The Family Vacation Destinations You’ve Been Missing

For years I’ve lived within an hour’s drive of Borrego Springs in Southern California and it never occurred to me to consider it one of many (underrated) family vacation destinations.

I’m not sure why that is. And really, it was my loss as I discovered during a recent visit.

For those not familiar, Borrego Springs is home to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, which is a sprawling and untouched natural landscape that offers many family-friendly activities including exploring easily accessible slot canyons and palm groves. as well as wind caves that were sculpted over thousands of years.

And come springtime, the park is also the location of a stunning wildflower display.

During a recent visit with my 12-year-old son and his friends, the park’s slot canyons were a highlight of our stay. Like adventurers from an Indiana Jones movie we navigated through the canyon’s twists and turns with excitement, taking in all of the curvatures of the steep walls that surrounded us.

Memorable desert hikes at the state park were just one of many kid-friendly highlights of Borrego Springs’ underrated family vacation destinations.

As dusk began to settle on our second day in Borrego Springs and the desert temperatures cooled, we explored the fantastical and legendary Sky Art Metal Sculptures that punctuate the outskirts of downtown.

The caravan of sculptures includes towering dragons, dinosaurs, prehistoric elephants, ancient camels, a saber-tooth cat and far more, all set against a stark desert landscape backdrop. (Hint: visiting around sunset also provides the best photo opportunities.)

Created by artist Ricardo Breceda, the sculptures have been described as whimsical, haunting and delightful. They are indeed all of those things. And more. The iconic sculptures have become beloved local treasures and a major attraction.

As we drove from one sculpture to the next, the kids couldn’t get enough of them, oohing and ahhing as each sculpture came into view and jumping from the car to get a closer look.

And still there’s more when it comes to Borrego Springs.

Perhaps its most magical attraction (at least in my mind) is the starry skies that blanket the region come nightfall. Borrego Springs is one of the few designated International Dark Sky Communities worldwide.

The dark sky program certifies communities, parks, and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education. 

Borrego, a community without a single floodlit big-box store and nary even a street signal, has certainly excelled when it comes to implementing responsible lighting. It remains a hold-out community offering family travelers an all-to-rare experience: A chance to spend time in a place not overrun by commercialism and all of the associated trappings.

As a result, the skies here are simply spectacular, providing a glistening view of the Milky Way that you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. If you have a budding astronomer in your brood, you’ll definitely want to put Borrego Springs on your list. 

For an especially memorable family stargazing experience, look into arranging a “star party” through the Anza Borrego Foundation, which partners with UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center to offer such gatherings led by an expert astronomer.

And one more note when it comes to all-things Borrego Springs. Family travelers won’t want to miss the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort for an added dose of family-vacation fun while in town.

One of the features I loved best about this Borrego Springs property is that it’s built to look like a colorful old western town, making it so much fun for young visitors to explore.

There’s also an enormous pool at the center of the resort (which is one of two pools on the premises and a huge draw after dusty desert explorations.) And in true old western style, there’s also a saloon for the adults. 

For those who want to get just a little closer to nature, the resort also offers a handful of vintage Airstreams and trailers to bunk in. Depending on the size of the trailer or Airstream, these fun accommodations include kitchens, bathrooms and some even have queen-sized beds.

Borrego Springs isn’t the only unexpected and especially inviting family destination to put on your radar in 2025.

Here are five more underrated family vacation destinations that you’ll want to add to your future vacations list.

Underrated Family Vacation Destinations – Victoria, British Columbia

Another suggestion pulled from my recent personal travel file, Victoria B.C. holds a truly special place in my heart. And here’s why: Not only is it uber-family friendly, but it’s also a city that’s leading the way when it comes to protecting the planet and putting sustainability front and center.

Stay tuned for my full feature article on my visit to this one of many remarkable and underrated family destinations, Vacation Destinations. But here’s the quick, hot-take on Victoria, B.C.

The capital of British Columbia, this charming and easily navigable city offers all manner of kid-friendly and family-friendly activities. My 12-year-old son and I spent several memorable days exploring both downtown Victoria and its suburban environs.

In downtown Victoria, one of our personal favorite attractions was the Victoria Bug Zoo. As the name indicates, this is a place for visitors to take in all manner of creepy crawlies. (Creepy crawlies in the best sense of the word of course.)

Here we observed some of the largest stick insects my son and I have ever seen. And we were allowed to hold a millipede in our hands. It’s a sensation you won’t soon forget.

Bicycling around Victoria was another highlight of our visit. From our eco-friendly hotel located in the heart of downtown Victoria, The Parkside Hotel & Spa, we were easily able to bike to many top attractions. (The bikability was quite possibly my son’s favorite thing about the city.)

Where exactly did we bike to, you ask?

One of our favorite rides involved exploring the sprawling 740,000-square-meter Beacon Hill Park, which was just a few blocks from our hotel. The park is made up of picturesque natural areas, manicured flower beds, footpaths, duck ponds and more than a few wild peacocks who make their presence known.

This gem of a greenspace also happens to be home to Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, where we parked our bikes and spent a few hours visiting with goats, pigs, Jacob sheep, miniature donkeys, guinea pigs, alpacas, ducks and more.

If you visit the farm, don’t miss the so-called “running of the goats,” which involves the farm staff opening the barn gates for a gaggle of goats and setting them free to run down a path to a farm yard, while visitors stand alongside the path cheering the adorable goats onward. (The farm is currently closed for winter, but reopens come spring.)

On another especially memorable day in Victoria, we took a cruise with the Prince of Whales whale watching company and spent the afternoon observing orcas in ways I never thought possible. Both my son and I stood awestruck as orcas leapt in the air and swam alongside the boat within what practically seemed like arm’s reach. Our guide told us that the orcas were more active than he had seen them in a long time, likely because they were celebrating a successful hunt.

The best part of the experience was that we were observing these joyful orcas in the wild, where they should be (not trapped in an amusement park.)

These are really just a few of the many highlights when it comes to Victoria, another of our six underrated family vacation destinations.

Suffice it to say, Victoria is another unexpected but truly worthwile must-do for family globetrotters. And the icing on the cake is that Greater Victoria is a Biosphere Certified destination, meaning the city’s leaders are dedicated to environmental sustainability, cultural diversity and social responsibility, in order to help create a better future for all of us.

Reno Tahoe, Nevada

Offering a mix of outdoor adventure, interactive learning, and memorable experiences, Reno Tahoe is a place where families can enjoy both urban amenities and a small-town feel, says Mike Larragueta, President and CEO of Reno Tahoe. 

Family-friendly activities here include scenic hikes in the Sierra Nevada mountains, days spent on the slopes in North Lake Tahoe and hands-on fun at The Discovery Museum. Still more options include exploring local creativity at the Nevada Museum of Art and experiencing events like the Great Reno Balloon Race or the Reno River Festival. 

As for where to say, family-friendly options range from resorts like Circus Circus and Grand Sierra Report, to unique amenities at Whitney Peak Hotel.

“Reno Tahoe has something for everyone,” says Larragueta. “Plus, with easy access from California and major U.S. cities, families can skip the crowds of other mountain destinations and enjoy an unforgettable getaway filled with adventure and discovery.”

Miches, Dominican Republic

For years now, Punta Cana with its multitude of beachfront resorts, has been the show stealer in the Dominican Republic. But family travelers seeking something a little less crowded and a little more unexpected will want to consider Miches this year instead. 

It’s a place known for unspoiled nature preserves, palm-tree-lined beaches, and an idyllic coastal town. Add to that pristine beaches, adventure opportunities, and plenty of authentic charm, and you can see why family travelers will want to take note of this destination. 

“Miches is the new destination in the Dominican Republic, offering a unique experience previously unavailable in the country,” says Manuela Fahringer, general manager, Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton.

“With its lush vegetation, calm crystal-clear beaches, majestic mountains, and serene lagoons, Miches is a paradise waiting to be explored,” adds Fahringer. 

Among the highlights of visiting Miches is its close proximity to the DR’s Los Haitises National Park, where families can witness the incredible whale-watching season from January to March.

“Beyond its natural beauty, Miches is known for the warmth and hospitality of its people, creating a welcoming environment for all families,” adds Fahringer.

As for where to stay, the soon-to-open Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, promises to be a place where guests can truly connect with the destination. The property, which is slated to open in June, offers opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in an experience that celebrates the DR’s rich Taíno culture. 

That includes everything from diverse culinary offerings and artisan-focused entertainment programs to nature-based activities meant to highlight the region’s beauty.

“At Zemi Miches, guests can breathe in the fresh air, disconnect from their daily routines, and fully relax in this stunning, tranquil setting.” says Fahringer. 

Wales, UK

Often overlooked in favor of other parts of the UK, Wales is a hidden gem with some of the most breathtaking, diverse and unspoiled outdoor spaces around, says Claire Copeman, co-founder of UK adventure travel company, Adventure Tours UK.

“It’s a perfect destination for families to explore, with rugged mountains, wild coastlines, serene forests and pristine lakes, all without the typical crowds these beautiful sights often draw,” explains Copeman.

“We are slowly seeing awareness of the country’s wild beauty and all of the adventures it offers grow, thanks to shows like ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, but the country’s incredible natural spaces remain tranquil and unspoiled,” adds Copeman.

And with such glorious landscapes on offer, it is the perfect adventurer’s playground. Not to mention, the family-friendly adventures here are endless. Options include mountain biking, climbing, canyoning, white water rafting, ziplining, caving, surfing, paddleboarding and coasteering (which was actually invented in Wales).

“Along with outdoor adventures, Wales boasts a rich cultural heritage to satisfy curious minds,” says Copeman. 

Need still more reasons to visit? While in Wales, family visitors can enjoy foodie experiences, scenic heritage railways, vibrant music events and of course, explore more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe.

Adventure Tours UK offers small group tours and self-guided adventures through Wales, including everything from mindful walking retreats to coastal cycling routes, and road trips to rail journeys. 

Salema, Portugal

Calling all family travelers who are dinosaur fans. How does an adventure tracking dinosaur footprints on golden sand beaches sound? If you’re ears are perking up, then put the Portugese town of Salema on your radar as one of the many underrated family vacation destinations.

“The quiet village of Salema is absolutely the top destination for families in 2025,” gushes Ginnie Phillips, owner and managing Director of the European villa company, The Villa Agency.

“In 2025, Portugal is set to welcome a record-breaking 33 million tourists, but for families looking to experience the destination without the crowds, Salema is the place to go,” says Phillips. “Here you can sample authentic Portuguese food, experience local culture and go adventuring in unspoiled landscapes, all the while enjoying a more relaxed environment with the kids. There are so many family-friendly activities available here.”

Why is Salema so family-friendly?

First up is Salema’s breathtaking wide stretch of beach, which is known for its gentle surf and soft sand, perfect for the little ones to play and splash around in safely. And then there’s the dinosaur factor. 

“Children can track actual dinosaur footprints right on the sand. I’ve seen them myself and they are truly incredible,” says Phillips.

When it comes to dining, there’s plenty of restaurant options in Salema offering children’s menus to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. And after a tasty meal, family travelers can hop on a boat tour right from the beaches of Salema to take in some of the regional wonders. 

“These tours let you explore the stunning nearby caves and even spot dolphins in their natural habitat,” continues Phillips.

Family travelers looking to try something more adventurous might want to try beginner-friendly surf lessons, which Philllips says are perfect for kids who want to learn in a safe and fun environment. There’s also kayaks, paddleboards, and other water equipment available for rent.

As for where to stay, The Villa Agency offers a range of family-friendly villas in Salema.

One last important note: Getting to Salema has recently become easier than ever.

“United Airlines and TAP Air Portugal have both announced new flight routes between Portugal and the USA this year,” says Phillips. “This enhanced connectivity will make it that much easier for North American families to explore quiet Portuguese villages like Salema this year.”

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan your family vacation to one (or more) of these destinations.