Adventures for the Whole Family

Bella the Explorer
Jan 21, 2023
4 min read

There’s a lot to consider when planning a road trip with all the family, most importantly, though, you need a journey that brings smiles to faces with incredible views and fun stuff to do along the route.

Here are Some of the Best Road Trips Across America to Suit Families, from Nature Lovers to Alien Hunters

Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, New York

Of the 11 spindly stretches of water that make up New York’s Finger Lakes, Cayuga is perhaps the easiest to explore via car. It’s skimmed by an 87-mile (140km) scenic byway that’s designed to be taken at a leisurely pace.

Running from Seneca Falls in the north to Ithaca in the south and looping around the opposite shore, Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is ideal for families seeking a mix of outdoor adventures, pretty scenery and cute villages to explore.

You could do it in a day or even a couple of hours, but that would mean missing out on fun such as exploring the water via boat or kayak, pottering around art studios and quirky shops in Ithaca and lunching at one of the wineries just off the byway. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, home to bald eagles and waterfowl, is a particular highlight, as is the 215-foot (66m) cascade in Taughannock Falls State Park.

George Parks Highway, Alaska

You could drive long stretches of George Parks Highway and barely see another soul or vehicle, which makes it better suited to families with older children. It’s the perfect adventure for outdoorsy types, thanks to its 323 miles (520km) of awe-inspiring wilderness.

It will take a full afternoon at least (including stop-offs) but it's well worth it. Running between the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks, it skirts the eastern edge of Denali National Park, before cutting across a corner of the six-million-acre wilderness.

As the only road that ventures into Denali, the highway provides an accessible way to see its alpine forest and mountain slopes, home to curly-horned Dall sheep, wolves, grizzlies and black bears. Look out for Denali itself – North America’s tallest peak – and hike by rivers and lakes. Allow time to explore Fairbanks and Anchorage, each with an appealing mix of galleries, museums and family-friendly dining. Visit in summer for the midnight sun, or from August to April for a chance to see the sky swirl with the Northern Lights.

Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

Kids (and grown-ups) who love sci-fi will adore travelling along Nevada State Route 375. Running for 98 miles (158km) between Crystal Springs and Tonopah, it can be covered in a couple of hours and is an easy drive from Las Vegas. The fun is in the quirky attractions along the route, officially named Extraterrestrial Highway following numerous reports of alien sightings, and since Area 51 is located just off the road. The still-operational (and top secret) Air Force facility is strictly off-limits, though.

Instead, stop at E.T. Fresh Jerky to stock up on snacks for the road while checking out the alien murals plastered on the building, and be sure to spend some time at the Alien Research Center. You can’t miss it, thanks to the lofty alien statue outside, and it’s a fun spot for souvenir shopping and learning about the otherworldly associations of the route. For an Alien Burger or even an overnight stay, Little A’Le'Inn is a delight.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

This classic cruise along California’s impossibly beautiful coastline is perfect for pretty much anyone, and that includes families – especially those with slightly older kids who might appreciate the scenery. Even toddlers will have fun playing in the sand, splashing in the waves and staring, saucer-eyed, up at some of the world’s tallest trees in forested parks studded with coastal redwoods. The Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1, officially starts in Dana Point in the south and stretches for around 660 miles (1,062km) up to Leggett in Mendocino County, north of San Francisco.

Following the entire route is highly recommended (even if it does take a whole day), because every inch is gorgeous, though of course you can pick a portion if you’re short on time (or the kids are short on patience). Highlights include pretty Santa Barbara, Morro Bay (look out for otters floating on their backs), the – a pink palace of a hotel just outside San Luis Obispo – and Big Sur, home to arguably the route’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Its soaring cliffs and honey-hued beaches should keep everyone quiet, at least for a minute or two.

Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Olympic National Park is a dream destination for nature-loving families and the only thing better than visiting the wilderness is a road trip exploring its diverse landscapes. The Peninsula Loop edges the park for around 300 miles (483km), and you’ll want plenty of time to hike, camp or just gawp at the scenery, from glacier-capped mountains to sandy, often secluded coves.

Part of Highway 101, it could be done in a day, but allow at least a week to take advantage of detours, from hiking trails to rainforest walks (the whole loop around the park is pictured). One of the prettiest pockets is Hoh Rain Forest, whose old-growth trees are cloaked with emerald moss. Adventurous families should set up camp there – it’s like being in a fairy tale.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

With otherworldly landscapes that evoke any number of sci-fi films or perhaps the planet Mars, Scenic Byway 12 crams in much of what Utah is famous for: rust-red rocks, arches, hoodoos and slot canyons. There’s a lot to explore, whether kids are interested in learning about the fascinating geology or just want to skip through wavy rock structures and enjoy incredible places like the fossil-filled Escalante Petrified Forest.

The route unfurls for just under 123 miles (198km) and the surroundings are eye-popping at every turn – this is why it'll take you longer than the standard two hours, 45 minutes. Must-stops include the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where sandstone cliffs soar like rainbows above narrow slot canyons and abandoned movie sets. The finish point is the town of Torrey, near Capitol Reef National Park. Allow extra time to explore the latter, whose red rocks tower above patches of alpine forest.

If young kids are involved. There's all the extra gear you need to somehow fit into the car and make sure there will be enough activities to keep everyone happy.

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