Didn’t Plan for Mother’s Day? Last-Minute Trip Ideas Mom Will Love!

This blog post was updated on May 7, 2024.

Giving mom the gift of travel isn’t always possible for procrastinators. If you want to book flights, hotels, and meals out, you have to be a bit of a planner. However, across a number of major cities in the U.S., procrastinators will find possibilities for several last minute Mother’s Day trips. If you were able to score a cheap flight to one of these major cities, or they happen to be a short drive away, consider taking mom to these intriguing Mother’s Day happenings.

Explore the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Looking for a last-minute Mother’s Day getaway near Atlanta? Consider treating your mom to a memorable experience at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is a haven for nature lovers, offering a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Stroll through themed gardens showcasing exotic flora, tranquil ponds, and winding pathways that invite exploration. Be certain not to miss the Fuqua Orchid Center, the Alice in Wonderland topiaries, and the living Earth Goddess sculpture. From vibrant seasonal displays to immersive exhibitions, the gardens provide a vibrant escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it the perfect destination to celebrate Mother’s Day in a truly enchanting setting.

Discover History at the Betsy Ross House

For travelers looking the perfect place to take the history-loving mom on Mother’s Day, Philadelphia answers. While the city boasts a wealth of historic attractions linked to the foundations of the U.S., mothers might want to grab a ticket to the Betsy Ross House. It’s known for fine teas, treats, and Betsy Ross herself, or at least a simulacrum in costume. Renowned for allegedly stitching up the first Stars and Stripes, Betsy Ross was a wife, mother, entrepreneur, as well as the legendary woman behind the flag.

Take a Stroll in San Francisco

San Francisco is an ideal spot for last-minute Mother’s Day trips. With plenty of museums, delicious restaurants, and beautiful scenery, the city by the Bay doesn’t leave a mother empty-handed. However, if your mom likes to walk, San Francisco offers several fun walking tours including the Victorian Home Walk, a historical walking tour of San Francisco’s Victorian row houses, mansions, and gardens.

Catch the View from the Outlook Lodge in Colorado

Giving mom one-on-one time can be the perfect Mother’s Day gift, and a stay at the Outlook Lodge in Colorado provides a serene setting. This Victorian-style retreat is set among the aspens in Green Mountain Falls and sports wraparound porches for rocking away the afternoon, as well as a fire pit for warming up while admiring the starry night. Deluxe rooms include custom-made, mid-century furniture and bay windows with views of the garden. Outdoor grills and an onsite kitchen give guests the option to prepare their meals. You and mom may never want to leave this woodland paradise, but an Outlook Lodge host can give details on local restaurants, hiking, and nearby Pikes Peak.

Go Wine-Tasting in Napa Valley

Does your mom like discovering new wine? Give her a Mother’s Day trip on which she can experience intimate wine-tastings and private tours while surrounded by the lush scenery of Napa Valley. This California valley produces world-class wine at the hundreds of wineries calling it home. She can taste the offerings of the walkable urban wineries of Yountville, Napa, and Oakville or even hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train for an excursion to the wineries of St. Helena complete with onboard cuisine and stops along the way. Napa Valley is dotted with a variety of lodging for you and mom, including resorts, bed-and-breakfast inns, and hotels.

Get in Some Spa Time in Costa Rica

Whether mom enjoys a relaxing vacation or an action-packed getaway, Costa Rica delivers, particularly if you head to Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort. Set in a sweet spot between the canopies of the rainforest and ocean views, this Costa Rican resort will pamper her in the Sibo Rainforest Spa & Retreat and give her the challenge of the 18-hole La Iguana Golf Course. Delicious dining awaits with the Mediterranean fair in ZOE or with local favorites in Hacienda Kitchen. Your Costa Rican vacation with mom also puts you at the doorstep for adventure at nearby Manuel Antonio National Park.

Tour Hearst Castle

Jaw-dropping views, early twentieth-century splendor, and antique treasures will make mom feel like a queen with a visit to the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Perched on the California coast high above the Pacific Coast Highway, this American castle was the residence of publishing scion, William Randolph Hearst. Explore his exquisite collections of furniture, art, and curiosities from around the globe with Mom amidst extravagant Euro-Spanish architectural details. Admire the grand sitting rooms, movie theater, indoor pool, and libraries. Imagine the luminaries and dignitaries of the roaring ’20s who gathered at the Hearst Castle, including Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Charles Lindbergh, and Winston Churchill. Mom will also feel like a celebrity with a Mother’s Day visit to Hearst Castle.

Related: 5 Breathtaking Botanic Garden in the U.S. to Visit in Spring

Enjoy the Luxury of New York

We all want our mom to feel pampered on Mother’s Day, and New York City provides a perfect cosmopolitan backdrop for treating your mom to a fabulous trip. Check in to a suite at the sumptuous Mandarin Oriental, New York with views of the city lights and Central Park. Book an appointment for mom at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, complete with an Oriental Tea Lounge. Take her for a museum stroll at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim Museum. Venture out for a Mother’s Day brunch at The Ribbon just off Central Park and finish the afternoon shopping along Fifth Avenue.

FAQs: 

Q: What transportation options are available for reaching these destinations?
A: Most major cities mentioned have accessible airports and are well-connected by road. Public transportation options like buses and trains are also available for local travel within these cities. Rental cars can be a convenient option for more flexible travel.

Q: Are there special Mother’s Day events happening at these attractions?
A: Many attractions offer special events for Mother’s Day, including brunches, guided tours, and special exhibitions. It’s recommended to check the official websites or contact the venues directly for the most up-to-date event information.

Q: What are the admission fees for these attractions?
A: Admission fees vary. For example, botanical gardens typically charge between $10 to $30, historical houses may range from $5 to $20, while more extensive attractions like Hearst Castle could be higher. Discounts may be available for seniors, children, or families.

Q: Can accommodations be booked last minute, and are there special rates available?
A: Last-minute bookings are possible, but availability might be limited during high-demand periods like Mother’s Day. Some hotels offer special rates for late bookings or special packages for Mother’s Day weekend.

Q: What are the dining options available near these attractions?
A: Most locations have a variety of dining options ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Specific attractions, like botanical gardens or wineries, might also offer on-site dining experiences.

Q: Are these attractions accessible for individuals with mobility challenges?
A: Most attractions are equipped to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges, including wheelchair access and accessible restrooms. However, it’s best to confirm specific accessibility features in advance with each location.

Q: What should visitors bring to these destinations for a day trip?
A: Recommended items include comfortable walking shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and a light jacket or umbrella depending on the weather forecast. For outdoor activities, it may also be wise to bring water and snacks.

Have you ever planned last minute Mother’s Day trips, and if so, where? Tell us about it in the comments below!