7 Summer Road Trip Ideas to Start Planning Ahead of Time

The United States is full of fun and unique destinations that cater to all types of travelers. The best part — nearly all are accessible by car! From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the arid deserts of Arizona, there is a road trip for each and everyone looking to have some summer fun. Whether you’re gathering your family for a week-long getaway or searching for a memorable 3-day trip with friends, consider the following locations the best for hitting the open road in the summer months. Here is your breakdown of the top summer road trip ideas for those gearing up for holiday with plenty of sunshine:

7 summer road trip ideas to add to your bucket list

By the time winter and spring have had their impact, there’s only one thing on peoples’ minds — the warmth of summer! While not everyone can jet off to a tropical destination, you’d be surprise to know how many Americans opt for a summer road trip instead. Below we’ll outline the top locations for travelers who don’t mind seeing sights from behind the windshield.

The Outer Banks — North Carolina

Netflix arguably put the Outer Banks on the map for millions of viewers worldwide just a few years ago. However, these barrier islands have long been a favorite vacation spot for residents in the South. Located just east of Raleigh, NC, you’ll find a coastal oasis that is hard not to love. With family-owned establishments and tranquil accommodations, this summer road trip idea is great for couples or young families looking for a safe and laid-back vacation.

Route 66 — Illinois to California

There is no journey more iconic than a road trip down Route 66. This American highway runs through nine different U.S. states, making the trip a lengthy 2,278 miles. It may be a little ambitious to take on the whole journey (on average, it takes about 14 days to see all the sights), but you’ll be glad to spend any amount of days on this original piece of history. We recommend starting your trip in Texas and heading west through New Mexico, Arizona and California. There you’ll get to stop at famous landmarks like Cadillac Ranch and Twin Arrows.

Overseas Highway — Florida Keys

If you’re craving a slice of paradise, fresh seafood, and water activities, look no further than the Florida Keys. A drive down Overseas Highway is truly one of the most picturesque summer road trips you can take. Within a short distance from Miami Beach, Florida, nearly any traveler can make their way to this highly-sought after destination and make the drive down to Key West in four short hours. It’s the perfect road trip to make several stops along the way. Make sure to hit up iconic venues, such as Robbie’s in Islamorada or John Pennekamp for snorkeling.

The Parks Highway — Alaska

While many travelers associate Alaska as a wintertime destination, it should be high on your list for summer road trip ideas as well. In the summer months, many adventurers travel the Parks Highway, connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks. It’s 362 miles of breathtaking scenery and plenty of nature activities along the way. We suggest planning a few days in Denali National Park when you make this drive.

More classic summer road trip ideas:

• Pacific Coast Highway, California
• Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
• Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

Overview on summer road trip ideas

Although jetting off on a commercial airliner might seem like the coolest way to spend your summer vacation, don’t knock the road trip idea until you’ve tried it. With the U.S. offering so many scenic highways to embark on, it’d be pretty impossible to be disappointed no matter which destination you choose. With that in mind, we’d love to know what summer road trip you are thinking of planning in 2023? Take a moment to share your top destination below. And afterwards, read our feature on Savvy Ways to Save Money on Your Summer Road Trip for even more useful information.