Best Summer Road Trips You Can Do in a Weekend

Summer calls for adventure, but not everyone has weeks to spare for an epic cross-country journey. The good news? Some of America’s most stunning scenery and memorable experiences are just a weekend drive away. Whether you’re craving coastal breezes, mountain vistas, or charming small towns, these best summer road trips deliver maximum impact in minimal time.

The Magic of Weekend Road Trips

Weekend road trips hit the sweet spot between adventure and practicality. You can leave Friday evening, spend Saturday and Sunday exploring, and return refreshed without burning vacation days. The key is choosing routes that maximize your time while minimizing driving fatigue.

East Coast Weekend Escapes

Maine’s Bold Coast (125 miles, 2-3 days)

This weekend-long or speedy day trip extends across 125 miles alongside Maine’s scenic byways, taking you through Downeast Maine’s rugged coastline. Start in Millbridge, a quiet fishing village, and end in Eastport—the easternmost town in the entire United States.

Perfect for: Seafood lovers, lighthouse enthusiasts, those seeking coastal solitude
Best stops: Lubec’s lighthouse views, Cobscook Bay tidal pools, fresh lobster rolls
Pro tip: Visit during late spring through early fall for the best weather

Newport’s Gilded Age Grandeur (10 miles, weekend)

This 10-mile coastal route packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water in Rhode Island. Drive Ocean Avenue to see the opulent “cottages” built by America’s industrial titans—the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans.

Perfect for: History buffs, architecture lovers, luxury seekers
Best stops: The Breakers mansion, Cliff Walk, Fort Adams
Pro tip: Book mansion tours in advance during summer months

Acadia National Park Loop (27 miles, 2 days)

The loop through Acadia National Park can be completed in an hour — when summer tourists aren’t clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery, but you’ll want extra time for hiking and exploring Maine’s crown jewel.

Perfect for: Nature photographers, hikers, sunrise chasers
Best stops: Cadillac Mountain (first sunrise in the US), Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond
Pro tip: Arrive early morning to beat crowds and secure parking

Midwest Mountain Getaways

Door County, Wisconsin (280 miles from Chicago, 2-3 days)

Door County is not just a Fall Colors novelty, it is truly one of the best weekend getaways for Chicago residents, offering charming coastal towns along Lake Michigan with waters of Green Bay on one side.

Perfect for: Families, couples, wine enthusiasts
Best stops: Cherry picking farms, Peninsula State Park, Washington Island ferry
Pro tip: Take the ferry to Washington Island for cherry train tours and lavender farms

Black Hills, South Dakota (330 miles loop, 2-3 days)

Start your trip at the mind-bendingly beautiful Badlands National Park before looping over to the Black Hills, home to the Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park.

Perfect for: History enthusiasts, geology lovers, families
Best stops: Mount Rushmore, Deadwood historic town, Custer State Park
Pro tip: This northern drive has cooler temperates and makes a great summer road trip

Southern Charm Routes

Florida’s Emerald Coast (28 miles, 2 days)

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach.

Perfect for: Beach lovers, architecture enthusiasts, relaxation seekers
Best stops: Grayton Beach State Park, Alys Beach architecture, 30A beach towns
Pro tip: Visit Grayton Beach, which has been lauded among the best beaches in the world

Blue Ridge Parkway Sampler (100-200 mile sections, 2-3 days)

The nearly 469 miles of blacktop twisting through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah national parks was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks. Choose a manageable section for your weekend adventure.

Perfect for: Scenic drivers, hikers, fall foliage fans
Best stops: Asheville, NC; Linville Gorge; multiple scenic overlooks
Pro tip: It’s a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in autumn, a bounty of forest canopy in summer

Western Weekend Wonders

Northern California Coast (150-200 miles, 2-3 days)

Definitely not short on scenery, you can easily split the Northern California and Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip over a few days, so you have plenty of time for exploration.

Perfect for: Photographers, wine lovers, outdoor enthusiasts
Best stops: Mendocino coastal cliffs, redwood groves, local wineries
Pro tip: Pack layers—coastal weather can change quickly

Colorado’s San Juan Skyway (236 miles, 2-3 days)

The San Juan Skyway delivers some of the Rockies’ biggest views, in high definition. This route – which includes the renowned Million Dollar Hwy – leapfrogs across central Colorado’s mountainous core.

Perfect for: Mountain lovers, adventure seekers, scenic photographers
Best stops: Durango, Silverton historic train, mountain passes
Pro tip: Check road conditions—some high passes may be closed in early summer

Pacific Northwest Paradise (200-300 miles, 2-3 days)

From the waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway to the summer wildflowers of Mount Rainier National Park, this road trip is sure to please nature lovers.

Perfect for: Waterfall chasers, wildflower enthusiasts, coffee lovers
Best stops: Multnomah Falls, Mount Rainier meadows, Seattle food scene
Pro tip: Summer offers the best access to high-elevation areas

Planning Your Perfect Weekend Road Trip

Smart Route Selection

Choose destinations 3-5 hours from home maximum. This leaves plenty of time for exploration without exhausting drive times. Minnesota tops the list owing to its abundance of outdoor recreation sites as well as a surplus of summertime activities, making it an ideal base for multiple weekend adventures.

Essential Preparation

• Check road conditions and closures, especially for mountain routes
• Make lodging reservations well in advance for summer weekends
• Download offline maps in case of poor cell service
• Pack emergency supplies: water, snacks, first aid kit, phone charger

Budget-Friendly Tips

Packing snacks may allow you to skip pricier takeout or fast food stops; using a credit card with rewards or points could help you get a small return later. Also, avoid gas stations right off highway exits—they’re typically more expensive.

The Best Summer Road Trips Overview

Weekend road trips offer something longer journeys can’t: the perfect excuse to return. Each route becomes familiar territory to explore more deeply, seasonal variations to experience, and hidden gems to uncover. They’re practice runs for bigger adventures and immediate cures for wanderlust.

Whether you choose coastal Maine’s lobster trails, the Midwest’s hidden lakes, the South’s mountain curves, or the West’s dramatic landscapes, the perfect weekend road trip is closer than you think. The only question is: which direction will you point your car this weekend?