Exploring new cities should be exciting for your entire crew. As part of the Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Awards, our testers logged miles to uncover destinations with big-ticket thrills, budget-friendly bites and space to breathe back at the hotel. Along the way, we found surprising activities you might not expect — and definitely won’t want to miss.
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Cities and Regions
Just outside of Dallas, Fort Worth ropes in littles and grown-ups with amazing new hotels, fun food, and, most of all, the chance to cosplay cowboys! Bedazzled boots and hats are practically part of the dress code, whether you’re at the Fort Worth Stockyards watching the cattle drive or feasting on blue-corn tacos at Don Artemio, a popular restaurant.
TESTER NOTES: Our tester visited twice—once with her family and again with her girlfriends—and felt very satisfied with both trips. “My kids never got tired of seeing people on horses ride by, so we spent most of our time at Fort Worth Stockyards and Hotel Drover, within the historic district,” she said. For the weekend with friends, she stayed at the high-end yet laid-back Bowie House: “It was in a great location where we could walk to restaurants and a lot of the museums.”
Albuquerque flies high as the hot air balloon capital of the world, with a festival that attracts hundreds of balloons and three-quarters of a million people. But the city’s appeal goes above and beyond that one fall weekend. The favorite year-round spot to hang is Old Town, which dates back more than 300 years. Old Town shops, restaurants, art galleries, and even tasting rooms that exclusively feature the state’s wines warmly welcome tourists.
TESTER NOTES: “Albuquerque is a feast for the eyes and the stomach,” said our tester, who visited with her young adult son in September. “The hush puppies made with blue corn meal and fresh corn that we had at Hotel Chaco in Old Town turned out to be the favorite food I ate in the city.” The mother-and-son pair also explored diverse cultural attractions, including the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Flamenco Institute, where dance performances entertain guests every weekend.
Your travel dollars stretch far in Winston-Salem, a culinary gem in the northwestern part of the state. The downtown neighborhood, near where our tester stayed at Summit Street Inns, provides a budget-friendly home base that passes the vibe check. Delectable restaurants and bars are within walking distance, and the inn offers a variety of Southern breakfast specialities in the rate. One afternoon, take a day trip to explore the 44 wineries and vineyards in the nearby Yadkin Valley Wine Region.
TESTER NOTES: “Dining out and drinking offered great value,” said a Good Housekeeping recipe editor. “I was surprised by how little the tabs were, considering that I have spent much more in other cities.” Her favorite local spot was Mozelles, which had amazing tomato pie. Overall, she noted, “Winston-Salem has all the attractions and amenities of a big city on a more snackable scale.”
Jackson calls itself “The City With Soul,” and we whole-heartedly agree. Tourists who explore the pivotal Civil Rights landmarks there, such as the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home, quickly realize that the state capital is far from one-note. A vibrant music and culinary scene gives this vacation spot an appealing rhythm. Many Black-owned businesses (including The Orchid, a bed-and-breakfast where our tester stayed) exemplify the city’s community focus.
TESTER NOTES: “Visiting the city's Mississippi Civil Rights Museum was an incredibly moving experience for me,” said our tester, a Black mom of two. She also had her best bite of the trip there: “The gumbo I ordered at the museum’s Nissan Café was by far one of the most delicious things I’ve eaten in my life!”
A girlfriend getaway is always a good idea, especially if you’re headed to Lexington. Horses, bourbon, and a newish luxury hotel converge for the ultimate long weekend with the besties. Venture to Mill Ridge Horse Farm (where you can pet and feed thoroughbreds) and Castle and Key Distillery (for a tour of the historical buildings capped off by a bourbon tasting) before some pillow talk at the Manchester Hotel. On grounds that were once a bourbon distillery, the spirited spot offers Quad Suites with bunk beds that are perfect for recapturing your college days.
TESTER NOTES: “Make a reservation at Lexington Tea & Brie, which attracts a lot of girlfriend groups with its great selection of teas and photo-ready pink walls with fun artwork,” advised our testers who traveled with a close friend. They also took a candle-making workshop at Poppy and Pomelo. “Wherever we went, we were mingling with locals,” she added.
Nestled between the Appalachian mountains and the serene beaches of the Outer Banks, Raleigh is an up-and-coming family-vacation spot. Free or low-cost (and sneakily educational) activities abound, including the new Gipson Play Plaza at the entrance to one of the city’s most beloved parks. Incredible climbing structures, a wet sand area to sloosh around in, and a sensory maze entertain kids of all ages. In fact, Raleigh boasts 9,000 acres of parkland for families to enjoy—an impressive amount for a city of half a million. Free world-class museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, which offers live shows and hands-on science experiences, highlight the city’s family-friendly nature.
TESTER NOTES: “The vibe was amazing,” said our tester, who brought her 9-year-old. “I’m a native New Yorker and I never think of leaving my city, but if I did, I’d move to Raleigh.”
This Dallas suburb hits it out of the park with its kid-friendly attractions. For starters, the Frisco RoughRiders built a lazy river in their Minor League stadium, so your fam can watch the game from an inner tube! Frisco also boasts a museum kids might be especially eager to visit—the National Video Game Museum offers interactive exhibits with both new and nostalgic games that families can play together. And should “video game creator” not be the career your gamer is considering, Kidzania, a children’s museum–like space, allows members of the future workforce to role-play more than 100 professions.
TESTER NOTES: “My 9-year-old son said the day we saw the RoughRiders baseball game from the lazy river was the best day in his whole life,” noted one mom. Other testers, who stayed at the Omni PGA Resort and the Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa, reported that these properties were family-friendly.
Riding high from the opening of Epic Universe, Orlando has cemented its reputation as “the Theme Park Capital of the World.” Its next goal is to spread the word about the vibrant city beyond the park gates: Its Michelin-starred restaurants, serene kayaking spots, performing arts venues, and even tree-lined cobblestone streets are just the ticket for post-park fun and relaxation.
TESTER NOTES: Before rope-dropping at Epic Universe, an editor and her college-age daughter spent two blissful days at the Alfond Inn, a newly renovated boutique hotel in Winter Park. Chilling out in this idyllic neighborhood about 20 minutes from Universal helped build endurance for a marathon day of riding. “Our room was bright and cheery, with touches from the designer of Rifle Paper, which has a storefront in town,” said our tester. “We also scooped up pastries at the Saturday farmers’ market and took a low-key boat tour.”
Get the girls’ trip out of the group chat and over to Lodi. About 40 miles south of Sacramento, in a grape-growing region known for its Zinfandels, Lodi harvests about 20% of California’s wine grapes, more than touristy Napa and Sonoma combined. Visits to some of the 85 boutique wineries, shopping in the historic downtown, and kayaking on the Mokelumne River add up to getaway gold.
TESTER NOTES: Our tester and her friend stayed at Appellation Lodi, Wine & Roses Resort and Spa. “The resort is situated off a main road, but you would never know—the grounds feel as if you are in a secluded resort because of all the flowers and lush greenery,” she said. Their two favorite wine stops: female-run Oakfarm (“The property is gorgeous, and a chef creates seasonal menus”) and WooGirl Cellars (“It has tasty rose and sparkling wines the owner produces herself.”)
The number one reason to visit this sun-drenched haven in the heart of Sonoma isn’t the wine (that’s a close second). The food in Healdsburg alone is worth the trip! Fresh ingredients, local purveyors, and a bit of an Asian influence in the dining options add up to standout bites, whether you’re at the three-star Michelin restaurant or at a corner cafe. Every May, a Wine & Food Experience showcases the region’s tastemakers.
TESTER NOTES: “Bravas de Tapas, Acorn Cafe, Pizzando, Lo & Behold, and Troubadour Cafe were solidly delicious,” said our tester, whose husband is a pastry chef. She and her sister split their time in town between Hotel Healdsburg (where renowned chef Charlie Palmer has a restaurant) and the apartment-style 235 Luxury Suites (which is well suited to a larger group). Added our tester, “The chef’s tasting and wine pairing experience at Jordan Winery was another major highlight for us.”
Williamsburg and its neighbors Jamestown and Yorktown make up a “historical triangle” that’s packed with activities that bring the Revolutionary War (and the Hamilton soundtrack) to life. The centerpiece is Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum with engaging reenactments featuring blacksmiths and other tradespeople. Take the interactive tour of Governor’s Palace, then walk down to the tranquil James River for a break from the sun and the crowds.
TESTER NOTES: “We particularly enjoyed visiting the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, especially the encampment outside,” said our tester, who brought her college-age son. “We got to see how soldiers traveled, lived, and survived throughout the Revolution.” She recommends alternating historical activities with downtime at the hotel (our tester stayed in a roomy condo at Kingsmill resort) and a trip to Busch Gardens.
The 60-mile stretch of land that connects San Francisco to the Silicon Valley is one of the best-kept vacation secrets: Dreamy towns within quick driving distance of each other allow you to mix and match walks along the beach with spa treatments, forest hikes, and delicious eateries to curate an epic itinerary for vacationing in the San Francisco Peninsula.
TESTER NOTES: A GH staffer and her friend visited several cities within the peninsula, making their home base the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. “Half Moon Bay offers a unique idyllic tree-lined street with an array of shops and restaurants, but upon checking into the hotel, you’re immediately transported to an Irish/Scottish oasis,” she said. “The moody skyline contrasts with sharp cliffs, and the resort sits along the ocean with expansive views and long, winding trails to explore.” She added, “A quick 20- to 25-minute drive inland to San Mateo offers a cool yet sunny landscape with breathtaking views of the hillside areas.”
Bellevue wants to be more than a side trip from Seattle, and we’re sold. About a 20-minute drive from the Space Needle across the second largest natural lake in the state, you’ll find a sustainably minded community you might never want to leave. More than 100 parks, fascinating museums (including one just for kids), and a bustling downtown are all easy to get to thanks to the “Bellhop” service, which whisks you free of charge anywhere in a six-mile radius in an all-electric vehicle.
TESTER NOTES: “Kayaking on Lake Washington was very peaceful, and the views of Bellevue and Seattle were amazing,” said our tester, who traveled with her college-age son. They also enjoyed the public art installations and the diverse restaurant scene: “Tendon Kohaku, a Japanese restaurant, stood out for its authentic, well-prepared food as well as its fun and interactive bouncing cat dessert made with coconut gelatin.”
City Hotels
This hotel chain, known for its lush atriums, is also a kids’ programming whiz! With offerings from a summer collab with DC Superheroes to a winter wonderland with ice slides, Gaylord Hotels have mastered the art of helping families make memories. Five of the six locations boast fun-filled water parks with wave pools and lazy rivers.
TESTER NOTES: Testers visited three locations, including the newest spot in Chula Vista, California, just outside San Diego. All three were impressed with the water safety. “We appreciated the kid-size life vests to borrow and were impressed by the lifeguards’ vigilance,” said one mom of Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center near Denver. Another tester, who stayed at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center near Orlando, said, “My kids must have gone around the water park’s lazy river 100 times!”
Forty percent of the rooms at the Park Lane New York—along with its iconic rooftop breakfast spot and bar—face Central Park, which is right across the street from the hotel. The 47-floor property distinguishes itself from several pricier neighbors thanks to a fairly recent redesign that brought whimsical touches inspired by the location to room interiors and common spaces. For guests traveling with grown children or members of their extended family, the hotel offers connecting rooms that sleep six to eight and are easily bookable on its website.
TESTER NOTES: “I’ve stayed in a few dozen hotels in New York City, and Park Lane is my favorite so far,” said our tester, who traveled with her daughter. “Besides a convenient location, fantastic food, and a comfy bed, we were gobsmacked by the art. Every guest room has an exquisite hand-painted mural.”
The new Okana resort can turn anyone into a water park person. The soaking rides and slides in the 100,000-square-foot indoor facility aren’t much different from those at other parks of this nature, but the atmosphere here is leveled up. Modern decor, high-quality food and an excellent spa make the experience feel like an actual vacation rather than a trip you tolerate for your kids’ sake. The whole family will also be drawn to the seasonally operated outdoor adventure lagoon, which has fun features like Zip & Dip, a zipline that drops you into the water!
TESTER NOTES: “Okana is nothing less than an oasis in the heartland of Oklahoma!” said our tester, who traveled there with her spouse and two children. “Every single hospitality detail has been considered. The rooms are spacious and well equipped. The dining amenities are plentiful and delicious—this isn’t your typical water park food!”
Next to the Colorado Rockies’ baseball stadium, The Rally Hotel attracts sports-loving families with its rooftop pool, where you can catch the game while taking a dip. (Pro tip: Cover up on chilly days—this is Colorado, after all—with the hotel’s plaid plush robes.) For kids who are more into space than sports, book the immersive package and have a spaceship tent and a star projector delivered to your room. Large families and those traveling with grandparents will appreciate that the 182-key property offers several two-bedroom suites.
TESTER NOTES: “My 4-year-old slept in the tent because she loved it so much,” said our tester, whose was traveling with five guests, including her father. “The baseball memorabilia in the lobby and a fun but manageably sized pool also make the hotel grandparent-friendly.”
Kids and teens never feel left out at the St. Regis Chicago, a newish luxury hotel with incredible views of the Chicago River and Navy Pier. While parents check in, tiny tourists are directed to a mammoth treasure chest in the lobby that opens to reveal (gasp!) jars of treats as well as books and toys they can borrow during their stay. At a complimentary evening reception where a champagne bottle is sawed open with a sword (it’s a brand tradition!), kids line up for sparkling juice from a cart that has glasses at the ready. Perhaps the most family-oriented advantage of all: The hotel’s noodle-filled pool opens at 6 a.m., so your mini early risers won’t have to wait to take a dip.
TESTER NOTES: “The most delicious food we had on our trip was at the hotel,” said our tester, who visited with her college-age daughter. “The three-course Italian snack experience with homemade pasta that you can watch chefs making in a viewing window blew us away.”
Freshly glowed up after a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Wigwam Arizona, an almost 100-year-old resort near Phoenix, appeals to travelers who crave a stay that combines cultural touches with pampering and great food. Spacious adobe and timber suites (a.k.a. casitas) dot the grounds, which are lush with cacti, floral gardens, and palm trees. A serene adult-only pool tucked away from the two others provides a refreshing break from the heat.
TESTER NOTES: “My wife and I really loved Litchfields, a restaurant with a modern Western vibe,” said our tester. “Watching the chefs in the open-fire kitchen proved very entertaining, and our tomahawk steak and the service were excellent.” They also felt that the lobby exemplified the thoughtfulness that had gone into the property’s refresh. “It has retained many of the timeless original details while adding modern flair.”
A 33-story-high zipline that launches into the the grounds of a museum isn’t exactly what you anticipate from a the largest casino resort in the Northeast, but Foxwoods, about a three-hour drive from New York City, delivers all kinds of thrills and chills: live entertainment with well-known guests (Jerry Seinfeld is a regular), celebrity-chef restaurants, and even a blissful spa. Guests can choose to stay in one of three on-site hotels or in a private villa. A pickleball facility, an escape room, and a pottery studio redefine the casino experience.
TESTER NOTES: “It would be hard to visit here without feeling satisfied on some level,” said one of our testers who stayed at the Grand Pequot Tower, a large and welcoming space that celebrates the rich history of the Mashantucket tribe. “The variety was what made our trip so enjoyable. While there are multiple casinos on the property, you don’t have to spend a dollar on gambling to enjoy yourself.”
When you’re traveling with kids, nothing is more precious in a place to stay than space—and the Weldon Hotel offers beautifully decorated one- and two-bedroom suites that have all the conveniences of home and more. Located in Portland’s Old Port District, the new property has 13 apartment-style suites that boast full kitchens, in-room laundry, and local coffee to brew. It also has common hotel conveniences like a fitness center.
TESTER NOTES: “Being at the Weldon Hotel felt like staying in an upscale, beautifully decorated, and perfectly stocked fancy apartment,” said our tester, who visited with her family. “We also appreciated the technology in the room: a big TV with a Roku streaming setup, a Sonos Sound Bar speaker you could pair to if you wanted to listen to music. and even a turntable with vinyl records my 7-year-old wanted to play over and over again.”
Core memories will be undoubtedly be made at this dreamy hotel in the central region of Turkey that is famous for its castle, hot air balloons, and rock formations known as fairy chimneys. No two rooms are alike at Argos in Cappadocia; each of the 71 places to stay, some with fireplaces and plunge pools, was hand-carved from ancient homes and volcanic rock. The spa, a newer addition, is built into a cave and includes a pool.
TESTER NOTES: “I have been to my fair share of spas, and this spa will go down as one of my favorite and most memorable,” said our tester, a GH beauty expert. “I highly recommend the Turkish hammam. They create a unique spin with the way the soap is applied. I felt like I was in a cloud.”
Historic Charleston caters to modern sensibilities at Emeline, a boutique spot that locals swear has one of the best restaurants in the city. Frannie & The Fox, a wood-fired eatery with a thoughtful seasonal menu, dishes out delights such as Baked Casarecce (hearty pasta) and a salad with sweet potato vinaigrette. Don’t miss The Den, a speakeasy tucked away in the back of the restaurant that serves up a variety of cocktails and mocktails. The property is also walkable to many restaurants, shops, and attractions.
TESTER NOTES: “The speakeasy's space was pretty and decked out with floral decor,” said our tester. “It was a cute and cozy spot perfect for grabbing a drink with friends.” She also noted that her room had a “vintage-meets-modern aesthetic” and said, “The bed was incredibly comfy, so I woke up feeling well-rested every morning.”
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