10 great American road trips for this summer

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of a summer road trip. Windows down, playlist on, snacks within arm’s reach – and the promise of wide-open roads, small-town diners, and jaw-dropping scenery around every bend. Whether you’re chasing mountains, coastlines, or you want to plan a road trip around historical sites, the US delivers big.

There are plenty of options for a United States road trip, and choosing the routes you want to follow can be tricky. You’ve so many fantastic options, you might end up planning your next few summers all in one go.

Ready to check out the more scenic roads in America? These are the summer trips you’ll never forget.

1. Pacific Coast Highway – California

This is the coastal road trip - the kind that shows up in movies and still somehow lives up to the hype. Start in San Francisco and wind your way down to San Diego along Highway 1, with dramatic cliffs, breezy beach towns and seafood shacks at every turn.

Make time for Big Sur’s wild beauty, Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean vibes, and a pit stop in Malibu to pretend you live there. Top tip: don’t rush it - this one’s all about the slow, scenic route. Bring your camera, because you’ll want to stop every 10 minutes.

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2. Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina

They call it “America’s Favorite Drive” for good reason. Stretching 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, this road trip offers rolling mountain views, winding curves and photo ops that practically demand a frame.

Start in Shenandoah National Park and make your way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with plenty of hiking, country music and scenic overlooks in between. Charming small towns like Boone and Blowing Rock make perfect detours, and in summer, the mountain air is a dream.

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3. Route 66 – Chicago to Santa Monica

This legendary route isn’t just a road trip, it’s a piece of Americana. Spanning eight states and more than 2,400 miles, Route 66 is packed with vintage motels, neon signs and weird roadside wonders (looking at you, Cadillac Ranch).

Whether you do the whole thing or just a chunk, you’ll pass through classic diners, ghost towns, and a whole lot of heartland charm. Expect jukeboxes, kitschy souvenirs and a load of personality at every stop. Route 66 is nostalgia on wheels.

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4. Florida Keys – Miami to Key West

Tropical vibes without leaving the mainland? Welcome to the Overseas Highway. This 113-mile route hops across islands and bridges, with the Atlantic on one side, the Gulf on the other, and key lime pie waiting at the end.

Start in colorful Miami, cruise through Key Largo and Islamorada, and end with a sunset celebration in laid-back Key West. You’ll pass by coral reefs, turtle hospitals and beach bars with hammocks waiting for you. It’s one of the most relaxed road trips out there.

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5. The Great River Road – Minnesota to Louisiana

Following the mighty Mississippi from its northern start to the Gulf of Mexico, this epic trip covers 10 states and more small towns than you can count. It’s slower paced and seriously scenic, perfect for anyone who wants to soak in the charm of riverfront America.

Expect steamboat history, blues music, BBQ joints, and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet anywhere. Don’t miss stops in St. Louis, Memphis and Natchez – each with their own unique rhythm.

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6. Utah’s Mighty Five – Arches to Zion

For jaw-dropping red rock landscapes and national park overload (in the best way), Utah’s Mighty Five is unbeatable. Base yourself in Moab and work your way through Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.

Think dramatic arches, narrow slot canyons and trails that’ll have your camera working overtime. Bring sturdy shoes and prepare for early starts to beat the heat and the crowds. This one’s for the adventurers and the rock-hopping daydreamers.

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7. Oregon Coast – Astoria to Brookings

This one’s for the wild hearts. The Oregon Coast is all rugged cliffs, windswept beaches, and sleepy fishing towns that feel straight out of a novel.

Start in Astoria and follow Highway 101 south, stopping for fresh crab in Newport, moody hikes in the rainforest and lighthouses perched over crashing waves. Summer brings tide pool magic and beach bonfires – and if you’re lucky, a few whale sightings, too.

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8. Black Hills & Badlands – South Dakota

Want big scenery with a side of Americana? Head to South Dakota. A road trip through the Black Hills and Badlands takes you from Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial to the otherworldly spires of Badlands National Park.

Wind Cave and Custer State Park are also must-sees, especially for spotting bison. It’s rugged, underrated, and surprisingly full of charm.

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9. Northern New England Loop – Vermont, New Hampshire & Maine

For something a little more quaint, head northeast. This loop takes you through rolling hills, covered bridges and white-steepled towns, with plenty of maple syrup stops.

Start in Vermont, curve through New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and end up in coastal Maine. We’re talking lobster rolls, lake swims and roadside farm stands overflowing with berries. It’s peak New England charm, especially in early summer before it gets too busy.

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10. Texas Hill Country – Austin to Fredericksburg and beyond

Barbecue, bluebonnets and a boot-scootin’ good time. Texas Hill Country is full of rolling roads and unexpected gems. Start in Austin and meander through places like Dripping Springs, Johnson City and Fredericksburg.

You’ll find wineries, swimming holes, and more roadside BBQ joints than you can count. Summer nights bring starry skies and live music drifting through warm air. It’s pure road trip magic with a southern drawl.

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It's hard to decide which is the best American road trip, but these are definitely the contenders. The best road trips need the best hotels too, so it’s good to plan ahead. However, if you check out our hotels with free cancellation, you can still be flexible with your plans.