THE 16 TOP USA DESTINATIONS THAT TEENS WILL LOVE!

We know it can be hard to find a vacation destination in the U.S. that has something to offer teenagers. It’s easy to find activities and attractions that cater to kids and adults, but what about those adolescents who are looking for mature things to do and take part in age-appropriate cultural experiences?

Over the last few years, we’ve been traveling all over the USA to find destinations that our two teen daughters love – and there have been many places that they adored!

Their criteria for the perfect destination is to have a variety of activities, unique cultural experiences, fun entertainment, and opportunities for exploration and education.

Our daughters also have a personal desire to explore unique destinations that have creative and artsy vibes, iconic landmarks, and nature and outdoor adventures are a bonus!

We’ve talked to our teens and decided on our top destinations in the USA for teenagers that tick all these boxes and then some. If you’re looking to take a vacation with the teens, here are some worthy contenders to consider…

USA Destinations to Visit with Teenagers

NYC, New York

To kick things off, we have to start with our teen girls’ favorite city in the U.S. – New York City. There is no city that is more vibrant and colorful than The Big Apple.

It’s a city that offers something for everyone, from iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Times Square to world-class museums, dazzling Broadway Theater performances, and trendy art galleries.

Our daughters have been to NYC a few times, but they still enjoy going back to exploring new districts. On our last visit, they loved doing a food tour of Greenwich Village, eating in Little Italy, and finding all the best places to eat. We’re planning our next New York trip for this Fall. It will be just Kalyra and I and she is planning the trip with a focus on Broadway shows and the MET!

My girls also love wandering around the modern art museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and soaking in the views from New York’s many vantage points.

Even though they’ve been lots of times, bike riding through Central Park is still a crowd-pleasing activity.

Christmas in New York is also iconic, though believe me it can be stressful if you’re not prepared – but teenagers love it. The atmosphere is energetic and infectious, and it’s a bucket list moment that they will talk about for years to come.

Oahu, Hawaii

Aloha! I don’t think there is a state in the USA that’s more culturally different and unique than in Hawaii. Not to mention it’s a tropical paradise that has unbeatable nature, amazing wildlife experiences, and plenty of opportunities to have adventures and learn new things. My girls don’t stop asking to go and it’s a definite stop for us on our way back to Australia to see family.

Of all the islands in Hawaii, Oahu is our favorite and is a paradise for teenagers. From surfing from the beaches in Waikiki to hiking up volcanoes to see scenic viewpoints, if your teens love to get outdoors, this is the place to do it.

The vibrant city of Honolulu is also a shopper’s paradise and has loads of cultural experiences to get involved in, from hula dancing lessons to Polynesian luaus.

You can also visit the historic Pearl Harbor, a place that needs little introduction, where teens can see and learn about the effects of war from a new perspective. The Polynesian Cultural Center is also a great place to find educational and immersive experiences.

There are also plenty of opportunities to get out of your comfort zone in Oahu, from scuba diving to zip-lining to swimming with dolphins – it’s the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and culture, making it an ideal destination for teenagers.

Los Angeles, California

Full disclosure, our teens aren’t raving fans of Los Angeles, but many of their friends love it and they can see the appeal. It really is a city that you either love or hate. Although Kalyra is considering college in LA!

There’s no argument that Los Angeles is iconic and known for its diverse range of attractions, but you can also find non-touristy things to do as well. You can’t visit LA without snapping a selfie with the iconic Hollywood Sign, find your favorite actor’s handprint on the Walk of Fame, and tour the movie sets at Universal Studios.

It’s not all about movies and celebrities though, LA also has beautiful beaches, teens would like Santa Monica or Venice Beach the most since they have a young person’s vibe, with skate parks, roller skating along the promenade, and great surf.

Los Angeles is also a hub for music, art, and culture, and while it’s not huge on museums, it has so many live music venues and displays of street art to explore.

With its mix of unique entertainment and iconic landmarks, Los Angeles is a destination that teenagers would love to visit, at least once in their life.

Orlando, Florida

Another bucket list destination for teens is Orlando Florida, which is obviously for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort – a parent’s nightmare, a teenager’s delight!

Orlando is world-famous for its theme parks, so if your teens love thrilling rides and adrenaline-fueled activities, live shows, and interactive experiences, then Orlando has enough to ignite their sense of adventure and keep them entertained.

As well as the theme parks, Orlando has a vibrant downtown area with trendy shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Because Florida has a year-round, subtropical climate, it’s a destination you can visit year-round and enjoy the city’s outdoor activities such as water sports, zip-lining, and river tubing.

Orlando is also not too far from the beach and other hot destinations in Florida, and you could easily tie in a couple of days in Clearwater near Tampa for some white sands and surf.

We’re also possibly visiting here later this year as my teens won’t stop asking to go to Disney World. UGH! I’d rather Europe!

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is another city that has a unique blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.

There are some iconic attractions to see, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf, but there are also plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path and off the main tourist trail.

San Fran has many diverse neighborhoods with trendy shops, delicious food, and vibrant street art. Kalyra bought her first pair of Doc Martins from Haight Ashbury! I could not have bene more proud!

If you love the outdoors, you can also go hiking in Muir Woods, biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, or admire the views from Presidio Park.

San Francisco may be a city, but it doesn’t feel so metropolitan and has so many hidden gems to see and explore for teenagers.

San Diego, California

Another city in California that appeals to younger crowds is San Diego, which is the perfect blend of beach vibes, outdoor activities, and diverse attractions.

From surfing at beautiful beaches like La Jolla and Mission Beach to exploring the world-renowned San Diego Zoo to stepping back in time at the USS Midway Museum, there’s something for everyone.

Foodies will love exploring the neighborhoods like Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy which have trendy shops and family-owned restaurants, where they can enjoy delicious food and learn more about the local way of life.

San Diego is also close to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Balboa Park which are outdoor lover’s playgrounds – the perfect destinations to go hiking and exploring nature.

There’s also this laid-back atmosphere and a young person’s vibe that seems to resonate with teens.

Orange Beach, Alabama

If you’re looking for beachy destinations for teenagers that don’t come with the price tags of California, then head to Alabama to the tropical shores of Orange Beach, which is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, warm Gulf Coast waters, and a wide range of water sports.

Teens can try their hands at parasailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and more. They can also go out on dolphin cruises or try something more relaxing like paddleboarding – if you want to get out on the water, there are plenty of ways to have fun in the sun and waves.

Orange Beach isn’t a hot-shot destination with all the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles or New York City, but it has a laid-back, easy-going vibe and lots of fun attractions like small-town, local amusement parks, mini-golf courses, and go-kart tracks that will give your teens’ fond memories to look back on for years to come.

Plus, every summer they have an amazing music festival, Hangout Music Festival right on the beach, that I’m sure teenagers would love.

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

When it comes to beaches in the USA, we feel that North Carolina’s beaches are the best – of course we might be biased since we moved to NC in 2003.

Our eldest teen visited Carolina Beach with friends a while back and came back saying how much fun she had. She loved it for its laid-back coastal atmosphere and pristine beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, or playing beach sports like volleyball and Frisbee with her friends.

Plus, if you’ve seen the Summer I turned Pretty, Season 2, you’ll recognize the small amusement park the friends spend the day at. This is Carolina Beach boardwalk! Well if those teens were having a fun day together, you know your teens will!

Since it faces the Atlantic Ocean, the waves are a bit stronger here, so if your teen is really into surfing you’ll find the best waves here.

Carolina Beach State Park is also the ideal place to go beach camping, and sunsets from The Carolina Beach Boardwalk are iconic.

With its mix of beach activities, outdoor adventures, and laid-back living, Carolina Beach is the perfect relaxing vacation destination for teens.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Another beach town in North Carolina our teens love is Wrightsville Beach, which also has pristine beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, and water sports.

Wrightsville Beach is a great place for teens to learn to surf, since it’s the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina, or enjoy a game of beach volleyball. It’s a small city with a laid-back vibe and charming atmosphere and doesn’t have big-ticket attractions, but more unique, small-town amusements.

It’s not glamorous, it’s not trying to be the next big tourist destination, and that’s exactly why we like it. It’s also very safe and feels very community-orientated like everyone looks out for each other.

It also has unique boutique shops, affordable restaurants using locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and charming beachside cottages turned into vacation rentals. There’s plenty to love about Wrightsville Beach.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, California

If you have older teens, then it might be time for them to enjoy a music festival as a vacation! Our eldest daughter has The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California high on her bucket list.

Coachella has reached iconic status and is known as one of the largest and most diverse music festivals in the world.

The festival features a stellar lineup of popular and emerging artists across various genres, and no doubt some of your teenager’s favorite musicians and artists will have live performances each year.

The festival’s vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, along with its art installations and interactive experiences, make it unique and memorable for teenage music enthusiasts.

The festival’s fashion-forward culture and celebrity sightings are also another good reason why teens love going to Coachella!

All Things Go Festival, Maryland

A festival our teen loved was All Things Go in Maryland, which is much smaller than Coachella at just 20,000 people, and is known for its diverse lineup of artists and exciting atmosphere.

The festival offers a mix of popular and up-and-coming musicians across various genres and is a great place to discover new music and enjoy live performances.

With its diverse music lineup and lively atmosphere, the All Things Go Festival is an ideal first festival for teenagers who love music and entertainment.

Kalyra even made an appearance in the promotional ads for this year’s All Things go Festival. (see above) They caught her on camera racing through the ticket gates to claim a spot close to the stage for her and her friend!

Seattle, Washington

Our “wild card” city that we think teenagers love is Seattle, known for its vibrant urban atmosphere and diverse cultural scene.

Some of the most iconic attractions in Seattle are the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture, but it also has an abundance of nature sites to explore, from Puget Sound, known for its whale-watching tours, and the surrounding Cascade mountain ranges.

Seattle is a city with a bohemian, artsy vibe, but it’s also surrounded by hiking trails, parks, and the beautiful Olympic National Park, making it such a diverse city with so much to explore. It’s this diversity and eclectic mix that makes it one of the best destinations for teens in the US.

Here is a 5-day itinerary for Seattle.

Chicago, Illinois

Of course, we can’t miss Chicago off this list, a city known for its vibrant urban energy, diverse cultural scene, and wide range of attractions.

Teens love exploring iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and Navy Pier, and walking the Skydeck at Willis Tower, as well as shopping along the Loop, known for its trendy boutique shops and street art.

Chicago also has world-class museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, as well as boasting a lively music scene.

If your teen is into sports, Chicago is home to some of the best sports clubs in the country, including the Chicago Bulls basketball team and the Bears football team. See more ideas on things to do in Chicago and a mother daughter Chicago getaway.

Washington DC, Maryland/Virginia

Washington D.C. is somewhere that all teenagers should visit at least once to learn about the rich history of the country and to see the iconic monuments that are known all over the world.

From exploring the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the monuments on the National Mall, there are so many opportunities to learn about the nation’s history and government.

It’s also home to The Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History, which are known to be the best museums in the country.

If it’s education you’re after, Washington D.C. is the place to be. We had a lovely Thanksgiving vacation in Washington DC.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Not many people think of Las Vegas as a place to visit with teenagers, but I would argue that it’s a destination where you can start mature conversations with them about the effects of gambling and excessive drinking.

Of course, you can avoid the debauchery of Vegas if you want to, and there are so many things to do in Vegas with teens, you just have to know where to look.

Vegas is well known for its world-famous shows, concerts, and performances by renowned artists, and never underestimate the experience of walking along the iconic Las Vegas Strip and seeing dazzling displays in front of the stunning resorts and themed hotels.

With all the dazzling lights, unique museums, and experiences, Vegas is a one-of-a-kind place that the whole family can enjoy.

It’s also a great base to get out and explore a range of outdoor adventures such as hiking or horseback riding in Red Rock Canyon, seeing rock formations in Valley of Fire State Park, and even taking a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

With its mix of entertainment, nature sites, and unique attractions, there is much to see and explore in Las Vegas.

Aspen, Colorado

Finally, if you’re looking for a mountain destination to visit with teens, then a trip to Aspen, Colorado should be on the cards.

The town offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, which cater to all levels and experiences, whereas in the summer, those trails become beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails.

While skiing is definitely the main reason to visit Aspen and it’s more commonly thought of as a winter destination in the USA, the town itself is quaint and charming, with local art galleries, boutique shops, and a lively small-town atmosphere.

With its mix of outdoor activities, stunning landscapes, and small-town charm, Aspen is an ideal destination for teens wanting a natural escape over a city break.

An alternative to Aspen, which is more affordable and perfect for teens is Snowmass, Colorado. It’s only twenty minutes from Aspen, so you can still enjoy all that it has to offer!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, those are our top USA destinations that provide opportunities for teenagers, whether they want to learn about history, and art, or experience different cultures.

We hope that this list has a destination that speaks to your teen and gives you some ideas for where to plan a family vacation in the USA.

2024-07-19T14:27:49Z dg43tfdfdgfd