The Best Mother-Daughter Trip Destinations in the U.S.

City girls span generations. Planning a mother-daughter trip is SO exciting, but choosing a destination requires a keen examination of your mother-daughter relationship. Every duo is different and I recommend you tailor the itinerary to your interests, personalities, and general vibes. It’s best to have a mix of bonding and sightseeing. Perhaps a blend of fabulosity and downtime.

Each of these destinations are wonderful choices for your upcoming girl’s trip— take it from my mom and me (who are kind of like the zany Cuban version of Gilmore Girls). Use this guide to learn a bit about each city and the best sights, activities, and food to experience on your trip!

West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication, making it a favorite destination for snowbirds. If you’re into staying in luxurious resorts, Palm Beach is full of them, and one of my favorite things to do here is hotel-hop and visit all the bars. On the glamorous Worth Avenue, you’ll find every designer store imaginable. Alternatively, go to CityPlace, the city’s downtown area, and you’ll find more affordable high street shops. From art galleries to trendy cafes, West Palm Beach has all the fixings for a perfect mother-daughter vacation.

Mother-Daughter Must Do’s:

Shop on Worth Avenue

Relax at the perfectly-pink Colony Hotel

Brunch at Restoration Hardware

Enjoy a beach day

New York City

New York needs no introduction. It is the mecca of all things fabulous and cool, and there are endless reasons as to why New York City is the ultimate mother-daughter destination. However, the main reason is that there is something in New York for everyone. New York is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, Broadway shows, world-class museums, shopping, and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re more of a Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, or Charlotte, it’s impossible to not have an exhilarating trip in the city that never sleeps.

Mother-Daughter Must Do’s:

Walk the Highline

Visit Central Park

Explore the West Village

Shop in Soho

See a Broadway show

Charleston, South Carolina

They don’t call it Southern Charm for nothing. Charleston, South Carolina is a sophisticated coastal city known for its rich history, vibrant food scene, and lovely architecture. The city boasts a well-preserved historic district, where cobblestone streets and landmarks like the Battery and Rainbow Row act like picture-perfect postcards.

Mother-Daughter Must Do’s:

Walk Rainbow Row

Sit down for a leisure afternoon tea

Eat elevated southern comfort food

Shop at local boutiques

Chicago, Illinois

Known for its stunning skyline along Lake Michigan, Chicago is a metropolitan beaty. Whether you’re visiting for the arts, food scene, or shopping, Chicago presents itself like a busy, but not crazily overwhelming, big city.

Foodies will love trying Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza, trendy brunch spots, and dining at the city’s many top-rated restaurants. For shopping enthusiasts, the Magnificent Mile is a must-visit. Creatives should definitely visit the Art Institute of Chicago and the city’s many galleries. 

Mother-Daughter Must Do’s:

Take cheesy pictures at The Bean 

Stroll Millennium Park

Be skyhigh at the Sky Deck

Catch a comedy show at The Second City or The Laugh Factory

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah has my heart. This is a city I can visit over and over again. It is as inviting as it is charming. Storied as it is fun-loving. While Savannah is charmingly quaint, the city is also vibrantly dynamic. It is a party town and a popular destination for bachelorette parties and girl’s trips. But, the historic district is too romantic for words, with its mossy oak trees and manicured squares.

Mother-Daughter Must Do’s:

Stroll Savannah’s beautiful squares

Eat your heart out (Savannah is one of my favorite foodie destinations)

Go antique shopping

Tour a historic home

San Diego, California

San Diego is coastal California at its best. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, exploring the beautiful city, or taking in the sunset at Coronado Island, San Diego’s mix of natural beauty and cultural charm makes it a standout destination. The city is also home to top attractions like the San Diego Zoo and offers outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.

Mother-Daughter Must Do’s:

Take a surf lesson

Eat aalllll the Mexican food 

Visit Balboa Park

Enjoy a beautiful West Coast sunset at Coronado Island

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island is the destination of your coastal New England dreams. With stunning seaside beauty and a bustling summer scene, Newport is an absolute gem. Famous for being the summer playground of America’s wealthiest Gilded Age families, Newport is home to opulent mansions that offer a glimpse into its luxurious past. Not to mention, the charming downtown features quaint shops, seafood restaurants, and lively waterfront bars.

Mother-Daughter Must Do’s:

Tour gilded age mansions

Take a scenic drive 

Eat fresh seafood

Shop in local boutiques

St. Petersburg, Florida

If you are a beach girl and crave sun, sand, and ocean, St. Petersburg, Florida is the place for you. This is perhaps the most underrated destination on the list. But, I regret absolutely nothing because St. Petersburg is an amaaaazing city with a small town feel. The most surprising part about this Florida beach town is the world-class art scene. St. Petersburg is home to an incredible Salvatore Dalí museum and impressive Chihuly Collection. This is truly a little hidden gem.

Mother-Daughter Must Do’s:

The Florida Aquarium

Unwind on white sand beaches

The Salvatore Dalí Museum

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts, is a city rich in history, culture, and New England charm. As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., it offers visitors a blend of colonial landmarks, while feeling modern at the same time. The city’s waterfront, with its scenic harbor views, is perfect for leisurely walks, boat tours, or enjoying fresh seafood.

Mother-Daughter Must Do’s:

Visit Cambridge: Harvard Square

Tour Fenway Stadium

Step into history at all the historical sights

Museum of Fine Arts