Military families have the unique opportunity to live in many of the best cities in the United States and even the world. Because of this, family travel is typically a normal part of the military lifestyle.
Whether you’re heading on your ninth cross country PCS, looking for a new city to settle in after retirement or want to use military leave for a well-deserved vacation, here are five cities every military family should visit at least once.
Seattle, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is known for its stunning evergreen scenery, waterfront attractions, and mountainous regions, making it the perfect destination for a family getaway. Outdoor exploration, coffee, and mouth-watering coastal cuisine are at the top of my mind when thinking of Seattle.
It is also home to multiple military bases and military families who have decided to settle and call the greater Seattle area home. Seattle is one of the nation’s most family-friendly destinations with tons of parks and green spaces, piers with restaurants and activities, surrounding national parks, and innovations thanks to the tech landscape in the area. Many Seattle attractions are free or offer military/veteran discounts for your convenience.
Seattle is beautiful throughout the year, too. Whether you’re looking to explore it by land or sea, it’s a great option for your next military family getaway.
Seattle attractions to check out:
- The Museum of Flight (Blue Star Museum*)
- Pier 57
- Space Needle
- Washington State Ferry
- Visit nearby national parks (Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park)
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas may be the last place you think of for a family. After all, a city dubbed “Sin City” can’t be all that family-friendly, can it? The fact is, not only is Las Vegas home to military installations and retired military families, but the plethora of entertainment opportunities, from shows to dining and outdoor experiences, makes it a desert oasis for locals and visitors alike.
Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world for a reason. Regardless of age, there is an abundance of shows, activities, festivals, and attractions that fit every interest.
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In addition, Las Vegas is only four hours or less from some of the United States’ best national parks, beaches, and destinations, such as California, Utah, and Arizona. Its pristine location within the Pacific Southwest makes it the perfect starting point for any West Coast or Southwest adventure.
Las Vegas attractions to check out:
- Hoover Dam (Free for service members in uniform)
- Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park (Free with America the Beautiful Military Pass)
- Neon Museum (Blue Star Museum*)
- Nearby national parks (Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park)
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is undoubtedly one of the best big cities in the United States. Its midwestern location makes it the perfect destination for easy inbound and outbound travel, and during the summer, the city comes alive. From its stunning waterfront views to amazing world-class cuisine and architecture, Chicago has it all.
One of the best things about Chicago is its variety of family-friendly sites and attractions. The city boasts tons of green spaces like Millenium Park, museums, and tours with iconic views of the skyline from every angle.
Chicago is extremely military-friendly. With a large list of Blue Star Museums, discounted entry for our troops and their families, and a plethora of free attractions, you’re guaranteed to want to revisit Chicago over and over again.
Chicago attractions to check out:
- Chicago Architectural Boat Tour
- Skydeck Chicago
- Chicago museums (Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum)
- Shedd Aquarium (Blue Star Museum*)
- Visit nearby national parks (Indiana Dunes National Park, Gateway Arch National Park)
San Diego, California
San Diego is voted time and time again as one of the best family travel destinations in the country, and for good reason. This southern California city is bustling with excellent food, sandy beaches, and world-famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Cove, and more.
San Diego is one of the most military-immersed cities, with more than 115,000 active-duty service members and countless veteran and retiree families calling it home. Additionally, many eateries and attractions are known to offer military-friendly discounts and Blue Star benefits.
Whether you’re seeking water adventures, cultural experiences in food and entertainment, or a relaxing beach vacation, San Diego has everything you could want as a destination to live, work, and play.
San Diego attractions to check out:
- Balboa Park (Blue Star Museums*)
- La Jolla Cove
- San Diego Zoo
- Seaworld San Diego (Free for service members + 3 family members*)
- USS Midway Museum
Orlando, Florida
You would be hard-pressed to find a list of the best family-friendly destinations without Orlando. This central Florida city is dubbed the theme park capital of the world, and tourism brings people from around the world to visit the many theme parks based in Orlando each year.
With attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, Seaworld, and more, Orlando offers military families epic vacations and some of the best memories you’ll make as a family.
Other than amusement parks, Orlando has a ton of natural beauty to offer, with lakes and nearby beaches, a variety of resorts from luxury to budget, golfing, and shopping options — all of which typically have military-friendly discounts available for your visit.
Orlando attractions to check out:
- Theme Parks (Universal Studios, Disney World, Seaworld*, Legoland Florida)
- Orlando Museum of Art, Orange County Regional History Center (Blue Star Museum*)
- Kennedy Space Center
- Shades of Green (Walt Disney World)
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