My mom and I live on opposite coasts, but we’ve made it a tradition to take a mother-daughter trip almost every year — exploring places like Maine, Spain, Paris, Charleston, and soon Mackinac Island, MI. Now that my daughter has turned 10, it feels like the perfect time to carry on this tradition with her. Over the MLK three-day weekend, we took our first trip together without other family to Tucson, AZ — inspired by her love for the Sonoran Desert (thanks Wild Kratts 😉). What I thought would be a fun getaway turned into so much more. When I got home, I told my partner that I felt like I actually got to know Matilda better without the distraction of cooking meals, school drop-offs, sporting events, and playdates. It was such a special bonding experience, and I loved every minute of it.
Looking to plan a mother-daughter trip of your own? Here are all the destinations you should definitely hit with your built-in bestie!
Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain
1. Tucson, AZ
You want to find a trip that suits you both and allows for time to connect. I was seeking a spa experience while Matilda wanted to get her desert fix. Tucson is surrounded by stunning desert scenery, including the iconic Saguaro cacti that are native to the area. I landed on the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain for two reasons: it has an incredible spa with fireplace jacuzzi, adults-only pool, and sauna/steam room, and it’s right in the heart of the Sonoran Desert with a kids’ camp! We literally hiked into the desert outside our hotel room. Prices were affordable too for a Sunday to Tuesday stay in winter (when the weather is perfect!). Matilda loved her ranger camp with Brian and Breanna who showed her the live desert animals like scorpions and tarantulas in their station and took her geocaching into the desert while I got a facial. The 235-foot water slide was a big win for both of us. I would totally take my mom here too — there’s an infinity pool, jacuzzi, a delicious Latin grill, and cabanas in the adults area too. We watched the sunset at the amazing Cayton’s Restaurant, where we saw a pack of javalinas just outside. (The lobster risotto was A+). The buffet at Core Kitchen was also so fresh and delicious. The churro donuts had us swooning. A Native American flutist performed in the mountain while we dined at Ignite to top off the trip. Highly recommend this escape for moms and daughters of all ages! You can also explore the Saguaro National Park, visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and take a tour of the stunning Mission San Xavier del Bac!
2. Charleston, S.C.
Charleston is one of the most charming cities and it was the perfect trip for my sisters and I to take our mom for her June birthday. I booked a home exchange about 20 minutes from downtown in a lovely quiet neighborhood. On the first day, we took a horse carriage tour to get a lay of the land. I admired all the pretty verandas, colorful houses, and lush flower boxes. You can find delicious dining options like French-inspired Felix (loved), Husk (known for its Southern fare), or great-for-brunch Poogan’s Porch. Indulge in downtown shopping (there’s a whole day’s worth here) and relax with a spa treatment at The Charleston Place, also a great place to stay right in the heart of town. Stroll along the charming streets filled with everything from Colonial to Georgian to Classic and Gothic Revival homes, all photo-worthy and jaw-dropping. My mom and I took early morning walks along the waterfront. You can take a sunset cruise with a wine toast too. Don’t miss the chance to visit nearby beaches too, like Sullivan’s Island, where celebs likeReese Witherspoon and Bill Murray reportedly own homes. I walked into the warm waters and it was glorious.
3. Sonoma, CA
My mom loves to visit me in my adult hometown (it’s definitely her demographic!). Sonoma is a stunning small town with a more laid back vibe than Napa. The Lodge at Sonoma is one of my favorite spa experiences with private warm pool and sauna area, plus cozy private reading areas before you get your treatment. MacArthur Hotel is another favorite with their outdoor restaurant Layla, that is stunning in design and perfect for a leisurely lunch. The Fairmont Mission Inn & Spa is another must on my visitor list — cozy outdoor firepits are perfect for grabbing a bite to eat and a glass of wine (Friday nights they have live music and food trucks in the summer). Take a bike ride along the Sonoma bike path, which cuts straight to the town square for shopping and eating. Sunflower Caffe has a darling garden in the back and Valley Bar and Bottle offers inventive California cuisine that’s sourced locally and so delicious in an outdoor setting. My mom loves to bike to Bartholomew Estate Winery, where you can do a short mom-friendly hike into the oak grove of the winery or grab a bottle and a picnic table in the park and next door at California’s first winery, Buena Vista Winery, built in 1857.
4. Paris, France
I spent two summers in Paris before I booked a trip with my mom for an international mom-daughter getaway. I booked the cute and affordable Hotel des Escrivains and we spent our days museum hopping, shopping in Le Marais, strolling the Montmartre hills, and taking the quintessential mom-daughter photo at the Eiffel Tower. We dined at Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées and picnicked at the Jardin des Tuileries. La Verrière inside the 19th-century InterContinental Paris le Grand Hotel is also worth a culinary visit (and photo opp). Here are B+C editor Chloe’s recent Paris recommendations! You can also hop, skip, and jump to the French Riviera AKA Côte d’Azur, a glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coastline in southeastern France for sun-soaked beaches and charming villages, like Èze and Antibes. There’s also Nice and Cannes!
5. Newport, Rhode Island
My mom lived in Providence for a few years and this seaside town is perfect for trips with mom. It has Gilded Age mansions and some of the best beaches along the east coast. Only one hour from Boston and three hours from New York City (without traffic), Newport is accessible via train or bus from either east coast city. Go island hopping to the coves of Jamestown and the mini Goat Island, and enjoy the view from the fields of Hammersmith Farm, AKA Jackie Kennedy’s summer home. Another must-do for any first-time traveler to Newport is the Cliff Walk, a walking trail that winds along the coast from First Beach (and the mansions on Bellevue) to the sandy shores of Ocean Drive. For food: Flo’s Clam Shack, next to First Beach, is iconic for its quahogs and fried seafood and Newport Creamery is a local go-to for ice cream. Also, a sunset sail is sure to appeal to moms and daughters who love the sea.
6. Mackinac Island, MI
This historic island with a “no car” and no hotel chains policy is a darling spot to take mom. Just hop the ferry across Lake Huron from Mackinac City, MI and plan to stay at the coastal-grandma style Hotel Iroquois on Lakeshore. Enjoy one of Chef Greg Murphy’s award-winning dishes, such as the fresh seafood salad, and a waterfront view at The Carriage House. Rent a bike or horse carriage ride to admire the island’s charming Victorian architecture along the East Bluff with grand views of Lake Huron. Don’t miss out on the Butterfly House (a butterfly museum), world-famous fudge, and a sunrise kayak tour for two.
7. New York City
My mom loves exploring big cities with me because I seem to make them less scary for her. I grew up just outside of New York City and lived there for 5 years and we both enjoyed so many weekends exploring Central Park, standing in line for half priced tickets to Broadway plays, shopping in Soho, and strolling the High Line. It was especially fun when I lived in the West Village with charming brownstones and delicious eateries like Boucherie. Enjoy Italian fare at Eataly, a rooftop drink at Panorarama Room from Roosevelt Island’s Graduate hotel, high tea at the Plaza Hotel, and a spa treatment at Great Jones Spa. There’s so much to pack in. Explore museums like the MoMA and Met too!