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55 Days on the Road | Mexico, USA & Canada by Car
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items A long-form family road trip that spanned Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This list documents the early miles, small towns, long drives, and everyday moments that shaped a 55-day journey mostly traveled by car.
Sections
7
Mexico Road Trip Kickoff
California | Family Stops & Big Cities
Las Vegas, Nevada
Utah Road Day | Zion to Salt Lake City
Utah to Idaho | Road Trip Stops
Pacific Northwest Drive Days
Mexico Road Trip Kickoff
The opening stretch of our road trip, starting in Mexico before heading north. Familiar roads, early travel hiccups, and the rhythm-setting days of a long journey.
We officially kicked off our 55-day road trip with a drive to Guadalajara. It is a route we have done before and one I genuinely enjoy. A beautiful drive, familiar scenery, and the feeling that comes with knowing a long journey is just beginning. As ...
Road Trip Day One | Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara
Day two of the trip was built around a practical goal: returning the rental car we had been using for the past year. After a quick McDonald’s breakfast, we left Guadalajara and headed toward Querétaro, choosing a different route this time to see some...
Guadalajara to Querétaro | Backroads, Checkpoints & a Familiar Coffee Stop
Our day in Monterrey left me genuinely surprised. With a metro population of around six million, it is one of Mexico’s largest cities, and it feels very different from anywhere else we have been. In some ways, it reminded me of Panama City, but witho... https://www.instagram.com/p/CulELnEtLNk/?img_index=1
Monterrey | Mountains, Mega Plazas & a Very Different Mexico
California | Family Stops & Big Cities
Stops in California that balanced iconic city sights with the grounding comfort of family time.
Our time in Los Angeles was one of those stays that makes you feel incredibly grateful. We were lucky enough to stay in the guest house at my auntie’s, and it quickly became one of those places you do not want to leave. Slow mornings with coffee outs...
Los Angeles | Family Time, Famous Streets & a Full Heart
Today was all about soaking in the California coast. From Santa Monica to Venice Beach and Muscle Beach, it was one of those days that feels both exciting and strangely nostalgic. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from Malibu to Santa Monica, I could... https://www.instagram.com/p/CutEIq2uAj8/?img_index=1
Santa Monica & Venice Beach | California Coastline & Quiet Evenings
This was one of the biggest surprises of our time in Los Angeles and hands down one of the best family days of the trip. We surprised the kids with a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it could not have gone better. We booked early access t... https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu1FJMgOjZk/?img_index=1
Universal Studios Hollywood | Why Early Access & Express Passes Are Worth It
Las Vegas, Nevada
Our first taste of Vegas as a family. Neon lights, over-the-top visuals, and fun stops that work even when you’re traveling with kids.
We rolled into Las Vegas after the drive from LA, already leaning into the weird and wonderful energy of the desert. One of our favorite stops wasn’t even in the city itself. The alien-themed gas station on the way to Vegas is impossible to miss, sha... https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu32wNhOQ9J/?img_index=1
Las Vegas | Neon Nights, Alien Jerky & Topgolf Fun
We took things slow today and focused on easy, walkable Vegas fun before the heat really kicked in. The classic tourist stops like the Coca-Cola Store, M&M’s World, and Hershey’s Chocolate World are exactly what you expect. Loud, colorful, and fu...
Las Vegas | Iconic Stores, Nerdy Wins & Midday Escapes
We wrapped up our Vegas stay with a short and sweet final night that felt very on brand for the city. Dinner was at Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, and honestly, it delivered. Crispy batter, solid portions, and an easy win when you want something fam...
Las Vegas | Fish & Chips, Neon Chaos & Knowing When to Leave
Utah Road Day | Zion to Salt Lake City
One of those classic road trip days where the drive itself becomes the highlight.
This ended up being a longer drive day, but detouring through Zion National Park was absolutely worth it. The desert canyon scenery is unreal. Towering red rock formations, wide open roads, and that feeling that only the American Southwest gives you....
Zion Detour | Red Rock Roads & Small-Town America
Utah to Idaho | Road Trip Stops
Short city stops and drive-day breaks that added interest without slowing us down too much.
Before leaving Salt Lake City, we took some time to visit the Utah State Capitol, and I’m really glad we did. It’s a beautiful building with surprisingly interesting history inside and a great way to stretch your legs before a longer drive. Even a qu...
Salt Lake City to Boise | Capitol History & Easy Drive Days
Pacific Northwest Drive Days
Scenic routes and drive-day detours that are absolutely worth the extra time.
This was our longest single driving day of the entire summer, but choosing the Highway 410 route made it completely worth it. Detouring to drive past Mount Rainier turned what could have been a grind into one of the most beautiful drives of the trip....
Boise to Seattle via Mount Rainier | One Epic Drive Day
Seattle, Washington
Easy, family-friendly stops that break up travel days and work well with kids.
The kids had an absolute blast at the Seattle Aquarium, making this one of the easiest wins of our Seattle stop. It’s a great option when you want something engaging without committing to a full, exhausting day. The aquarium focuses on marine life na... https://www.instagram.com/p/CvEOUQ7r7n7/?img_index=1
Seattle Aquarium | A Kid-Approved Waterfront Stop
We spent the morning visiting the graves of Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Lee, and surprisingly, the kids really loved it. Both sites felt meaningful in their own way and were a calm, reflective start to the day. Since we were already downtown for our aquar...
Seattle | Music Legends, Market Wandering & Iconic Stops