From Palms to Parks: A Family RV Road Trip from Miami to New York
There’s something magical about climbing into an RV with your family and knowing that everything you need—kitchen, beds, and a snack stash that could rival a small grocery store—is traveling right along with you. That’s exactly how our 28-day road trip from Miami to New York began, crossing nine states and hundreds of memories.
We started in sunny Miami, where Little Havana Tours introduced the kids to Cuban culture—salsa music, domino games, and the sweet aroma of guava pastries filling the air. A great tip when you plan a motorhome trip in the USA: begin in a city with RV rentals available close to the airport, and use a reliable camper route planner to map your first night’s stop outside the urban sprawl.
From there, we drove north toward Fort Lauderdale, making time for the Museum of Discovery and Science, a favorite for families—especially the flight simulator and hurricane tunnel. In Orlando, the Magic Kingdom Park was a non-negotiable stop (just remember to book RV park reservations well in advance, especially in Florida's theme park belt).
A side trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex let us walk beneath a Saturn V rocket, and the kids got to meet a real astronaut—something they’ll never forget. But we also made space in our plan for slower, natural wonders like Silver Springs, where we rode a glass-bottom boat over underwater gardens and swam with turtles.
Georgia welcomed us with its rich history and warm hospitality. At Mission San Luis in Tallahassee and the Biblical History Center in LaGrange, we stepped back in time—perfect for curious kids and history-loving adults. Then came the fizzy fun of World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, with taste tests from all over the world (Pro tip: the Beverly is a test of bravery!).
As we crossed into Tennessee, the mountains began to rise and so did the sense of adventure. We marveled at the views from Rock City Gardens, explored the underground waterfalls of Ruby Falls, and cooled off tubing with Smoky Mountain River Rat in the Smokies. One afternoon on horseback at TOURS ON HORSEBACK gave us the kind of peaceful family connection you don’t find in city traffic.
Our campervan became our second home—rolling through the Appalachian Trail corridor into Virginia, where Natural Bridge State Park impressed us with its towering limestone arch. The Monacan Ancestral Museum offered a powerful and respectful look at the Indigenous cultures of the region.
Planning your days with a route planner is key in this stretch—there are endless hiking stops and picnic spots, so flexibility is important. Keep your motorhome topped up with fuel in rural areas, and don’t pass up small-town diners—you'll find some of your favorite meals there.
D.C. brought us to the National Mall, where museums (many free!) and monuments kept everyone engaged. Heading into Pennsylvania, we slowed the pace with a visit to The Amish Village and a chocolate-fueled afternoon at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Nearby, Indian Echo Caverns was a cool underground escape on a warm day.
Our journey turned misty and majestic in Niagara Falls, where we climbed the Observation Tower and took dozens of mist-splashed selfies. From there, our motorhome pointed east through New York’s countryside, stopping at the CNY Living History Center and the hands-on Mapleland Farm in the Adirondacks—maple syrup tastings were a highlight!
Driving the scenic Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire was a visual treat. Autumn had just begun to brush the trees with gold and red, and our campervan’s panoramic windows were perfect for soaking it in. Then came Boston, where the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum combined education and theatrics in a way that captivated the whole family.
As our trip neared its end, we rolled through Connecticut, making one last nature stop before hitting the excitement of New York City. There, we parked the RV at a campground just outside the city and took the train in to stroll Central Park, eat street pretzels, and marvel at the skyline.
🚍 Tips for a Family Motorhome Trip from Miami to New York
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How to plan a motorhome trip in the USA: Start by selecting your starting city and RV type—many travelers opt for a family-size motorhome or campervan. From Miami, major rental companies make it easy to pick up and drop off across the East Coast.
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Road trip planning: Use a camper route planner to avoid major city traffic during rush hours and to find family-friendly campgrounds near your attractions. Apps like Roadtrippers and Campendium help you find hidden gems and reliable overnight stops.
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Route planner tip: Don’t plan to drive more than 3–4 hours per day when traveling with kids. Break up longer stretches with nature hikes, museums, or local ice cream shops.
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Pack for variety: This route covers beaches, mountains, forests, and cities, so pack clothes for warm Florida days and cool New England evenings. Don’t forget swimwear and hiking shoes!
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Book ahead: Popular RV parks near national attractions and major cities fill up fast in summer and fall—make reservations early for peace of mind.
A round trip like this is more than just a vacation—it’s a moving classroom, a bonding experience, and an adventure your family will remember for a lifetime. Whether you’re waking up to birdsong in the Blue Ridge Mountains or watching the Statue of Liberty from the deck of a ferry, RV travel lets you soak in every moment at your own pace.
From Miami’s Cuban flavor to New York’s cultural kaleidoscope, the road is waiting. Happy trails—and don’t forget the marshmallows.
