My family of four had the chance to take a road trip through various parts of the United States. Over the years, we have visited several national parks, including the Great smoky mountains and the Grand Canyon. During the pandemic, we undertook a three-week coastal trip from our home in Los Angeles has Oregon. And more recently, my offspring and I have had our fair share of U.S. history along the Northeast Corridor.
Driving countless hours in the car with little ones or teenagers is not easy. But the connection – through moments of laughter and annoyance between siblings – and shared exploration pays off. These trips taught my family that there is so much to learn and enjoy, everywhere.
Ready to embark on an adventure with your loved ones? Here are four to consider.
From Philadelphia to New York to Boston
A road trip through the Northeast is fantastic for families wanting to delve deeper into American history. In Philadelphiavisit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and learn about the life and contributions of Benjamin Franklin as a printer, inventor and statesman.
About 90 miles north you will reach New York Citywhich you can admire from the top of the Empire State Building and stimulate your children's imagination in numerous parks, gardens and museums. (THE Manhattan Children's Museum and the American Museum of Natural History are remarkable.) Central Park is great for letting off steam, and don't skip the Statue of Liberty on its own island; it's just a quick ferry ride from downtown Manhattan. (Getting there is half the fun!) Of course, there's always something new to discover.
Further up the East Coast, visit BostonIt is 4 km long Freedom Trail (join a walking tour with a costumed colonial-era guide through the Freedom Trail Foundation); THE Boston Tea Party Ships and Museumwhere kids can throw tea overboard into the harbor (and bring it back); and near the battle sites of Lexington and Concord, where the first skirmishes of the Revolutionary War took place.
Where to stay
In BostonTHE Newbury is directly across from the Public Garden and Boston Common, where you'll find duckling statues, swan boat rides, and a playground. In Lexington, about 15 miles northeast of Boston, the Hostel in Hastings Park offers younger guests souvenir tricorn hats resembling those worn by the Minutemen.
In New YorkGood options include the NH Collection Madison Avenue, with spacious family-friendly accommodations and a central location. The 195 rooms 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge features a stunning rooftop pool and spectacular views of the New York skyline: a perfect respite on a hot day.
Make sure the family wakes up early in Yellowstone to enjoy the best bison viewing.
Courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent
Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks
No doubt on every family's wish list, Yellow stone And Grand Teton National parks are renowned for their geothermal features, wildlife sightings and spectacular scenery.
Yellow stone covers as much land as the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined, so it takes several days to explore. In the northeast corner of the park, Lamar Valley is where families can find wolves, elk, pronghorn, and bison roaming early in the morning. (Yellowstone forevera non-profit educational organization partnering with the park, hosts fabulous wildlife tours with guides who bring spotting scopes and binoculars.)
Spend another day visiting Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts every 90 to 100 minutes, and walking the boardwalk around Grand Prismatic Spring, known for its vibrant hues. In Grand Tetons, organize a rafting trip along the Snake River through Expeditions on the Lewis and Clark Riversa highlight of my own week-long family trip through the parks.
Where to stay
Under canvas West Yellowstonea 10-minute drive from the park's west entrance, offers a glamping experience for the whole family (without having to pitch a tent).
California coast
- Recommended time: 3 to 7 days
CaliforniaThe spectacular, rugged headlands and endless ocean views are the stuff of road trip dreams. In Mendocino and Humboldt counties, stroll among ancient groves redwoodsamazed by their size and age. Along California's central coast are attractive beach towns, such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey (first-timers shouldn't miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium), Cambria, Pismo Beach, and Cayucos (which home to the Brown Butter Cookie Company).
Further south is Santa Barbara, often called the American Riviera due to its Mediterranean climate; Santa Monica with its iconic pier; and laid-back San Diego. For families with younger children, San Diego's beach access and proximity to kid-approved attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and Disneyland make it an especially popular year-round destination.
Where to stay
Stop overnight at Fort Bragg in Mendocino County. Base yourself at Inn in Newport Ranch, and be sure to take a buggy ride through the ranch's private forest preserve.
In Santa Barbara, El Encanto is a sprawling 92-bungalow oasis among the hills. And in northern San Diego, at 226 rooms Seabird Complexkids can take surfing lessons, swim in a beachfront pool, and wander to nearby stores for lemonade and pastries. (Parents will also love the art-filled lobby and craft beers on tap.)
Shops, restaurants, and scenic views make Pike Place Market fun for the whole family.
Courtesy of Howard Frisk/Visit Seattle
Island Hopping: From Seattle to the San Juan Islands
Whether your family is artistic, foodie, or outdoorsy, Seattle is home to several attractions: the dazzling Chihuly Garden and Glass art museum; Pike Place Market (a farmers' and artisans' market dating from 1907); and near snow-capped Mount Rainier.
After a few days exploring the Emerald City, take your car on a ferry to a largely unknown region. San Juan Islandsan archipelago in the Salish Sea, off the northwest coast of Washington state. Families will enjoy the slow pace, a welcome change from their usually hectic lives. On San Juan Island, watch whales at the 42-acre Lime Kiln Point State Park and stroll through the downtown area lined with cafes and bookstores. Take to the water and look for orcas, bald eagles and harbor seals on a 4-hour wildlife viewing tour with Maya's Legacy.
On horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island, hike among ancient evergreen trees and enjoy panoramic views of Moran State Park.
Where to stay
On Orcas Island, stay at Pebble Cove Farmwhich is an inn that also serves as an animal sanctuary. Children will enjoy the adopted goats and chickens that roam the grounds.
Tips for taking a family road trip
When our children were very young, a trick tote bag– from which we distributed dollar store stickers, dry erase boards, Play-Doh, and flip books – has served us well. From there we moved on to word searches, Sudokus and podcasts such as Wow in the world, Smash Boom Best, And Grecage.
A supply of single-serve chips, trail mix and popcorn; fruits like apples and bananas; water; and wipes are always good to have in abundance. Wear shoes that are easy to put on and take off. Encourage stretching during stops. (Also be sure to keep an updated first aid kit in the trunk.)
