Best Vacations for Teens

By Seren Morris
Published: May 16, 2024

Taking teens on vacation can be a challenge. You need a mix of high-energy and chilled out attractions to keep them entertained while considering their unique interests. Deciding on where to take teens on vacation can, therefore, be difficult. But we’ve put together a list of the top cities to go on vacation with teens. They’re full of exciting and diverse attractions that will impress even the most stubborn of teenagers. Our best vacations for teens are:

  • New York City
  • Los Angeles
  • Cancun
  • San Diego
  • Chicago

Save with Go City

Admission to top attractions in these cities is included with Go City. You could save up to 65% on admission vs gate price.

New York City

Image of City, Urban, It’s impossible to be bored in New York. With tons of famous sights to see, as well as cultural and sporting attractions, you won’t be short of activities to entertain your teen.

  • Empire State Building: Anyone visiting New York has to take a trip up to the top of the Empire State Building. Everyone will marvel at the breathtaking sights of the city below, and teens will relish the chance for the ultimate NYC selfie opportunity.
  • Madison Square Garden: Athletic teens – especially fans of the New York Knicks or the New York Rangers – will enjoy a behind the scenes tour of Madison Square Garden. They’ll get to see exclusive areas like the luxury suites, and might get to walk on the court itself.

Los Angeles

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Shoreline, Coast, Waterfront, Aerial View, Glamorous LA is a great vacation spot for teens. It has amazing theme parks, celebrity-themed attractions, and gorgeous beaches – what more could a teenager ask for?

  • Santa Monica Pier: Take your teens to Santa Monica Pier for relaxing beach vibes, fun theme park rides and delicious food. They’ll love the mix of exciting activities and the opportunity to hang out in trendy Santa Monica.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood: There isn’t a more family-friendly attraction than Universal Studios Hollywood. It has rides, shows, and entertainment to suit everyone, but especially teens. Teenagers who love high-thrill rides will be spoilt for choice at Universal Studios Hollywood. Plus, they’ll be enjoy being immersed in the worlds of their favorite movies and TV shows.
  • OUE Skyspace and Skyslide: See Los Angeles from up high at OUE Skyspace and Skyslide. It has amazing views of the city below, plus now through 11/30/19, Skyslide is included in general admission. This is a fun activity with great photo opportunities – definitely one for the teenagers.

Cancun

Image of Water, Waterfront, Vehicle, Yacht, Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Harbor, Pier, Boat, Sailboat, Land, Shoreline, Another great option is Cancun, which has tons of action-packed attractions, as well as luxurious relaxing opportunities, making it the ideal vacation spot for families with teenagers.

  • Xplore Full-Day Admission: Take your teenagers to Xplore for a day of adventure that they’ll never forget. Full-day admission allows you access to seven different zipline routes, an amphibious vehicle, hiking and walking routes, water rafts, and swimming equipment. Additionally, you can kick back and relax with pools and lounges, and a complimentary buffet lunch.
  • “Get Up and Go” Catamaran Sail: This Catamaran Sail allows you to be as relaxed or as active as you like. You’ll cruise on the beautiful waters, and will have the chance to snorkel, explore Isla Mujeres and enjoy their beach club, and make the most of a buffet lunch.
  • Tulum Express Tour: Another great Cancun attraction for teenagers is the Tulum Express Tour. Take a tour of well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins, surrounded by gorgeous waters and sandy beaches. You’ll get to explore the archeological site with an expert guide, then, you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own accord. Teens should be interested in the ruins, as they have an important and fascinating history. But they may equally enjoy getting to explore the local shops and the beach.

San Diego

Image of Summer, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Promontory, Water, Palm Tree, Tree, Landscape, Sea, Beach, Coast, Shoreline, Sky, Another city in California – San Diego - is a top destination for teenagers. This SoCal city is home to beachy activities as well as classic theme parks.

  • SeaWorld San Diego: This attraction is a mix between a theme park and an aquarium – there’s no way teens will get bored at SeaWorld San Diego. They’ll get to ride thrilling rollercoasters, and marvel at the stunning marine life.
  • 1 Hour Boat Rental: Teens will feel cool jetting through the ocean on this 1-hour boat rental. They’ll get to enjoy stunning sights of the San Diego skyline, plus plenty of selfie opportunities. Just be careful with your phones and cameras!
  • Knott’s Soak City Water Park: This is a family-friendly attraction, but teens, in particular, will love Knott’s Soak City Water Park’s 17 thrilling speed, tube, and body slides. There are also opportunities to relax and take it easier, like the lazy river and wave pool.

Chicago

Image of City, Building, Tower, Chicago is a vibrant city with lots going on for young people. From fun attractions to cultural spots, Chicago has you covered.

  • SkyDeck Chicago: SkyDeck Chicago should be at the top of your itinerary. You’ll experience unparalleled views of the Windy City, and will have some amazing photo opportunities. Definitely one for the Instagram generation.
  • Art Institute of Chicago: Arty teens will appreciate a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s home to a wide collection of art ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary American art. With a range as broad and exciting as this, there’s no way teens will be bored.
  • Navy Pier 4 Ride Pass: Navy Pier is a famous Chicago attraction, and teens will love getting to ride the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, Carousel, Climbing Wall and Light Tower. The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel will be especially popular, as it provides great views of the city and Lake Michigan.

In summary

So there’s our list of the best vacations for teens. These cities have a great mix of adventurous, chilled out and cultural attractions to keep your teenagers entertained and engaged throughout your vacation.

Save with Go City

Admission to top attractions in these cities is included with Go City. You could save up to 65% on admission vs gate price.

Share your trip with us

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity and use #GoCityPass on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!

Seren Morris
Go City Travel Expert

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New York Explorer Pass Itinerary

Did you know you can save up to 43% with an Explorer Pass?  If you visited the below 5 attractions without our pass, you'd spend $279.09. With our Explorer Pass, it's only $159.  That's a total saving of $120.09. Read on for some NYC inspiration and discover how you can save on your sightseeing. Choice 1: Empire State Building Where better to have that “Oh my gosh, I’m in New York” moment than at the tip-top of the world’s most famous skyscraper? Before heading to the observation deck to recreate that perfect Sleepless in Seattle moment (or King Kong impression, we ain’t going to judge), be sure to take some time to peruse the Empire State’s indoor galleries, which document the history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark. Price without an Explorer Pass: $51.17 Choice 2: Big Bus Hop on Hop off 1-Day Classic Ticket Have you ever heard public transport being described as enjoyable? Skip the cramped subway (sometimes it's not better to do as the locals do!) and get comfy on a Big Bus tour. With two routes to choose from, it's easy to hit up all the must-see NYC spots including Times Square, Wall Street, Little Italy and SoHo. Get on and off as much as you wish, or just sit back and tune in to their digital commentary - it's a great way to learn all about The Big Apple! Price without an Explorer Pass: $80 Choice 3: Edge Can you ever really ever get bored of gazing over Manhattan from high above? Probably not. But, if you’re looking to make your skyscraper experience even more exciting, Edge is probably the place to go. Travel 100-stories high and take in those views from its tilted glass walls. They'll make you feel like you're literally, well, er, on the edge. You can also test your vertigo with a stroll across their glass-bottomed deck. Price without an Explorer Pass: $50.08 Choice 4: Central Park Bike Tour We don't know if you've heard, but Central Park is quite big. So biking is definitely a good option for exploring it. Better yet, take this bike tour from Unlimited Biking. Not only will you stop off at the park's most famous spots, but you'll also learn all about the park's history from your local guide. Notable spots you'll visit include Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle and Shakespeare Garden. Price without an Explorer Pass: $56.84 Choice 5: Circle Line NYC Landmarks Cruise Did somebody say photo op!? Take to the water for a close-up look at Lady Liberty along with plenty of other famous landmarks on the Best of NYC Cruise. Onboard tour guides will give you a heads up when you're about to pass another unmissable view, so you can just sit back and take in the sights with ease.  Price without an Explorer Pass: $41 By visiting these 5 attractions with an Explorer Pass, you'll have saved 43% on your sightseeing. So, what you waiting for? It's time to get planning that NYC adventure now! We calculate our savings by comparing the Go City price to the combined normal ticket values - these were last updated on April 1, 2023.
Katie Waller
Statue of Liberty
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Things to do at Night in New York City

When the sun goes down, the Big Apple comes alive. Neon lights begin to flicker, restaurants buzz and theaters roll out their red carpets. From outdoor movies in pretty parks to bustling night markets and Broadway shows, when it comes to nightlife, New York has something for everyone! Let's check out what's on the cards when the sun sets in the 'City that Never Sleeps.' Soak up the City Lights from an Observation Deck There is no better way to toast the sunset over New York than from one of the many observation decks dotted about the city. Watch the city lights begin to twinkle as twilight turns to night and see the city like never before. Several Manhattan buildings have observation decks open in the evening where you can take in the city for all its glory. Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center The Top of the Rock takes up the last three floors of Rockefeller Center. It features three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks that offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. The 68th and 69th floors have terraces with glass railings that provide beautiful panoramic views of the whole city. The 70th floor boasts an open-air rooftop deck with no metal or glass enclosures, providing perfect photo opportunities! Enjoy several unique experiences on the way up to the Top of the Rock ranging from the magnificent Joie chandelier and an exhibit of interactive artworks to a sound and light hallway and a time capsule over Manhattan. Use your pass to gain free admission to the Top of the Rock to soak up the incredible 360 ̊ panoramic views. Empire State Building Head up the world-renowned Empire State Building to the main deck observatory on the 86th floor to take in those famous New York City views. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the Empire State Building and whizz up to the open-air observation deck that wraps around the building's spire. Marvel at the endless views, which on a clear evening, can stretch all way across six states! The Edge Cast your eyes over the city from one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the world. Located at 30 Hudson Yards, the Edge is a state-of-the-art platform with a glass floor that extends out into mid-air 100 floors above the ground. Feel like you are floating above the city as you sip a glass of bubbles from the Champagne bar to toast the sunset and take in unrivaled panoramic city views. This one is not for the faint-hearted! Remember to use your pass to gain free access to the Edge. One World Observatory Take in the sunset from the highest point in the city – the top of the One World Observatory. Zip up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds in the astonishingly fast SkyPodTM Elevators while you watch a multimedia display of New York City transforming from unsettled lands into a forest of skyscrapers. Look over the city below through the glass floor of the Sky Portal and enjoy several thrilling audiovisual experiences while you are at the top of the world. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the One World Observatory, as well as an exclusive discount off a signature cocktail from One World Observatory's premier restaurant and bar, One Dine. Cheers! Hit Times Square Times Square is one of New York's top attractions and offers second to none nightlife! It's packed with a wealth of entertainment from bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to theaters and TV recording studios and really comes alive at night. Learn about the famous district on a Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour. Use your pass to enjoy this tour where an experienced actor and director tour guide will take you to all the hot spots. Have a laugh at the LoL Times Square Comedy Club or head to the Bowlmor Times Square arcade for bowling, state-of-the-art video games, and old-school pinball. Use your pass to visit Madame Tussauds and gain free access to the MARVEL Universe 4D cinema experience. Sip cocktails at the Haven Rooftop bar and watch the action on Time Square below. Catch a Broadway Show A quintessential evening activity in New York is catching a Broadway show. While they are expensive, the experience is an unforgettable one and really shouldn't be missed! With over 40 official Broadway theaters in New York, you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Top Tip: The best way to get discounted show tickets is to head to TDF's TKTS Booth in Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway) and wait in line on the day of the show. You can get some fantastic discounts on tickets for most shows. Catch a Different Kind of Show If you prefer something more energetic, use your pass to enjoy the Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show Hosted at the historic Cutting Room on East 32nd Street, this three-hour rock 'n' roll extravaganza features an all-request evening of live music from dueling pianos, fantastic food, and plenty of drinks. If jazz is your thing, head to Harlem, the birthplace of the music genre, to enjoy a classic jazz performance. Use your pass to get tickets to the Harlem Jazz Series, a one-hour performance of classic jazz hits some of the industry's best musicians. Enjoy a Sunset Movie at Bryant Park If the weather is good, why not watch an outdoor movie at Bryant Park? Tucked behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the beating cultural heart of Midtown Manhattan and is famous for its iconic movie nights under the stars. Grab a delicious picnic pack from Perfect Picnic with your pass and find a spot on the lawn for a romantic evening out. Top Tip: These movie nights are extremely popular, so get there when the lawns open at 5 pm to get a good spot. Take in the City Lights from the Ferry Soak up the magical after-dark glow of the Big Apple on a romantic harbor cruise. Use your pass to hop on a Harbor Lights Cruise with Circle Line and enjoy a cruise through the city. There is indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar on board, and an outdoor viewing deck for those Insta-worthy photographs. The narrated cruise offers interesting facts about famous New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as you glide past. Catch a Yankees Game One of the most exciting things to do in New York at night is to watch a Yankees game under the lights. Head to the game a little earlier and use your pass to enjoy a Classic Tour of the Yankee Stadium Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the legendary stadium as you visit areas not usually open to the public, like the dugout and the press box. Watch out for the ghost of Babe Ruth, who apparently wanders around the stadium! Stargaze at the High Line As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden and now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry's IAC Building. You can also enjoy free stargazing evenings at the High Line every Tuesday from dusk until 9:45 pm. Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the park by the Amateur Astronomers Association, who are also on hand to help and answer any questions.
Alex Birungi
Historical places in New York City that you have to visit
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Historical places in New York City that you have to visit

The city that never sleeps, New York, is all about cultural diversity and freedom, and it's a dream destination for many young people looking for fun. Over 8 million people call it home, making it a veritable melting pot of unique cultures living side-by-side. It's also one of the oldest cities in America, primarily due to its location on the east coast. But which are the most historical places in New York City? Here are our picks of all the ones you have to visit! Including: Statue of Liberty Central Park Ellis Island 9/11 Memorial & Museum Empire State Building and more! Statue of Liberty One of the most recognizable landmarks on Earth, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see attraction. Visitors can always take a ferry to Liberty Island to explore the statue and enjoy stunning city views. The statue was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, and gifted to the United States by France over 130 years ago. The statue's tablet reads "July IV MDCCLXXVI", representing the date of America's independence. It's visited by millions of people annually and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the United States. Central Park Spanning 840 acres, Central Park is a beautiful urban oasis in the heart of New York City. Visitors can explore the park's many paths, trails, lakes, gardens, and famous landmarks, including the Central Park Zoo and the Belvedere Castle. Ellis Island Ellis Island is the site of the former immigration station that served as the gateway to America for millions of immigrants between 1892 and 1954. Today, visitors can explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and learn about the experiences of these immigrants. 9/11 Memorial and Museum The 9/11 Memorial and Museum honors the victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Visitors can pay their respects at the memorial pools and explore the museum's exhibits, which detail the tragic day's events. Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic photogenic symbol of New York City and a must-visit attraction. You can walk or bike across the bridge and enjoy stunning city skyline views if you visit. It is one of the most visited tourists very often and is considered the most photographed location in history. Empire State Building Another iconic landmark of New York City, the Empire State Building, is a must-visit attraction. The elevator can take you to the observation deck on the 86th floor to enjoy breathtaking city views. The building is 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) tall, including its antenna. The impressive fact about the empire state building is that It took only 410 days of construction to complete the installation. The building features in many films, including King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. It remained the tallest building until 1971 when the World Trade Center was built. The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's most extensive art museums. Visitors can explore its extensive collection of art and artifacts worldwide, including works by famous artists like Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso. New York is a great hangout destination for school and college students, and they can explore the parts of NYC while staying at affordable student housing in NYC. The Met Cloisters The Met Cloisters is a museum of art and architecture located in Upper Manhattan. It houses an extensive medieval art and architecture collection, including illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, and religious artifacts. Visitors can explore the museum's gardens and enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River. Art students staying in student accommodations in New York can always take advantage of learning the beauty of this city. The Flatiron Building The Flatiron Building in New York City is the most famous landmark. Built in 1902, the Flatiron building is known for its distinctive triangular shape and is a favorite spot for photographers. The Flatiron District's landmark is precisely known because of The Flatiron Building. It is a great place to learn about New York in depth; there is so much history and many different stories to fill your travel bucket list. The New York Public Library The New York Public Library is one of the city's most iconic buildings. Visitors can explore its extensive collections of books and artifacts and enjoy the beautiful architecture and design of the building. It is the second-largest public library in the United States, and with an astounding architectural design, it is worth the time you invest in discovering past beauty. A valuable life lesson that young adults can learn is the fast-paced lifestyle in New York City, where its magnificence lies in how it operates. Living in New York City teaches the essential qualities of acceptance and embracing new beginnings, allowing individuals to strive towards becoming their best selves without being held back by their past. If you want to get into many of the above locations, and many many more, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass For one low price, you'll get into tons of New York's best bits!
Dom Bewley

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