13 Great Road Trips in the USA to take this Summer

Are you craving a new adventure? With summer around the corner, it’s not too late to start planning a last-minute summertime road trip. Exploring the USA has never been more exciting. From spectacular coastlines to America’s beautiful national parks, these are our top picks for the best road trips in the country this summer.

1. Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West

The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile stretch connecting the mainland of Florida to the southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West. This iconic road trip offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys and a taste of the laid-back island lifestyle.

Starting in Miami, the journey to Key West takes you through 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, which provides panoramic ocean views. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming towns like Islamorada, Marathon, and Little Torch Key, each with its own unique character and history.

The Overseas Highway is a must-do road trip for anyone visiting Florida. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking to relax, this road trip offers something for everyone.

2. Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is an essential road trip in California, stretching over 600 miles from Leggett to San Diego. The drive offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and lush forests, passing through charming coastal towns, state parks, and iconic landmarks.

Highlights include the Redwood National Park, Big Sur, 17-Mile Drive, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. The Big Sur section offers some of the most dramatic views, with rocky cliffs and rugged coastline. State parks like Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offer hiking trails and picturesque spots like McWay Falls.

3. Joshua Tree National Park

For Los Angeles residents, a mystical weekend away in Joshua Tree is the perfect escape. Beyond the National Park, explore vintage thrift stores, weekend swap meets, and quirky bookstores in the nearby towns. Stay in a cozy cabin for a romantic getaway or rent a larger cabin for group adventures. The National Park offers great short hikes, but be sure to spend time exploring the charming small towns after you’ve admired the iconic Joshua Trees. Make sure to stop at Palm Springs for the weekend to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of America’s favourite desert town.

4. San Antonio to Austin, Texas

Texas offers many great road trip opportunities, with San Antonio and Austin being top destinations. Both cities have unique personalities, making a road trip between them a guaranteed good time. In San Antonio, stay at the luxurious Hotel Emma and explore the emerging creative scene. In Austin, enjoy live music, food trucks, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

5. Chicago to New Orleans

The South is full of so many great adventures and I learned that first hand on a road trip through Louisiana and Mississippi two years ago. There’s just so much culture and history waiting to be discovered, not to mention the delicious food! Do what one of our travel writers did, and make your way from Chicago to New Orleans for a fun road trip discovering the culture of the deep south, travelling through Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.

6. New York to Newport, RI

For those on the East Coast, a road trip from New York to Newport, Rhode Island is a quintessential summer experience. Newport, with its picturesque seaside charm, historic mansions, and vibrant coastal life, is a destination that keeps visitors coming back year after year. The journey itself is part of the adventure, offering scenic views and numerous opportunities for exploration along the way. Enjoy the scenic route through Conneticut and stop off at the small towns of Mystic and New London, before continuing on to Newport, a town known for its stunning coastal scenery, Gilded Age mansions, and vibrant cultural scene.

7. Upstate New York

You don’t need to leave New York to enjoy an idyllic escape. Upstate New York is filled with beautiful small towns, scenic landscapes, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Start your journey in Hudson, one of the most popular towns in the state, and explore the charming nearby villages of Rhinebeck and Saugerties. The natural beauty of the Hudson Valley, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and serene rivers, provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Further north, the Adirondack Mountains offer a stunning escape into nature. Visit Lake Placid, a former Winter Olympics host town, and the region’s numerous state parks, such as Adirondack Park and Letchworth State Park. Don’t miss the chance to visit Ithaca, home to beautiful waterfalls and the prestigious Cornell University.

8. The Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee offer one of the most beautiful drives on the East Coast, making it an unforgettable road trip destination. Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this mountain range is renowned for its mist-covered peaks, diverse wildlife, and lush, old-growth forests. Summer is considered the best time to visit, as the weather is perfect for exploring the numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and picnic spots. One of the highlights of any trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is a drive along the Newfound Gap Road, which offers stunning panoramic views and access to popular hiking trails such as the Appalachian Trail and Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park.

9. Route 66

Experience the quintessential American road trip on Route 66, an iconic highway that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. Often referred to as the “Main Street of America” or the “Mother Road,” Route 66 spans over 2,400 miles and traverses eight states, offering a diverse array of landscapes, historic sites, and quirky attractions. Starting in Chicago, make sure you stay at the Langham Chicago and take some time to explore the Windy City’s rich cultural scene, from the Art Institute of Chicago to the bustling Navy Pier. Then head down Route 66, stopping off at the small towns of Springfield in Illinois, the Meramec Caverns in Missouri (a stunning cave system that was once a hideout for the infamous outlaw Jesse James), and the Ozarks.

Moving into Oklahoma, the landscape opens up to the vast plains, dotted with small towns that preserve the spirit of the old road. Don’t miss the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, which provides a comprehensive history of the highway and its cultural significance. The journey through the Texas Panhandle features iconic stops, while in New Mexico, the scenery shifts to red rock formations and desert landscapes. As you enter Arizona, be sure to visit the Petrified Forest National Park and the Grand Canyon.

Finally, California’s portion of Route 66 takes you through the Mojave Desert, past ghost towns, and into Los Angeles. Conclude your epic journey at the Santa Monica Pier, where the “End of the Trail” sign marks the completion of this historic route, before staying at one of Los Angeles’ hottest hotels. Driving Route 66 is more than just a road trip; it’s a journey through the heart and soul of America. The highway embodies the spirit of adventure and the promise of discovery, making it a must-do for any road trip enthusiast.

10. Park Loop Acadia National Park

The Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park is a must-see for any road trip enthusiast seeking to explore the natural beauty of Maine’s rugged coastline. This 27-mile scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, pristine forests, and the majestic mountains that define Acadia. Starting at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the loop takes you through some of the park’s most iconic sites, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff. Each stop along the way provides ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The route is particularly stunning in the fall when the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows.

11. Oregon Coast Highway

The Oregon Coast Highway, also known as U.S. Route 101, offers a fantastic summer road trip experience along Oregon’s stunning coastline, stretching from Astoria to Brookings. This scenic route features breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Highlights include historic Astoria, the iconic Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, and the panoramic vistas of Ecola State Park. Along the way, you can explore the Tillamook Creamery, the sand dunes of Cape Kiwanda, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The journey concludes in Brookings, promising an adventure filled with natural beauty, outdoor activities, and coastal charm.

12. Zion National Park, Utah

Utah is teeming with road trip opportunities, but a standout journey is through Zion National Park. Known for its towering red cliffs, scenic drives, and diverse wildlife, Zion offers an unforgettable adventure. The park features some of the most iconic hikes in the country, such as Angels Landing and The Narrows, where you can walk through the stunning Zion Canyon carved by the Virgin River. The breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views make it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Zion National Park borders Arizona, with the nearest town on that side being Page, a gateway to remarkable attractions like Horseshoe Bend and the Slot Canyons. These natural wonders, with their dramatic rock formations and vibrant colors, provide a perfect complement to your Zion adventure. Visiting Page allows you to extend your road trip with additional awe-inspiring sights, making the journey through this region an even more enriching and visually stunning experience.

13. Black Hills Of South Dakota

The Black Hills of South Dakota present a compelling road trip destination, renowned for its natural splendor and rich history. Highlights include the iconic Mount Rushmore with its presidential sculptures, Custer State Park offering scenic drives and diverse wildlife, and the dramatic Needles Highway known for its tunnels and rock formations. Further exploration reveals the historic town of Deadwood, steeped in Wild West lore and vibrant with modern attractions like casinos and museums. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Badlands National Park provides rugged landscapes and hiking trails amidst striking geological formations. Whether fascinated by history, captivated by nature, or seeking adventure, a journey through the Black Hills promises a memorable road trip experience.

Summer is the Ideal Roadtrip Season

Taking a summertime road trip across the diverse landscapes of the United States offers an opportunity for adventure and discovery. From the sun-drenched shores of the Overseas Highway in Florida to the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast Highway, each route is infused with unique charm and natural wonders. Whether you choose to explore the iconic Route 66, immerse yourself in the majestic vistas of Zion National Park, or uncover the rich history of the Black Hills, every journey promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking scenery. So, fuel up your car, pack your bags, and set out on a road trip this summer to create lasting memories in your own backyard.