top 10 road trip routes for families
Exploring the great outdoors with family can be an enriching experience, and some road trip routes offer exceptional opportunities for bonding and adventure. Among the top ten family-friendly road trip routes are the Pacific Coast Highway, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Route 66, each offering unique landscapes and attractions. These routes provide ample opportunities for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and memorable stops along the way.
The Pacific Coast Highway in California offers stunning coastal views and attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. The Blue Ridge Parkway, winding through Virginia and North Carolina, is renowned for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and historic sites like the Blue Ridge Music Center. Route 66, stretching from Illinois to California, is a legendary route filled with quirky roadside attractions, diners, and historical landmarks. Other notable routes include the Great River Road along the Mississippi River, the Florida Keys Overseas Highway with its tropical scenery, and the Natchez Trace Parkway, rich in American history. For families seeking adventure in national parks, the Grand Circle Tour in the Southwest, featuring the Grand Canyon and Zion, or the Yellowstone and Grand Teton loop are ideal. The Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington offers lush rainforests and coastal vistas, while the Lake Michigan Circle Tour provides charming small towns and beaches. Each of these routes promises a unique and memorable family road trip experience.
- DisneyView All
Disney - Magic, family entertainment, storytelling, animation, theme parks, iconic.
- National GeographicView All
National Geographic - Educational media promoting science, exploration, and conservation.
- Lonely PlanetView All
Lonely Planet - Leading travel guide publisher and resource for explorers.
- TripAdvisorView All
TripAdvisor - Global travel guide, reviews, and booking platform.
- HertzView All
Hertz - Global car rental service for travel and business needs.
- AirbnbView All
Airbnb - Global marketplace for short-term lodging and unique experiences.
- FordView All
Ford - Iconic American automaker known for innovation and durability.
- KOA (Kampgrounds of America)View All
KOA (Kampgrounds of America) - Nationwide network of family-friendly campgrounds and RV parks.
- GoProView All
GoPro - Action cameras for adventurous and extreme sports enthusiasts.
- REIView All
REI - Outdoor gear retailer promoting adventure and sustainability.
top 10 road trip routes for families
1.
Disney
Pros
High-quality animations
Strong brand recognition
Family-friendly content
Iconic characters
Expansive merchandise.
Cons
Expensive
Over-commercialization
Limited diversity
Monopolistic tendencies
Repetitive themes.
2.
National Geographic
Pros
High-quality content
Educational value
Stunning visuals
Diverse topics
Strong reputation
Cons
Subscription cost
Limited access without subscription
Potential bias
Less interactive
Print media decline
3.
Lonely Planet
Pros
Extensive travel guides
diverse destination coverage
trusted by travelers
practical tips
cultural insights.
Cons
Can be bulky
occasionally outdated information
sometimes generic
expensive for some
limited digital interactivity.
4.
TripAdvisor
Pros
User-generated reviews
large travel community
detailed destination info
diverse booking options
mobile-friendly app.
Cons
Potential fake reviews
interface ads
occasional outdated info
biased rankings
limited customer service.
5.
Hertz
Pros
Wide vehicle selection
excellent customer service
numerous locations
loyalty rewards program
reliable vehicles.
Cons
Higher prices
additional fees
long wait times at some locations
occasional vehicle availability issues
strict rental policies.
6.
Airbnb
Pros
Affordable options
Unique accommodations
Local experiences
Flexible booking
Wide range of locations
Cons
Variable quality
Hidden fees
Security concerns
Impact on local housing markets
Inconsistent customer service
7.
Ford
Pros
Reliable vehicles
wide range of models
strong performance
good resale value
extensive dealer network
Cons
Average fuel efficiency
higher maintenance costs
occasional recalls
mixed interior quality
limited advanced tech features
8.
KOA (Kampgrounds of America)
Pros
Variety of locations
Family-friendly amenities
Consistent standards
Pet-friendly
Organized activities
Cons
Can be crowded
Higher prices
Limited wilderness experience
Strict rules
Noise levels
9.
GoPro
Pros
High-quality video
durable design
wide range of accessories
waterproof
versatile mounting options.
Cons
Expensive
short battery life
complex editing software
small screen
limited zoom capability.
10.
REI
Pros
Quality gear
Excellent customer service
Generous return policy
Member dividends
Eco-friendly initiatives
Cons
Higher prices
Limited store locations
Membership fee
Seasonal sales only
Limited brand variety