15 Epic Summer Road Trips
Nothing says adventure like a summer road trip! Whether you’re craving coastal views, mountain escapes, or historic towns, hitting the open road is the perfect way to explore new places.
From winding scenic highways to hidden gems along the way, here are 15 epic summer road trips that promise breathtaking views, exciting detours, and unforgettable memories.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a dream road trip with its stunning ocean views, charming coastal towns, and famous landmarks. Drive from San Francisco to San Diego, stopping at Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Malibu along the way. Enjoy fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)
This scenic highway winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and charming small towns. Drive from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and experience the beauty of rolling hills, waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers in full bloom.
3. Route 66 (Illinois to California)
Take a journey down the Mother Road, one of America’s most historic highways. Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through quirky roadside attractions, retro diners, and iconic stops like Cadillac Ranch, the Grand Canyon, and the neon-lit streets of Albuquerque.
4. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
Follow the Mississippi River through 10 states, exploring historic river towns, scenic overlooks, and delicious Southern cuisine. Start in Minnesota and make your way down to New Orleans, where you can enjoy jazz music and Creole flavors.
5. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
If tropical vibes are calling, the Overseas Highway is a must! This 113-mile road trip connects Miami to Key West, crossing over stunning turquoise waters and coral reefs. Stop at Bahia Honda State Park, visit the famous Seven Mile Bridge, and sip a margarita in Key West’s Old Town.
6. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
For jaw-dropping mountain scenery, drive Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. This 50-mile route takes you through rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. Wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and bears, are common along the way!
7. The Oregon Coast Road Trip
Follow Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast for a trip filled with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming fishing towns. Stop at Cannon Beach, Thor’s Well, and Samuel H. Boardman State Park for some of the best ocean views in the country.
8. The Texas Hill Country Drive
Explore the heart of Texas with a scenic drive through Hill Country. Start in Austin, then make your way through Fredericksburg, Luckenbach, and Bandera, where you’ll find rolling hills, wineries, and historic sites. Don’t forget to stop for some authentic BBQ!
9. Lake Superior Circle Tour (USA & Canada)
This breathtaking road trip takes you around the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior. Travel through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario, stopping at stunning waterfalls, beaches, and historic lighthouses along the way.
10. Alaska’s Seward Highway
For an unforgettable wilderness adventure, drive the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward. This route is packed with glaciers, fjords, and wildlife like bald eagles and moose. Take a boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park to see orcas and humpback whales up close.
11. Utah’s Mighty 5 Road Trip
If you love national parks, this road trip is for you! Visit Utah’s Mighty 5—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands—for some of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world. Expect red rock formations, deep canyons, and incredible hiking trails.
12. The New England Fall Foliage Drive
Though best known for autumn, New England’s scenic byways are just as charming in summer. Drive through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, stopping at picturesque villages, historic lighthouses, and hiking trails in the White Mountains.
13. The Black Hills and Badlands (South Dakota)
This wild and rugged road trip takes you through Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park. Expect dramatic rock formations, bison herds, and scenic drives like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.
14. Big Sur Road Trip (California)
One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, Big Sur is a road trip must. Drive along Highway 1, stopping at Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach. The crashing waves and steep cliffs make for a dramatic and breathtaking journey.
15. The Northern Lights Drive (Alaska & Canada)
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take a summer road trip to Alaska’s Dalton Highway or Canada’s Yukon to catch the Northern Lights. Though more common in winter, the lights sometimes appear in late summer, creating a magical road trip moment.
Final Thoughts
A summer road trip is the perfect way to explore new landscapes, experience different cultures, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, cruising along scenic coastlines, or discovering hidden small towns, these 15 epic summer road trips offer something for every traveler. So grab a map, load up the car, and hit the road—adventure awaits!
I am Zoe Grace, a passionate enthusiast of cruise ships. With a decade of firsthand experience in the cruising industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and wonders that these majestic vessels hold.
Now, I am excited to embark on a new journey as an author, sharing my knowledge and insights with readers who share my fascination for the world of cruising.
Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together.
