• About Anne
  • Newsletter
  • work
  • podcast

Hip Travel Mama

  • Travel tips
  • Stay
  • Explore
  • family

5 Great U.S. Family Road Trips

Places to go

17 May

best US road trips

We’re big fans of the open road–there’s nothing more nostalgic than loading up the car and gathering the family for a road trip in the Summer sun. There are so many beautiful places to explore by car in the United States, and we’ve put together a few popular road trips to inspire you to plan your own this summer. Have a spot that you and your family head each year? We’d love to hear about it on our Facebook page.

1. California’s Route 1

best US road trips

The Pacific Coast Highway runs along the Northern California coast and is quite the adventurous drive with hairpin turns and mountains plunging into the Pacific Ocean. Dotted along the drive are fun coastal towns like Monterey and Carmel where you can grab lunch and do a bit of shopping! The best resource for planning your route? Trip Advisor, where you can hear from those who’ve made the drive where the must-see locations are.

2. Hana Highway, Hawaii

best US road trips

Hana is a small town connected to Central Maui by the infamous Hana Highway. Running on the Eastern coastline of one of Hawaii’s most serene islands, the route offers stunning island views with a few surprises along the way. Beautiful waterfalls, one lane bridges, and access to the town of Hana make this trip a must-see. Once you reach Hana, you can head to Waianapanapa State Park’s black sand beach for some great snorkeling or visit Hale Piilani, Hawaii’s largest Hawaiian temple, for some interesting history.

3. Florida Keys Oversea Highway

best US road trips

Welcome to one of the most awe-inspiring 113-mile drives in the US, Highway 1 from Key Largo to Key West in Florida. The road, a bridge connecting the Florida Keys, is surrounded on both sides by teal waters and tidal flats. Little towns throughout the drive offer a taste of classic Americana with fun gift shops and burger joints. Once you arrive in Key West, head to some of the best snorkeling in the United States with shallow waters and plentiful wildlife. Don’t forget to grab a slice of Key Lime Pie while you’re there!

4. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

best US road trips

Historic sites, great trails, and beautiful views are abundant along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. 469 miles of road cruise through North Carolina, with exploration into the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Along the route sits the Folk Art Center, home to some of the best traditional and contemporary artwork from the South Appalachians and Craggys Gardens, a floral oasis with rhododendrons lighting up the area in June and July. One of the best resources for this drive? The Blue Ridge Parkway Mobile App that will make sure you don’t miss a single sight on your drive.

5. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

best US road trips

The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado offers 70 miles of breathtaking views and intriguing sights along the way. Scattered ghost towns, rock tunnels, and old mines line the path from Durango to Ouray on a road touted as going across the top of the world. Not for the faint of heart, this path features huge drop offs but the anxiety is well worth the payoff. For more information on how to enjoy this drive, check out how others have made it here.

Where are your favorite road trips? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Images compliments of Trip Advisor, Hawaii Tourism Board, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Fla-Keys.com.

 

Previous Post: « Go Vintage With Road Trip Inspired Style!
Next Post: 5 #WellTraveledFamily Amenities at The Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda Resort »

Primary Sidebar

Hello, I’m Anne. I’m a wife and mom of two, marketing executive, author, avid explorer. In 2009, I launched this blog to inspire families to connect through the shared experience of travel and was one of the first family travel bloggers. Today, I’m on a mission to help mamas and their families create space to do what they love and find adventure in every journey.

 

 

Say yes to smart travel

Let’s Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Disclosure
  • Terms of Use
  • Hip Travel Mama Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Refined Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT