As both a mom and a daughter, I can say with certainty that there’s no one harder to shop for than a mother on Mother’s Day. That’s why I’m focusing on planning travel with my mom instead of getting her another scarf, bag or mani-pedi this year, though she loves all of those, too.
In fact, I’ve come up with a whole list of destinations with fun events and timely hooks to celebrate Mother’s Day. (The holiday is May 12, but honestly, these would be great adventures to plan anytime.)
These trips are a fit whether you’re doing a grown-up getaway or a trip with your little ones (and note, I’m a boy mom, too, and would easily take my son on any of these trips). They’re all doable for a long weekend (so no long-haul flights are required), but, of course, it’s perfectly acceptable to celebrate mom on a longer trip as well.
So, where should you go this Mother’s Day? Read on for some springtime inspiration.
Related: These are the 15 best places to visit for spring break this year
Santa Fe, New Mexico: For moms who love to read
The list of participants at this year’s Santa Fe International Literary Festival — Jesmyn Ward (“Salvage the Bones”), Anthony Doerr (“All the Light We Cannot See”), Tommy Orange (“There There”), David Grann (“Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI”) and Anne Lamott (“Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life”), among others — reads like a who’s who of writing greats.
If your family, like mine, is full of literary lovers, then you’ll want to circle the festival’s dates, May 17 to 19, to meet these amazing authors in person and listen to their stories unfold with some of the greatest scenery in the Southwest as their stage.
When you’re not getting literary inspiration, discover the city’s distinct and vibrant art scene or explore the surrounding cliff dwellings, Aztec ruins and historic Spanish missions. Whatever you do, make sure to eat at least one bowl of New Mexico-style green chile.
Where to stay: La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa is set on 6 acres that are beautifully landscaped and just steps from the city’s historic plaza.
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The authentic adobe-style architecture gives the resort a unique sense of place. Not to mention, the property’s gardens, dating back to the 1800s, are vibrantly in bloom in May.
Rates start from $229 or 54,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: 12 best solo trips in the US for 2024
London: For flower-loving moms
Come May, flower lovers know there’s one place they need to be: London. Held in London from May 21 to 25, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a must for flower fanatics. Here, you’ll find what the show calls the “pinnacle of horticulture excellence” — four days of spectacular floral arrangements, magnificent plants and show-stopping ornamental gardens.
While you’re enjoying the blooms and gardening inspiration, stop in for Champagne and afternoon tea at one of the on-site restaurants. Then, head out in the city to explore more green spaces, such as Hyde and Regent’s parks, or hop on the Tube to see the grand greenhouses at Kew Gardens (one of my personal favorites).
Where to stay: The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts puts you nearly next door to Hyde Park and Green Park, making it easy to stroll to greenery.
The rooms here are especially large and lavish — perfect to share with family (I had connecting rooms last time I stayed, which is a nice perk of a Hilton hotel). Afternoon tea in the hotel’s tea lounge — one of several dining spots on-site — is a treat, especially if you opt for the “bottomless Prosecco” option.
Rates start from $450 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Austin: For the mom who loves live music
Yes, I know, Austin has a reputation for being a bit of a party scene, but my daughter (who’s the conductor of Panoramic Voices vocal collective) lives here, and she’s introduced me to all types of music — I’m talking everything from choral music and whole orchestras to rock shows and street musicians — to enjoy.
Austin is truly a place that will take any excuse to celebrate music, with festivals popping up throughout the year. In May, the iHeartCountry Festival starts the month with acts like Tim McGraw and Little Big Town; a few weeks later, the Hot Luck Live Food & Music festival rolls into town. Anytime you visit, be sure to check out a show at Austin City Limits, where the perfect acoustics and the lively hometown crowd turn an evening out into an event.
You can’t visit Austin without picking up some barbecue — for this girls’ outing, I’d suggest a stop at La Barbecue, one of the tastiest spots in town and one of a select few with female ownership.
Where to stay: Hotel ZaZa is just two blocks from Austin City Limits and within walking distance of the music and bars of Sixth Street and the popular foodie scene on Second Street.
Rooms and public areas all have Southwestern flair, and the large pool deck on the fourth floor is conveniently located next to the Group Therapy restaurant and alfresco Cabana Bar, so you can spend your downtime with a margarita and some pool time before your next concert.
Rates start from $308 per night.
Related: The best hotels in Austin, Texas
Loudoun County, Virginia: For the equestrian mom
One of the best-kept secrets in the mid-Atlantic is Loudoun County, where vineyards and horse farms roll up to the Shenandoah Mountains, all just an hour south of Washington, D.C.
There are boutique shops down the cobblestone lanes of Middleburg, plus decadent dining and wine tastings at an array of vineyards, many of which have tasty nibbles to accompany the vino (two to check out include Chrysalis Vineyards and Boxwood Winery).
In May, there’s one event that brings the crowds to the countryside: the Virginia Gold Cup. Celebrating its 99th anniversary May 4, this elegant equestrian gathering features events like a steeplechase, where jockeys navigate jumps and obstacles, as well as hat and tailgate contests. The atmosphere feels like a particularly posh party — groups have catered picnics, tented tailgates and dress-up cocktail parties all around the racetrack.
Where to stay: Salamander Resort, right in the heart of downtown Middleburg, is one of my favorite resorts on the East Coast. Designed to feel like a historic estate, the hotel is actually a modern addition to the landscape. Rooms start at 500 square feet and feature fireplaces and terraces, oversize bathrooms and luxuriously soft sheets and towels.
The common areas are some of the highlights here — two large living rooms feature fireplaces and library shelves full of books, and a bar adorned with warm wood is full of overstuffed chairs and comfortable couches ideal for lounging. Don’t miss the immense stables where the resort’s gorgeous steeds and pony named Cupcake reside.
Rates start from $550 per night.
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Charleston, South Carolina: For artsy moms
One of my favorite festivals in the U.S. is Spoleto, with country to classical music and theater and dance performances held throughout the historic town of Charleston. The festival flows for two weeks in late May and early June (this year it’s May 22 to June 9), making it a great trip to plan during Mother’s Day and then to hop to right after.
Some highlights of this year’s festival are Yo-Yo Ma, Jason Isbell, Amos Lee and the festival orchestra performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3. Adding to the delight of attending the festival is being able to explore the charming city and savor all the delicious food in between popping into multiple performances.
Where to stay: The Charleston Place has a special place in my heart since it’s where I spent my Spoleto babymoon, so I think it’s the perfect spot to celebrate Mother’s Day.
The opulent 433-room hotel is decked out with crystal chandeliers, grand public spaces, a fabulous spa with “mother-to-be” massages and the elegant, delicious Charleston Grill, which is the perfect spot for a dress-up girls’ dinner.
Rates start from $708 per night.
Related: The 17 best hotels in Charleston, from historic inns to modern stays
Dominican Republic: For fun moms who love all-inclusive resorts
If a one-and-done vacation where you pay one price and then enjoy yourself without having to worry about planning your meals and entertainment after you arrive is how you want to spend Mother’s Day, then the Dominican Republic may be your perfect destination.
Luxury resorts have boosted this serene country’s hospitality scene in recent years, and now there’s an array of beachfront properties around the island to choose from. May is the ideal time to get sunny weather and moderate temperatures sans the crowds of spring break earlier in the season. Whether it’s a grown-up getaway or a family retreat with little kids, you’ll be able to find an all-inclusive fit for warm weather and beach fun.
Where to stay: The eco-chic Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda comprises four boutique “villages” with distinct concepts for every type of traveler — there are options for wellness, adventure, adults and those with kids.
Families can book a suite in the family-centric Explorer Cove village, while adults can book oceanfront accommodations in Archipelago, which comes with private beach access. There are kids clubs, a sybaritic spa for relaxing and 25 land and water sports that run the gamut from yoga and meditation to tennis and trapeze.
I’m not a fan of additional fees, but the property also has two extra-charge dining options — La Cava Wine Cellar and Coal & Copper steakhouse — you may want to consider if you’re looking to enhance your stay. My vote, though, goes to the included chocolate room, where you can live out your Willy Wonka dreams.
Rates start from $441 per night, based on double occupancy.
Related: Best all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic
Paris: For moms with a passion for museums
Ok, Paris in springtime is hardly a revolutionary suggestion. However, Paris is never a bad idea, especially when you’re looking for a trip for a mom who loves museums.
If you need convincing, visit during Museums at Night on May 18, when all of Paris’ world-famous art centers stay open late into the evening. Stop in at museums big (the Louvre or d’Orsay) or small (both Rodin and Picasso are stellar options). Then, hit some of the newest spots, such as the Bourse de Commerce and the Louis Vuitton Foundation, for modern finds.
One of the great things about Paris is that you can stroll along and explore its charming streets the same way regardless of whether you’re the mom or bringing your mom along (I’ve been lucky enough to do both). Head up to the Eiffel Tower for a stellar view, take a Bateaux Mouches along the Seine, order a coffee at a cafe, stroll in the gardens of the Tuileries, take a hot cocoa break at Angelina and shop at Printemps and Galeries Lafayette — it’s hard to go wrong in the City of Light.
Where to stay: Perfect for exploring the city for a Parisian getaway is the Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero. Designed by acclaimed interior architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, it features a mix of period architecture and modern Parisian elegance.
Make sure to stop by the hotel’s rooftop terrace and bar for incredible views of the Eiffel Tower. Plus, guests can borrow a free bike to explore the neighborhood, including the nearby Jardins du Trocadero and the Champs-Elysees.
Rates start from $363 per night.
New York City: For theater-loving moms
For live theater, you truly have to visit Broadway, where dozens of shows bring on the razzle-dazzle of a live audience seven days a week. I’m equally fond of bringing my mom or my kids to Broadway, as there are shows to fit every interest.
When I bring my mom, we sometimes go for more serious fare, but honestly, we love a good kick line, too. Plus, enjoying dinner and a show is a family tradition, with French classics like Chez Josephine being ideal with my mom and ramen at Ippudo or the Urban Hawker market being fantastic choices for trips with the kids.
May is a great time to see the new crop of shows opening in time for the summer season. Some debuting soon to keep an eye on include “The Notebook,” “Water for Elephants” and “Hell’s Kitchen” (with music by Alicia Keys).
Where to stay: Just west of bustling Times Square, the Pendry Manhattan West near Hudson Yards stands out for its spacious public areas, great dining and fabulous views of the Hudson River.
I often pop into the sprawling lounge for a proper cocktail. Restaurant Zou Zou’s Mediterranean dishes are also worth a special trip (the black sesame hummus is a must-order dish).
Rates start from $557 per night.
Walt Disney World, Orlando: For Disney-obsessed moms
If you regularly read TPG stories, you’re probably already aware that our love of all things Mickey runs deep. We will happily visit Disney World with children, parents, friends or literally anyone who will eat deep-fried food and ride on Space Mountain with us.
When it comes to Mother’s Day, though, I want to amp up the glamour and luxury a bit by eating a fancy meal, getting a massage and strolling through some flowers. So, my first stop is Epcot for the International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs through May 27. This is one of my favorite times to visit the park, as its various stands offer small, tasty bites and refreshing cocktails, plus truly awe-inspiring floral statuary.
Where to stay: On a recent visit to Disney World, I couldn’t help but notice how many mother-daughter duos were staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and having a great time. The location across from the Magic Kingdom is a draw, but you could easily spend all your time at this Victorian-style gem and not want to leave.
Among the highlights are the outdoor pools and the luxe spa, which has manicures for kids as young as 5 and teen treatments for those between 14 and 17. Don’t miss dinner at Narcoossee’s, where there’s delicious steak and seafood, great cocktails and a nearly secret fireworks view from the restaurant’s waterfront porch.
Rates start from $500 per night.
Scottsdale, Arizona: For golfing moms
For families that love to bond on the green, it’s hard to beat Scottsdale, where there are 200 courses (yes, you read that right) with views of the Sonoran Desert and the soaring McDowell Mountains, including pro courses and par-3 short courses for beginners.
For Mother’s Day, plan a trip to watch the LPGA’s pros tee up at the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic at TPC Scottsdale Champions Course from May 6 to 12.
When you’re not taking in the tournament or trying out your swing on the green, take to the skies in a hot air balloon with Hot Air Expeditions. Then, check out the art galleries, go shopping and grab a bite to eat in the walkable neighborhood of Old Town Scottsdale.
Where to stay: The choice is yours; stay on a golf course, or choose a centrally located spot in town. For a golf option, try Mountain Shadows right below Camelback Mountain (be sure to ask for a room with mountain views). The property has a great restaurant, a fun pool club and, best of all for families, a short course that’s been named one of the best par-3 options in the country by golf.com.
Rates start from $199 per night.
In town, there’s no better place to stay than Hotel Valley Ho, a retro blast from the past that feels like the Jetsons landed in the Arizona desert. For a mom’s weekend, plan brunch at poolside restaurant ZuZu and a post-game massage at VH Spa. Swing big with one of the Tower suites, each of which comes with a private balcony, snazzy midcentury modern furniture, a full kitchen and a living room.
Rates start from $206 per night.
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