An Epic Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary: 8 Weeks Coast to Coast

This epic cross-country road trip itinerary is for an all-American family road trip from coast to coast! This USA road trip itinerary includes 21 states, 9 National Parks, 3 National Monuments, and 1 National Memorial and takes approximately 8 weeks.

This route starts in New England (Connecticut specifically) and heads down to North Carolina, through Denver, across to Los Angeles, then up to San Francisco, with lots of fun family road trip stops along the way!

When possible, we’ll include alternate routes or additional road trip stops that may be of interest as you move coast to coast.

Pick and choose which stops sound like fun for your family to craft your own ideal cross-country family road trip.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. All our recommendations are independent and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

At the bottom of the post, Download a free License Plate Game to play on your cross-country road trip!

How Do You Plan a Cross-Country Road Trip for Families?

Summer road trips in the United States are a family right of passage- a lot of families can only tackle these long drives during the summer months, making it a busy time for driving cross-country!

We advise booking all hotel and motel rooms well in advance, with particular emphasis on the national parks, which have seen record crowds in the last few years. Many major attractions and museums require timed tickets for entry, yet another reason to plan ahead.

Don’t forget to buy an Annual Park Pass– it pays for itself in three parks! The pass is good for one year from purchase.

Buy Now: America the Beautiful National Parks Pass

Since we had a 4 and 6-year-old, we limited our time in the car to 4-5 hours a day. If you have older kids, you could do a similar route in a lot less time.

Planning a trip with kids? We put together our best advice for road trip tips specifically for families with kids and toddlers. We’ve covered everything from planning to bathroom breaks so you can learn from our hours on the road.

What is the Best Cross-Country Road Trip Route to Take?

There are many routes you can take cross-country from the all-American Route 66 to the northern route via rt 90, or the most southern route via Route 10. What route is best for you depends on what you’d like to see along the way and where you’d like to end your trip.

We traveled cross-country over a mix of the below routes. We started by mapping out where we have friends we’d like to stop and see, and then added in bucket list stops like the Grand Canyon.

Major Highways Crossing the US

These are the most famous highways crossing the US, many families use these as a start to their road trip planning.

Route 66, also called the Will Rodgers Highway, runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. It is one of the original US highway routes and was used extensively during the 1930s during the Dust Bowl. This road trip route is now known for its kitsch roadside attractions and instagram-able photo opportunities.

Route 90, the most northern route, starts in Boston as the Mass Pike, crosses to Chicago, then through Sioux Falls, to Billings and Missoula, then Spokane, and finally Seattle. This is the route you’d take to see Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, and Yellowstone National Park.

Route 80 is a middle route that starts in New Jersey, also goes through Chicago, then runs through Omaha to Cheyenne, on to Salt Lake City, then to Reno, ending in San Francisco.

Route 70 starts in Baltimore, then Pittsburgh, on to Columbus, Indianapolis, then St. Louis, Kansas City, and over to Denver before heading through Utah with its famous National Parks of Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, and Zion, then on to Los Angeles.

Route 40 is a mid-southern route starting in Wilmington, NC, heading through Nashville, to Oklahoma City, to Albuquerque, then Flagstaff, close to the Grand Canyon, and ending in Los Angeles.

Route 10 is the most southern route which starts in Jacksonville FL, heads to New Orleans, across to Houston, to Tuscon, and then on to Los Angeles.

Epic Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary

This cross-country road trip is the first leg of our Family Year Out. From California, we headed overseas to continue our Gap Year journey in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Morocco, and more. If you’ve got questions, start with what exactly is a Family Year Out?

Since we were traveling with a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old, so all activities and stops are appropriate for families with young kids. Due to the health environment at the time, we mostly focused on outdoor activities, with a few exceptions.

Worried about keeping the kids entertained and happy during long rides in the back seat? We recommend a combination of fun kid’s car activities and lots of road trip snacks.

This is the map of our full cross-country road trip- since it’s hard to see the details in this full USA map, we’ve added screenshots below of sections of the trip.

Start: Connecticut

We started this family cross-country road trip in Connecticut, where we’d been living for the last few years. We sold our house, and all our things were packed up into either a Pod storage container or into our car.

What did we pack into our not-so-huge Subaru Outback? All the road trip essentials, a few books for the kids, and lots of food.

Don’t forget travel insurance! We use SafetyWing for our long-term travel needs.

Get a Quote: SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Crayola Experience, Easton PA

First stop, the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA. This colorful attraction covers 65,000 square feet, with 27 different experiences. We were able to see how crayons are made and name our own crayons among lots of other crafty activities. Some of the attractions, including the character appearances, and the playground, were closed due to restrictions, but should now be open again.

We had a great time at the Crayola Experience. As you can see in our review of the Crayola Experience, we highly recommend it for families. In fact, our kids still sometimes talk about it!

Additional Stop: Gettysburg, PA

Continue southwest to Gettysburg, PA to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and learn about this famous battle in the Civil War. See where Abraham Lincoln stood to give the Gettysburg Address, and don’t forget to stop by the Cannonball Malt Shop!

Book Now: 2 Hour Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

Baltimore, MD- 2 nights

We spent our first two nights with friends in Baltimore. While we mostly hung out in their backyard catching up, there’s plenty for families to do in “Charm City”.

Take a hike through Lake Roland Nature Center and Park or explore the children’s fairy garden there. Take a Chessie dragon paddleboat out on the Chesapeake harbor, or upgrade to an electric pirate boat. Dress like a pirate and fire a water cannon on an Urban Pirates Family Adventure Cruise.

We loved exploring Fort McHenry– where the Star-Spangled Banner was written during the War of 1812. It was a very manageable size for the kids, with lots of bite-sized bits of information, and plenty of space to run around.

Washington, D.C.- 2 nights

We were in DC for a few days in 2019, so this visit was focused on a few places we didn’t get to on that trip. Washington DC is a very family-friendly city, with tons to do!

National Museum of Natural History

First on our list was the National Museum of Natural History! S(6) was really excited to see the rocks and gems, and both girls will love dinosaurs.

We were able to see the Hope Diamond, and some really large crystals, so the kids loved it. We spent a little time in the Hall of Oceans, but the gems were really our highlight. With timed tickets, the museum felt empty, and we had lots of space to ourselves.

National Museum of the American Indian

We also went to the National Museum of the American Indian. I’ve heard great things about it, and was hoping it would set the stage for some other educational stops farther along the trip. Also, their cafe with native foods is supposed to be terrific.

However, I would not recommend this museum for kids. It was very cerebral and involved a lot of reading plaques. They were not at all entertained. We were there for the last day of an exhibit on the Inka Trail (leading to Macchu Pichu) which should have been riveting but was not accessible enough for the kids. The cafe was closed, so we weren’t able to try it.

National Archives

I’m was also hoping to visit the National Archives Museum to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. As part of S’s 2nd-grade curriculum, she will be learning about the Constitution, so this seemed like a great way to jumpstart that part of her education.

The timed tickets for the National Archives sold out fast- we were not able to get tickets on this visit. Plan way ahead if this is on your list!

The White House

Lastly, I emailed our representative to see if we can tour the White House. As of late June 2021, the White House was still closed. We tried to get a photo in front of the White House and found that we could barely get close enough to see it, due to a sudden security lockdown.

A lot of the monuments are lit up at night, this tour makes it really easy to see this other perspective of the National Mall.

Book Now: 3 Hour “Monuments By Night Tour”

Mount Vernon

We realized at the last minute that many of the main attractions in D.C. are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays- so we drove down to Virginia to explore George Washington’s family estate of Mount Vernon.

We highly recommend visiting Mount Vernon with kids!

Affordable Hotels close to the National Mall: Hotel Harrington (not luxury, but amazing location), or Hyatt Regency Washington (walking to Union Station).

Charlottesville, VA- 1 night

We are stopped for one day in Charlottesville to hang out with some friends at a local park.

Don’t Miss Cabins: Montfair Resort Farm. If you are passing by Crozet, VA, don’t miss a stay at the Montfair Resort Farm! Our kids loved staying in a rustic log cabin with bunk beds.

We didn’t have time to check out all the activities around the lake but would have loved a few quiet days to canoe and explore the area.

Check Availability: Montfair Resort Farm

Alternate Route: Natural Bridge State Park

From Washington DC, head south to Colonial Williamsburg before driving west to Charlottesville. From Charlottesville continue west to visit Natural Bridge State Park. Walk the Ceder Creek Trail to the natural bridge, then continue to the Monacan Village.

Colonial Williamsburg

We spent a day at Colonial Williamsburg. It was hot. The distances between buildings were long. We faded. Our favorite part with the maze behind the governor’s house. I think we may have made a mistake starting on the quieter end near the markets, rather than at the visitors center.

Overall it reinforced some of the things we learned at Mount Vernon but was just too much for us on a muggy 90+ degree day.

Depending on your timing you can also visit Historic Jamestowne – the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

Outer Banks, NC- 2 nights

We wanted to dip our toes in the Atlantic Ocean before heading to the West Coast to dip our toes in the Pacific! We spent two nights exploring the beaches in Nags Head, North Carolina.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is just down the beach- visit to see where the first powered flight took place! We were also looking forward to some time just relaxing and digging in the sand.

We almost skipped the Wright Brothers Memorial, but I’m so glad we went! Don’t miss visiting the Wright Brothers Memorial with kids– this small park is the perfect place to learn and explore.

Affordable Place to Stay: Sea Horse Inn & Cottages, Nags Head. These are simple rooms, but right across the street from the beach, with beach access at Jeanette’s Pier. Small grocery deli, burgers, and ice cream are all within an easy walk.

Check Availability: Sea Horse Inn & Cottages

Greensboro, NC- 1 night

Take a one-night stopover in Greensboro, North Carolina to break up a long drive.

Budget Hotel: Fairview Inn, Greensboro Airport. This hotel is nothing amazing, but they have an outdoor pool, and coin laundry, so it does the trick.

Alternate Route: Willmington, NC, and Charleston, SC

Instead of heading west to Greensboro, continue south to Wilmington, NC, and then to Charleston, SC. In Charleston visit the aircraft carrier U.S.S Yorktown. Head northwest to Cherokee, NC.

Heading through Charlotte, NC? Check out all the things to do in Charlotte in winter!

Oconaluftee Indian Village

Next, we headed to Cherokee, NC to visit the Oconalutfee Indian Village. The visit starts with a guided tour introducing traditional Cherokee crafts, then you’ll move through a living history village from the 18th Century at your own pace.

This Cherokee village was so engaging! We highly recommend it if you are in the area.

You can read a full review of our Oconaluftee Village visit and why we so highly recommend it!

Additional Stop: Rock City and Ruby Falls

If you have a little more time in this area, head west to Chattanooga, TN to tour Ruby Falls– the tallest and deepest waterfall open to the public in the United States. Visit Rock City (technically in Georgia) where you’ll see the Fairyland Caverns, and walk the Enchanted Trail.

Cave City, KY- 2 nights

We based ourselves in Cave City, KY to visit two attractions- Mammoth Cave, and Dinosaur World.

Mammoth Cave National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest-known cave system with over 400 miles of mapped passageways. We took the Historic Modified Tour, which is the classic tour covering about 2 miles.

Visiting Mammoth Cave with kids was amazing! We decided to skip Dinosaur World and instead had a picnic and worked on our first Junior Ranger packets. The kids were thrilled to get their official badges!

Which tour of Mammoth is best for you? We’ve recommended the best cave tour of Mammoth for everyone from families with young kids to those looking for an adventure.

Next stop- Dinosaur World Kentucky! This attraction normally includes a 15-minute Fossil Dig with every ticket, but in 2021, each child will be given a bag with three fossils when they enter. There are 150 life-size dinosaurs to see, a big dinosaur playground, and a museum of dinosaur bones and eggs. There is no food service, so bring a picnic.

Budget Hotel: Days Inn Wyndham Cave City. This hotel happens to be very close to Dinosaur World, so we had an amazing view of their Fourth of July Fireworks from the parking lot! The kids enjoyed the pool here. A decent, no-frills, clean hotel.

Check Availability: Days Inn Wyndam Cave City

Nashville, TN- 3 nights

In Nashville, wander down Broadway (Honky Tonk Highway), check out the Nashville Farmers’ Market, and have some playground time at Cumberland Park.

You can also feed the lorikeets, pet the kangaroos, and play on the jungle gym at the Nashville Zoo.

We highly recommend dinner and a show at the Listening Room Cafe. The show started at 6 pm, which was very family-friendly. This venue showcases up-and-coming songwriters, singing their own songs. Tickets are just $5 per person, with a $15/person food and drink minimum.

Tickets to the Grand Ole Opry were sold out where we were there but we’ve heard amazing things about this backstage tour.

Book Now: Backstage Tour of Grand Ole Opry House

Don’t Miss This Hotel: In Nashville, we stayed at the SoBro Guest House run by Black Swan. We had a one-bedroom apartment, so we slept in the bedroom and the kids slept on the pull-out couch in the small, modern living area.

It was great to have a little more space and a full kitchen for a few days. The location was fantastic, an easy walk to almost everything we wanted to do in Nashville. We also loved that check-in was with door codes, so it was super simple and convenient.

Check Availability: SoBro Guest House Nashville

Memphis, TN- 3 nights

Memphis has so much to do! We celebrated E’s 4th birthday here, by taking a river cruise down the Mississippi River on a paddlewheel boat.

We also visited the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum which is in the Lorraine Motel where MLK Jr. was shot.

We also explored Beale Street, and visited the Big River Crossing where you can put one foot in Tennessee and one in Arkansas. Don’t miss the Stax Museum of American Soul Music where you can dance to some vintage Soul Train episodes.

I had hoped to visit Graceland, but we were put off by the high ticket prices.

Affordable Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown. This hotel is an easy walk to Beale Street and a lot of popular Memphis attractions. Also an easy walk to a trolley station. A mid-tier, clean hotel in a fantastic location.

Check Availability: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown

Hot Springs, AR- 1 night

Hot Springs, Arkansas is the home of Hot Springs National Park, a unique national park that exists in the middle of town. There are ancient thermal springs, and 9 historic bathhouses you can visit.

You can fill a bottle at thermal spring fountains around town as well as two cold springs fountains. There are two places you can touch the thermal springs coming out of the ground. This town is adorable, but it was packed with people when we were there.

Affordable Hotel: You’ll want to stay within an easy walk of downtown Hot Springs. We recommend Hotel Hot Springs.

Ron Coleman Quartz Mining

In Jessieville, AR, just outside of Hot Springs, you can visit Ron Coleman’s Crystal Mines. Take a tour of the commercial mining operation, then start digging in the public area. You can dig as long as you like, and take home anything you find. This was one of our favorite experiences on the whole trip. Digging is hard work, bring gardening gloves to avoid blisters!

Alternate Stop: Crater of Diamonds State Park

You could visit Crater of Diamonds State Park, in Murfreesboro, AR where you can dig for diamonds and other precious gems in their original volcanic source. Keep anything you find! These gems tend to be quite small, and hard to find, so we opted for the crystal mines with the hope that it will be more rewarding for our little diggers.

Additional Stop: Cherokee Heritage Center

On your way to Springfield, head slightly west to stop at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK. Here you’ll find a replica 1710 Cherokee village and village stations that teach you about blowguns, dugout canoes, and more.

Springfield, MO- 1 night

Next on this cross-country trip, we started heading north, up through Missouri. We stopped in Springfield for a visit to Fantastic Caverns. This is the only cave in North America that you ride through- a jeep-drawn tram pulls you through the cave. Springfield is also home to the largest fork in the world!

Budget Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Springfield South. A simple room with an indoor pool and breakfast included.

Deanna Rose Homestead

This homestead in Overland, KS has a one-room schoolhouse from 1900, a barbershop, a blacksmith, a dairy barn, and more. Visit a Kanza Indian encampment, play on one of the playgrounds, or feed the baby goats. This is best for young kids- we found it to be more playground and petting zoo than particularly educational.

Kansas City, MO- 2 nights

We chose Kansas City as a stop on our cross-country road trip because 20 minutes to the east is Independence, Missouri. Independence was the starting point for the Oregon Trail. We recently read this Oregon Trail series and are excited to visit some of the original stops along the trail.

The National Frontier Trails Museum is dedicated to the history of the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California trails. Check out some original wagon ruts, and take a ride around town in a covered wagon!

Don’t Miss Tour: When we were planning this trip, the museum was open, but upon arrival in Independence, MO, it has been closed due to an uptick of cases here.

We ended up taking a fabulous covered wagon tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures, who were waiting outside the 1859 jail with their two mules, Frankie and Annie. Find them at 217 Main Street, Independence, MO.

We all learned a ton and got to drive through part of the original Oregon Trail. Book online to make sure they’ll be there!

Other things to do in Kansas City include the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art- both are free of charge. The sculpture park at the museum is a great place for little ones to stretch their legs.

Affordable Hotel: The La Quinta Kansas City Beacon Hill has a good location, free parking, and a great breakfast.

Check Availability: La Quinta Kansas City Beacon Hill

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop

Visit a working 1860s farm at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm in Olathe, KS. This is the last public stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Explore the grounds, see the old stagecoach stop dining room, and take a ride in a real stagecoach.

This place is fantastic- we tried writing with quill and ink pens, chatted with the (female) blacksmith, and learned about life in the 1850s. And of course, took a ride in a real stagecoach!

Alcove Spring Historic Park

Many travelers on the Oregon Trail camped in Alcove Spring, KS for a few days while waiting to cross the Big Blue River.

Check out the wagon swales (grooves in the earth from many wagons passing) and take a short hike to the waterfall of Alcove Spring. You’ll be on dirt roads on your way here, don’t worry, you’re on the right path!

Fort Cody Trading Post

Stretch your legs in North Platte, NE at this popular roadside attraction. It’s been open since 1963! See Buffalo Bill memorabilia, and explore the stockade out back with a jail, wagons, and more.

Ogallala, NE- 1 night

Stop over in Ogallala (say that ten times fast!) to break up the drive. Start out early, as you’ll have a long day ahead of you full of Oregon Trail stops, ending in Cheyenne.

Budget Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham Ogallala offers simple, clean rooms with fun large-scale black-and-white photos of the surrounding landscape. We enjoyed sleeping under a photo of Courthouse Rock!

Check Availability: Super 8 Ogallala

Ash Hollow

Ash Hollow and Windlass Hill hill are famous pieces of the Oregon Trail. It was here that pioneers has to use ropes to lower their covered wagons down the steep hill.

Additional Stop #1: Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock

Before Chimney Rock, take Highway 88 two miles south of Bridgeport, NE to spot Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock– two landmarks on the Oregon Trail.

Additional Stop #2: Carhenge and Dobby’s Frontier Town

From Courthouse and Jail Rocks take Rt 385 an hour north to the pop culture icon of Carhenge, and stroll through Dobby’s Frontier Town.

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is a distinctive landmark along the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails that signaled to travelers that they were on the right path! Many pioneers climbed the spire to carve their names. This rock even appears on the 2006 Nebraska quarter. Find it at 9822 County Road 75, Bayard, NE.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff in Gering, NE is another landmark on the pioneer trail. Hike a trail or drive the Scotts Bluff Summit Road, the oldest paved road in Nebraska.

Walk the Oregon Trail Pathway to see replicas of covered wagons and walk through Mitchel’s Pass, which used to be called “Devil’s Gap”. When the trail changes to dirt, you are on the real Oregon Trail!

Don’t forget to ask for your Junior Ranger packet, if you don’t have time to complete it while you are there, you can mail it back.

Additional Stop: Fort Laramie

If you’d like to continue on the Oregon Trail, continue one more hour north on rt 26 to visit Fort Laramie in Wyoming. Fort Laramie was the largest and most well-known fort along the pioneer trail. Stagecoach lines, the Pony Express, and the transcontinental telegraph all passed through here. The fort was abandoned in 1890, you can now visit restored structures.

Cheyenne, WY- 1 night

There’s a lot to do in Cheyenne, especially if you are there in July for Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo! Visit Gunslinger Square (15th and Pioneer) Saturdays during the summer at high noon to see a performance by the Cheyenne Gunslingers- a non-profit group keeping the Old Western gunfight tradition alive.

Don’t Miss Lodging: Head straight to Terry’s Bison Ranch where you can stay in one of the cabins. Take the Bison Train Tour to hand feed the bison and then go on a pony ride.

The kids had the best time here- there were lots of RVs parked, so lots of kids to play with on the two playgrounds.

The Bison Train at Terry’s is very cool- go first thing in the morning so the animals are hungry. The pony ride is actually a horse on a lead, not a pony, which made it even more fun for our novice riders.

Estes Park, CO

Stop in Estes Park for lunch (or a cinnamon roll at Scratch or Notchtop Bakery) and take the aerial tram to the summit of Prospect Mountain. This is a great town to stretch your legs in and just window shop for a bit.

Additional Stop: Rocky Mountain National Park

From Estes Park, you can easily explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the Trail Ridge Road which has many overlooks and peaks at over 12,000 feet, or hike to Emerald Lake, a round trip hike of 3.5 miles.

Denver, CO- 3 nights

Next stop, the “Mile High City”! Check out the trolley that inspired the trolley in Mister Rogers Neighborhood, take a tour of the Denver Mint to see how coins are made (ages 7+), and watch a performance at Casa Bonita.

We were excited to visit Dinosaur Ridge in nearby Morrison, CO. This is where the first Stegosaurus was discovered. Take the Dinosaur Ridge Trail to see more than 15 fossils and sites along a two-mile track. There are more than 250 dinosaur tracks that can be seen here.

We took our kids to their first MLB game in Denver! As Red Sox fans, we planned to take them to Fenway, but that hasn’t happened. The Rockies played Seattle in an afternoon game- it was hot, but they have a play area for kids who need to get their wiggles out.

Affordable Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown. Good location, a good breakfast, and is within a five-minute drive or walking distance of a lot of the sights.

Check Availability: Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown

Pre-book Parking: We parked in downtown Denver to check out Union Station, only to realize the parking garage one block down was $10 cheaper. Doh! Take the stress out of parking by booking ahead with SpotHero, where you can see a map of nearby prices. Perfect for cities where parking spots on the street are tight.

Check Prices: SpotHero Parking in Denver

Additional Stop: Colorado Springs, CO

An hour and a half south of Denver, Colorado Springs has a lot to offer. Explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings of the Anasazi people, drive up Pike’s Peak, or go floating or rafting down the Arkansas River.

Visit the Garden of the Gods– a free nature preserve and series of hiking trails. Hike among large sandstone formations with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Climb the 224 steps to the Broadmoor Seven Falls, some of the most impressive waterfalls in Colorado.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Time for sand sledding on the tallest sand dunes in North America in Great Sand Dunes National Park! Older kids can go sandboarding (like snowboarding), but sleds are recommended for smaller kids, as it’s easier to get the hang of it. Sand sledding takes some figuring out, but with a few tips for sledding it’s a lot fun for the whole family.

There’s a lot of things to do at Great Sand Dunes including nearby hiking trails. We visited in the summer, which is one of the best times to visit Great Sand Dunes, but there are advantages to other seasons as well.

Head to the dunes early before the heat sets in, then cool off in Medano Creek or with a hike to Zapata Falls (where the water is freezing).

No reservations are needed to visit the park, there is only camping within the park, no hotels or lodges. We’ll recommend staying in nearby Alamosa, Colorado.

Don’t Miss Calvillos Mexican in Alamosa, we got take-out from here and Waker still talks about it!

Budget Hotel: Best Western Alamosa fits the bill. Clean, simple, and close to restaurants and shopping.

Check Availability: Best Western Alamosa

Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo, near Taos, New Mexico is the traditional adobe village of the Taos people- ancestors of the Taos lived in this area almost one thousand years ago. No electricity or running water is allowed in the pueblo, so most people live outside the village walls and use the pueblo for ceremonial purposes.

You can take a guided tour around the pueblo. Now Open Thursday to Monday!

Santa Fe, NM- 3 nights

Head south to Santa Fe! Stroll through Santa Fe Plaza and see the Palace of the Governors. While you’re there grab an ice cream from La Lecheria. Spend some time wandering through the Santa Fe Farmers Market.

We highly recommend a visit to Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return– which has been described as a “surrealist funhouse” and “dreamlike”. It is an “explorable art experience” that gets rave reviews. This was So. Much. Fun.

Don’t miss El Rancho de Las Golondrinas (The Ranch of the Swallows), a living history museum just outside Santa Fe. Josephina, one of the American Girl Dolls, was inspired by the rancho here. The ranch worked with the company to create the doll and book series and ensure its accuracy.

Affordable Hotel: Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe is a great hotel outside of the city center, close to Meow Wolf, with a pool.

Check Availability: Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe

Downtown Hotel: Santa Fe Motel & Inn. I didn’t realize how much time we’d spend in downtown Santa Fe, and how tight the parking there is. For our next visit, I’d trade the pool for a convenient downtown location at this adorable hotel.

Check Availability: Santa Fe Motel & Inn

Mesa Verde National Park- 2 nights

Mesa Verde National Park protects the cultural heritage of 26 tribes who build their ancestral pueblos in this area. Most cliff dwellings can only be entered on a ranger-led tour.

Plan ahead to take the Cliff Palace Tour to see the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and hike the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (1.2 miles roundtrip) for views of the Balcony House. Mesa Verde is a terrific park for families with layers of history told across the park.

Four Corners National Monument

This is the monument where you can stand in four states at once: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. This monument is on Navajo land and was closed during our trip.

Additional Stop: Monument Valley

Continue two hours west to Monument Valley. Take a guided tour through this land that is sacred to the Navajo. Most tours drive a 17-mile Valley Drive loop of the park, famous for appearing in many Western movies.

Moab, UT- 3 nights

Moab is the base for two National Parks- Arches, and Canyonlands. For a different perspective, take a riverboat cruise on the Colorado River.

Arches National Park is very family-friendly with a series of hikes that are two miles or less. Start with an easy walk to Sand Dune Arch, then take the 2-mile hike to Landscape Arch from the Devil’s Garden Trailhead.

The hiking trails in Arches are often short, making this a great place for families with different levels of hiking abilities. The best time to visit Arches is when it’s not stifling hot. If you do visit in the summer, get as early a start as you can to avoid the worst of the heat.

Canyonlands National Park is divided into sections each with its own entrance and visitor center. Coming from Moab, the Island in the Sky section of the park is the closest. If you have more time, venture farther south to the Needles section of the park.

Here are our two top picks for where to stay near Arches and Canyonlands but there are many options. Book early as the best places sell out well in advance.

Budget Hotel: Hotel Moab Downtown. Great location, you can walk all around downtown Moab, which is full of shopping and restaurants. Good outdoor pool as well.

Check Availability: Hotel Moab Downtown

Super Fun Family Hotel: Expedition Lodge. Our kids eyeballed this place every time we drove past. It has a pool with a tube waterslide, a game room, and even rooms with bunk beds.

Check Availability: Expedition Lodge

Additional Stop: Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry

150 miles north of Moab, this quarry has the densest concentration of Jurassic Dinosaur bones ever found. You can visit some of the excavation sites.

Bryce Canyon National Park- 2 nights

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its Hoodoos- tall irregular columns of rock. There are many hiking options- we started with watching the sunrise at Inspiration Point and then walked a bit of the Rim Trail.

We also hiked the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop- it’s 3 miles overall, which sounds fine, but ends with a steep uphill, which can be tough. There are Starry Night Telescope Viewings at the visitor center, and even full moon ranger-led night walks!

Watch for “I Hiked the Hoodoos” medallions throughout the park- kids who bring three rubbings or photos to the visitors center get a reward! There is a shuttle that runs through the park to reduce traffic. We stayed inside the park at Bryce Canyon Lodge. We spent two days in Bryce Canyon and it remains one of our favorite National Parks!

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

This National Monument covers almost one million acres. It has three areas- Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits, and Escalante Canyon. This area is less visited than its neighboring parks, so it should be less crowded. Some of the trailheads involve driving slowly over rutted roads.

The most popular hike here is the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch. The path through these slot canyons can get quite narrow and involves scrambling over rocks, and sometimes using knotted ropes to pull yourself up a rock. The loop created by combining these two trails is about 4 miles round trip. Accessed from Hole in the Rock Road from Escalante, with a turn-off at mile 30.

Peek-a-Boo Gulch sounds a bit too intense for our four-year-old, so instead, we planned to try Willis Creek. Willis Creek is a slot canyon hike accessed from Cannonville. This is a fairly flat, shaded hike leading to a waterfall. This hike is about 4 miles roundtrip- but you can turn around wherever you like. You’ll see the trailhead 6 miles down Skutumpah Road.

Unfortunately we ran out of time to hike Grand Staircase-Escalante, it’s on our list for next time!

Additional Stop: Zion National Park

Zion was the first National Park in Utah and is extremely popular. We skipped Zion on this trip because of the crowds, and because you can’t do everything! There are stories of long waits for shuttles (tickets in advance are now required). We’ll circle back to the park when the kids are old enough to tackle part of the Narrows.

One of the most popular hikes in Zion is the Narrows, which is currently closed due to a Toxic Cyanobacteria Bloom. This hike going “top-down” requires a permit and reservation. The “bottoms up” hike does not need a permit and can be up to 9 miles, though you can turn around wherever you like. Much of this hike involves walking or wading through cold water.

A more family-friendly version of this is the Riverside walk- a 2.2 mile round trip to the entrance of the Narrows.

Horseshoe Bend

This 270-degree bend in the Colorado River is stunning. Just south of Page, Arizona, look for mile marker 545. There is a 3/4 mile walk out to the lookout point. Sunrise and sunset are supposed to be amazing here if you can make it work- be wary of the midday sun, especially in summer.

It’s a beautiful site, however, we had to ask ourselves, is it worth it?

Grand Canyon National Park- 2 nights

The Grand Canyon looms large in the canon of All American Family Road Trips! While I had stopped at the main lookout point, I’d never stayed in the park and explored further.

We stayed inside the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at the Yavapai Lodge so we could see sunrise along the rim at Mather Point.

You can explore the rim trail or take the Hermit Road shuttle bus to explore seven miles of the rim with nine overlook stops.

The Bright Angel Trail heads down into the canyon, with turnaround points at 1.5 and 3 miles.

This was not our favorite park. While it’s considered a National Treasure, we’d consider skipping the Grand Canyon on our next trip.

The Grand Canyon by Helicopter

After we left the park, we headed to the Grand Canyon Airport for a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon! We were excited for the thrill of the ride and to see the Grand Canyon from a different perspective.

We took the North Canyon Tour with Papillon. It’s 25-30 minutes in the air, and the views are spectacular! You can also book rides that involve landing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon or upgrade to an Ecostar helicopter which is quieter than a traditional one.

Additional Stop: Meteor Crater

South of the Grand Canyon, if you head east from Flagstaff, you’ll find Meteor Crater and Barringer Space Museum. See the meteor impact crater that is a mile wide and 500 feet deep. Visit the discovery center to learn about the science behind the crater.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is the next stop on the way to Las Vegas! The Hoover Dam was built on the border of Nevada and Arizona, in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. It was finished in 1935- it is 726 feet high, and 660 feet thick. It holds back Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States, and supplies water to cities as far away as Los Angeles.

While you can see a lot from the road, we were hoping to take the Guided Powerplant Tour- a half-hour of exploring the insides of the dam. However, the dam was closed on our date. If your group is 8+ you can take the longer Guided Dam Tour.

In the end, we totally missed the dam! Tours are not running currently, but we didn’t realize that the main highway now bypasses the Hoover Dam completely. Don’t be like us- set your GPS to stop at the Hoover Dam!

Additional Stop: El Dorado Gold Mine

Head south from the Hoover Dam about 45 minutes on route 95 to tour this real gold mine. The Techatticup Mine is the most famous mine in Nevada. It was accessed by steamboat along the Colorado River and was one of the most lawless places in the West in the 1880s. Take a tour to walk through the old tunnels, see the gold veins and hear stories of the mine’s history.

Las Vegas, NV- 2 nights

There is so much to see and do in Las Vegas that’s family-friendly!

Check out the latest floral art installation at the Bellagio Botanical Gardens, and watch the fountains perform out front. Explore the canals of the Venetian, and see live flamingos at the Flamingo Hotel. Stop by the Midway at Circus Circus to see various live circus acts.

Looking to escape the heat and chaos of the Vegas Strip? This Kayak trip to Emerald Cave on the Colorado River sounds amazing! Beginners welcome, tandem kayaks are available, which is perfect for families.

Book Now: Emerald Cave Kayak Trip- Half Day

We stayed off the strip at the Tahiti Village Resort and Spa– this family-friendly resort has a lazy river, lots of kids’ activities, and no casino. All of the rooms are suites with a kitchenette. They also run shuttles into The Strip to make getting around easy.

However, the lazy river was broken, so the pool was packed. We ended up spending a lot of time on shuttles, next time I’d stay on the strip, somewhere central.

Affordable Hotels on the Strip: Paris or Aria– both are in good shape, Paris is more centralized, with great views of the Bellagio fountains, but doesn’t have a pool. Aria has a nice central location and good pools.

Seven Magic Mountains

Stop on your way out of Las Vegas at this art installation of stacked, painted rocks, some up to 35 feet tall! Approx. 10 miles south of Las Vegas on Rt 15. This was originally a temporary art installation, but it has been extended indefinitely.

Los Angeles, CA- 7 nights

We visited Los Angeles primarily to see family (hello new cousins!) and friends but also to explore the city. Make sure to spot the famous Hollywood sign, and explore the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach.

For kids 5+, this tour of Warner Brothers will be a big hit. Fans of DC Universe or Harry Potter will be especially thrilled.

Book Now: Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood

Favorite Hotel: Rodeway Inn Near Melrose Ave. We’ve now stayed several times. We love the Queen rooms with added balconies. The rooms face an inner courtyard so it’s quiet, and includes a small breakfast. You can walk to a grocery store and pharmacy.

Check Availability: Rodeway Inn

Pre-Book Parking: Parking in LA is the worst! We’ve circled parking garages for waaay too long looking for spots. Book ahead with SpotHero and take the stress out of finding parking.

Book Parking: SpotHero Parking in LA

Ojai, CA- 2 nights

Ojai makes a lovely stop on your way north. Exploring the town, grab an Ojai Ice Cream, and heading to Libbey Park and Playground.

Solvang, CA

The next stop on this cross country road trip, Solvang is known as “Little Denmark”, complete with four windmills, five Danish bakeries, and a Hans Cristian Andersen Park. We love the treats in this small town, it’s become a regular stop for us on our treks up and down the California coast.

You can take a tour with Solvang Trolley– see the highlights of the town while being pulled by Belgian draft horses, and listen to your guide dressed in traditional Danish garb.

Affordable Hotel: Atterdag Inn. Super modern decor, a great walkable downtown location. Some rooms have bunk beds for the kids.

Check Availabillity: Atterdag Inn

San Simeon, CA – 1 night

Head up the coast along Route 1 to San Simeon. Visit the historic Hearst Castle, then head out to see the Elephant Seals at Elephant Seal Vista Point.

Affordable Hotel: The Morgan Hotel San Simeon. Some rooms with ocean views, lovely landscaping. Limited restaurants in the area.

Salinas, CA – 1 night

Nearby Monterey or Carmel-By-The-Sea would also make great road trip stops along this area of the coastline.

Budget Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham Salinas. Simple rooms just off the Highway.

Yosemite National Park- 3 nights

Our last National Park on this long cross-country family road trip is Yosemite! We “camped” in Curry Village- in big canvas tents with beds. Remember to bring a combination lock for the bear boxes!

Yosemite is known for its waterfalls and the monoliths of El Capitan and Half Dome. Yosemite is great for kids– hike to Bridalveil Falls, the Mist Trail, and Lower Yosemite Falls. Aim to reach Glacier Point for sunset if you can.

Final Stop: San Francisco, CA

The City by the Bay! Visit the Ferry Building then take a cable car down to Fisherman’s Wharf and the sea lions at Pier 39.

Grab a treat from Ghirardelli and take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Stroll down Lombard Street with its famous hairpin turns, or take a boat out to Alcatraz.

Want to cut down on walking? Take a “Love Tour” of San Francisco in a colorful VW bus while learning about hippie culture in the city! This tour looks like so much fun.

If you’ll be checking out a lot of attractions, consider getting San Francisco CityPASS. It saves you 45% on attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences, a Bay Cruise, and 2 others that you choose from the list, including the Aquarium or the Zoo!

Book Now: San Francisco CityPASS

Affordable Hotel: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf. Great location in easy walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf area. Rooms are comfy with extra sitting areas. Some room even have views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Check Availability: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf

Considering Christmas in California? You can see the best of Christmas in San Francisco in just one day.

We’ll end our epic cross-country road trip by staying with family in Santa Rosa, California just north of San Francisco.

After 60 nights on the road, we’ll be ready to put our feet up for a bit! Which stops are you most excited about? Did we miss anything?

Consider Renting a Car

If you are flying to the start of your cross-country road trip, you’ll need to rent a car. If you’d prefer to not add a ton of mileage to your current car, or need room for your family to comfortably hang out together, consider renting a larger vehicle.

We recommend Discover Cars– they show you a great selection of rental companies, are always upfront about what is included, and best of all, offer free cancellation if your plans change.

Check Prices: Car Rental at Discover Cars

How Much do US National Parks Cost?

Entrance fees vary at each park, but fees at larger parks are between $35 and $40. If you will be visiting a few National Parks, be sure to get an America the Beautiful Pass– this annual pass costs $80 and gets everyone in your car into unlimited National Parks for one year. This pass covers entrance fees, it does not cover tour fees or lodging fees.

Buy Now: America the Beautiful National Parks Pass

Don’t forget 4th graders also get a free park pass for their whole family.

When visiting National Parks, look for Junior Ranger packets in the visitor centers. The kids complete the packets, and return them to be sworn in as Junior Rangers complete with a badge! You may also want to get a family National Park Passport Book to stamp at each park.

Don’t forget to download the National Park Service app, it allows you to download important information for any of the parks so you can access it when offline. From maps to parking and bathrooms, this app will come in handy.

How Much Money do you Need for a Cross-Country Road Trip?

How much money you will spend driving cross-country depends on your family and your comfort level.

Camping is one of the best ways to save money (make reservations early!). We are not comfortable camping, so we will be staying with friends when possible, and in hotels or motels the rest of the time.

The faster you move (the fewer days on the road), the less money you will spend on your cross-country road trip. Including staying with friends, we averaged $125/night during the summer high season of 2021.

Staying inside National Parks is more expensive, but allows you to see the park at sunrise, and without waiting in line to get in each morning. On average, we paid $200 per night to stay at lodges inside the parks.

Outside the parks, our hotels averaged $140/night. That includes 5 nights at an Airbnb in LA and two nights in Las Vegas over a weekend.

Packing breakfast foods and snacks will save you a lot of money. Don’t miss 40+ Easy Road Trip Snacks for Kids & Toddlers which includes breakfast and lunch suggestions.

A note about hotels– prices have increased over the last year or two. We found that even in more remote areas, hotels under $100 a night were often not as clean as we would like. We have included hotel recommendations- many of these are places we stayed. When we weren’t happy with our original choice, we edited the post to reflect where we would stay next time.

FAQ: Cross-Country Road Trips

There You Have it: Epic Cross Country Road Trip Itinerary

A long list of stops from our two-month-long cross-country family road trip, complete with big and small attractions. Pick and choose the stops to create the best cross-country itinerary for your family!

Need more family road trip ideas? We also road-tripped through the American Northwest with stops including Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.

Thinking of driving across the Southern border? We road tripped into Baja, Mexico, and later spent six weeks in Mexico including stops in Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende.