9 Family Road Trips Under 500: Epic USA Itineraries
If you’re planning family road trips under $500, here are nine unforgettable USA itineraries you can take for under $500 total. Each route combines stunning scenery, budget lodging tips, and free or low-cost activities—perfect for making lasting memories without breaking the bank.
Why Road Trips Are the Best Budget-Friendly Family Vacation
Unlike flying, road trips give you the freedom to explore multiple destinations, make spontaneous stops, and avoid costly airfare. By packing snacks, cooking at your accommodations, and choosing affordable lodging options like motels, cabins, or campgrounds, you can keep your trip under $500 while enjoying rich experiences.
Tips to Keep Your Family Road Trips Under $500
- Pack your own food and drinks to reduce dining costs
- Use free attractions such as parks, free museum days, and nature trails
- Opt for budget lodging like family-friendly motels, Airbnbs, or KOA campgrounds
- Travel off-season to avoid peak rates on accommodations and gas
- Use gas apps (e.g., GasBuddy) to find the cheapest fuel prices
1. Blue Ridge Parkway – Family Road Trips Under $500
This scenic drive through the Appalachian Highlands is perfect for a nature-focused escape. With free hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain overlooks, you’ll spend more time exploring than spending.
- Start: Asheville, NC
- End: Shenandoah National Park, VA
- Miles: 469
- Key Sights: Linville Falls, Craggy Gardens, Mabry Mill
- Budget Tip: Camp at state parks for $20–$30 per night
2. Route 66 – Family Road Trips Under $500
Explore Americana on the classic Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis. This segment offers quirky roadside stops and vintage diners, making it a fun, budget-friendly adventure for all ages.
- Start: Chicago, IL
- End: St. Louis, MO
- Miles: 300
- Key Sights: Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum, Chain of Rocks Bridge
- Budget Tip: Book motels or Airbnbs outside major city centers
3. Pacific Coast Highway – Family Road Trips Under $500
Enjoy a short but stunning drive along California’s Highway 1 between Monterey and Morro Bay. Countless beaches and picnic spots cost nothing, while the ocean views are priceless.
- Start: Monterey, CA
- End: Morro Bay, CA
- Miles: 125
- Key Sights: Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach
- Budget Tip: Pack meals and stock up at grocery stores along the route
4. Great River Road – Family Road Trips Under $500
Follow the Mississippi River from Wisconsin to Minnesota on this charming Midwest route. Small towns, river views, and historical landmarks provide family fun at minimal cost.
- Start: La Crosse, WI
- End: Minneapolis, MN
- Miles: 160
- Key Sights: Grandad Bluff, National Eagle Center, Lake Pepin
- Budget Tip: Look for free museum days and family passes
5. Florida Keys – Family Road Trips Under $500
Experience tropical vibes on a budget as you drive from Miami to Key West. Enjoy snorkeling, beach days, and sunsets without the high resort prices.
- Start: Miami, FL
- End: Key West, FL
- Miles: 160
- Key Sights: Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, Mallory Square
- Budget Tip: Camp at state parks midweek for lower rates
6. Black Hills Loop – Family Road Trips Under $500
Pack wildlife viewing, caves, and monuments into a tight loop around South Dakota’s Black Hills, saving on gas and maximizing adventure.
- Start/End: Rapid City, SD
- Loop Miles: 200
- Key Sights: Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Wind Cave
- Budget Tip: Invest in an $80 annual National Parks Pass if you plan multiple park visits
7. Olympic Peninsula – Family Road Trips Under $500
Explore rainforests, beaches, and mountain lakes on this Pacific Northwest loop. Perfect for families who love the outdoors and scenic beauty.
- Start/End: Seattle, WA
- Loop Miles: 330
- Key Sights: Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach, Lake Crescent
- Budget Tip: Bring camping gear for nights in national park campgrounds
8. Hill Country Wine Trail – Family Road Trips Under $500
Head to central Texas for a wine trail that also features swimming holes, hiking, and charming small towns, all on a family-friendly budget.
- Start: Austin, TX
- End: Fredericksburg, TX
- Miles: 150
- Key Sights: Pedernales Falls, Enchanted Rock, local shops
- Budget Tip: Plan picnics and choose budget inns for lodging
9. New England Fall Foliage Drive – Family Road Trips Under $500
Drive through vibrant fall colors from Vermont to New Hampshire. Covered bridges, scenic roads, and small-town charm cost nothing but the gas.
- Start: Stowe, VT
- End: Conway, NH
- Miles: 110
- Key Sights: Kancamagus Highway, White Mountain National Forest
- Budget Tip: Travel off-peak for cheaper lodging and fewer crowds
Comparison Table: Family Road Trips Under $500
| Route | Region | Miles | Avg. Cost (Fuel + Lodging) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Parkway | NC → VA | 469 | $300–$450 | Hiking, waterfalls, overlooks |
| Route 66 | IL → MO | 300 | $250–$400 | Retro stops, diners |
| Pacific Coast Highway | CA | 125 | $200–$350 | Coastal views, beaches |
| Great River Road | WI → MN | 160 | $220–$350 | River towns, wildlife |
| Florida Keys | FL | 160 | $300–$500 | Snorkeling, beaches |
| Black Hills Loop | SD | 200 | $250–$400 | Monuments, caves, wildlife |
| Olympic Peninsula | WA | 330 | $270–$450 | Rainforest, beaches |
| Hill Country Wine Trail | TX | 150 | $220–$350 | Swimming holes, towns |
| New England Fall Foliage Drive | VT → NH | 110 | $180–$300 | Fall colors, covered bridges |
FAQ: Family Road Trips Under $500
Are these road trips really possible under $500?
Yes—when you use gas-saving routes, budget lodging, and free activities, $500 can cover fuel and basic lodging for these shorter itineraries.
Is $500 enough for a family of four?
It can be, especially on the shorter routes. Plan ahead with camping or budget motels and pack meals.
What’s the best time to plan family road trips under $500?
Spring and fall offer lower rates on lodging and fewer crowds, making them ideal for budget travel.
Do I need a special vehicle?
No. Any reliable car with good fuel economy works—just get it serviced before you go.
Can we do these trips without camping?
Absolutely. Motels, budget hotels, and family-friendly Airbnbs are available along every route.
Conclusion
With a full tank, packed cooler, and smart planning, family road trips under $500 are totally doable. These nine epic USA itineraries offer scenic beauty, adventure, and wallet-friendly fun. Start planning your next budget-friendly family adventure today!
