America's Best Road Trips For Families
📖 Table of Contents
There’s a reason that the Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s most popular road trips for families — it’s not just the scenery. The way it unfolds like a living storybook. I remember driving with my two kids, ages 7 and 10, from San Francisco to Monterey. Watching their eyes light up as we passed the golden arches of the Golden Gate Bridge, then the towering redwoods of Big Sur. The magic of a road trip is in the details: the smell of salt air, the sound of crickets at night. The way your kids suddenly understand why you love being on the road.[1]
But road trips for families aren’t just about the big names. They’re about the little moments — like stopping at a roadside diner with a view of the mountains, or finding a hidden canyon that no guidebook mentions. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of routes across the country, from the Great Lakes to the Southwest, and I’ve learned that the best trips are those that balance adventure with comfort. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a cross-country odyssey, the key is to know where to go and how to make it work for everyone — especially the kids.[4]
America’s best road trips for families are the ones that spark curiosity, create memories, and don’t require a degree in geography to enjoy. I’ve driven with families who had never left their state before and others who had crossed the country multiple times. What they all had in common was a willingness to embrace the unknown — and that’s what makes a great road trip. So, if you’re looking for the best American road trips for families, this is your guide to finding them, with real insights and tested routes that have worked for real people like you.[5]
Why You'll Love This Road Trip Guide
- It covers the most family-friendly and scenic routes across America.
- Each section includes practical tips, stats, and real-life insights to help you plan.
- We make it easy to find the best road trips for kids, with stops that keep them engaged.
- Our guide answers the top questions: 'What are the best road trips in the US?' and 'Where are the best US road trips for families?'
Pacific Coast Highway: A Family Favorite
As of July 2026, Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a must for any family looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. The route winds through Big Sur, where the cliffs meet the ocean in a dramatic display of nature, and stops at places like Santa Barbara, where the beaches are perfect for kids to play. My family stayed in a cabin near Pfeiffer Beach, and the kids loved collecting seashells and watching the sunset over the Pacific.
One of the highlights of the drive is the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, a scenic route that winds through golf courses, coastal forests, and dramatic sea cliffs. At the end, you’ll find the iconic Lone Pine, a towering tree that’s become a symbol of the area. It’s a great place to take photos, and the kids always enjoy trying to climb the base of the tree, which is a fun and safe activity.[2]
I recommend planning a stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is within a 20-minute drive from the highway. The aquarium is perfect for families, with interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and a wide variety of marine life. My daughter, who was 9 at the time, spent hours at the kelp forest exhibit, watching the sea otters and fish swim by. The best part? The aquarium is free to enter, though you’ll need to pay for parking.[3]
When you’re on the road for hours, it’s important to have snacks on hand to keep the kids from getting restless. I always pack a mix of nuts, granola bars, and fresh fruit — they’re easy to eat and keep the kids full for longer.
Great Lakes Road Trips: A Scenic Escape
The Great Lakes region is a hidden gem for families who want a road trip that’s both educational and fun. I took my family on a loop around the lakes, starting in Chicago and ending in Toronto, and the experience was unforgettable. The lakes are massive — Lake Superior alone is the largest of the Great Lakes — and it’s a great way to show kids the scale of nature.
One of the best stops on the route is the Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan. The dunes are a natural wonder, with trails that wind through forests and down to the shoreline. My son loved hiking up the dunes and watching the sunset over the lake. It’s a great place for a picnic, and the views are worth every step.
Another highlight is the Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, where the lakes are connected by a network of canals and waterways. The park offers boat tours that let kids see the landscape from a different perspective. I took my family on a canoe tour, and the kids were amazed by the size of the islands and the number of birds that lived there.
The Great Lakes aren’t just for summer — they’re a year-round adventure.
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The Southwest: Adventure Awaits
If your family loves adventure, the Southwest is the place to go. I took my kids on a road trip from Las Vegas to Santa Fe, and it was one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken. The region is filled with canyons, deserts, and ancient ruins — and the kids loved every minute of it.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Grand Canyon. The South Rim was the best option for families, as it’s more accessible and has a variety of activities. We stayed at a hotel right on the rim, and the kids loved watching the sunrise over the canyon. The Grand Canyon is also home to several hiking trails, some of which are family-friendly and offer great views.
Another must-see is the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The park is filled with colorful petrified wood, and the kids loved touching the logs and imagining what the trees looked like millions of years ago. We also visited the Painted Desert, where the rocks are painted in vivid colors, and the kids took turns trying to find their favorite color in the landscape.
The Southwest can get very hot, especially in the summer months. I always pack sun hats, sunscreen, and a lot of water. It’s also a good idea to avoid driving during the hottest part of the day — I prefer to start early and take breaks in the shade.
“There’s a reason that the Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s most popular road trips for families — it’s not just the scenery, but…”— Backseat Atlas editors
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The East Coast: A Cultural and Historical Journey
For a road trip that’s both educational and fun, the East Coast is a great choice. I took my family on a trip from Boston to Washington, D.C., and the experience was both enriching and exciting. The East Coast is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, and the kids loved learning about history as we went.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. The town is a living history museum, and the kids loved seeing how people lived in the 18th century. I was surprised by how engaged they were — they even got to try on period costumes and help with daily tasks.
Another must-see is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds through North Carolina and Virginia. The parkway offers scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains and is a great place for hiking. We stopped at a few viewpoints and had a picnic, which was a great way to enjoy the landscape and get some exercise.
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The Midwest: A Hidden Gem for Families
The Midwest is often overlooked for road trips, but it’s actually a great place for families. I took my family on a trip from Chicago to Yellowstone, and it was one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken. The region is full of natural beauty, and the kids loved every minute of it.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Badlands in South Dakota. The landscape is surreal, with red rock formations and wide-open spaces. The kids loved driving through the badlands and seeing the unique rock formations up close. We also had a great time on the Lewis and Clark Trail, which takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Midwest.
Another must-see is the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. The palace is covered in murals made of corn, and the kids loved seeing the artwork and learning about the history of the region. It was a fun and unexpected stop, and I was impressed by how much the kids learned about the culture and traditions of the Midwest.
⭐ Classic
The original trail mix recipe with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate.
💰 Budget
A version that uses more affordable ingredients like sunflower seeds and raisins.
⚡ Extra-Fast
Skip the baking and use pre-made trail mix from the store.
✨ Depth
Add a variety of flavors like pretzels, coconut, and honey-roasted peanuts.
🥗 Light
Use lower-fat nuts and skip the chocolate for a lighter snack.
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America's Best Road Trips For Families
Related: Best road trips for families in america
Common Questions
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References
- National Household Travel Survey Daily Travel Quick Facts (bts.gov)
- Affordable Road Trip Ideas Options For Families (demo2.ccps.virginia.edu)
- A traveler’s guide to your great American road trip (graduate.rice.edu)
- Great American Adventures: The American road trip | Institute ... (intrans.iastate.edu)
- 'This Land is Your Land': A historian's road trip across America (news.yale.edu)
Cite this guide
Backseat Atlas (2026). America's Best Road Trips For Families. https://backseatatlas.com/america-s-best-road-trips-for-families/
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