Great Summer Vacation Paddling Destinations For Families
Those with young children know that choosing the perfect summer vacation destination is as daunting as it is exciting. These eagerly anticipated vacations can range from camping in a National Park to a serene beach house, or even visiting a new faraway country . If the rest of your family loves paddling as much as you do, then consider planning a trip to a family-friendly destination that’s known for its iconic paddling opportunities.
For those seeking an incredible and safe paddling vacation in North America, consider coastal Maine, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Victoria, British Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii. Some of the best family-friendly paddling summer destinations in Europe include Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands, Norway’s Fjords near Bergen, and Italy’s Sardinia. For those looking for a truly epic tropical retreat, consider Fiji or Thailand.
Planning a summer vacation is a major undertaking. You must factor in all your family’s desires and consider your budget. Most importantly, it’s always a great idea to plan since all the best summer destinations book up months in advance. If you and your family love paddling but need a little summer vacation inspiration, then consider one of these incredible family-friendly paddling destinations.
10 Amazing Summer Vacation Destinations For Paddling Families
1. Coastal Maine
Maine is one of the most popular and beautiful places in America to visit on a summer vacation. This state awakens after Memorial Day, and by summer, it’s bustling with tourism. This state features the quintessential New England Coastline, with dramatic rocky cliffs and historic lighthouses.
Summer is also a fantastic time to paddle in Maine. Whether you want to paddle in urban waterways near Portland or enjoy a slice of unspoiled nature at Acadia National Park, Maine has you and your paddling family covered.
2. Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
Croatia has quickly become one of the top travel destinations in Europe. While overcrowding is a big problem in cities like Dubrovnik and Split, you can still find a bit of a serene Adriatic paradise in the Dalmatian Islands.
Not only are the Dalmatian Islands more relaxed, but they are also incredibly safe for families with children. The islands have hundreds of protected bays for swimming and launching paddling vessels. The water is crystal clear and refreshing, making this archipelago the perfect Adriatic escape for a summer vacation.
3. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is another up-and-coming European paddling destination. This Italian island is famous for its unique cuisine and incredible beaches. This island is a paddler’s paradise in the summer. There are ample launch locations, with nearby caves and cliffs that you can easily access in a kayak.
The island is perfect for families, with culture and incredible food at every turn, and just as much land-based as water-based outdoor activity. It is also a reasonably-priced destination, especially when you book in advance.
4. Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii is an incredible tropical escape for those looking to escape frigid winters. Unfortunately, winter also coincides with the big wave season in Hawaii, which means kayaking and SUP boarding are impossible in some of this state’s most iconic paddling locations, including the Na Pali coast.
Luckily, summer is the perfect time to visit the Hawaiian islands as a paddler. Kauai is a great place to bring your family, with incredible natural beauty, endless outdoor activities, and some of the best paddling spots in the state. Kauai offers various paddling options, from a multi-day adventure along the Na Pali coast to paddling the Waialua River or renting a SUP board from your coastal resort.
5. Alaska
If you and your family crave nature and wildlife, and are intent on escaping the heat of the summer, then look no further than a trip to Alaska. This state might have a few cities, but it doesn’t take long to find yourself amidst untouched wilderness.
Alaska is an incredible place to visit if you’re looking to spot incredible wildlife, from whales and dolphins to bald eagles, bears, and moose. It’s also one of the few places on Earth where you can paddle near glaciers and icebergs. There are many family-friendly paddling tours you can take to enjoy these epic adventures safely with your children.
6. Thailand
Thailand is a fantastic, family-friendly, and affordable vacation destination. While flights to this Southeast Asian country are pricey and long, once you arrive, you’ll find it very budget-friendly. Visiting Thailand in the summer is even more budget-friendly, as this is the country’s wet season, and there is far less tourism.
If you and your family don’t mind a few rainy days, you can enjoy southern Thailand's iconic islands with fewer tourists and lower prices. You can also paddle Northern Thailand’s rapids while soaking in this country’s unique and beautiful culture.
7. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
America’s Great Lakes feature endless incredible paddling locations, but Michigan’s Upper Peninsula includes perhaps the most beautiful stretch of coastline in the entire region. From the fabled Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to endless sandy and protected coves, this section of Northern Michigan is a paddler’s dream.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is also a family-friendly and affordable summer vacation option for paddling families that love the outdoors. When you aren’t paddling along the dramatic coastline, you can hike to Tahquamenon Falls or visit the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. It’s also a great place for parents with young children, as there are many protected lakes that are great for young and inexperienced paddlers.
8. Victoria, British Columbia
If you and your family enjoy a mix of watersports and quaint city life, Victoria, British Columbia, is a fantastic destination. Victoria is a beautiful and charming city, famous for its safe, very walkable downtown and its picturesque coastline. You can even launch your paddling vessel from downtown Victoria and enjoy city views when exploring Victoria Harbor.
In addition to its many stunning paddling locations, there are plenty of land-based activities for families, from museums to the Victoria Bug Zoo.
9. Bergen, Norway
Norway comes alive in the summer. The country enjoys long days, with northern regions staying light throughout the night. You can’t go wrong with a summer vacation to this Nordic gem, especially if you love paddling.
Bergen is a lovely, safe, and charming city that makes an excellent hub for paddling families. From here, you can paddle along the coast and into some of the country’s most iconic fjords. Kayaking among these majestic glacially formed cliffs is a bucket-list adventure every paddler dreams of.
10. Fiji
If you are less concerned with budget and interested in planning a once-in-a-lifetime summer vacation, then Fiji is the place for you. You might think this tropical paradise is ideal for a winter vacation, but this Island nation has its best weather in the summer months.
The rainy season ends in May, and the water in the summer is ideal for kayaking, SUP boarding, and snorkeling in some of the most beautiful coral reefs on Earth. While you can paddle from many beaches throughout this Archipelago, the Yasawa Islands are a great option for families looking for a mix of culture, water activities, and unspoiled nature.
Those with young children know that choosing the perfect summer vacation destination is as daunting as it is exciting. These eagerly anticipated vacations can range from camping in a National Park to a serene beach house, or even visiting a new faraway country . If the rest of your family loves paddling as much as you do, then consider planning a trip to a family-friendly destination that’s known for its iconic paddling opportunities.
For those seeking an incredible and safe paddling vacation in North America, consider coastal Maine, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Victoria, British Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii. Some of the best family-friendly paddling summer destinations in Europe include Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands, Norway’s Fjords near Bergen, and Italy’s Sardinia. For those looking for a truly epic tropical retreat, consider Fiji or Thailand.
Planning a summer vacation is a major undertaking. You must factor in all your family’s desires and consider your budget. Most importantly, it’s always a great idea to plan since all the best summer destinations book up months in advance. If you and your family love paddling but need a little summer vacation inspiration, then consider one of these incredible family-friendly paddling destinations.
10 Amazing Summer Vacation Destinations For Paddling Families
1. Coastal Maine
Maine is one of the most popular and beautiful places in America to visit on a summer vacation. This state awakens after Memorial Day, and by summer, it’s bustling with tourism. This state features the quintessential New England Coastline, with dramatic rocky cliffs and historic lighthouses.
Summer is also a fantastic time to paddle in Maine. Whether you want to paddle in urban waterways near Portland or enjoy a slice of unspoiled nature at Acadia National Park, Maine has you and your paddling family covered.
2. Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
Croatia has quickly become one of the top travel destinations in Europe. While overcrowding is a big problem in cities like Dubrovnik and Split, you can still find a bit of a serene Adriatic paradise in the Dalmatian Islands.
Not only are the Dalmatian Islands more relaxed, but they are also incredibly safe for families with children. The islands have hundreds of protected bays for swimming and launching paddling vessels. The water is crystal clear and refreshing, making this archipelago the perfect Adriatic escape for a summer vacation.
3. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is another up-and-coming European paddling destination. This Italian island is famous for its unique cuisine and incredible beaches. This island is a paddler’s paradise in the summer. There are ample launch locations, with nearby caves and cliffs that you can easily access in a kayak.
The island is perfect for families, with culture and incredible food at every turn, and just as much land-based as water-based outdoor activity. It is also a reasonably-priced destination, especially when you book in advance.
4. Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii is an incredible tropical escape for those looking to escape frigid winters. Unfortunately, winter also coincides with the big wave season in Hawaii, which means kayaking and SUP boarding are impossible in some of this state’s most iconic paddling locations, including the Na Pali coast.
Luckily, summer is the perfect time to visit the Hawaiian islands as a paddler. Kauai is a great place to bring your family, with incredible natural beauty, endless outdoor activities, and some of the best paddling spots in the state. Kauai offers various paddling options, from a multi-day adventure along the Na Pali coast to paddling the Waialua River or renting a SUP board from your coastal resort.
5. Alaska
If you and your family crave nature and wildlife, and are intent on escaping the heat of the summer, then look no further than a trip to Alaska. This state might have a few cities, but it doesn’t take long to find yourself amidst untouched wilderness.
Alaska is an incredible place to visit if you’re looking to spot incredible wildlife, from whales and dolphins to bald eagles, bears, and moose. It’s also one of the few places on Earth where you can paddle near glaciers and icebergs. There are many family-friendly paddling tours you can take to enjoy these epic adventures safely with your children.
6. Thailand
Thailand is a fantastic, family-friendly, and affordable vacation destination. While flights to this Southeast Asian country are pricey and long, once you arrive, you’ll find it very budget-friendly. Visiting Thailand in the summer is even more budget-friendly, as this is the country’s wet season, and there is far less tourism.
If you and your family don’t mind a few rainy days, you can enjoy southern Thailand's iconic islands with fewer tourists and lower prices. You can also paddle Northern Thailand’s rapids while soaking in this country’s unique and beautiful culture.
7. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
America’s Great Lakes feature endless incredible paddling locations, but Michigan’s Upper Peninsula includes perhaps the most beautiful stretch of coastline in the entire region. From the fabled Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to endless sandy and protected coves, this section of Northern Michigan is a paddler’s dream.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is also a family-friendly and affordable summer vacation option for paddling families that love the outdoors. When you aren’t paddling along the dramatic coastline, you can hike to Tahquamenon Falls or visit the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. It’s also a great place for parents with young children, as there are many protected lakes that are great for young and inexperienced paddlers.
8. Victoria, British Columbia
If you and your family enjoy a mix of watersports and quaint city life, Victoria, British Columbia, is a fantastic destination. Victoria is a beautiful and charming city, famous for its safe, very walkable downtown and its picturesque coastline. You can even launch your paddling vessel from downtown Victoria and enjoy city views when exploring Victoria Harbor.
In addition to its many stunning paddling locations, there are plenty of land-based activities for families, from museums to the Victoria Bug Zoo.
9. Bergen, Norway
Norway comes alive in the summer. The country enjoys long days, with northern regions staying light throughout the night. You can’t go wrong with a summer vacation to this Nordic gem, especially if you love paddling.
Bergen is a lovely, safe, and charming city that makes an excellent hub for paddling families. From here, you can paddle along the coast and into some of the country’s most iconic fjords. Kayaking among these majestic glacially formed cliffs is a bucket-list adventure every paddler dreams of.
10. Fiji
If you are less concerned with budget and interested in planning a once-in-a-lifetime summer vacation, then Fiji is the place for you. You might think this tropical paradise is ideal for a winter vacation, but this Island nation has its best weather in the summer months.
The rainy season ends in May, and the water in the summer is ideal for kayaking, SUP boarding, and snorkeling in some of the most beautiful coral reefs on Earth. While you can paddle from many beaches throughout this Archipelago, the Yasawa Islands are a great option for families looking for a mix of culture, water activities, and unspoiled nature.
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