1. Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia
Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia, offers an ideal family road trip with its short but delightful distance. The drive is less than two hours, making it manageable for parents and exciting for kids. A pleasant journey awaits with stops at outstanding hotels and picturesque beaches along the way. The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island is an excellent place to stay, just an hour south of Charleston. For a refreshing beach day, head to Hilton Head, another hour farther along the route.
Once in Savannah, explore the tranquil beaches and historical sites, setting the stage for memorable family moments. Driving through the scenic Lowcountry provides opportunities to rediscover simple joys and create lasting memories, whether building sandcastles, savoring fresh seafood, or exploring charming coastal towns.
1. New York City to Niagara Falls
The drive from New York City to Niagara Falls combines urban excitement with natural wonders. Begin by exploring the bright lights and cultural attractions of the Big Apple. Once ready to hit the road, head northwest toward the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York.
Traverse rolling hills dotted with quaint towns and over a dozen glacial lakes. Stop in Watkins Glen for a hike through the dramatic gorge or visit wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. As you near the Canadian border, the thunderous roar of Niagara Falls grows louder.
The Falls themselves are a sight to behold. Walk along the observation deck at Prospect Point for a jaw-dropping view of the rushing Horseshoe Falls. A Maid of the Mist cruise or thrilling Journey Behind the Falls experience allows you to feel the power and mist up close. Families enjoy the kitschy attractions of Clifton Hill or the Canadian side's scenic White Water Walk.
The Niagara region's spectacular scenery and range of activities make it a prime family destination paired perfectly with the metropolitan energy of New York City.
2. Boston to Cape Cod
A classic New England road trip from Boston to Cape Cod promises coastal beauty, outdoor activities, and charming small towns. Boston itself is ripe for exploration, from walking the Freedom Trail to visiting world-class museums.
Head southeast to reach Cape Cod, a picturesque hook-shaped peninsula extending into the Atlantic. Along the way, stop in Plymouth to see the living history museum Plimoth Patuxet and view the iconic Plymouth Rock. The Cape Cod region offers sandy beaches, quaint villages, and fresh seafood.
In Falmouth, enjoy Main Street's boutiques and restaurants before visiting the Shining Sea Bikeway, a scenic trail perfect for cycling or rollerblading as a family. Art lovers won't want to miss the galleries of Provincetown while kids delight in the Pirate Museum.
An absolute must is the Cape Cod National Seashore, with its pristine sandy beaches and lighthouses. Participate in ranger-guided activities or simply lounge by the ocean. Finish with a whale watching cruise for the chance to spot these majestic marine mammals.
3. New York City to Washington D.C.
Connecting two powerhouses of culture and history, the drive from New York City to Washington D.C. delivers an invigorating blend of urban delights and educational attractions along the Northeast Corridor.
The journey begins amid the iconic skyline of New York City. Explore world-renowned sites like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square before setting off. Stop in Philadelphia to tour Independence Hall and see the Liberty Bell.
Arriving in Washington D.C., immerse yourself in the city's grandeur. The National Mall and its surrounding museums offer a treasure trove of experiences for all ages. Visit the ever-popular National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum, or the National Gallery of Art.
For a powerful experience, pay respects at the striking Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Lincoln Memorial. Prearranged tours provide insight into the U.S. Capitol Building and the White House. Soak up the iconic views along the Tidal Basin while exploring D.C.'s numerous monuments honoring American history and ideals.
4. Seattle to Olympic National Park
From Seattle's urban energy, set off on a road trip combining outdoor adventure and natural splendor at Olympic National Park. Stop first in Tacoma to explore the Museum of Glass, its iconic Chihuly Bridge of Glass, and Point Defiance Park.
Arrive at Olympic National Park, a vast wilderness with diverse ecosystems. Hike through old-growth rainforests draped in moss at the Hoh Rainforest or Quinault Rainforest. Families marvel at soaring trees and flowing rivers.
On the Pacific coast, visit Ruby Beach where sea stacks loom offshore. Brave the waters for a refreshing swim, whale watch from shore, or beachcomb for sand dollars and shells. The ethereal Rialto Beach is lined with driftwood and rocky islands.
Inland, Hurricane Ridge offers stunning panoramic mountain vistas and straightforward hiking trails. Kids love discovering diverse terrain from tide pools and sandy beaches to snow-capped peaks within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Boston, Massachusetts, to Stowe, Vermont
A family road trip from Boston to Stowe, Vermont offers the perfect blend of outdoor excitement and tranquility just a three-hour drive north.
Stowe transforms into a winter sports haven during colder months. Stowe Mountain Resort features family-friendly slopes and lessons. Panda Peak, with stuffed animal ski lift companions, delights young skiers.
When snow melts, hike scenic Mount Mansfield and Smugglers' Notch trails or bike the Stowe Recreation Path along the West Branch River. On hot days, cool off swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking at Waterbury Reservoir.
Stowe is a farm-to-table dining paradise. Savor dishes with locally sourced ingredients at spots like Plate and Doc Ponds. Don't miss the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury for factory tours and generous samples.
Stay at family-friendly lodges, inns, or resorts like Topnotch Resort or Trapp Family Lodge. Each season brings new adventures and cherished memories in this charming Vermont destination.
7. Route 66
Embarking on Route 66 is like stepping into an Americana time capsule full of quirky roadside attractions and striking scenery stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles. Even just exploring a portion promises a classic family road trip.
The journey begins amid the towering skyscrapers of Chicago before wide open plains unfold westward. Along the way, unique sites like the Gemini Giant in Illinois and the World's Largest Ketchup Bottle beckon with vintage kitsch.
The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, from the vast Texas plains to New Mexico's red rocks and the forested hills of Missouri. Palo Duro Canyon and Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park provide ample hiking opportunities.
Kid-friendly stops include:
- Tours of Meramec Caverns in Missouri
- The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
- A night at the teepee-shaped Wigwam Motel in Arizona
Each small town exudes nostalgic Americana charm through retro diners and souvenir shops.
If traveling the full route to California, celebrate the end at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Its carnival games, aquarium, and Ferris wheel make a fitting finale to this road trip stitching together a patchwork of unforgettable memories.
8. Tucson to the Grand Canyon, Arizona
From Tucson's gateway to the desert at Saguaro National Park, this road trip melds majestic landscapes, vibrant cities, and storied natural wonders like the Grand Canyon.
Scottsdale provides a luxurious desert retreat with the OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and train rides at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Sedona offers outdoor adventures backdropped by striking red rocks through hikes, Jeep tours, and artisan shopping.
Spend several days exploring the immense Grand Canyon. At the South Rim, viewpoints like Mather Point reveal the canyon's grandeur. Families with young kids enjoy the Visitor Center's informative exhibits and easy Rim Trail.
For a unique perspective, consider Bright Angel Trail hikes or a mule ride into the canyon's depths. Rangers lead educational programs tailored to children. As night falls, the lack of light pollution transforms the canyon into a stargazer's paradise. Camping at Mather Campground provides an immersive overnight experience.
From vibrant cacti to mesmerizing red rocks culminating at the breathtaking Grand Canyon, this varied journey promises unforgettable adventures and natural splendor.
9. Rocky Mountain Loop from Denver
The Rocky Mountain Loop from Denver delivers an exhilarating blend of outdoor adventures, charming towns, and stunning national parks. Begin by enjoying Denver's attractions like the Museum of Nature & Science before heading northwest.
In Boulder, stroll the lively Pearl Street Mall and Boulder Creek Path. Nearby Estes Park provides the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park's dramatic peaks and valleys. Trail Ridge Road and family-friendly hikes like Bear Lake enable immersion in this wilderness playground with abundant wildlife sightings.
Glenwood Springs offers a different form of rejuvenation through its famous hot springs pool and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park's thrills. Picturesque Telluride beckons with skiing, summer festivals, mountain biking trails, and a free scenic gondola ride between town and Mountain Village.
After Durango's narrow-gauge railroad journey through the San Juans, explore Mesa Verde National Park's preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa provides sandboarding adventures before returning to Denver.
This comprehensive loop encompasses the Rocky Mountain region's diverse splendors, from urban gems to iconic national parks teeming with outdoor activities tailored for families.
10. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a family road trip dream, stretching from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina-Tennessee border. This route offers year-round beauty, highlighted by vibrant fall foliage, numerous hiking trails, and delightful camping spots.
A Tapestry of Natural Wonders
The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway unfolds a tapestry of scenic vistas, rolling mountains, and lush forests. The route is free from commercial traffic and lined with countless overlooks, providing opportunities to stop, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and admire the panoramic views that stretch out to the horizon.
Hiking Adventures for All Levels
For families that enjoy hiking, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a range of trails suitable for all skill levels. The Humpback Rocks trail near the northern end offers a moderate hike with rewarding views, while the Flat Top Tower near the Peaks of Otter is a slightly longer but family-friendly trail with breathtaking vistas.
Fall Foliage Extravaganza
The fall season is a perfect time to experience the Blue Ridge Parkway, as the explosion of colors from the changing leaves creates a truly magical journey. Different elevations result in varying peak times for fall foliage, adding to the adventure of planning your trip to catch the colors at their best. The vibrant foliage reflects beautifully in the water at Mabry Mill, one of the parkway's most photographed spots.
Family-Friendly Stops and Activities
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, families will find charming stops and activities catering to their interests:
- The Blue Ridge Music Center near Galax, Virginia, offers free daily concerts highlighting the region's musical heritage.
- The Folk Art Center in Asheville, North Carolina, showcases the rich craft heritage of the Southern Appalachians.
Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains
As the journey heads towards its southern terminus, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park unfolds its grandeur. Families can:
- Drive up to Clingmans Dome for panoramic views
- Explore the scenic Cades Cove for wildlife spotting
- Visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center for educational exhibits and an easy trail leading to Cataract Falls
Camping Under Starry Skies
Camping along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse your family in nature. Well-maintained campgrounds like Julian Price Memorial Park and Linville Falls provide access to trails, scenic spots, and the joy of stargazing under the clear mountain sky.
Seasonal Delights
Beyond its stunning fall foliage, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers year-round activities:
- Spring brings wildflowers for nature walks and photography
- Summer is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and exploring visitor centers with educational programs
- In winter, select portions of the parkway transform into a snowy wonderland for sledding and winter hikes
From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the serene beauty of coastal drives, each road trip offers a unique blend of experiences and opportunities for family bonding and adventure. Pack your bags and set off on a memorable journey that promises both excitement and tranquility.
