For those who believe travel is all about the journey rather than the destination, there’s no better way to fully experience a place than by driving through some of its scenic roads.

Road trips give you the chance to see a different side of a destination, but they’re also a wonderful way to discover places you wouldn’t regularly find in a guidebook. Driving independently allows you to spend as much or as little time in a place as you’d like, get closer to the local culture, and make stops anywhere that catches your fancy.

From the mountains of northern Vietnam to the lavender fields of southern France and the rugged California coast, these are some of the most beautiful roads in the world you have to place on your bucket list.

Most Beautiful Roads in the World

1. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Almost a rite of passage for visitors to Australia, the Great Ocean Road is a gorgeous highway that connects the southern coast from Torquay to Allansford.

As you make your way along the coast, you’ll get to wind your way across 243 kilometers, passing through authentic shipwrecks, beaches, charming coastal villages, lush rainforests, and rocky coastlines.

One of the most iconic sights of the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, a set of towering limestone stacks that protrude from the ocean and create a breathtaking scene (only eight out of the twelve are left, though!).

Aside from that, other wonderful stops you can make as you drive along include Great Otway National Park to explore the rainforest, Bells Beach for a gorgeous beach, Lorne for artsy small-town vibes, and Kennett River to see koalas!

Drive the Great Ocean Road with this detailed 2-day highlights itinerary

2. Trollstigen, Norway

Known as the “Troll’s Path,” this 106-kilometer route between Åndalsnes and Valldal features 11 hairpin bends ascending a steep mountain pass. While the most dramatic section is just 20 kilometers long, allow a full day to enjoy the numerous viewpoints and hiking opportunities.

The road climbs past thundering waterfalls and sheer cliff faces, with the Stigfossen waterfall dropping 320 meters alongside the highway. The modern visitor center at the summit offers spectacular views of the serpentine road below. Only open from late May to October/November (weather dependent); snow closes the pass during winter months.

Early morning or evening visits avoid the busy tourist bus traffic, and changing weather conditions can create dramatic photography opportunities. The road is well-maintained but requires careful driving, especially during wet conditions

3. Icefields Parkway, Canada

Stretching 232 kilometers through the heart of the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Icefields Parkway offers one of North America’s most dramatic mountain drives. While you could technically complete the route in about three hours, you’ll want to allow at least 2-3 days to appreciate the countless viewpoints and hiking trails.

The highway showcases over 100 ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Must-see stops include the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk on ancient glacier ice, the pristine waters of Peyto Lake, and the thundering Athabasca Falls. Wildlife sightings are common, with chances to spot bears, elk, and mountain goats.

While the parkway is open year-round, summer (June-September) offers the most accessible conditions. Winter driving requires special preparation but rewards visitors with frozen waterfalls and snow-capped peaks without the crowds.

We have more inspiring drives across Canada you’ll want to add to your bucket list over here

4. Big Sur, United States

Even though Highway 1 through Big Sur is only 90 miles long, this gorgeous road is dotted by wonderful stops to make every single mile of the way, so we recommend treating it as a multi-day road trip rather than a scenic drive in order to make the most of it.

Offering views of the alluring Santa Lucia Mountains to one side and rugged California coastline vistas to the other, driving through Big Sur is one of the most exciting experiences you can have not just in California but quite likely in the entire world.

As for what to see here, two of the most popular landmarks are Hearst Castle in the town of San Simeon and the gorgeous European-style Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Aside from that, nature reigns supreme in Big Sur, with plenty of state parks scattered all over the highway. These include the Point Lobos State Nature Reserve for hikes with coastal views, Julia Pfeiffer State Park to see a waterfall crashing down from a cliff into the ocean, and Garrapata Beach for seaside and forest hikes. Make sure you also make a stop at Pfeiffer Beach, which is a beach made up of purple sand!

As a note, Big Sur is a section of the longer Highway 1, which runs all the way from San Diego to Seattle along the Pacific Coast. This is one of the most beautiful roads in the entire world if you’re up for a more extended adventure!

We take you from through the drive from Seattle to San Fran here, and extend this through California from San Fran to San Diego in this itinerary

5. Black Forest Scenic Drive, Germany

If fairytale-like villages and charming forests that look straight out of a storybook sound like your ideal places to spend time, the B500 highway from Baden Baden to Freiburg in Germany’s Black Forest is guaranteed to please.

Even though it’s only 40 miles long, this gorgeous drive will allow you to experience old-time Germany, with half-timbered houses dotting the villages along the way, cozy coffee shops, cuckoo clock workshops, and local distilleries being just a few of the highlights you’ll find along the way.

This road is also perfect for those in nature, as you’ll get the chance to stop at plenty of trailheads for hiking. There are also many accommodation options inside the Black Forest in case you want to spend the night in nature!

6. Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam

High in northern Vietnam, the Ha Giang Loop is a dazzling road that winds its way through striking canyons and breathtaking limestone mountain passes.

Starting in Ha Giang City, this road will also give you the chance to experience authentic Vietnamese culture, not to mention you’ll also get to try local food everywhere you look because no matter how remote a section may seem, you’ll always be able to find a roadside food stall.

You’ll begin the Ha Giang Loop by driving across lush forested hills before arriving at the Vietnamese border with China, where you’ll find a series of limestone karts above the treeline.

From here, you’ll start descending into the valley before winding your way through mountains and canyons, with sights of turquoise-colored rivers and waterfalls appearing every mile of the way.

7. Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, UAE

Rising from the desert near Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates, this 11.7-kilometer mountain road delivers an unforgettable driving experience. With 21 corners carved into the limestone mountain, the drive up takes just 30 minutes but we’d plan for 2-3 hours to enjoy the sunset views and explore the summit.

Frequently rated among the world’s greatest driving roads, the perfectly engineered three-lane highway climbs 1,219 meters through the rugged Hajar Mountains. The summit offers spectacular views across the desert, with a luxury hotel and private palace near the top.

Best driven early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense desert heat, the road is particularly magical at sunset when the surrounding mountains glow orange. The road is immaculately maintained and accessible year-round, though summer temperatures (late May to early October) can be extreme.

We share more of our favorite drives in the United Arab Emirates here

8. Ruta 40, Argentina

Stretching over 5,000 kilometers along the Andes Mountains from La Quiaca to Río Gallegos, Ruta 40 is Argentina’s epic answer to Route 66. While the entire route would take weeks to complete, most travelers focus on the Patagonian section from Bariloche to El Calafate, which deserves at least 10 days.

The highway passes through 20 national parks, crosses 27 mountain passes, and connects to Mount Fitz Roy and Los Glaciares National Park. Notable stops include the wine regions of Mendoza, the ancient rock art of Cueva de las Manos, and the dramatic peaks of Patagonia. While much of the road is now paved, some remote sections remain gravel.

Though Patagonian winds can be intense, summer (December-February) offers the most reliable conditions. Winter brings beautiful snow scenes but challenging driving conditions and closed sections.

9. Captain Cook Highway, Australia

Hugging the Queensland coast between Cairns and Port Douglas, this 75-kilometer stretch of road offers one of the rare places worldwide where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Though driveable in just over an hour, allow at least a day to explore the pristine beaches and rainforest walks.

The winding coastal road offers stunning ocean views at every turn, with numerous beaches like Ellis Beach and Palm Cove perfect for swimming (only within designated areas during stinger season). Rex Lookout provides spectacular photo opportunities of the coastline, while detours into the rainforest reveal hidden swimming holes and ancient vegetation.

The road is well-maintained and accessible year-round, though the wet season (November-April) brings spectacular waterfalls alongside occasional flooding. Early morning drives offer the best chance to avoid traffic and tour buses.

Explore this route further and continue your journey through remote Tropical North Queensland with our Cairns to Cape Tribulation road trip itinerary

10. Florence to Ravello, Italy

If you’re up for exploring the gorgeous Amalfi Coast in Italy, there’s no better way to do that than by driving the highway from Florence to Ravello.

Not only will you get the chance to make a pit stop in Rome along the way, but you will also feel as though you’re in 1953’s Roman Holiday movie as you make your way through the rugged Italian coastline.

Culture, colorful medieval villages atop hills, and picture-perfect coastal views are all elements of this beautiful road, not to mention you’ll also drive past several of Italy’s top destinations like Rome and Positano in case you want to stop for a few days to explore them!

11. Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand

This 600-kilometer circuit through northern Thailand’s mountains combines stunning landscapes with rich cultural experiences. Starting from Chiang Mai, the loop requires at least 4-5 days to properly explore the remote temples, hill tribe villages, and natural hot springs along the way.

The route’s 1,864 curves wind through mist-shrouded mountains, passing highlights like the temple-topped Doi Kong Mu in Mae Hong Son and the picturesque Pai Canyon. Don’t miss the sunflower fields of Khun Yuam (November-December) or the chance to visit traditional long-neck Karen villages.

While the road is fully paved, it demands careful driving, especially during the rainy season (July-October). The cool season (November-February) offers the most comfortable conditions and clearest views, with morning mists creating magical photography opportunities.

12. Ring Road, Iceland

If a road trip made up of extremely rugged and untouched landscapes is what you’re after, the 837-mile Ring Road across the entire island of Iceland is one of the most beautiful roads in the world you can take.

Starting and ending in the city of Reykjavik, this road is a loop where you’ll get to stop and see some of the most famous highlights in Iceland, including the Blue Lagoon, the Hallgrimskirkja Church, and Reynisfjara beach (a black beach), to name just a few! Of course, sights like waterfalls, glacier lagoons, and geysers are guaranteed!

13. Highway 395 (Sierra Nevada Mountains), United States

Starting in Los Angeles and ending in the idyllic Lake Tahoe, Highway 395 is a 450-mile route. This is of the most beautiful roads in the world, not only for its striking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains but also for the wide array of incredible stops you can make along the way.

A few of the best stops to make along Highway 395 include Mono Lake to see otherworldly-looking landscapes, Bristlecone Pine Forest to witness some of the oldest trees in the world, the Devil’s Postpile to gaze at rare geology, and Bodie to explore a real-life ghost town!

As a bonus, a short detour from the main highway will get you to places like Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park, both of which are two of California’s most interesting national parks to visit!

You can find our complete guide to all the stunning scenic drives of northern California here, with a detailed guide to stops between Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe

14. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

This 48-kilometer toll road through the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park delivers Austria’s most spectacular alpine experience. While driveable in a few hours, plan for a full day to explore the 36 hairpin bends, educational exhibits, and hiking trails along the route.

Rising to 2,504 meters at Hochtor Pass, the road offers close-up views of Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner (3,798m), and the dramatic Pasterze Glacier. The Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor center provides the best viewpoints and wildlife watching opportunities, including spotting marmots and ibexes.

The road is typically open from early May to late October, weather permitting, with peak wildflower season in July and August. Early morning drives offer the best chance of clear weather and fewer tourists, while sunset brings spectacular alpenglow to the surrounding peaks.

15. Crown Range Road, New Zealand

This 47-kilometer alpine pass connects Queenstown to Wanaka and is New Zealand’s highest main road. While the drive can be completed in about an hour, you’ll want to allow at least half a day to properly enjoy the numerous viewpoints and historic stops.

The road climbs through a series of dramatic switchbacks to the Crown Range summit (1,121 meters), offering breathtaking views of the Wakatipu Basin and the Southern Alps (Ka Tiritiri o te Moana). Don’t miss the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest pubs, or the summer hiking and mountain biking opportunities.

While the road is fully sealed, winter conditions (June-August) can be challenging, requiring snow chains and extra caution. The route is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, when the surrounding peaks are bathed in golden light. Spring brings the added bonus of wildflowers dotting the alpine meadows.

Extending your drive through the South Island, follow this itinerary from Christchruch to Queenstown

16. Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive, Ireland

The Ring of Kerry is a full loop that begins in the city of Killarney and ends there, taking you all around Ireland to see the best this island country in Europe has to offer.

Over a total of 111 miles, you’ll drive past some of the most quintessential Ireland sights, including medieval castles, expansive fields of green, ancient forts, windy shorelines, and just about everything in between!

While an entire post would be required to list everything single stop worth making on the Ring of Kerry, some of the absolutely can’t-miss ones include the Ross Castle, Torc Waterfalls, Killarney National Park, and the Gap of Dunloe. We guarantee you’ll LOVE it!

17. Garden Route, South Africa

Stretching all over the South African coast from Mossell Bay to Tsitsikamma, the Garden Route is a coastal road where you’ll get to experience some of the best South Africa has to offer.

From basking on golden beaches to going on thrilling safaris on game reserves, there’s a little something for everyone to do on this incredibly interesting highway.

Some of the best activities to do along the Garden Route include visiting ostrich farms in Klein Karoo, seeing meerkats at sunrise in Oudtshoorn, gazing at sea lions at Plettenberg Bay, hiking over mountains, eating world-class oysters at Knysna, seeing migrating whales in winter, and going vineyard-hopping in the quaint town of Stellenbosch.

18. Carretera Austral, Chile

Known as Ruta 7, this 1,240-kilometer highway through Chilean Patagonia presents one of South America’s most epic road trips. Plan for at least 7-10 days to properly explore this remote route from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, though many travelers spend two weeks or more discovering its hidden gems.

The partially paved road winds through pristine temperate rainforests, past marble caves, hanging glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Highlights include the Queulat National Park with its hanging glacier, the marble caves of Lake General Carrera, and the Baker River’s intense turquoise waters.

The best time to travel is during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December-March) when days are longer and roads more accessible. Even then, expect some ferry crossings, unpaved sections, and limited services in remote areas. Carrying spare fuel and supplies is essential, but access to some of Patagonia’s most untouched landscapes is the reward.

19. Jeju Island Coastal Road, South Korea

Circling South Korea’s largest island, this 234-kilometer coastal route offers a perfect blend of volcanic landscapes, tropical beaches, and traditional culture. While it is possible to drive the circle in a day, allow 3-4 days to properly explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites and natural wonders along the way.

The route passes the dramatic Seongsan Ilchulbong sunrise peak, mysterious lava tubes, and the island’s iconic dol hareubang stone statues. Don’t miss the stunning waterfalls like Jeongbang, which drops directly into the ocean, or the unique women diver (haenyeo) culture.

Spring (March-May) brings cherry blossoms and mild weather, while autumn (September-November) offers warm seas and fewer tourists. Summer can be busy with domestic tourists, and winter brings dramatic waves and fewer crowds. The road is well-maintained and easy to navigate, with English signage in most areas.

20. Kings Highway, Jordan

This ancient trade route stretches 335 kilometers from Amman to Petra, following the path of countless civilizations through Jordan’s dramatic landscapes. While technically driveable in 5-6 hours, you’ll want to allow 3-4 days to properly explore the historic sites and natural wonders along the way.

The highway winds past some of Jordan’s most significant attractions, including the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba, the Crusader castle of Kerak, and the stunning Dana Biosphere Reserve. The road’s highlight comes at Wadi Mujib, where the highway crosses a spectacular canyon known as the “Grand Canyon of Jordan.” Best visited in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when temperatures are moderate.

While the road is well-maintained, expect occasional military checkpoints and watch for local traffic in villages. The route culminates at the ancient city of Petra, making it an essential part of any Jordan road trip itinerary.

21. Million Dollar Highway, United States

Looping over 233 miles in Colorado, the Million Dollar Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in the world not only for the gorgeous mountain views you’ll get to see mile after mile, but also for the fantastic stops you can make along the way.

Driving the Million Dollar Highway can be done in under two hours, but this type of drive is more about the journey rather than the destination, so we recommend allowing at least a few days to complete it.

Along the way, you’ll get the chance to stop at some of the most beautiful alpine towns Colorado has to offer, including those like Durango, Ridgeway, Telluride, and Ouray, all of which provide wonderful hiking trails and outdoor adventures.

Moreover, if you’re into hiking, make sure you also make a stop at the San Juan National Forest, a park made up of a whopping 1.8 million acres and different ecosystems like high-desert mesas and mountains.

In a state full of incredible mountain views, we share more of our favorite scenic drives in Colorado for the most beautiful mountain views in America.

22. Skeleton Coast Road, Namibia

Following Namibia’s haunting Atlantic coastline, this 500-kilometer route from Swakopmund to the Angolan border takes you through one of Earth’s most remote and mysterious landscapes. The journey requires careful planning and at least 4 to 5 days, with special permits required for the northern sections.

The road passes shipwrecks half-buried in desert sands, colonies of Cape fur seals, and towering dunes that meet the cold Atlantic. The southern section to Torra Bay is accessible by regular vehicles, but the northern stretch requires 4WD and guided tours. Wildlife sightings might include desert-adapted elephants, lions, and various antelope species.

The coast is often shrouded in thick fog, particularly in the morning hours, creating an eerie atmosphere. It is best visited during the cooler months (April-October), though the otherworldly landscape is impressive year-round.

23. Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand

Cutting through the heart of the Southern Alps, this 231-kilometer journey from Christchurch to Greymouth offers New Zealand‘s most dramatic alpine crossing. While it is possible to drive in about three hours, plan for a full day to explore the numerous hiking trails and waterfalls along the route.

The road winds past the iconic limestone formations of Castle Hill, beloved by rock climbers and featured in “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Don’t miss the short walk to the thundering Devil’s Punchbowl Falls or the chance to spot native Kea parrots at Arthur’s Pass Village. The Otira Viaduct, an engineering marvel, carries you through a steep gorge that perfectly captures the route’s wild beauty.

While open year-round, winter brings snow and ice to the higher sections, requiring chains. Summer (December-February) offers the most reliable conditions, though the weather can change rapidly at any time of year.

24. Leh-Manali Highway, India

One of the world’s highest motorable roads, this 479-kilometer Himalayan route connects Manali in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh. Due to the high altitude and challenging conditions, the journey requires at least 2 days, though 3-4 days allow better acclimatization and exploration. This is a definitely bucket list drive, and not for the faint-hearted!

Crossing five major mountain passes, including the breathtaking Tanglang La (5,328 meters), the route showcases dramatic desert mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient Buddhist monasteries. The highway is only open from mid-June to mid-October, when snow clears from the passes, however, weather can be unpredictable, and the rough road conditions demand a sturdy vehicle.

Despite the challenges, the reward is unparalleled views of the Himalayas and unique cultural experiences in remote mountain villages. Early morning starts are essential to cross passes before afternoon winds pick up.

25. Fundy Coastal Drive, Canada

Following New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy coastline, this 460-kilometer route offers a unique maritime experience where you can witness the world’s highest tides. The complete journey deserves 3 to 4 days to properly explore the coastal villages, hidden coves, and numerous provincial parks.

Highlights include the Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the ocean floor during low tide and kayak around the same spots hours later. The route takes you through Fundy National Park‘s hiking trails and waterfalls and past charming fishing villages like St. Martins with its twin covered bridges.

The drive is best visited between June and October, and it is particularly spectacular during fall foliage season. Don’t miss the chance to spot whales from St. Andrews or sample fresh seafood in Alma. While the road is well-maintained and easily accessible, fog can roll in quickly along coastal sections.

Extend your journey with this detailed driving itinerary from Toronto to Halifax

26. Atlas Mountain Route, Morocco

Winding through North Africa’s highest mountain range, this 200-kilometer route from Marrakech to Ouarzazate takes you from bustling medinas to remote Berber villages. Plan for at least 2 to 3 days to properly experience the dramatic landscape changes and cultural encounters.

The road climbs through the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 meters), where snow-capped peaks give way to palm-filled oases and desert landscapes. Key stops include the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, a stunning ancient fortress city, and traditional weekly markets in mountain villages.

While driveable year-round, winter snow can temporarily close the pass, and summer heat can be intense. Spring (March-May) offers comfortable temperatures and blooming almond trees, while autumn (September-November) brings harvest festivals in local villages.

27. Hokkaido Scenic Byway, Japan

Japan’s northernmost island offers a network of scenic routes that showcase dramatically different landscapes across seasons. The most beautiful section runs from Furano to the Shiretoko Peninsula, requiring at least 4 or 5 days to fully appreciate the diverse scenery and cultural stops.

Summer (July-August) brings endless fields of lavender and colorful flower farms in Furano, while autumn paints the mountains in brilliant reds and golds. Winter transforms the route into a snow-covered wonderland, though some mountain passes may close.

Key stops include the Blue Pond of Biei, known for its otherworldly turquoise color, the steaming hot springs of Noboribetsu, and the dramatic coastline of the Shiretoko Peninsula, where you might spot brown bears and sea eagles. The roads are impeccably maintained, but winter driving requires snow tires and careful planning.

28. Marseille to Aix-en-Provence, France

Although short, the highway from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence is one of the most beautiful roads in the world that will give you the opportunity to see what the Provence region in France has to offer.

Not only does this drive start and end in two of the most important cities in southern France, but it will also give you the chance to see one of the most beautiful regions in the entire Europe.

Along the way, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to stop at small villages, discover vineyards spread all over, and get lost in expansive lavender fields that have made this region a photographer’s paradise.

As you drive further from the coast, you’ll quickly understand how Provence inspired many of Vincent Van Gogh’s early paintings. He actually lived in the region for a while because of the creativity boost he got there!

29. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, USA

Cutting through the heart of Montana’s Glacier National Park, this 50-mile engineering marvel offers one of North America’s most spectacular alpine drives. While the drive can technically be completed in about two hours, plan for a full day to explore the numerous viewpoints, hiking trails, and wildlife-watching opportunities.

The road dramatically climbs to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, passing through almost every type of terrain in the park, from glacial lakes and cedar forests to alpine tundra. Highlights include stops at Lake McDonald, the weeping wall where waterfalls cascade onto the road, and the Jackson Glacier Overlook.

Depending on snowfall, the road is typically only fully open from late June/early July to late September/early October. Wildlife sightings are common, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and occasionally bears. Early morning or late evening drives offer the best lighting and fewer crowds, though parking at popular spots like Logan Pass fills quickly during peak season.

Be aware of the need for timed reservations to travel on Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak times from late May to September.

30. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

No words can quite capture the majestic beauty of this 115-kilometer-long route through the Carpathian Mountain range of Romania. Starting in Sibiu and ending in Bascov village, north of the capital Bucharest, this postcard-perfect drive spells road-trippers delight.

Aside from the picturesque alpine scenery, what drivers love most about the Transfăgărășan are the hundreds of hairpin turns and sudden ascents and descents.

Now, before you go grabbing the Kwells, there are plenty of pullover stops such as the Poenari Citadel, Vidraru Lake, and Bâlea Lake to break up your journey – with a tunnel that connects the northern and southern halves of the route at it’s the highest point, more than 2000 meters above sea level.

You need to time it right to drive the Transfăgărășan, though. Icy conditions in the winter make the road unpassable, so you can generally only use the entire length of the road from late May through until October. In the peak of summer, forget your Top Gear dreams; you’ll be going at a crawling pace around most of the bends!

Pack your picnic as you need at least a complete day to undertake the drive, or stay overnight at the Ice Hotel!

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post The 30 Most Beautiful Roads In The World You Need To Drive appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Planning a trip to the Centennial State? Perhaps you live here and want to get to know your backyard a little better. Regardless of the reason, putting together a Colorado bucket list is a pretty difficult feat because, well, there’s just too much beauty around!  

Some adventures tower high above the crowds, though, and while we advise anyone to create their own list based on their interests, these experiences are absolute non-negotiables when it comes to traveling Colorado, especially if you’re keen to start exploring the more popular sites. 

The Ultimate Colorado Bucket List 

1. Find Yourself in a Fairytale at Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon 

Hidden deep inside the walls of Glenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake is a place where you’ll get to feel as though you’re inside a fairytale. Due to its unique geological formation, beautiful vegetation covering the walls, and teal-shaded water cascading from the cliffs, a visit to this stunning lake will have you wondering if fairies aren’t about to pop out from under the rocks. 

2. See Three of the Most Gorgeous Alpine Lakes in the World (plus a secret fourth one) 

Probably one of Colorado’s most famous hikes, the Emerald Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is an absolute must on your Colorado bucket list. Even though the trail is relatively short and easy, what makes this hike so famous is the fact that it follows three picturesque alpine lakes backdropped by the most idyllic mountain scenery. 

Tip: There’s a fourth lake further into Rocky Mountain in case you’re feeling keen to see even more alpine goodness in a more secluded setting. To get to Lake Hayaiha, you’ll need to hike an extra mile (plus another on the way back), but the views are worth every step of the way. 

3. Go in Search of Fall Foliage on the Trail Ridge Road 

Regarded as one of the most gorgeous drives in the United States, the Trail Ridge Road stretches from Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park and into Grand Lake.  

The Trail Ridge Road is as scenic as it gets at any time of the year, but capturing the fall colours of Colorado at its best makes it one of the most epic US driving experiences. (The road closes by the end of October, though, and won’t reopen until May!)

The road will take you above tree line all the way to over 12,000 feet above sea level, providing some of the most striking views of the Rockies down below, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Colorado. 

Although the road is only 48 miles long, it will take you at least two to three hours to complete as you appreciate the stunning raw beauty of the Rockies.

4. Spend Christmas in Vail 

Vail is one of the country’s most sought-after Christmas destinations for all the right reasons.  

For one, this cozy alpine town is world-renowned for its world-class skiing ops, and while you can enjoy the nature around it any time of the year, Christmas makes the town feel especially enchanting. 

Aside from the charming buildings that will make you feel as though you’re exploring a village in the Austrian Alps, Vail is king when it comes to unwrapping the festive cheer. Think twinkling lights adorning every corner, Christmas Markets you can roam for hours on end, and a calendar filled with activities and festivals that will make you wish you could stay just a little longer. 

5. Hike Ice Lake Trail 

Think dreamy alpine lakes that look straight out of a painting and mountain scenery so good your jaw will drop right to the ground, all with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks keeping you company every step of the way. The Ice Lake Trail is touted as one of the most stunning hikes in Colorado, and once you’re there, you’ll see exactly why that is.  

Hiking Ice Lake isn’t exactly considered a walk in the park, but with so many views to gawk at along the way, you’ll have reasons galore to stop and catch your breath for a while.  

6. Conquer a Colorado Fourteener 

In case you’re new to mountaineering language, a fourteener is a name given to mountains that are over 14,000 feet high!  

Colorado, home to 58 fourteeners, offers a wide array of options for beautiful mountain views.

An even better way to see these peaks, though? From high up above! Summiting a fourteener in Colorado is definitely an experience that belongs on every outdoor lover’s bucket list. 

No Colorado 14er is easy to conquer, but some are considered lighter than others. If you’re not a super experienced hiker, Mt. Bierstadt, Mt. Sherman, Huron Peak, and Handiest Peak are all wonderful options to test your skills.

If you want to try a harder challenge, Capitol Peak or Maroon Peak are both guaranteed a true trial. 

7. See a Sea of Sand Dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park 

Even though the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Colorado is the mountains, this gem of a state is home to a wide array of landscapes. In fact, it’s home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the highest one, Star Dune, towering at 755 feet. 

Another magical fact about this park? It’s listed as a Sky Dark Territory, meaning there is no light pollution anywhere nearby and making it a prime spot for stargazing (you may even get to see the Milky Way on a clear night!) 

8. Witness Nature’s Masterpiece at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Step into a geological wonderland at Garden of the Gods, where vibrant red rock formations pierce the sky against the backdrop of majestic Pikes Peak. This free public park is a testament to the artistic power of nature, featuring towering sandstone spires, balancing rocks, and unique formations shaped over millions of years.

Explore the paved and unpaved trails, try your hand at rock climbing, or simply marvel at the contrast of red rocks against the Colorado blue sky. With its accessibility and jaw-dropping beauty, Garden of the Gods is a must-see that captures the essence of Colorado’s natural splendor.

9. Hike Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer vertical walls and dizzying depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This hidden gem boasts some of North America’s steepest cliffs and oldest rock formations. The Gunnison River has carved this dramatic landscape over millions of years, creating a paradise for rock climbers, hikers, and photographers.

Whether peering over the rim at Sunset View, descending into the canyon on the Gunnison Route, or fishing in Gold Medal Waters, the Black Canyon offers a raw, untamed beauty that will leave you speechless.

Only experienced hikers with wilderness permits can enter the canyon itself, but there are several trails along the north and south rim that would suit intermediates.

10. Step Back in Time at Mesa Verde National Park

Journey back in time to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. Explore the incredibly well-preserved cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, which housed up to 100 people over 700 years ago.

As you wander through the intricate stone villages and peer into kivas, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of these ancient people. Mesa Verde isn’t just a park; it’s a portal to a long-lost world, making it an essential stop for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.

11. Ride the Rails Back in Time on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Step back into the golden age of rail travel on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a journey that’s as much about the destination as it is about the ride. This coal-fired, steam-operated railroad has been in continuous operation since 1882, winding through the breathtaking canyons and remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest.

As you chug along in a vintage coach, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Animas River and towering peaks, inaccessible by any other means. The 45-mile route between Durango and Silverton uniquely blends Colorado’s rich mining history and stunning natural beauty.

Whether you’re a train enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, this iconic railroad adventure provides an unforgettable glimpse into Colorado’s past and present.

Have you ever done any of these bucket list activities in Colorado? Even though this list could be a whole lot longer, these 11 experiences are some of the best The Centennial State offers, so they’re a great way to get started exploring!  

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post Discover Colorado: The Ultimate Adventure Bucketlist appeared first on Family Road Trip.

If you prefer to embrace the cold rather than escape it, chances are you’re already plotting your next getaway to make the most out of the winter this season. 

Skiing, charming towns blanketed in snow, cozy restaurants, and snow-capped peaks are all part of what makes visiting a winter destination the dreamy experience that it is. 

If you’re wondering where to visit this winter, here are some of the best winter wonderland destinations to visit in the United States! 

Breathtaking Winter Wonderland Destinations in the USA 

1. Vail, Colorado 

Vail is a European-inspired mountain village renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding. In winter, it becomes a magical holiday destination with snow-covered chalets, twinkling lights, and festive decorations throughout the town.

The pedestrian-friendly village is filled with charming shops, holiday markets, and cozy cafés. Families can enjoy ice skating, tubing, or taking a scenic gondola ride over the snowy landscape. Vail’s festive atmosphere peaks at Christmas with events like tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday concerts, and carolers filling the air with holiday cheer.

The combination of luxury, snow sports, and cozy alpine charm make it perfect for a winter getaway.

2. Leavenworth, Washington 

If a place that feels like Europe is what you’re after but you don’t necessarily want to cross the Atlantic, Leavenworth in Washington is a great alternative. 

Perfect for those keen to experience Christmas elsewhere, Leavenworth is a place that still very much sticks to its German heritage. Here, you’ll get to walk amid streets and alleys dotted by half-timbered houses, all while being surrounded by the alluring Cascade Mountains and feeling as though you’re in a town somewhere in the Alps. 

December is the best time to visit Leavenworth, as its locals really make sure to make the most out of the date. Throughout the season, you’ll find an annual Christmas market made to look like those in Bavaria as well as plenty of fun events like gingerbread house competitions, live street performances, and more! 

3. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a quintessential New England town, famous for its scenic winter landscapes and cozy charm. Nestled in the Green Mountains, it’s a hub for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

During the holiday season, the town transforms into a picturesque Christmas village, complete with twinkling lights, festive markets, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Stowe’s historic village and the backdrop of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, create a postcard-perfect holiday setting.

Families can also enjoy ice skating, hot chocolate by a fire, and local holiday events, making it a magical destination for Christmas and winter adventures.

4. Park City, Utah 

Famed for its wonderful ski resorts, Park City is a dream come true for those who want to feel as though they’ve stepped into a real-life snow globe. 

Park City homes plenty of luxury hotels perfect for a staycation cozying up by the fireplace, but if you’d rather head outdoors, this resort in Utah offers all sorts of adventures for snow aficionados. Ice skating, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing are just a few of the items on the activity menu of this winter wonderland. 

As if that weren’t enough, January in Park City is as exciting as it gets. The resort hosts the Sundance Film Festival every year, so you may very well come across some of your favorite celebs during your visit! 

Who said Utah was all about the desert?

5. North Pole, Alaska 

Believe it or not, there’s a town that is actually called North Pole in Alaska! 

Located close to Fairbanks, the small Alaskan town of North Pole is known as the place where Christmas is alive for the entirety of the year. If what you’re after is a winter wonderland in the USA to spend the holiday season in, you’ll find yourself in heaven here, but even if you visit during January or February, you’ll still be able to get that Christmassy feeling even past the official date. 

At North Pole, you’ll find streets lined by giant candy canes, spot twinkling lights all over, and even get to meet real reindeer. As if that weren’t reason enough to visit, this area of Alaska is located close to the Arctic Circle, which means catching a Northern Lights show is a very easy thing to do here. 

6. North Conway, New Hampshire

Located in the heart of the White Mountains, North Conway offers a winter wonderland experience ideal for a festive family getaway. The town is known for its outdoor activities, including skiing at Cranmore Mountain, tubing, and snowshoeing.

At Christmas, North Conway is adorned with holiday lights and decorations, with local shops offering handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. The Conway Scenic Railroad offers a magical “Polar Express” ride for kids, complete with Santa and hot cocoa. The beautiful snow-covered peaks and quaint New England charm make it perfect for a cozy, family-oriented Christmas escape.

7. Telluride, Colorado 

Snowy mountains, gorgeous nature, and charming historic buildings are the staples of this mountain locale in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. 

Once a thriving mining hub during the Victorian era, Telluride is host to a plethora of historical goodness, especially around its downtown, where you’ll find tons of picturesque buildings, an opera house, and a thriving performing arts venue that first opened in the early 1900s. 

Winter hiking is a favorite activity in Telluride, but if you want to do something that gets your heart pumping, other things to do include sledding down mountains, cross-country skiing, and even ice climbing! 

Moreover, Telluride’s outskirts are famous for their gorgeous hot springs, where you can take a dip and relax your muscles after a day spent adventuring in the snow surrounded by beautiful views of the San Juan Mountains. 

8. Gatlinburg & The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee 

As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg in Tennessee is a glorious mountain town that truly knows how to put on a show during the winter months. 

Aside from getting to explore one of the most visited national parks in the United States sans the crowds, you’ll also get the chance to enjoy winter sports inside the park. 

The best way to enjoy both destinations is by booking yourself a cabin or chalet inside the park for a few days and staying at Gatlinburg’s downtown for the rest of the trip.

Although small, this charming alpine destination offers a thriving foodie scene and quintessential alpine vibes, not to mention it hosts tons of exciting winter events such as the Anakeesta’s Enchanted Winter of Lights festival. 

Catch all our the best scenic drives through the Smoky Mountains here!

9. Camden, Maine 

It’s not exactly a secret that Maine is a quintessential winter wonderland, and the town of Camden is a dream come true for those looking for a pretty-as-it-gets-snowy destination. 

Home to a strikingly gorgeous harbor and featuring views of the ocean, Camden may very well make you feel like you were transported into a village in coastal England. Skiing with views of the Atlantic is a thing here, or you can simply opt to stroll through the town for some serious winter eye candy. 

Check out these incredible scenic drives in Maine if you want to continue the winter magic!

10. Ouray, Colorado 

Tucked away in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Ouray in Colorado is often dubbed the “Switzerland of America” due to its European-style architecture and striking mountain vistas. 

Aside from offering every single outdoor adventure in the snow you could think of (skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and more!), Ouray is also a great place to visit if you enjoy attending events and festivals.

Once winter officially starts, this town in Colorado becomes host to several festivals, including the Ouray Ice Festival and the San Juan Skijoring. Both of these festivals celebrate Ouray’s love for all things winter. 

Check out even more stunning scenic mountain drives in Colorado, many still open in the winter months

11. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 

Yellowstone National Park is gorgeous any time of the year, and while most people prefer to visit during the summer when temperatures are warmer, there’s something absolutely magical about seeing its iconic landscape draped in snow. 

Frozen lakes, snow-dusted mountains, and steaming geysers make visiting Yellowstone during the colder months an absolute treat. 

Although the Beartooth Scenic Byway may be closed in winter, the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway through Wapiti Valley is an excellent winter alternative, offering fascinating geological formations.

Moreover, the park rarely sees crowds during the winter, which means you’ll get some of its most visited landmarks all to yourself. Winter is also an excellent time to view wildlife in Yellowstone, with elk, wolves, bison, and other animals being incredibly easy to spot against the white landscape. 

As an added bonus, Jackson Hole, a dreamy ski resort, is located just a stone’s throw away from Yellowstone, so you can have a winter vacation with the best of both worlds! 

Check out our detailed itinerary for getting to Yellowstone from Seattle, or coming from the south, you’ll want to grab our SLC to Yellowstone road trip itinerary

12. Duluth, Minnesota 

Duluth in Minnesota is another wonderful destination to visit during December if what you’re looking for is snow, Christmas vibes, and all things jolly. 

Even though it stays pretty low-key during the rest of the year, Duluth shines bright during the holiday season, when it becomes host to one of the biggest displays of Christmas lights in the entire world. 

Aside from getting to stroll inside a place that feels like it came straight out of a Dr. Seuss novel, there are many more activities to enjoy during your time in Duluth. These include taking a scenic train journey along Lake Superior to see the largest lake in the USA completely frozen or checking out the Historic Glensheen Mansion. 

13. Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid, nestled in the Adirondacks, is a charming village known for its Olympic heritage and beautiful winter setting. The town is transformed into a festive wonderland in the Christmas season with snow-covered streets, holiday lights, and family-friendly activities.

Famous for its winter sports legacy, visitors can enjoy skating on the Olympic Oval, skiing at Whiteface Mountain, and even bobsledding at the Olympic Sports Complex. The town also hosts festive parades, Christmas tree lighting, and cozy spots for hot chocolate by the fire. Its rich history and winter sports make it an iconic winter destination.

14. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada 

Even though Lake Tahoe is more popular during the summer months for beachside goodness and water fun, it also happens to be a glorious winter destination for those who love the outdoors and stunning views. 

Once winter creeps in, the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe become a mecca for fun winter sports, including cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and sleigh rides. 

As if that weren’t enough, hiking in the snow is a thing here, with plenty of trails available to take you to secluded beaches that look just as striking when dusted in white.

A can’t-miss hiking destination is the Vikingsholm Castle On Emerald Bay, which is a castle on an island in the middle of the lake that looks as though it belongs on a fairytale in winter. 

Once you’re done enjoying the snow outside, you can take advantage of the many après ski happy hours at the resorts, spend a few hours enjoying a spa, or hit up a casino to try your luck. Lake Tahoe is one of our favorite US Winter Wonderlands!

Check out this fun driving guide between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite for even more snow-covered beauty in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, or our complete collection of California winter road trips for even more winter wonderland inspiration on the West Coast!

15. New York City, New York

We couldn’t round out our list of Winter Wonderlands without including New York City. While there may be less chance of snow than some of the destinations on our list, New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, making it one of the most iconic Christmas destinations in the world.

Central Park sparkles with snow, and families can enjoy ice skating at Rockefeller Center beneath the famous towering Christmas tree. The city’s dazzling window displays, especially along Fifth Avenue, add to the festive spirit.

Holiday markets pop up in Bryant Park and Union Square, offering seasonal treats and unique gifts. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square draw visitors from around the globe, making winter in New York an unforgettable experience.

We hope this list of some of the best winter wonderland destinations in the USA helped you choose your next winter escape. If you know of other places that are even better in winter, please drop your recommendations in the comment section below! 

Don’t forget you may be driving in the snow! Winter road trips often mean alpine conditions and more treacherous roads than your average city driver is used to. If you’ll be heading to some more extreme places this winter, don’t miss our winter driving tips.

Read Next: Magical Winter Destinations in Canada

Our guide to the best Magical Midwest winter destinations
Try these cosy New England destinations in the winter
Why do families flock to Florida in the winter? (coming soon!)
Seeking out the best ski towns in America for non-skiers (coming soon!)
Had enough of the Snow? Here’s Where to Take a Warm Vacation This Winter (without a passport!)

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post 15 Breathtaking Winter Wonderland Destinations in the USA appeared first on Family Road Trip.

To truly enjoy the drive between these two major cities in Western Canada, give yourself a few days to explore and take in the views from Calgary to Vancouver.

This is one of the most scenic drives in Western Canada, as the landscape is ever-changing from bright blue lakes, mountain ranges, forests, wildlife, and glaciers. There is so much natural beauty to see!

Along the way, you will pass through Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Kamloops, Hope, and Chilliwack, which are all great locations to stop and visit. There are so many fun activities to do along the way, including hiking, exploring small towns, swimming, shopping, hot springs, kayaking, and much more!

Keep reading to find out more about the best stops on our Calgary and Vancouver road trip itinerary; we have covered what to see and where to stop! Our guide will provide helpful tips for this road trip, whether you are driving in a car or an RV.

In this guide to crossing the Canadian Rockies, we’ll cover

• Distance from Calgary to Vancouver – How Long Do I Need to Drive?
• Best Time Of Year To Drive From Vancouver To Calgary
• What Sort of Vehicle Do I Need To Cross the Rockies?
• 13 Best Stops On A Calgary To Vancouver Road Trip
• More Tips For Your Road Trip Calgary to Vancouver

Distance from Calgary to Vancouver – How Long Do I Need to Drive?

How Far Is Calgary From Vancouver?

The distance from Calgary to Vancouver is 1,057 kilometers (660 miles), taking the fastest route.

The drive from Calgary to Vancouver without stops takes 12 hours and 15 minutes. Most of the way, you will take Trans-Canada Highway 1 to Kamploops, then Highway 99. You will want to take 2-3 days to really enjoy the stops along the way, although we’d recommend longer to explore the incredible national and provincial parks more thoroughly.

An alternate route would be to head from Calgary towards Vancouver on Highway 22 (aka The Cowboy Trail) until you reach Lundbreck. From there, take Highway 3 through Fernie and Cranbrook, continuing on Highway 3 until you reach Hope, British Columbia.

From Hope, you will take Trans Canada Highway 1 towards Vancouver. This route takes 14 hours and is 1,226 kilometers (760 miles). It passes through Abbotsford, Surrey, Cranbrook, and Fernie, which are also fabulous stops in the Rocckies.  

For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on stops to make on the shorter northern route. 

Kananaskis

Explore “Alberta’s Mountain Playground” in Kananaskis Country, located between Banff National Park and Calgary. Kananaskis Country is home to some of the most beautiful areas in Alberta and outdoor activities, and the bonus is that it is not as busy with tourists as the other national parks we’ll mention in this guide. 

In Kananaskis, you will find four wildland provincial parks and five provincial parks just waiting to be explored. If you are looking to explore the rugged terrain, we highly recommend the Grassi Lakes trail, which is located in the wildlife corridor and where you will see the aquamarine lakes similar to the popular Lake Moraine.

Grassi Lakes has two trails: an easier path that showcases a dense forest and rock faces with hidden pictographs, while the more difficult route will take you to a steep section to view a waterfall and the town of Canmore in the distance. The easier route is about 5 km and is definitely family-friendly for most fitness levels.

Canmore

Stop in for a quick visit or check in for the evening and take a stroll down 8th Street, a pedestrian-only area with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a gorgeous area for a stroll, as you can see the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Every Thursday in the summer, the Farmer’s Market is located on 8th Street.

Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk is the perfect area to stop with kids as it is an accessible walkway from the downtown area. At the entrance of the trail, you will find the Big Head Sculpture, which is a unique sculpture to see.  The 4km walk will take you through the forest and along the water for an easy scenic walk.

Pro Tip: Accommodation is much more affordable in Canmore than Banff; we recommend making this your first overnight stop before heading into the national park.

See accommodation options in Canmore

Banff

Visiting Banff is about taking in beautiful landscapes and exploring nature. Banff National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream as there are so many beautiful landscapes to look at, but don’t worry, the kids will entertain themselves with nature along the trails. 

Take the iconic Banff Gondola to the upper boardwalk, which gives great views of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains. You can even plan to stop for lunch at the restaurant at the top of the Gondola.

If you are looking to cool off in summer, then you may want to head to Johnson Lake, which has a small sandy beach for kids and makes for a great picnic spot – a fabulous free thing to do in Banff.

Johnston Canyon is another great spot as this family-friendly hike will take you near waterfalls and allows you to explore caves, though you may want to bring an extra set of clothes as there is a chance you get wet.

Save time for a bit of souvenir shopping and ice cream down Banff Avenue and Bear Street (noting that parking in Downtown Banff is tight; plan to park a bit further out and walk into town to prevent congestion).

Pro Tip: You need a Park Pass for the town of Banff, which is actually inside the National Park. You can purchase this online before your visit or at the park gates or visitor centre in town. If you are going to skip a stop here and keep driving through the TransCanada you won’t need the pass – just check what lane you are in!

Lake Louise

Enjoy the picturesque views of Lake Louise as you canoe and take great family photos with a mountain backdrop. Canoeing is a fun activity you can do as a family and make memories in this beautiful setting. You can rent the canoe from the Lake Louise boathouse. 

Pro Tip: Canoeing on Lake Louise costs about $145 CAD an hour, and they can hold a maximum of 3 adults of 2 adults and 2 children that weigh less than 55 pounds, otherwise, you will need to divide into 2 canoes.

Motivate your kids with the prospect of a yummy snack at the end of the hike as you hike the trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House. The hike up to the tea house is more tiring than the way down, so once you fuel up with a snack or lunch, the way down is a breeze.

If you are looking for a unique adventure, then you can try horse trekking around the lake. The local stables, Brewster Adventures, offer five different summer trail rides for you and the family to enjoy. 

Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway takes about an hour to drive and connects Lake Louise and Banff. As you drive through this section, lookout for the following; you may choose to stop at some of the lookout points.

Three Sisters: Lookout for the three bare rocky peak mountains as you drive along the Trans Canada Highway through the Bow Valley as they are the Three Sisters Mountains – Faith, Hope, and Charity. They are nearly 10000 feet tall, so they are pretty hard to miss when looking out your window. 

Castle Mountain Viewpoint: This roadside viewpoint is a great place to stop and see the surrounding mountains, and if you want to explore further, there is a nearby trail.

Note that you WILL need a Park Pass for this scenic drive.

If you want somewhere to stay nearby, you can rent a cabin at Baker Creek By Basecamp. Each cabin has wood paneling, a log cabin design, and a kitchenette so you can save money and make your own food rather than eat out. 

Yoho National Park

High in the mountains of Yoho, you will find Burgess Shale fossils which are some of the oldest pieces of evidence of life on earth. Join a guided hike where you can choose to visit one of three different locations: Mount Stephen, Walcott Quarry, and Stanley Glacier (all have varying hiking distances).

The fossils are located high in the mountains pressed into the rock bed showing evidence of marine ecosystems from over 5 million years ago. This is a must-do Canadian Rockies Experience.

Parks Canada has placed over 200 red Adirondack chairs across Canada in unique treasured natural locations, and 2 sets of these chairs can be found while strolling through Yoho National Park. The chairs in Yoho National Park are located at Takakkaw Falls, and Yoho Lake, so sit and enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of the view.

Golden

Golden, British Columbia, is a great center point from some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery found in the following national parks: Yoho, Glacier, Kootenay, Jasper, Banff, and Mount Revelstoke. This is a great place to stop overnight, and then plan to visit one of these spectacular parks to enjoy hiking, waterfalls, lake views, and rich historical landmarks.

Golden, BC is a wilderness lover’s paradise as there is lots of hiking, water sports, fishing, white water rafting, and so much more to explore. Families will want to visit the Golden Golf Club Mini Golf Course, and the Golden Sky Bridge, located feet above the canyon with amazing views. 

See accommodation options in Golden

Glacier National Park

This is a beautiful National Park to simply enjoy the 360-degree view of alpine scenery and is open year-round.

If you are looking for a quick stretch break, then we suggest the Rockgarden Trail, which takes about 20 minutes to complete and will give you a quick view of the natural beauty of this park as you view the Selkirk Mountains.

Make sure you stop at the Memory Garden and Summit Monument to learn more about the rich history of the park and its involvement in Canada’s first trans-continental railway and highway.

Glacier National Park also offers a full day of exploring. If you have time, you will want to check out Roger’s Pass Discovery Centre, Hemlock Grove Boardwalk, Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk, Meadows in the Sky Parkway, and Glacier House to learn about the area’s true history and natural changes due to climate change.

Salmon Arm

Harold’s Provincial Park is home to a variety of hiking trails, including Margaret’s Falls, which is a stunning waterfall accessible by a few of the trails. The lower trails are accessible, so they are great for young kids and will take you along Shuswap Lake, through old-growth forest areas until you reach the magical waterfall.

Canoe Beach is perfect if you are looking to take a swim or just simply enjoy the beach. This location does have picnic tables, a concession stand, and a playground that can all be enjoyed during your visit.

Shuswap Pie Company is a great place to stop for lunch or to take a sweet or savory pie with you as a snack on the road. These pies are handmade and use local ingredients to ensure they are tasty and fresh. The store is located in Downtown Salmon Arm. 

Lastly, visit the record-breaking world Wharf as this wooden wharf is the longest in North America and is perfect to use for fishing or feeding the ducks. During the summer, you can often find live music and food trucks along the wharf.

Kamloops

Whenever we visit Kamloops, we make sure that we visit Riverside Park in the heart of the city as it is a great spot for families. Riverside park has two amazing playgrounds, a walking trail with a lookout to the Thompson River, and a splash pad.

In the summertime, there is a small concession stand that you can buy lunch from and eat at a nearby picnic table. Make sure you save room as Scoopz Ice Cream shop is located just across the street and has many ice cream treats to choose from.

Another family-friendly stop is at BC Wildlife Park, which is home to over 65 species of animals and 200 animals, including grizzly bears, cougars, wolves, and birds of prey. These animals are all animals that have been saved from the wild as they could no longer survive in the wild on their own.

The park runs a fun train around the park on weekends that the kids will enjoy. This wildlife park is the perfect excursion as it is not very big, so the whole park can be visited in 2-3 hours making it a great spot to stop and stretch your legs.

We’d suggest making this another overnight stop as there are several activities in the area and a decent range of accommodation options for different budgets. Sandman Signature Kamloops puts you in a good location on the waterfront and offers family rooms.

See accommodation options in Kamloops

Bridal Veil Falls

This is one of the quicker stops you can make along the route, however, you don’t want to miss viewing this beautiful cascading waterfall that is over 60 meters tall. The water flows over the smooth rock face and creates a veil effect, thus giving the park the name Bridal Veil Falls. 

You will want to complete both walking trails to create a loop from the parking lot to the waterfall. Follow the path and then cross over the wooden bridge to get the best viewpoint of the falls.

The trail is uphill but not too steep. It takes you through the forest along the riverbank until you reach the falls. You can take the Woodland trail back to the parking lot or take the junction to the left to stop at a great picnic spot for lunch.

Crazy Creek Hot Pools

Experience the benefits of geothermal hot pools that are nestled in the woods among the mountain views. Relax in one of four pools at Crazy Creek Hot Pools, all ranging at varying temperatures from 40°C to 12°C (104°F to 54°F).

This family-friendly activity is available for children three years old and up, and a family pass costs $50 for two adults and two children.

Crazy Creek Resort also offers accommodations, including RV sites, tent camping, and cabins. The resort has so much for kids to do, including playgrounds, a bike track, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge accessible by walking trails, and is near many fun attractions like the Enchanted Forest, which is an old-growth forest with over 350 fairy sculptures along the mystic trail.

Cultus Lake

While Cultus Lake is a little bit of a detour, it is only 11 km south of Chilliwack which you will pass through on your way to Vancouver. Cultus Lake is the ultimate outdoor family playground and is the gem of the Fraser Valley. This recreation hub offers Cultus Lake, which is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. 

Destination Cultus is a kid’s dream destination as it is home to a water park as well as an amusement park so that the whole family will be entertained. When you’re worn out from the park, you can check out the variety of amazing local restaurants, such as Lakeside Beach Club, which makes amazing wraps.

If you are looking for a resting spot, Sunnyside Campground has over 65 acres of campgrounds and lots of activities for the kids, such as playgrounds, boat rentals, and basketball and volleyball courts. 

Complete Your Journey into Vancouver

You are a little over an hour from Cultus Lake to Vancouver to complete your journey. It is one of the most stunningly picturesque city’s in the world so make sure you set aside a few days for exploring before you complete your onward journey from Vancouver – be it on a cruise or heading south into the US Pacific Northwest.

More Tips For Your Road Trip Calgary to Vancouver

When traveling with kids on a long-distance road trip, make sure to pack a variety of snacks and drinks to keep them happy and to save yourself from paying gas station prices.
Pack a cooler for the car so you can make sandwiches and picnic at some of the most beautiful picnic spots in Canada.
Pack a life jacket or floatation device, as there are a variety of places to stop and enjoy swimming or water sports along this route.
Make sure you pack good shoes for hiking, as there are so many amazing trails you won’t want to miss viewing, and you want your feet to be comfortable to make hiking easier.
Last but not least, our Ultimate Family Road Trip checklist will help you to make sure you don’t forget anything important! 

More Driving Inspiration in Canada

We hope you’ve found some inspiring stops to make on your next Canadian road trip. You may also be interested in:

The 10 Best Canadian Road Trips You Cannot Miss
Epic Cross Country Driving Itinerary Toronto to Vancouver
Capturing the Best of Vancouver Island – Driving Itinerary
Vancouver to San Francisco by Car – Pacific North West Road Trip

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post Crossing the Canadian Rockies: 13 Sensational Stops On A Calgary To Vancouver Road Trip appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Road-tripping in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers an exciting blend of historic attractions, modern marvels, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Embarking on a road trip through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an extraordinary journey that unveils a land of captivating contrasts. From the bustling metropolis of Dubai, where futuristic skyscrapers pierce the sky, to the timeless desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see, the UAE offers a road tripper’s paradise.

As you traverse the well-maintained highways and venture off the beaten path, you’ll discover a nation steeped in rich history, adorned with architectural marvels, and graced with natural wonders waiting to be explored. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready for an exhilarating road trip adventure that will lead you through a tapestry of culture, luxury, and awe-inspiring scenery in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.

Best Time to Visit the UAE

Situated on the Arabian Peninsula, facing the Persian Gulf to the north and Oman Sea to the east, the United Arab Emirates has a hot, desert climate. With blistering hot summers, undoubtedly, the best time to take a road trip in the UAE is during the milder winter weather, broadly speaking November to April.

During the winter, it is usually clear, bright blue sky days and mild temperatures, rainfall is rare. Should you face thunderstorms or treacherous conditions in the UAE, however, it is best not to hit the roads as flash flooding can occur and many drivers are not used to such conditions, making it hazardous for everyone.

The busiest time of year for visiting the UAE is over the Christmas-New Year break and spring break time (around March and April ); plan accommodation in advance accordingly.

Also, take note of religious occasions such as Ramadan and Eid when planning your UAE visit dates. On public holiday weekends you’ll find the attractions we mention in this article exceptionally busier; if you’re visiting from overseas, Monday to Thursday will be much quieter days to take a road trip around the UAE.

How to Get Around in the UAE

With most public transport in the UAE limited to the big cities and Intercity buses, the best way to truly explore the United Arad Emirates is to hire a car and get out on the road.

We recommend DiscoverCars.Com to search across different providers for a hire car – give it a try here:

It’s important to bear in mind that city driving in Dubai especially can be tough. There are large multi-lane freeways that move FAST, multi-lane roundabouts, truck lanes and fast lanes to think about. Some top pointers for playing it safe on UAE roads:

• Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side of the road, the steering wheel on the left.
• If your drivers licence is not in English or Arabic, you will need an International Drivers Permit.
• Road signs are all written in English and Arabic.
• The sign posted maximum speed limits have 20km leeway before you receive a fine, so you will find that traffic in the left-hand lanes will move faster than the posted limits; stick to the middle lane if you’re unsure (the right lanes are usually reserved for slow-moving heavy trucks and buses).
• Take on board these safety tips for driving in desert conditions if you’ll be leaving the major cities
• All the drives we explain here can be tackled in an ordinary 2WD vehicle; it’s not recommended to go off-roading into the desert or wadis in the UAE unless you’re with other experienced drivers or as part of a tour.

You can learn more about driving in Dubai here.

Best Road Trips in UAE

Although you can set out from anywhere in the UAE to commence your road trip, we will assume you are starting from Downtown Dubai when calculating time and distance.

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Modern Wonders

• Distance: 140 kms / 87 miles
• Time Needed: 4 hours to 2 days

Starting with the most popular and easy to reach day trip destination from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital city is home to stunning architecture and thrilling adventures.

The number one attraction in the UAE is visiting the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Other architecturally brilliant buildings we would recommend include The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island and Qasr Al Watan, the country’s Presidential Palace.

History buffs, make time in your road trip to see the city’s oldest building Qasr Al Hosn, and for nature lovers, the Jubail Mangrove Walk on Jubail Island is a must-see.

Outside of the city you’ll be glad to have your own wheels to see the more remote parts of the Emirate. Al Wathba Fossil Dunes are fascinating sand dune formations and nearby you’ll find the utterly instargammable Al Wathba Salt Lake – Google Map them for exact pin drops!

And not forgetting the kids, theme park buffs will love a day on Yas Island. With 4 family theme parks including SeaWorld, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld, you will not run short of kid-friendly activities in Abu Dhabi.

Whilst a simple visit down the road to the Grand Mosque and back could be achieved in under 4 hours on a round trip from Dubai, we recommend you dedicate at least 2 to 3 days of your UAE itinerary to exploring Abu Dhabi if time will allow.

Where to stay: For beach vibes, you want one of the stunning resorts that line Saadiyat Beach, or for convenience to the theme parks and Abu Dhabi Airport, stay on Yas Island.

The Northern Emirates: Mountains, Forts, and Coastlines

• Distance: 113 kms / 70 miles
• Time Needed: 4 hours to 1-2 days

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), sitting to the northeast of Dubai has earned itself the reputation of the Adventure Emirate. From sea to sky-high mountains (yes, there’s a mountain range in this desert country!) you can enjoy many unique experiences on a trip to Ras al Khaimah.

Whilst perhaps more famous in recent years for its string of fancy waterfront resorts, Ras Al Khaimah is home to the tallest peak in the country Jebel Jais, in the Hajar Mountains which run the entire length of the country’s east coast and all through the east coast of Oman.

The spectacular 30-kilometer tarmacked mountain drive, full of switchbacks and steep inclines is one of the most spectacular scenic driving roads in the country.

Near the peak of Jebel Jais, this is an outdoor adventure lover’s paradise with the opportunity to take on the longest zipline in the world. There are additionally aerial ropes courses, Via Ferrata and many more adrenaline-pumping adventures.

Where to stay: If budget permits, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert is one of the best desert resorts in the UAE. Closer to the beach, you’ll find a great range of accommodation options on Marjan Island.

Al Ain: The Garden City and Historic Oasis

• Distance: 145 kms / 90 miles
• Time Needed: 6 hours to a full day

The historic Oasis City of Al Ain, also known as the Garden City has a reputation as the birth place of the UAE, where the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed was born.

The drive itself to Al Ain is a relatively straight forward freeway drive from Dubai in around 90 minutes; its the fascinating adventures that await when you arrive make it best to have your own car.

The centre of town is dominated by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain Oasis, a 1,200 hectare shaded park with over 147,000 date palm trees and demonstrating the traditional falaj watering system. Other historic sites dating back to the bronze age are dotted around the city outskirts.

The Al Ain Zoo is also highly acclaimed as one of the cities best attractions. With the addition of a safari a few years ago this makes for a fascinating desert adventure that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre within the zoo is one of the best educational and history resources in the country if you want to learn about the ancient heritage and physical geography of the Arabian Peninsula.

Plenty of other museums also wait you in Al Ain; for history buffs the Al Ain Palace Museum and the Al Jahili Fort are must-stops. You can also check in to the the more modern Qasr al Mawaji, birth home of the former UAE President and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa.

The highlight for drivers, though, is the climb to the top of Jebel Hafeet, the tallest point in Abu Dhabi Emirate. The steep drive from Green Mubazzarah (a park with natural springs) at the mountain to the peak will take around 30 minutes each way, winding to the top and offering spectacular views over to Oman.

Where to stay: Although a little dated these days, the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet on top of Jebel Hafeet affords you some incredible scenic views. We like the Al Ain Rotana for a good city stay close to the Al Ain Oasis, or adventure seekers will love the glamping options at Jebel Hafit Desert Park.

The Desert Adventure: Liwa Oasis and the Empty Quarter

• Distance: 335 kilometres / 208 miles
• Time Needed: full day – overnight

If you’re up for an Arabian Nights style adventure into the desert dunes then this road trip into the Liwa Desert is for you.

It’s not called the Empty Quarter without reason, swathes of desert which make up the vast majority of the land mass of the UAE are only accessible via a few well maintained paved roads that take guests into a complete different side of the Emirates.

Those with a 4WD and the right equipment can take on the vast dunes or for a more sedate experience, try one of the luxury resorts of glamping options to experience the incredibly star lit nights and days.

If you feel that any of the landscape looks familiar, the Liwa desert is part of the backdrop for the planet Jakku in Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

NB it’s not recommended to drive in the Liwa Desert in the peak heat of the day, you should look to explore early morning and late afternoons/evenings. Off-roading is only for those who really know what they’re doing sand driving.

Where to stay: Unmissable is a night in Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort, the ultimate of luxurious desert experiences in the UAE (or anywhere in he world, for that matter). Those on a smaller budget could try spending the night near Madinat Zayed in the Tilal Liwa Desert Retreat, or try the new glamping experience at Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa.

Top Tip: Visiting the western region during the Al Dhafra Festival (dates vary annually but usually around December/January) you could get the opportunity to see a camel beauty pageant! No laughing matter, this is serious business and one for the most unique experiences in the UAE where you will see owners competing for millions In prize money at the coverted Al Mazayan. Watch camels being traded on Millionaires Row and soak in the atmosphere and this traditional Bedouin event

Finding Fjords in the Musandam Peninsula

• Distance:197 kms / 122 miles
• Time Needed: 6 hours to a full day

How do you fancy taking on a whole new country during your road trip from Dubai? The drive from Dubai to Khasab on the Musandam Peninsula sees you at the very tip of the Arabian peninsula, just 40 kms from Iran over the Strait of Hormuz!

Despite driving much of the way through the United Arab Emirates, Musandam is actually an exclave of Oman. You will be crossing an international border, so visas and passports will be required and proof of vehicle ownership with permission to cross the border is required (make sure if you’re hiring a car that this is included!)

There’s a great detailed guide here exactly how to cross the border into Oman from the UAE

Whilst the drive through northern Ras Al Khaimah can feel a little industrial, the moment you cross the Al Darah border, you enter the most incredible coastal journey. The highway winds its way around the rocky khors.

Once you are in Khasab, kick back and relax as life moves a lot slower here. The regional capital is very small, but the starting point of fabulous cruising into the khors (mountainous fjords). You can join a dolphin-watching tour or hire your own private dhow for a serene adventure out on the water, even find your own private beach.

Top Tip: Avoid heading out on this journey Friday afternoon and coming back on a Sunday night as you are you’ll likely encounter long queues at the border crossing when local residents also take to the road. Remember accommodation options are limited so its highly recommended to pre-book if you want to stay overnight in Khasab.

More Tips For Visiting the UAE

Check you have the right visa for entering the UAE. Many nationalities can enter the UAE with a free Visa on arrival but don’t get caught out; equally if you’ll be crossing into Oman be aware most nationalities will require a Visa.

With the fast-pace nature of construction in the UAE, roads can change quickly! Navigation apps are generally up to date, and you could get by with just Google Maps, though many locally prefer to use Waze as the best navigation app for the UAE (Google Play | App Store).

Be mindful that you can lose mobile reception once you leave the big towns and major freeways, we recommend you keep an offline map on your phone.

If heading beyond the cities, remember to fuel up when you can. Despite being an oil-rich country, you may be surprised there are no fuel stations when you need one in the more remote corners of the country!

This article was written by Keri, Editor of Family Travel in the Middle East. Check out her site for incredible guides to navigating your way across the Middle East with kids, from ‘how to’ and cultural guides to hotel and resort reviews.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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The drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone may be long, but it’s also one of the most epic road trips to take if you’re hoping to check out many of the top national parks in the Southwest region of the United States.

A short detour will bring you to the Grand Canyon, and all of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks will practically be en-route as you drive to Yellowstone from Las Vegas. With so much to see and do, you’ll probably spend way more of your day outside your car than in it!

For tips about what to see and do on a Vegas to Yellowstone road trip, read on to learn about the best stops to make and some of the logistics for planning a successful drive.

Distance from Las Vegas to Yellowstone

The road trip from Las Vegas to Yellowstone covers about 740 miles, which follows I-15 for the majority of the route.

However, if you want to make side stops at other National Parks like the Grand Canyon (highly recommended!), count on adding some miles to the total count.

How Long Do I Need Driving from Las Vegas to Yellowstone?

A straight-shot drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone would take between 10 and 11 hours to complete. 11 hours behind the wheel is no way to spend an incredible road trip!

Plan on at least three days of driving if you want to only make minimal stops. If you’re hoping to explore other parks and really make the most of the drive, then realistically plan on at least a week, if not more, for driving from Las Vegas to Yellowstone.

Best Time of Year to Drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone

Spring, summer, and fall are all good times of year for a Las Vegas to Yellowstone road trip.

Although summer is one of the most popular times of year to drive to Yellowstone, thanks to the weather and the most options for accommodation, it’s also when you’ll need to deal with the most tourist crowds. Keep in mind that other places in the southern portion of your drive in Arizona and Utah will also be very hot during the summer, which can make outdoor activities more difficult to enjoy.

The shoulder months of April-May and September-October are often good bets if you want to miss the snow season in Yellowstone as well as the summer crowds. Temperatures are also usually better for hiking and outdoor activities (maybe with the exception of swimming). 

It’s also possible to drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone in the winter, although much of the accommodation around Yellowstone and other National Parks will be closed during this time of year.

Best Stops on a Las Vegas to Yellowstone Road Trip

There are a lot of great detours to make when driving from Las Vegas to Yellowstone. We’ve included some of the no-brainer cities you’ll pass through and longer side trips, so you can pick and choose where you want to go depending on your interests and your time.

Stopping in Las Vegas first? Jump into our detailed guide to Las Vegas With Kids before starting on this epic road trip journey through 6 states!

Valley of Fire State Park

Less than an hour outside of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is one of the gems of Nevada. This incredible park gets its name from the bright red and orange color of the sandstone formations that characterize this Mohave Desert region.

Although it might feel like your drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone has barely begun, it’s worth planning to stop and spend some time in Valley of Fire.

Other than the amazing natural rock formations, one of the park’s top attractions is the petroglyphs carved into the sandstone canyons, which are estimated to have been made by Ancestral Puebloans about 2,500 years ago.

Make sure you get photos of the Elephant Rock; this iconic rock is hard to miss, not only because of its location near the park entrance but also because of its shape (any guesses as to what it resembles?).

There are many great hiking trails throughout the park, like the Fire Wave, known for the red and white stripes of sandstone, or the White Domes Trail, which has everything from caves to desert vistas.

Grab our Las Vegas to Grand Canyon itinerary if you want even more interesting stopping points from Nevada to northern Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park

Although the Grand Canyon is a bit of a detour from the most direct way to Yellowstone from Las Vegas, if you’re already on a road trip in the southwest, it’s well worth the extra time behind the wheel.

The Grand Canyon is often listed among the most amazing natural landmarks in the world, so you should definitely take the opportunity to visit it if possible!

There are two entrances to the Grand Canyon: The North Rim and the South Rim. Although the South Rim is the more popular of the two, it also adds significantly more driving time, while the North Rim entrance is easier to add to a drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone. The North Rim is usually much quieter than the South Rim, so you won’t need to deal with as many other visitors.

A lot of travelers consider the North Rim to be more serene and remote as well. Some of the most popular hikes near the North Rim are the North Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Point which is known for its spectacular overlook.

If you want to spend a night or two at the Grand Canyon to make the most of your time exploring the area, there are several lodges and campgrounds near the North Rim-just make sure you have reservations well in advance!

Also, remember that the North Rim closes during the winter, usually between December 1^st and May 1^st, but check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information.

Zion National Park

Whether or not you add a stop at the Grand Canyon to your Vegas to Yellowstone road trip, Zion National Park is practically on the way from either direction.

Probably the most popular of Utah’s Big 5 National Parks, Zion has an incredible landscape of canyons, mesas, and spectacular sandstone formations.

Even if you don’t stop for long, you should definitely add the six-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It’s considered one of the most beautiful drives in Utah and crosses right through the park’s center.

If you are skipping the Grand Canyon, this itinerary will take you straight from Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Hopefully, you can plan for enough time that you’ll be able to get out of your car and explore some of Zion’s wonders on foot. Hiking is one of the best ways to see the park, with some easy hikes being the Canyon Overlook, Riverside Walk, and the Weeping Rock Trail.

If you’re an experienced hiker, grab some extra water and sunscreen to check out the hike to Observation Point.

Be aware that certain hikes within Zion require you to enter a ballot for timed tickets – and crowds at peak times mean you will need to allow plenty of extra time to catch the shuttle in and out of the park.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon stands out from the other National Parks of the southwest for its distinctive hoodoos. These naturally made tower-like rock formations are anywhere between 5 feet to a whopping 150 feet high!

This National Park is home to some of the most-photographed natural landmarks and locations in Utah. Make sure you bring your camera to get photos of Thor’s Hammer (one of the most iconic hoodoos of the park) and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the red canyon walls.

Like many of the National Parks you’ll encounter on the drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone, hiking is one of the best ways to see the landscape. If you have a day or two to explore Bryce, you might also consider taking a horseback riding tour.

Spending a night at Bryce is worth it to see the night sky. It’s a certified Dark Sky Park and has one of the best views of the stars in the entire United States!

Got longer to spend in Utah? We have a detailed itinerary for all the interesting stopping points between Zion to Bryce Canyon if you want more than just the highlights tour.

Capitol Reef National Park

Although Capitol Reef is the least visited of Utah’s Big 5 National Parks, it has a lot of surprises in store, especially if you like visiting spots with a more off-the-beaten path sort of feel.

The park has a lot of incredible scenic drives, which make great additions for a Vegas to Yellowstone road trip like Cathedral Valley or the “Loop the Fold” route.

Even if you don’t have time to do more than drive through the park on Highway 24, you’ll still be rewarded with breath-taking vistas over the red-rock canyons at spots like Panorama Point.

If you want to leave the car, you can hike the easy trail to Sunset Point. The entire hike is less than a mile round-trip, and it’s a spectacular place for (you guessed it) watching the sunset.

Arches National Park

It’s a no-brainer where Arches National Park gets its name. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, the landscape of this park is unlike anywhere else in the world!

Even just driving through the park will allow you to see many of the iconic stone arches and red-rock towers that characterize the landscape. Spending a bit more time will allow you to hike some of the top trails, like the Devil’s Garden, or a more challenging trek to the Delicate Arch, which is probably the most famous arch in the entire park!

Outdoor adventurers might also consider spending a night at one of the campgrounds as they drive to Yellowstone. The park has spectacular night skies, and the sunrise over the red sandstone landscape is breathtaking.

Canyonlands National Park

Rounding off Utah’s Mighty 5 is Canyonlands National Park. The park is enormous, covering over 330,000 acres, with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through canyons and mesas.

The park’s most popular area is called Island in the Sky, where you can find scenic drives, camping, and hiking. Mesa Arch and Grand View Point are two of the highlights of this area, both of which are reachable by fairly easy hikes.

If you have more than a day, you can explore some of the other top areas of Canyonlands, like The Needles, which are known for their unique needle-like sandstone formations. Adrenaline junkies should head to the area of the park known as The Rivers, where the Colorado and Green Rivers meet, which has some epic places for white water rafting and kayaking.

Salt Lake City

Utah’s capital city is a no-brainer stop to make when driving from Las Vegas to Utah. Not only is Salt Lake City the gateway to Utah’s Big 5 National Parks, but it also has a great combination of history, culture, and city life.

Spending at least a night in SLC is definitely recommended. This will give you a chance to recharge for another day behind the wheel; plus, there’s enough to see and do in the city that it’s practically worthy of its own road trip.

Spend the morning visiting the top sites around Temple Square, like the iconic Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the name’s a mouthful, but the architecture is jaw-dropping). Families will enjoy museums like the Natural History Museum of Utah or spend an afternoon at the Hogle Zoo.

We have a more detailed guide to all the interesting things to do with kids in Salt Lake City over here.

Idaho Falls

Coming closer to your final destination as you drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone, Idaho Falls is another great city to stop in, at least for an afternoon or possibly a day or two, depending on your time.

Situated on the Snake River, there are lots of opportunities for water sports like fishing, kayaking, and rafting. Right downtown, the city’s River Walk area has beautiful parks with pathways, public events in the summer, and an array of great restaurants and city attractions like the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho.

If you’re okay with adding a bit more driving time to your trip, you can visit the spectacular Mesa Falls, which are about an hour’s drive from the city.

Idaho Falls is also close to two different natural hot springs: Heise Hot Springs and Lava Hot Springs. These are great places to relax after all the hiking and long hours in the car, where you can literally soak in the mountain scenery!

Grand Teton National Park

Road trips to Yellowstone often include a stop at Grand Teton since the two National Parks are so close together. Grand Teton doesn’t get as much traffic as Yellowstone, so it’s easier to find places with a more remote and wild feel.

The towering mountains are dominated by Grant Teton itself, which is the tallest peak reaching 13,700 feet.

Take a (very cold) dip in Jenny Lake and then a shuttle boat across the tranquil alpine waters to reach the trail for Hidden Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the park, which plummets over 100 feet.

The park also has an abundance of wildlife, and along with the bison, elk, and pronghorn, which make frequent appearances, you might also get to see other animals like bears, moose, or even wolves!

Grand Teton has several campgrounds and lodges inside the park itself, or hang at Jackson Hole, as it is a popular place to stay for a day or two while exploring the area.

We cover the drive from SLC to Yellowstone in much more detail in this driving itinerary.

Our complete family guide to Yellowstone National Park coming soon!

More Tips for Road Tripping from Las Vegas to Yellowstone

• Planning a successful road trip from Las Vegas to Yellowstone is dependent on making reservations in advance. If visiting Yellowstone in the summer, it’s recommended to make your reservations at least six months, if not a full year, beforehand since the park fills up so fast!

• Plan for a variety of weather, no matter what time of year. You’ll be covering a big distance driving from Las Vegas to Yellowstone, and the climate will change considerably. Even in the summer, pack layers to be prepared for cold nights.

• Sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles will become your best friends! Double-check to make sure you have all three before starting out on any hikes.

• Keep your distance from wildlife. Even if an animal seems curious enough to approach, never offer them food. When driving, always give animals the right of way-you are visiting their home, after all!

• Never forget an important road-tripping item again! Download our complete road trip checklist ready for your next family adventure

© Family Road Trip

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Spread over Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, the Ozarks is a region known for its alluring mountains, cascading waterfalls, dreamy lakes and springs, and its wide array of unique geological formations. 

Because it encompasses over 32 million acres across four different state parks, the Ozarks is a massive playground where nature lovers can spend their days hiking, exploring under the ground, enjoying water activities, and so much more. During your visit, you’ll find yourself in a world of incredible nature, a vast array of cultural offerings, and a plethora of dining options and activities! 

If you’re currently planning your trip to this mesmerizing region in the Midwest United States, here are all the best things to do in the Ozarks! 

1. Visit Lake of the Ozarks 

As the largest state park in Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks boasts 17,000 acres of pristine nature. Here, you’ll get access to some of the best the Ozark Mountains have to offer, not to mention you’ll also find plenty of activities to enjoy one of Missouri’s most iconic lakes. 

During your visit, you’ll get the chance to go boating, water skiing, tubing, paddle boarding, or simply relax lakeside with gorgeous views of mountains all over. Fishing is also a popular activity here, with catfish, walleye, bass, and bluefish being just a few species roaming the waters of the lake! 

If you’re keen to continue adventuring on land, there are plenty of incredible scenic drives in Missouri and hiking trails to enjoy the surroundings.

There are many options of routes to take that range from easy strolls to full-on hikes. If you have time, one of the best trails at Lake of the Ozarks is the Trail of Four Winds, a 13-mile trek providing incredible lake and mountain views. 

2. Check Out The Ozark Caverns 

Caves and caverns are incredibly common throughout the Ozarks due to the geological formation of the area, which makes going underground to explore beneath the floor a must on your itinerary! 

The Ozarks Caverns are one of the best ones to visit. Being here will transport you into a world complete with stalagmites and helictites. You’ll also discover an incredibly unique cave phenomenon – Angels Showers, which is a seemingly never-ending shower of water that comes out of the ceiling. 

When you visit, you’ll get the chance to choose from two different tour options: the traditional one, which lasts an hour and will take you through a big part of the cave, and the kid’s tour, which lasts only around 30 minutes and is a little less challenging. 

3. Go Camping 

Camping in the Ozarks is as dreamy as it gets. With virtually hundreds of campsites spread through different state parks, you’ll pretty much be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking out where to spend a night under billions of stars. 

Some of the best campsites are found in the areas of Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, and Camdenton, where you can pitch a tent and sleep in nature, have a fun RV staycation, or get to sleep inside a real-life teepee. Whatever you pick, you’ll be guaranteed stunning views of nature and access to plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities. 

4. Marvel At Bagnell Dam 

Even though most of the best to see in the Ozarks were created naturally throughout millions of years, Lake of the Ozarks, one of the biggest attractions in the area, is actually man-made! 

Bagnell Dam is an engineering marvel that was completed in 1931 and became responsible for creating the Lake of the Ozarks. This remarkable structure spans 2,500 feet and seizes up the Osage River, creating the gorgeous lake we see today. 

While here, you’ll get to stand at the imposing Bagnell Dam Overlook on Upper Plant Road, which provides the best views out there of the hydroelectric powerhouse and the nature around it. If you want to get more personal with the dam, you can also head over to the Bagnell Dam Strip, where you can take a relaxing stroll around the dam and find plenty of restaurants, shopping options, and activities for a day outdoors. 

5. Find a Castle at Ha Ha Tonka State Park 

Encompassing over 3,000 acres of woodland, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a wonderland for outdoor adventures, especially if hiking, backpacking, and gazing at striking geological formations sounds like your idea of time well spent. 

Aside from hiking and marveling at the natural eye candy spread all over the park, there’s a very unique activity you can also do here: Finding the ruins of a castle! The Ha Ha Tonka Mansion was built back during the 20th century high among the bluffs of the Ozarks, but it burned to the ground during the 40s. Today, you can follow the famous Castle Trail to see the abandoned remains of the castle, which are still a treat to look at! 

6. Take a Dinner Cruise on the Lake 

For the ultimate sunset experience, book yourself a dinner cruise over the Lake of Ozarks. This marvelous experience will allow you to travel through the lake while getting a dose of history, delicious food, and glasses of wine to bid the day goodbye. 

As a tip, dinner cruises tend to book out quickly, so try making a reservation as soon as possible to ensure you can snag a spot! 

7. Explore a Few Vineyards and Wineries 

Yep, the Ozarks have a pretty cool wine scene, and you can get to know it in a super personal way by visiting the plethora of wineries and vineyards spread all over the region.  

If you have half a day to spare, you can create a wine-hopping route or join a tour (can’t miss spots include Shawnee Bluff Winery and Vineyard, Dale Hollow Winery, and Buffalo Creek Winery). If your time is limited and you can only visit one, Seven Springs Winery is a great choice and one of the most classic wineries in the Ozarks for wine-tasting and dining as well as gorgeous views and architecture. 

8. Take a Helicopter Tour 

If you want to see as much of the Ozarks as possible in a short time, book yourself a helicopter tour to get a birds eye view of the Lake of the Ozarks State Park!

Usually, helicopter routes take you to see some of the biggest highlights in the area, including the lake, the Ha Ha Tonka Castle, Bagnell Dam, and more – undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to do in Missouri!

9. Visit The Willmore Lodge 

Home to the Bagnell Dam museum, the Willmore Lodge is an incredibly historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places and retains its original charm. 

Aside from getting to learn all about Bagnell Dam and its construction at the museum, you’ll also get the chance to explore the lodge’s manicured gardens and enjoy spectacular views of the lake. 

10. Catch a Show at Main Street Music Hall 

Located in Osage Beach, the Main Street Music Hall is where you can come and enjoy various shows, ranging from live music to comedy skits and just about everything in between! 

Music varies from country classics to hits from every decade and coupled with comedians, you’ll be guaranteed a great way to spend a night in the Ozarks! 

11. Have Fun at Big Surf Waterpark 

If you’re looking for what to do in the Ozarks with children, checking out the Big Surf Waterpark is a wonderful activity for kids and adults alike. 

Here, you’ll find plenty of fun rides, including waterslides, lazy rivers, fumes, wave pools, and more for the smaller ones to get entertained as well as plenty of eateries and relaxing cabanas for adults to relax in under the sun. 

12. Explore Bridal Cave 

With a yearly temperature of 60 degrees, Bridal Cave is one of the best things to do in the Ozarks, no matter what time of the year you visit! 

This cave was formed as a result of millions of years of geological activity. Today, you can explore its chambers on a guided tour in order to gawk at its gigantic columns, impressive draperies, and the unique onyx formations that make up the cave (Bridal Cave has more onyx formations than any other cave or cavern in the entire world!). 

As a fun fact, the cave’s name comes from local folklore about a Native American wedding ceremony that took place in the cave centuries ago. Today, you can actually reserve the cave as a wedding chapel! So far, over 3,000 couples from all over the world have tied the knot here! 

13. Go Golfing 

Golfing is a pretty huge aspect of everyday life in the Ozarks, and if you’re a fan of the sport, you’ll find yourself in heaven here! 

Plenty of golf courses spread all over the region, most of which are lakeside and provide glorious views of the mountains. Almost all the golf courses here are open to public play, with some of the most popular ones being the Osage National Gold Resort, the Bear Creek Valley Golf Club, and the Old Kinderhook Golf Course.

We hope this has helped inspire your planning for a trip to the Ozarks this year, the perfect nature escape in the Midwest. Let us know if you have a favorite spot in the Ozarks for your family you think we should include on our list.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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No country in the world does road trips quite as well as the United States.

Seriously, hitting the road is almost a way of life. You’re very unlikely to meet a single person in America who hasn’t made at least a few road trips throughout their life!

Thanks to its incredibly vast size (over 4 million miles of road!), and wide variety in terrain and landscapes, no two United States road trip is ever alike.

From driving through seemingly endless deserts to following the Pacific Coast in search of the best beaches and driving around glaciers, one could easily spend an entire lifetime dedicated to road-tripping the country and never find themselves getting bored!

If you’re currently on the lookout for ideas for your next family road trip but find yourself at a loss when choosing which road to hit next, here’s the ultimate list of fabulous American road trips to truly immerse yourself in the landscapes and flavor of specific regions all over the United States!

18 Best American Road Trips

1. Miami to Key West Overseas Highway (Highway 1), Florida

As one of the most mesmerizing and classic American road trips, Highway 1 is a must on any traveler’s bucket list.

This route will take you all the way from Miami to the alluring Florida Keys, with a huge portion of the road being set over the sea! A huge part of the highway is made up of bridges connecting the Keys, which allows you to drive over the ocean without having to use a ferry or boat to get to the next island.

Needless to say, the scenery along the way is spectacular no matter where you look. As you go from bustling Miami past Coral Gables, Key Largo, and Islamorada before arriving at your final destination at Key West, you’ll be treated to glorious ocean views and beautiful white sandy beaches.

To top it all off, there are several state parks and tons of historical attractions scattered throughout, making this palm-dotted highway a wonderful way to get the best of all worlds. Seriously, there’s literally something worth seeing or stopping the car for every mile of the way, so make sure you plan at least a few days to complete this American road trip.

A few stops worth adding to your road trip bucket list include the underwater Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Bahia Honda State Park, the Dolphin Research Center, and beautiful Islamorada.

Find our complete guide to road-tripping Miami to Key West here

2. Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska

Road-tripping from Anchorage to Valdez in Alaska is an experience you won’t soon forget, if ever!

This splendid drive is probably the most overlooked of American road trips, and that’s probably only due to its distance from the continental USA rather than its lack of beauty. Throughout the road trip, you’ll be treated to almost 300 miles of pristine glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, and lush valleys, making it an absolute must on your bucket list if exploring the raw wilderness of Alaska sounds like your type of adventure.

As you slowly make your way to Valdez, you’ll be treated to many scenic vistas, ranging from mountains to glaciers. A few stops worth making include the Chugach State Park, the Eklutna Historical Park to see the area’s oldest continuously inhabited Athabaskan settlement, the Matanuska Glacier, and the Dall Sheep Viewing at Sheep Mountain, where you can see large numbers of wild sheep!

A few miles before Valdez, you’ll see the Worthington Glacier Recreational Center. This is one of the few places in Alaska where you can walk on a glacier on your own, so make sure to stop and walk a bit to touch the blue ice!

Valdez is known as Little Switzerland because of its stunning beauty and gorgeous landscapes. Backdropped by the snow-capped Chugach Mountains, this quaint city offers visitors incredible coastlines, tidal water glaciers, interesting museums, and a good variety of restaurants and bars to help you cap off the road trip in an epic way!

3. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), California

It’s hard to beat the Pacific Coast Highway when it comes to incredible coastal scenery.

Boasting spectacular views of the Pacific every mile of the way, this coastal highway is one of the most spectacular American road trips. Even though the route can be extended to the states of Oregon and Washington, this itinerary will take you along the California portion of the drive from San Francisco to San Diego.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to some of the best attractions California has to offer, get to visit several state parks, pass through picturesque seaside towns, and of course, have options aplenty to stop at several beaches!

Even though you could easily complete this road trip in a day or two if you were to barely make any stops, this drive is all about the journey rather than the destination.

This is especially true once you find yourself in the Big Sur area, a 90-mile stretch of the road that starts in the charming seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea and ends in San Simeon and passes some of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in the area.

We need an entire blog post to describe every single attraction worth stopping for at Highway 1, but a few favorites to include in your itinerary are the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, the city of San Jose, the laid-back seaside village Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and Monterey. Other amazing spots are Hearst Castle and the Danish-style town of Solvang!

We have a detailed guide here to tackling the Big Sur section of Highway 1 or heading to the north, these are the best stops San Francisco to Seattle

4. Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Road Trip, Utah

The Utah National Parks Road Trip is one of the best American road trips to complete if raw desert magic is what you’re after.

This road trip is all about exploring all five of Utah’s national parks and a few extra attractions scattered throughout, each of which comes with unique features but is equally beautiful as the last and provides desert adventures in massive doses.

Start out at Zion National Park, where you’ll find jaw-dropping vistas, desert terrain, unique sandstone cliffs, and lots of interesting desert wildlife to observe. Next, make your way to Bryce Canyon National Park, where you’ll find a large collection of striking red hoodoos and tons of trails that will allow you to hike amid a desert landscape that looks almost like it should belong on Mars.

Other fantastic parks on the list are Capitol Reef to feel as though you’re exploring a different planet, Monument Valley for its legacy of Native American and Old West history, and Dead Horse Point State Park to feel as though you’re in a true cowboy setting in the middle of the Moab desert.

From there, Arches National Park is an easy ride (and yes, you’ll find more than 2000 natural arches and rock formations here!)

Last but definitely not least, on this amazing American road trip, there is a stop at Canyonlands National Park, where you’ll find a desert landscape so vast that you could easily spend an entire year exploring and never get to do the same thing twice. Here, you’ll find sweeping canyon views, whacky-looking rock formations that come in all shades of red, and a vast array of hiking trails and adventures for you to explore at your own pace!

We share here our detailed itinerary for tackling the Utah Mighty 5 + What to do around Moab with kids

5. New York City to Five Finger Lakes, New York

Taking you from one of the most iconic cities in the United States into the Finger Lakes region, this beautiful road trip will show you some of the best New York State has to offer beyond the Big Apple.

Set out from the bustle and hustle of New York City and head northwest towards Cayuga, where you can take a little detour at the Cayuga Wine Trail, the oldest running wine trail in the country! There’s more to this trail than *just* wine, so if possible, try taking a couple of days to fully take everything in.

Don’t miss out on seeing the beautiful glass creations at the Corning Museum of Glass – you can even create your own to take back home with you!

Next, drive over to the town of Watkins Glen, where you can explore a quaint village before heading out into nature to chase waterfalls and hike a few trails at Watkins Glen State Park.

The rest of your time will be spent checking out the finger-shaped lakes that gave the region its name, all of which you’ll find spread across the highway. Each of the lakes comes with its own charm; Cayuga is famous for its wine scene, Taughannock Falls, Seneca for scenic hiking, and Keuka Lake for fishing.

No matter which lakes you choose, water sports, relaxation, and fun are always guaranteed!

Check out this guide to some of the best scenic drives you can take in New York State

6. Skyline Drive, Virginia

The Skyline Drive in Virginia is one of the most cherished American road trips, especially for those looking for a relatively short drive that still provides a ton to see along the way.

Taking you all the way from the busy capital into the heart of the mesmerizing Appalachian Mountains in just over an hour, this drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.

As you move further along the road, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of mountains and the Shenandoah Valley, as well as get plenty of opportunities to park your car and head out for a hike to get closer and personal with the landscape around you.

We have further suggestions below on how you can extend this drive along the east coast, plus the most stunning scenic drives in Virginia to extend your journey through the state

7. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

The Rockies are one of the most strikingly beautiful mountains in the United States, and even though this “road trip” is more of a scenic drive than anything, we still thought it needed to make it to the list due to its unparalleled beauty!

Cutting straight through the Rocky Mountains, the Trail Ridge Road reaches an elevation of over 12,000 feet, which means the top views are absolutely unbelievable.

You’ll want to start your journey at Estes Park, a picturesque mountain town that features incredible hiking trails, great dining, and fine shopping. From here, you’ll start driving upwards all the way to the national park, passing through groves of golden aspen trees, a few trailheads, and glorious vistas all over. Be sure to stay on the lookout for elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, which are easy to spot from the car!

As a tip, this is one of the best American road trips to take for fall foliage, so keep that in mind if you’re still looking for ideas on where to go next fall!

You’ll find more ideas for epic Colorado mountain drives over here!

8. Windward Coast Scenic Drive, Oahu, Hawaii

Also dubbed “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is one of the main islands in Hawaii and the most populated and visited one of them all.

The Windward Coast Scenic Drive along the eastern coast will take you from lively Honolulu to some of the best laid-back coastal towns and secluded beaches in the North Shore area of the island.

As soon as you start driving the Pali Highway, bustling Honolulu will give way to lush natural landscapes as you begin entering the Koolau Mountain Range. This extreme change in landscape will make you feel almost as though you were teleported into a different time!

As you wind along this lesser-traveled Windward Coast road, you’ll see the ocean turn from a turquoise shade to a deep dark blue as the landscape becomes lusher and greener. With its spectacular panoramic views of the Windward Coast and the Koolau Mountains, Nuuanu Pali Lookout is a great spot to make a quick stop to stretch your legs.

Right across from the island, you’ll find Kualoa Ranch, a privately owned ranch where some scenes of “Jurassic Park” and “Lost” were filmed. Of course, you’ll also want to stop at a few of the many secluded beaches that dot the road, so make sure you dedicate at least a few days to this epic road trip in order to be able to make “serendipitous” stops as you go along!

9. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington State

Imagine seeing a rainforest, snow-capped mountains, a lake, and the Pacific Ocean, all on the same day!

Taking you all around the 3,500 square miles that make up Olympic National Park, this amazing loop will have you wondering your way around one of the most diverse national parks in the entire United States, making it a great short road trip to take if a little variety is what you’re after.

While the list of things to do at Olympic National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is pretty much endless if you’re short on time, we recommend making a stop at Ruby Beach for some beachside fun, hiking the Hoh Rain Forest, and having a picnic at Crescent Lake!

See our complete road trip itinerary for the Olympic Peninsula here, along with a great selection of Washington scenic drives for those who’d like to delve further into the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest

10. Million Dollar Highway (San Juan Skyway), Colorado

Featuring some of the finest Rocky Mountain views in Colorado, the San Juan Skyway is one of the most mesmerizing road trips to take in the United States.

The San Juan Skyway begins and ends in the mining town of Durango, where you can ride horses, but also the old gauge railroad, which is still functioning to date! From Durango, head north to Silverston and get ready for a change of scenery as views of the Weminuche Wilderness start taking over.

Stop at Molas Pass and the Dallas Divide before arriving at the town of Telluride, which is a gorgeous mountain locale boasting Victorian-era homes that offer prime skiing during the winter, glorious hiking year-long, and hosts some of the best festivals in the state during the summer months.

With no shortage of incredible mountain drives, here’s where you’ll find some of the best views in Colorado

11. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

As the only road that crosses the entirety of Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most incredible US road trips that will have you gawking at melting glaciers, staring at still blue lakes, passing alpine meadows, and getting glorious views of carved valleys and cascading waterfalls.

Also dubbed the “Crown of the Continent,” this Montana road is considered an engineering marvel, especially when you consider it was built without explosive blasts in order to preserve the landscape!

Even though the road is pretty short at just over 50 miles long, opportunities for interesting stops abound on this immensely scenic drive in Montana.

Make sure to pinpoint the following places: Avalanche Creek for dreamy lake views, The Loop for glorious vistas of Heaven’s Peak, the Jackson Glacier Overlook to gawk at the seventh-largest glacier in the park up close, and the Wild Goose Island Overlook to see a tiny island nestled in a lake that feels almost as though it should belong in a storybook!

Top Tip: Going-to-the-Sun Road now requires a timed entry permit in peak months – make sure to apply early if you plan to tackle this drive in summer.

12. Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway, Oregon

If you’re after the most sensational natural beauty in America, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting drive than the 80-mile-long Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway (the first road in America specifically built for auto-touring).

Following the I-84 east from Portland on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, “The King of Roads” is lined with lush temperate rain forests, mossy canyons, intermittent river views, and most famously, the highest concentration of waterfalls in North America (77, to be precise!)

Not just natural beauty, the Columbia River Highway has some of the most beautiful bridges in the country too. Besides the famous Multnomah Falls, some of the highlights of this drive include Vista House and catching the sunset at Crown Point, Bridal Veil Falls, hiking the Eagle Creek Trail, Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles, and the Dalles Lock and Dam.

Oh, and don’t forget the numerous wineries and microbreweries that dot the area too. This is natural and man-made beauty combined at its best in the Pacific North West.

Top Tip: During the peak summer season, permits may be required for Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor. Check here if timed permits are required.

Find all our favorite scenic drives in Oregon – the spectacular Oregon Coast was very unlucky not to get our top billing in this list!

13. South Dakota Road Trip

South Dakota is a vast state full of natural wonders and heritage. The population is small, and the terrain wide, making it a dreamy destination for an outdoor-focused American road trip.

Begin at Sioux Falls, the largest city in the state and a great base point for visiting Falls Park to check out the waterfalls that dwell within. Upon your return to the city, you can stroll along the Big Sioux Riverwalk all the way to the downtown area, where you can sit at a few restaurants that overlook the river, check out a few local shops, or count how many wall murals you can find!

The next day will be all about exploring Badlands National Park and the varied terrain it covers. Here, you’ll get to see colorful buttes and pinnacles and suddenly blend into the largest mixed-grass prairie in the United States. Prairie Dog Town is a cute spot on the western end of the park, home to prairie dogs eager to be cuddled!

After exploring Badlands National Park’s vastness, continue to Rapid City, where you’ll find plenty of lodging and dining options -undoubtedly one of the best family vacation spots in the Midwest. If you want to sightsee a bit, you can complete the City of Presidents Walk, which passes by life-size bronze statues of former U.S. Presidents.

The last stop on this Midwest road trip is Black Hills National Forest, which boasts a seemingly black mountain range, many hiking trails, and iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore and the famous Presidents’ heads carved in the stone walls!

These next few American road trip suggestions are much longer! Crossing state borders are some of the USA’s longest and most iconic drives; you’ll want to try at least one of these in your lifetime!

14. Historic Route 66

No road speaks louder about classic American road trips than the famous Route 66, especially if you’re keen to feel as though you traveled back in time to old America.

Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, this road trip has nostalgic Americana written all over it. Back in the day, this USA road trip was a favorite for families and friends to venture the road to see the West Coast, and even though the route is not as popular anymore, it remains a dream to complete for many!

Although some parts of Route 66 have been overrun by freeways, large parts of it are still used, and citizens who live in the towns along the way have made huge efforts to revive it. Route 66 is all about nostalgia, resilience, quirky highlights, and fantastic scenery.

Iconic stops along the route are the Gemini Giant, Route History, the Gateway Arch, Meramec Caverns, the giant Blue Whale, Pops Diner, The Leaning Tower of Texas, Cadillac Ranch, the Santa Rosas’s Blue Hole, Meteor Crater, Petrified Forest National Park, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, and the Mc Donald’s Museum.

If this list seems long, trust me, the real one is a lot longer, so make sure you plan for plenty of time to make the most out of Route 66!

15. Great River Road

They don’t come much mightier in America than the Great River Road, following the Mississippi River through 10 states. From the headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota all the way through to the mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, the GRR is a wonderful showcase of the best the Midwest has to offer.

Far more than just flat farmland, there are dozens of interesting stops and side turns you can make on this 3,000-mile-long route. Some unmissable stops include the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the picturesque town of Dubuque in Iowa (baseball fans will want a side stop to Field of Dreams), and Gateway City, St Louis.

Heading further south, Memphis is a must-stop, along with the National Civil Rights Museum and Graceland, followed by the Mississippi River State Park in Arkansas and the old port town of Helena. New Orleans is, without a doubt, the crowing highlight of the GRR before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

Top Tip: The official GRR route is about 50% longer than taking the Interstate; You may choose to mix and match the original route – marked with a green steamboat wheel on road signs – with the Interstate to save some time.

16. Appalachian Trail

If you’re not big into hiking but still dream of following the Appalachian Trail, fear not; there is a road trip version you can take that shadows the 2,100-mile route all the way from New England to the Deep South.

This epic scenic drive will take you through 14 states. You’ll witness some of the most contrasting landscapes on the east coast of the USA. Fascinating and wealthy historical towns give way to former mill towns, mountains to plains.

Your route starts in Maine and takes you through the incredible peaks of the White Mountains and New Hampshire’s Presidential Range – taking the Kancamagus Highway, NH is a must!

The journey continues through Vermont’s Green Mountains and the Berkshires before descending through Connecticut and New York (unmissable in the Fall!).

In New Jersey, you’ll cross the mountainous ski town of Vernon Valley and the immensely scenic Kittatinny Ridge of Pennsylvania before crossing Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

The Appalachian Trail drive will briefly take you through Maryland and West Virginia before you commence the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. You can even take on the 11-mile stretch through Tennessee and North Carolina is known as the Tail of the Dragon (motion sickness sufferers may want to seek an alternate route! )

This epic east coast drive concludes in Georgia – Springer Mountain, to be precise; we’d also add a stop at Tallulah Falls to complete your itinerary.

17. America’s Longest Drive (Route 20)

Fancy heading coast to coast? America’s Longest Drive (Route 20) takes you more than 3,300 miles from Boston to Newport, Oregon, traversing the country in an almost straight line through megacities and small towns.

Highlights along the route, often nicknamed “Big Daddy,” include the Baseball Hall of Fame, driving through Chicago, checking into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland and the kids will definitely want a day at Cedar Point Amusement Park.

The journey continues westward with incredible nature and history stops to work into your itinerary, including Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historic Park, Yellowstone National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. Your journey through Oregon isn’t complete without a stop at Bend on the Deschutes River and finishing your journey on the incredibly picturesque Oregon Coast.

If you’ve got plenty of time to spend and want a true taste of North America, this is the most spectacular drive to take with your family for “the Great American Road Trip.”

Check out our complete guide to road tripping coast to coast, New York to California
We detail all the fascinating stops from Yellowstone and through Oregon here

18. America’s Loneliest Road (Route 50)

Whilst many of the American road trip routes we’ve described here are famous for their unbridled beauty, there’s something truly unique and fitting about finishing our listing of the best road trips in the USA with U.S. Route 50.

This major east-west highway takes you from Ocean City, Maryland, across the country to West Sacramento, California. Over 3,000 miles long, you’ll traverse some of the most rural parts of America, including the 287-mile stretch between Ely and Fernley, Nevada, dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America” by Life magazine in 1986.

The moniker has certain stuck, and the Nevadian take pride in this claim to fame. If your family loves a challenge, pick up an “Official Highway 50 Survival Guide” and get it stamped at every town you pass!

Other awesome stops along the entirety of Route 50 include Washington DC, Kansas City, the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado, Moab, Utah (add in the Utah Mighty 5 we describe above!), and crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Whilst you could plow straight through and complete the cross-country drive in under a week, it would take months to properly explore; we recommend at least three weeks for this ultimate American road trip!

America’s Best Road Trips

We hope this list of the best American road trips inspired you to pick a place and hit the road. Even though listing every road trip worth driving in the United States would be an impossible feat (seriously, there are so many of them!), these are a few great ones to start exploring the country!

Why not set yourself the goal to try one of these per year until your child turns 18?

Each of these drives is so vastly different from the next that choosing one is a pretty hard task, so we’d love to know which one sparked your interest the most and why!

More Incredible Drives From Around The World

If you’ve completed many of these epic driving routes in the USA and are now scouting for your next adventure, you may also be interested in

The Most Beautiful Roads in the World You Need to Drive

Plan Your Road trip Through the Canadian Rockies
Top 10 Best Scenic Drives in Canada

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post 18 All-Time Best American Road Trips To Take Before Your Kids Turn 18 appeared first on Family Road Trip.

With everything New York City offers, most visitors and locals never really venture outside the city.

Even though we encourage you to explore every single corner of NYC with your family, there are a ton of fabulous destinations just a stone’s throw away from Manhattan that are worth checking out as well.

Thanks to the many transportation options available, planning a day trip from the city is a super easy feat, making day-tripping away from the Big Apple an absolute breeze.

From spooky towns filled with legends to verdant state parks and picture-perfect historic villages, here are some of the best day trips from New York City you’ve got to start planning right away!

9 Incredible Day Trips from New York City

1. Sleepy Hollow, NY

Distance from NYC: 32 miles ~ via I-87

Yep, the town of Sleepy Hollow is real, and it makes for a perfect day trip if you’re into all things spooky!

Sleepy Hollow was originally put on the map due to its farming and milling activities, but today, it’s a popular getaway for fans of Washington Irving’s infamous novel.

You can check out the town’s main attraction, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, any time of the year, but we highly recommend visiting during the month of October, when the entire town becomes a Halloween wonderland with festivities, live music, decorations, and haunted hayrides bringing life to the setting of the Headless Horseman!

We have more spooky ideas for your fall drives in New England over here!

2. Cold Spring, NY

Distance from NYC: 61 miles ~ via Palisades Interstate Parkway

Dreaming of lovely riverside cafes, sidewalk restaurants, and historic eye candy? Cold Spring’s got your back!

Deemed the best-preserved 19th-century town in the Hudson Valley, Cold Spring is a delightful getaway from the city if picture-perfect settings are what you’re after.

While strolling its colorful downtown, you’ll stumble across antique shops, cozy sidewalk coffee shops, riverfront restaurants, and boutique shops selling all sorts of local goodies.

If you’d also like to spend time practicing outdoor activities, Cold Spring also offers a ton of that, with lots of hiking and biking trails available in the outskirts of town. Moreover, watersports are a huge thing here, with canoeing, boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking on the river being favorite activities for locals and visitors alike.

3. Storm King Art Center

Distance from NYC: 62 miles ~ via NJ-17

A truly extraordinary 500-acre outdoor museum situated just an hour and a half north of Manhattan, it’s a bucket list destination for most New Yorkers and visitors to New York state alike. Witness over 100 artwork installations, surrounded by the Storm King and Schunnemunk mountains.

Once on the grounds of Storm King, you can walk at your own pace around the rolling meadows and woodlands, or settle in for a tram ride and audio tour. Children’s interactive booklets make it a fun day out for the whole family with picnicking on the grounds a top priority for this perfect day trip from New York.

4. Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park

Distance from NYC: 63 miles ~ via Taconic State Parkway

If it’s a brilliant nature escape from the big smoke you’re after, Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park won’t disappoint. Boasting over 100 miles of hiking trails to choose from, many intersect with the Appalachian Trail, giving hikers a little taste of this famous journey.

The 14,000-acre park is most beautiful when in full fall colors, but winter can also bring opportunities to cross country ski and snowshoe at the Fahnestock Winter Park.

5. Beacon, NY

Distance from NYC: 73 miles – via I-87

Beacon, NY is a synonym of a great foodie scene, mouth-watering cocktails, and art. Located in the lush Hudson countryside, this picturesque city is located less than two hours away from Manhattan and makes for a perfect day trip to escape the bustle and hustle of the city while still having city comforts available.

The main thing to do at Beacon is strolling through its Victorian-era buildings, most of which have now been upscaled into local art galleries, trendy restaurants, and adorable coffee shops!

Visit in early May if you want to experience the annual Cupcake Festival, but your littles won’t be disappointed year-round with the culinary scene also offering copious donuts and ice creams! Walk it all off at Long Dock Park, or even rent a paddleboard of kayak and get out on the Hudson in the warmer months.

6. Mohonk Preserve, NY

Distance from NYC: 90 miles ~ Via I-87

If a day spent riding horses sounds like your idea of a perfect getaway, there’s no better place to do it than at Mohonk Preserve. Located only 90 miles away from the city, Mohonk boasts more than 8,000 acres of forests featuring designated roads for equestrian activities.

Moreover, Mohonk is also a prime destination close to the city for hiking, biking, and rock climbing, making it a perfect day trip for those eager to spend a day breathing a dose of fresh air and enjoying the outdoors.

7. Philadelphia, PA

Distance from NYC: 95 miles ~ via I-95

Even though Philly may be located in an entirely different state, it’s still close enough to New York City that it makes for a perfect day trip! Despite the fact that they’re both major cities located just an hour and a half away by train from each other, Philadelphia and New York ooze two completely different atmospheres.

Philadelphia is all about that small-town feeling, with plenty of chic restaurants, trendy art galleries, and lots of boutique-style cafes and shops.

A must during your visit is strolling the Old City District, which is a small section in Philly’s downtown where you’ll find history galore, including several important landmarks like the Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the Betsy Roth House, the Museum of the American Revolution, and Congress Hall.

8. Woodstock, NY

Distance from NYC: 108 miles ~ via I-87

Nope, the famous 1969 festival wasn’t actually held at this hippy-style locale, but in a town two hours away named Bethel. Despite this fact, though, Woodstock, NY brims with the festival’s atmosphere, with tons of retired hippies and artists now calling it their home.

A visit to Woodstock is all about simple living, with tons of delicious organic food on offer, locally-owned shops selling all sorts of handmade trinkets to bring back home, and nature spread all over.

9. Cooperstown, NY

Distance from NYC: 195 miles ~ via I-87

Love baseball? Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and this town has pretty much become the go-to in order to dive deep into the history and present of America’s national sport.

During your visit, the main attraction for all things baseball is, of course, the museum, where you’ll get to spend hours browsing through collections of memorabilia that tell the story of this amazing sport.

If you’re not exactly a baseball fan, Cooperstown’s got a ton more to offer, including several entertainment options and museums worth checking out (Fenimore Art Museum is a wonderful spot for all things folk and Native American art).

Moreover, Glimmerglass State Park is located right outside the city, which makes for a great day spent out in the outdoors

10. Waterdrinker Farm, Long Island

Distance from NYC: 67 miles ~ via I-495

A family road trip to Long Island is just what the doctor ordered! There’s no better way to escape for a day or weekend away from the big smoke than visiting Long Island.

Waterdrink Family Farm and Gardens in Manorville always has something happening for families to enjoy. Spring brings lavender fields followed by the colorful array of the Tulip festive; Roll into summer to experience the magnificent Sunflower Festival, followed by a Fall Festival and Winter Wonderland.

A full day’s experience can be enjoyed with the new Long Island Farm Brewery set up in an old potato barn on the farm, and endless hay rides to tractor toys, obstacle courses and farm animal interactions for the little ones.

It’s an easy drive (weekend traffic dependent)

We hope you’ve found some inspiration to get behind the wheel, or even hop on a train to enjoy some of these easy but incredible day trips from NYC!

More New York Road Tripping Tips & Inspiration

• For more east coast driving inspiration, check out our favorite scenic drives in New York, or why not visit one of these unique destinations in New York state?

• Further afield, here’s what you can enjoy on a complete road trip from New York to Bar Habor, Maine, or head south on this fabulous road trip from New York to Florida.

• Always check driving conditions before you hit the road in New York, 511ny.org is your best source for up to date traffic information across the state.

• Whether it’s just a day trip or a longer journey with your family, never forget an important road trip item again with our road trip essentials checklist.

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post 10 Incredible Day Trips From NYC appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Alluring views of snow-capped mountains, some of the world’s most sought-after hiking trails, and unparalleled wildlife sightings are just a few of the staples of Colorado, making it a true mecca for those in search of an adventurous outdoor road trip.

If you’re currently plotting your Colorado road trip, chances are you’re feeling super overwhelmed trying to figure out what to see and where to go.

The bad news is that seeing it all in just a visit would be impossible, but the bright side is that we’ve put together the perfect 7-day Colorado itinerary that will show you some of the best the Centennial State has to offer.

The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip For Nature Lovers

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Day 1: Boulder

Boulder is located just a short drive away from Denver, making it the ideal place to make your first stop in your Colorado adventure. Even though Boulder is famed for being a popular college town, the best way to truly get to know it is by exploring its foothills and going for a hike or two.

Depending on how your body is adjusting to the altitude increase, you can go for a manageable hike like the Fowler Trail or the Chautauqua Trail, both of which guarantee picture-perfect views.

If you don’t mind a challenge, though, another incredible trail to test your skills at is the 4th of July Trailhead, which provides the most incredible views of the surrounding Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.

Days 2 and 3: Rocky Mountain National Park

Now that you’ve acclimatized a bit to the altitude, it’s time to visit Colorado’s most iconic national park in search of some serious mountain goodness. Boasting over three hundred miles of hiking trails for all difficulty levels, you’re in for a real treat when it comes to spending time in nature.

A little bit of what’s in store for you during your visit includes dreamy alpine lakes, views of snow-capped mountains as far as the eye can see, and a huge menu of outdoorsy activities ranging from lakeside walks for families to conquering some of the most iconic Colorado 14ers for those who love a good challenge.

In reality, you could opt to dedicate your entire visit to Colorado just to get to know Rocky Mountain because the list of things to do is almost never-ending. Because you only have two days, though, the best way to maximize your visit is by hitting the easier (and super classic trails), such as Emerald Lake or Bear Lake.

If you’re an experienced hiker, a great option for you is the Sky Pond hike, which is longer than the former but worth the effort.

NB: Timed entry passes are required over the summer months to control the flow of traffic to one of the country’s most popular National Parks. Day entry is $25 or see more below on annual passes in Colorado!

Day 4: Hanging Lake

Ever wondered what living in a dreamy fairytale lake would feel like? A visit to Hanging Lake is as close as you can get to that. This secret spot hidden deep inside Glenwood Canyon is one of the dreamiest destinations in Colorado thanks to its unique geological formation, rare flora hovering over the cliffs, and aqua blue water cascading down from the walls.

Day 5: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Often dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Rockies”, Black Canyon dives almost 3,000 feet down into the ground, making the entire landscape look as though it belongs in the Jurassic Era.

Even though you could spend days inside Black Canyon and the Gunnison, the best way to cover as much ground as possible in a day is by grabbing your car keys and driving the Rim Drive. This Colordao scenic road provides twelve viewpoints of the canyon, each more striking than the last.

Afterward, you can either opt for a short hike, do some white water rafting at Gunnison Gorge, or hop on a scenic boat ride to get to know the canyon a little better.

Day 6 and 7: Drive the Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway isn’t a destination per se, but the ultimate way to spend your last days in Colorado is by venturing into one of the most scenic roads in the world. As part of the San Juan Skyway, this highway loops 233 miles across some of the dreamiest Colorado alpine towns: Ouray, Telluride, Durango, and Ridgeway.

The drive itself is relatively short and can be done in two hours. However, give yourself at least two days to make stops along the way to enjoy the stunning views to your heart’s content.

If you’ve got a little bit more time on your Colorado road trip, plan a few overnight stops at each town in order to truly get to get to know each place and the unbelievable nature that surrounds them.

Where to Next?

Check out further itineraries taking you deeper into Colorado and the Southwest:

Utah-Arizona Road Trip for Desert-Lovers – continue westward towards Canyonlands and Moab to swap mountains for desert in this exciting and adventurous drive through some of the most fascinating rock formations and National Parks in the US.

Take on this ultimate road trip from Denver to the Grand Canyon, taking in the bets of the Utah Mighty 5 on your way

For more Colorado inspiration, check out the most incredible places you need to visit in Colorado.

Top Tips for a Colorado Road Trip

Before setting out on a Colorado road trip, there are a few things to be aware of:

• A scenic drive through Colorado involves a lot of mountain driving; expect steep hills, blind corners, and low shoulders. You can come across extreme weather, too, including black ice, high winds, and even rockslides. Before you set out, check current road conditions with COtrip.org.

• June through September is the best time to visit Colorado for warm days and mild evenings. The shoulder seasons in Spring and Fall are undoubtedly less crowded and bring some stunning colors, but can bring unpredictable weather. Meanwhile, winter in Colorado can be a magical wonderland but as it’s all about the snow, involves a very different itinerary.

• We strongly recommend our road-tripping families will get great value from investing in an America the Beautiful annual pass. At just $80 for 12 months of visits, it’s one of the best investments a traveling family can make; otherwise, you’ll be paying entry fees at Rocky Mountain National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

• Starting your journey from Denver? Check out the cheapest rental car options here or consider taking your accommodation with you and hire an RV with Outdoorsy.

• Never forget an essential item again on your next road trip! Check out our Ultimate Family Road Trip checklist over here with downloadable packing list you can tick off as you go.

We hope this itinerary helped you plan a perfect Colorado road trip. Even though getting to see everything this fascinating state has to offer would take a lifetime, these are some of the best destinations to visit to experience the very best the Centennial State has to offer in just one week.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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