10 of the Best Road Trips in the USA for This Summer
These summer road trip ideas in the USA include canyons, coastline and countryside.
Red rock canyons, highways over the sea, volcanic craters and hot springs — you’ll see it all on these bucket-list summer road trips in the United States. Whether you’re looking to escape the city for national parks and the great outdoors, or just want to cruise down some of the most famous scenic routes in the country, these U.S. road trip vacations are packed with ideas and inspiration.
Some of the summer trips require just a few days, but most can fill a week or two with hiking, swimming, sightseeing and photo stops along the way.
From the deserts of California and the mountains of Colorado to the beaches of Miami and the Florida Keys, this list is packed with American gems you don’t want to miss. Scroll down to find your favorite and hit the road!
The Best Summer Road Trips in the USA
Southern Road Trip from Atlanta
By Victoria of Bridges and Balloons
Hit some of the South’s best cities and nature on this road trip from Atlanta to Savannah via the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The first stop is the exciting city of Atlanta, where you can explore the city’s vibrant food scene and visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park to learn more about the life of the Civil Rights Movement leader.
Then, head up toward North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway to soak up the scenery and hike some epic nature trails. Spend a couple of days in Asheville before driving down to South Carolina for charming Charleston and Savannah. Both cities ooze quintessential Southern charm and are on the coast, the perfect setting for sipping iced tea, enjoying warm summer days, and taking trips to the beach.
This Southern USA road trip is best spread over 10 days or more, so you can spend at least two nights in each destination.
Highlights of Oregon Road Trip
By Kay of The Awkward Traveller
Summer is the perfect season to road trip through Oregon, when the weather is beautiful and all of the trails and roads are open. Start in artsy Portland, then head west to the coast. Taking two or three days, stop at small towns such as Seaside for the Oregon Trail history, Tillamook for the greatest ice cream and cheese, and Yachats for breathtaking vistas.
Next, cut east across the state towards Crater Lake National Park, Oregon's only national park and the deepest freshwater lake in the nation. Near Crater Lake, you can also find Oregon's Painted Hills for views of red, orange and yellow rocks.
Heading north back toward Portland, you’ll pass Smith Rock State Park and Silver Falls State Park, which offer incredible opportunities for rock climbing and waterfall seeking, respectively.
Your road trip will end with the Columbia River Gorge, the storybook Oregon atmosphere of lush forests and height-defying waterfalls, including the great Multnomah Falls. The Gorge is just an hour outside of Portland, and you can pick up a box of Voodoo Doughnuts back in the city.
This iconic Oregon road trip can be completed in a week, but for a more leisurely pace, budget 10 days to allow time for hikes and outdoor exploration.
Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Road Trip
By Megan of Red Around the World
There is so much to do in southern Utah, you could spend your whole life there and never see it all. Since most people don’t have that option, this Mighty 5 summer road trip to Utah’s national parks gives a taste of some of the best of the Southwest.
You'll want at least ten days for this road trip to the Mighty 5 national parks in southern Utah, plus Monument Valley on the Arizona border. Plan for a couple of days in Zion, a day in Bryce Canyon, two in Capitol Reef, three in the city of Moab for Canyonlands and Arches national parks, and a day in Monument Valley to wrap up. This leaves one day for the drive back and forth to Las Vegas, which has the nearest major airport for this region.
This Road Trip in Arizona and Utah is Full of National Parks and Scenery
There are tons of state parks to stop at along the way if you have time, too, like Goblin Valley, Snow Canyon, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Anasazi and Edge of the Cedars. This will let you experience a little bit of almost everything southern Utah has to offer.
This is a great summer road trip because you can hike water trails like The Narrows in Zion or Sulphur Creek in Capitol Reef without freezing. All restaurants and stores should be open, too, since it's the busy season. It will be super hot in July and August, but you may get to enjoy some of the monsoon season then, too. Visit in early or late summer for slightly milder temps.
This Denver to Utah road trip itinerary includes all 5 Utah national parks
Niagara Falls Road Trip from Boston
By Julie of More Than Main Street
Looking for a unique and family-friendly vacation this summer? Try a Boston to Niagara Falls road trip. Depending on whether you are from Boston or flying into the city, this road trip can span seven to ten days.
Start out by exploring the exciting city of Boston. Hit up the Freedom Trail, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, and maybe even a baseball game at Fenway Park. Once you’ve had your fill of Massachusetts’ capital, head to the coast for the beaches, lighthouses and coastal villages of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.
Next, you’ll drive west, where you have lots of options for places to stop on the way to Niagara Falls. The Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, are perfect for sports fans. But, don’t overlook seaside Newport, Rhode Island, the kid-friendly Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, or Watkins Glen State Park in southwestern New York for outdoor lovers.
Once you’ve arrived at Niagara Falls, do not miss out on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, the Cave of the Winds tour into the falls, and the views of Niagara from the Observation Tower.
Temperatures typically are mild during the summer. But what makes this ideal for summer road trips is the fireworks display and light show over Niagara Falls throughout the season. A must for any bucket list!
Southwest Desert Road Trip
By Ciara of Wellness Travel Diaries
A summer road trip I love starts in the big, sunny city of Los Angeles, and ends at the wellness wonders of Zion National Park in Utah. It’s a DIY road trip full of open highways in summer.
The drive from LA to Zion is a scenic route on the giant Interstate 15. Here, you’ll witness copious amounts of unique desert terrain and bright red rocks, transporting you to a “Cars” movie-like scene.
Along this seven-plus hour drive, you can pop off to explore the Historic Route 66 near Victorville or the eclectic Bottletree Ranch in San Bernardino County, both in California. There’s also lively Las Vegas and Lake Mead in Nevada, and the red rocks of St. George, Utah, on the way.
While Zion National Park gets most of its visitors during the summer, it’s still a great time to visit. Everything is open for the maximum hours and the famous Root Canals (or Many Pools) hike, has waters at the perfect height for hiking. During winter or late fall, the water can be waist-high, but in summer they provide a cool, refreshing escape.
Plan for six to eight days round-trip to be able to fully explore Zion and some of these other outdoorsy destinations in Utah.
Florida Keys Road Trip
By Lori of Travlin Mad
Summer is the perfect time for one of the most famous Florida road trips of all — Miami to the Conch Republic of Key West down U.S. Route 1. The drive itself can take between three to four hours each way, depending on traffic. But, you’ll want to slow down and explore the salty bars, beautiful beaches, and unique attractions along the way for the most memorable road trip of all.
Stay a few nights at a tropical B&B or the luxurious Cheeca Lodge. There are also some great campgrounds where you can sleep right by the water.
Key Largo is the first town on the drive — make a detour at Alabama Jacks for delicious fish tacos. If you love saltwater fishing, stay a few days in Islamorada, the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. You can charter a boat or rent your own to fish, snorkel, scuba dive, and swim with marine life. Visit the History of Diving Museum and hand-feed giant tarpon at Robbie’s. The dining scene in Islamorada is amazing too, with fresh seafood at the top of every menu.
Marathon is a good island to stop at and spend the night about halfway to Key West. Visit the Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital to interact with sea turtles and the staff who cares for their rehabilitation and release.
Finally, just 90 miles from Cuba is Key West, the infamous tropical town that’s as fun as ever. Book a parasailing trip or snorkel the gorgeous reef just offshore. Walk or bike to the historic sites in town like Bahama Village and the Key West Lighthouse.
Whether you spend three days or an entire week, the drive from Miami to Key West on the Overseas Highway is always great summer fun!
Texas Hill Country Road Trip
By Erin of Sol Salute
There is no better way to escape the hot Texas summer heat than to drive into the Texas Hill Country. These rolling hills are home to a number of small towns, swimming holes, dance halls, and wineries that together make the perfect summer American road trip.
Start in Austin, the capital of Texas, for live music, museums and waterfront fun at Lake Travis, Lady Bird Lake and McKinney Falls State Park. From there, head to the small town of Dripping Springs for Hamilton Pool Preserve, a natural swimming hole, grotto and waterfall. It’s popular, so reserve your spot ahead of time.
Fredericksburg should be the highlight of any Texas Hill Country road trip. This tiny German town is home to Texas’ main wine country and the famous Enchanted Rock, a pink granite dome that is a must-see and popular hike for outdoor enthusiasts.
Elsewhere, visit historic towns like Luckenbach and Gruene for live music, eat some of Texas’ best barbecue in Lockhart, and float down the rivers in New Braunfels. End in San Antonio for the Alamo, River Walk and Six Flags theme park. The Hill Country has an endless number of activities for the summer road tripper.
California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
By Dhara of It’s Not About the Miles
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is an iconic journey that belongs on the bucket list for all lovers of road trips. One of the most scenic routes in the United States, this trip should ideally be done over five to seven days. It could be fit into as little as three days, but there's so much to see and do along the way that you will want to take your time.
Driving north to south means you will have unobstructed views of the water. There are lots of places to stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, but some of the most famous include the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and, of course, Santa Monica. Beautiful coastline and world-famous attractions are studded all along the route and you'll be in the delicious quandary of figuring out which ones you'll stop to explore.
Summer is a fabulous time for the Pacific Coast road trip. Days are long, so you will be able to see and do a lot more. Also, you will have plenty of sunshine to enjoy the beaches and water. Ranger programs at state parks along the way will enable you to delve into the region. So pack your swimsuit and sun protection and head out to California this summer!
National Parks Road Trip in South Dakota and Wyoming
By Stephanie of Explore More Clean Less
Roughly 550 miles in the middle of the United States will take you through three amazing national parks! This route starts at Badlands National Park in South Dakota, heads west into Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, and down to Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming. It's recommended to have at least one full day in the Badlands, four in Yellowstone, and two in Grand Tetons, but two weeks would be best for the entire thing including round trip travel time.
This road trip is ideal for summer because you can access all the roads without worrying about snow at higher elevations, and most if not all of the trails should be open for hiking. The wildlife is active and temperatures are more predictable than shoulder seasons.
The route goes from dry rocky terrain up into coniferous forests, through mountains, and by glacier-fed lakes. There are plenty of touristy gateway towns on either side of each park with great food, and you can spend lots of time inside the parks enjoying the outdoors. Don't miss Notch Trail in the Badlands, the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone, and the Inspiration Point hike in the Grand Tetons. There are many Yellowstone hikes to choose from, but come prepared with bear spray on this cross-country national park road trip.
Colorado Rockies Road Trip
By Oksana and Max of Drink Tea and Travel
For a summer excursion through the mountains, it doesn’t get much better than a Colorado road trip. This Denver to Denver loop passes by historical sites, beautiful mountainscapes and exciting cities. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially like it for its plethora of hiking, biking, whitewater rafting and climbing opportunities.
From Denver, head to Boulder for a taste of hip city life before driving onto Glenwood Springs. There, you can hike or soak in the area’s thermal pools, like the Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
At Grand Junction, explore Colorado National Monument, a park known for its spectacular canyons, red rocks and sandstone towers. Next up is Ouray, a mountain town so picturesque it is often called the Switzerland of America.
In the southwest corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is a fascinating UNESCO world heritage site that contains the dwelling remains of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Hiking trails here are abundant.
Before heading back to Denver you can stop by Buena Vista and Colorado Springs. Both are known for their great parks, beautiful vistas and unique hiking opportunities.
A Colorado road trip is best done in the summer since some of the roads and a lot of campsites and activities remain closed from October until the end of May. If you decide to embark on it, it will be an adventure you’ll remember for years to come.
Best towns near Rocky Mountain National Park
The Best USA Road Trip Guides
These road trip guides are packed with inspiration and tips for hundreds of the best drives in the United States. Map out paths along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway and more!
