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10 Quick Day Trip Ideas and Weekend Getaways for Mother’s Day

fun day trips and weekend getaway ideas for her

Nothing is more fun and satisfying than spending time in the great outdoors when it comes to celebrations. An outdoor adventure can also be the perfect way to treat mommy or the mom in your life and make them feel appreciated.

If your mom is the outgoing type, there’s a good chance she’ll also appreciate spending time with you away from home on Mother’s Day, perhaps on an adventure somewhere out of town.

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For a good dose of fun and merry, here are some quick getaways you can consider if you want to make her feel special.

1. A Shopping Trip Escapade in LA, Las Vegas, or NYC

A mom is perhaps the best gift anyone can get from the universe. If she’s the outgoing kind, she’ll probably have lots to purchase, from her own treats to gifts for others.

NYC view skyline and bridge
NYC skyline

Chances are that a trip involving shopping will fascinate her, and you can never go wrong with choosing Las Vegas, Los Angeles (California), or New York City. Your mom will have lots of gift shops, malls, boutiques, and markets to pick from, not to mention those that sell online.

It makes even more sense because it’s pretty easy to get flowers for Mother’s Day without spending much in these destinations. For instance, Bouqs flower coupons allow you to save a decent amount of money from flower purchases, and this might even include free delivery.

2. Go to the Grand Canyon, Arizona 

Is your mother fascinated by outdoor activities? Check out the Grand Canyon, located in the northwest corner of Arizona. It’s among the most popular attractions in the “Grand Canyon State”, no wonder which basically explains Arizona’s nickname.

Grand Canyon - Planning the Perfect Child-Oriented Route 66 Trip - we have the tips and places you need to see for a great family trip

But that’s not all! The Grand Canyon is not just an ideal place for hiking and picnics, but also for air-conditioned horseback riding and numerous other fun-filled activities. And this doesn’t even count the numerous restaurants, cafés, and hotels you’ll come across if you need to spend a few days there or just grace your tummy with a decent meal.

Add to your trip with these Scottsdale to Grand Canyon road trip ideas. You won’t regret it.

3. Consider Santa Barbara, California

If your mother is an artistic type, she’ll be delighted to spend a day exploring galleries and museums in the art-centric city of Santa Barbara. There’s a whole month dedicated to art galleries and museums in this area, starting in March.

Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara

Located at the heart of the California coast, Santa Barbara boasts a plethora of things to offer, including time at the Zoo and Lobero performing arts theater, wine tours, and picturesque moments at the wooden wharf – Stearns Wharf. You can also treat your mom to an adventurous food walking tour along downtown Santa Barbara’s State Street.

Find great travel deals on Groupon! – Are you looking to save money on your next family vacation? Look no further than Groupon, the go-to site for amazing travel deals! With Groupon, you can find discounts on everything from hotels and flights to activities and restaurants. This makes it easier than ever to plan an affordable and unforgettable trip for her.

Groupon offers a wide variety of options for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, a city adventure, or a mountain retreat, Groupon has something for everyone. You can even filter your search by location, price range, and specific activities or amenities that you’re interested in. This ensures that you’ll find the perfect deal that fits your budget and preferences.

4. Go Cruising In the Bahamas 

If your mother enjoys the ocean, this could be the ideal Mother’s Day itinerary for her. A cruise in the Bahamas could do wonders for you and your mother since she’d get to explore a Caribbean island paradise while you relax on the seas.

Apart from your cozy cabin, you’ll get to watch the turquoise blue waters from the top deck, enjoy some live entertainment with a drink in hand, and spend time at one of the Island’s many public beaches, as well as shops and restaurants. 

Atlantis Resort Bahamas
Predator Lagoon at Atlantis Resort Bahamas

Want to skip the cruise and stay on land? The Bahamas boasts tons of family-friendly resorts and hotels, too. One of our favorites is Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, where you can enjoy outdoor water parks and aquariums.

5. Head off To the Desert in Joshua Tree, California

If your mother enjoys all sorts of adventures, take her to Joshua Tree National Park, which is located in the Mojave Desert. She can go on a hike and explore some of the unique rock formations in the area.

The best time to visit Joshua Tree is between February and May when the temperatures are cooler and there’s less chance of rain. That being said, you should still prepare for some chilly nights and winds.

Joshua Tree landscape

Your mother will have plenty of time to admire the park’s beautiful natural features, see birds or other wildlife roaming free in their native surroundings, and enjoy a picnic while admiring the spectacular sunset views over the desert terrain.

6. Go on an Outing To Seattle’s Pike Place Market with your Mom

Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and other food items.

Your mom will have a blast exploring the many shops and stalls, and she might even get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the famous Pike Place Fish Market, where fishmongers yell catchphrases like “the flying fish!”, and/or throw a few salmon around.

7. Take Mom to the French Quarter in New Orleans

If your mom loves jazz music and delicious food, you can take her to the French Quarter in New Orleans for Mother’s Day. As you stroll around the streets, you may catch a glimpse of some talented street musicians, as well as enjoy a few drinks and even dance along to the beats of live jazz music at one of the city’s many bars.

Beignet there and done that at Cafe Beignet - Eat Your Way Around New Orleans and taste how diverse the city's culinary scene is. If you are traveling to NOLA check out these restaurants we visited on a recent trip and are sure to go back to again and again
Beignets at Cafe Beignet on Royal Street

And while your taste buds may go wild at all the amazing restaurants available in New Orleans, you can also take mom to a cooking class on Bourbon Street where she’ll learn how to make some classic New Orleans dishes.

8. Savor the Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama

If your mom prefers a more laid-back beach retreat, you might want to take her to Gulf Shores, Alabama. This small city on the coast boasts miles of beaches with soft white sand and turquoise waters.

people at the beach - Gulf Shores Alabama
Gulf Place Gulf Shores Main Beach lifeguard station – Photo courtesy Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

There are plenty of activities that both you and your mom can enjoy in this area, including whale watching tours, fishing trips, and dolphin cruises. You can also explore the Gulf State Park, which offers hiking trails, biking paths, and bird watching opportunities.

9. Visit Central Florida with Mom

If your mom is a fan of theme parks, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Central Florida. This area is home to some of the most popular attractions in the world, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

couple kayaking waterway in central florida
kayaking waterway in central florida

There are also many other great things to do in Central Florida, such as visit one of the many museums and art galleries in Orlando, go paddleboarding alongside manatees, take a safari tour, or go on a mini road trip to explore Florida’s beautiful nature and wildlife.

Related: 7 Great Family Fly Fishing Destinations in the US to Take the Kids

10. Go RVing in Moab, Utah

If your mom is a big fan of the great outdoors, you might want to take her on a road trip in an RV through Moab, Utah. This scenic region is popular among thrill seekers and nature lovers alike thanks to its vast array of outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing opportunities, dinosaur museums, national parks, and more.

Moab Utah landscape

Plus, Moab is a great place to stargaze thanks to its lack of light pollution. So, if your mom enjoys spending time under the stars, she’ll be in for a treat on this trip.

See our recommendations for Moab RV Parks. If you don’t own an RV, you can easily rent an RV or travel trailer for your trip.

These ideas don’t merely cover the boring parts of vacation planning; they’re also quite practical and cost-effective. We hope they’ll help you think of a perfect Mother’s Day getaway for your mom!

fun day trips and weekend getaway ideas for her
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Written by:
Nicky Omohundro
Published on:
April 21, 2024
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Categories: Family Travel

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About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

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Hello, my name is Nicky, founder of Little Family Adventure. I'm a vivacious mother of three who wants to assist you in having "No Child Left Inside." With one teenager still at home and two young adults successfully out navigating the world, I'm out exploring the world and traveling with and sometimes without them to provide you with fresh food ideas, travel destinations, and family-friendly activities. Allow me to help you discover your own Little Family Adventure!

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