Why Road Trips Are the Perfect Family Adventure
Road trip ideas range from classic coastal drives like California’s Pacific Coast Highway to themed adventures along Route 66, national park tours through the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, and unique experiences like Maine’s coastal routes or Oregon’s tide pools. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, the United States offers diverse routes that combine stunning scenery, educational stops, and budget-friendly fun for families of all sizes.
Quick Road Trip Ideas by Region:
- West Coast: Pacific Coast Highway, Redwood forests, Yosemite, Big Sur
- Southwest: Grand Canyon, Arches, Monument Valley, Route 66
- East Coast: Coastal Maine, D.C. to NYC, Blue Ridge Parkway
- Central: Chicago to Atlanta, Lincoln Highway, Midwest scenic byways
- Themed: Foodie tours, movie locations, bourbon trails, Civil Rights history
There’s something magical about loading up the car, curating the perfect playlist, and hitting the open road with your family. Road trips have become more popular than ever—not just because they’re affordable, but because they let you explore at your own pace, find hidden gems, and create core memories together. Unlike air travel, road trips give you the freedom to stop for an impromptu ice cream cone, chase a waterfall, or snap photos at a quirky roadside attraction.
The beauty of a road trip is that the journey is the destination. Whether you’re watching your kids marvel at towering redwoods, teaching them about the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama, or simply singing along to their favorite songs as the miles roll by, these moments become the stories you’ll tell for years to come.
Modern Mom is here to help you plan the perfect family adventure, whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or planning your first big journey. We’ve gathered expert recommendations, parent-tested routes, and practical tips to make your trip smooth, memorable, and stress-free.
Iconic U.S. Road Trip Ideas for Every Family
The United States is a road tripper’s dream come true. With millions of miles of highways, scenic byways, and back roads crisscrossing the country, you have endless opportunities to create your own adventure. From rugged coastlines to towering mountain ranges, from desert landscapes to dense forests, the diversity is staggering.
California consistently tops the charts as one of the most popular road trip ideas destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The state offers everything from iconic coastal drives and busy cities to sun-soaked beaches and ancient redwood forests. But don’t stop there—the entire nation is calling you to explore.
The Classic California Adventure
If you’re looking for the quintessential American road trip, California delivers every single time. The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is the crown jewel, attracting over 257,000 monthly Google searches—and trust us, every bit of that interest is justified.
The PCH takes you along some of the most stunning coastline you’ll ever see. The ultimate PCH drive stretches from San Francisco down to Los Angeles, with plenty of picture-perfect stops along the way. Think Huntington Beach, Santa Barbara, and the charming town of Monterey.
Big Sur is the showstopper of this route—a 71-mile stretch where dramatic cliffs meet the crashing Pacific Ocean. With over 172,000 monthly searches, it’s clear that travelers know this is something special. The views are so breathtaking, they’re nearly impossible to describe. You really do just have to see them for yourself.
But California’s magic doesn’t end at the coast. Head inland to Yosemite National Park, where waterfalls cascade down granite cliffs and meadows burst with wildflowers. Further north, you can experience the awe-inspiring Towering Redwoods—trees so massive they make you feel wonderfully small. Hiking among the Redwoods is an experience your kids will talk about for years.
Don’t forget to accept the quirky side of California road trips. The Cabazon Dinosaurs near Palm Springs are giant concrete creatures that kids absolutely love climbing on. And if you need more ideas to keep everyone entertained, check out these fun activities for kids that work perfectly during rest stops.
Journey Through the American West
The American West is where road trips become legendary. This is the land of wide-open spaces, dramatic rock formations, and national parks that take your breath away.
Start your journey at the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. It’s one of those places everyone needs to see at least once—and photos simply don’t do it justice. Visiting the Grand Canyon is easy to work into a larger Western road trip, as it’s just over four hours from Las Vegas.
Continue to Utah, where Arches National Park near Moab showcases nature’s incredible artistry. Plan at least two days here if your family loves hiking—there are over 2,000 natural stone arches to explore, and each one feels like a findy. While you’re in Moab, consider booking a UTV adventure for some desert thrills.
Head north to experience the majesty of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. The Beartooth Highway leading to Yellowstone is one of the most scenic drives in America, winding through Wyoming and Montana with jaw-dropping mountain views. This route alone attracts over 15,000 monthly searches from travelers seeking that perfect scenic drive.
In the Grand Tetons, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—bears, moose, and deer roam freely here. Just remember to pack bear spray and maintain a safe distance. It’s a thrill to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Don’t miss Monument Valley, where massive sandstone buttes rise from the desert floor. You’ll recognize it immediately from countless movies and photos. Stop at Forest Gump Point for that iconic shot with your family.
If you’re planning to camp along the way, these family camping tips will help you stay organized and comfortable under the stars.
The Legendary Route 66
There’s something nostalgic and utterly American about Route 66. Known as “The Mother Road,” this legendary highway originally stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, serving as a main artery for travelers seeking opportunity and adventure. While much of the original route has been replaced by modern interstates, a 170-mile stretch from Topock, California, to Ash Fork, Arizona, remains beautifully intact.
Route 66 represents pure Americana—classic diners, vintage motels, and the freedom of the open road. It’s been immortalized in songs, movies, and books, drawing over 191,000 Google searches each month from travelers eager to experience its magic.
The real charm of Route 66 lies in its wonderfully quirky roadside attractions. These spots were designed to catch the eye of weary travelers, and they still work their magic today. Look for the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma—a massive blue whale sculpture that’s been delighting families since 1972. In Tulsa, you’ll find the Golden Driller, a 76-foot-tall statue of an oil worker that’s become an iconic landmark.
For an authentic overnight experience, book a room at the Wigwam Village Motel #6 in Holbrook, Arizona. Sleeping in a concrete teepee is the kind of unique memory your kids will treasure forever. These retro motels capture the spirit of mid-century travel perfectly.
The long stretches of highway are perfect for family bonding time. Download some engaging podcasts for the car before you leave—they’re wonderful for keeping everyone entertained and maybe even learning something new as the desert landscape rolls by.
Unique & Themed Road Trips to Spark Your Imagination
Not every great family adventure follows the well-worn path. Sometimes the most memorable trips happen when you think outside the box and lean into what your family actually loves. Maybe your kids are obsessed with dinosaurs, or your partner dreams of tasting authentic regional cuisine, or you simply want to find places most tourists zoom right past.
That’s the beauty of themed and off-the-beaten-path road trip ideas—they turn your journey into something personal and meaningful. Every stop becomes a chance to learn something new, laugh together, and create stories you’ll retell at dinner tables for years to come.
California Themed Road Trip Ideas
California isn’t just about the coast—it’s packed with themed adventures that let you dive deep into whatever sparks your family’s curiosity.
If your crew loves food, the Central Valley Foodie Tour is calling your name. Driving through California’s heartland takes you from the Basque restaurants of Bakersfield to the historic charm of Galt, with farm-fresh produce stands and local eateries dotting the route. You’ll truly experience eating like a local while exploring the agricultural heart of the Golden State.
Got movie buffs in the back seat? A Movie Locations Tour brings Hollywood magic to life. Starting in Los Angeles, you can visit famous filming spots that stretch through desert landscapes and mountain backdrops—perfect for recreating your family’s favorite scenes.
For pure thrills, a Theme Park road trip delivers non-stop excitement. Whether you’re tooling around with old friends or a backseat full of kids, California’s legendary theme parks promise an adventure that’ll please everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
And if the adults need a little pampering, the Central Coast Wine Tour from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles offers rolling hills, amazing food, and wine—plus plenty of scenic beauty and farm animals to keep younger travelers entertained. For a dose of living history, consider exploring Virginia’s Historic Triangle, where Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown bring American history to life.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Some of the best findies happen when you venture away from the interstate and follow the road less traveled. These unique routes offer natural beauty, quirky charm, and plenty of unexpected delights.
Coastal Maine beckons with over 3,400 miles of rugged coastline, complete with lighthouse-dotted shores, charming fishing villages, and lobster shacks serving the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. It’s the kind of place where every turn reveals a postcard-worthy view.
The Oregon Coast rivals any famous drive in the country, with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and tide pools teeming with life. Exploring tide pools with your kids is pure magic—watching them find sea stars and anemones never gets old.
For families who crave mountain drama, Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton isn’t for the faint of heart. This breathtaking drive features unguarded switchbacks with jaw-dropping views—use extreme caution, but if you’re up for it, you’ll have stories to tell forever.
And for pure, unfiltered fun? The Uranus Fudge Factory in St. Roberts, Missouri, is exactly as hilarious as it sounds. Amazing fudge, candy, and lots of laughs await—it’s the perfect pit stop to break up a long drive with giggles and sugar.
To help everyone stay present during these special moments, try some activities to get your kids to put down their electronics and truly engage with the adventure unfolding around them.
International Escapades on Wheels
If you’re ready to expand your horizons beyond U.S. borders, the world is full of incredible road trip destinations. Driving in different countries offers varied and contrasting experiences that can truly transform how your family sees the world.
Iceland’s Golden Circle feels like watching a National Geographic documentary unfold in real time—volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. The raw beauty is absolutely mesmerizing.
Australia’s Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometers (about 150 miles) along Victoria’s coastline, offering gorgeous ocean views at every turn. Built by returning WWI veterans, it stands as the world’s largest war memorial—a beautiful tribute with a powerful story.
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way winds 1,553 miles along the dramatic west coast, where ancient castles perch on clifftops and friendly locals welcome you into cozy pubs. The scenery is so green and lush, you’ll understand why they call it the Emerald Isle.
South Africa’s Garden Route offers the perfect mix of wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes. From spotting elephants to exploring coastal towns, it’s a journey that stays with you long after you return home.
New Zealand’s South Island delivers diverse landscapes that range from beautiful beaches to stunning mountain panoramas—plus locals swear it has the best coffee in the world, which any parent can appreciate.
Planning a long international adventure takes extra preparation, especially with kids. Check out our guide on preparing for a long vacation for helpful strategies to make extended travel smoother for the whole family.
Your Ultimate Road Trip Planning Toolkit
Gone are the days of wrestling with paper maps and hoping for the best. Technology has transformed how we plan and experience road trips, whether you’re coordinating a family adventure, planning a solo escape, or organizing a friends’ getaway. Modern apps and resources make it easier than ever to find hidden gems, stick to your budget, and steer smoothly—no station wagon required!
Essential Planning & Budget-Friendly Tips
Here’s the good news: road trip ideas don’t have to drain your bank account. In fact, road tripping is one of the most affordable ways to explore the United States with your family.
Start by setting a realistic budget that covers gas, food, lodging, and activities. Once you know your numbers, you can make smart choices along the way. Use gas price apps to find the cheapest fuel stops on your route—those savings add up quickly over hundreds of miles.
Packing your own snacks and drinks is a total game-changer. Not only does it save money, but it also keeps everyone happy and prevents those “I’m hungry” meltdowns at inconvenient times. Check out our healthy road trip recipes for delicious options that travel well.
Seek out free attractions wherever you go. Hiking trails, public beaches, city parks, and many museums offer no-cost entry. If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks, an annual pass pays for itself quickly. Many parks also offer free entrance days throughout the year.
GPS apps keep you on track, while booking apps help you snag last-minute deals on hotels. Speaking of planning, understanding your family’s overall financial picture makes these trips more enjoyable. Learn more about creating financial security for your family, and if you’re traveling during back-to-school season, our guide to back to school on a budget can help you balance fun and finances.
Must-Have Apps and Resources
The right tools can transform a good road trip into an unforgettable one. Millions of travelers rely on the Roadtrippers App to find extraordinary places along their routes. Unlike Google Maps, which gets you from point A to B efficiently, Roadtrippers helps you find those quirky roadside attractions, stunning natural wonders, and local favorites that make a trip truly memorable. You can explore the map to find hidden gems you’d never find otherwise.
The app’s Autopilot feature is particularly impressive—powered by data from 38 million trips, it can instantly create a personalized itinerary based on your interests and route. Whether you’re looking for the best BBQ joints in Texas or the most Instagram-worthy viewpoints along the Pacific Coast, Roadtrippers has you covered. Download the Roadtrippers App from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
AAA Road Trips offers another fantastic resource with curated guides organized by region. They’ve compiled 61 trips in the Pacific Southwest, 66 in the Great Lakes area, and 50 in New England—each one vetted and packed with insider tips.
Don’t overlook state welcome centers, either. California alone has over 20 welcome centers staffed by locals who can provide current road conditions, festival schedules, and recommendations you won’t find in any app. Many other states offer similar services, and stopping in can save you time and help you find unexpected treasures.
Packing for Pups and RVs
Traveling with your four-legged family members or in a home on wheels adds another layer to your planning, but it’s absolutely worth it.
For pet-friendly road trips, research is key. Look for hotels, restaurants, and parks that welcome pets before you hit the road. National and state parks have specific rules about where dogs can go, so always check ahead. Pack everything your pet needs—food, water, bowls, leashes, waste bags, and any medications. A familiar blanket or toy can help them feel more comfortable in new places. For comprehensive guidance, visit our traveling with pets section.
RV adventures offer incredible freedom but require special consideration. Standard GPS apps don’t account for low bridges, narrow roads, or weight restrictions that could spell disaster for your RV. Roadtrippers offers an RV-specific GPS feature that considers your vehicle’s height, weight, and propane status to provide safe, custom routes. You’ll also need to plan campground stays in advance, especially during peak season. The app includes campground search and booking features, plus options for overnight RV parking when you need a quick rest stop. To make your RV trip planning seamless, plan an RV Trip with Roadtrippers and enjoy the journey with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Road Trips
Planning a family road trip can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep everyone happy and entertained for hours in the car. We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions Modern Moms ask when planning their next adventure on the open road.
How do you plan a road trip with kids to keep everyone happy?
The secret to a successful family road trip is balancing structure with flexibility, and getting everyone involved from the start.
Involve your kids in the planning process. When children help choose a destination or pick activities along the way, they feel invested in the trip and are more likely to stay excited throughout the journey. Let them research one attraction they’d love to visit or choose a restaurant for lunch.
Pack a surprise bag filled with new, small toys, books, or activities. Pull these out strategically when boredom strikes or energy levels start dropping. The element of surprise can turn a meltdown into excitement in seconds.
Plan for frequent stops every two to three hours. Kids need to stretch their legs, burn off energy, and reset. Look for parks, playgrounds, or interesting landmarks where they can run around for 15-20 minutes. These breaks benefit everyone, including the driver.
Use travel apps and games to keep minds engaged during longer stretches. Many apps offer educational content or interactive games perfect for car rides. You can also organize a scavenger hunt where kids spot different colored cars, state license plates, or specific landmarks along your route.
Most importantly, balance drive time with activity time. Don’t overschedule your days or try to cover too many miles. Build in plenty of time for spontaneous stops, unexpected detours, and simple relaxation. Sometimes the best memories come from the unplanned moments.
What’s the best road trip planner app?
The “best” app really depends on what you’re looking for in your journey. Google Maps excels at direct navigation and real-time traffic updates, making it perfect for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
However, if you want to plan an unforgettable trip and find the coolest stops along the way, Roadtrippers is your go-to tool. This app helps you find Extraordinary Places worth the detour—those quirky roadside attractions, hidden natural wonders, and local gems that transform a simple drive into an adventure.
The ideal approach? Use both apps together. Start with Roadtrippers to map out your route and identify interesting stops that match your family’s interests. Then switch to Google Maps during the actual drive for turn-by-turn directions and traffic updates. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: thoughtful planning and reliable navigation.
What are some must-see roadside attractions in the U.S.?
America’s roadside attractions are legendary, offering those delightful “we have to stop here!” moments that make road trips truly memorable. These quirky stops break up long drives and give kids something to look forward to between destinations.
The Cabazon Dinosaurs in California are massive concrete creatures that make an irresistible photo opportunity, especially for dinosaur-loving kids. Further east, Wall Drug in South Dakota has grown from a tiny pharmacy to a sprawling roadside complex offering free ice water, a giant T-Rex, and endless entertainment.
In Kansas, you’ll find The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City—an ever-growing sphere of sisal twine that’s exactly what it sounds like and uniquely American. Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas features ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in a field, covered in colorful graffiti. Bring spray paint and let your family leave their own artistic mark!
For something truly inspiring, visit Salvation Mountain in Niland, California—a vibrant, colorful art installation in the desert created as a monument to love. And don’t miss the hilarious Uranus Fudge Factory in St. Roberts, Missouri, which offers amazing fudge, candy, and endless laughs for the whole family.
These stops aren’t just about breaking up the drive—they’re about creating those “remember when we…” stories your family will retell for years to come.
Conclusion
The open road is calling your name, and honestly? There’s no better time to answer.
Road trips aren’t just about getting from one place to another—they’re about those in-between moments that become your family’s favorite stories. The impromptu stop at a roadside diner where your kids tried their first milkshake. The sunrise you watched together at a scenic overlook. The silly car sing-alongs that had everyone laughing until their sides hurt.
Road trip ideas are everywhere, from the Pacific Coast Highway to quirky small-town detours you’d never find on a standard itinerary. The beauty is that every journey is completely your own. There’s no “perfect” trip checklist to follow—the perfect trip is simply the one you take together, at your own pace, making memories that matter to your family.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, the journey itself is the destination. Every mile marker, every wrong turn that led to an unexpected findy, every moment spent together in that car—these are the experiences that shape your family’s story.
ModernMom is here to help you write that story, one adventure at a time. We’re cheering you on as you plan, pack, and hit the road.
Ready to start planning your next great adventure? Find more holiday travel destinations and begin making those core memories today. Your family’s next unforgettable journey is just waiting to happen.
