5 Top Summer Road Trip Ideas Across the U.S.

No matter the season, the best road trips are more than just a way to get from point A to point B. However, summertime and road trips truly go hand in hand. It’s the perfect chance to slow down and immerse yourself in the details of a new place, taking your time on the open road during longer days, followed by warm, sunset-lit landscapes in the evening. From ocean breezes to wide-open prairies and literary landmarks, here are five of the best summer road trips to take across the U.S. this year.

The Maine Coast

Maine’s fall foliage is definitely a sight to behold, but summer is perhaps the best time to experience the state’s rugged Atlantic shores, fresh seafood, and quaint seaside towns. For a short and simple trip, start your journey in the city of Portland, where you can fuel up on a decadent brown-butter lobster roll at the famed Eventide Oyster Co., then stretch your legs as you walk along the Old Port’s cobblestone streets. 

Heading north on Interstate 295 will take you through postcard-perfect coastal towns like Freeport and Boothbay Harbor, where whale-watching tours regularly take off from the busy marinas. Farther north, Rockland is a must-visit: The arts hub is home to the Farnsworth Art Museum and other attractions that showcase the region’s creative legacy.

If you’re interested in a longer trip, continue north up the coast to Camden, where a quick hike up Mount Battie rewards you with panoramic views of Penobscot Bay. Finish your drive at stunning Acadia National Park — it’s worth it to stay the night near the park and set that alarm early so you don’t miss sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. And if you haven’t had enough of those coastal sights yet, make sure to drive the Park Loop Road for sweeping summertime ocean views.

Literary Landmarks of Massachusetts 

Literary tourism is booming these days, and few places in the U.S. offer as much bookish history as a road trip around western Massachusetts — a region that also happens to be an iconic New England summer destination. 

Start your pilgrimage in Concord, less than 30 miles northwest of Boston, with a visit to Little Women author Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House and a walk around Henry David Thoreau’s famed Walden Pond. From there, head west on scenic Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail. If you need a break, exit at Shelburne Falls to walk the Bridge of Flowers and grab some lunch at the West End Pub while you gaze over the Deerfield River, a major player in the region’s development and history.

The next destination is the Berkshires. Make your way to Lenox and leave plenty of time to tour writer Edith Wharton’s grand estate, the Mount. Afterward, take the short drive to Pittsfield, where Herman Melville’s home, known as Arrowhead, lives on as a museum. (It’s here that the legendary author wrote Moby-Dick in 1851.) For the night, head south to Stockbridge and stay at the Red Lion Inn, a historic spot where these literary figures once gathered, or splurge on one of the area’s upscale resorts.

The Dakota Badlands 

If you’re looking for a more traditional summer road trip full of dramatic landscapes and wide-open spaces, consider South Dakota’s Badlands. Start your journey in Rapid City, where a morning visit to Dinosaur Park will give you panoramic views of the Black Hills mountains. From there, head east on Interstate 90, stopping for a classic doughnut at Wall Drug and continuing south until the exit toward the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway. 

Once you’ve made it into Badlands National Park, take the winding byway through eroded rock spires, bison herds, and endless prairie vistas. The road is especially striking at sunset — luckily, South Dakota gets up to 16 hours of daylight in peak summer, so you should have ample time to catch the ancient butte rock formations glow in shades of pink and gold.

Then, head to Wind Cave National Park, where craggy underground cave formations contrast with rolling grasslands above. Farther north, you’ll take Needles Highway through Custer State Park as it snakes through towering granite spires, one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the state. From here, it’s just a short drive to Mount Rushmore, an iconic landmark that perfectly punctuates a summer road trip in the U.S.

Peaks and Hot Springs in Colorado

If your idea of a summer road trip is all about rejuvenation, Colorado offers ample opportunities for adventure and wellness. By starting your trip in Colorado Springs, the scenery alone sets the tone for relaxation of both the mind and body. Visit the pink Himalayan salt-inhalation room at the Strata Spa and Salon before taking a peaceful walk through the towering red rock formations of the neighboring Garden of the Gods. 

When you’re ready to start your drive, head west on U.S. Route 24 toward Cascade, where you’ll find the gateway to Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile scenic drive that winds through rich alpine forests and past sparkling lakes. Take the time to stop and gaze across the 130-acre Crystal Reservoir lake while breathing that clean mountain air before driving to the 14,000-foot summit, taking in Colorado’s diverse landscapes and wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and marmots along the way. 

After your descent, head to Manitou Springs, known for its naturally carbonated mineral springs. If your budget allows, indulge in an overnight stay at the luxe Cliff House nestled in the mountains before journeying west about 230 miles to Glenwood Springs. Take the (slightly longer) scenic route through Aspen and visit the iconic Maroon Bells, one of the state’s most photographed natural landmarks. 

Finally, you’ll arrive at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, the world’s largest hot springs and a historic attraction that people have been visiting since 1888. 

Arizona and Nevada’s Wild West

Cowboy culture is still all the rage, with holidays booked around ranch stays and horse rides exploding in popularity over the past year. The West certainly has its wild charms, but if you’re not ready to rough it entirely, consider this slightly-less-than-rugged road trip. 

Start out in Las Vegas, but skip the Strip and head straight to Boot Barn to pick out the perfect cowboy hat. A 30-minute drive will bring you to Red Rock Canyon, which offers unforgettable desert scenery, perfect for a sunset horseback ride through the famed sandstone cliffs. 

Next, trade your horse for wheels as you hit the road, first via U.S. Route 93 to Kingman, Arizona. From there, join the legendary Route 66 toward Oatman, a quirky former mining town where wild burros freely roam the streets. 

For more Old West vibes, continue south to Prescott to explore a historic stretch of saloons from the gold rush era that make up Whiskey Row. You can also saddle up for a horseback trail ride through the area’s pine-covered hills. 

The Western adventure continues as you head toward the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where you can cruise to the Hoover Dam or raft through the Black Canyon. After that, head back along the desert highways to Paradise, Nevada, where Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter tour makes Western culture the headliner on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26.