A+ Adventure: Iceland With My Daughter

From waterfalls and volcanoes to black sand beaches and blue lagoons, Iceland delivered on every front. We covered a lot in just five days, but what made this trip unforgettable wasn’t just the views—it was the little moments in between. The laughter, the quiet drives, and the thrill of discovering something new together.

Let’s walk through it.

Reykjavík—Street Art, Rainbow Roads & Traditional Music

We touched down in Reykjavík and eased into the trip by exploring the city. Laugavegur Street gave us our first real feel of Iceland—cute boutiques, second-hand shops, cozy cafés, and just enough edge to keep it interesting.

We wandered past amazing street art—hidden on side walls, tucked into alleyways, and bold across buildings. You know I’m a sucker for murals, and Reykjavík did not disappoint. It took a little wandering, but we finally found the iconic Rainbow Street, with its colorful path leading right to Hallgrimskirkja Church, the city’s most recognizable landmark.

At one point, we stumbled into a charming old bookstore, where a local band was playing traditional Icelandic music. We paused, listened, and let the vibe settle in. It was one of those unexpected moments that stick with you.

We ended the day at Perlan, where we walked through a real indoor ice cave and explored Iceland’s nature through interactive exhibits. It was part museum, part adventure—a perfect way to wrap up our first full day.

Golden Circle—Rain, Wonder & a Little Pride

We hit the road early to tackle Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route—and it absolutely delivered.

This was also my first time driving in a foreign country, and honestly? I’m proud of myself. Navigating Iceland’s roads on my own—it was a whole confidence boost I didn’t know I needed.

First stop: Gullfoss Waterfall. Standing near the edge as water thundered down was wild. My daughter and I just stood there in awe, bundled up and letting the mist hit our faces. Note to future me (and you): a raincoat is a must out here. And waterproof gloves? Yeah… we learned that one the hard way. Cold fingers, but no regrets.

Next came Geysir, where boiling water erupted from the earth like clockwork. It felt like nature was showing off. And honestly, it kind of was.

We wrapped the loop at Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s early parliament met—and where the earth is literally pulling apart between two tectonic plates. It was equal parts beautiful and mind-blowing—history and geology on full display.

South Iceland—Waterfalls, Black Sand & Misty Magic

We started at Seljalandsfoss, a towering waterfall you can actually walk behind. We pulled out our rain jackets, got completely soaked, and laughed through the whole thing. Totally worth it.

Just up the trail, we found Gljufrabui—a hidden waterfall tucked inside a canyon. Quiet. Peaceful. Almost secret. It felt like a place you accidentally discover in a dream.

We took a break in the village of Skógar, then had lunch near Skogafoss, another cinematic waterfall that looked like it belonged on a postcard. Iceland really has a way of making you feel small in the best way.

But the real highlight? Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. My daughter had been talking about this stop all week—she even brought a jar to collect sand as a keepsake. The beach was surreal: black volcanic sand, jagged sea stacks, and giant hexagon rock columns that looked almost sculpted.

Fun fact: Scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here. And when you see it in person, it makes sense—it doesn’t feel like Earth.

Just a word of caution: those waves are no joke. Beautiful, yes. But powerful. Keep a safe distance and soak it in from afar.

Blue Lagoon—Mud Masks & Healing Steam

We saved our most relaxing day for last—and it did not disappoint.

We made our way to the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by lava fields and steam rising like something out of a sci-fi movie. After days of chasing waterfalls and navigating winding roads, this was our moment to just be.

We lathered our faces in silky silica mud, dipped into the milky-blue water, and let the steam work its magic. The contrast of warm water and cold Icelandic air? Surreal. It was peaceful, healing, and just a little bit dreamy. Floating there felt like being on another planet—and I couldn’t agree more.

What This Trip Meant

This trip wasn’t just about the views. It was about us.

Every year, I get the chance to step away from work, the busy, the routine, and just pour into time with my daughter. Iceland gave us jaw-dropping landscapes, but more than that, it gave us moments we’ll remember forever.

And as a Floridian girl? I learned quickly—Iceland in the summer is still chilly! Layers are a must. Also, the Blue Lagoon isn’t just pretty—it’s packed with skin-loving minerals like silica and algae. My skin was glowing for days.

If you’re thinking about taking your own trip to Iceland—whether it’s solo, with your daughter, or just for the adventure—I put together a detailed version of this itinerary, complete with hotel, rental car, day-by-day recs, and local tips.

You can grab it as a digital download.

Less planning. More exploring.