Summer is the perfect time to roll down the windows, blast your favorite playlist, and hit the open road. Whether youโre craving coastal views, mountain air, or quirky roadside attractions, a great road trip offers freedom, fun, and unforgettable memories. Hereโs a roundup of seven of the best summer road trips in the U.S. that deliver stunning scenery, unique experiences, and a whole lot of adventure.
The 7 Best Summer Road Trips
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Route: San Francisco to San Diego
Mileage: ~600 miles
This iconic coastal drive winds along Californiaโs Highway 1, offering jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Stop at Big Sur for coastal hikes, enjoy fresh seafood in Monterey, and explore Santa Barbaraโs Spanish-style architecture.
Must-See Stops:
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- Hearst Castle
- Malibu beaches
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Route: Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains
Mileage: ~469 miles
This scenic drive through the Appalachian Highlands is packed with overlooks, waterfalls, and opportunities to stretch your legs on hiking trails. Summer brings wildflowers, cooler mountain temps, and misty mornings that feel magical.
Must-See Stops:
- Linn Cove Viaduct
- Craggy Gardens
- Asheville, NC
3. Great River Road (Multiple States)
Route: Minnesota to Louisiana (along the Mississippi River)
Mileage: ~2,000 miles
Follow the mighty Mississippi through ten states, exploring everything from small river towns to cultural hubs like St. Louis and New Orleans. This trip is rich in history, music, and soul.
Must-See Stops:
- Mark Twainโs hometown in Hannibal, MO
- Memphis music scene
- Southern cuisine in Baton Rouge
4. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)
Route: Illinois to California
Mileage: ~2,448 miles
The โMother Roadโ is a nostalgic journey through classic Americana, with vintage diners, kitschy motels, and retro roadside attractions. Itโs perfect for travelers who love a bit of kitsch and culture.
Must-See Stops:
- Cadillac Ranch in Texas
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Santa Monica Pier
5. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Route: Glacier National Park
Mileage: ~50 miles
Short but incredibly scenic, this alpine drive cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park. Itโs open only in summer and takes you past glacial lakes, towering peaks, and fields of wildflowers.
Must-See Stops:
- Logan Pass
- Lake McDonald
- St. Mary Valley
6. The Loneliest Road (US-50, Nevada)
Route: Ely to Carson City, NV
Mileage: ~400 miles
Donโt let the name fool you โ this remote stretch through the Nevada desert is full of rugged beauty, ghost towns, and star-filled skies. Itโs a true adventure for those who like wide open spaces and solitude.
Must-See Stops:
- Great Basin National Park
- Austin, NV
- Sand Mountain Recreation Area
7. Florida Keys Overseas Highway
Route: Miami to Key West
Mileage: ~113 miles
This tropical drive connects a string of islands via 42 bridges, including the stunning Seven Mile Bridge. Itโs a road trip with ocean views on both sides and plenty of opportunities to snorkel, fish, or just soak up the sun.
Must-See Stops:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Marathonโs turtle hospital
- Sunset at Mallory Square, Key West
Final Thoughts
Whether you have a long weekend or a few weeks to spare, summer is the perfect time to explore Americaโs roads less traveled. Pack your bags, grab your favorite snacks, and create your own epic story one mile at a time. Donโt forget to take plenty of photos โ and maybe a detour or two.
Where will the road take you this summer?
