Who said road trips were just for the summers? There are many great places to go for an amazing winter road trip on the West Coast of the USA. A few precautions are required when driving in the winter, but other than that, you can have fun on family trips.
We’ve prepared a list of the eight best winter road trips on the West Coast of the USA to do with your family.
P.S. We can’t travel everywhere, so if you did an epic family East Coast winter road trip that isn’t on our list, please message me and we can feature your family road trip to the list.
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1. Utah National Parks Road Trip
UTAH’S NATIONAL PARKS ROAD TRIP:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 7 days
🗺️ Distance: 370 miles (595 km)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Moab → Arches → Canyonlands → Capitol Reef → Bryce → Zion
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The stunning natural arches in Arches National Park and the scenic hikes in Zion
The Utah National Parks are quickly becoming one of the most famous road trip destinations in the US, and with their grand views, striking red arches, and unique rock formations, it’s easy to see why. Visit in the winter to see these parks in relative solitude and to avoid the heat of the desert in the summer.
This 370-mile road trip is the perfect way to spend a week in nature with your family. These parks offer overlooks or trails that will awe and inspire all ages, and kids can learn a great deal about geography and history from the many informational packets and plaques in the National Parks.
▶️ Get your FREE 10-Day Utah National Park itinerary!
Start your seven-day road trip in Moab and spend one day in Arches and one day in Canyonlands National Parks. Arches National Park has many kid-friendly trails, such as Double Arch and Sand Dune Arch. Canyonlands is less kid-friendly, with many steep drop-offs without railings, but there are still many great overlooks to check out, such as the Green River Overlook and Grand Viewpoint Overlook.
Next, head down to Capitol Reef for a day and take the scenic drive past the canyon walls. Kids will also have a lot of fun picking fruit in the Fruita Orchard and eating pie from the Gifford House! The next stop is Bryce National Park, worth spending two days in. Young families can easily walk along the rim from Sunrise to Sunset Point or check out the overlooks at Lower, Middle, and Upper Inspiration Point. Families up for a hike will love the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail or the Peekaboo Loop Trail. These are moderate, longer trails that take you down into the canyon and among the hoodoos.
Last, head to Zion National Park for two days to complete your Utah road trip. Zion has a variety of trails with a range of difficulties, but two of the more family-friendly ones include the Riverside Walk and Lower Emerald Pool Trail.
2. San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ
SAN DIEGO, CA TO PHOENIX, AZ
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 5 days
🗺️ Distance: 355 miles (571 km)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: San Diego → La Jolla → Joshua Tree → Phoenix
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The family-friendly attractions in San Diego and the desert beauty of Joshua Tree National Park.
If you’re looking to escape the winter blues, there’s no better place for a road trip than from southern California through Arizona. Starting in San Diego and traveling east, you will find lots of great stops for kids. The drive from San Diego to Phoenix is five to six hours, depending on your route.
Start your trip off with two days in San Diego. The San Diego Zoo is a great place to visit with kids and fun to spend the day. La Jolla Cove is a great place to see the sea lions and do some shopping. Old Town California, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and the USS Midway Museum are fun places for San Diego kids.
From San Diego, you can drive north and take the I-15N and 1-10E to Phoenix. This route will take you through Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. You can see the highlights of Joshua Tree in anywhere from a couple of hours to a day. This drive takes about six hours.
The second route option follows the Mexican border through Yuma. You can also take a slight detour to the south and visit Tucson and Saguaro National Park. Without the detour to Tucson, this drive takes about five hours.
Once you get there, there are so many fun things to do with kids in Phoenix. There are many great outdoor activities in Phoenix for kids, like visiting the:
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park,
- Hieroglyphics Trail,
- Riparian Preserve,
- Odysea Aquarium,
- Legoland Discovery Center, and
- Uptown Jungle.
You can also add a little detour to drive on the Apache Trail, just outside of Mesa, AZ.
3. Denver, CO to Utah
DENVER, CO TO UTAH
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 7 days
🗺️ Distance: 1300 miles (2092 km)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Denver → Vail/Aspen → Moab → Utah’s National Parks
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The snow-covered slopes of Vail and the red rock landscapes of Utah’s parks.
One of the best winter family road trips in the USA is to do a loop starting from Denver and going through Moab, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Cortez, and back!
This road trip provides multiple changes of scenery along the way which will keep children enthralled the whole time. By spending the night in places like Vail or Aspen, you can experience epic winter snow and cold fresh air, especially at a must-visit place like the Maroon Bells.
As the journey continues into Utah, kids will be fascinated by the desert as you can stop at great national parks like Arches and Zion. Bryce Canyon National Park is also one of the best places to visit in the snow. By visiting Bryce Canyon in winter, you can avoid the crowds and witness the stark contrast of the snow on the hoodoos.
At just 1300 miles over seven days, this is a lot of driving, but it’s doable! Just make sure to make stops along the way and enjoy the scenery. Some of the best places to spend the night on this road trip are Vail, Grand Junction, Moab, Bryce, and Cortez. You can even add an extra day or two and dip into Arizona to visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon!
If you plan on doing this road trip, purchase an America the Beautiful Pass to save money on national park fees. If you plan on visiting at least two parks, the pass is well worth it! They can be purchased online or at an adventure store like REI.
Curated by: Krystianna from Volumes & Voyages | 7 days | 1300 miles
4. Space Tour New Mexico Road Trip
NEW MEXICO SPACE TRAIL:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 3-4 days
🗺️ Distance: 383 miles (616 km)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Roswell → Alamogordo → Las Alamos
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The International UFO Museum in Roswell and the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
If your family includes a future astronaut or scientist, the first stop on your New Mexico Road Trip should be Roswell. Start at The International UFO Museum and Research Center to learn about the “1947 Roswell incident.” With history and alien legends, this museum is fun for all ages. Roswell is also home to a UFO-themed Mcdonalds’ with kids’ play zone. Want to escape the alien theme?
Check out the art at the Roswell Museum or Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. Before heading out on your road trip, be sure to check out one of the Rowell TV series or documentaries.
The next stop on your trip should be Alamogordo. Alamogordo is located at the Sacramento Mountains base and near the historical “Trinity” atomic bomb testing site. The New Mexico Museum of Space History houses several permanent space history exhibitions and a planetarium. Next drive over to White Sands is a National Park, which is known for wave-like dunes of gypsum. Pick up a sled on your way to sled down the white dunes.
The last stop on your trip should be Las Alamos. Known for its role in the Manhattan Project, Las Alamos is rich in history and science. While in Las Alamos, check out the Bradbury Science Museum, the Las Alamos History Museum, and the New Mexico Site for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
New Mexico is a state rich in history and culture. You can quickly expand your road trip by stopping by the Albuquerque Zoo or checking out the ski slopes in Santa Fe.
Curated by: Christina from Ragain Adventures
5. Los Angeles, CA to Orange County, CA
LOS ANGELES TO ORANGE COUNTY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 4 days
🗺️ Distance: 100 miles (160 km)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Los Angeles → Huntington Beach → San Clemente → Orange County
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: Surfing in Huntington Beach and exploring the cultural spots of Orange County.
If you want to take a classic winter California road trip, head to Orange Country after spending a couple of days in Los Angeles. You’ll be driving a section of the famous Pacific Coast Highway.
Located in the heart of Southern California, Orange County is home to over 3 million people, making it one of the most populous counties in the state. That, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t find a quiet escape here.
Quite the opposite: Orange County is home to some of California’s best beaches and state parks, with plenty of space for hiking, picnicking, camping, and mountain biking.
Orange County also has some of the best conditions for surfing in the United States, and the area has produced many world-famous surfers. If you want to grab a board and try surfing, consider visiting Huntington Beach and San Clemente, some of the most popular surfing destinations in Orange County.
Since Orange County comprises many charming towns located along the coast and further inland, make sure to spare enough time to visit them. Among the best coastal areas in Orange County are:
- Dana Point,
- Laguna Beach, and
- San Clemente.
However, you can also choose less expensive inland towns like Irvine or Santa Ana, just outside of Los Angeles.
Besides postcard beach views, Orange County has plenty of culture with several world-class institutions, such as the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, and a vibrant street art scene – perfect for a family trip!
If you have extra time, add a few more days to your road trip to reach San Francisco.
6. Los Angeles, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA
LOS ANGELES TO YOSEMITE EXPLORATION SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 6-7 days
🗺️ Distance: 280 miles (451 km)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Los Angeles → Sequoia National Park → Yosemite National Park
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and the serene beauty of Yosemite in winter.
Yosemite and Sequoia are generally considered summer family road trip destinations, but winter in these two California national parks is equally magical (if not more so). Plus, it brings a fraction of the crowds.
With Sequoia lying just over 200 miles north of Los Angeles and Yosemite lying an additional 170 miles from Sequoia, the route makes for the perfect 6 or 7-day California winter road trip with kids.
To reach Sequoia National Park, take the I-5 N to the CA-65 N from LA and check in at one of the park lodges or cabins. During the colder months of the year, snow blankets the floor beneath the towering groves of sequoia trees, creating a magical winter wonderland. Be sure not to miss the General Sherman Tree – the largest in the world – or the General Grant Tree – the second largest in the world. Wolverton Meadow is the favored area for sledding and snowshoeing.
After a few days in Sequoia, take the CA-41 N to Yosemite and stay at one of the many lodging options in the valley or surrounding areas. While not all Yosemite trails remain open during winter, Lower Yosemite Falls is a beautiful 1-mile loop trail perfect for families with young children. Yosemite Valley Loop also remains open and is a great option for those looking for more of a challenge. Most years, there’s an ice rink in Curry Village, and the Sequoia Groves in Merced and Tuolumne are popular places for snowshoeing.
💡 PRO-TIP: Driving in Sequoia and Yosemite during winter can bring snowy and icy conditions and it’s important to come prepared. Snow tires or chains are essential and checking for road closures before your trip is recommended.
7. The Ultimate Winter Road Trip West Coast: Oregon Coast from Cannon Beach to Brookings
OREGON COAST ROAD TRIP:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 4 days
🗺️ Distance: 314 miles (505 km)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Cannon Beach → Oswald West State Park → Tillamook Creamery → Cape Kiwanda → Lincoln City → Thor’s Well → Bandon Beach → Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The stunning coastal views and natural wonders like Haystack Rock, Thor’s Well, and the sea stacks at Bandon Beach.
The Oregon Coast is a gorgeous destination any time of year – but the winter brings a special kind of magic! You’ll want to bring waterproof shoes and rain jackets, but the mild temperatures, incredible views, and the solitude of the coast are so worth it.
This is a great road trip with kids because the Oregon Coast has easily accessible viewpoints, family-friendly hikes with jaw-dropping views, and countless fun pit stops!
Start this road trip in Cannon Beach – an adorable beach town with local restaurants, nearby hikes, and the iconic view of Haystack Rock. From Cannon Beach to Brookings, Oregon, you’ll drive 302 miles (486 km), hugging the gorgeous coast and ocean views the entire time!
Wander the beach and take in the views of Haystack Rock, then drive south. Take a quick pit stop at Short Sands Beach in Oswald West State Park and hike the short, mile-long paved path that ends at the gorgeous beach. If you have time, head to Elk Flats to walk the short trail to a cliff over the ocean!
Stop driving and stop at the Tillamook Creamery to tour the Cheese Factory and get ice cream for the family! Then, head to Cape Kiwanda and explore the beautiful beach. Climb up the dunes for a view of the ocean from above before continuing to Lincoln City.
After exploring Lincoln City and grabbing some saltwater taffy, drive to Thor’s Well to see an incredible natural wonder where the ocean seems to fall into an underwater cave. From there, drive to Bandon Beach and marvel at the sea stacks before heading into town for dinner.
Drive to Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor and head to the Natural Bridges for gorgeous views from the cliffs over the ocean. Take the short, easy Indian Sands loop to the beach!
Curated by: Anna from Anna Tee
8. Sacramento to Lake Tahoe
SACRAMENTO TO LAKE TAHOE:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: Not specified, but typically a short trip
🗺️ Distance: 113 miles (182 km)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Sacramento → Auburn → Donner Lake → Lake Tahoe
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The historical sites in Sacramento and Auburn, the tragic history of the Donner Party, and the winter sports and scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe.
When we think of California, we mostly have gorgeous beaches and palm trees in mind. But the Golden State has much more to offer, including its world-renowned ski resorts and beautiful snowy mountain peaks.
The Lake Tahoe area is perfect for a winter road trip in the USA.
Lake Tahoe is a freshwater alpine lake at 6,224 feet in altitude. It’s located in the Sierra Nevada. It shares its borders with the stats of California and Nevada. It’s about 113 miles away from Sacramento.
Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination for families, but it has something unique to offer during the wintertime.
Start your trip in the capital city of California, Sacramento. In Sacramento, you’ll want to visit the capitol, Old Sacramento, and its Railway museum to learn more about the California Gold Rush area.
Then, head east on I-80 and make a first stop in Auburn. The historic town of Auburn is charming. You can visit the Historic Auburn Courthouse.
Next, you’ll stop in Donner Lake to visit the Donner Memorial State Park. There, you’ll learn about the Donner Party and their sadly unsuccessful journey on the West Coast. You can also compare the amount of snow they received that year. The Memorial and museum is open year-round.
Finally, you’ll arrive in Lake Tahoe. There are a few options for visiting Lake Tahoe. Still, if you are a skiing or snowboarding family, I recommend staying at Palisade Tahoe Ski Resort in Olympic Valley or Heavenly ski resort in South Lake Tahoe.
While in Lake Tahoe, do a winter sleigh ride at Camp Richardson and some ice skating at the Heavenly Village ice rink.
Why Should You Plan a Winter Road Trip in the USA?
While driving in the winter can be scary, there are many benefits to planning a winter family trips. Here are a few of the main reasons you should plan a winter road trip in the USA this season:
- Tourist attractions, such as National Parks and theme parks, are way less crowded than in the summer, making your visit most enjoyable.
- Most hotels, rentals, and even some attractions offer discounted rates in the winter season (except ski resorts, of course)
- Some places have a magical charm in the winter, with the ground covered in winter.
Of course, there are some precautions to take when planning winter road trips in the USA, especially when changing states and climates. Here are a few things to keep in mind with planning a road trip in the winter:
- Always check weather reports and road condition reports before hitting the road
- Be informed on the winter tire requirements where you are heading
- Take your time on the road. A winter road trip will probably take longer than a summer one, but it’s for the family’s safety.
Final Thoughts: Best Winter Road Trips on the West Coast
There are many options for fun winter road trips on the West Coast of the USA for family vacations or long weekends.
Which of these winter road trips in the USA will you add to your family travel list?
Let us know in the comment section or on Instagram.
