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Pack your bags, load up the car, and get ready for an epic family road trip across North America! A road trip is a great way to bond as a family, see incredible sights, and make lifelong memories.
From the deserts of the Southwest to the beaches of California and everything in between, North America is filled with diverse landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and family-friendly activities. To help you plan an unforgettable vacation, here are 11 exciting road trip itineraries for families to explore North America:
1. Route 66 – Illinois to California
No road trip is more iconic than the Mother Road, Route 66. Traversing over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, historic Route 66 passes through eight states and three time zones. Stop at quirky attractions like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, Meteor Crater in Arizona, and Santa Monica Pier’s amusement park at road end. Just remember to grab a Route 66 sticker for the car to commemorate the journey.
If you need a break from the long drive, there are hundreds of entertaining escape rooms to keep your family occupied. To discover some of these innovative new escape room concepts coming to Route 66, be sure to search the Morty escape room finder for the latest and greatest immersive experiences.
2. Pacific Coast Highway – Seattle to San Diego
Cruise along the Pacific coastline on the Pacific Coast Highway for incredible ocean views. Starting in Seattle, stop at the expansive Redwood forests in Oregon before reaching the iconic Big Sur coast in California. Tour Hearst Castle, stroll the Santa Monica Pier, and ride rollercoasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
With over 1,000 miles of coastline, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly beaches and attractions. Just don’t forget the sunscreen! The PCH makes for an epic summer road trip.
3. National Parks of the Rocky Mountains
See alpine landscapes and thundering waterfalls amid the Rocky Mountains on this nature-filled road trip. From Grand Teton to Glacier and Yellowstone, the region boasts some of the country’s most magnificent national parks.
Go whitewater rafting, hike scenic trails, spot wild moose and bison, or camp under the stars. With so many awe-inspiring sights, the Rocky Mountains road trip will create family memories that will last a lifetime. Just be ready for the “oohs” and “ahhs” from the back seat!
4. Music Cities – Memphis to New Orleans
This Southern road trip is all about the music. Start in Memphis to see Elvis’ Graceland mansion and Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n roll. Continue to Nashville, country music’s capital, for live honky tonks and the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
Finish up in lively New Orleans with jazz on every corner, street parades, and beignets at Cafe du Monde. With this road trip, you’ll have a family soundtrack for life! Take a break from driving to enjoy some fun musical activities together as a family.
5. Great Lakes Loop – Through the Midwest
On this Midwestern road trip, tour the magnificent Great Lakes region. Drive along Lake Michigan passing dune-filled beaches, historic lighthouses, and green forests. Explore Mackinac Island’s car-free streets and the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit. Cruise through Ohio to see Lake Erie’s coasts and vineyards.
Don’t miss out on Niagara Falls, one of the most impressive natural wonders. Enjoy beaches, islands, orchards, and more along the Great Lakes Loop from Milwaukee to Toronto. It’s an easy road trip filled with family fun.
6. Southern BBQ and Music Trail – Georgia to Tennessee
For a finger-licking family getaway, take the Southern BBQ trail stopping at the best barbecue joints in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Try regional specialties like pulled pork, brisket, smoked wings, and ribs at local BBQ shacks and food trucks.
Work off those calories at museums celebrating Southern music such as blues, jazz, rock ‘n roll, country, and more. The options are endlessly mouthwatering on this culinary road trip. Just be sure to pack the antacids and some Pepto!
7. Florida Keys Road Trip – Miami to Key West
Set sail for the Florida Keys on this chilled-out road trip. Beginning in Miami, stop at Bahia Honda State Park for family-friendly beaches before reaching the colorful coral reefs of Key Largo. Grab some key lime pie in Islamorada as you make your way down to Key West.
Tour Ernest Hemingway’s house, catch the nightly sunset celebration, and enjoy the funky island vibes. With lots of opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing, the Florida Keys are ideal for a sunny family vacation. Don’t forget sunscreen and flip-flops!
8. Colonial History Tour – Virginia to Massachusetts
Relive American history on this educational East Coast road trip. Start at Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, Virginia, to experience colonial life in a recreated 17th-century English village. Make your way north to view artifacts of the American Revolution at museums in Philadelphia and Boston.
Finish up with a tour of the Freedom Trail tracing the roots of the nation. Trying saying “one if by land, two if by sea” five times fast! With interactive exhibits and historical reenactments, kids will be immersed in the thrilling story of America’s founding.
9. Canadian Maritimes – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island
Venture beyond the border for stunning ocean scenery and small-town Canadian charm. Begin your maritime road trip in Halifax, Nova Scotia before taking a ferry over to Prince Edward Island. Don’t miss the famous beaches of P.E.I.
National Park that inspired Anne of Green Gables. Continue to the lively fishing communities of New Brunswick, stopping at covered bridges and lighthouses along the Bay of Fundy. Kids will enjoy spotting whales, puffins, seals, and other wildlife. It’s an off-the-beaten-path family adventure!
10. Theme Parks and National Parks – California, Utah, Colorado
Combine theme park thrills with natural park tranquility on this family road trip. Begin at Disneyland, spend a day at Universal Studios, and then let the kids burn off steam at LEGOLAND. Transition to the great outdoors at Zion and Arches National Parks, with amazing red rock formations.
Finish by summiting Pikes Peak or exploring the Garden of the Gods in Colorado. With fun activities for kids mixed with amazing landscapes for adults, it’s an epic itinerary through the West.
11. Portland to Vancouver – Through the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is filled with family-friendly outdoor adventures and hip, artsy cities to explore. Begin in Portland, with its famous doughnut shops, brewpubs, and stunning parks. Next, make your way to the high-tech city of Seattle, home of the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and beautiful Puget Sound.
Continue north through the San Juan Islands before crossing into Canada. End in Vancouver, a vibrant metropolis nestled against snowy mountains. Hike through old-growth forests, feast on delicious salmon, and take in the inspiring natural beauty.
Conclusion
No matter which epic North American road trip you choose, you’re guaranteed to create lasting family memories. Just make sure your car is tuned up, the tires are properly inflated, and you are prepared in case any issues come up on the journey! Stock up on snacks, make a fun playlist, and hit the open highways for an unforgettable adventure exploring this beautiful continent.
When you need a break from driving, take time to stop and enjoy fun activities together as a family. Your family road trip awaits! What are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road and make memories!
