Favorite Forgotten Family Vacation Destinations

Family vacations used to be simple. You packed the car, picked a spot on the map, and found magic in quirky attractions, cozy cabins, and places that felt wonderfully different from everyday life. Many of those destinations still exist, but their old charm has faded from the spotlight.

These are the ones families still remember with a smile.

Rock City, Georgia

High atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City was once the ultimate Southern road trip stop, famous for its quirky pathways, swinging bridge, and legendary view said to stretch across seven states.

Families flocked here for the tunnels, gnomes, and homemade fudge, creating memories that blended nostalgia, adventure, and a touch of roadside magic.

Cypress Gardens, Florida

Long before big theme parks took over Florida, Cypress Gardens was the family vacation dream. Its famous water ski shows, complete with human pyramids and sequined performers, were legendary. Strolling through the manicured gardens beside costumed Southern belles felt like walking into a postcard.

For many families, it was pure Florida magic.

Black Hills, South Dakota

A classic road trip led straight to the Black Hills, where Mount Rushmore was just the start. Families explored quirky stops like Wall Drug, tourist mines, and cowboy-filled Deadwood, turning the region into a playground of oddities and adventure.

It was pure road trip joy, best experienced from a packed camper van.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

In the ’70s and ‘80s, Gatlinburg was a sweet spot of Smoky Mountain beauty and low key family fun. Kids loved the mini golf courses, taffy shops, and Ober Gatlinburg’s aerial tramway, while parents enjoyed easy hikes and slow evenings in town.

Today, it is far more commercial, but that earlier charm is what families remember most.