Let’s Celebrate DAD! 

Father’s Day is a special day to show our appreciation for all the hard work and love that fathers give to their families. Celebrating Father’s Day through travel is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.   Better than a tie or a coffee mug with “Best Dad” … Just saying, travel is by far the coolest gift!

There are plenty of Father’s Day getaway ideas to choose from across the globe!  Some last-minute weekend getaway ideas are fishing, golfing, camping, a brewery tour, adventure in nature, or how about a massage?   For a father-daughter trip, consider a spa day, a nice lunch, or dinner with Dad. 

Ideas for the Adventure Loving Dad!

For the dad who loves to fish, the options are endless, especially in the summer.  Book a rustic vacation by the bend of a river. Eastern Idaho rests along the south fork of the Snake River, the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean. The South Fork of the Snake River offers Class I–II rapids, plus great access to remote fishing spots. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, elk, and moose. It’s also one of the best places in the US for tailwater and dry fly fisheries.  Also, two of my favorite destinations are Florida to catch mahi mahi or marlin & Sitka, Alaska, for salmon or halibut.  Islamorada, Florida, is the Sportfishing Capital of the world and is perfect for chartering a boat for a few hours. 

One of my favorite memories was tubing down the Guadalupe River with my Dad until his tube went upside down with him in it.  That was the last time tubing with my Father.  River tubing is a great way to chill and literally cool off during the hot summer months. Some of the best destinations for river tubing include the Guadalupe River, the Delaware River, and the Ichetucknee River. Kayaking is another great way to cool off and spend a few hours with your Dad. Paddle through turquoise waters and shallow flats with sea turtles, manatees, and tropical fish in the Florida Keys. Popular spots include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Indian Key Historic State Park.  On my bucket list is Lake Tahoe for kayaking or paddleboarding. With panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and water so clear you can see 70 feet down, Lake Tahoe is perfect for early morning kayaking. Don’t miss Sand Harbor for jaw-dropping photo ops.

We are blessed to have more than 400 sprawling National Parks in the United States.   A great idea is to visit one of the 10 oldest National Parks in the United States.  Guess what the oldest park is…It’s Yellowstone National Park, located mainly in Wyoming, but it’s a must-visit in your lifetime.  Yellowstone is home to a diverse array of fauna and flora, including over 1,700 species of trees and nearly 60 species of mammals. 

Road Trip with Dad!  How about an iconic cruise along California’s Pacific Coast Highway?  Wind your way from San Francisco to Santa Barbara with scenic stops in Big Sur, Carmel, and Malibu. Create unforgettable memories with detours for surfing, wine tasting, or hiking.  

Ideas for the Laid Back Dad! 

A spa trip is a great way to relax and unwind with your dad if you can get him to the spa.  After all, it’s not just for Moms.  Some of the best spa destinations include Sedona, Arizona, and Napa Valley, California, for spa properties.  If your dad is a golfer, too, then Arizona is the sweet spot for both.  Arizona is home to more than 300 high-caliber golf courses, most located in the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas.  For a luxurious golfing + spa experience, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort is one of the best, with two 18-hole championship golf courses plus a state-of-the-art spa!  WIN, WIN!  If you are a local in South Florida, one of my favorites is the PGA National Spa Golf and Spa, all in one day! 

Colorado Springs is renowned for its vibrant brewery scene, boasting over 20 craft breweries, ranging from independent, family-owned establishments to established businesses with more than 25 years of history, including Phantom Canyon Brewing Company and Red Leg Brewing Company.

Currently, there are 27 breweries that either call Milwaukee home, have a brewery in Milwaukee, or have a Milwaukee taproom.  For nearly two centuries, Miller Brewing Company, Pabst Brewing Company, and Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company all claimed Milwaukee as home.

For the father who loves rum, why not the Zemi Beach House Resort and Spa to impress your father?  Dad can relax in the Rhum Room, tasting more than 100 small-batch, single-estate rums.  

Ideas for the History Buff Dad! 

If your dad is a car enthusiast, head to Bowling Green (driving distance from Nashville, Tennessee), Kentucky, which is home to the National Corvette Museum, with more than 70 Corvettes on display.  Vroom Vroom!

How about the Henry Ford Museum located in Dearborn, Michigan? Experience one of the largest collections, including the presidential limousine of John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theatre, Thomas Edison’s laboratory, the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop, & the Rosa Parks bus. 

Ideas for the Sports Dad! 

Take him out to the ballpark for America’s oldest professional pastime sport—often called “America’s Pastime.” Enjoy a tour of classic Yankee Stadium or take your pick from among baseball’s many great stadiums. The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, is a must-visit for any baseball fan.  

Ideas for the Foodie Dad! 

Treat foodie dads to brisket and bourbon in Austin or hot chicken and live music in Nashville. Both of these spots are a fantastic destination for you and Dad.  Book a guided food tour, or create your own by visiting a few local gems.  One of my favorites in Nashville is Peg Leg Porker and in Austin for Tex-Mex is Enchiladas Y Mas.  Happy to help with the search for BBQ or Tex-Mex in either location, as I have tried a few!  😉

Traverse City, Michigan, is a hidden gem foodie destination that blends lakeside charm with farm-to-table excellence. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, this quaint town is known for its fresh Great Lakes whitefish, locally sourced ingredients, and everything cherry. 

If you need more ideas, check out some last-minute travel deals and hotel recommendations or contact me for help planning the perfect Father’s Day getaway in June or beyond.