5 Amazing US Destinations that are Perfect for a Black Family Vacation
The United States is filled with many wonderful cities that offer history, culture, and experiences that are unique to that specific location. Being that Blacks contributed so much to the building, development, and success of this country, it’s important that Black children get to enjoy the fruit of their ancestors’ labor. These five amazing US destinations are perfect for a Black family vacation.
New Orleans, LA
Jackson Square- New Orleans, LA
When many people think of New Orleans, they immediately picture libations and beads. While this may be true in some aspects, New Orleans makes for the perfect Black family vacation. This city is filled with Black history- from the key role it played in slavery to its contribution to jazz and the hip-hop music genres.
Additionally, there are many kid-friendly activities, including City Park – the 20th most-visited park in the country. This park is home to five playgrounds, including Storyland, a children’s book themed playground, the newly-built Children’s Museum, miniature golf course, paddle boat rides, and so much more. Similarly, children can try their hand at cooking at Acorn Cafe. It offers a play kitchen for the kiddo’s to use their imagination to whip up their favorite meal or participate in a kid’s cooking class to make and enjoy the real thing.
Speaking of eating, no trip to New Orleans is complete without partaking in it’s delicious food scene, from jambalaya to gumbo and of course, the powder-sugar topped beignets.
Memphis, TN
The National Civil Rights Museum
Similar to New Orleans, Memphis offers Black-influenced history, music, and food that the entire family can enjoy on vacation. A trip to Memphis has to include The National Civil Rights Museum. They do a wonderful job of telling the stories and impact of the Civil Rights era, and also happen to be the home of the hotel balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King was murdered.
If your family is a music fan, Memphis is home to both the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Similarly, live performances can be found on the infamous Beale Street.
A Black family vacation in Memphis is not complete without a visit to the Memphis Zoo. It’s one of the three US zoos with giant pandas. Fun fact: all giant pandas are on loan from China.
Washington District of Columbia
Washington, D.C. isn’t known as “Chocolate City” for nothing. Its largest demographic self-identifies as Black, making it the perfect vacation for children to see Black families from various countries, socio-economic backgrounds, and occupations. While in Washington D.C., the entire family can learn about Black arts, academics, and history with a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Similarly, a vacation to Washington D.C. isn’t complete without visiting at least one of the United State’s iconic monuments or buildings, including the White House, Supreme Court, or US Capitol. If history is of any interest to your family, Washington D.C. is the perfect location.
Although Blacks make up the largest demographic in Washington D.C., this city is a melting pot, making it the perfect vacation to try food from different countries around the world. The entire family’s taste buds will be happy that you did.
Sedona, AZ
Red Rock State Park
Although Sedona may not be home to a lot of Black history, it’s home to some of the most beautiful red rock formations, making the perfect backdrop to the perfect Black family vacation. Red Rock State Park is an amazing opportunity for the kids to explore nature and burn all of their pent-up energy. Similarly, Slide Rock Park is a swimming hole, offering kids the unique experience to use red rock formations as a water slide. This is an experience the kiddos will be sure to remember!
While in the area, it’s a must to take the two hour journey to the Grand Canyon. Its unparalleled beauty is one everyone in the family must experience at least once in their lifetime.
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Jungle Garden
Similar to Sedona, Sarasota is not a Black town nor is it filled with Black history or cuisine. However, it’s considered paradise for a reason – it is absolutely beautiful. It’s a city that everyone should experience, especially kids.
Not only is Sarasota home to Siesta Keys, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is home to so many kid-friendly activities. Kids can experience marine life at the Mote Aquarium petting stingrays, starfish and baby sharks, and also take a boat tour to see dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat.
Similarly, kids are able to feed free-roaming flamingos and pet goats and pigs at Sarasota Jungle Garden. The Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary is home to big cats and other animals including tigers, lions, sloths, lemurs, foxes, and more. The entire family will leave wanting at least one more day in Sarasota paradise.
The current restrictions on international travel is the perfect opportunity for Black American families to explore and enjoy the country their forefathers built, which is the ultimate definition of a perfect vacation.
