10 Scenic Highways That Are Perfect for Family Road Trips

Family road trips can be a blast — but they also take a lot of careful planning. From choosing the best hotel to finding the best route for your trip, every detail matters a little bit more when you've got little ones in tow. No matter where you're headed on your road trip, scenic highways can make your time on the road more enjoyable for everyone.

To help you decide which roads to take for your trip, we've created a list of some of the most scenic highways in the U.S. that are perfect for family road trips. So grab your suitcases, fill up the car, and enjoy the ride while you head down these scenic highways.

• Location: Oregon

If you're planning a family road trip on the Pacific Coast, you can't miss the beautiful sights on Highway 101. The entire drive along the Oregon coast is over 300 miles, stretching from Washington to California. Depending on which part of the highway you travel on, you may pass beaches, state parks, cliffs, and dunes. Whether you travel the entire stretch of highway or one small part, there's nothing quite like the breathtaking scenery along this coast.

• Location: Illinois to California

Route 66 is famous for a reason. Stretching across over 2,000 miles and eight different states, there's plenty to see on this famous highway. Route 66 was one of the original highways in the United States, initially established in 1926. It would be a true challenge to narrow down everything worth seeing on a road trip down this highway, but no matter which section you drive on, you're bound to pass beautiful landscapes, iconic restaurants, and neon signs worth stopping for.

• Location: California

If you're looking for a scenic highway in California, try the Pacific Coast Highway, officially California State Route 1, which stretches for about 655 miles along the coast. Note that sections near Big Sur have experienced closures due to landslides, but as of March 2026, the highway is expected to be fully reopened. Always check current road conditions before your trip. This road along the California coast is officially designated as California State Route 1 and stretches from Leggett, CA, to San Diego. Some of the most memorable areas worth seeing include Big Sur, CA, the Santa Monica Pier, and the waterfall at McWay Falls.

• Location: Virginia to North Carolina

Even with little kids in tow, a drive down the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway can be the ultimate form of relaxation. This road stretches all the way from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a total of 469 miles. When you plan a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway, your family can camp, hike, or see one of the amazing sights, such as Mount Pisgah or Linville Falls.

• Location: Alaska

There's no doubt that Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. to visit. If you're planning a road trip through the state, the Seward Highway is worth visiting. With 127 miles of road connecting Anchorage, AK, to Seward, AK, this coastal road takes about 2.5 hours to drive across. You can spot wildlife along the way at Potter Creek or experience ocean views and a hiking trail at Bird Ridge.

• Location: Minnesota to Louisiana

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River across 10 states and approximately 3,000 miles. Traveling the entire route could take up to two weeks, depending on your pace and stops. While there are no major closures as of March 2026, check for local construction or temporary detours before your trip. Along the Mississippi River, there are numerous attractions, such as St. Anthony Falls, Great River Bluffs State Park, Garvin Heights City Park, and Summit Avenue.

• Location: Montana

If you want to knock visiting a national park and traveling down a scenic road off your list, the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana is the perfect choice. This 50-mile highway goes through Glacier National Park and features breathtaking sights such as Logan Pass, Bird Woman Falls, and the Jackson Glacier Overlook. Note that in 2026, Glacier National Park is piloting a ticketed-only shuttle system for Going-to-the-Sun Road, so reservations may be required for access.

• Location: Montana and Wyoming

The Beartooth Highway is a part of Route 212 that connects Red Lodge, MT, to Cooke City, MT. Be aware that the highway is closed for the winter season and typically reopens around Memorial Day, so it is not accessible in March. If you have plans to take your family to Yellowstone, consider including this scenic route as part of your trip since the beginning of the Beartooth Highway is the exit to Yellowstone National Park. No matter what your destination is, it's worth stopping at Beartooth Pass, Twin Lakes, Crazy Creek Falls, or any of the other sights along the way.

• Location: New Hampshire

For a shorter, yet equally scenic, trip, consider the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. You can travel down this entire highway in less than three hours, even while stopping at some of the beautiful sights. Hands down, the best time of year to visit the Kancamagus Highway is when the leaves are falling, ideally between late September and early October.

• Location: South Dakota

Needles Highway is another short trip that's perfect when you're looking for something scenic but brief. You can drive the Needles Highway in a little over an hour, but there are also many places worth stopping and ways to extend your trip along the way. During your trip down Needles Highway, you can pass through Hood Tunnel and Iron Creek Tunnel, stop to view wildlife, take a hike, or take in the beautiful views at Sylvan Lake.