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