Best Summer Road Trip Routes Through the U.S. In 2025

There’s something timeless and wildly freeing about rolling down your windows, cranking your favorite playlist, and chasing the horizon. Summer road trips are less about getting from Point A to Point B and more about everything in between. If you’re craving a little adventure with a side of nostalgia, America’s got plenty of highways and hidden gems waiting for you.

Here are 10 U.S. road trip destinations that deliver the kind of summer magic you’ll still be talking about when the leaves start turning.

Getting Road-Trip Ready

Before you hit the gas, a little planning goes a long way. Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that the best road trips blend spontaneity with a solid plan.

1. Prep the Route and the Ride

Even if you’re more "wanderer" than "planner," it pays to have a flexible itinerary. Mark must-see spots, scenic detours, and potential pit stops. Oh, and give your car some love: oil change, tire check, and top off those fluids. Your future stranded self will thank you.

2. Pack for Safety and Sanity

Hand sanitizer, a decent first aid kit, a few rolls of toilet paper (trust me), and roadside assistance info are musts. Don’t forget extra chargers, a flashlight, and that one emergency snack stash you pretend is for everyone but secretly guard.

3. Entertainment On Deck

Podcasts, playlists, and audiobooks turn long stretches into enjoyable escapes. Load them ahead of time in case cell service vanishes in the middle of nowhere—which it inevitably will.

Top 10 Road Trip Routes That Never Disappoint

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

This winding beauty from San Francisco to San Diego is all about the drama: cliffs, redwoods, surf towns, and sunsets that feel like movie scenes. Stop at Big Sur, catch your breath at Bixby Bridge, and don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

2. Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica

Call it the OG of road trips. Route 66 is a museum of Americana—from kitschy roadside attractions to classic diners. You’ll hit eight states and endless charm. Snap pics at Cadillac Ranch, stay at a neon-lit motel, and enjoy the ride.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA & NC

Rolling mountains, winding turns, and every shade of green you can imagine. This 469-mile drive feels like a meditative forest bath with built-in overlooks. Pack hiking shoes and explore spots like Mabry Mill or the Blue Ridge Music Center.

4. Great River Road, MN to LA

Follow the mighty Mississippi through 10 states of blues, barbecue, and breathtaking views. From Mark Twain’s boyhood home to Memphis and New Orleans, this road trip mixes culture, music, and riverside charm.

5. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

This one’s short (about 50 miles) but punches way above its weight. Located in Glacier National Park, it features sheer cliffs, alpine meadows, and lakes so clear they look photoshopped. Logan Pass is your postcard moment.

6. Overseas Highway, Florida Keys

Driving this 113-mile stretch over turquoise water feels like floating. Start in Key Largo and end in colorful Key West. Along the way, dive into snorkeling, fresh seafood, and maybe a sunset mojito.

7. Oregon Trail (the real one), Missouri to Oregon

History buffs, this one’s for you. Trace the route of pioneers westward through landmarks like Independence Rock and the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Expect plains, peaks, and a good dose of American grit.

8. Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon

Waterfalls, cliffs, and views of the Columbia Gorge? Yes please. This scenic byway serves up iconic spots like Multnomah Falls and Vista House. Bring a rain jacket and hiking boots—you’ll want to get out and explore.

9. The Loneliest Road (Highway 50), Nevada

If you love wide-open landscapes and ghost towns, this 287-mile drive through Nevada delivers. You’ll find Great Basin National Park, quirky roadside stops, and more stars in the sky than you can count.

10. Outer Banks, North Carolina

Island hopping with history and beach vibes? Sign us up. The Outer Banks stretch along the NC coast, with sandy drives, iconic lighthouses, and the Wright Brothers Memorial. Perfect for beach bums and budding historians alike.

Making the Most of the Journey

1. Turn Pit Stops Into Play

Try geocaching for a digital treasure hunt. Create a road trip scavenger list (a pink car, a cowboy hat, a field of sunflowers). And don’t forget to ask locals where to eat—some of the best meals come from the least flashy signs.

2. Capture, Don’t Just Click

Golden hour is your best friend. Shoot during sunrise or sunset for those dreamy road trip shots. Take candid photos of your crew, the weird roadside attractions, even your dusty dashboard—that’s the stuff memories are made of.

3. Journal the Ride

It doesn’t have to be fancy. A few scribbled thoughts each night, a taped-in ticket stub, or a quick voice memo can bring back the feeling of a moment long after the engine's off.

Budget-Friendly Road Tripping

1. Save on Fuel

Apps like GasBuddy help you find the cheapest gas nearby. Driving at steady speeds and minimizing sudden acceleration? That saves fuel, too. Trust me, it adds up over hundreds of miles.

2. Smart Sleep Options

Campgrounds, hostels, or even car camping (safely and legally) can seriously cut costs. Discount travel apps help find deals on hotels or last-minute stays.

3. Eat Well, Spend Less

Pack a cooler with snacks, sandwiches, and easy-prep meals. Mix local spots with grocery store runs to balance budget and taste. And never underestimate the power of a good food truck.

The Answer Sheet!

1. Plan loosely, pack wisely. Flexibility + preparation = fewer meltdowns.
2. These 10 routes offer everything from ocean views to mountain highs and deep cultural dives.
3. Make memories as you go. Photos, local eats, and side quests make the story.
4. Budgeting doesn’t mean boring. Smart savings = more room for fun.
5. The open road is a mindset. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and let curiosity lead.

Wander Fully, Arrive Light

Summer road trips aren’t just vacations. They’re micro-adventures, tiny epics, and the perfect excuse to turn the mundane into magic. Whether you’re following history, hugging the coast, or chasing the next sunset, one thing’s for sure:

You’ll return with stories, sunburns, and maybe a dash of sand in your floor mats. And honestly? That sounds like a summer well spent.