How To Have The Best Weekend In Austin, According To A Local

Kid-Friendly Summer Vacations

Gonzales Jambalaya Festival (May 24-26) in Gonzales, LA

Take a trip to Gonzales, LA in time for the city's annual Gonzales Jambalaya Festival! According to official site for the festival, Gonzales has the best Jambalaya you'll find in the bayou. Each day will feature live music from popular acts that truly capture Louisiana's sound and will make your bones feel good as you enjoy food that makes your taste buds swirl.

There's also a cooking contest, pageant, car show, plenty of vendors, and a carnival for the whole family to enjoy!

Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, FL

I'm a Florida native so any theme park or resort is always at the top of my list, but I'm partial to visiting Universal Orlando Resort during the summer. Although it's at the top of my own kid-friendly summer vacation ideas list, there's tons of stuff adults can have fun doing. The resort usually have packages that allow you to bundle a few days together so you visit a different park each day — something my mom and stepdad definitely took advantage of.

From there you and your kids get to let loose. There's rides dedicated to Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and Dr. Suess, and you dine at the famous Hard Rock Café! Everyone will need a nap once you're done exploring which isn't a bad idea.

Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, CA

If you've memorized all the different versions of "Baby Shark," you may be entitled to a kid-friendly trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium. While the trip itself won't be free, you'll love watching your kid's face light up when they get to see real sea animals. You can enjoy visiting the following habitats with them:

• Beaches & dunes
• Coastal waters
• Coastal wetlands
• Coral reefs
• Deep sea
• Kelp forest
• Open waters
• Reefs and pilings
• Sandy seafloor
• The rocky shore

Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa in Pigeon Forge, TN

Take a dream to Pigeon Forge, TN to book a fun stay at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa! The theme park alone is situated on 160 acres of land which should tell you how much fun you and your family will have. Still need convincing? No worries!

If you have smaller kiddos, rides like Busy Bees and Black Bear Trail are available for them to enjoy. But if they need to burn off excess energy, they can run and jump as much as they want inside of Hidden Hollow. It's a secret play area that's based on the forest so your kids will feel like they're little explorers.

If you want to sneak off for a little me time, you can find goodies at The Southern Pantry or Mountain Laurel Home!

Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, TX

Everything's bigger in Texas, including the kid-friendly summer vacation ideas. That's the main reason why Morgan's Wonderland is on my list. The 4D Cinema alone is enticing, but there's also tons of other rides and attractions to see! There's everything from the classic carousel to Pirate Island (sorry Squidward — there's not any robots here), plus a Sensory Village that encourages creative play!

And if your kid's birthday is this summer, you can throw a birthday party for them at Morgan's Wonderland.

Keystone Resort in Summit County, CO

All I can picture is the episode of Bob's Burger when the Belchers spend a night at a national park so that Tina can make up for a Thunder Girls event she missed, but the tubing that'll be done at Keystone Resort will be supervised. It'll officially open June 20 for a summer of fun that your family will love remembering.

There's Lakeside Village activities to enjoy, snow tubing, hiking, tennis, yoga, and more! You can also choose from 16 dining options.

I don't know about you, but I love having options.

Atlantic White Shark Conservatory in Cape Cod, MA

Still have "Baby Shark" on the brain? Travel to Cape Cod, MA to visit the Atlantic White Shark Conservatory. Beginning May 16, Shark Center Chatham and Shark Center Provincetown will be open for the 2024 season. You can book an expedition that lets you see everything from great white sharks to various seabirds. It's an all day tour so make sure you and your family are prepared for that if you choose this option!

The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City, UT

If you prefer to deal with nature in a different way, The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City, UT may be just the place you need to visit this summer. Besides hiking, you can introduce your kiddos to the Little Vaqueros Camp. Here's a daily breakdown of what each day offers:

• Monday — Wilderness Explorers
• Tuesday — Cowboys & Cowgirls
• Wednesday — Mountain Creativity
• Thursday — Culinary Exploration
• Friday — Discovering Gracie's (rehabilitation center for animals)
• Saturday — Little Miners
• Sunday — Love of the Land

Explore Activities in Hilton Head, SC

Instead of focusing on one singular thing, I decided Hilton Head, SC deserves it's own spotlight. There's so much to do and it's probably one of the best kid-friendly summer vacation spots to create new memories in. You can visit The Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum, Station 300 Bowling Lanes, or Commander Zodiac Kids Camp. At the latter, you and your kids can go on a private boat tour that allows you to see wildlife like dolphins.

Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, NY

Have your kids been expecting to see a big miracle and can't stop talking about what they think it could be? Sounds like it's time to plan a trip to Niagara Falls State Park! There's literally so much to do that you'll even be talking about this trip during Thanksgiving. Here's some of the attractions that are available to visit:

• Cave of the Winds
• Aquarium
• Maid of the Mist
• Fireworks Show
• Observation Tower

There's also hiking trails you and your kids can take advantage of!

We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

Though you might not get summers “off” anymore, the season is a great chance to slow down a little, press the reset button, and carve out some time for yourself. What better way to do this than to book a visit to a wellness retreat? There are so many options available that include indulgent massage treatments, nourishing meal choices, and activities like hiking and forest bathing geared toward getting you more centered and reconnected with yourself. Here are a few of our favorites.

Located just about 20 miles from downtown Austin, this lakeside all-inclusive wellness getaway feels much farther from the city than that. Your stay includes all meals, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks, including fresh juices and smoothies; access to the spa’s pools and relaxation spaces; wellness activities; and gratuity.

Summer is a beautiful time to visit and enjoy full access to the resort’s watersports, such as hydrobikes, waterskis, wakeboards, and kayaks on secluded Lake Austin. Daily programming includes activities like lakeside yoga, guided hikes through private trails in the Texas Hill Country, Japanese sword classes, myofascial release in the water to help unwind those stubborn knots in your neck and shoulders, Tarot readings, and wine cruises.

The on-site spa’s [ comfort zone ] FACE SPAce is the first of its kind in the U.S., utilizing new specialty therapies to stimulate collagen and leave you glowing. Challenge yourself to a treatment that includes an outdoor cold plunge (this can be fun with friends) followed by a warm, soothing massage to fully relax. Then follow it up with a thoughtfully presented meal, such as heirloom tomato salad, whipped ricotta made with local honey, or Texas blackened redfish, served in the dining room or outside on one of the breezy patio spaces.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive wellness getaway that feels deeply meaningful, head to Sedona’s breathtaking Boynton Canyon, where the iconic spa Mii amo has recently reopened following a $40 million, two-year renovation. Here you’ll find 23 casitas with private balconies or patios, in-room kiva fireplaces and soaking tubs, as well as a new restaurant called Hummingbird.

Daily guided meditations and special presentations and ceremonies (examples include a Summer Solstice Ceremony and Canyon Bathing) create an ideal environment to slow down and refocus.

At the spa, beyond the typical massage and facial offerings, you’ll find a unique to Mii amo menu of services, including Chakra Balancing; Aura Photography; a Connection Ceremony that focuses on letting go of past hurts or welcoming in new beginnings; an Inner Quest including special ceremonial elements like braided sweetgrass and cedar/sage oil; and Intuitive Massage.

The chef-created menu at Hummingbird includes items like salmon ceviche, duck breast, poulet rouge, and gluten-free and vegan selections, and there’s a juice bar serving a full slate of smoothies, juices, and wellness tonics.

Next door at neighboring property Enchantment Resort you’ll find additional amenities you can use while exploring the surrounding 400 miles of trails.

Secluded within 16 acres of majestic redwoods in Northern California, about an hour south of San Francisco, is the all-inclusive Canyon Ranch Woodside. There are additional locations in Tucson, Lenox (outside of Boston), and Las Vegas.

If you find forest bathing appearling, this is the ideal wellness getaway for you. The resort celebrates its forest environs from its 24 luxury treehouse rooms that peek through the forest, to ropes courses and guided meditations that take place under the magnificent canopy. Locally sourced dining menus are served al fresco or in a cozy dining room and include afternoon tapas, colorful salads, and fresh salmon.

Each day, Canyon Ranch offers dozens of mind-body activities including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, dancing, and free-flow abstract painting. Upcoming summer wellness presentations and workshops focus on themes such as “Wisdom of the Horse and Herd” equine therapy; “Activating Your Empathy and Intuition”; and “Find Your Purpose.” Spa treatments include Forest Aromatherapy Treatment and Hiker’s Retreat, designed to perk up your feet after a strenuous hike.

You can design your own stay at the Art of Living Retreat Center depending on your intentions. Customizable itineraries include silent retreats, wellness cleanses and detoxes, meditation-focused retreats, and happiness retreats. This summer, guest faculty will lead sessions on “Healing Through Feminine Practices,” “Trusting Our Transformation,” and “Experience the Divine.”

The spa offers Ayurvedic-informed treatments, including Eye Bathing, targeting relieving tired eyes with warmed ghee; Clear Breath Support with herb-infused oils to clear the sinuses; and a treatment to settle the nervous system, with warm oil poured into the ears. Round these out with soothing body wraps and massage treatments for the ultimate restorative experience.

Buffet-style meals are prepared with vegetarian, whole foods, and are informed by Ayurvedic wisdom, including selections like Jamaican Jackfruit Stew and Gado-Gado Peanut Sprout Salad. Each day, you can enjoy yoga sessions, nature walks, a fire circle, and there are additional class options such as pottery and Ayurveda cooking.

The newest all-inclusive wellness resort on this list just opened in October 2023. Hemlock Neversink is situated on 230 acres of land in the Sullivan Catskills, about two hours northwest of New York City. Your stay includes all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, programming, and on-site amenities.

The prix fixe menu at the on-site restaurant Bittersweet highlights plant-forward cuisine, including options like enoki mushroom and warm spinach salad and roasted cabbage or skirt steak.

Enjoy spa treatments such as the 90-minute Return to Nature Ritual, which exfoliates with berry seats and white peat, then hydrates your skin with organic mushrooms, helichrysum blossoms, and berry oils. Then float while breathing in birch extract and other aromas.

You’ll find a variety of workshops, yoga and meditation classes, and there’s even a goat sanctuary on site (you can go for a daily goat hike for some animal therapy), as well as tennis courts and hiking trails. This summer, nationally recognized guest instructors will teach classes and lead workouts on mat pilates and dance cardio in the honey-toned wood Movement Building, and in the Activity Building, do a Catskill honey and tea tasting, join a Shamanic drum circle, and make a vision board.

Main Photos: Lake Austin Spa Resort

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals

I had to mention the OG! These sandals are fitted with Birkenstock's original footbed, which is specially designed to enhance your gait and coordination, improve stability, and provide arch support. This means they're stylish and practical, which is a win-win, if you ask me.

This design has a shorter break-in period than you'd expect. Per Birkenstock, "the soft footbed has an integrated latex foam cushion... it offers excellent comfort from day one."

The upper is a serene green suede and boasts two adjustable straps with color coordinating buckles.

The Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals currently come in 3 other colors for $140.

Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals

Part of the Papillio by Birkenstock collection – which primarily amplifies platform styles – this fresh take on the Arizona sandals flaunts a flexible platform sole, smooth black leather throughout the shoe, and a contoured cork-latex footbed that shapes to your step with wear. This pair is great when you want a little boost!

The duo straps are reflective of the OG Arizona sandals, but look a bit more polished in this iteration.

The Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals also come in light gray for $220.

Theda Leather Sandals

Another unique Papillio silhouette, the Theda sandals havelots of cushion along the ankle straps and footbed, so they're bound to be the comfiest sandals you own. The straps that span the ankles and toes are looped, securing with velcro. Their smooth leather construction offers an elevated air.

These Birkenstock sandals are currently shoppable by members-only access by creating an account with the brand. They also come in black for $180.

Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals

Let's get into the fun summer colors! Birkenstock has a lot of them, but this pink is just stunning. The gold hardware flatters virtually any skin tone and feels especially fitting for a warm summer vacation – or even when you just want a little pop of brightness! They're essentially the same shoe as the classic Arizonas but with enlarged, contrasting metal buckles that draw the eye in. The natural leather upper on these sandals has an exceptionally shiny finish for even more curb appeal.

The Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals are shoppable in 8 other summer-ready colors for $170.

St. Barths Leather Sandals

I see you, unique blue hue! Sporting maybe the flattest Birks silhouette to-date, the St. Barths Leather Sandals scream cool girl. They stray from the norm with two woven buckled straps, silver hardware, and low-key rubber sole (which Birkenstock describes as "city-ready"). The smooth leather insole offers total flexibility and cushion for stepping out.

This design also comes in all black for $230.

Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs

These shoes are pretty much my #1 favorite of the Birkenstock lineup. Cool girls wear clogs! I'd say they're just as iconic as the Arizona sandals, and they're really nice for when you don't necessarily want to show some toe, but still want to wear slip-ons. The soft suede material on these gives a casual, already worn-in vibe, so they're super easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Opposite the lightweight sole is the original Birkenstock footbed made with an extra foam layer for utmost softness!

The Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs comes in 4 other easy-to-pair colors for $160.

Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals

These deliver such a clean look, and I love it. The white colorway is spruced up with some shimmer in an embossed croc pattern. The classic contoured cork-latex footbed molds to your feet with time and wear, which won't be hard since you'll wanna wear these all the time. The trio of straps boasts adjustable silver buckles so you can find your perfect fit.

The Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals come in 3 other fun pastel colors for $100.

Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals

The Papillio line strikes again with these timeless slip-on sandals! The grooved chunky white sole gives 'em some playful personality for frolicking around in this summer. They have the classic suede upper with two buckled straps, and the contoured cork footbed will adjust to your perfect fit with time and wear.

The Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals also come in 3 other colors for $135.

Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals

Made from super flexible EVA, this ultra lightweight, shock absorbing, waterproof (hello, beach days!) take on the Arizona sandals feel like the perfect pair for summer adventures. They still have signature adjustable buckles, too, so you can adjust the fit as you go!

The Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals come in 12 other colors for $50.

Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals

The wide straps on these neutral sandals add stability to your step and a touch of style you don't normally see from Birkenstock! The cork wedge is stylistic of the Birkenstock brand, but it offers a unique take since the cork is *actually* visible. These shoes flaunt a nubuck leather upper and only one adjustable strap of the two. They have the classic black sole with a good amount of traction!

The Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals comes in two other colors for $135.

Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs

Even the Boston clogs got the Papillio treatment! These have a very chunky EVA sole that feels cushy when you walk in it. The green suede material on the upper feels ultra-soft and velvety from the get-go. The cork-latex footbed will mold to your feet with time and wear, too.

The Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs are shoppable in 3 other colorways for $150.