If you’re looking for an adventure that will create unforgettable memories for your family, then pack up your bags and hit the road! The US offers plenty of scenic routes with stunning natural landscapes and attractions that are perfect for the whole family. Here are some family-friendly routes that will undoubtedly make your trip a memorable one.

Pacific Coast Highway, California 🌊🏞️

California’s Pacific Coast Highway is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking routes in the country. This route stretches along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego, offering scenic views of the ocean, beaches 🏖️, and mountains 🏔️. You’ll pass by popular tourist destinations such as Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Monterey. Make sure to stop by some of California’s iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Hearst Castle. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a detour and visit the Big Sur 🌲, which is a rugged and scenic stretch of the coast.

A family standing in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina 🌳🍂

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile route that starts from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park and finishes in North Carolina. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of stunning fall foliage and the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to hike 🥾 and camp along the route, and you can learn about the region’s culture and history at the parkway’s many museums and visitor centers. Don’t forget to stop by Asheville, North Carolina, a vibrant and artsy city with plenty of family-friendly activities.

A family hiking on a trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Route 66, Illinois to California 🍔🍟

Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This historic route presents a glimpse of American history 🇺🇸, and there are plenty of roadside attractions to keep the family entertained, such as the World’s Largest Rocking Chair 🪑, the Cadillac Ranch, and the Wigwam Motel. You’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from the bustling city of Chicago to the open roads of the desert. Make sure to try the classic American burgers 🍔 and fries 🍟 along the way.

A family posing in front of the Cadillac Ranch in Texas

Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana 🚣‍♂️🌟

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River and stretches from Minnesota to Louisiana, offering a view of quaint towns, vineyards 🍇 and incredible natural landmarks. The route is 3,000 miles long and takes you through ten states, so it’s perfect for an extended family road trip. Don’t miss the chance to visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home, explore the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, and attend the annual New Orleans Jazz Festival, one of the most significant music festivals in the country.

A family kayaking on the Mississippi River

The Black Hills, South Dakota 🗿🏜️

The Black Hills is a region in South Dakota that is rich in natural and cultural landmarks. Take a drive through the Needles Highway and experience the narrow tunnels, sharp turns 💫, and incredible rock formations. Mount Rushmore is also located in the Black Hills, where you can marvel at the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln carved into the rock. Make sure to check out the Crazy Horse Memorial, an ongoing carving that aims to be the largest sculpture in the world.

A family standing in front of Mount Rushmore

These family-friendly routes offer a unique and unforgettable adventure, one that you and your loved ones will cherish for a lifetime 🧡. Whether it’s a cross-country trip or a weekend getaway, exploring America’s scenic routes is perfect for making memories that you’ll never forget. So, hop in your car and take the road trip of a lifetime! 🛣️🎉

A family having a picnic with a scenic view of a mountain range