We show dad how much we care and love him on Father’s Day. This holiday is celebrated every year on the third Sunday of June in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries. A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd started this celebration of Father’s Day a few years after the first Mother’s Day. She did it by trying to “establish an official equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents.” (History.com, 2021)

 Since then, how we commemorate dad, grandpa, and the other men who have formed us into who we have changed through the years. At first, young women gave their fathers red roses during church services on Father’s Day. Then, a decade after this holiday began, families liked to get tobacco, socks, neckties, and hats as gifts. 

 Nowadays, gift ideas for dad include pajamas, slippers, electric razors, grooming products, sports gear, and shirts. But there has been a significant change in the last ten years. A 2011 survey found that more than 60 percent of people planned to buy dad a gift related to electronics, clothing, or sports goods, while only 6 percent planned to get dad something related to an experience. In recent years, millennials have chosen to spend more on experiences than on things for Father’s Day. 

 Fortune.com said that in 2017, the amount people planned to spend on a memorable excursion with dad (like golf, a concert, or a road trip) placed it at the top of the list of Father’s Day gifts.

Don’t fool yourself. Dad doesn’t want another tie or tool for Father’s Day. Plan a trip with dad this year. You all deserve it. Travel is great because it brings people together in a fun and unexpected ways. Traveling brings people closer, especially when we go on amazing trips with our loved ones, like our families. 

 Whether dad will enjoy a vacation with fun activities that will get the adrenaline pumping or a relaxing weekend enjoying breathtaking ocean views, here is a list of destinations based on shared interests to make family memories in incredible places.

1. Hilton Head Island, SC

Father's Day Getaway Ideas

If dad is a golf enthusiast, Hilton Head Island is an authentic paradise with over 30 world-class courses, making it an ideal destination to celebrate dad on a golf getaway. Golfers can choose from more than 33 world-class golf courses in the Lowcountry area, including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Daufuskie Island.

Since your dad loves sports, you might try a new activity such as pickleball, rent a kayak, or play miniature golf to improve your putting abilities. And if you want to go on a new adventure, you can take your Father’s Day getaway trip to new heights by zip-lining or taking a helicopter ride over Hilton Head Island. Finally, book a ride on a pirate cruise, where kids complete the fun adventure with a treasure hunt and water cannons.

Family vacations frequently have different accommodation requirements. For instance, a vacation rental with breathtaking beach views may be ideal for dads seeking peace and space. Furthermore, a hotel or resort may be the best option for convenient access to exclusive recreational activities and fantastic restaurants.

2. Cabo San Lucas Father’s Day Getaway

Cabo San Lucas is located south of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. A family vacation to Cabo is an opportunity to enjoy an authentic paradise where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Taking a Father’s Day getaway weekend trip to Cabo San Lucas lets you experience exciting activities.  Think sailing trips on the sea and swimming with dolphins.  Try zip-lining in the mountains, riding camels on the beach or simply jumping into stunningly clear resort pools.

If you want to give Dad some father’s day getaway fun, treat him to a round of golf, a sportfishing adventure or a day at the spa.  In fact, if you plan to pamper dad with a luxurious getaway, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect destination.  Enjoy stunning ocean views from luxury accommodation that may even include a breakfast cooked by your own private chef.

Cabo San Lucas is the ideal place to surprise Dad and give him a gift that he will remember forever! 

Father's Day Getaway gift

3. Cape Coral, FL 

Cape Coral is also known as the Venice of Florida because of 400 miles of canals.  These allow access to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico.

This delightful town is a simple and blissful option for a father’s day getaway to the beach without crowds and traffic.  A paradise for water enthusiasts, vacation homes on the Caloosahatchee River with a private dock are available.  Dad can bring his boat and set sail for the Gulf to catch dinner, or tie up the jet ski.

Explore the Rotary Park Environmental Center with dad, then shop at the farmers’ market.  End your day together with a delicious dinner from various food truck vendors offering unique street food. 

If your Dad loves history, stop by the Southwest Florida Military Museum.  Dedicated to honoring military history and educating the public through displays of military memorabilia. 

In addition, Cape Coral is a laid-back beach town where a foodie enthusiast can enjoy a wonderful Father’s Day getaway weekend.  Visit a vast and diverse collection of restaurants with proximity to the world-famous beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel.

4.  Father’s Day Getaway To The Caribbean

Aruba provides all-inclusive family fun experiences for kids of all ages on your Father’s Day getaway vacation!  With its stunning beaches, quiet shallow seas and a broad range of fun activities, Aruba is known as “One Happy Island.”

So, what to do here?  If travelling with little ones, visit Baby Beach.  It has the softest sands and warm, calm shallow waters.  However, if you are traveling with teenagers and need more adventure, try Palm Island.  It offers snorkeling, banana boat rides and zip-lining to ensure great fun with dad.

Complete your adventure in Aruba by enjoying some great local attractions.  The Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory or The Archaeological Museum of Aruba show the history of this beautiful destination.

Aruba offers all types of vacation escapes.  From family-friendly luxury boutique hotels, all-inclusive resorts or budget-focused vacation homes.  Try having that Caribbean vacation you always dreamed of and give Dad an unforgettable Father’s Day getaway!

5. Destin, FL

Warm summer breezes and stunning Gulf views make Destin, Florida, the perfect place to spend your next getaway for Father’s Day.  Famous for its sugar-white sands and emerald-hued waters, Destin is perfect for the whole family. 

There are tons of fun activities for families to do, and you won’t want to miss any of them!  If you want to go fishing with your dad, Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”.  Choose from one of the country’s largest charter fishing fleets for near-shore or deep-sea fishing adventures.

Destin Harbor is another excellent place to take Dad.  There are plenty of activities for the entire family, from rock climbing and zip lining to simply enjoying delicious local food.  Destin is a tourist spot with everything you need to enjoy your Father’s Day stay. Here you can find a private vacation home for the entire family, a resort condo or even an RV stay in a camp ground.

6. Western States Getaway For Father’s Day  – Park City, UT

Father's Day Getaway destination - Park City, UT

Summer vacations to Park City will be very different from the winter activities of snow skiing and boarding.  However, the enjoyment you can have on this Father’s Day getaway may make the winter memories pale in comparison.

This is a great destination for a dad who loves sports.  First, take Dad to Utah Olympic Park and let him explore.  There are museums about the 2002 Olympics and the chance of spotting an aspiring athlete practicing for a future event.

Explore more history with a visit to the No Name Saloon, where the beer and whiskey menus are practically limitless.  Finally, finish your exciting adventures with a visit to the Butcher’s Chop House and Bar.  Find Dad’s favorite meal in an elegant atmosphere.  A dinner at the Butcher’s promises to be the highlight of his visit!

If Dad is a weekend cycling fan, Park City is an amazing place.  Whether a beginner looking for some fun activity, or a professional rider seeking to join teammates for support.  Have an amazing ride while enjoying some of the best scenic locations you can find.  The atmosphere and cycling experience here will thrill him.  What a great gift to celebrate a Dad who loves cycling!

7. Winter Park, CO

Winter Park, Colorado is the ideal place to spend your Father’s Day getaway weekend this year.  Unique family-friendly activities and spectacular views make your summer getaway with Dad one you will remember forever.

When you visit Winter Park, select from many thrilling and enjoyable activities.  These include fly fishing and white water rafting excursions to spend quality time with Dad while connecting with nature.

To begin, schedule a hiking morning to enjoy beautiful valley views of the Continental Divide.  And, if your Dad loves mountain biking, Winter Park is the mountain bike capital of the USA.  There are over 600 miles of biking trails to enjoy. 

Father's Day Getaway destination - River Kayaking at Winter Park, CO

Spend quality time together while fly fishing on your getaway for Father’s Day.  The Fraser River and Upper Colorado River are full of rainbow trout, cutthroat and brook trout.  Find the equipment you need for a day at the river with dad at local fishing shops.

These beautiful rivers are not only suitable for fishing.  In fact, try white water rafting, one of the most fun things for Dad to try on the Colorado River.  With many twists and turns, it is perfect for all experience levels and there are many local rafting companies to choose from.

If you visit Winter Park for Father’s Day with children, choosing the place to stay is vital to enjoying your trip.  Winter Park has a wide variety of family rentals.  These include condos, rustic cabins and luxurious townhouses to provide you with the ideal summer getaway. 

8. Jackson Hole, WY

Father’s Day at Jackson Hole is an excellent idea for Dads who want to live like a cowboy for the weekend.  To do this, book one of the ranches in the remote reaches of Jackson Hole.

Start your cowboy-style trip with a covered wagon adventure to dinner with Double H Bar, Inc.  In addition, ride with real cowboys at the Mill Iron Ranch, located in the Horse Creek Valley.  Followed this with an authentic Western tradition, the Jackson Hole Rodeo.  And last, but not least, spend a morning at the Aerial Tram.  This gives a 360-degree view of the Tetons, Jackson Hole valley, and surrounding mountain ranges. Complete your ride with brunch including the world-famous gourmet waffles in Corbet’s Cabin.

Add to your Jackson Hole cowboy experience with many other fun things.  Your Dad may like mountain biking, fly-fishing or going on a wildlife safari on his Father’s Day getaway.  

9. Big Bear, CA – A Watery Father’s Day Getaway

Celebrate Father's Day at Big Bear, CA

A Big Bear Lake vacation is a fantastic way to celebrate Dad and can be personalized based on what he wants to do.  Weather around Father’s Day has the temperatures in Big Bear extraordinary for getting out on the lake. 

Rent a paddleboat or kayak in Big Bear to try things out of the ordinary and test his fitness. These are lesser-known things to do on the lake and great options for a more adventurous activity than a leisurely boat trip.  Requiring a little more physical effort, this is a fantastic way to see the lake. 

A lake trip to Big Bear can also include some great fishing.  Families can rent a boat and spend the weekend on the lake in California.

Big Bear Lake is stocked with many varieties of fish including sunfish, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.  Stay at a luxurious lakefront cabin with a dock to fish and swim from and enjoy stunning views of the lake.  You and your Dad are sure to enjoy this excellent time together. Read also Kayak Packing List For A Family Trip.

10. Estes Park, CO

Estes Park is a beautiful Father’s Day trip for outdoor enthusiasts.  Located in Colorado, it has easy access to the trails of Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest.  Visit alpine lakes, see many different wildlife species and choose from a plethora of recreational opportunities.

This lovely town is a mountain angler’s dream!  Find the most exciting and memorable fly fishing trip with Dad.  Go for a hike together to see, hear, feel and experience these pristine nature reserves.  Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park has trails for every skill level. 

Plunge into the Poudre River for an afternoon of thrilling whitewater rafting with Wanderlust Adventure. They provide the necessary gear and safety equipment.

In addition, Estes Park features the accommodations and activities to make the ideal Father’s Day getaway.  Visit these iconic places while making memories with your family.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun Father’s Day getaway, there are plenty of great ideas to choose from.  No matter what your Dad enjoys, you are sure to find a suitable adventure on our list!

Plan to go camping, hiking, fishing, or relaxing by a lake, pool, or beach.  Make this Father’s Day getaway one he’ll never forget! You can also add these ideas to your list.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Father’s Day getaway today! But don’t forget these 11 travel essentials for kids. Read on!