This blog post was updated on October 13, 2023.
More than just providers, dads go out of their way each day to help their kids grow and feel special. No matter who you are, every adult has special memories of their father. Whether it be crisscrossing the country on a family trip to Yellowstone or that time your dad introduced you to horror at an afternoon screening of Psycho, everyone has at least one amazing memory of their dad that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Crossing the threshold into adulthood, it remains important to remember our dads and show them gratitude for all the care and love that have made us into the people we are today. Hey, doesn’t dad deserve something special? After all he’s done for you? Well, here are some ideas for destinations where you can really show dad how much you appreciate him.
The Connoisseur Dad
The dad who loves the refreshing taste of a craft beer will delight in the many brewery tours offered throughout the United States. While the simplicity of relaxing and sipping on a cold beer might be the highlight of many a dad’s day, touring a brewery provides a fascinating peek behind the curtain of what it’s like to make beer. Tours of the biggest names in brewing, notably the Samuel Adams Brewery in Boston and the Guinness Brewery in Baltimore, focus on all aspects of the beer-making process, from the selection of the right hops and grains to fermentation and barrel aging.
Dads with a love of fine bourbon will also enjoy tours of the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Tours of the Maker’s Mark Distillery provide an in-depth exploration of the bourbon-making process while also telling the story of the company’s rich history. Tours of the facility further place a spotlight on the company’s diligent efforts at preserving the environment and how natural ingredients make for the best bourbon.
The Outdoorsman Dad
Dads with a love of the outdoors relish the adventure of not only exploring the wide-open wilderness, but also connecting with nature. Camping sites in Colorado offer both types of these experiences for dads looking to enjoy a little time off. Campgrounds in Colorado are particularly great for an outdoor adventure in that they offer a diverse array of experiences. The state’s varied ecology means that you have plenty of options in what surroundings you want to enjoy during your time in the wilderness. Whether you and your dad want to set up a tent and hike a mountain trail or rent a cabin by a lake and spend the weekend fishing, the state boasts a plethora of adventures.
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is also a prime choice for dads with a love of the outdoors. The Grand Tetons allow guests to be captivated by a variety of experiences all in one place. In addition to traditional camping and hiking experiences, the park also allows guests to climb mountains and go kayaking. Throughout it all, guests will also be able to enjoy Grand Teton’s natural beauty and assorted animal life, including bears, elks, and bison.
The Sportsman Dad
Dads who love sports have their pick of great destinations the world over, but serene South Carolina places itself as one of the top vacation picks for sportsmen. The Palmetto State has developed a particularly strong reputation as the perfect spot for golf lovers. The state is replete with some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, with links in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head being favored by amateur and professional golfers alike. After a long day on the green, those looking to bond with their dad can partake in the state’s signature cuisine of tasty Southern barbecue fare.
Meanwhile, dads with an interest in watersports will find lots to love in sunny Cozumel, Mexico just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. In recent years, Cozumel has emerged as one of the best spots for snorkeling and paddleboarding in the entire Caribbean. Dads lucky enough to snorkel and paddleboard in the turquoise waters of Cozumel are also treated to sights of spectacular coral reefs and colorful fish that call the island’s shore their home.
The History Buff Dad
The dad who is also a history buff can rejoice at the incredible variety of exhibits at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The museum covers a great breadth of maritime and shipbuilding history, with exhibits exploring everything from the age of sail to the nuclear-powered ships used by the Navy today. The museum is also home to 9 ships that are available for tours, including the famed Star of India, the world’s oldest sailing ship. Themed cruises that take guests aboard some of the ships are also offered and feature incredible views of San Diego Bay.
History lovers will also relish a visit to San Antonio, Texas, one of the most culturally significant cities in the United States. San Antonio is home to the Alamo, a place that has become a legendary part of American history. Along with the Alamo’s preserved battlefield site and eponymous Spanish mission, countless other historical locations dot San Antonio’s map. Most of these locations center around Texas’s storied history during the Old West and include places like Fort Sam Houston, a United States Army base that has been in operation since 1845.
The Fantasy Dad
Dads with a desire to step out of their everyday lives and into the role of someone new will enjoy a trip to one of Montana’s famous dude ranches. Here, dads and their kids can dust off their cowboy boots and see what it is like to be pioneers on the edge of the wilderness. Along with usual ranch vacation activities like horseback riding and fishing, guests of many of the state’s dude ranches can see what it is like to be a modern cowboy as they spend their days herding cattle and their nights sleeping under a canopy of stars in the Big Sky Country. Many dude ranches also offer exquisite luxury packages, with glamorous spas and high-end cabins.
Dads with dreams of stardom will further enjoy a long weekend at Rock Star Fantasy Camp. Open to aspiring musicians of any skill level, Rock Star Fantasy Camp lets people live out their dream of being a professional musician. At the start of each camp, participants are introduced to a professional counselor who acts as their mentor throughout the experience. In the past, counselors have included big names like Jonathan Cain and Jeff Beck. By the end of the four-day experience, campers get to perform together at a well-known venue. In past years, many campers have even got to jam onstage with members of Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones.
Have you taken your dad on a Father’s Day getaway? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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