Five Best U.S. Cities for a Father’s Day Trip

Put down the ties and back away from the cologne! Yes, dads can be notoriously difficult to shop for, but you can be more creative than picking up the usuals. In fact, why not make this the year you really spoil dad with a killer surprise Father’s Day trip? Dad’ll love the trip almost as much as he’ll love spending time with his favorite kid (you!).

Having trouble thinking of the perfect place to go? Check out our list for the five best U.S. cities for a Father’s Day weekend getaway.

• Cocoa Beach

  If dad is a fan of everything space-related, take him to Florida’s Space Coast – specifically, to Cocoa Beach. The world-famous east coast beach is located just minutes from Kennedy Space Center, where dad can geek out to his heart’s content. If you time it right, you might even get to see a Space X launch!

  Don’t miss the Rocket Garden, where you and dad can explore rockets from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Dad can even get up-close and personal with the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

  When dad (and you!) need a break from outer space, spend some time in the water. Cocoa’s waves are legendary – hit Ron Jon’s Surf Shop for surf lessons with local athletes.

  Best For: dads who geek out over space and science

• Denver

  Is dad an outdoors-y kind of guy? Then the Mile High City is the perfect spot for a Father’s Day trip. Depending on how adventurous you and dad are feeling, Denver and the surrounding areas offer everything from low-key bike trails to rock climbing and white-water rafting.

  Need more to do? National parks are always a hit with nature-lovers! From Denver, it’s a short drive over to the Rocky Mountain National Park, where dad can hike, fish, or go horseback riding.

  And if the Colorado Rockies are in town, tix to a game at Coors Field would be an excellent way to cap off Father’s Day weekend.

  Best For: dads who prefer the great outdoors

• New Orleans

  French, Spanish, African, Caribbean and most of all: Cajun and Creole. There’s no doubt that NoLa is a foodie dad’s paradise. Seafood dishes such as crawfish and gator are on the menu of most local restaurants. But for a true treat, try some of the uniquely New Orleans cuisine that’s evolved over the years: gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and étouffeé. Yes, you can get them elsewhere. No, they won’t taste the same!

  For dessert, make sure to stop by Café du Monde for steaming hot chicory coffee and an irresistible beignet (or two – we’re not judging!). It’ll be the highlight of his Father’s Day trip!

  Best For: dads with adventurous taste buds

• Portland

  Does dad like to sit back with a cold one? Help him discover a new fave craft beer in Portland. This Pacific Northwest city has more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S. – almost 70 breweries. Does it deserve its self-proclaimed title of “Beervana”? We’ll let dad decide!

  Of course, if you’re tasting beer all day, you’ll also have to eat. And we have the perfect suggestion: VooDoo Doughnut. From maple bacon to guava-filled, there’s sure to be something there that will tempt dad.

  In between breweries and brewpubs, check out indie bookstore Powell’s Book – it’s so big, they actually hand out maps of the shop.

  Best For: dads who like a pint with their meal

• Scottsdale

  If dad’s a golfer, then there’s no place like sunny Scottsdale for a Father’s Day trip. With over 150 golf courses and country clubs, dad will have plenty of chances to practice his famous swing. Go for a truly Arizonian experience at the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. Their two courses have been carved out of the natural landscape, with towering saguaros in the background.

  Pro Tip: If golf’s not your “thing,” brush up on your golf lingo before you hit the course.

  After your game, head over to vibrant downtown Scottsdale, teeming with world-class art galleries and trendy restaurants, for a fun evening with dad.

  Best For: dads who like to tee off

And if you really want to impress dad on your weekend getaway, ship your luggage to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. Instead of waiting at baggage claim and then having to drop off bags at your destination, you and dad can get busy with what you came to do: enjoy some seriously fun bonding time!