How to Plan a Father’s Day Vacation Your Dad Will Love

Because Dad deserves his day to be amazing!

This year, give your dad a gift that goes beyond the usual. Take him on a special Father’s Day vacation, planned just for him, to show your appreciation for all the years of love and support he’s given you. Go ahead: indulge his interests, spend one-on-one time together, and most importantly, create beautiful memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Here are some tips for creating a getaway that’s just as amazing as Dad is!

• Choose the right destination

  But where is that destination? It depends on your dad!

  Keep your dad’s hobbies and interests (beyond his favorite child!) in mind when deciding where to take him. Then make your choice bigger.

  Does Dad spend his weekends fishing at the local pier? Then a lakeside cabin might be just the spot. If he’s a fan of The History Channel, a city rich in historical landmarks could be perfect for a Father’s Day vacation.

  We could go on, but you guys get the idea! Do your research and pick a city tailored to Dad’s passion.

• Plan fun activities together

  Once you’ve picked out the perfect destination, plan activities that your dad truly will enjoy.

  Think of things to do that highlight the uniqueness of your destination: a guided walking tour, a round of golf at a top-tier course, or reservations at a local brewery’s tasting room.

  Just don’t overload your itinerary! Playing golf or exploring the city every single day can become tiring… for both of you. Instead, mix up activities so that Dad has something exciting and different to look forward to each day.

• Book downtime

  As impossible as it may feel, Dad isn’t getting any younger. That guy who chased you around the park or carried you on his shoulders at a theme park…well, he might need the occasional nap or early bedtime now.

  So although planning fun activities is important, it’s equally crucial to make sure you’re scheduling downtime, too.

  Start your day slowly, and maybe a little later, instead of booking the first tee time of the day. Or keep an afternoon free, so Dad can have quiet time to read, nap, or just enjoy being with you.

  A well-balanced itinerary can make your trip more enjoyable and less exhausting—the ultimate win-win!

• Add personal touches

  Throughout your trip, add those special personal touches that will make your Father’s Day vacation feel extra special for Dad.

  It doesn’t have to be anything outrageous; here are some simple, but sweet, options:

  – Pack his favorite snacks
  – Create a custom playlist with tunes from your childhood
  – Invite an old friend of his to meet you at your destination
  – Pack a board game that you played as a family

  And for a foodie dad, if you’re staying at an Airbnb, you can arrange to have groceries delivered and cook his favorite meal together.

  These small, thoughtful details will show your dad just how much effort you’ve put into planning a trip that’s meaningful to him.

• Capture memories

  Whether it’s just you and Dad or you’ve invited other family members, one thing’s certain: this Father’s Day vacation will be epic!

  And a trip this amazing deserves to be documented. Capture memories with lots of photos and videos. Maybe jot down a few journal notes each evening. You can even write down some of Dad’s personal memories, such as his low golf score or his favorite hiking trail.

  After your trip, surprise Dad with one final gift. Create a photo album, digital slideshow, or even a quick video as a keepsake.

  It’ll give Dad a chance to relive your memories—until your next adventure together, that is!

Where to go: Father’s Day trip ideas for every kind of dad

Still deciding on a destination? Here are some of our favorite Father’s Day trips, grouped by the kind of getaway your dad loves best.

• For the outdoorsy dad

  Anchorage, AK is a bucket-list summer trip, with salmon fishing right downtown, up-close views of bears and moose, and 20-plus hours of daylight for adventuring. Denver, CO mixes big-city energy with the Rockies just up the road: hiking, rafting, a ballgame at Coors Field, and 150-plus breweries to explore.

• For the golf-loving dad

  Scottsdale, AZ is a desert golf mecca, with 150-plus courses (try We-Ko-Pa) plus galleries and restaurants in its lively downtown. Myrtle Beach, SC packs in more than 80 courses, from championship layouts like TPC Myrtle Beach to easygoing public greens, with the Boardwalk and SkyWheel waiting once he’s off the fairway.

• For the on-the-water dad

  Key West, FL is all snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and the treasures of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Islamorada, FL, the self-styled Sportfishing Capital of the World, sets you up with a charter and a restaurant that will cook your catch, plus mangrove kayaking. And Cocoa Beach, FL pairs the Kennedy Space Center and its Rocket Garden with surf lessons at Ron Jon’s.

• For the foodie or sports-fan dad

  New Orleans, LA is a paradise of gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and beignets from Café du Monde. Chicago, IL delivers Wrigley Field, a Chicago River architecture cruise, deep-dish pizza, and a photo in front of The Bean.

• For the music-and-culture dad

  Nashville, TN is Music City itself, with the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B, and honky-tonks along Broadway. Boston, MA walks him through history on the Freedom Trail, capped with clam chowder in the North End. And Portland, OR is “Beervana,” home to roughly 70 breweries, the massive Powell’s City of Books, and VooDoo Doughnut.

Ready to have fun and make memories? These tips will practically guarantee that your Father’s Day vacation is a meaningful celebration of the wonderful man you call Dad.

But if you truly want to impress your dad, take your vacation planning to the next level by shipping your stuff to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. It’s the ultimate vacation luxury: Dad won’t have to carry suitcases through the airport or waste precious vacation time waiting at baggage claim.

Favorite child status: achieved!