15 Mother-Daughter Vacations That You'll Never Forget
Memories are the best gift for Mother's Day.
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The beauty of a mother-daughter trip lies in its power to connect the two of you on a level that might never be possible at home, even if you still live under one roof. "My daughter and I had some our best conversations ever on a trip we took without the rest of the family," said a Good Housekeeping editor who treated her college-age daughter to a long weekend at an all-inclusive wellness retreat in Mexico. "I think the jungle and the peacefulness opened her up in a new way."
Whether you're the mom bringing your girl or the daughter whisking away your mom, you'll find your next "just the two of us" trip thanks to these tried-and-true locale suggestions from me and the rest of the Good Housekeeping team. We've been evaluating destinations all year long for the upcoming Travel Awards and have included below our favorite mother-daughter photos from our own adventures.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Beignets, jazz and cotton candy are the most memorable ingredients of my sweet mother-daughter spring break trip to NOLA. We reveled in live jazz on the streets downtown and at Preservation Hall, a venue that welcomes the under-21 crowd. The beignets every morning at Café Du Monde were warm and soft, and we discovered that the location in City Park near the New Orleans Museum of Art's free sculpture garden had a much shorter line. But our most iconic meal came at Brennan's Restaurant, where we brunched on cotton candy (sorry not sorry) as well as scrumptious savory fare. After putting on our big girl pants for a spooky nighttime ghost tour, we were still able to have sweet dreams at the reasonably priced One11 Hotel, a French Quarter property which passed my teen's vibe check with flying colors.
When To Go: We visited in March, post Mardi Gras. The weather is typically best February to May.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
A GH editor took her mom to Rocky Mountain National Park, their third park venture together. As always, they began at the Visitor's Center to have their park passports stamped and get the lay of the land. From there, they were off to the Coyote Valley Trail and the Holzwarth Historicial Site — neither was too strenuous for her mom.
They enjoyed lunch al fresco at the stunning Grand Lake before heading to their home away from home: the nearby YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch. "It felt like a cruise but on land," said our editor. "We saw multi-generations everywhere. All the activities were also great for whole families. We enjoyed that it was a down-to-earth, no frills place and you can become one with nature."
When to Go: It depends your preferred experience. Our tester visited in summer and the days were warm and sunny with lots of active wildlife. The park is usually snow-covered November to March and has lots of opportunities for winter fun.
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Portland, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is prime mother-daughter trip territory, and Portland stole our hearts forever in just 72 hours. The vintage shopping scene, especially in the Hawthorne District, is the off the charts. Besides our thrifting finds, my daughter and I stuffed our suitcases with purchases from Powells — the world's largest bookstore. In between our shopping hauls, we explored the Portland International Rose Test Garden, saw a fantastic play at Portland Center Stage and feasted at Dolly Olive.
In keeping with the literary spirit of the trip, we chose to stay at the Heathman Hotel because it had a lobby full of books signed by the authors and a library ladder to boot. If the whole fam had come, we probably would have selected somewhere with more space. But a room with two queen beds is just perfect for mother-daughter getaways. If you each have your room, your daughter can just shut the door at night and scroll on her phone. Not that I know anything about that.
When to Go: We visited in early October, when temperatures were very pleasant. But July and August have the least rainfall, so it's a toss up!
Island of Hawai'i
A Good Housekeeping tester and her 13-year-old mini-me took their first mother-daughter trip to an epic spot — the Island of Hawai'i (also known as The Big Island). While they have long dreamt about going to the land of luaus, shaved ice and rainbows, the rest of the family wasn't interested so it became a one-on-one trip!
They stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, a fabulous choice because there's so much to do right on property. "My daughter and I enjoyed the resort's cultural center so much," said our tester. "Instructors guided us through various activities, like lei-making, bracelet weaving and hula dancing. I can't express how much we gained from fully immersing ourselves in the Hawaiian culture." They spread the word to the rest of the fam—and they all explored the Aloha State the following year!
When to Go: Our tester visited in August, but truly there's not a bad time. You can usually score the best airfare in April, May, September and October.
RELATED: The 15 Best Family Hotels in Hawaii, Reviewed by Travel Experts
Tulum, Mexico
Looking for a rejuvenating getaway at a reasonable price, a GH editor and her daughter landed on Holistika Tulum, a wellness retreat in the jungle. "It was the absolute perfect place for us," she said. "There were yoga classes all day, and we also tried aerial silks, art therapy and a sound bath."
Mom and daughter also raved about the food as well as the pace of their vacation days. "I would get up early and go have an almond-milk latte ad the café, while reading a book and listening to the birds, and then my daughter would join me for amazing vegan meals. The rest of the day would be taking classes, wandering around a path filled with outdoor art, sitting by the pool reading," she recalled. "There was also a cute juice bar we loved for mid-day snacks." They ventured outside of resort twice—once to visit a monkey sanctuary and the other time to shop in Tulum.
When to Go: November to April have the most comfortable temperatures and lowest chance of rain.
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Los Angeles, California
After Taylor Swift made concerts mother-daughter goals, I didn't think twice buying my daughter and I tickets to see her favorite artist perform thousands of miles from us. This trip doubled as my daughter's graduation gift, and it couldn't have more memorable.
Joni's Mitchell concert at the magnificent Hollywood Bowl capped a whirlwind weekend of living our best LA lives. We ventured to Griffith Observatory, walked down Sunset Boulevard, filled our suitcases with thrifting finds and our bellies with delicious eats from the Hollywood Farmers' Market. We stayed at the Kimpton Everly Hotel (walkable to the concert); we could even see the iconic Hollywood sign from our room. This devastating wildfires in January haven't affected these experiences. Between the Hollywood Bowl and SoFi Stadium, chances are you'll find a concert in LA featuring music that brings you together.
When to Go: While we visited in October, the summer concert lineup in LA is jam-packed.
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Austin, Texas
A GH tester took her 4-year-old to Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa during Barton Fest, an outdoor event with additional family-friendly activities like mini golf and inflatable water slides. For a cool twist on a traditional mother-daughter trip, she asked her sister to join. (How awesome does a mother-daughter-aunt vacation sound?)
"We were at Omni Barton Creek for three days, and never ran out of things to do or restaurants to try," said our tester. "My daughter had the time of her life. And believe it or not, this was probably the most relaxing trip I've been on in a long time because everything we wanted to do was on property."
When to Go: In 2025, Barton Fest is scheduled for May 25 and August 31.
Mexico City, Mexico
My friend works in the travel industry and can pretty much take her mom anywhere. "We've gone on many mother-daughter trips over the years, but our four days in Mexico City stands out as one of the best," she told me. They fell in love with the destination's culture and food. "Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s house, was extra special for us because my mom is an artist and it was her dream to visit!" my friend recalled.
Mom and daughter also had an incredible candlelight dinner at Maximo Bistrot and took a taco tour through center city. They stayed at Las Alcobas in the charming Polanco neighborhood, walkable to many bars and restaurants.
When to Go: Early winter is an excellent time to visit to escape the cold weather.
On a Boat Somewhere (Anywhere)
Cruises may just be the easiest way to travel with your mom or daughter because almost anything you could wish for is right on board. Broadway-style shows? They got 'em. Pools? Those too. Spa and Bingo? Check and check. My daughter and I did all of the above on a Princess Cruise in Alaska, plus we had the added wonder of seeing glaciers for the first time.
If you're not into sailing on a big ship or are hoping for a more nature-focused experience, copy another GH editor who took her teen on an epic National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Fire and Ice sailing around Iceland (that's them in the photo!) "The staff and service were amazing," said our editor, who appreciated being relieved of the mental load of trip planning. "I thought this would be a once-in-lifetime experience for us. But my daughter has asked if we can go to Antarctica together next!"
When to Go: My daughter and I sailed to Alaska in July, and had pleasant temperatures. In the beginning and end of the season (May and September), it tends to colder but there are fewer crowds at the ports. In 2025, sailings for 8-day Iceland trip takes place from late May to early August.
RELATED: 7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
A GH editor and her mom hopped on a plane to Hilton Head Island and wanted to stay in a newly renovated hotel right on the beach. Enter The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa.
Although Mother Nature was throwing a temper tantrum that weekend, they took advantage of the resort's indoor programming and spa. "The overall vibe was nothing short of relaxing," our editor said. "There were so many different groups of people staying there, from large families to couples on a romantic vacation. We also saw other moms and daughters looking for a quick getaway. There really was something for everyone."
When to Go: Our editor visited in August during hurricane season. The spring and early summer are great times to the best times to go.
Kansas City, Missouri
When my friend had a work conference in Kansas City, she brought her recent high-school graduate along and mother-daughter trip magic ensued! Even without the allure of "the guy on the Chiefs," Kansas City has got game.
My friend and her daughter researched their meals, choosing Jack Stack Barbecue for their brisket fix and Christopher Elbow Chocolates for breakfast treats. They also took in a Kansas City Royals game because her daughter loves baseball. "The city felt very safe and there was a trolley that was easy and fun to use," she said. And they found a home base that was just perfect for them: the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
American Girl Place, various locations
Daylong mother-daughter trips -- when you're back in your own beds at night -- allow you to ease into the tradition. Our "just the two of us" getaways started when I took my daughter on a two-hour bus ride to American Girl's cafe in New York City. (There are six more throughout the country.)
She was immediately drawn to the brand's signature white, black and pink decor and practically lost her mind when she saw that her doll, Kit, would receive a seat at the table too. I thought the food was fun and balanced and, by New York City standards, a pretty good deal.
Between the meal and getting her dolls hair styled at the in-store salon, the adventure took about four hours -- short enough to make for her to power through without a nap. After our first foray, we were hooked, and returned at least annually, sometimes with grandmothers and cousins. It's such a core memory for my daughter that when we were recently walking by the New York City location, she insisted we look around "just for old time sake." Fortunately, not much has changed!
When to Go: It's usually easier to nab reservations on weekdays. In addition to regular dining, special events, like "memories with mom lunch" take place frequently.
Honolulu, Hawaii
A GH editor and her mom have taken many trips over the years, but their adventures in Honolulu stand out as being among the most peaceful. "We didn't fight once in a week!" she said. They stayed at the recently renovated Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort that has breathtaking views of the Diamond Head National Monument. "This is a perfect location for Waikiki," she said. "There’s direct easy access to the beach via the Sheraton boardwalk and quick access to the main streets. Plus, the views here are gorgeous and unbeatable."
When to Go: Our editor went in September, an excellent time to avoid high airfare prices and crowds. But the weather is lovely year-around.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
On vacation last summer, my daughter and I ate (and cooked) our way through Cabo San Lucas — and met some other moms and daughters who were doing the same. A centerpiece of our culinary adventures took place at the breathtaking Flora Farms. Their cooking class was legit rather than the "watch your instructor do most of the work" type. We learned how to authentically make salsa and tortillas, peeling and chopping our way through the process.
We also rolled up our sleeves to make pasta with chefs from the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol, as part of a special experience that guests can book. Then we feasted on our creations for lunch, trying some new-to-us foods. But, hands down, our favorite Four Seasons meal wasn't cooked by us. Coraluz, a beachfront restaurant that's a collaboration with chef Richard Sandoval, won that honor.
When to Go: We went in late July (because life), but if you can, try to plan for late spring or early summer when it's less hot. And heads up, it tends to be rainiest in September.
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Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
A spa adventure is the quintessential mother-daughter experience, and The Lodge at Woodloch takes it to the next level for moms and daughters ages 16+. The spa itself wows at every turn with multiple pools, indoor and out, plus a room that actually makes snow. A stellar treatment menu includes state-of-the-art facials, massages and more.
But that's not even the best part. The variety of the daily activities separates this all-inclusive destination spa from other wellness getaways. For instance, we chose to make flower arrangements, and they learned so much from our sweet instructor. On the drive home, flowers carefully placed in the back seat by their attentive staff, we both uttered the same thing: "We have to go back!"
When to Go: We visited in late August and lucked out that it wasn't terribly hot. Spring and fall are stunning in this area of the state.
Karen is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage. Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!). She has spoken at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and was previously the senior editor at Parents. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
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