Are you thinking of taking mom on a vacation for Mother’s Day 2024? Moms do so much for our families, and what better way to show your appreciation than to take her on a trip. These Mother’s Day getaways are for any type of mom: outdoor enthusiasts, wine lovers, sports-minded moms, spa-goers, moms of adults, and moms of young children.

Whether Mother’s Day looks like a relaxing weekend at the beach, or an adventure-filled weekend – we’ve got you covered. This list of vacation ideas is sure to give your mom the most unforgettable experience for Mother’s Day this year!

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When is Mother’s Day 2024?

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 12, 2024. It is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May. Mother’s Day typically brings warmer weather being toward the end of spring.

Best Mother’s Day Getaways

Show your mom appreciation this Mother’s Day with the trip of a lifetime. Some of these locations you most likely have heard of, while others are hidden gems. No matter which location you choose, your mom will be blown away by thoughtfulness you put into Mother’s Day this year!

Mother’s Day Getaways – Table of Contents

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

By: Midwest Explored

Closest Major Airport: Chippewa County International Airport

If you need one of the best vacations for mom this Mother’s Day then try visiting Mackinac Island in Michigan. Just ​​ fly into either Pellston Regional Airport or Chippewa County International Airport and grab a free shuttle to the ferry dock from there. 

Once at the port, boats regularly depart for the island and will have you arriving in around twenty minutes. The trip is well worth it since this charming, car-free island overlooks beautiful Lake Huron and is filled with elegant, Victorian homes that mom will love. 

So, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage and take in the stunning architecture of the Grand Hotel before visiting Fort Mackinac and checking out some local art at The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.

Next, get outdoors and enjoy a 2.3-mile hike through Mackinac State Park to the famous Arch Rock. This is easily one of the best things to do on Mackinac Island since this limestone rock formation is probably the most famous attraction on the island. 

You can also treat mom to a Moscow Mule and some delicious scallops at the Carriage House restaurant before returning to your room at Island House Hotel. 

It’s a fabulous, boutique hotel overlooking the lake that features individually decorated rooms. Plus, you and your mom can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast on the hotel’s stunning wraparound porch as you look out at the lake.

2. Savannah, Georgia

By: Southern Trippers

Closest Major Airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

If you’re looking for one of the best Mother’s Day getaways for 2024, then you can’t beat a trip to Savannah, Georgia. 

See, this historic town oozes southern charm with its lavish plantations, charming homes, and stunning parks that will leave mom gaping in awe – attractions that can be enjoyed during a fun Old Town Trolley Tour of the area. 

Once your tour is over, step back in time at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace and see where the creator of the Girl Scouts of the USA was born before appreciating the historic architecture of Congregation Mickve Israel. 

Next, pack a picnic and enjoy the magical fountain at Forsyth Park before grabbing a coffee at the nearby Collins Quarter. Additionally, take some time to wander along the charming cobblestone streets of the waterfront area, like River Street. 

Afterward, experience some local art at SCAD before visiting the Davenport House Museum. It’s one of the best museums in Savannah and is known for being one of oldest brick buildings in the city, and its furnishings and is furnished to show visitors what life was like in the 1800d. 

And when you start to feel a bit hungry, take mom out to eat at The Olde Pink House. Highlights include classic Southern cuisine like grits and fried green tomatoes.

3. Stateline, Nevada (Lake Tahoe)

By: Edgewood Tahoe Resort

Closest major Airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

This Mother’s Day, show your appreciation toward Mom and everything she does with a luxurious, relaxing stay at Edgewood Tahoe, a premier resort nestled on the south shore of Lake Tahoe.

Treat mom to an outstanding day at the award-winning spa or an exquisite lake-view dining experience to make her day extra special. On Sunday, May 14, resort and restaurant guests may bond with mom while crafting a handpicked, personalized bouquet of assorted fresh-cut flowers and greenery at the Mother’s Day Flower Marketplace. Listen to live music from local flamenco guitarist Milton Merlos for a truly memorable experience while crafting her bouquet.

Enjoy a delicious Sunday brunch with world-class service and over twenty mouthwatering meal options to choose from at Bistro Edgewood. Top off brunch with Bloody Marys and a tasty Mimosa Flight for an extra festive feel.

Spa Edgewood will offer an exclusive package in which guests who schedule a massage and facial on Mother’s Day will receive a complimentary $35 enhancement of choice on one treatment. In addition, spa guests booking the package will be gifted a special Candier “Who Run the World? Mom’s!” candle. A Mother’s Day celebration at Edgewood Tahoe isn’t one mom will soon forget.

4. The Greenbrier Resort, West Virginia

By: The Greenbrier

Closest Major Airport: Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB)

Mother’s Day began in West Virginia, when Ann Jarvis founded the holiday in 1908. More than a century later, there’s still no better place to celebrate Mom than in the Mountain State, and America’s Resort, The Greenbrier, is the ultimate spot to treat the mother in your life like a queen.

It begins with an incredible Mother’s Day Brunch, prepared by the award-winning culinarians at The Greenbrier. The feast includes omelet and pancake stations, house made pastries, smoothies, salads, chicken, salmon, shrimp and much more, and it’s topped off with amazing desserts like strawberry cheesecake and Italian cream cake. A photo of Mom with her family is provided by Greenbrier Photography, a perfect keepsake from an unforgettable day.

The brunch, however, is just the start of the memories to be made. With a world-renowned mineral spa, iconic golf courses, limitless shopping, the Studio G salon and unique activities such as horseback riding, falconry or scenic nature hikes, there’s plenty of ways to keep Mom — or whoever fills that important role in your life — entertained from sunrise to sunset, and even beyond.

If your mom is the active type, you’re in luck. Mother’s Day weekend also happens to be the date for the annual Greenbrier Half Marathon, which brings runners from around the country to America’s Resort to run on a course that shows off the beauty of the resort’s 11,000 acre property.

5. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

By: A Capone Connection 

Closest major Airport: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport

The French Manor Inn and Spa is a luxurious bed and breakfast located in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. It is well known as a romantic getaway and wedding destination, but they have so much more to offer. This is definitely a great vacation to take with your mom for Mother’s Day if you’re looking for a relaxing and pampered weekend.

Check out their website for specials at the full-service spa like the Girls Weekend Getaway package. You can schedule services for facials, massages, and nails. Book a full day of beauty if a relaxing weekend is a priority for your itinerary.  You and your mom can also enjoy the complementary dry sauna, indoor saltwater pool, and Jacuzzi before or after your scheduled services at Le Spa Foret.

If you were hoping to spend some time outdoors appreciating the beautiful landscape of the Pocono Mountains, then take mom hiking or biking around any of the three major state parks, which are only a few minutes away from The French Manor. You can also take a drive just an hour southwest of the manor to the town of Jim Thorpe. The town is full of history and gorgeous views of the Pocono Mountains. Check out this list of things to do in Jim Thorpe, PA for some fun ideas.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the perfect Mother’s Day vacation without a little wine tasting and shopping at the Crossings Premium Outlets. Located just 20 minutes away in Tannersville Pennsylvania, you and your mom can shop till you drop in their 100+ outlet stores.   

Complete your Mother’s Day vacation with an exquisite meal at the on-site French Manor Restaurant. Their incredible French cuisine has been recognized for multiple years with the AAA Four Diamond award. Decide whether to eat dinner on the terrace or in the formal dining room. Even if you only get a chance to enjoy the complimentary breakfast with your stay, there’s no doubt you and your mom will have a memorable dining and Mother’s Day experience.

6. Sarasota, Florida

By: Culture Feasting

Closest Major Airport:  Sarasota/ Bradenton (SRQ) International Airport

Welcome to Sarasota, Florida! Take an early morning stroll for Mother’s Day 2024 in downtown Sarasota and enjoy the newly renovated Bayfront Park. Take a free exercise class of yoga or Tai Chi while delighting in the beauty of Sarasota Bay. Kayak the mangroves or walk the 1.4-mile landscaped loop. Sundays at the Bay feature live music and begin in the late afternoon. Let the kids climb the 2 giant play structures while you catch the unforgettable sunset.

(For tips on taking a road trip with young kids, check out my blog post: Road Trip With Toddlers Hacks)

Visit The Ringling Circus Museum and discover the history of the American Circus. Your admission includes the art museum and expansive gardens filled with roses and giant banyan trees. Colorful and interactive, don’t miss the Children’s Playspace or the Dwarf Garden filled with amusing statues. On-site there is a restaurant, food truck, and picnic area outside to relax in. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children 5 and under are free and only $5 for kids up to age 17.

For the beach-loving family, Sarasota offers a different beach every day of the week while you are visiting. Most famously known is Siesta Key Beach which is voted year after year as one of the best beaches in America. We all know Mom deserves the best on her special day!

Swim and splash in the warm turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico. Dad and the kiddos will love building sandcastles out of the beautiful white powdery sand while Mom relaxes with a book on the beach. When evening rolls in get ready for the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place every Sunday about an hour before sunset.

End your stay with your toes in the sand at the iconic O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill. Family-friendly, tropical, and right on the water for a fun casual meal.

7. Juneau, Alaska

By: Forever Karen

Closest Major Airport: Juneau International Airport

Alaska might not be on many people’s vacation lists, but it makes for a special place to visit with mom for a Mother’s Day getaway. Around Mother’s Day, Alaska begins its winter thaw, and humpback whales are arriving from Hawaii to feed.

Delta and Alaska Airlines offer flights to Juneau International Airport from and through Seattle, Washington. Four Points by Sheraton Juneau provide a great location downtown, within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

No visit to Juneau is complete without a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. You can catch a shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier which takes 30 minutes, if you don’t intend to get a rental car. The park offers several hiking trails, with Nugget Falls being the most popular. You’ll reach a thundering waterfall at under a mile with little to no elevation gain. If you’re not up for a hike, the Visitor Center documents the glacier’s retreat, and you’ll learn about the area’s fauna and flora.

As the capital of Alaska, Juneau offers many thrilling adventures to enjoy with mom. Whale watching tours offer guaranteed sightings, and you could see sea lions, harbors seals, and bald eagles too.

Consider taking mom on a dog sledding excursion if you have no budget. After a helicopter ride to a nearby glacier, you’ll enjoy mushing a team of sled dogs around the ice field. By taking the tour, you’ll check something off your bucket list, and the best part is – you got to do it with mom!

8. Louisville, Kentucky

By: Celiac Travel Pack

Closest Major Airport: Louisville International Airport (SDF)

Louisville is home to the Kentucky Derby and so much more!

If you want to take mom to the Derby for a Mother’s Day getaway you’ll have to plan really early; like October of the year before or early to get in the lotteries. It’s an iconic race day full of Derby fashion. If that’s not in your budget or timeline you’re in luck. There are races after the derby closes. For horse things that aren’t Derby, check out Downs After Dark for a special experience with older kids or the Sunday brunch races if you don’t want to be out late. Admission is much more affordable after Derby and the experience is less over-the-top while still being special. You can bet on races or not. It’s a fun time either way.

The other iconic Kentucky thing is bourbon. If that’s something mom is interested in book a tour of a distillery. There are several small distilleries in Louisville. You can reach several big-name distilleries in an hour and a half: Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, and Woodford Reserve to name a few.

To see the city in a different way take a cruise on the Belle of Louisville. The Belle is a steamboat from 1914. Take sightseeing or dinner cruises on the boat for another special experience in Louisville.

Louisville has an impressive food scene. When it’s time to eat look at restaurants in NuLu or on Bardstown Road. In both areas, you’ll find exceptional local restaurants and shopping. Dairy Kastle is a must for ice cream at some point during your visit.

9. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

By: Hey! East Coast USA

Closest Major Airports: Boston Logan International Airport

If you’re looking for a place to create special family memories together over Mother’s Day weekend, head to the island of Martha’s Vineyard off the southeastern coast of Massachusetts. 

There are so many things to do on Martha’s Vineyard that it’s an ideal destination for all types of travelers and kids of all ages!

Want to learn a little about the local history together? Visit the many lighthouses that dot the shoreline and have kept seafaring vessels safe for centuries. Also check out the African American Heritage Trail on a guided tour to learn about the history of the Black community on the island.

Looking for some fabulous local shopping? Go to Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, or Vineyard Haven for an incredible variety of unique shops to support local creators and producers.

Prefer something you won’t see anywhere else? Step back in time on the Flying Horses Carousel — it’s the oldest platform carousel in the United States! Nearby, take photos of the iconic and very colorful Gingerbread Houses.

And, of course, there’s always the beach! 

There are tons of great beaches on the Vineyard, but you can’t miss Katama Beach (also known as South Beach). 

For a wonderful family-friendly beach, head to Long Point Beach and enjoy exploring the Long Point Wildlife Refuge for a reprieve from the midday sun.

Summertime on the Vineyard is idyllic but busy, so start the season off right with an early visit over Mother’s Day Weekend!

10. San Diego, California

By: Global Travel Escapades

Closest Major Airport: San Diego International Airport

If you’re dreaming of a rejuvenating beach vacation for one of the best Mother’s Day getaways, then consider heading to San Diego. The California beach town is known for having sunny weather almost year-round and abundance of things to do with the whole family!

For example, one activity that is perfect for entertaining the entire family is spending the day at the beach. From Del Mar to Mission Beach, there are dozens of different beaches to explore with various activities to partake in. You can opt to relax with a good book, cool off with a little swim, or even try your hand at surfing if you’re up for an adventure!

Alternatively, if you’re looking for activities that don’t involve beach attire, then consider spending a day at Torrey Pines State Park. Here, you’ll find lots of easy trails winding around the coastal bluffs offering lovely ocean views. You may even spot a few dolphins passing by! And if you’re not up for hiking, then consider walking around La Jolla Cove. It’s one of the nicest areas of San Diego and is filled with little boutiques shops, charming cafes, and ice cream places. You can even say hello to all the seals and sea lions perched on the nearby rocks!

11. Chicago, Illinois

By: 24 Hours Layover

Closest Major Airport: Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

With miles of beautiful river walks, stunning lakeshore beaches, and an incredible skyline, Chicago makes a great getaway with mom on Mother’s Day, as there are so many things to do!

A visit to Chicago isn’t complete without seeing Cloud Gate at Millennium Park, also known as The Bean! Get an obligatory selfie with mom in front of the stunning stainless steel sculpture – one of the best places in Chicago to take pictures! It’s mirrored so you’ll even be able to see the reflection of the Chicago skyline in your photo!

After Cloud Gate stroll along Michigan Avenue (doing some retail therapy together if you wish!) and get a Mother’s Day brunch where you can enjoy some quality time with one another. Once you’ve finished your leisurely lunch, walk it off with a stroll to North Avenue Beach and relax on the sand: it’s great how just a short walk from Chicago’s skyscrapers will take you to miles of beaches along Lake Michigan! Alternatively, take a dinner cruise out on Lake Michigan and enjoy fabulous views of the skyline – your mom will be blown away by how amazing it looks!

To continue the fun with mom in Chicago this Mother’s Day, head up to The John Hancock Centre to see Chicago from above – the views are stunning! If you’re both feeling brave, you can go into the TILT boxes – enclosed boxes that tilt you towards Michigan Avenue below!

To finish the day and ensure it’s a Mother’s Day your mom will never forget, get tickets to watch a show at the world-famous Chicago Theatre! 

12. Astoria, Oregon

By: The Hiking Helper

Closest Major Airport: Portland International Airport (PDX)

Located on the Oregon Coast, near where the Columbia River flows into the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find the small town of Astoria. Known for being the filming location for many popular movies, including The Goonies and Free Willy, as well as for the beautiful views of the ocean. 

If you’re planning a getaway for Mother’s Day 2024 and are looking for somewhere to take your mom, then head to Astoria, as there is plenty to do for the entire family. Your mom will love seeing the filming locations from classic movies, as well ensajoying the breeze from the ocean, eating some fantastic seafood, and seeing the beautiful views.

Start the day off by climbing to the top of the Astoria Column. The tower stands at 125 feet tall and visitors must climb 164 steps to reach the top. Once you’ve made it, you’ll be treated with expansive views of the Columbia River, as well as the entire town of Astoria.

Be sure to check out some filming locations for popular movies, such as inside The Oregon Film Museum, Ecola State Park, and one of the houses that appeared in The Goonies.

Just about 20 minutes away, Fort Stevens State Park is home to the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, which is a unique find. And just across the Astoria-Megler Bridge, you’ll find Cape Disappointment State Park, which has beautiful ocean views. The nearby Youngs River Falls is also a great spot to get out and stretch your legs, with a short hike to a waterfall.

If you have some more time to spare, consider taking the 40-minute drive down the Oregon Coast and making a stop at Cannon Beach, which has been made famous for its large and prominent Haystack Rock.

13. Maui, Hawaii

By: Uprooted Traveler

Closest Major Airport: Kahului Airport

Thanks to its dynamic array of activities and stunning scenery, Maui is an incredible destination to head with your mom. Regardless of whether you’re looking for Mother’s Day getaways that are relaxing at the beach or an action-packed week of adventure to enjoy together, you’ll find plenty of things to keep your family busy during your trip.

If you’re headed here for Mother’s Day, May is the tail-end of whale watching season here. Every year, from November through May, over 10,000 humpback whales swim from the chilly Arctic waters to Maui’s shallow lagoons to breed and raise their calves. So hop aboard a whale watching cruise and share a once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing these incredible acrobats of the sea together, before they start their long journey back north.

Any Maui itinerary needs to include driving along the Road to Hana, a 65- mile road that’s routinely been voted one of the most scenic drives in the world. Best of all, you can tailor your Road to Hana stops to perfectly fit both of your activity levels, from checking out tropical fruit stands and strolling along the beach, to strenuous hikes to red sand beaches. 

Another family-friendly activity is taking a snorkeling tour out to the Molokini Crater, where you have a good chance of spotting tons of sea turtles and hundreds of species of fish. On the way back, you can just enjoy the ocean views and enjoy some quality time together.

14. Santa Fe, NM

By: Chef Denise

Closest Major Airport: Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ)

If you’re looking for a great place to take mom on Mother’s Day, Santa Fe, NM is the ticket. Steeped in history walking through the old town feels like a step back in time. You’ll find the oldest church in the US, Chapel San Miguel; the oldest US building in continuous use, the Palace of the Governors; and New Mexico’s oldest house, the De Vargas Street House. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in America after all!

In the heart of the historic downtown you’ll find the center of activity is the Santa Fe Plaza which dates back to 1609. From art galleries to southwest boutiques and from food trucks to the best restaurants in Santa Fe, it all revolves around this historic landmark. Stay at La Fonda on the Plaza and most of the attractions will be in walking distance. 

Art lovers should visit the Canyon Road area or Georgia O’Keefe Museum.  Take chocolate loving moms to the best chocolatiers in Santa Fe while you follow the chocolate trail. For those who prefer something with more of a kick, there’s the margarita trail. 

For the ambitious, you can take a day trip to Bandelier National Monument and explore the cave dwellings built into the sandstone cliffs. Or visit nearby Taos, Albuquerque, or pamper yourself in Ojo Caliente Springs.

15. Charleston, South Carolina

By: Find Love & Travel

Closest Major Airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS)

If you’re looking for a fun vacation location to take your mom for Mother’s Day, then a weekend in Charleston, South Carolina should be on your list! 

Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina, and with its cobblestone streets and historic homes, you can experience all the Southern Charm with mom!

Charleston has tons of attractions to offer. If you are somebody who enjoys learning about the history of the places that you visit, you should book tickets for Boone Hall Plantation, where you can learn about the complicated history of Charleston.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing trip, you could take a visit to Folly beach, which is a great area to enjoy lunch and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. A great restaurant to try here is The Crab Shack.

Depending on how long your stay is, you could also consider visiting the various islands, including Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Don’t forget to watch the sunset at the famous Pineapple Fountain at Joe Wiley Waterfront Parkway which is a beautiful way to spend your evening.

16. Scottsdale, Arizona

By: The Traveling Moore

Closest Major Airport: Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Apt (SCF)

When deciding on a place to visit with my mom, I look for three things: good food, fun activities, and a relaxed atmosphere. One of the best places for a trip with mom for Mother’s Day is Scottsdale Arizona. It easily meets the criteria mentioned above.

Scottsdale is such a foodie city with amazing Mexican and southwestern cuisine. There are so many fun things to do in Scottsdale, ranging from hiking to lounging at the pool. Finally, Scottsdale has a relaxed environment that is great for a mother-daughter trip. People of all ages visit, and there isn’t too much of a party atmosphere.

One of my favorite activities in Scottsdale is simply lounging at the pool. With many nice resorts and warm year-round weather, Scottsdale is a great destination for sipping cocktails by the pool. For more adventure, there are many hikes in Scottsdale such as Mummy Mountain or Camelback. What I love about Scottsdale for a trip with my mom is the ability to hike a mountain in the morning, spend the day by the pool, then finish the day with a great dinner and drinks. Scottsdale Arizona really has it all for a perfect weekend trip with mom. 

Thank you for reading 16 Best Mother’s Day Getaways for 2024!

If you have more ideas for Mother’s Day getaways, please share them in the comments below. Thank you for reading!

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