The Best Summer Vacations For Families In The US

Winter has been long but the good news is summer vacation is only getting closer. You might already have a vacation planned this summer for yourself and the family but if you're still looking for a destination, U.S. News & World Report just ranked the best summer vacations for 2018.

The publication rounded up the top 20 vacation destinations depending on whether you want a beach vacation, a family vacation or want to travel on a budget.

Overall, the best summer vacation spot in the country is Boston, according to U.S. News. In their travel guide, U.S. News writes that Boston is home to America's first large free municipal public library, the first subway system, the first public school and the first public park. For a trip to Boston, U.S. News recommends visiting sites like the Paul Revere House, Faneuil Hall and more modern attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts.

Other spots on U.S. News' list for top summer vacations include Seaside, Oregon (#2), Steamboat Springs, Colorado (#3), Nashville, Tennessee (#4) and Portland, Oregon (#5). U.S. News calls Seaside, Oregon, a "beloved West Coast getaway for families," and says Steamboat Springs is a destination for hikers.

For family-friendly vacations, U.S. News recommends Walt Disney World in Orlando as the best family vacation. In their travel guide, U.S. News writes that Disney World "is engineered specially for families." The second spot on U.S. News' list is another Disney attraction, Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Branson, Missouri is No. 3 on the list, known as a "family-friendly Las Vegas." San Diego, California is No. 4 on the list and the Grand Canyon is No. 5.

The Outer Banks in North Carolina ranked as the No. 1 family-friendly beach vacation and Destin, Florida, was No. 2. Maui, Hilton Head, South Carolina and Myrtle Beach in North Carolina closed out the top five rankings for best family-friendly beach vacations.

Finally, for those traveling on a budget, U.S. News says the Grand Canyon is the No.1 destination for a cheap summer vacation. Williamsburg, Virginia, ranked No. 2 and Fort Myers, Florida ranked No. 3 in the category. Albuquerque, New Mexico and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranked No. 4 and No. 5 for the best cheap summer vacations.

You can see all the vacation spots that made the list and read more about the destinations here.

Photo: Walt Disney World Resort marked its 45th anniversary on October 1, 2016 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Photo by Jacqueline Nell/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images