Planning a road trip for the whole family can feel overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be because travel trends and information are literally at our fingertips. You just need to know how to access that info. And that’s what I’m here for, to share some great summer road trip ideas so that you can have them a la mano.
FYI, I got this info from data collected by Airbnb. It’s perfect because they have experienced an increase of about 32% in searches for trips “within 300 miles of guest origin” for this year’s 4th of July weekend. I’m not a genius or anything, but to me that means that a lot of people are searching for places close enough to drive to.
What’s great about this info is that you can use it to spark ideas for where you would like to go with your familia and what you would like to do regardless of what area of the U.S. you are planning to travel in.
Northwest road trip ideas and experiences:
Visit the murals San Francisco!
This beautiful city by the bay has so very much to offer. It’s the city I call home, so I know what I’m talking about. When visiting, people focus on seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, and Lombard Street, but don’t sleep on our fabulous murals. You can explore the murals on your own or even book a guided tour of the murals by a local muralist and art educator. It’s a great experience for the entire family.
Go sailing in Seattle, Washington!
When in Seattle, fun family activities you can enjoy include visiting the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. You can also take to the water via a guided tour of Puget Sound. The views are stunning, your feet can take a rest, and you can make a game out of looking for wildlife.
Southwest road trip ideas and experiences:
Visit a farmers market in Santa Monica, California.
Santa Monica is famous for its beautiful climate and lovely beaches. Another thing you might want to take advantage of while there is a local farmers market. Tour it on your own to grab some tasty treats before heading to the beach or book a guided tour with a chef who might actually get your kids to try some new veggies.
Go for a family hike in Phoenix, Arizona at Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Antelope Canyon is the most visited slot canyon in the Southwest and is known for its stunning Navajo sandstone swirling walls. At Horseshoe Bend, you can take an easy hike to an overlook that gives you a breathtaking view of a horse-shaped entrenched meander on the Colorado River.
Northeast road trip ideas and experiences:
Go for a bike ride along the coast in South Portland, Maine.
Hop on a classic cruiser and ride along a scenic coastal path. If you take a guided tour, you can stop at the lighthouses to take pictures, learn about the history of the place, and hear stories and get tips from locals.
Go kayaking in Newbury, Vermont.
The population in Newbury, Vermont was 2,293 according to the 2020 Census. That’s not a lot, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do and see there. One of the things you can do there is go kayaking and soak in the serenity of the area while spotting wildlife as you glide across the water.
Southeast road trip ideas and experiences:
Spray paint with a local artist at Wynwood Walls in Miami, Florida.
I don’t know about you, but spray painting as a family sounds like a great memory-making activity to me. I don’t recommend you do this just anywhere, though as there can be legal consequences. But if you can get the family to Miami, you could tour the city’s local art scene and even create your own graffiti at the famous Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum of murals, under the tutelage of a master.
Explore history in Hillsboro, Virginia.
Hillsboro, Virginia is one of the “best-preserved 18th/19th-century rural villages in Virginia” and is only minutes away from the Appalachian Trail. There is so much to see and explore. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Midwest road trip ideas and experiences
Get artsy in Chicago, Illinois.
While you are in Chicago, you can do the regular touristy stuff like visiting The Bean, Navy Pier, Chicago Riverwalk, and such. You can also book a street art session and learn lettering, stencils, and cap techniques to create with spray paint.
Get the kids tired, then go bourbon tasting without them in Deadwood, South Dakota.
There are plenty of ways to get your kids tired while visiting the historic town of Deadwood. You can take a ride on the 1880 train through the Black Hills, visit the Adams Museum, and tour the Broken Book Gold Mine as a family. For an adults-only activity, West River Bourbon Co. offers a local bourbon tasting experience.
