There’s nothing quite like the experience of throwing some bags into the car and heading out for that long-dreamed road trip. Leaving for any type of vacation with kids in tow, let alone a road trip, can be quite a hassle. However, the family road trip can be an excellent bonding experience and offers vacationers the freedom of moving at their own pace and making their own itinerary, something that many parents would be appreciative of. Here are some excellent trips that are great options for families to try out if they’re looking to take that quintessential family road trip.

Route 66

If you’re looking for the road trip of road trips, there’s no need to look any further than the most famous one around, Route 66. The road was first established in 1926 and is one of America’s original highways. It can be taken as a whole or in parts and sections of the road run through several states including Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona. There are plenty of picturesque Southwestern landscapes to enjoy, stops at famous restaurants like the Big Texan Steakhouse, and an essential visit to the Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma. Families can take the trip all the way to the end and visit beautiful Santa Monica, California and enjoy the amusement park at the pier.

Black Hills Loop

Those looking for a shorter trip can take on the iconic Black Hills Loop that winds through South Dakota and can be completed in a few days, though drivers certainly have the option to extend any stops for as long as they wish. There’s no better place to start than with an exploration of downtown Rapid City and then taking a detour to Badlands National Park or completing the entire Badlands Loop Rd. According to Houston Overhead Door, a company that provides affordable door repair, from there, families can head over to the must-see Mt. Rushmore National Monument to take a walk along the Presidential Trail and visit the Sculptor’s Studio. The Black Hills Loop also runs through Custer State Park, which is home to one of the largest free-roaming buffalo herds in the world as well as a variety of wildlife including elk, mountain goats, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Other must-see sights include the Jewel Cave National Monument and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Disney and More, Florida

If there was ever a road trip designed to meet the needs of families this trip is a great mix of adventures suitable for children and adults. It’s 6-10 days of hitting the biggest stops in Florida, from Disney and Universal to other famous theme parks including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A more educational visit is Florida’s Space Coast and the Kennedy Space Center. When everyone is tired out from running around amusement parks, the gorgeous white sand beaches of Sarasota are there for enjoyment, and close by is Myakka River State Park where alligator watching can be done by canoe, kayak, or an organized tour. Finish off with a trip to Sanibel Island where the family can go on bike rides and go wildlife watching.

California Highway 1

The Pacific Coast Highway is a big undertaking, but it’s also one of the most gorgeous stretches of road in the world, and the best parts are, arguably, located in California. So grab the family and head up the coast, making sure to spend plenty of time exploring Big Sur, Point Lobos State Reserve, Morro Bay, the Bixby Bridge and so much more.