The 12 best road trips to take with your family this summer
Editor's Note
The great American road trip is a tried-and-true family tradition.
Driving the country's scenic highways and stopping to explore anything that catches your eye — perhaps a stunning viewpoint, a side-of-the-road lobster shack or a historical marker — is a wonderful way to explore the United States with your family this summer.
It's also a great way to save money while exploring, whether you redeem points, rent an RV or find affordable hotels, motels or camping sites along the way. Depending on the popularity of your destination in high season, consider booking your first few hotels in advance. But then, allow yourself to be more impulsive. For example, scoring an affordable last-minute hotel in Hilton Head in the summer may be hard, but playing it loose in Missouri should be fine.
Of course, road-tripping with kids brings a few challenges, including keeping them entertained and dealing with possible car sickness.
Try using one of the fun, kid-friendly voices for the Waze app to give directions to keep everyone laughing. Consider bringing iPads that can attach to the back of headrests and make a list of car games to play. Old-school favorites such as I Spy, 20 Questions and license plate-spotting are as good as ever. Be sure to pack snacks your kids like and plenty of water, not to mention extra clothing, plastic bags, paper towels or wipes ... just in case anyone has a bout of motion sickness.
Packing a good credit card for gas fill-ups is also smart. Check out TPG's guide to the best cards for gas purchases. The GasBuddy app can help you locate the stations near you with the cheapest prices.
Now that the logistics are out of the way, here are 12 classic summer road trips in the U.S.
Appalachia to Nashville
Explore Appalachia with a big finish in Nashville on this route through West Virginia and Kentucky. Start in West Virginia's capital, Charleston, which is at the convergence of three major state highways. You can fly into West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW).
Day One: Charleston
Visit West Virginia's picturesque Capitol building, which has a gold leaf-covered dome that's 5 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol's; the West Virginia State Museum, where you can learn about Appalachian history and culture; and the Avampato Discovery Museum, an interactive science museum for all ages.
Stroll down tree-lined Capitol Street and stop into one of several restaurants, or go to acclaimed Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill for barbecue.
All the major hotel chains are here in Charleston. Use your Marriott Bonvoy points at the Charleston Marriott Town Center (rates start at $124 or 15,500 points per night) or Four Points by Sheraton Charleston (rates start at $114 or 15,500 points per night), or redeem Hilton Honors points at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston (rates start at $131 or 36,000 points per night).
Day Two: Lexington to Louisville
From Charleston, drive three hours to Kentucky's horse-culture capital of Lexington. Visit the famous Keeneland Racecourse and tour the Kentucky Horse Park, then go to the revitalized Distillery District for pizza, ice cream, beer, live music and bourbon.
From there, it's a 1 1/2-hour drive to Louisville — stop at the Claudia Sanders Dinner House (yes, that Sanders ... Claudia was the Colonel's wife) for a classic Southern family-style meal.
Louisville is full of family-friendly attractions, including the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the Kentucky Science Center, and kids will love cruising the Ohio River on the oldest steamboat, the Belle of Louisville.
Stay at the original 21c Museum Hotel, part of the Accor Live Limitless rewards program (rooms start at $212 per night). It has an attached contemporary art museum and is also home to the acclaimed Proof on Main restaurant. The Beaux Arts-style The Seelbach Hilton Louisville (rates start at $133 or 36,000 Hilton Honors points per night) dates to 1869 and has classically appointed rooms and lavish public spaces, including the opulent lobby featuring Renaissance-inspired carvings made of mahogany and bronze and a vaulted dome made of 800 glass panels.
Day Three: Nashville
Finally, drive three hours south to Nashville for a big finish in Music City, where you can stay at Hotel Fraye, part of Hilton's independent Curio Collection (rates start at $190 or 57,000 Hilton Honors points per night). Nashville also has a location of Hilton's new Tempo lifestyle brand, which opened in February (rates start at $169 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night). Both hotels are downtown, home to the famous Ryman Auditorium, many restaurants and Broadway's honky-tonk bars.
Guests can taste the city's eclectic style while visiting attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Radnor Lake State Park, Nashville Zoo and the Grand Ole Opry. Kids and adults will enjoy the new tech-infused minigolf kingdom at Puttshack. The new Nashville Yards, which is opening in stages, will have everything from a music venue to a cinema to 350,000 square feet of retail and food and beverage space.
Remember to get some made-in-Nashville chocolatey treats at the Goo Goo Clusters Shop before flying out of Nashville International Airport (BNA).
Lake Michigan highlights
Hug the lake on this drive that starts in Milwaukee, heads south to Chicago and then back up through Michigan, ending in Traverse City.
Day One: Milwaukee
Fly into Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and explore the city's Lynden Sculpture Garden, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum and the hands-on Discovery World Science and Technology Center. Grab a frozen custard at the famous Kopp's. Kids are sure to love the spy-themed burger joint SafeHouse.
Hyatt loyalists can use points or their free night certificates to stay at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee (rates start at $115 or 6,500 World of Hyatt points per night). Or redeem Marriott points at the Milwaukee Marriott Downtown (rates start at $159 or 34,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night).
Day Two: Chicago
Head south out of town, and in about two hours, you'll arrive in Chicago, with its world-class, family-friendly attractions like Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Park Zoo and Millennium Park, to name a few. If you decide to spend the night, there are many hotel options, but we like the Pendry Chicago (rates start at $242 per night) and Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago (rates start at $160 or 38,000 IHG One Rewards points per night) for families.
Day Three: Indiana Dunes National Park to Traverse City
From Chicago, curve around the lake shore, stopping at the recently established Indiana Dunes National Park for some lake time before driving up to charming Holland, Michigan. This Dutch-founded town on the shores of Lake Macatawa is home to a centuries-old windmill, a tulip festival and Dutch-inspired food like the classic pastries from deBoer Bakkerij & Dutch Brothers Restaurant.
The beautiful lakeshore includes Holland State Park, Laketown Beach, Tunnel Park and an adorable red lighthouse.
Traverse City is 168 miles north, and there are numerous small towns and the Huron-Manistee National Forests to explore along the way.
Once in Traverse City, you can enjoy some well-earned beach time. If you visit in late June or early July, make sure to attend the annual National Cherry Festival.
For real family fun, stay at Great Wolf Lodge and enjoy its indoor water park, or redeem IHG One Rewards points at Hotel Indigo Traverse City (rates start at $144 or 26,000 IHG One Rewards points per night).
Fly out of Cherry Capital Airport (TVC).
Big Bend National Park in Texas
This 150-mile-long national park along the Texas and Mexico border makes for a gorgeous, adventure-filled road trip.
Day One: El Paso to Marathon
Fly in and out of El Paso International Airport (ELP) and then drive about 300 miles southeast to enter the remote park, with a stop for lunch at the Sentinel or Convenience West for barbecue in the artsy enclave of Marfa along the way. Park at the town of Marathon, where you can stay at the historic Gage Hotel (rates start at $229 per night) and eat at Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue.
Days Two and Three: Big Bend National Park
Once inside the 800,000-acre park, the epic drive is dotted with picturesque attractions at every turn. Much of the park is the Chihuahuan Desert, hugging the Rio Grande and comprising the stunning Chisos mountain range. Highlights include traveling the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, discovering the Terlingua Ghost Town, walking the Santa Elena nature trail, zip lining at Lajitas and exploring Boquillas Canyon.
Best of all, there are plenty of kid-friendly hiking trails and boat rides up the Rio Grande.
If you want to avoid camping, the family-owned Big Bend Holiday Hotel has vintage rooms and charming, beautifully appointed casitas in the area (rates start at $97 per night). For more family-oriented amenities (including a golf course and swimming pool), stay at the sprawling Lajitas Golf Resort (rates start at $224 per night).
Related: A beginners guide to visiting Big Bend National Park: Everything you need to know, see and do
Central California coast
California's epic coastline is ripe for adventure. Kids will enjoy exploring the central part of California the best: tons of animals, history and, of course, crashing waves. You can fly in and out of Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield (BFL) or San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SLO).
Day One: Pismo Beach
First, drive to Pismo Beach. If you're there between October and February, when monarchs migrate through the area, check out the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Then, walk the Pismo Pier and rent a multiperson surrey to pedal down the boardwalk. Eat at Splash Cafe and sample the baked goods at Old West Cinnamon Rolls.
Spend the night with your Hilton Honors points at the Hilton Garden Inn San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach (rates start at $128 or 34,000 Hilton Honors points per night) or try the lovely and affordable SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel (rates start at $189 per night).
Day Two: Morro Bay to San Simeon
From there, get on the Pacific Coast Highway and drive 30 minutes north along the coast to Morro Bay, where you can see the striking Morro Rock, the last of the Seven Sisters — a chain of ancient volcanoes between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Try to catch it at sunset.
Then, drive up to Cambria for a bit of farm love. Cuddle some goats, see cows getting milked and eat some cheese at Stepladder Ranch and Creamery. Ride on a Clydesdale horse at Covell Ranch, explore the beautiful Moonstone Beach and grab a bite to eat at Robin's.
Keep heading north to San Simeon, where you can't miss the barking seals at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, just off the highway. Then head inland to visit the famous Hearst Castle and its 127 acres of gardens, pools and paths. If you're lucky, you may spot some zebras (yes, really!) on the tram ride up to the castle.
Use 16,000 Choice Privileges points (or $78 per night) to stay at the budget-friendly Quality Inn Near Hearst Castle, or for a more luxurious option, try the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort (rates start at $169 per night).
Related: Real-world family travel tips that actually work
Dramatic coastal Maine
The eastern coast of Maine is full of rocky cliffs, swirling waves and quaint lobster shacks, making it ideal for a drive up the winding roads that overlook the Atlantic.
Day One: Portland
Start in Portland, a fun and walkable city with a great food scene. If you need to, fly in and out of Portland International Jetport (PWM) or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), a two-hour drive south of Portland. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in Manchester, New Hampshire, is also a good Southwest Airlines destination.
Explore the city's Old Port district, where you can stop and buy the kids some fudge while you peruse pottery and jewelry. Then head to the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine and climb the Portland Observatory for sweeping harbor views.
Portland also has a great food scene. Some family-friendly spots include Two Fat Cats Bakery, Duckfat, Salvage BBQ and the newish Neapolitan pizza spot Quanto Basto.
Use your Marriott Bonvoy points to spend the night at the Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront (rates start at $125 or 41,000 points per night), which has an indoor pool. Or you can choose the historic-hip Press Hotel (rates start at $195 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), which is part of the Autograph Collection.
Day Two: Rockland to Bar Harbor
Continue north through Freeport and stop at the L.L. Bean Outlet before heading to Rockland. Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum and check out the Maine Lighthouse Museum and the Coastal Children's Museum.
Stop for hot dogs at Wasses or buy picnic supplies at the local co-op, the Good Tern, and take them to Birch Point State Park. Rockland also hosts the Maine Lobster Festival (July 31-Aug. 4) every summer.
From Rockland, drive north to Bar Harbor and the adjacent Acadia National Park for a few days of hiking and biking, sailing and kayaking, swimming in Echo Lake and the best popovers in the state at the famous Jordan Pond House. Try the Travelin' Lobster, which opened a new outpost on Main Street for your local lobster fix.
Use your Hilton Honors points at the seasonal Hampton Inn Bar Harbor (open from May to October; rates start at $281 or 87,000 points per night). This hotel has panoramic ocean and mountain views and two pools.
Nature-based fun in Florida
Florida is much more than theme parks, even if you're looking for family-friendly activities. And if you want to revel in nature, Florida has it covered. This 118-mile route dives into some of the state's best natural attractions, from Tampa to Fort Myers. Plus, you'll find some of the state's finest sugar-sand beaches along the Gulf Coast. For this trip, fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) and out of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).
Day One: Tampa to Sarasota
Take Highway 60 west from Tampa to Clearwater Beach, then head south to Pass-a-Grille. The island road curves along a 20-mile-long strand of alluring beaches and restaurants where you can order grouper fresh from the Gulf.
As you head east, back toward the mainland, follow signs for Fort De Soto Park, where there are 1,136 acres of beaches, mangroves, bike trails and remnants of a Spanish-American War fort. Then, drive an hour south to Sarasota to spend the night.
Use your Marriott Bonvoy points at the Westin Sarasota downtown (rates start at $195 or 31,000 points per night) or splurge on The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (rates start at $538 or 59,500 points per night) if you want to be on the beach. This year will also see the opening of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, so start saving your Bonvoy points now.
Sarasota is filled with natural attractions. Kids can frolic through a rainforest at the Ann Goldstein Children's Rainforest Garden, part of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on Sarasota's bayfront, which parents will enjoy.
Across Sarasota Bay, discover Gulf of Mexico critters at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and set sail on one of Mote's marine biologist-led eco-boat tours of Sarasota Bay.
When hunger strikes, check out O'Leary's Tiki Bar and Grill adjacent to Bayfront Park, which has a playground and walking trails, or The Old Salty Dog right on Sarasota Bay, where kids get their meals served on a frisbee.
Day Two: Sarasota to Fort Myers
The next day, head inland on Highway 72 to Myakka River State Park, where alligators are the star attraction, often sunning themselves along the river's banks. Walk along the boardwalks and canopy trails draping over the wetlands and treetops. You can rent kayaks to explore the waterways or join a boat tour.
Continue south on Highway 41 to Fort Myers, where you can check out the gentle underwater giants at Manatee Park and explore more wetlands at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve.
Visit Shrimp Shack for a quick and tasty seafood lunch, and for dinner, try the award-winning pies at Fine Folk Pizza.
Use your Hilton Honors points at Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers (rates start at $119 or 33,000 points per night) or Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Blvd. (rates start at $115 or 33,000 points per night).
Fun in the Finger Lakes
Western New York's Finger Lakes region consists of 11 lakes between Syracuse, Rochester and Elmira-Corning, and while some lakes are larger than others, they're all surrounded by charming towns and wineries. You can do a round trip in and out of Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), which is about an hour and a half from Skaneateles, your first stop.
Day One: Skaneateles
Start in the more eastern town of Skaneateles (pronounced SKINNY-atlas), first heading to Skaneateles Bakery to taste its freshly made doughnuts and blueberry muffins. Take them for a snack while you stroll down the pier and walk along the lake.
Book a boat ride on the lake with Mid-Lakes Navigation — you can even help the Barbara S. Wiles mail boat deliver mail to lakeside homes.
In the evening, catch a movie at New York State's oldest drive-in, Finger Lakes Drive-In, and then spend the night at the cute bed-and-breakfast The Bond 1835 or Skaneateles Suites. Points hotels are hard to come by here, but the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn (rates start at $132 or 38,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is north of Owasco Lake, the next lake over.
Day Two: Seneca Falls to Canandaigua Lake
Drive 22 miles west to Seneca Falls to see Women's Rights National Historical Park, where the first women's rights convention was held in 1848.
Keep on Route 20 to Seneca Lake, which is great for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and enjoy a sail with Sail Seneca.
The town of Geneva, at the top of the lake, is home to lovely restaurants and shops like F.L.X. Fry Bird and Kindred Fare. Explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, stopping at vineyards like Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Red Tail Ridge Winery, Barnstormer Winery and Fox Run Vineyards. At the bottom of the lake is Watkins Glen State Park, known for its incredible waterfalls, canyons and hiking.
Continue west to Canandaigua Lake, home to the chic Lake House Canandaigua (rates start at $280 per night), part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts network. It boasts a lakefront pool and hot tub, the Rose Tavern with farm-to-table dishes, kayaks, and a yacht for tooling around the lake, among other luxurious amenities.
But suppose you're looking to earn or redeem Hilton Honors points. In that case, the Hotel Canandaigua, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will do you right (rates start at $124 or 36,000 points per night) with its lakefront location, pool and direct access to the Canandaigua Lady at Steamboat Landing. Drive to the bottom of the lake to Naples to sample its famous grape pie.
Day Three: Rochester
End your trip back in Rochester, just 28 miles northwest of Canandaigua. Once there, check out the George Eastman Museum, a photography museum devoted to the founder of Kodak; the Strong National Museum of Play, an interactive museum dedicated to toys and games that expanded significantly in 2023; the Susan B. Anthony House, the home of the suffragette that's now a museum; and Highland Park, which hosts annual flower festivals.
To try some regional foods, visit the Rochester City Public Market, a massive farmers market with vendors from across the region, and for the city's famous "garbage plate," head to the original: Nick Tahou Hots invented the one-plate meals with potatoes, meat and several other sides.
Use Hyatt points at the recently renovated Hyatt Regency Rochester (rates start at $105 or 5,000 points per night) or book a night at the Courtyard by Marriott Rochester Downtown (rates start at $167 or 16,000 points per night) for a centralized location.
The South Carolina coast
The South Carolina coast has some of the South's best beaches and amazing food along the way. This journey starts in Hilton Head Island, so fly into Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). You'll end up 220 miles north in Myrtle Beach, so book your flight home from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR).
Day One: Hilton Head Island
Start in Hilton Head Island and catch some rays at the popular Coligny Beach Park. If you prefer a quiet scene, try Alder Lane or Burkes Beach.
Learn about South Carolina's Lowcountry and Gullah history and culture at the Coastal Discovery Museum and enjoy the area's natural beauty at the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and Sea Pines Forest Preserve.
Later, chow down on authentic Gullah cuisine at Ruby Lee's or enjoy seafood at Skull Creek Boathouse. Book a night at an amenity-filled beach resort like Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort (rates start at $280 per night), or if you have Marriott Bonvoy points to burn, check out the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa (rates start at $183 or 40,000 points per night).
Day Two: Charleston
Head north on Route 17 along the coast up to charming Charleston. Once there, you can explore Museum Mile, a walkable route that includes museums like the Charleston Museum and the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, along with some historic homes and green parks. The International African American Museum opened in June 2023 at a former shipping wharf where enslaved people disembarked.
The Battery and White Point Gardens, at the southern end of the Charleston peninsula, feature displays of Civil War artillery, views of Fort Sumter and picturesque live oak trees. Kids will love the South Carolina Aquarium, which houses a wonderful touch tank.
For more beach time, check out the 6-mile-long Folly Beach and try a Lowcountry favorite, Frogmore stew, at Bowens Island Restaurant.
The food scene in Charleston is legendary, and you should seek out authentic Southern food and seafood; a few favorites include Rodney Scott's BBQ, Leon's Oyster Shop and Bertha's Kitchen. D.C.-favorite Makan recently opened a second location here; check it out for authentic Malaysian food focusing on local seafood. Daps Breakfast & Imbibe serves breakfast all day if your kids only want pancakes — they have them here with Fruity Pebbles mixed into the batter.
All the big hotel brands are here, so depending on your loyalty, you can book a night at a place like the Charleston Marriott (rates start at $152 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) or Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District (rates start at $212 or 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night).
But if you're looking for character, some of Charleston's best hotels are independent boutiques and historic hotels like the Palmetto Hotel, The Loutrel, Planters Inn and The Dewberry. For the best of both worlds, try Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton (rates start at $283 or 75,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
Day Three: Myrtle Beach
Just before you reach the North Carolina border, you'll arrive in Myrtle Beach, one of South Carolina's most popular beaches. While it has some tackier attractions like water and amusement parks (which, let's face it, your kids will probably love), chain restaurants and shopping malls, it's also home to 60 miles of gorgeous beach, known as the Grand Strand.
Check out the Golden Mile for a hotel-free zone, or hit the sand near 82nd Avenue for the gay beach. Beyond the beach, walk down the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, stopping to hear live music and sip drinks along the way, or stroll down the lively Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. And save room for some authentic barbecue at True BBQ, owned by locals Joseph and Sheila Evans.
Redeem your Hilton Honors points at the all-suite Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach (rates start at $161 or 76,000 Hilton Honors points per night), just two blocks from the boardwalk with two pools, a kids activity center and an oceanfront restaurant.
Pacific Northwest parks trip
Oregon is home to some of the country's most unspoiled beauty, including the gorgeous Crater Lake National Park. From there, the charming town of Bend offers small-town delights amid a stunning natural backdrop. For this trip, you buy round-trip airfare into and out of Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR), 75 miles away from the park and 172 miles from Bend.
Days One and Two: Crater Lake National Park
Start in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park, home to the country's deepest lake. Known for being extremely pristine, its purity is created by rain and snow filling the deep caldera formed during a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Drive the park's 33-mile loop road around the crater, stopping for spectacular views and hikes. Camp at Farewell Bend Campground or redeem 30,000 Choice Privileges points at Sleep Inn & Suites in nearby Chiloquin (or from $150 per night).
Days Three and Four: Bend
The next day, drive 100 miles north to the high desert town of Bend, Oregon. Explore the Bend Ale Trail, home to 30 breweries, and if it's fall, visit Smith Rock Ranch for a corn maze and pumpkin patches. Explore the Old Mill District's shops and restaurants along the Deschutes River and visit the High Desert Museum to learn about the region's wildlife, history and art.
Sleep at Hampton Inn & Suites Bend (rates start at $124 or 35,000 Hilton Honors points per night) or Residence Inn by Marriott Bend (rates start at $140 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night).
Finally, head to the McKenzie River Valley and its centerpiece, the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Take advantage of the Sahalie and Koosah Falls before taking Highway 5 south back to Medford.
Exploring Missouri via Route 66
Interstates have mostly replaced this classic stretch of highway, but this itinerary will have you driving along parts of the historic Route 66 in Missouri.
Day One: St. Louis
Start in St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. After flying into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), you'll want to check out Gateway Arch National Park, which includes the famous arch and the courthouse where the Black enslaved man Dred Scott sued for his right to freedom in the late 1840s.
Also worth visiting are the Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Art Museum and the super-interactive City Museum, made of repurposed industrial objects inside an old shoe factory.
If you have little ones, the Magic House children's museum is a great addition. For food, consider the City Foundry Food Hall, Balkan Treat Box, Louie and the James Beard Award-winning Gioia's Deli. For authentic St. Louis barbecue, head to Pappy's Smokehouse.
Use your Hilton Honors points at Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown (rates start at $121 or 40,000 points per night) or World of Hyatt points at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch (rates start at $188 or 8,000 points per night), which has views of the iconic arch. Marriott Bonvoy points can be spent at the Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (from $135 or 31,000 points per night), a historic property inside a 1924 building that once hosted Cary Grant. St. Louis got a 21c Museum Hotel in 2023 in the city's old YMCA building. You can stay there using Accor Live Limitless points or from $183 per night.
Day Two: St. Louis to Lebanon
Go west on Interstate 44, which replaced Route 66 in Missouri. You can stop at Route 66 State Park and some campy roadside attractions like Meramec Caverns and the world's second-largest rocking chair.
You'll also drive through the small town of Cuba, aka Route 66 Mural City, where 14 murals depicting the town's history are painted on buildings along the route.
If you're craving barbecue, stop at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que while you're there. Once back on the road, drive a portion of the original Route 66 through the beautiful Mark Twain National Forest and the Devil's Elbow bend of the Big Piney River. Treat the kids to some fudge at the Uranus Fudge Factory (yes, there are lots of toilet-humor puns the kids will love). For an authentically vintage experience, stay in a Route 66-themed room at the vintage Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon.
Day Three: Springfield
Before leaving Lebanon, stop at the Route 66 Museum, inside the county library. The next day, drive about 60 miles southwest to one of Missouri's largest caves, Fantastic Caverns, just outside Springfield. Then head to Springfield, where kids and grown-ups will have a blast at the Discovery Center, Wonders of Wildlife and the Dickerson Park Zoo. Grab burgers at Black Sheep, and for a sweet treat, head over to Askinosie Chocolate.
Sleep at the Best Western Coach House (rates start at $109 or 20,000 Best Western Rewards points per night) or Hilton Garden Inn Springfield, MO (rates start at $132 or 36,000 Hilton Honors points per night). Book a flight home from Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).
Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota
This region of South Dakota is filled with history and natural beauty, often a winning combination for family trips.
Day One: Rapid City to Badlands National Park
Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), and as soon as you collect your rental car, drive 55 miles east to Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota. It advertises free ice water, 5-cent coffee and delicious maple doughnuts. It has every souvenir you could imagine (so give your kids a budget), an animated dinosaur and a gigantic jackalope out back.
Head south on Highway 240 to Badlands National Park, where you and the kids can spot ancient fossils and living wildlife like bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, eagles and buffalo roaming its 244,000 acres of prairie, jagged cliffs and pinnacles. In the evening, there are programs where kids can meet Smokey the Bear, stargaze and learn the park's geological history.
You don't have to rough it to spend the night inside the Badlands. The pinewood cabins at Cedar Pass Lodge (rates start at $220) have Wi-Fi and porches with deck chairs, but they also have campgrounds if you prefer. Otherwise, there's the Best Western Plains Motel (rates start at $120 or 20,000 Best Western Rewards points per night) back in the town of Wall, just a 10-minute drive north of the Pinnacles Entrance.
Day Two: Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park
From there, drive west to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone. This famous landmark carved into the South Dakota peak of Mount Rushmore took 14 years to build and features the faces of four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. Walk the Presidential Trail to get close to the sculpture and see animals like mountain goats, marmots and birds.
About 20 miles south, see thousands of buffalo roaming Custer State Park (careful — they will often be along the road), along with pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, wild turkeys and burros. You can also hike along one of many trails and go for a boat ride on tranquil Sylvan Lake.
Take a break from being the driver and reserve the evening Blue Bell Lodge hayride and chuck wagon cookout, which includes a scenic three-hour wildlife tour with singing cowboys and a steak dinner with all the fixings. Or, try dinner at the State Game Lodge Restaurant, which is located inside Calvin Coolidge's "Summer White House." An eclectic menu of game like rabbit and rattlesnake sausage, elk osso bucco and buffalo short ribs will keep things interesting. You can also spend the night at the State Game Lodge (rates start at $183 per night), whose rooms were renovated in 2024. Outside the park is Choice Hotels' Comfort Inn & Suites in Custer (rates start at $127 or 25,000 Choice Privileges points per night).
Day Three: Crazy Horse Memorial to Rapid City
The Needles Highway, surrounded by needlelike granite points, will lead you to the Crazy Horse Memorial to see the impressive work-in-progress sculpture honoring the legendary Native American chief. You can also visit the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational and Cultural Center while you're there. Have lunch at the on-site Laughing Water Restaurant, featuring Native American foods like tatanka stew and fry bread tacos.
End the trip in Rapid City. Don't miss breakfast at Tally's Silver Spoon for breakfast served until 2 p.m., including whole wheat oatmeal waffles and a buffalo hanger steak with eggs. Set aside time to browse the massive Prairie Edge Trading Company & Galleries, which features handmade Plains Indian arts and crafts, Native American galleries and an Italian glass bead library.
Spend the night at the historic Hotel Alex Johnson, part of the Hilton Curio Collection (rates start at $75 or 21,000 Hilton Honors points per night). Admire the lobby, which features Native American details like a chandelier made out of spears and an exquisitely painted ceiling.
Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia to North Carolina
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, is one of the most scenic drives in the country. This route has you flying into Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) or the larger Dulles International Airport (IAD). You'll end up in Asheville, so you can fly out of Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) or the nearby Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) just an hour's drive over the border in South Carolina, which often has cheaper options.
Day One: Charlottesville to Blowing Rock
Start in Charlottesville, Virginia. If your family is into presidential history, tour Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, the former president's home and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Virginia Discovery Museum and IX Art Park are also fun for the whole family. Downtown, stroll down the pedestrian mall to visit shops, cafes and restaurants like Citizen Bar Burger and The Nook. The Dairy Market food hall is another family-friendly spot with lots of options in one place.
Continue on the parkway to Natural Bridge, a tall limestone arch dubbed "Nature's Cathedral." Stop in Roanoke for lunch at Mama Jeans BBQ or the blast-from-the-past Pop's Ice Cream & Soda Bar, which has a lengthy grilled cheese menu in addition to soda and ice cream. If you have time, visit the Taubman Museum of Art, which has a collection of bedazzled Judith Leiber handbags.
Stop for a photo at the pastoral Mabry Mill, one of the parkway's most recognizable sights. Dating back to 1905, the charming millhouse sells freshly milled buckwheat flour — an ideal souvenir.
Cross into North Carolina and make your next stop Blowing Rock. Stretch your legs on Main Street, where you'll find gift and souvenir shops, fudge stores, and antique shops. Have dinner at Blowing Rock Brewing Company & Inn or Egg Rollin', which offers fun takes on the egg roll, plus sandwiches and a separate kids menu.
Use your IHG One Rewards points to stay the night at Holiday Inn Express Blowing Rock South (rates start at $112 or 19,000 points per night). Or, enjoy amenities like a spa, kayaks and paddleboats, tennis courts, lawn games, and weekend bonfires at Chetola Resort (rates start at $219 per night).
Days Two and Three: Asheville
The next morning, visit the Tweetsie Railroad, a train-themed amusement park with historic steam locomotives, Wild West shows, rides and more. If your kids are up for it, hike one of the 11 trails at Grandfather Mountain — for those not afraid of heights, the Mile High Swinging Bridge offers panoramic views.
Next, go to Linville Falls to see the twin waterfalls that gush into Linville Gorge. Finally, drive the rest of the way to Asheville, your final stop. Asheville is a wonderful mountain town with attractions like the Biltmore, the Vanderbilts' expansive mansion and grounds; the Asheville Art Museum; the Asheville Pinball Museum; Western North Carolina Nature Center; the River Arts District, filled with artist studios; and the surrounding Pisgah National Forest.
It also has an acclaimed food scene — some favorites with kids include Chai Pani, Neng Jr.'s, Luella's BBQ, White Duck Taco Shop, Baby Bull, Sunny Point Cafe and Asheville Pizza & Brewing. Be sure to get treats from Hole Doughnuts, OWL Bakery and French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe.
Use your Marriott Bonvoy points at the centrally located AC Asheville Hotel Downtown (rates start at $187 or 62,000 points per night). In August, the city will get a Moxy hotel, with rates as low as $216 per night (no point values yet). You can spend Hilton Honors points at the Foundry Hotel, a repurposed industrial building turned hotel that's part of the Curio Collection (rates start at $207 or 60,000 points per night).
Bottom line
Road trips do not have to mean burning rubber all day to cover as much ground as possible. Some of the best trips look different from that. They focus on amazing sights and experiences along the route.