Table of contents
Highlights
- Mother daughter vacations are some of the best ways to make everlasting memories.
- For the wine lovers in the family, head west to Napa.
- For the tea lovers, pack a tartan skirt and board a plane to Edinburgh.
- If you share a love of reading romance novels, it’s off to Maryland to stay in Nora Roberts’ inn.
- Of course, Manhattan is always an option, as are many of the northeastern cities in the United States.
The 8 Best Mother Daughter Vacations | Travel Reveal
The best mother daughter vacations are filled with spa dates, rosé, and, if you plan it right, spectacular waterfront views.
There’s no better way to recharge than with the woman who understands the rigors of your everyday life. When it’s time to slow things down a little, pull out your weekend bag, and luxuriate in a way you can’t with anyone else.
As one of our most comprehensive travel guides, this list covers a decent amount of ground, perfect for every style of traveler. We’ll start in Napa Valley, California, highlight a few all-inclusive destinations in Texas, and make our way west to the tea rooms of Edinburgh.
1. Seattle, Washington
A framed photograph at the Space Needle could be a great addition to your mantlepiece, making this one of the best mother daughter vacations in the US. Host a girls’ night before you go and watch Sleepless in Seattle.
This city has a vibrant coffee shop culture, is filled with local bookshops, and features world-class restaurants to make your stay unforgettable. Of course, you’ll have to stroll through the famous Pike Place Market one morning to pick up fresh, local food, and maybe even a handcrafted trinket or two from the local artisans.
Go big and book a few nights at the Four Seasons Seattle for the pinnacle of luxury. Or, for more of a self-catered experience, there are a wealth of Airbnbs run by delightful locals who are more than happy to help you find your way around their pretty little town.
2. Napa Valley, California
What says mother daughter getaway better than a pair of clinking glasses? Whatever your fancy – rosé, Chardonnay, or Cabernet – you can make a gorgeous event out of your weekend in Napa.
The Lodge at Sonoma pulls out all the stops with their all-inclusive packages. As a resort and spa, you won’t have to do more than slip into soft slippers for a massage and summer dresses for a bite to eat.
The Lodge can arrange trips to the local wineries, meaning no one has to drive, and both mother and daughter can enjoy endless charcuterie boards and rosé refills.
Napa is also one of the best places to host a birthday weekend. Be sure to follow our destination guide for the best birthday vacation ideas to help you plan the perfect celebration.
3. Austin, Texas
For more all-inclusive memories, head to Texas for a surefire time. This is easily one of the best mother-daughter all-inclusive vacations. Located in what’s known as the hill country, Miraval Austin is an adults-only resort that delivers comfort and relaxation right to your freshly pressed sheets.
In fact, their tagline is “Wellness in the Texas Hills.” As you can imagine, it’s all about rejuvenation here, and both mother and daughter will leave ready to take on the world again. The next time you’re ready to recharge, refer to our best travel guides to craft a new itinerary.
4. Sanibel Island, Florida
Heading further east, you’ll find one of the most glorious beaches on the Gulf Coast. Sanibel Island is known for its pink and purple sea shells. If you book the right hotel or Airbnb, you can drink up the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Imagine a cup of morning tea accompanied by the gentle lull of the ocean. This could easily be one of the best mother daughter beach vacations. Restaurateurs were wise enough to scoop up some real estate and leverage all the gorgeous beachfront views.
Some of the hotspots adored by locals include Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, and Malia Island Infusion. No matter which one you choose, it’ll be the perfect accompaniment to some of the most vibrant sunsets.
5. Boonsboro, Maryland
Most ladies know the famous romance writer, Nora Roberts. It’s easy to gobble up one of her books in a weekend, but how about reading one in the inn that she owns and operates?
Nora bought a beautiful building near the town she grew up in and restored it to perfection. At Inn Boonsboro, each room is themed around a famous couple in literature, like Marguerite and Percy from The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Westley and Buttercup from The Princess Bride.
Many of the suites are equipped with decadent copper bathtubs and the breakfast that’s served each morning is a true delight. During the day, you can go antiquing in any of the nearby towns or even poke around the historical Civil War sights that tell tales of old.
If you’re both Nora fans, small-town Boonsboro could easily turn into one of the best mother-daughter vacations in the US, giving Napa a run for its money.
There are a few local shops you can patronize, including the bookshop run by her husband, and a cute boutique across the street. In the evening, you can even bring in a pizza from Vesta’s, the pizzeria across the square that’s owned by her son.
Next up, get ready to head to New England. Of course, you’ll have to make Manhattan one of your stopping points. But, our destination guide to all of New England will help you expand your horizons and tailor your trip to accommodate everybody’s hopes and dreams.
6. New York City, New York
There’s no better city to be set loose in than Manhattan. It’s a chart-topper on countless destination guides. Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do, you can find it in New York.
Of course, you can stay in the city itself, take in a Broadway show, enjoy drinks at a rooftop bar on the west side, stroll through Central Park, or visit a museum. You can also take a quick train ride out to the Hamptons or head upstate to the mountains and stay at a resort like Mohonk Mountain House.
Check out our complete guide to unforgettable experiences in New York, focusing on the city, but also branching out with some fabulous little day trips.
7. Galway, Ireland
Dublin is usually at the top of the list when people think of Ireland. Over on the West Coast, you’ll find a smaller city that offers an even warmer embrace.
Noted for its live Irish music (or trad sessions), you can stroll along Galway Bay during the day, shop in countless boutiques, and then pull up a barstool beside a fireplace at night to enjoy that authentic Irish music.
The Leonardo Hotel, formerly the Jurys Inn, is one of your best bets in terms of where to stay. Standing tall at the end of Quay Street, the main lane with all the shops, restaurants, and pubs, you’re in a prime position to settle in for the next few days.
While you’re in Galway, you can also take a day trip to the famous Aran Islands, a small trio of islands with fascinating history, including church ruins that date back to the 10th century.
Ireland is the perfect destination for family, friends, couples, and solo travelers alike. You simply can’t go wrong in a nation that’s known for its hospitality.
About an hour away from Galway, you can also take in another famous sight, The Cliffs of Moher. Here are 10 B&Bs that will make your mother-daughter stay a true delight.
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
If you ladies have made it as far as Ireland, why not hop aboard a ferry to Scotland? If you have any Harry Potter fans in the family, you simply must visit Edinburgh. It’s where J.K. Rowling’s imagination sprang to life and she wrote a large portion of her first book.
Aside from that, it’s just a lovely city, full of history, ghost stories, and delightful tea rooms. You really can’t pick a bad hotel, B&B, or Airbnb when you research it right.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a few nights at the renowned Chaumer Abide, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore Edinburgh with ease.
Where Will You Ladies Go?
Whether you’re seeking spa days in Napa or tea rooms in Scotland, each of these destinations is your starting point for the best mother daughter vacations. You can easily unplug in the hills of Napa or become international explorers in Edinburgh.
No matter where you go, one thing is guaranteed: you’ll have new memories and framed photos to last a lifetime and pass down to generation after generation.
When it’s time to whisk the whole family away to celebrate a graduation, enjoy our list of the best graduation trip ideas for anyone who’s hit this milestone in their journey through life.
