Best Presidents’ Week Destinations (2024)
Stuck at home with the kids? Presidents’ Week is the perfect chance to hit the road again, this time with confidence. You’ve stayed home for most of the holiday season and now want a safe, short‑haul adventure that keeps COVID‑19 protocols in mind. All that’s left is to choose the ideal destination for the week of February 15th, and we’ve got you covered.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Galena, Illinois
Join Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa for its annual Winter Carnival, running February 12‑15. Guests can enjoy a mix of fire‑and‑ice shows, ice‑turkey bowling, s’mores stations, and an ice bar complete with marshmallow shots. Inside, the resort offers indoor swimming, a Trackman golf simulator, and a Nordic Center with equipment for snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, and more. The resort’s rigorous COVID‑19 safety plan guarantees a worry‑free stay.
Unwind in the Stonedrift Spa, or, if you’re up for outdoor exploration, hike, bike, horseback ride at the Shenandoah Riding Center, bird‑watch, or take a hot‑air‑balloon ride. With rooms ranging from cozy inns to spacious villas, Eagle Ridge provides ample room for social distancing.
- Related: 6 Great Smartwatches for Kids
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Escape the crowds on Jekyll Island’s 5,500 acres of barrier‑island beauty. The island boasts pristine beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests, with only 35% of the 10 miles of shoreline developed. The State of Georgia protects the land, and the island’s relaxed vibe means no traffic lights—just endless opportunities to bike, hike, or take a trolley tour of the historic district. A visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the new Mosaic museum is a must.
- Related: 9 Family Friendly Outdoor Activities in Amelia Island, Florida
Copper Mountain, Colorado
Covering over 2,500 acres, Copper Mountain offers expansive slopes for skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and tubing. Even with adjusted operations for safety, families can enjoy the Rocky Mountain Coaster and indoor Woodward Barn sessions. Multi‑bedroom condos with full kitchens make family stays convenient.
Greater Williamsburg, Virginia
Whether it’s a light dusting of snow at Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district or a sunny 60‑degree walk through the Yorktown Battlefield, there’s something for everyone. Ice skate at Liberty Ice Pavilion, ride the Historic Jamestowne Bike Trail, or explore 20 miles of Freedom Park trails. Year‑round, guests can enjoy golf, museums, wine tastings, and local craft breweries. The four‑star Spa of Colonial Williamsburg offers colonial wellness experiences, while the Williamsburg Salt Spa’s salt cave provides a unique retreat. Kids will love the Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park.
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado
The YMCA of the Rockies hosts a Presidents’ Day Mountaineering Weekend (Feb. 12‑15) adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park. Guests can spot elk, deer, and other wildlife while engaging in snow‑cave play, ice skating, curling, sledding, or guided snowshoe hikes. For quieter pursuits, try snowflake hunting, snow painting, or a winter photography class.
- Related: 12 Most Iconic National Park Lodges in the U.S.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid’s Adirondack setting invites fresh‑air fun. Experience the thrill of the 1980 Winter Games with the new Cliffside Mountain Coaster at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, the longest year‑round mountain coaster in the U.S. Updated Olympic sites now feature Nordic trails, the Sky Flyer Zipline, the SkyRide gondola, and a glass‑enclosed elevator offering panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks. Mirror Lake offers ice skating, cross‑country skiing, tobogganing, dog sledding, and Olympic Oval skating. Accommodations range from bed‑and‑breakfasts to family resorts and luxury retreats.
Sheridan, Wyoming
Located between Yellowstone National Park and Mt. Rushmore, Sheridan is a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy fishing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and camping, while historic downtown offers shops, restaurants, galleries, and a new 8,000‑square‑foot Welcome Market Hall. Local artists’ work adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
North Conway, New Hampshire
Recognized by National Geographic as a top ski town, North Conway offers budget-friendly lodging and access to nearby outlet stores. The Mt. Washington Valley hosts several ski resorts within 30‑45 minutes, plus activities like sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, sledding, fat biking, snowshoeing, hiking, and ice climbing.
