We're trying to think of an interesting vacation destination-- preferably US-based (we're traveling with baby)but would love to do something different (i.e. non-Disney, non-Grand Canyon, etc.)Any advice for an unique spot?

A quiz first! We'd have to know where you're based, when you're traveling, and what kind of budget you have as well as where you've been before.

When, for how long? Driving, flying, RVing? Where do you want to start? How old is a baby? Do you want a beach, mountains, lakes? Are you interested in northeastwestsouth? Do you want to shop, gamble, hike, camp, drive every day, stay in one location? There are endless unique spots in the US but give some clues what are your interests. For instance, I can suggest hundreds of unique spots in AZ, NY, AK, TX, AK, NC, VT, NH. More details please!

1) Where have you visited before?

2) How long of a vacation?

3) Are you looking for beach/resort type for relaxing? or are you looking for big cities with lots of attractions to see? Or are you looking for outdoorsy, hiking type trip?

4) Are you thinking of driving to your destination or flying? Where do you live?

5) When will this vacation be? mid-Feb or mid-August? Skiing in Vermont or swimming in Florida?

6) Unique as in shopping? History? Wildlife? Architecture? Food?

That's a great question. Where you've been before?

How about explaining what do you mean by non-Grand Canyon

OP seems to have a list of "ordinary" (i.e., not "different") vacation places that they want to exclude. So far, all we know is that they're traveling with a baby.

Oops-- sorry y'all-- too vague! Let's see-- we're a little odd because my husband adores tropical, beachy type places (we're based in Florida and often head to Key West and Eleuthera)but I love culture and cities (will drag him to Manhattan or Seattle whenever I can.) But we're always glad to compromise! And baby Betsy will be four months old when we head out on vacation in mid-March....

Would wildly appreciate any and all ideas for something unique!

How about San Diego? weather in mid-March would be pretty decent, and you get beach/ocean (not sure if it's warm enough to swim, but certainly can walk on the beach), but also arts/culture such as the Balboa Park. And then there's SeaWorld and San Deigo zoo... There's something for everyone in your family.

I like yk's suggestion. I like Hawaii too. I'm in the mood for Hawaii and have been suggesting it to everyone!

San Diego!

Puerto Rico is a tropical, beachy kind of place. San Juan, particularly Old San Juan, is an interesting city. Plus, you don't need a passport or to exchange currency. Lots of hospitals and modern healthcare if baby gets sick.

We've been looking at Sandpoint, ID.

cool ideas! San Diego is a great one...so is Hawaii, but I wonder how the wee one would do on such a long flight? Puerto Rico is also one I wouldn't have thought of-- very neat. mnany thanks all!