Planning a road trip used to be a budget-friendly way for families to explore iconic destinations, but rising costs have changed the game. The magic of these scenic drives remains, but their affordability has faded. If you’re curious about which routes have been hit the hardest, read on to discover the road trips that have become too expensive for families to enjoy as they once did.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
The Pacific Coast Highway offers breathtaking views, but affordability has taken a backseat. Coastal towns like Carmel and Santa Barbara now cater to high-end travelers. Budget-friendly motels have been replaced with boutique hotels charging premium rates. Coastal cities like Carmel have seen a 25% rise in boutique hotel rates since 2020. Travelers seeking oceanfront accommodations often face hefty price tags. Even camping near the coast has seen an increase in fees. This iconic drive has become an expensive choice for many families.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina)
Once known for its accessibility, the Blue Ridge Parkway has seen a shift toward exclusivity. Entrance fees to attractions along the route have risen, limiting options for budget-conscious travelers. Lodging near the parkway has leaned toward luxury cabins and resorts, with fewer affordable alternatives. Dining costs have also climbed in areas popular with tourists. Nostalgic stops now charge $10–$30 per visit, up 40% in five years. The Parkway’s charm remains, but it now caters to those with deeper pockets.
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3. Route 66 (Multiple States)
Route 66 has transformed into a tourist-centric highway, raising costs along the way. Many original attractions now come with entrance fees or merchandise-heavy stops. Towns once known for their quirky roadside motels have rebranded to serve higher-spending visitors. Restaurants along the route often cater to tourists, with prices reflecting the demand. Fuel expenses add to the strain, especially in remote stretches. For middle-class families, experiencing this nostalgic road trip often means cutting back on extras.
4. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
The Overseas Highway has become a premium road trip destination. Tolls for crossing the scenic bridges are unavoidable, and they add up quickly. Accommodation options in the Florida Keys lean heavily toward upscale resorts and vacation rentals. Florida Keys resorts raised rates by 20%, and dining costs increased by 15% annually. Even parking near popular stops can carry significant fees. For families, the highway’s stunning views often come at a steep financial cost.
5. Beartooth Highway (Montana/Wyoming)
Driving the Beartooth Highway now requires careful budgeting. Proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks has driven up lodging rates. Affordable accommodations are scarce, leaving families with expensive options. Fuel costs add to the burden, given the highway’s remote location. Guided tours and adventure activities in the area also come with hefty price tags. Though the natural beauty is unparalleled, enjoying it requires a larger travel budget than ever before.
6. Great River Road (Mississippi River)
Stretching across several states, the Great River Road offers stunning views of the Mississippi. However, rising fuel prices have added significant costs to this multi-state journey. Affordable lodging options are becoming scarce as popular stops along the route lean toward pricier accommodations. Dining along the way has also become more expensive, leaving fewer choices for budget-conscious travelers. Families often find themselves spending more than planned on basic trip essentials. Exploring this scenic route now requires deeper financial preparation.
7. Big Sur (California)
Big Sur’s charm has always attracted travelers, but affordability has become a challenge. Boutique hotels with breathtaking views dominate the area, with rates that exclude many families. Dining at local restaurants, often featuring locally sourced menus, comes with steep price tags. Campgrounds, once a budget-friendly option, now charge more due to high demand. Even parking fees at scenic overlooks have seen increases. For travelers, experiencing Big Sur’s natural beauty now feels like a luxury experience.
8. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
The beauty of Going-to-the-Sun Road has drawn larger crowds, leading to increased costs. Lodging near Glacier National Park, especially during peak season, comes at a premium. Glacier National Park accommodations increased by 40% in peak season. Fuel costs also add to the expense, as the mountainous terrain requires careful driving. Once considered an accessible adventure, the road has turned into a high-cost destination for travelers.
9. The Loneliest Road (Nevada)
Traveling Nevada’s Loneliest Road comes with unexpected costs. With limited lodging along the route, travelers often resort to higher-priced hotels in small towns. Gas stations, sparse and remote, charge a premium for fuel. Restaurants and diners along the road cater to tourists, and their prices reflect the lack of competition. Families seeking to explore this quiet stretch of highway often face logistical challenges that inflate costs. It’s a journey that now demands careful budgeting.
10. Skyline Drive (Virginia)
Skyline Drive has become a pricier adventure for road trippers. Entrance fees to Shenandoah National Park are higher than they once were, adding to trip expenses. Nearby accommodations, including cabins and resorts, tend to cater to wealthier visitors. Attractions along the route often charge additional fees, making the trip less accessible for families. Even simple activities like hiking and picnicking feel costly when combined with other expenses. For many, enjoying this scenic route now requires careful financial planning.
11. Maine’s Coastal Route 1
Maine’s Coastal Route 1 becomes a hotspot during peak seasons, and costs reflect the demand. Hotel rates in charming seaside towns like Camden and Bar Harbor often skyrocket. Seasonal hotel rates increased by 30%, and seafood costs rose by 25%. Even small attractions and parking fees have seen price increases. Families hoping to enjoy the coastal scenery now struggle to keep expenses manageable. Seasonal crowds only add to the challenge, driving up prices further.
12. Texas Hill Country Wine Trail
The Texas Hill Country Wine Trail has shifted its focus toward luxury tourism. Many of the region’s wineries now charge premium fees for tastings and tours. Lodging options, including boutique inns and resorts, have followed suit with steep rates. Wine tasting fees now average $50, up 40% since 2019. Budget-friendly stays are becoming a rarity, leaving families with few affordable choices. What was once a simple road trip has transformed into a costly getaway.
13. Anchorage to Fairbanks (Alaska Highway)
Traveling the Alaska Highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks requires careful planning, as costs add up quickly. Fuel prices along this remote stretch are significantly higher due to limited supply. Lodging in small towns and rest stops tends to be overpriced, with few alternatives available. Dining options are scarce and often come with inflated prices. The highway’s isolation makes it a stunning but expensive journey. For families, balancing the beauty of the route with the financial strain can be tough.
14. New England Fall Foliage Routes
New England’s fall foliage drives attract massive crowds, and the costs reflect the demand. Hotels and inns raise their rates during the short peak season, making stays more expensive. Restaurants near popular foliage areas often increase prices to capitalize on the influx of visitors. Scenic train rides and guided tours, while beautiful, come with hefty fees. For families, finding affordable options during leaf-peeping season can feel impossible. The natural beauty comes at a steep financial cost.
15. Sedona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway (Arizona)
Sedona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway has become a high-cost destination due to overcrowding. Parking fees at popular trailheads and viewpoints are often premium-priced. Guided tours of the red rock formations, a key attraction, charge significant fees. Lodging options in Sedona cater heavily to tourists, with rates that exclude budget travelers. Even casual activities like picnicking require planning to avoid extra costs. For many families, enjoying Sedona’s iconic views means navigating steep expenses.
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