Father's Day weekend: 12 getaways in the U.S.

Father's Day falls in the sweet spot of early summer, when longer days and warm weather make a quick getaway feel easy. Whether you're marking the day with a father, stepdad, grandfather, or any father figure, a trip offers something better than any gift: lasting memories and a stronger family bond.

Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, landing right as early summer hits its stride. In 2026, Father's Day falls on June 21. Longer days and warm weather make it an ideal moment to plan a quick getaway.

Baseball and architecture in Chicago

Chicago delivers a classic American weekend with a distinctly local edge. Catching a game at Wrigley Field means joining a sea of fans in a neighborhood where the stadium spills out into the streets, complete with rooftop seating and corner taverns buzzing before first pitch. Beyond baseball, the city's architectural legacy comes into focus on a Chicago River cruise, where guides unpack the stories behind landmarks from modernist towers to early skyscrapers. Off the water, the Lakefront Trail offers skyline views, while neighborhoods like West Loop have standout dining, craft breweries, and a lively arts scene.

Jazz and food tours in New Orleans

New Orleans moves at its own tempo, making it perfect for a celebratory weekend. Start the day with coffee and powdered-sugar-dusted beignets before wandering past Creole cottages and hidden courtyards in the French Quarter. Guided food tours can take you a layer deeper, with tastings of gumbo, po'boys, and local sweets with stories of the city's cultural influences. As evening sets in, you'll catch live jazz from clubs along Frenchmen Street, where intimate venues and spontaneous performances make every night feel like an adventure.

Biking through the monuments in DC

Exploring Washington, DC on two wheels turns the capital into a wide-open playground of history and green space. Rent a hybrid or electric bike to cruise along the National Mall, passing the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian museums at an easy pace. Take a slow early morning ride and add detours into Georgetown to explore cobblestone streets and waterfront paths. For a longer ride, the Capital Crescent Trail or Mount Vernon Trail both offer great views of the Potomac River.

Golf and desert spas in Arizona

Arizona pairs activity with downtime in a way that gets the balance right. In Scottsdale and the Phoenix area, early tee times come with desert light, fairways framed by saguaro cacti, and rugged mountains. Courses such as Troon North are known for their scenery as much as challenging play. Afterward, head to a resort spa and lean into the landscape with massage treatments using cooling local botanicals. In the evening, enjoy outdoor dining as the sky fades into pink and orange.

Coastal walks and seafood in California

California's coastline is the perfect spot for a memorable Father’s Day celebration. In Monterey, the coastal recreation trail winds past rocky coves where sea lions bark from the shoreline, and waterfront restaurants serve everything from clam chowder to fresh grilled fish. Santa Barbara blends Spanish-style architecture with beachside strolls and tasting rooms tucked into a walkable downtown. For a quieter pace, head to Big Sur for dramatic cliffs and redwood groves with scenic overlooks of the Pacific.

Game day in Las Vegas

Las Vegas makes an easy Father's Day win by pairing big-league sports with built-in relaxation. The city is home to the NFL's Raiders, NHL's Golden Knights, and WNBA's Aces, plus a steady lineup of fights, tournaments, and watch-party energy – there's almost always a game to anchor the weekend. Between events, resorts make it simple to shift gears with expansive pools, spa circuits, and lounges. You can go all-in on game day or keep things relaxed with good food and downtime.

The Pacific Coast Highway

California's Highway 1 is a road trip where you’ll drive past cliffs and hidden beaches, with iconic stops like Bixby Bridge offering panoramic views worth pulling over for. Towns along the route each bring their own character, from Santa Cruz's nostalgic boardwalk to Cambria's art galleries and relaxed cafés. 

Great River Road

One of the longest byways in America, Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, passing through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. In historic towns such as Galena or Red Wing, brick storefronts house antique shops, bakeries, and local breweries. 

Blue Ridge Parkway

Stretching 469 miles between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is all about slowing your pace. Rolling mountain vistas appear around nearly every bend, with overlooks offering sweeping views of layered ridgelines fading into blue haze. Short hikes to waterfalls and picnic spots break up the drive, while nearby Asheville adds a mix of Appalachian culture, music, and craft food scenes.

Under the stars in Yosemite National Park

Head to Yosemite for the glaciated peaks, granite cliffs, and towering waterfalls. Days can be spent cycling through the valley, walking to Yosemite Falls, or sitting by the Merced River watching the light shift across El Capitan. Evenings bring cool mountain air, the scent of pine, and a night sky good enough to keep everyone around the campfire after dinner.

Hikes and wildlife in Yellowstone National Park

At Yellowstone, be prepared to step into a living landscape. Boardwalks lead past steaming geysers and vividly colored hot springs, while open valleys often reveal grazing bison or elk in the distance. Early mornings are best for wildlife sightings, and the park's trail network ranges from easy strolls to longer backcountry routes. Camping here comes with some of the darkest skies in the U.S., ideal for stargazing and taking in the Milky Way.

Hanging gardens and hiking the Narrows in Zion

Zion offers an immersive way to connect with the outdoors. Trails pass through lush gardens and the park's accessible shuttle system makes getting around easy. For those ready for adventure, hiking The Narrows means wading through the Virgin River between canyon walls, a uniquely hands-on way to experience the landscape. Accessible viewpoints, facilities, and campsites ensure visitors of all abilities can take in the scenery comfortably.

However you define a great Father's Day, the magic tends to live in the specifics: the seventh-inning stretch with the sun dropping behind the bleachers, the sound of a bike tire humming along the Mall, the first bite of grilled fish after a salty coastal walk, or that quiet moment at a campsite around the fire. Wherever you go, it's the shared experience that matters, adjusting to each other's rhythms and seeing the world together in new ways.