The Best Trips
to Take with Dad

Looking for Fun Places to Go With Dad?

Thinking about taking a trip with your dad but not sure where to go? You’re not alone. Planning a getaway that feels fun, meaningful, and actually tailored to your dad’s interests can be tricky—but also incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s for Father’s Day, a milestone birthday, or just because it’s been way too long since you spent real time together, a shared adventure is one of the best gifts you can give. The key is to pick a destination that taps into what he loves most—whether that’s hiking into the woods, wandering through historic sites, or sampling every local dish he can find. No two dads are the same, so we’ve rounded up some great ideas based on different travel styles to help you get inspired.

Best Destinations to Visit With Dad if He's Outdoorsy

USA National Parks

If your dad lights up at the smell of pine trees or can name every mountain range west of the Mississippi, there’s no better backdrop for your next adventure than America’s national parks. Picture this: towering sequoias in Yosemite, the steaming geysers and wide-open skies of Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon’s sheer, jaw-dropping vastness—all in one trip or a few unforgettable stops.

Exploring these natural wonders with Dad doesn’t have to mean scrambling for campsite reservations or renting an RV you’re not totally sure how to drive. Guided tours let you skip the logistics and still wake up right in the heart of the parks. No campsite stress, no arguing over paper maps or phone signal dead zones—just the two of you soaking up views, swapping stories, and enjoying the kind of unplugged, awe-filled moments that only the great outdoors can deliver. And with someone else behind the wheel, even the drives become part of the adventure.

Scotland

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Famous for the celebrity visitors who are lured here for its world-famous golf, this university town’s West Sands Beach was also where the famous Chariots of Fire race scene was filmed. Stroll the shores of Loch Ness together, keeping your eyes peeled for the legendary monster!

Or, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage to inspire future generations. They collect, collate, and display the many artifacts that tell the history of Wick, and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing.

Croatia

Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park is a jaw-dropping destination that feels straight out of a fairy tale—and it makes an unforgettable setting for a trip with Dad. Tucked into the heart of the country, it's the kind of place that’s hard to believe until you see it with your own eyes, and even harder to forget once you do. 

Whether your dad’s into photography, hiking, or just enjoying nature at its most jaw-dropping, this 114-square-mile wonderland delivers with its crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and moss-covered cliffs. Wooden boardwalks wind right over the water, giving you front-row views of nature at its most spectacular.

Best Destinations to Visit With Dad if He's a History Buff

France

If your dad can’t resist a good war documentary or lights up at the mention of ancient architecture, France offers an unforgettable deep dive into some of the most pivotal moments in world history. Start in Normandy, where the quiet beaches still echo with the bravery of D-Day. Stand on the very shores where Allied forces landed in 1944, and visit Dunkirk, where a desperate and heroic evacuation helped shape the course of World War II.

But history in France doesn’t stop at the 20th century. Head to Mont-Saint-Michel—a medieval island abbey that rises out of the sea like something from a storybook, with origins stretching back to the 8th century. And if you're both up for something a little eerie, descend into the Catacombs of Paris, where winding tunnels 65 feet underground hold the bones of more than six million Parisians. It’s chilling, fascinating, and absolutely unforgettable. For a father who appreciates the stories that shaped the world, France is one giant open-air museum—with great wine and cheese at every stop.

Portugal

Portugal’s town of Tomar is a hidden gem packed with centuries of intrigue and character—perfect for dads who love history, architecture, or just a great story. Once the stronghold of the legendary Knights Templar, Tomar is steeped in myth and mystery, with ties that stretch from medieval Europe to modern pop culture (yes, even The Da Vinci Code fans will be impressed).

One of the town’s most striking sights is the Aqueduto dos Pegões, an awe-inspiring 3-mile aqueduct built to supply water to the Convent of Christ. Whether you're wandering cobblestone streets or exploring ancient strongholds, Tomar offers a quiet, off-the-beaten-path adventure that still packs plenty of wow factor—and more than a few “did you know…” moments for your dad to savor.

Egypt

Egypt is the kind of destination that makes history come alive in the most epic way possible. Standing in front of the Pyramids of Giza or gazing up at the mysterious Sphinx isn’t just sightseeing—it’s stepping into one of humanity’s oldest and most fascinating stories. For a dad who’s captivated by ancient civilizations, this trip is nothing short of bucket-list material.

From cruising the Nile past temples carved with hieroglyphs to exploring the colossal ruins of Luxor, every stop feels like opening a new chapter of an ancient epic. And now, with the Grand Egyptian Museum finally open near Cairo, you can walk through the world’s largest collection of pharaonic treasures—including the full Tutankhamun collection—all under one roof. Egypt isn’t just a place to learn about history. It’s a place to feel it.

Best Destinations to Visit With Dad if He's a Foodie

Italy

Few places celebrate food quite like Italy, where every dish tells a story and every glass of wine comes with a view. For dads who live to eat—not just eat to live—the journey through Italy’s culinary heartlands is pure joy. From Rome to Tuscany, long lunches unfold in sun-drenched courtyards surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and rows of grapevines as far as the eye can see.

You’ll find yourself exploring rustic farmhouses, tasting handmade pasta topped with regional sauces, and sipping world-class wines like Chianti and Montepulciano right where they’re made. The beauty of traveling (and eating) through Italy isn’t just the food—it’s the pace, the passion, and the connection that happens over every shared plate.

Spain

Spain is a feast for the senses, and if your dad loves discovering a place through its flavors, this is the trip for him. From sizzling chorizo and rich Jamón Serrano to tangy Manchego cheese and golden olive oil, every region serves up its own twist on the country’s culinary traditions. And then there’s paella—best enjoyed where it was born, in Valencia, with a view of the sea and a cold glass of local wine in hand.

Tapas culture alone is worth the trip. Whether you're hopping from bar to bar in Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville, each stop brings a new bite-sized delight—anchovies in vinegar, spicy potatoes, garlicky shrimp, or whatever the local specialty happens to be. It’s informal, flavorful, and made for sharing—just like the best memories with Dad.