Philadelphia to New York to Boston
A road trip through the Northeast is fantastic for families keen to dive deeper into U.S. history. In Philly, tour Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and learn about Benjamin Franklin’s life and contributions as a printer, inventor, and statesman.
Some 90 miles north, you’ll hit New York City, which you can admire from the top of the Empire State Building and spark your kids’ imaginations at any number of parks, gardens, and museums. (The Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the American Museum of Natural History are standouts.) Central Park is great for running off steam, and don’t skip the Statue of Liberty on its own island; it’s just a quick ferry ride from downtown Manhattan. (Getting there is half the fun!) Of course, there’s always something new to check out.
Further up the Eastern seaboard, visit Boston’s 2.5-mile-long Freedom Trail (join a walking tour with a colonial era–costumed guide through the Freedom Trail Foundation); the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where kiddos can throw tea overboard into the harbor (and reel it back in); and nearby Lexington and Concord battle sites, where early skirmishes of the Revolutionary War were fought.
Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Parks
Arguably on every family’s bucket list, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are well-known for their geothermal features, wildlife sightings, and dramatic scenery.
Yellowstone covers as much land as the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined, so it requires several days to explore. In the park’s northeast corner, Lamar Valley is where families can find wolves, elk, pronghorn, and bison roaming during the early morning hours. (Yellowstone Forever, an educational nonprofit that partners with the park, runs fabulous wildlife tours with guides who bring along spotting scopes and binoculars.)
Dedicate another day to visiting Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every 90 to 100 minutes, and walking the boardwalk around Grand Prismatic Spring, known for its vivid hues. In Grand Tetons, arrange a river rafting excursion along the Snake River through Lewis & Clark River Expeditions, a highlight of my own family weeklong trip through the parks.
California Coast
California’s dramatic, rugged headlands and endless ocean vistas are the stuff of road-trip dreams. In Mendocino and Humboldt counties, wander among groves of old-growth redwoods, marveling at their height and age. Along California’s Central Coast are appealing seaside towns, such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey (first-timers should not miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium), Cambria, Pismo Beach, and Cayucos (home to the Brown Butter Cookie Company).
Further south, there’s Santa Barbara, often called the American Riviera thanks to its Mediterranean climate; Santa Monica with its iconic pier; and laid-back San Diego. For families with younger ones, San Diego’s beach access and proximity to kid-approved attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and Disneyland make it an especially popular year-round destination.
Island Hopping: Seattle to the San Juan Islands
Whether your family is inclined toward the artsy, foodie, or outdoorsy, Seattle is home to several worthy sites: the dazzling Chihuly Garden and Glass art museum; Pike Place Market (a farmers’ and artisan market that dates to 1907); and nearby snow-capped Mount Rainier.
After a few days exploring the Emerald City, drive your car onto a ferry to the largely under-the-radar San Juan Islands, an archipelago in the Salish Sea, off the northwest coast of Washington State. Families will appreciate the slow pace, a welcome change from their typically hectic lives. On San Juan Island, do some whale watching at the 42-acre Lime Kiln Point State Park and walk the downtown lined with cafés and bookshops. Take to the water, and look for orcas, bald eagles, and harbor seals on a four-hour wildlife viewing tour with Maya’s Legacy.
On horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island, hike among old-growth evergreens and enjoy panoramic views at Moran State Park.
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And since you’re planning ahead, don’t forget to start setting aside money for your next family adventure! You can open a dedicated savings account for your trip, and use these strategies to make sure you save enough to cover your expenses. Happy trails!