10 Scenic Road Trips Perfect for Intergenerational Travel

Many people think of road trips as being for young people taking adventures before they settle down or couples letting their hair down once the kids have grown up. But, road trips can offer a unique opportunity for families to connect, especially ones spanning multiple generations. From historic landmarks to natural wonders, we take a look at ten scenic routes that provide a mix of adventure and relaxation for families:

Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of America’s most iconic road trips, winding along California’s stunning coastline from San Francisco to San Diego. This 600-mile drive offers endless opportunities to stop and explore, including he historic Monterey Bay Aquarium and  Hearst Castle, an architectural marvel featuring opulent design and fascinating history. Make sure you drive through Big Sur, where the dramatic cliffs and ocean views are breathtaking, and stop at the famous Bixby Creek Bridge for photos. Children will also love a break in Santa Barbara, known as the “American Riviera,” for its charming downtown and beaches.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, offering panoramic views, lush forests and colorful fall foliage. Be sure to stop at the Linville Falls for a family-friendly hike to breathtaking waterfalls and visit the Blue Ridge Music Center, to experience live mountain music. Your family will also love spending time at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike gentle trails and enjoy the natural beauty from the scenic landscape. 

Great River Road, Mississippi River

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River through 10 states, offering 3,000 miles of scenic byways that highlight America’s cultural and natural diversity. Your journey should start in Hannibal, Missouri, Mark Twain’s hometown, where you can visit his boyhood home and learn about his literary legacy. You should stop in Memphis, Tennessee, to explore Beale Street’s musical heritage and visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. Natchez, Mississippi, known for its antebellum homes and rich Southern history, is also a highlight of this road trip.

Route 66, Illinois to California

Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 offers a nostalgic journey through America’s heartland, filled with quirky roadside attractions, historic landmarks and local charm. You can marvel at the iconic Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, where kids can spray-paint graffiti on the classic cars buried nose-first in the ground. The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, with its colorful petrified wood and scenic desert views is also a must-see as is the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook for a fun photo op and a taste of retro roadside Americana.

The Overseas Highway, Florida Keys

This 113-mile stretch connects the Florida mainland to Key West via a series of bridges over stunning turquoise waters, making it one of the most scenic drives in the world. Stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat tour to see the vibrant underwater life. You can end your journey in Key West, where you can tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum or enjoy a family-friendly sunset celebration at Mallory Square.

Utah’s Mighty 5 Road Trip

Utah is home to five incredible national parks, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands, making it a bucket-list destination for nature lovers. There’s family-friendly Take hikes to enjoy at Emerald Pools in Zion National Park kids can learn about the unique geology through ranger programs at Bryce Canyon. The Delicate Arch in Arches National Park is a must-see natural wonder that’s accessible via a short hike.

The Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee

This 444-mile route winds through centuries of history, offering a peaceful and educational drive through the Deep South. Visit the Mount Locust Inn, one of the oldest surviving structures along the Trace, and learn about life in the early 1800s. Make sure you stop at the Emerald Mound, a prehistoric Native American ceremonial site and take a break in Franklin, Tennessee, a charming town with Civil War history and family-friendly attractions.

Lake Superior Circle Tour, Great Lakes Region

Encircling Lake Superior, this 1,300-mile route passes through Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario, offering stunning natural beauty and charming small towns. Road tripped usually head to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, where you can take a boat tour to see colorful cliffs and waterfalls. ExploringThunder Bay, Ontario, for its cultural attractions and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking and stopping at Split Rock Lighthouse in Minnesota, a historic site with panoramic lake views, are also popular attractions. 

The Black Hills and Badlands, South Dakota

This route is packed with iconic landmarks, stunning natural features and family-friendly attractions. Mount Rushmore is on a bucket-list destination for families and a drive through Badlands National Park, where dramatic rock formations and wildlife are abound, will delight the adults and children. Another must-visit attraction is the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, where kids can see ancient fossils and learn about prehistoric creatures.

Cascade Loop, Washington

This 400-mile loop showcases Washington’s diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to lush valleys and charming towns. Stroll through the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth, complete with unique shops and family-friendly festivals. You can also take a scenic drive through North Cascades National Park, known as the “American Alps.”

This story is part of our Hidden Trails series. Explore more nature-forward escapes here.