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Best Road Trip Routes for Families

Embarking on a family road trip can create unforgettable memories and offer a chance to explore new places together. There are several routes known for their scenic beauty, family-friendly attractions, and engaging activities that cater to all ages, ensuring that the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.

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One of the top picks for a family road trip is the Pacific Coast Highway in California. This route offers breathtaking coastal views, charming seaside towns, and numerous stops that are perfect for kids and adults alike. Highlights include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, and the picturesque beaches along the way. Another excellent route is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through Virginia and North Carolina. This scenic drive offers opportunities to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit historical sites like Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and picnicking. For a more diverse experience, consider Route 66, which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, offering a mix of quirky roadside attractions, historical landmarks, and a variety of landscapes that provide educational and fun experiences for the whole family.

  • Pacific Coast Highway, California
    Pacific Coast Highway, California

    Pacific Coast Highway, California - Scenic coastal route with stunning ocean views.

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  • Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
    Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina

    Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina - Scenic mountain drive offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

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  • Great River Road, Mississippi River
    Great River Road, Mississippi River

    Great River Road, Mississippi River - Scenic byway along Mississippi River, rich in history.

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  • Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica
    Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica

    Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica - Historic highway from Chicago to Santa Monica, spanning diverse landscapes.

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  • The Florida Keys Scenic Highway
    The Florida Keys Scenic Highway

    The Florida Keys Scenic Highway - A picturesque drive through tropical islands and ocean views.

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  • Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Loop
    Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Loop

    Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Loop - Scenic loop combining geothermal wonders and rugged mountain beauty.

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  • Great Ocean Road, Australia
    Great Ocean Road, Australia

    Great Ocean Road, Australia - Scenic coastal drive with stunning views and landmarks.

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  • Ring Road, Iceland
    Ring Road, Iceland

    Ring Road, Iceland - Scenic highway encircling Iceland's diverse natural landscapes.

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  • Garden Route, South Africa
    Garden Route, South Africa

    Garden Route, South Africa - Scenic coastal stretch with diverse ecosystems and outdoor activities.

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  • Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada
    Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada

    Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada - Scenic coastal drive with mountains, ocean views, and lush forests.

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Best Road Trip Routes for Families

1.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

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The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California State Route 1, is a stunning scenic byway that stretches over 650 miles along California's coastline. Renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque coastal towns, the PCH connects major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco while weaving through iconic destinations such as Malibu, Big Sur, and Monterey. This iconic route offers travelers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife spotting, making it a must-experience journey for visitors and locals alike.

Pros

  • pros Scenic views
  • pros coastal access
  • pros adventure spots
  • pros iconic landmarks
  • pros pleasant drives.

Cons

  • consNarrow lanes
  • cons heavy traffic
  • cons erosion
  • cons landslides
  • cons limited cell service.

2.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina

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The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway that stretches for 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, connecting the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Renowned for its breathtaking views, the parkway meanders through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering panoramic vistas, diverse wildlife, and vibrant fall foliage. Popular attractions include the Peaks of Otter, Linville Falls, and the Craggy Gardens. Ideal for leisurely drives, hiking, and picnicking, the parkway provides a serene escape into nature's splendor.

Pros

  • pros Scenic vistas
  • pros rich history
  • pros diverse wildlife
  • pros recreational opportunities
  • pros peaceful drive.

Cons

  • consCrowded
  • cons frequent closures
  • cons limited cell service
  • cons unpredictable weather
  • cons slow speeds.

3.

Great River Road, Mississippi River

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The Great River Road is a scenic byway that follows the course of the Mississippi River, stretching for about 3,000 miles from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Traversing 10 states, it offers travelers picturesque views of the river, charming river towns, historic sites, and diverse wildlife. Established in 1938, the route serves as a gateway to exploring the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Mississippi River Valley, making it a popular destination for road trips and outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros

  • pros Scenic views
  • pros historic sites
  • pros recreational activities
  • pros cultural experiences
  • pros wildlife diversity.

Cons

  • consProne to flooding
  • cons heavy traffic
  • cons limited amenities
  • cons wildlife hazards.

4.

Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica

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Route 66, also known as the "Main Street of America," is a historic highway that originally stretched from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering approximately 2,448 miles. Established in 1926, it became a symbol of freedom and adventure, playing a crucial role in America's migration westward, especially during the Dust Bowl era. The route passes through diverse landscapes, including farmlands, deserts, and small towns, offering a nostalgic glimpse of vintage Americana. Though decommissioned in 1985, its legacy endures through preservation efforts and popular culture.

Pros

  • pros Historic
  • pros scenic
  • pros diverse culture
  • pros iconic landmarks
  • pros nostalgic road trip.

Cons

  • consRoute 66: outdated infrastructure
  • cons heavy traffic
  • cons limited services
  • cons safety concerns.

5.

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway

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The Florida Keys Scenic Highway, also known as the Overseas Highway, is a breathtaking 113-mile route that connects the mainland of Florida to Key West. Spanning over a series of 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, it offers stunning views of turquoise waters, lush islands, and vibrant marine life. Designated an All-American Road, the highway provides access to numerous attractions, such as state parks, coral reefs, and historic sites, making it a must-see journey for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Pros

  • pros Stunning views
  • pros diverse wildlife
  • pros historic sites
  • pros and recreational activities.

Cons

  • consProne to traffic
  • cons hurricanes
  • cons high costs
  • cons limited amenities
  • cons environmental impact.

6.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Loop

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The Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Loop offers an unforgettable adventure through two of America's most iconic parks. Starting in Jackson, Wyoming, the loop covers stunning landscapes, from the geothermal wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone to the rugged mountain peaks of Grand Teton. Visitors can explore geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls, along with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The scenic drive between the parks provides breathtaking vistas, making it an ideal route for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive experience of the American West.

Pros

  • pros Stunning landscapes
  • pros wildlife sightings
  • pros geothermal features
  • pros outdoor activities
  • pros diverse ecosystems.

Cons

  • consCrowds
  • cons traffic
  • cons limited amenities
  • cons high costs
  • cons unpredictable weather.

7.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

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The Great Ocean Road is a scenic coastal drive in Victoria, Australia, stretching approximately 243 kilometers from Torquay to Allansford. Renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, lush rainforests, and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, this winding route offers a diverse array of natural wonders and charming coastal towns. Travelers can explore pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. The Great Ocean Road stands as a testament to Australia's stunning coastal beauty and rich ecological diversity.

Pros

  • pros Stunning coastal views
  • pros iconic landmarks
  • pros diverse wildlife
  • pros rich history.

Cons

  • consCrowded
  • cons weather-dependent
  • cons long drives
  • cons expensive
  • cons limited amenities
  • cons environmental impact.

8.

Ring Road, Iceland

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The Ring Road, or Route 1, is Iceland's main highway, encircling the island with a length of about 1,332 kilometers (828 miles). This scenic route offers a diverse array of landscapes, from cascading waterfalls and volcanic craters to vast glaciers and black sand beaches. It connects major towns and cities, including Reykjavik and Akureyri, and serves as a gateway to many of Iceland's natural wonders. The Ring Road is a popular choice for travelers seeking to experience the country's dramatic beauty and unique geological features.

Pros

  • pros Scenic views
  • pros accessible attractions
  • pros minimal traffic
  • pros diverse landscapes
  • pros and convenience.

Cons

  • consNarrow roads
  • cons unpredictable weather
  • cons limited services
  • cons high tourist traffic.

9.

Garden Route, South Africa

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The Garden Route is a scenic stretch along South Africa's southeastern coast, renowned for its diverse landscapes, lush greenery, and picturesque beaches. Spanning roughly 300 kilometers from Mossel Bay to Storms River, this region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Key attractions include the Knysna Forest, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Plettenberg Bay. The route offers activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and water sports. With its charming towns, rich biodiversity, and dramatic coastlines, the Garden Route is a must-visit destination.

Pros

  • pros Stunning scenery
  • pros diverse wildlife
  • pros outdoor activities
  • pros mild climate
  • pros rich culture.

Cons

  • consOvercrowding
  • cons high costs
  • cons unpredictable weather
  • cons limited public transport.

10.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada

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The Cabot Trail is a breathtaking scenic highway in Nova Scotia, Canada, renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes and vibrant fall foliage. Stretching approximately 298 kilometers (185 miles), it loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, offering picturesque views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail passes through charming villages, lush highlands, and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, making it a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and exploring local culture. Rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, the Cabot Trail is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Pros

  • pros Scenic views
  • pros hiking trails
  • pros wildlife
  • pros cultural experiences
  • pros coastal drives.

Cons

  • consRemote location
  • cons unpredictable weather
  • cons limited amenities
  • cons steep roads
  • cons crowded.

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