Having spent countless weekends exploring new places with my mom over the years, I’ve learned there’s something special about traveling together – just the two of you. These trips have a way of bringing out conversations and creating memories that don’t happen during regular family dinners or quick coffee dates.
“Mother-daughter trips are like pressing pause on real life,” says Sarah Chen, a family travel consultant who’s helped plan hundreds of parent-child getaways. “They give both moms and daughters a chance to step away from their usual roles and just enjoy each other’s company in a new setting.”
While planning these trips can feel overwhelming with so many options out there, the right destination makes all the difference. To help narrow things down, here are 15 perfect weekend getaways for mothers and daughters to bond, relax, and make some lasting memories together.
- Girls love shopping: New York City
- Beach and bonding: San Diego
- Spa weekend paradise: Sedona
- Cultural immersion: Charleston
- Winery adventures: Napa Valley
- Small town charm: Savannah
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Known for its Southern charm and hospitality, Savannah sits along Georgia’s Atlantic coast like a graceful time capsule from the past. Spanish moss drapes from centuries-old oak trees that line streets filled with horse-drawn carriages and historic mansions. Unlike other Southern cities that rushed into modernization, Savannah kept its old-world feel, with 22 perfectly preserved town squares where locals still gather for afternoon chats. Thanks to its rich history as one of America’s first planned cities, you’ll find architecture from every era since the 1700s, and the stories behind them are just as fascinating. Between sampling traditional low-country cooking and taking evening ghost tours through the historic district, mothers and daughters can bond while experiencing a slice of the Old South that feels wonderfully unchanged by time.
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Want to share sweet tea and even sweeter memories with your mom? Charleston’s historic cobblestone streets and antebellum mansions set the perfect scene for mother-daughter bonding. This charming South Carolina city serves up some of the best low-country cuisine in the South, where you can bond over shrimp and grits at local institutions like Husk or FIG. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter, browse the stalls at the Charleston City Market, or stroll through the pastel-painted Rainbow Row. For beach lovers, nearby Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island offer peaceful spots to collect seashells and watch the sunset together. The city’s famous southern hospitality makes every visitor feel like family, whether you’re sipping cocktails in a rooftop bar or taking a cooking class to learn those secret family recipes you’ve always wanted to master.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Known as “The City Different,” Santa Fe sits nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills of New Mexico. Like many Southwestern cities, it has its share of art galleries, adobe buildings, and Mexican restaurants. But unlike the others, it feels like you’ve stepped into a magical blend of Native American, Spanish, and American cultures. Just wander through the winding streets of the Plaza, where local artisans sell their turquoise jewelry and hand-woven textiles, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of Santa Fe’s rich artistic heritage, countless painters and craftspeople have made this high-desert city their home, and you’ll find museums, art markets, and creative workshops around every corner. It’s the perfect place for mothers and daughters to explore together, whether they’re learning about traditional pottery-making or sampling green chile dishes at century-old restaurants.
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Many travelers come to Nashville for its country music scene, but the destination offers so much more than just twangy tunes and cowboy boots. The city blends Southern charm with modern energy, making it perfect for mothers and daughters to explore together. Between the local boutiques in the 12 South neighborhood and the endless brunch spots in East Nashville, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for bonding. Music Row and the Country Music Hall of Fame offer glimpses into the city’s musical heritage, while the food scene goes well beyond traditional Southern fare with trendy restaurants and food halls popping up across town. Whether you’re catching a live show at the Grand Ole Opry or taking a cooking class together at one of the city’s culinary schools, Nashville provides endless ways to create lasting memories.
The Hamptons, New York, USA
Create unforgettable memories with your mom in The Hamptons, New York’s favorite coastal getaway. You can spend your days browsing the chic boutiques in Southampton, relaxing on pristine Cooper’s Beach, or touring the many local wineries scattered across the North Fork. Pop into one of the area’s famous farm stands to pick up fresh produce, then head to Wolffer Estate Vineyard for a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting on their beautiful terrace. For a special mother-daughter dinner, book a table at Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton, where celebrities and locals alike enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy farmhouse setting.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
Did you know that The Hamptons was once a prime whaling port in the 1600s before becoming the summer playground for New York City’s elite? These days, the area attracts both celebrities and visitors who flock to its beautiful beaches, upscale restaurants, and historic mansions that dot the coastline from Southampton to Montauk.
Sedona, Arizona, USA
Just two hours north of Phoenix lies the desert oasis of Sedona. Like many spots in the American Southwest, Sedona has its share of hiking trails, desert wildlife, and wide-open skies. But unlike the others, it feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet entirely. Just look up at the towering red rock formations that glow like fire at sunset, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of Sedona’s reputation for spiritual energy vortexes, many wellness seekers and artists have made this Arizona town their home, and you’ll find meditation retreats, crystal shops, and art galleries around every corner.
Palm Springs, California, USA
Palm Springs has long been my go-to escape with my mom when we need a break from everyday life. This desert oasis, just two hours from Los Angeles, perfectly balances relaxation with activity – you’ll find yourself splitting time between poolside lounging at boutique hotels and exploring the surrounding mountains by aerial tramway. The city’s mid-century modern architecture and design shops make for great window shopping, while the natural hot springs offer a perfect excuse to book a spa day with mom. It’s not just a winter snowbird destination anymore – though the warm weather is certainly a draw – as the city has evolved into a year-round haven for art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking quality mother-daughter bonding time in a laid-back setting.
Quebec City, Canada
I first visited Quebec City on a chilly autumn weekend with my mother back in 2018. One of the most charming cities in North America, Quebec City sits regally along the St. Lawrence River, its historic walls embracing centuries of French-Canadian culture. Cobblestone streets and European-style architecture make up most of the Old Town, along with the iconic Château Frontenac hotel perched atop Cape Diamond. The city’s walkable neighborhoods are perfect for mother-daughter outings, with countless cafes serving fresh croissants and steaming cups of coffee. The local boutiques and art galleries in Petit-Champlain Quarter make for wonderful afternoon browsing, while the horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping through the streets add to the old-world atmosphere that makes Quebec City feel like a slice of France in Canada.
Bath, England
Ever wanted to feel like you stepped into a Jane Austen novel? That’s exactly what happens in Bath, England, where Georgian architecture and Roman history blend together in this charming city just 90 minutes from London. The ancient Roman Baths still bubble with thermal waters, while the honey-colored stone buildings of the Royal Crescent transport you straight back to the 1700s. This is the perfect spot for mothers and daughters to share afternoon tea at the Pump Room, browse local boutiques along cobbled streets, and soak in the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa while looking out over the city’s spires. You can even dress up in period costumes at the Jane Austen Centre or take a guided walking tour to discover the places that inspired her famous novels.
Lake Como, Italy
Take in the magic of northern Italy at Lake Como, where elegant villas and charming towns dot the shoreline of this wishbone-shaped lake. You and mom can hop aboard a water taxi to explore picture-perfect villages like Bellagio and Varenna, where cobblestone streets lead to cozy cafes and local boutiques. Book a room at one of the lakeside hotels where you can wake up to mountain views and spend afternoons sipping prosecco on your private balcony. For a special mother-daughter moment, visit Villa Carlotta’s botanical gardens or take a cooking class to learn authentic Italian pasta-making from local experts.
Paris, France
Bond with your daughter while strolling down the cobblestone streets of Paris, the most romantic city in the world. Start your day at a local café with fresh croissants and café au lait before heading to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you can take selfies and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Shop together along the Champs-Élysées, stopping at charming boutiques and the famous Ladurée for their signature macarons. For a special mother-daughter moment, book afternoon tea at the elegant Ritz Paris, where you can share petit fours and memories in a setting that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Provence, France
Tucked away in southeastern France lies the region of Provence, where mother-daughter pairs can step into a scene straight from a painting. Like many places in France, Provence has its share of good food, wine, and old churches. But unlike the others, it feels like you’ve wandered into an artist’s dream. Just catch the scent of lavender fields stretching to the horizon, or spot the golden light hitting ancient stone villages, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its location between the Mediterranean and the Alps, Provence has been shaped by both Roman and French culture, and you’ll find Roman amphitheaters next to quaint cafes where locals still gather for their afternoon pastis.
London, England
London draws mothers and daughters from around the world for its perfect mix of history, shopping, and afternoon tea traditions. The city’s famous spots like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace provide endless photo opportunities, while areas like Covent Garden and Oxford Street offer some of Europe’s best shopping. You can spend your mornings browsing through Harrods, take proper afternoon tea at The Ritz, and end your evenings watching a West End show together. The city’s excellent public transport makes it easy to explore different neighborhoods, from the artsy corners of Shoreditch to the posh boutiques of Chelsea, ensuring you’ll find activities that appeal to both generations.
Interesting Fact:
London’s iconic red telephone booths weren’t always that color – they were originally painted green until 1924, when the city decided red would make them more noticeable to the public. Fun fact: while most of the 10,000 remaining phone boxes are now just tourist photo spots, some creative Londoners have turned them into tiny cafes, book exchanges, and even miniature art galleries.
Napa Valley, California, USA
Ever shared a glass of wine with your mom while gazing over endless rows of sun-drenched vineyards? That’s just another Thursday in Napa Valley, a 90-minute drive north of San Francisco, where rolling hills meet world-class wineries. This California wine country serves up more than just Cabernet – you’ll find charming cooking classes where you can learn family recipes together, hot air balloon rides floating over morning mist, and cozy boutique hotels perfect for mother-daughter bonding. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a nostalgic journey through the valley, while the local spas specialize in grape-seed treatments that make for perfect mommy-and-me pampering sessions.
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
Scottsdale charmed me from the moment I first visited in 2019, a desert jewel nestled in Arizona’s Sonoran landscape. This stylish city sits just east of Phoenix, where saguaro cacti stand tall against rust-colored mountains and blue skies. The Old Town district forms the heart of Scottsdale, lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that blend Western heritage with modern sophistication. Mother-daughter pairs can spend their days at world-class spas, browse the weekly ArtWalk, or take desert adventures like hot air balloon rides over the landscape. The city really comes alive in spring when perfect temperatures and blooming wildflowers create an ideal backdrop for outdoor brunches and poolside lounging at the area’s luxury resorts.
