As winter’s chill begins to thaw, early spring beckons families to hit the open road. This season offers a perfect blend of mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for memorable family adventures.

Whether you’re seeking scenic drives through awakening forests, coastal routes with crisp ocean breezes, or desert journeys amid wildflower blooms, these early spring road trips promise unforgettable experiences for travelers of all ages.

Pack your bags, gather the kids, and embark on these fantastic family-friendly journeys that showcase the beauty of nature’s rebirth. It may still be on the chilly side for camping (check out our guide to Memorial Day Weekend camping spots for more outdoorsy ideas!)

1. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina to Virginia

• Expected temperatures in March: 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C)

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a spectacular spring drive as the Appalachian landscape comes to life. In early spring, mild temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities, and the absence of summer crowds means a more peaceful journey. The route is dotted with numerous pull-offs and hiking trails suitable for families, allowing you to stretch your legs and explore the budding forests.

Don’t miss stops at Grandfather Mountain for its mile-high swinging bridge, or the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals. The Parkway’s lower elevations burst with colorful wildflowers, while higher altitudes might still offer snow-capped vistas, providing a unique blend of seasons in one trip.

2. Pacific Coast Highway, California

• Expected temperatures in March: 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C)

California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway is a dream in early spring. The mild temperatures make for comfortable driving and outdoor exploration, while the occasional spring shower enhances the dramatic coastal scenery. Start in San Francisco and head south, stopping at family-friendly attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where kids can marvel at sea life.

The uncrowded beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea are perfect for picnics and beachcombing. As you continue south, witness the elephant seal rookery near San Simeon and explore the tide pools at Pismo Beach. The off-season timing means easier reservations at popular spots like Hearst Castle, where families can step back in time and imagine life in a real-life castle.

Take a more detailed look at the Big Sur section of Highway 1, or expand your journey with this complete coastal itinerary from San Francisco to San Diego

3. Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee to Mississippi

• Expected temperatures in March: 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C)

This historic 444-mile route is particularly charming in early spring when dogwoods and redbuds paint the landscape in pastel hues. The mild weather is ideal for exploring the numerous hiking trails and historical sites along the way. Families will love the living history demonstrations at the Tupelo Visitor Center, where kids can learn about the lifestyle of the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw peoples.

Stop at the emerald-green Jackson Falls for a short hike and picnic, or visit the Meriwether Lewis Site to learn about the famous explorer. The lack of commercial development along the Trace ensures a peaceful drive, while the nearby towns offer cozy accommodations and southern hospitality, making it a perfect blend of nature and culture for family travelers

Make the most of your time in the Midwest with these fun road trip itineraries perfect for families

4. Yellowstone Loop, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

• Expected temperatures in March: 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C)

While chilly, an early spring trip to Yellowstone offers a unique opportunity to see the park awakening from winter. Many roads begin to open in March, revealing steaming geysers against snowy backdrops and newborn wildlife taking their first steps. Families can enjoy wolf-watching in the Lamar Valley, where these elusive creatures are more visible against the snow.

The reduced crowds mean better chances of spotting bears emerging from hibernation. Take advantage of the park’s educational programs, like the Junior Ranger activities, which are less crowded this time of year.

Outside the park, visit the charming town of West Yellowstone for the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, where kids can learn about wildlife conservation in a controlled environment.

Extend this drive from the south, following our itinerary from Salt Lake City through Grand Teton to Yellowstone for the ultimate mountain state adventure!

5. Outer Banks, North Carolina

• Expected temperatures in March: 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C)

The Outer Banks in early spring offers families a tranquil coastal experience before the summer rush. The mild temperatures are perfect for beachcombing, kite-flying, and exploring the area’s rich history. Start your journey at Corolla to see the wild horses descending from shipwrecked Spanish mustangs. Drive south to climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse for panoramic views.

Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, where interactive exhibits bring the first flight to life. The uncrowded beaches allow for peaceful nature walks, and the spring winds make for excellent kiteboarding lessons for older kids. Don’t miss the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, where touch tanks and sea turtle rehabilitation programs offer hands-on learning experiences for the whole family.

Continue your drive through North Carolina with these suggested scenic routes

6. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

• Expected temperatures in March: 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C)

The Shenandoah Valley bursts into life in early spring, offering families a picturesque drive through blooming orchards and rolling hills. The mild temperatures are perfect for exploring the numerous hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park, where wildflowers begin to carpet the forest floor.

Drive along Skyline Drive for breathtaking vistas and wildlife spotting opportunities – kids will love looking out for deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.

Stop at the interactive exhibits at the Luray Caverns, where the whole family can marvel at stunning underground formations. The region’s rich Civil War history comes alive at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, offering living history demonstrations that will fascinate both children and adults.

Make a complete road trip with more scenic driving ideas in Virginia

8. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

• Expected temperatures in March: 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 16°C)

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers a stunning spring drive along the border of Oregon and Washington. In early spring, the famous waterfalls along the route, including the 611-foot Multnomah Falls, are at their most powerful due to snowmelt. The mild temperatures are perfect for short hikes to viewpoints and waterfalls.

Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum in The Dalles for interactive exhibits on the area’s natural and cultural history. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Mount Hood Railroad, which offers scenic tours through blooming orchards. Don’t miss the Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile drive through the valley’s famous fruit orchards, where families can enjoy farm stands and u-pick experiences as the first blossoms appear.

Continue your journey through Oregon by attaching this trip to a drive along the Oregon Coast

9. Hill Country Wildflower Trail, Texas

• Expected temperatures in March: 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C)

Texas Hill Country comes alive in early spring with a spectacular display of wildflowers, most notably the famous bluebonnets. This scenic drive takes you through rolling hills and charming small towns, with ample opportunities for family photos amidst the colorful blooms.

Start in Austin and head west, stopping at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to learn about native plants. Continue to Fredericksburg, where you can visit the National Museum of the Pacific War for an educational experience.

The mild temperatures are perfect for outdoor adventures like climbing Enchanted Rock or exploring the caves at Longhorn Cavern State Park. End your journey in San Antonio, where families can enjoy the River Walk and visit the historic Alamo.

See all our favorite Texas drives, most of which are ideal for undertaking in the cooler spring months.

10. Lake Superior Circle Tour

• Expected temperatures in March: 30°F to 45°F (-1°C to 7°C)

While still chilly, an early spring drive around Lake Superior offers a unique blend of winter’s lingering magic and spring’s awakening. This 1,300-mile route takes you through Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario, Canada. In March, you might catch the last of the winter ice formations along the shoreline, creating spectacular natural sculptures.

Visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Michigan, to learn about the lake’s maritime history. Explore the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth, Minnesota, where kids can climb aboard historic trains.

The lack of summer crowds means more intimate experiences at attractions like the Terry Fox Monument in Thunder Bay, Ontario, which offers stunning lake views.

We share all our favorite US Lake Vacation ideas here

11. Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania and Delaware

• Expected temperatures in March: 40°F to 55°F (4°C to 13°C)

The Brandywine Valley, straddling Pennsylvania and Delaware, offers a perfect spring getaway for families interested in history, art, and nature. As the weather warms, the region’s famous gardens begin to awaken. Start at Longwood Gardens, where early spring blooms and heated conservatories provide color even on chilly days.

Visit the Brandywine River Museum of Art to see works by the Wyeth family, with programs designed specifically for young art enthusiasts. History comes alive at the Hagley Museum, the site of the original DuPont powder mills, where kids can experience 19th-century technology.

The mild temperatures are ideal for exploring the grounds of Nemours Estate, a stunning example of a French-style chateau in America.

12. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii

• Expected temperatures in March: 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C)

For families looking for a tropical adventure, the Road to Hana in Maui offers a stunning 64-mile journey through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, and along dramatic coastlines. Early spring brings slightly lower temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for this drive. Start early and take your time, stopping at the Garden of Eden Arboretum to see exotic plants and panoramic ocean views.

The kids will love exploring the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park and hiking the short trail to Twin Falls. Don’t miss a stop at the Hana Lava Tube, where families can take a self-guided tour through an ancient lava cave. The journey is as much about the stops along the way as the destination, so pack a picnic and enjoy the numerous scenic viewpoints and hidden beaches.

If you’ve got yourself some wheels, make sure you check out all the most beautiful scenic driving routes in Maui

1. Mississippi Scenic Drives: Great River Road 

• Distance: 250 miles 
• Time Needed: 5 hours to 2 days, depending on stops 

The Great River Road is one of the longest scenic byways in the United States and follows the Mississippi River its entire length from the headwaters in Minnesota all the way to the river delta in Louisiana. In Mississippi, the drive connects Memphis on the north end and Vicksburg on the south. 

Whether you’re headed north on a road trip or venturing south, this is one of the best scenic drives in Mississippi to experience both the stunning landscape along the river as well as some interesting history. 

US-61 is the official name of the Great River Road, and it’s also famous for being the travel route of the Great Migration when over five million black sharecroppers headed north. You can still see Civil War remnants along the drive, such as battlefields in Vicksburg, where sometimes reenactments are hosted. 

Music fans will definitely want to check out the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, which is the heart of the region known as “Blues Alley.” 

There are also plenty of outdoor activities like river cruises, hiking, biking, bird watching, and fishing. 

When to go: Any time of year

2. Mississippi Scenic Drives: Grand-Gulf Raymond Scenic Byway 

• Distance: 50 miles
• Time Needed: 2 hours 

Connecting the towns of Grand Gulf in Southern Mississippi to Raymond, which is just outside of Jackson, this scenic byway is great to travel both for the natural beauty and the history. 

It’s a relatively undeveloped area of Mississippi, giving travelers the opportunity to feel like they’ve left city life far behind. The route crosses through two significant wilderness areas of Mississippi: Delta National Forest and Homochitto National Forest. Both are great places to stop to go hiking and explore if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. The Delta National Forest is also popular among birders since it’s one of the most important stopping places for many species of migratory birds. 

The city of Raymond is worth a visit, due to its historic significance. It was the site of devastating battles during the Civil War and had to be rebuilt afterward. Today, it’s the home of Civil War reenactments, where you can view life-like representations done by professional actors of some of the battles that took place here. 

When to go: Any time of year is good, although fall or spring is best if you’re interested in visiting during bird migration seasons. 

3. Mississippi Scenic Drives: Natchez Trace Parkway 

• Distance: 310 miles 
• Time Needed: 6 hours to 2 days, depending on stops. 

The entire Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. The portion of the drive in Mississippi starts in Natchez in the far southwest corner, then crosses the state diagonally to the northeast corner before going into Alabama. 

It’s a great drive to appreciate Mississippi scenery as well as some of the history of the state and is perfect for road trips heading north or if you’re coming back south after visiting northern states. 

This scenic drive is full of opportunities to get out and explore nature, and since it’s one of the most popular scenic drives in Mississippi, it’s easy to find Bed and breakfasts, cottages, or other unique accommodations along the way. 

Near the southern end of the drive, make sure you stop to visit Emerald Mound, one of the most important archaeological sites in Mississippi. The site was left by a culture around 1200 CE, and today, there is a visitor center and trails to see the area. 

Farther north in Tupelo, visit the birthplace of American music legend Elvis Presley. The house has been converted into a museum with memorabilia from the King of Rock & Roll. A little outside of Tupelo, stop at one of the most beautiful parks in Mississippi, Tishomingo State Park. The park covers the area around Bear Creek Canyon which is characterized by stunning sandstone formations and forested areas. 

When to go: Any time of year is good for this drive. 

4. Mississippi Scenic Drives: Beach Boulevard 

• Distance: 30 miles 
• Time Needed: 1 hour or more, depending on stops 

One of the shorter but nonetheless spectacular scenic byways in Mississippi, Beach Boulevard runs along the coast in Hancock County, connecting Biloxi with Waveland. 

This is a great drive if you’re interested in visiting some of the birding sites in Mississippi, like the Davis Bayou Area Gulf Island National Seashore, and Deer Island. Some of the marshland found in these areas provides a unique habitat for many migratory species. 

Along the drive, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, and there are numerous piers along the way, which make great places to stop and get some photographs. If you’re hoping to spend some time on the beaches of Mississippi, then this is the drive for you since you’ll pass by great spots for swimming and sunbathing, like Biloxi Beach or the Jeff Davis Pier. 

At the Gulfport Marina, you can go on cruises into the gulf or fishing on the pier. Families will also want to check out the Mississippi Aquarium, where kids can enjoy activities like feeding stingrays and seeing sharks and dolphins. 

All along the way, there are great options for restaurants with fresh-caught seafood from the gulf, as well as fun tourist shops to pick up souvenirs.   

When to go: Summer is best for beach activities, but any time of year is good. 

5. Mississippi Scenic Drives: Grenada Lake Loop

• Distance: 50 miles 
• Time Needed: 1.5 hours or more, depending on stops 

Starting and ending in Grenada, this loop takes travelers around Grenada Lake and through a variety of terrain. The drive is just off I-55, so it makes for a nice addition to a Mississippi road trip if you’re in search of some nature and outdoor adventure. 

The bluffs surrounding the lake offer some stunning vistas and perfect points for photographs or places to stop for a picnic lunch. 

If you want to stretch your legs, there are plenty of trails accessible along this drive, like Hugh White State Park and Carver Point State Park. Both the parks also have options for camping if you want to spend longer outside in nature. 

Around the lake, there are also opportunities for water activities like canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. There are various boat ramps as well as places to rent equipment if you don’t have your own boat. 

When to go: Summer is best for water activities, but spring and fall have better weather for hiking.