The Best Family Road Trip Stops Across the USA
The summer can be a great time for families to take an adventure across the country. Since parents can use a much-needed vacation while the kids are out of school, this season gives families the opportunity to explore the country from coast to coast. If you’re ready to see the sites and experience the best that the US has to offer, then read on to learn more about these great road trip stops along the way.
New York City
New York City is a place you must visit at least once in your life. Stop and see a Broadway show or take in all the lights of Times Square. Climb up to the top of the Statue of Liberty or visit the observation deck of the Empire State Building. If you’re looking for a more laid-back plan, then spend a day walking around Nolita and visit some eclectic shops and restaurants. The city boasts incredible parks with lots of peaceful spots, some of which where you least expect them, such as the newly-minted High Line, a 1.45-mile linear park built on a disused portion of the city’s above-ground rail system. Of course, you should visit the world famous Central Park, but if you are looking for great sites off the beaten path, New York City offers those too. With so many different neighborhoods, New York City, or the Great Melting Pot, definitely, has something for everyone.
Upstate New York
While you’re traveling through the East Coast, take a four-hour drive north of the city and see the stark contrast between upstate and downstate New York. North of New York City is the Catskill Mountain Range. The Catskills offer lots of scenic camping and hiking destinations and is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world. If you’re headed north, the Finger Lakes region is about two hours away. Resulting from millions of years of geological transformation and glacial movement, The Finger Lakes offer breathtaking rolling hills and crystal clear water that make this part of the country an ideal lakeside retreat. Take advantage of the area’s natural beauty with some boating, sailing, fishing, hiking, and more. At the end of the day, adults can even indulge in the Finger Lakes’ famous local wine.
The Adirondacks
Roughly three and a half hours northeast lies the Adirondack Park. This state park is the largest in the United States. At 6 million acres, it’s larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier and Grand Canyon National parks combined! This incredible preserve is dotted with mountains, lodges and incredible opportunities for solitude and unforgettable camping, fishing, boating and rock climbing. Hover here for equipment ideas for your trips.
Texas
If you are looking to change gears and head west in search of some family honky tonk, head to Texas for a real rodeo. In Wichita Falls, you can see the Texas Ranch Roundup. Some of the country’s largest ranches are here so this is sure to bring the most competitive cowboys and cowgirls from all over the state. Head to Dallas in September for the Texas State Fair. Twenty-four days long, this ultimate carnival production boasts 75 concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage, lots of livestock shows, a celebrity chef kitchen and so much more. There are literally thousands of things to do at this incredible state fair.
Arizona
Head west from Texas to Arizona and make some time for the iconic Grand Canyon. The sheer size of the canyon is overwhelming and is perfect for any family to visit together. The state offers lots for outdoor enthusiasts and city-dwellers alike. Arizona offers many spots for fishing, camping, and hiking among its craggy red buttes. Visit the cities of Tempe and Phoenix for the best restaurants and spas. Meanwhile, in Tombstone, a National Historic Landmark, visitors can experience the historic Old West as it was during the height of the gold rush.
Southern California
Continue your journey westward and wind up in SoCal. There are many things to do in San Diego, it offers world-famous zoo and some of the country’s best beaches. Head north to Santa Monica and see the iconic pier and do some celebrity spotting on one of Malibu’s sparkling beaches. Make a stop in Los Angeles and check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and find your favorite star. Take some time to soak up the laid-back vibes of So Cal and enjoy your relaxing vacation.
Driving cross country is one of the best ways to take in everything that our amazing country has to offer. These are just a couple of the most iconic landmarks and some hidden gems too. The US offers tons of entertainment and is one of the best places in the world for family road trips. So, if you’re ready to do some exploring, hit the open road with the whole family and see some of the best places that America has to offer.
