MomSkoop
There’s something magical about hitting the open road when the sun is high and the days are long. Summer road trips create memories that last a lifetime, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo. From coastal highways with breathtaking ocean views to routes that wind through majestic mountains, America offers incredible journeys for every type of adventurer.
1. Pacific Coast Highway – California’s Golden Treasure
Hugging California’s rugged coastline for over 600 miles, the Pacific Coast Highway delivers jaw-dropping ocean panoramas around every bend. Sea spray mists your windshield as you navigate cliffside curves between San Francisco and San Diego.
Pull over at Big Sur to watch waves crash against massive rocks, or stop in charming seaside towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea for local seafood. The afternoon light creates a golden glow on the water that photographers dream about.
Plan for at least five days to fully enjoy this iconic route. The journey itself becomes the destination when driving what many consider America’s most beautiful highway.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway – The Appalachian Mountain Marvel
Meandering through Virginia and North Carolina’s misty mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway showcases the ancient Appalachians in all their summer glory. Morning fog lifts to reveal endless rolling hills covered in lush greenery and wildflowers.
Wildlife spotting becomes a favorite pastime as deer, black bears, and countless bird species make appearances along the 469-mile route. Local music traditions come alive in towns like Asheville, where Appalachian folk tunes spill from open doorways.
Take advantage of the parkway’s numerous overlooks and hiking trails. With a 45-mph speed limit, this journey encourages slow travel and deep appreciation of America’s oldest mountain range.
3. Route 66 – The Mother Road’s Nostalgic Journey
Vintage neon signs and quirky roadside attractions tell America’s story along the legendary Route 66. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this historic highway captures the essence of mid-century road trip culture across eight states.
Mom-and-pop diners serve classic American comfort food on chrome countertops while jukeboxes play hits from yesteryear. Desert landscapes in Arizona and New Mexico offer dramatic backdrops for those essential road trip photos.
Though officially decommissioned, dedicated preservationists have saved many original segments. Summer travelers can still get their kicks exploring this 2,448-mile slice of Americana that represents freedom, adventure, and the golden age of automobile travel.
4. Going-to-the-Sun Road – Glacier National Park’s Alpine Adventure
Carved dramatically into Montana’s mountainsides, Going-to-the-Sun Road delivers 50 miles of alpine splendor that will leave you breathless. Summer is the only season when this engineering marvel fully opens, revealing snow-capped peaks, crystalline lakes, and meadows exploding with wildflowers.
Mountain goats and bighorn sheep often appear on rocky outcroppings, seemingly posing for perfect wildlife photos. The road’s name comes from a Blackfeet legend, adding cultural significance to this natural wonderland.
Early morning drives help avoid crowds and provide magical lighting for photography. Remember that vehicles longer than 21 feet aren’t permitted on certain sections – nature’s grandeur requires navigating some tight turns!
5. Florida Keys Overseas Highway – Island-Hopping Paradise
Skipping across 42 bridges connecting a string of tropical islands, the Overseas Highway transforms ordinary driving into an oceanic adventure. Turquoise waters stretch endlessly on both sides as you journey from Miami to Key West on this 113-mile marvel of engineering.
Roll down your windows to catch salt-tinged breezes carrying the scent of key lime and coconut. Stop for fresh seafood at roadside shacks where the catch arrived hours earlier, or pull over for spontaneous snorkeling at state parks along the route.
The Seven Mile Bridge, suspended dramatically above the Gulf of Mexico, delivers a driving experience unlike any other in America. Time your trip to catch at least one sunset painting the sky in impossible colors.
6. Great River Road – Mississippi’s Mighty Journey
Following America’s most storied river from Minnesota to Louisiana, the Great River Road unveils the heart and soul of the Mississippi. Summer travelers witness lush landscapes where riverboat history, jazz traditions, and literary legends come alive across ten states.
Charming river towns welcome visitors with southern hospitality and regional specialties like Memphis barbecue or New Orleans gumbo. Historical plantations, Civil War sites, and blues museums provide cultural context for this waterway that shaped a nation.
Fireflies light evening skies while cicadas provide the soundtrack for this quintessentially American journey. The full route spans 3,000 miles, but even a segment delivers rich experiences that connect travelers to the mighty Mississippi’s enduring legacy.
7. Olympic Peninsula Loop – Washington’s Wilderness Wonder
Circling Washington’s Olympic Peninsula reveals an astonishing diversity of ecosystems within a single road trip. Morning might find you walking through the Hoh Rainforest’s moss-draped wonderland, while afternoon brings you to wild Pacific beaches where massive driftwood logs create natural sculptures.
Native American cultural sites offer insights into the peninsula’s original inhabitants. Small fishing towns provide perfect lunch stops for sampling fresh-caught salmon or Dungeness crab pulled from local waters.
Summer brings comfortable temperatures and the best chance of spotting Roosevelt elk grazing in mountain meadows. The 330-mile loop delivers a concentrated nature experience where rainforests, mountains, lakes, and coastline create a wilderness symphony unlike anywhere else in America.
8. Natchez Trace Parkway – History’s Gentle Highway
Ancient footpaths once used by Native Americans and early settlers have transformed into the serene 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway connecting Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Commercial traffic is banned, creating a peaceful corridor where history whispers through centuries-old trees.
Summer wildflowers carpet roadside meadows while historic sites mark important moments in America’s development. The parkway’s careful preservation includes original segments of the Old Trace, allowing travelers to literally walk in ancestors’ footsteps.
Fireflies create natural light shows on summer evenings, perfect for camping at designated sites along the route. The absence of billboards, trucks, and commercial development creates a rare opportunity to experience travel as it might have felt a century ago.
9. Beartooth Highway – Montana’s Alpine Roller Coaster
Climbing dramatically to nearly 11,000 feet, the Beartooth Highway delivers an alpine experience that feels more European than American. Snowfields often remain year-round at higher elevations, creating stunning contrasts with summer wildflowers that burst into color during the brief growing season.
Charles Kuralt famously called this 68-mile route “the most beautiful drive in America.” Switchbacks challenge drivers while rewarding them with increasingly spectacular views across three distinct ecosystems.
The highway serves as the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park, making it the perfect start to a larger adventure. Plan extra time for wildlife viewing – mountain goats, marmots, and even grizzly bears might make appearances along this unforgettable mountain passage.
10. Utah’s Mighty 5 – Red Rock Wonderland
Connecting Utah’s five national parks – Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches – creates the ultimate southwestern road trip through Mars-like landscapes. Towering red rock formations glow like embers at sunset while star-filled night skies remind us of our place in the universe.
Morning hikes through slot canyons provide relief from the summer heat. Local towns like Moab offer adventure outfitters for side excursions like rafting the Colorado River or mountain biking famous slickrock trails.
Native American petroglyphs tell ancient stories on canyon walls throughout the region. While summer brings heat, the early morning light creating shadows across the sculptural landscapes makes this 650-mile journey worth every drop of perspiration.