The Pacific Coast Highway, CaliforniaFew roads capture the imagination quite like California’s Highway 1. For families, the stretch from Monterey to Big Sur offers an unforgettable mix of dramatic cliffs, roaring ocean waves, and towering redwood forests. Kids will love stopping at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to spot sea otters playing in the kelp, while the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge provides a picture-perfect backdrop for a family photo. Accessible beaches along the way offer the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and hunt for polished sea glass.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, MontanaCutting through the heart of Glacier National Park, this 50-mile engineering marvel delivers some of the most breathtaking alpine views in North America. The drive takes families past glacial lakes, cedar forests, and sheer mountain walls draped in summer waterfalls. Stopping at Logan Pass allows everyone to walk along the wooden boardwalks, where wild mountain goats and bighorn sheep frequently graze near the trail. It is an immersive wilderness experience right from the comfort of the family vehicle.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North CarolinaKnown as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this winding ribbon of asphalt connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. The slow pace, dictated by a relaxing 45-mile-per-hour speed limit, makes it ideal for a leisurely family road trip. Summer brings lush green canopies and vibrant rhododendron blooms to the ridges. Endless overlooks provide safe spaces to pull over, enjoy a scenic picnic, and look out over the hazy blue ridges stretching into the horizon.
Seward Highway, AlaskaConnecting Anchorage to Seward, this highway showcases the dramatic, untamed beauty of the Last Frontier. The road hugs the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, where families can watch for dramatic tidal bores and spot white beluga whales swimming offshore. As the road climbs into the Kenai Mountains, the landscape shifts to reveal massive blue glaciers and pristine alpine lakes. It is a premier route for introducing children to the wonders of subarctic wilderness and wildlife.
The Kancamagus Highway, New HampshireCut through the White Mountain National Forest, “The Kanc” is a classic New England escape that shines brightly in the summer. This 34-mile scenic byway follows the rushing Swift River, offering numerous opportunities to pull over and explore. Families can explore historical covered bridges, hike short paths to cascading waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls, or cool off in natural swimming holes. The dense forest canopy keeps the route refreshingly cool even during the peak of July heat.
Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway, OregonAs the nation’s first planned scenic roadway, this historic highway was designed specifically to highlight the natural grandeur of the Pacific Northwest. Operating high above the Columbia River, the road winds through emerald forests and passes an astonishing concentration of high-dropping waterfalls. Multnomah Falls is the undisputed crown jewel, featuring a paved trail and a stone bridge that gets viewers close enough to feel the cool mist. The nearby fish hatcheries and locks offer excellent educational side trips for curious young minds.
The Million Dollar Highway, ColoradoPart of the San Juan Skyway, this high-altitude route between Silverton and Ouray delivers spine-tingling views of Colorado’s rugged peaks. While the lack of guardrails requires careful driving, the reward is an unparalleled look at old mining towns, alpine meadows carpeted in summer wildflowers, and cascading mountain creeks. Families can break up the drive by exploring authentic gold ghost towns or soaking in the family-friendly natural hot springs located in Ouray.
Acadia’s Park Loop Road, MaineFor a coastal drive that is short but packed with action, this 27-mile loop on Mount Desert Island is unmatched. The road guides families through the best of Acadia National Park, combining rocky Atlantic shorelines with deep pine forests. Major highlights include Thunder Hole, where crashing waves create a booming roar, and Sand Beach, a rare sandy inlet perfect for building castles. The drive culminates with a road leading up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sweeping ocean views.
The Black Hills Central Heritage Byway, South DakotaThis Midwestern route carries families through a landscape shaped by indigenous history, pioneer legends, and wildlife. Driving through Custer State Park often brings vehicles face-to-face with the historic free-roaming bison herds that frequently block the roadways. The route seamlessly connects major American icons like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Granite spires, hidden tunnels, and pine-scented air make every mile of this drive feel like an old-fashioned western adventure.
Olympic Peninsula Loop, WashingtonEncircling Olympic National Park, this expansive loop highway introduces families to incredibly diverse ecosystems within a single drive. The route transitions from the rugged, driftwood-strewn Pacific beaches of Ruby Beach to the moss-draped canopy of the Hoh Rain Forest. Kids can marvel at some of the largest trees in the world before the road climbs up to Hurricane Ridge, where panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and subalpine meadows await.
Route 100, VermontWinding through the center of the Green Mountain State, Route 100 offers a picture-perfect look at classic rural Americana. The summer months transform the ski hills into vibrant green playgrounds filled with farm stands, artisan cheese shops, and swimming holes. Families can take a break from driving to tour the famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory in Waterbury or explore the charming general stores that anchor the historic villages along the way.
Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode IslandThis short, ten-mile coastal drive packs immense historical grandeur and coastal beauty into a brief afternoon excursion. The road winds past the legendary Gilded Age mansions of Newport on one side and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic on the other. Brenton Point State Park sits at the halfway mark, offering vast open lawns where families can fly kites in the steady ocean breeze, explore tide pools, and watch majestic sailboats glide across the bay.
Summer road trips provide an ideal canvas for creating lasting family memories, blending the ease of travel with the thrill of discovery. From the rocky shores of New England to the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains, these scenic drives offer something for every age group. Navigating these historic routes allows families to disconnect from daily screens and reconnect with the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant wildlife that define the continent.
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