10 Beautiful Countryside Vacation For Families For A Rural Retreat
By Alisha Dotel | 18 July 2023 09:22 AM

Beautiful Countryside Vacation For Families are 1. Ozark Mountains 2. Blue Ridge NC 3. Finger Lakes NY and 7 more. Such destinations are perfect for a rural retreat.
A rural retreat means a gateway to a peaceful and scenic countryside location, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With the scenic views and a relaxed vibe, these places are perfect getaway for family fun.
These types of destinations often offer a slower pace of life, stunning natural beauty, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy, making them the perfect choice for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.
Rural Retreat Heritage is celebrated every year on the last weekend of July to celebrate rural life and culture. The event features live music, food vendors, and craft booths. Visitors can also enjoy historical reenactments and demonstrations of old-fashioned skills like blacksmithing and quilting.
Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, immerse yourself in local culture, or relax and unwind in a tranquil setting, these destinations are sure to provide the idyllic rural retreat you're looking for.
We have collected the 10 beautiful countryside vacations for families for a rural retreat. All of the places have a Tripadvisor rating of more than 4 out of 5, but it's important to note that these ratings can be subject to change over time.
Here we've ranked the locations based on their area, which will help you find the ideal destination for your family, whether you're looking for a vibrant town or a peaceful small village.
Most Beautiful Countryside Rural Retreat For Families
Destination | Area in square miles |
1. The Ozark Mountains in Arkansas | 47,000 square miles |
2. The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina | 34,500 square miles |
3. The Hill Country in Texas | 31,000 square miles |
4. The Finger Lakes region in New York | 9000 square miles |
5. The White Mountains in New Hampshire | 1,255 square miles |
6. The Berkshires in Massachusetts | 946 square miles |
7. The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee | 800 square miles |
8. The Napa Valley in California | 789 square miles |
9. The Grand Tetons in Wyoming | 484.374 square miles |
10. The Rocky Mountains in Colorado | 415 square miles |
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1. The Ozark Mountains in Arkansas (47,000 square miles )
The Ozark Mountains in Arkansas is a most beautiful countryside vacation destination. This place offers families a chance to experience a relaxing rural retreat.
The place span across 47,000 square miles, but despite its vast size, it boasts a variety of stunning natural wonders that are sure to captivate visitors and draw them in.
The Ozark area is celebrated for its wealth of shimmering springs, waterfalls, lakes, caves, caverns, and sinks, which are all karstic landforms. Furthermore, there are numerous landmarks that have been created by humans, including the Lake of the Ozarks.
Additionally, there are many delightful towns and villages in the area, each with its own distinct personality and attractions.
Travelers have the opportunity to explore the local shops, galleries, and museums, and savor the scrumptious dishes served at the various restaurants in the region.
Furthermore, the Ozark National Forest provides visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and wildlife by engaging in activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and other outdoor pursuits.
You may also like to take a look at our previous article on 10 Quick and Easy camping meals for family.
For families in search of a rural gateway, the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas is an ideal destination, offering stunning landscapes, a wealth of historical significance, and a plethora of activities to enjoy.
2. The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina (34,500 square miles)
The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina is also a perfect destination for families looking for a rural retreat. This place is one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the US.
This place is absolutely stunning! It spans 34,500 square miles and is famous for its natural beauty, including rolling hills, lush forests, and clear streams and rivers. Not only that, but it also offers plenty of family-friendly activities that are perfect for a countryside vacation.
You can go hiking and see breathtaking views of the mountains and forests. Or, if you love fishing, there are many rivers, streams, and lakes that are home to a variety of fish species.
And if you're looking for a fun way to spend the night, camping is a great option with many campgrounds that offer amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Wildlife watching is another popular activity, with many opportunities to see animals such as black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
In the fall, the area is also a popular destination for leaf peeping, as the mountains are covered in vibrant colors. The changing leaves create a beautiful backdrop for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Moreover, the place is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. In addition to outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, there are many charming towns and villages to explore.
These towns are home to unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that offer visitors a chance to experience the local flavor and history of the area.
You can enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains, explore the charming towns, and experience the local culture, all in one amazing vacation destination.
Also Read: 15 Off The Beaten Path Vacations For Families
3. The Hill Country in Texas (31,000 square miles)
The Hill Country in Texas is an amazing place rural retreat for families to escape to. This spot is ideal for a peaceful countryside trip with gorgeous views, charming towns, and plenty of fun.
The place is breathtaking, and it has many activities and wonderful accommodations. You can enjoy looking at wildflowers, eating apple pie, swimming in natural pools, kayaking on the river, hiking the granite dome, chasing waterfalls, or discovering Topaz gems.
It's an ideal spot for exploration and adventure, and it spans a total area of 31,000 square miles.
Moreover, this area is a treasure trove of stunning natural landmarks, such as the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, the Pedernales Falls State Park, and the Guadalupe River, that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors.
Additionally, the region is home to several charming small towns, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions, such as Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and Gruene.
Finally, the Hill Country offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and more, making it an ideal destination for families looking to spend quality time together in nature.
4. The Finger Lakes region in New York (9000 square miles)
The Finger Lakes region in New York is a beautiful countryside vacation destination for families. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.
This area covers 9000 square miles and boasts many outstanding places and heritages. It is known for its stunning lakes, which offer visitors a chance to enjoy a variety of water-based activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
In addition to water sports, there are many other outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The Finger Lakes region is a place that has many charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character and attractions. Local shops, galleries, and museums are available for visitors to explore.
In addition, there are many restaurants in the area where visitors can enjoy delicious cuisine.
The Finger Lakes region in New York is an excellent choice for families, whether you're looking for a relaxing rural retreat or an adventurous outdoor vacation.
5. The White Mountains in New Hampshire (1,255 square miles)
The White Mountains in New Hampshire offer a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly attractions. This makes it an ideal destination for families seeking a rural retreat.
Visitors to this region can explore stunning natural landmarks such as Mount Washington, the Flume Gorge, and the Franconia Notch State Park. These sites offer unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping, and sightseeing across 1,255 square miles.
Additionally, the area is home to several charming small towns, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions, such as North Conway, Lincoln, and Jackson.
Lastly, the place is the perfect destination for families looking to create lasting memories together in a serene, picturesque environment.
With a wide range of family-friendly activities, including amusement parks, water parks, museums, and more, the White Mountains offer something for everyone, making it an ideal location for families to bond and have fun together.
6. The Berkshires in Massachusetts (946 square miles)
The Berkshires in Massachusetts is a charming rural retreat. It offers families a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreational activities.
Explore the region's stunning natural landmarks, including Mount Greylock and the Appalachian Trail, which offer unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. This region spans 946 square miles and is waiting for you to discover its beauty.
Additionally, the area is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues that showcase the best of the region's creative talent.
With a variety of family-friendly activities, such as adventure parks, water parks, and farms, the region offers something for everyone, ensuring that families can bond and have fun together.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the area's stunning natural landmarks, or a culture lover seeking to immerse yourself in the region's vibrant arts and culture scene, the Berkshires provide an idyllic setting for a fun and relaxing family vacation.
Additionally, the area's charming small towns, farm-to-table dining, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts provide visitors with a unique and authentic experience that is sure to create lasting memories.
7. The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee (800 square miles)
The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee is a beautiful countryside vacation destination. This national park is a stunning place with breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife.
The Great Smokies are best known for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which covers 800 square miles. Visitors can explore the park's many hiking trails, go fishing in the streams, or take a scenic drive through the park.
The park is also home to many historic buildings and structures, including old homes, churches, and schools, that offer visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history.
The area offers families a great choice of vacation, whether you are looking for a relaxing rural retreat or an action-packed outdoor adventure. The area is home to many charming towns and villages, each with its own unique attractions.
In addition, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers visitors a chance to experience the area's natural beauty and wildlife through hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
With its stunning scenery, rich history, and abundance of activities, the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee are a top choice for families.
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8. The Napa Valley in California (789 square miles)
The Napa Valley in California has many countryside family farms including Long Meadow Ranch, Round Pond Estate, and many more. It is a perfect vacation spot for families looking for a rural retreat.
This spot is a 789-square-mile area known for its stunning vineyards that produce some of the world's best wines. Besides wine tasting, there are many other activities to enjoy in Napa Valley, including hiking, biking, and hot air balloon rides.
Families can also enjoy exploring the charming towns and villages in the area, which are home to unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
If you're looking for a vacation spot that offers both relaxation and adventure, Napa Valley is an excellent choice for family vacations in California.
Whether you prefer to unwind with a glass of wine or explore the great outdoors, there's something for everyone in Napa Valley.
9. The Grand Tetons in Wyoming (484.374 square miles)
Grand Tetons in Wyoming offers a peaceful countryside vacation for families seeking a rural retreat. The area is famous for its natural beauty, towering mountains, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife.
This place spans 484.374 square miles. Despite its size, it provides a diverse range of family-friendly activities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife observation. Skiing and snowboarding are also popular during the winter months.
In addition to the natural beauty and outdoor activities, the Grand Tetons in Wyoming also offer many charming towns and villages to explore. These towns and villages have unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that are perfect for family vacations.
You can browse local art galleries and museums, enjoy delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients, or shop for unique souvenirs to take home.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing gateway or an adventurous outdoor vacation, the Grand Tetons in Wyoming offer something for everyone in the family.
10. The Rocky Mountains in Colorado (415 square miles)
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado span 415 square miles and include a breathtaking variety of mountain environments. The park offers something for everyone, from meadows to lakes to towering peaks.
The Rocky Mountains offer a beautiful and scenic countryside vacation for families looking for a rural retreat. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with majestic mountains, pristine forests, and crystal-clear lakes and rivers.
Escape to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and experience the magic of one of the best places to elope in Colorado. With its majestic mountains, pristine forests, and crystal-clear lakes and rivers, this area is a nature lover's dream come true.
There are many family-friendly activities to enjoy, such as hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. In the winter, the area is also a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
In addition to the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, visitors can also enjoy the charm of the nearby towns and villages. These areas are full of unique shops, delicious restaurants, and cultural attractions that offer a glimpse into the history and traditions of the region.
From hiking and mountain biking to exploring local museums and cultural attractions, there are endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories with your family.
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