The Best American Destinations For An Unforgettable Mother-Daughter Getaway, According To Research

Family vacations are all well and good, but sometimes you need to book a trip just for the girls. Whether you're a daughter just looking to laugh with your mother or a mom dreaming about reconnecting with your little girl, mother-daughter trips offer you and your day one the opportunity to block out all the noise and log some actual bonding hours. And some of the best locations for a mother-daughter trip don't even require a passport!

From antique shopping in cozy upstate New York to hiking through the earth-colored canyons of Utah, America boasts some of the best destinations for female travelers looking to prioritize connection and adventure. Every mother-daughter relationship is special; sometimes, it's smooth sailing, and other times, the road can get bumpy. With 50 states and six time zones, though, the U.S. offers travel destinations for everyone. Strengthen your relationship and develop your identity together with these 13 locations ideal for an unforgettable mother-daughter getaway.

Leave the tequila shots to the bachelorette parties, and treat you and your mother to a weekend away wine tasting in California's gorgeous Napa Valley. While flights to France or Italy could cost quite a pretty penny, this area, long considered to be the wine capital of the United States, is ideal for both your wallet and your well-being. From spas to yoga classes to open-air train rides, visiting this plentiful valley will help you and your mom get back in touch with each other and nature. 

There are over 400 wineries at your disposal in Napa Valley and a real pick and mix of activities. Explore the vineyards up close with a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train or from up above with a hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides. If you're feeling less adventurous, simply grab your matching monogrammed robes and kick back with mom at Calistoga's mineral springs and mud baths. You can even share a few laughs over Chardonnay at Artesa Vineyards & Winery, the winery where the weekend comedy "Wine Country" starring Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and a whole host of SNL alums was filmed! Whether it's white, red, relaxation, or adrenaline you're looking for, Napa Valley has it all. 

If you and your mom spent the 2000s watching television hits like "Gilmore Girls" or "Friday Night Lights," then a small-town getaway to a cozy spot in New York's Hudson Valley just might be the ticket for you. With farmhouses dotting the roads, antique shops galore, and once-in-a-lifetime fall foliage in the autumn, this lowkey destination is for the mother-and-daughter duo who find it easiest to bond over artisanal coffee and good finds at the local veg stand. 

If this sounds like you and your mom, be sure to block out some time on Warren Street. Located in the town of Hudson, this street is the headquarters for all things aged, old, and antique. FINCH Hudson and Red Chair on Warren sells antique furniture, while Nikki Chasin specializes in vintage clothing. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as the town of Hudson is also home to Lil Deb's Oasis, a locally famous eatery, and several photogenic coffee shops like Supernatural, Kitty's, and WYLDE Hudson. For the more laidback type, this is your go-to mother-daughter trip destination. 

Arizona's beauty is on full display in this desert oasis. For the mother-daughter duo who love to experience new wildlife and to take in the outdoors, this red rock, plateau, and mesa-populated locale will offer an experience like no other. Some of the best, less intense hikes that will allow for some reminiscing and joke-sharing are the Bell Rock Pathway and the Crescent Moon Ranch Trail. 

The Bell Rock Pathway is only 3.6 miles and will take you right by the Courthouse Butte, an impressive red rock formation that is a famous part of the Sedona skyline. The Crescent Moon Ranch Trail is even smoother sailing at a mere 1.5 miles and offers diverse views of creeks, historic buildings, and an old-school waterwheel. Is there anything more likely to awaken old memories than beautiful, centuries-old architecture? 

For some proper hiking aftercare, make sure you book your stay at one of Sedona's wellness centers like Enchantment Resort. In addition to luxury accommodation, this complex offers body treatments like massages, wine-paired dinners, and private stargazing sessions in Boynton Canyon with an in-house astronomer — just to name a few of the amenities. So, if you and your day one are interested in taking on new challenges and pushing boundaries together, then circle Sedona on your maps. 

Whether you and your mother are seasoned cowgirls or city slickers who can't tell the difference between a Clydesdale and a Mustang, a trip to Granby, Colorado, is sure to be a transformative vacation. This rural getaway is dotted with dude ranches and all-inclusive resorts that will take care of all the busy work of everyday life — cooking your meals, cleaning your rooms, and more — while you can spend some quality time with some lovely horses and each other. 

Nestled within the Rocky Mountains, you'll find C Lazy U, an all-inclusive luxury dude ranch that offers horseback rides and outdoor activities for all different types of folks. From archery and ziplining in the summer to ice skating, snow tubing, and sleigh rides in the winter, this historic guest ranch dates back to 1919 and is well-seasoned in helping you enjoy all that Granby has to offer year-round. 

Drowsy Water Ranch is another option for those planning a more involved mother-daughter getaway. This ranch offers an unpretentious American West adventure centered around horseback riding. Its riding program is available to all skill levels, offering daily instruction for beginners and fast-paced trails for those who know their way around the reins. So tell your mama to pack her flannels because Granby just might be the dream destination for you and your favorite cowgirl.

One of the U.S's most vast and unbelievably beautiful states, Alaska is an exquisite vacation option for the mother-daughter duo who are looking for an out-of-the-box adventure. Some women may be able to connect while stomping down busy town streets with shopping bags or sipping rosé, but others may be looking for a destination with a real meditative quality. 

If this sounds like you, then fish out those yoga pants and check out Arctic Hive. This yoga retreat center in the remote town of Wiseman, Alaska, is the northernmost yoga-centric retreat center in the entire country – so north that the northern lights are on full display from late August to late April. And like the winter frost, Arctic Hive is serious business. 

There's no WiFi on the premises, as the staff prioritizes unplugged connection and wilderness quests. Try out a mushing tour aboard a genuine dog sled, where you might even spot an adorable arctic fox while crossing the icy surface of the Koyukuk River. Or take in the sights from the iconic Yoga Dome, a glass yoga studio that gives visitors a 360 view of the snow-topped trees of Wiseman. Arctic Hive offers various trips, including a woman-only yoga retreat titled "Winter's Womb" and a "Harvest of the Heart" retreat every fall equinox, but no matter which one you choose, this extreme getaway is sure to revolutionize your mother-daughter connection. 

When it comes to bonding with Mom, you can never go wrong with a good sunset and a glass of Pinot Noir. In fact, if that's your mom's drink of choice, you can't miss out on visiting Oregon's Willamette Valley. With its rolling hills and distinctive soil, this West Coast destination is known for producing some of the most highly-rated Pinot Noir in the U.S. 

There are so many wineries in town that winery van tours are a booming business in the Willamette area. Options include Pinot Car, where local experts will provide insider deets as they drive you around to the best Pinot hotspots in town, and Drive You 2 Drink, a female-owned chauffeur service, where your hosts will understand the value of a good mother-daughter vacay. 

Autumn is the ideal time to visit when the grape harvest begins. In addition to the decadent wine tastings, this will also allow you and Mom to see some of the area's best fall festivals. Pair your wine with some sugared donuts and other seasonal treats at the Pumpkin Patch at Frog Pond Farm and Bauman's Harvest Festival, just to name a few. With old-fashioned hay rides, petting zoos, and corn mazes, there couldn't be a better time than crunchy season in Willamette Valley for an indulgent mother-daughter trip. 

Bright blue glacial lakes and panoramic alpine views are guaranteed at this aptly named Montana town. Big Sky is famed for its breathtaking mountain views and proximity to some of the nation's most gorgeous national parks, including Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. If you and your mother are slow travelers, uninterested in busy shopping centers and loud beaches, then log this tranquil locale on your Airbnb wishlist. 

Burrowed amongst the Rocky Mountains, Big Sky, Montana, is home to a collection of scenic drives, hikes, bike trails, and more. Buckle Mama in while you cruise along the iconic  Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, where you and her can see everything from glaciers to cascading waterfalls to mountaintops and colorful wildflowers, all from the comfort of your vehicle. Or, if you've got more pep in your step, why not a round of golf at the Big Sky Resort Golf Course?

And, of course, no trip to Big Sky would be complete without a trip to the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Excursions offers guided tours through the vast park, ensuring that you not only avoid getting lost but that you also don't head home without having seen Yellowstone's most unmissable sites and getting that perfect "Mom and Me" photo to send back home to your loved ones.

Don't let its name fool you — Sun Valley, Idaho, is the place to go for a winter escape. If you and your mom are more at home on the slopes than by the pool, you might want to look into what this mountainous city has to offer. On average, Sun Valley receives over 100" of snow every year, making it the perfect location for snowboarders, skiers, ice skaters, and more. 

Polish your stride and glide technique at the Sun Valley Nordic Center, which offers Nordic skiing clinics as well as snowshoeing lessons. To commemorate your special trip, you could even hit up href="https://www.sunvalley.com/Shopping/Smileys-Mountain-Photo">Smiley's Mountain Photo, which specializes in action shots on the slopes, as well as magical family portraits taken across Sun Valley's best wintery locales. 

Afterward, check out the Sun Valley Club, where you can warm up with a spicy Clubhouse Bloody Mary made special with Absolut Pepper and Cajun-spiced rum. If you're trying to keep your blood pumping late into the night, take Mom to live music mecca The Duchin Lounge, but be careful — things can get a little crazy after one too many of their signature Highway 75 cocktails. Between this sleek nightlife and the winter sports on hand, Sun Valley might just be an embarrassment of riches for those trying to plan a mother-daughter trip itinerary.

Georgia's stunning coast is the state's best-kept secret. While the setting for "Gone with the Wind" may be best known for being the film, music, and pop culture capital of the south, it's the quiet beaches like the ones on St. Simon's Island that make for the most tranquil getaway. Lined with dramatic Spanish Moss trees and rife with coastal wildlife, St. Simon's is ideal for mother-daughter vacations. 

Keep your eye out for dolphins, right whales, manatees, loggerhead sea turtles, Chesapeake blue crabs, and more. They just might be hiding on some of the island's public beaches, including East Beach, Massengale Beach, and Gould's Inlet. For a real southern gothic adventure, take your coffees to-go one morning and stroll with Mom along some of the oak tree-lined streets of St. Simon's, where 20 different tree-spirit carvings are found. Legend has it that these spirits are the faces of the sailors who once operated the oak-made ships on St. Simon's coast. 

Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and seashell hunting are all also common attractions on the barrier island. With few distractions, a trip to this tiny seaside town is sure to bring you closer not only to nature but also to the most important woman in your life: Mom. 

One of California's most luxurious destinations to soak in hot springs, this desert resort is a boho lover's dream. If you and Mom are looking for a destination that's a bit remote, but snow isn't your thing, then the Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel is a great alternative. From mineral pools to Spanish and Moroccan-inspired design to a vibey hideaway bar, this resort in the heart of the Sonoran Desert has got it all.

There are no chemical treatments in the hot springs at Jacuma. No, these pools are au naturel, meaning you and your mother will bathe in the same water that inhabitants of the region have been revering for its healing powers for centuries. Great for alleviating pain, skin conditions, and more, an escape to Jacumba is a genuine wellness recharge. 

Keep the good vibes going with a herbal tincture and at the on-site bar, too, or bring out mama's wild side with one of Jacumba's on-theme exotic cocktails. The Desert Bloom, for example, combines Pisco, elderflower, aloe, lemon, and Blanco Vermouth, while the Spicy Mexican Mule is a tajin and jalapeño classic. So pack your biggest sunhats and most flowy flora dresses, as this remote relaxation getaway is a prime opportunity for a trip with Mom. 

One of Utah's most impressive destinations is this canyon and creek-filled national park. Whether you and Mom are dreaming about those campfire conversations (and s'mores) or you have your hearts set on a more luxurious resort experience, Bryce Canyon National Park has something for everybody. Family trips throughout the years have surely taken you and your main lady to several boutiques, bars, and beaches, but this locale offers some of the most unique scenery in the U.S. 

Known as hoodoos, Bryce Canyon has the largest collection of these tall, spiry rock formations in the entire world. From the fan-favorite Rim Trail that takes you through some of the park's most popular sights to the waterfall-bearing Mossy Cave Trail, you'll feel like you're exploring the planet Mars as you witness the red plateaus and cave-like canyons spread across this Southwestern park.

As an official International Dark Sky Park, this national park also offers the perfect opportunity to challenge Mom to a game of constellation-spotting. There is very little light pollution in Bryce Canyon, which might just make for a night under the darkest sky you've ever seen. Pack your telescope and bring Mom's walking stick because this one is for true nature lovers, hikers, campers, and history lovers. 

Florida has many party beaches along its coasts, but this more grown-up location screams a mother-daughter beach trip. With its white sands, divine seafood, and (just as the name entails) clear water, Clearwater Beach is the perfect, chill coastal getaway for beach readers, shell collectors, and anyone who loves a good dip in the ocean. 

Leave the bar hopping to the Spring Breakers and carve out a new kind of beach trip with Mom. Experience Clearwater's famous sunsets at Pier 60, a venue that celebrates sundown year-round with live music, street performers, artists' booths, and free movie screenings on special occasions. As for the daytime? Make the most of the Florida sun by hitting the beaches with Cabana Club.  This service takes care of all the necessary details like tents, umbrellas, chairs, towels, blankets, and more — even sunscreen! — allowing you and Mom to just focus on your dolphin spotting and gossiping. And don't forget to book a schooner sunset cruise to catch a view of the gulf and its wildlife. For a classic American beach vacation, you can't beat the family-friendly fare at Clearwater. 

From horse racing to premier shopping, Louisville, Kentucky, is where southern charm meets vibrant East Coast culture. Known as the world's most famous racetrack, Louisville is home to the Churchill Downs, founded in 1874 and attracting thousands of visitors every year. You and Mom don't have to be seasoned race fans to play a bit of dress-up and enjoy the track's energy, either. 

Shop for your tallest Kentucky Derby-esque hats in the city's boutique districts. The Nulu Neighborhood is the headquarters for locally-owned boutiques like jewelry center Revelry, clothing store Six Sisters Boutique, the feminist gift shop Woman-Owned Wallet, and Sugar Town Vintage, a unique shop that is a fan among locals for their Mystery Outfit Bags. 

And if the idea of a shopping spree doesn't convince your mother, hit her with the magic word: bourbon. The southern mecca is the world capital of the amber elixir. Check out the Urban Bourbon Experience, which guides you through over 10 public distilleries across Louisville, or the Urban Bourbon Trail — with over 35 bars and restaurants on its path, this bourbon-tasting trail is sure to be a rowdy adventure for you and Mom. 

In planning this article, we turned to sources such as travel bloggers and expert recommendations from lifestyle magazines like Vogue and Condé Nast Traveler. While each destination offers a variety of activities and picturesque locations, we chose destinations that are known for activities that traditionally appeal to mothers and daughters, such as shopping, wine tasting, outdoor activities, and relaxation experiences like spas and yoga retreats. Priority was given to destinations like National Parks and other retreats that offer tailored packages targeted towards female travelers, girls' trips, and mother-daughter duos.