One of my very favorite things to do with my kids is take a great road trip! Turn the music up, binge on gas station food and sleep in places you’ve never been. It’s so adventurous and makes the best memories. But what are the most popular road trips for families?
Planning a cross-country road trip route with your family is an amazing experience. A great way to do this would be to use a GPS route planner to see what other parts of the country may offer up some interesting finds. The world is such a vast place with open fields, mountains, and prairie to explore that you should never limit you and your family’s experiences to just one geographic location. Instead, open your minds and hearts to want to explore the beauty of the Earth.
Sometimes, the best plans are the ones that just “happen” and if you are looking for a road trip that you and your family can take and see as many states as possible, here are some suggestions for the best cross-country road trip routes to consider!
Our 3 Favorite Popular Road Trips for Families
Route 66
As the saying goes, “get your kicks on Route 66!”
One of the most famous and well-known road trip routes happens to run right through the heart of the US.
From Chicago to LA, you’ll find Route 66 that will lead you and your family on an adventure of a lifetime. You have the option to start at either location and finish at the other, or hop in and join from somewhere in the middle.
Our family started in Joplin, MO and ended at the Santa Monica Pier.
With over 2,000 miles of Route 66 road, there’s something to do and see for everyone.
Often referred to as the “Main Steet of America”, Route 66 will take you through town after town to see and explore. Have you ever wanted to see the World’s Largest Rocking Chair? Just outside Cuba, MO, located on Route 66, you and your family will have your chance. In fact, there are literally hundreds of other roadside sights that are an absolute must as well. And most of them are totally free!
Overseas Highway
If you and your family are drawn to the water, no road trip route would be complete without driving along the Overseas Highway in Florida. Doing the whole route will take about 4 hours, but will provide a lifetime of memories for you and your family.
One of the coolest aspects of this road trip route? Driving over the 7-mile bridge. That’s a long time to be over the beautiful water, and your kids will love to look out and see if they’re able to see any animals during that time. This scenic route is an amazing way to travel and take in the sights!
Blue Ridge Parkway
Don’t miss out on this scenic route! If possible, plan this during the Fall months so that you and your family can see the beauty of the leaves changing to gold, red and orange.
The roadway is actually a connection point between the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so you can be certain that the views are stellar. Pack along a tent or two and make it an outdoor camping adventure for the entire family! You never know what adventure awaits you if you don’t make the plans to make it happen!
Making the time to take one of these popular road trips for families is something you’ll NEVER forget! The laughs, fights, sights and hours spend connecting with your kids are worth it all.
Whatever you decide to do, just remember to slow down and enjoy the ride. There’s so much beauty out there to discover that if you’re going to fast, you’ll pass it all by!
