Best Mountain Vacations: The Ultimate Mountain Town Family Vacations Travel Guide

lake and mountain

When planning an epic getaway for you and your loved ones, the first step is deciding where to go. Why not switch things up from your usual beach holiday destinations and take a mountain trip instead? Have you ever been to an Appalachian mountain? We’ve rounded up the best mountain vacations that need to be on your bucket list.

Best Overall Spots for Mountain Vacations

wooden dock in a lake

Here are the best overall spots for mountain vacations in North America.

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain ranges of North Carolina is the lush town of Asheville. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at this East Coast mountain getaway is the lush, foliage-covered landscape that extends as far as the eye can see. The views are breathtaking at every turn.

There’s so much to do and so much to see in Asheville. It has the perfect blend of cultural and outdoor activities all year round. You can tour the Biltmore estate or visit the local museums and learn about the town’s rich heritage.

There are also plenty of hiking and biking opportunities, many of which remain open through winter. You can go kayaking, paddling, or whitewater rafting in the summer months if you crave adventure.

If you can, drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop for some Instagram-worthy photos. The mountain views are stunning.

Estes Park, Colorado Mountain Vacation

Estes Park, Colorado, is situated near the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you love nature and your idea of a great time is hiking Rocky Mountain, fishing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, or any other adrenaline-fueled outdoor activity, you will love everything Estes Park offers.

If you are a fan of Stephen King’s bestseller-fiction-turned-horror-film, The Shining, you must visit the historic Stanley Hotel. This iconic landmark is famous for its rich history and alluring charm. King drew inspiration for the fictional Overlook Hotel from when he and his wife stayed in the Stanley Hotel’s Room 217.

Helen, North Georgia

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the cute mountain town of Helen. The town is famed for its vintage Bavarian-like architecture and is the perfect getaway for families and individuals looking for a slight change of pace.

There’s plenty to see and do all year round. If you visit in the winter, you can go hiking through the snow-covered town or venture into the woods. You can also head to the Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center and enjoy a bit of ice skating and snow tubing.

In the summer, you can go biking and mountain hiking or simply relax and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding greenery.

Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah, is an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City. This mountain town is a beehive of activity year-round and is best known for hosting the Sundance Film Festival and its world-class skiing.

In the summer, vacationers can enjoy various fun-filled activities, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, golfing, fly fishing, hiking, and more. In the winter, you can indulge in many winter sporting activities, such as snowmobiling, snow biking, snowshoeing, and more.

Taos, New Mexico

When you think of a vacation spot, New Mexico probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. However, there’s a hidden gem that not many know about—Taos. This rustic town is set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which plays host to many winter sporting activities. If snowboarding and skiing sound like your dream mountain vacation, you will have the time of your life at Taos.

Best Summer Spots for Mountain Summer Vacations

wooden cabin on a dock

Here are the top mountain summer vacation spots every mountain lover should visit at least once.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Top on our list of mountain summer vacation destinations is Acadia National Park. Whether you enjoy the allure of historical sights, the serenity of scenic mountain drives, or the heart-racing action of picturesque hikes, Acadia is where you need to be.

When you get there, be sure to book accommodation in the quaint little town of Bar Harbor. This rustic village is a great starting point to explore everything the park has to offer. The area has plenty of vacation cabin rentals to cater to every type of holidaymaker.

Whether you prefer to stay at an ocean-front cottage or would rather be tucked away in a secluded cabin in the woods with a gorgeous lookout mountain view, you’re spoilt for choice.

Bryson City, North Carolina Mountain Vacation

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City, North Carolina, needs to be on your bucket list. This rustic town is the gateway to the Smoky Mountain National Park and is chock-full of outdoor attractions.

The most popular time to visit is in the summer, although there are plenty of things to do all year round. This sleepy little town morphs into a winter wonderland with snow-covered foliage and frozen waterfalls in the winter. It’s a sight to behold. In the spring, the wildflowers bloom into a magnificent natural canvas with full-flowing waterfalls and beautiful spring foliage.

Most hiking trails remain open throughout the year, so there’s no shortage of things to do.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg town in Tennessee has some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen. Whether you visit in the summer, fall, winter, or over spring break, the stunning, foliage-adorned landscape against the magnificent backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains is nothing short of spectacular.

Gatlinburg has plenty of nearby attractions and cozy vacation cabin rentals, making it the perfect summer getaway for anyone looking for a quiet escape. While you’re there, be sure to visit Dollywood, a 37-year-old theme park dreamed into life by Dolly Parton.

Highlands, North Carolina

Highlands, North Carolina, is a delightful town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s a quiet charm about it that makes it the ideal romantic getaway for lovebirds looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

In the summer months, you can hike the nearby trails to explore the scenic waterfalls and visit the charming restaurants and shops along the town’s Main Street. There are several vacation rental accommodation cabins and cottages in the area.

Massanutten, Virginia

If you live in Washington, DC, and are looking for a convenient summer mountain getaway or a quick weekend getaway, you will love what Massanutten Resort, Virginia, has to offer. There’s plenty to do there. You can go hiking, swimming, golfing, and horseback riding. If you crave adrenaline, there are plenty of opportunities for zip-lining, tubing, mountain biking, and a ropes course where you can challenge yourself.

Before you leave, explore the nearby Luray Caverns and the Shenandoah National Park.

Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana is a spectacular playground for travelers who enjoy the great outdoors. You can go hiking in the nearby Glacier National Park or stroll down the town’s busy streets and sample the local dining, shopping, and art scene. If you would rather relax, soak up the summer sun, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, the beautiful beaches at Whitefish Lake are the place to do it.

Best Ski Spots for Family Ski Vacations

man skiing down a mountain slope

Here are the best ski vacation spots for adventure-loving holidaymakers.

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Copper Mountain, Colorado, is the perfect mountain getaway for families that love action-packed holidays. There’s so much to do and so much to see at Copper Mountain. It’s like one big, never-ending adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or even snowboarding, this is the place to do it.

If you have younger kids, you can take them zip-lining, go-karting, or rock-climbing. If you like a challenge, you will love the Ninja Warrior obstacle course there.

Davis, West Virginia Mountain Vacation

Situated on the East Coast of North America is the charming little town of Davis. Whether you visit in the summer or go during winter, there’s no shortage of things to do while you’re there. It is a mountain paradise for outdoor lovers.

If you’re into winter sports like skiing, head to the nearby White Grass Ski Center for adrenaline-charged cross-country skiing. Alternatively, you head to Timberline Mountain if downhill skiing is more up your alley. Canaan Valley Ski Resort also offers some great skiing opportunities.

In the summer, you can go hiking to explore the famous Blackwater Falls or the Dolly Sods Wilderness hiking trail. Davis is guaranteed to keep your itinerary full for the duration of your vacation there.

Jackson, Wyoming

If you consider yourself a bit of an adrenaline junkie, make a point to visit Jackson, Wyoming. This scenic town is at the heart of National Park land and towering mountains, transforming into a snow-covered wonderland in the winter. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a great location for skiing and offers a wide range of winter sports.

In the summer, you can head to the nearby Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park, both of which offer excellent opportunities for hiking and biking.

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid is nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. While it is a scenic outdoor escape in the summer, the town truly comes alive in the winter. Lake Placid has played host to the Winter Olympics, making it a prime location for popular winter sports like snowboarding and skiing. While you’re there, make a point to stop by the Olympic sites and visit the Olympic Museum to learn about the town’s rich sporting heritage.

Mammoth Lakes, California

Rugged mountain peaks, roaring waterfalls, and scenic alpine lakes. These are just a few attractions that make Mammoth Lakes one of the best mountain vacation spots in the country. The town is best known for its amazing skiing opportunities. You can head to the world-renown Yosemite National Park for cross-country skiing. Alternatively, you can ski at the June Mountain or the Mammoth Mountain ski areas.

South Lake Tahoe, California

Located on a fault basin in the Nevada-California basin is Lake Tahoe. South Lake Tahoe, a small lake city on the California side of the lake basin, boasts stunning lake beaches and the famous Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort.

The resort has nearly 5,000 acres of breathtaking, off-the-grid terrain and scenic views of Lake Tahoe. If you enjoy the thrill of tree skiing, this is the place to be.

Before leaving for your trip, check out this packing checklist for your mountain family vacation. Don’t leave anything behind.