7 Foodie Cities to Visit with Kids in the U.S.

One of the main reasons I love to travel is to experience the different cultures, and, as a foodie, a huge part of that is the cuisine (AKA I like to eat)! Before having kids, I used to travel to different U.S. cities each year with my girlfriends, and we always built our itineraries around where we wanted to eat. Now, I bring my kids with me!

U.S. Travel News releases a list of the Top 15 U.S. Foodie Cities each year, so I thought it would be fun to select my favorites and share some of the fun family activities that each city has to offer. I know that traveling with kids requires a little more thought and planning, so I’m always here  to help you plan a hassle-free vacation YOUR whole family will enjoy (that includes you;-) ) 

Charleston 

Charleston is one of my favorite food cities in the world. What Charleston lacks in diversity, it makes up for in superb low country cuisine served with a side of charming Southern hospitality. Known as rib-sticking comfort food, the authentic Southern staples and fresh seafood offerings have earned this quaint city recognition from a variety of industry experts as a foodie haven, and it has the highest concentration of James Beard award-winning chefs outside of New York. Charleston has plenty for families to explore, from horse-drawn carriage rides to historic forts. Before (or after) basking on Hilton Head’s beaches, I love spending a day or two in this incredible city.

Nashville 

Ok, so I may have a love for Southern food. I especially love that Nashville’s upscale dining establishments serve up international flavors while mom-and-pop local joints continue to be mainstays. Plus, it’s also home to one of my favorite restaurants in the world, Husk! Kids will love all of the live music, Gaylord Palms, and Centennial Park. Even if you’re there for the food, don’t discount the museums—the Country Music Hall of Fame has interactive displays, and the Taylor Swift Education wing hosts crafts, music lessons, songwriting camps, and much more.

New York 

The city that never sleeps is known around the world for a dining scene that’s vast in both volume and diversity. There’s virtually no dish that a determined foodie can’t find in the Big Apple, and there’s always a new food trend to try, from rainbow bagels to raindrop cake! Annabelle and I love going for a shopping spree in many of New York’s staples, including FAO Schwartz, the Disney Store, the M&M Store, and the American Girl store, and I can’t wait until she gets to see her first Broadway show during our next trip! Most of New York’s incredible museums have kid-friendly programs to keep little eyes (and ears) engaged, but older kids will enjoy iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. 

New Orleans

The “Big Easy” offers a plethora of Cajun and Creole staple dishes: gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys … the list goes on. But what makes the bayou so special is the sense of tradition that’s present in every dish. I literally still dream about a sandwich I had there almost 10 years ago! You may wonder how this made the list of kid-friendly cities…the Big Easy may be best known for beads and Bourbon Street, but there’s another side to this Louisiana city.  Your kids will love the Children’s and WWII Museums, carriage rides, alligator encounters, and live jazz music. Don’t forget to let your little foodies get a little messy with sugar-dusted beignets!

San Francisco

While I haven’t personally visited San Francisco, it’s a city known for innovation, and that extends to its restaurant scene. With scores of Michelin star restaurants, a wealth of farmers markets, and plenty of unique hole-in-the-wall eateries, there’s no shortage of creative options in the City by the Bay’s neighborhoods. Not to mention, it features one of the best food markets in America: the expansive Ferry Building Marketplace. Right near the Ferry building is one of the country’s coolest aquariums, and while you’re on the pier, you can ride the carousel, walk through the Mirror Maze, go on a 7D Experience, or watch the sea lions play. Instead of a Children’s Museum, San Fran boasts an Exploratorium, which has hands-on exhibits that can keep kids entertained for days. 

Austin 

Like the rest of the city, the food scene in Austin is best described as…a bit weird. Barbecue and Tex-Mex are the go-to culinary categories, but don’t be afraid to try some chili or fried steak. Actually, don’t be afraid to try anything (within reason); some of the best bites can only be ordered from the small army of food trucks roaming the city. There are plenty of fun outdoor activities to work up an appetite with at Zilker Park, from strolls through the botanical garden to summer concerts on the Park green.

San Diego 

All of the meals in this west coast destination are nearly as colorful as the city itself! Visitors can stroll down the iconic Market Street to treat their taste buds to one-of-a-kind iterations of everything from cheeseburgers to acai bowls to burritos. Of course, this city has plenty for the kids to enjoy between meals—spend the day at the world-famous Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, or even just relaxing on the beach. 

Whether you’re looking for classic Southern comfort food or a New York staple with its own Instagram page, I’ve got you covered—but there’s plenty more where that came from! For more kid-friendly cities for families with a foodie in tow, book a call with me and we can find the perfect foodie destination for your family.

Who is Christina?

Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists.  After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation, too!

She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, and Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.