snacking in underground food halls and joining the fray that is Shibuya Crossing. Our family adores Japanese artists Yayoi Kusama and Hayao Miyazaki, so a mother-daughter Tokyo visit would include visits to the Yayoi Kusama Museum and Ghibli Museum. After that, take a train to Kyoto (a bit over two hours), where you can spend days strolling historic temples like Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera and shopping for handicrafts in the zigzagging Chawan-zaka, or "Teapot Lane." At some point, take the 45-minute train ride to Nara Park, where you can feed the protected (and sacred, according to Shinto beliefs) deer that reside there.

Greater Portland, Oregon

Start in Portland, fueling up at Pine State Biscuits and shopping at the gem that is Powell’s City of Books. After a day or two in town, head to two incredible natural features: Multnomah Falls (tackle the eponymous 2.3-mile out-and-back trail here) and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (the 4.4-mile trek to Dry Creek Falls is great). Next, you can drive the 35-mile Hood River Fruit Loop past farm stands and vineyards with wild views of Mount Hood. Or, if everyone’s over 21, head back to Portland, then south for wine tasting in the Willamette Valley.

London

Even at a young age, kids can (and love to) identify iconic sites around the world. In London, listening to the chime of Big Ben is a thrill, as is walking Tower Bridge and riding the London Eye. If your child is a theater buff, don’t miss a show at Shakespeare’s Globe, then stroll along the Thames and see what adventures arise. Make a reservation for afternoon tea in the Gallery restaurant at Sketch, an enduring hangout known for its artsy, elegant decor. And, of course, if your kid is a Harry Potter fan, stop for photo ops at Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station.

Paris

My eldest daughter can’t wait to visit Paris, and we have a loose itinerary ready. Requisite stops include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay, home to must-see works by Monet, Renoir, and van Gogh. A food tour along the cobbled streets of Montmartre will highlight artisanal cheeses and chocolates, plus pastries (and wine for mom). Feasible day trip destinations include Versailles for a palace stroll, Giverny to visit Monet’s garden, and the Loire Valley for castles and biking. And we won’t leave without a cruise along the Seine, an incredible way for kids to see the city.

Beijing

My kids love dumplings, so we’d make the trip to Beijing just to eat this dish on every possible corner. In many shops here, cooks stuff and crimp dumplings behind large windows, and watching their artistry and speed is mesmerizing. Between meals, visit the Forbidden City (completed in 1420), Summer Palace (restored in 1886), and Great Wall (what you see today dates back to the 17th century). A tween or teen can really appreciate the details and age of these structures, and that they’re a window into the country’s past. The most popular Great Wall exploration point is Mutianyu, located about a 1.5-hour drive from Beijing.

Mexico City

This metropolis is a haven for art lovers and ideal for teens who like exploring urban landscapes. Tour Frida Kahlo’s house, be entranced by Diego Rivera’s gargantuan murals — the one in the National Palace is impressive, looming nearly two stories high — and visit the exhibits in the Palace of Fine Arts. The Museum of Modern Art and Museo Jumex are other top attractions. In between art walks, eat tacos. A taco tour by Club Tengo Hambre is fit for foodies of any age. Other kid-friendly musts include a meal at Panadería Rosetta, churros at Churreria El Moro, and a half-day trip to the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan.

New York City

Watching a story unfold on stage is a true pleasure, and where better to do so than Broadway? Any child, tween, or teen with a knack for performance will be thrilled to see a show (or three) in New York City. Follow that up with other classic NYC experiences, from walks in Central Park and along the High Line to a pizza tour to a ride on the Staten Island Ferry for Statue of Liberty views. Watch the chess players in Washington Square Park, wander the aisles of the Strand Book Store, and eat a giant cookie from Levain Bakery before leaving town.

Vancouver

Two words: Stanley Park. Locals and tourists constantly cross paths here, drawn to the sprawling outdoor space’s beauty and varied activity options. With younger kids, ride the miniature train at Stanley Park Railway, visit the Vancouver Aquarium (set in the park), or play in the many playgrounds and splash areas here — there’s even a giant public pool with waterslides and bay views. My daughters also delighted in themed afternoon tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, as well as crossing suspension bridges at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Lynn Canyon Park, both in North Vancouver. A quick ferry ride to Granville Island brings you to a great food hall. And if you have the time, spend a day and night on Victoria Island and/or in Whistler, the gorgeous mountain town less than two hours north of Vancouver.

Venice

This trip could be all about gelato, pasta, and pizza — the primary food groups of the young, no? Dine on these delights as you stroll or people-watch alongside Venice’s famous canals, then board a gondola to see the city from the water. Take time to get lost in the narrow, colorful roads of Burano. Next, enjoy the incredible examples of Italian architecture at St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. A kid-friendly cooking class would even let you bring a bit of Italy home, in a way.

Copenhagen

Biking in Copenhagen is a must — it’s how lots of locals get around, and an unbeatable way to explore this coastal city. Pedal the harbor for great water and neighborhood views (the whole route is about eight miles), making a special stop at the colorful Nyhavn canal district. If you’re feeling energetic, do the nearly 20-mile Six Forgotten Giants route, which gets you into Copenhagen’s suburbs as you "hunt" for fantastic wooden sculptures by local artist Thomas Dambo. And spend a day in Tivoli Gardens; this one-of-a-kind amusement park, open since 1843, offers rides for all ages and stunning gardens.

Seattle and Whidbey Island, Washington

This Pacific Northwest duo provides easy urban and wilderness possibilities. Take in the city from the observation deck of the Space Needle, then eat your way through Pike Place Market; we always stop at Piroshky Piroshky for a savory handheld pie and Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for samples. In the summer, cool off in the splash area of Jefferson Park or even the Seattle Center International Fountain. And after your city adventure, stay a couple of days on Whidbey Island, where you can play or go whale watching on beautiful beaches, take forest walks, or enjoy berry picking at a local farm. The seafood here is unmissable, too.

Austin

At five years old, my first daughter could see the appeal of this city. We admired the pink granite of the state capitol building, then spent hours in Zilker Metropolitan Park (home to the Austin City Limits Music Festival). In this sizable green space, activity possibilities include a ride on a miniature electric train, strolling the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, and cooling off in Barton Springs Pool — fed by natural springs, it’s a whopping three acres. Look for peacocks in Mayfield Park, and pick a way to get out on Lady Bird Lake, be it kayak, canoe, SUP, or river cruise. Then, sample incredible Tex-Mex cuisine at stops like Torchy’s Tacos and La Mancha and top-notch barbecue at local favorites like Interstellar BBQ or Franklin Barbecue.