The Best Road Trip Routes for Summer Vacations
Summer is the perfect season to roll down the windows, feel the breeze, and explore the open road. Road trips invite a unique sense of freedom and discovery, offering access to breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and unforgettable experiences across the country.
From coastal highways to mountain byways, the United States boasts a variety of scenic routes, each promising its own blend of natural beauty and cultural intrigue. Whether you seek rugged coastlines or vibrant cityscapes, a summer road trip delivers adventure for all.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
The legendary Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, stretches from San Francisco to Los Angeles, treating travelers to sweeping ocean vistas, rugged cliffs, and picturesque stops like Big Sur and Monterey. This iconic drive is celebrated for its unparalleled beauty and is often ranked among the world’s best coastal routes.
Unlike other scenic byways, Highway 1 uniquely blends seaside charm with dramatic landscapes, making it a favorite in travel magazines and guides. Discover more about this must-do journey at National Geographic.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina, USA)
Winding through the Appalachian Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a serene mountain escape with lush forests, vibrant wildflowers, and countless scenic overlooks. Travelers can explore historic sites, such as Mabry Mill, and access miles of hiking trails along the route.
Unlike other mountain drives, the Parkway is renowned for its gentle curves and uninterrupted natural beauty, making it especially inviting in summer when the landscape bursts with color. Discover more about this treasured American drive at the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Service.
3. Route 66 (Illinois to California, USA)
Spanning more than 2,400 miles from Illinois to California, Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip, known as the “Mother Road.” Travelers encounter a nostalgic journey filled with classic Americana, quirky roadside attractions, and historic diners that harken back to a bygone era.
Its enduring cultural impact sets it apart from other cross-country routes, offering a unique slice of history and adventure. Route 66 continues to capture the imagination of road trippers worldwide. Learn more about this iconic highway at the National Park Service Route 66.
4. Great Ocean Road (Victoria, Australia)
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a spectacular coastal journey, famed for its rugged limestone cliffs, pristine surf beaches, and the dramatic Twelve Apostles rock formations. Travelers are treated to unique wildlife sightings, including koalas and kangaroos, as the route winds through lush rainforests and seaside towns.
Much like California’s Highway 1, this drive offers a blend of natural wonders and vibrant local culture, making it a must-see for road trip enthusiasts. Discover more about this iconic Australian route at Australia.com’s Guide to the Great Ocean Road.
5. Amalfi Coast Road (Italy)
The Amalfi Coast Road, stretching from Sorrento to Salerno, is a breathtaking cliffside journey famed for its pastel-colored villages perched above the dazzling Mediterranean Sea. This winding route offers dramatic vistas at every turn, with terraced lemon groves and historic towns like Positano and Amalfi adding to its charm.
Compared to other European coastal drives, the Amalfi Coast uniquely combines vibrant Italian culture with some of the continent’s most stunning scenery. For more details on planning a drive along this legendary coastline, visit Lonely Planet’s Amalfi Coast Road Trip Guide.
6. Ring Road (Iceland)
Iceland’s Route 1, known as the Ring Road, encircles the entire island and treats travelers to glaciers, volcanoes, thundering waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs. During the summer, nearly endless daylight hours allow for maximum exploration and adventure, from hiking lava fields to soaking in natural spas.
Unlike other Nordic and Arctic routes, the Ring Road offers a comprehensive tour of Iceland’s diverse landscapes, all within a single, well-maintained loop. For more information and tips on traveling this extraordinary route, visit Visit Iceland’s Ring Road Guide.
7. Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)
The Cabot Trail loops around Cape Breton Island, showcasing sweeping ocean views, dramatic highland scenery, and quaint fishing villages. This picturesque drive winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where travelers can spot moose, eagles, and whales.
With its blend of coastal cliffs and lush forests, the Cabot Trail stands out among Canadian road trips for its natural diversity and vibrant local culture. Compared to other scenic routes like the Icefields Parkway, the Cabot Trail offers a unique maritime charm. Discover more at Nova Scotia’s Official Guide.
8. Garden Route (South Africa)
The Garden Route, stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, is celebrated for its verdant forests, sparkling lagoons, and abundant wildlife reserves. This scenic drive invites travelers to experience adventure activities like bungee jumping, hiking, and whale watching.
Unlike other African road trips, the Garden Route offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and biodiverse landscapes, making it a favorite for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Its accessibility and well-developed infrastructure set it apart from more remote routes. Plan your journey with help from South Africa’s Official Travel Guide.
9. Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way spans over 1,600 miles along the country’s untamed west coast, offering towering cliffs, ancient castles, and charming seaside villages. Travelers experience the dramatic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, windswept beaches, and lively Irish culture in remote towns.
Compared to other European coastal journeys, the Wild Atlantic Way stands out for its rugged landscape and mystical atmosphere, making it a favorite for those seeking both adventure and heritage. Discover more about this breathtaking route at Ireland.com’s Wild Atlantic Way Guide.
10. The Great Alpine Road (Victoria, Australia)
The Great Alpine Road winds through Victoria’s high country, connecting alpine national parks, scenic vineyards, and historic gold rush towns. This route is ideal in the summer, when wildflowers bloom and the weather is perfect for outdoor exploration.
Travelers can sample local wines, hike mountain trails, and immerse themselves in the region’s rich heritage. Compared to other Australian highland drives, the Great Alpine Road offers a distinctive blend of alpine vistas and cultural experiences. Plan your adventure with details from Visit Victoria’s Great Alpine Road Guide.
11. Route des Grandes Alpes (France)
The Route des Grandes Alpes is a legendary French alpine drive, stretching from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. This remarkable journey traverses iconic mountain passes such as Col du Galibier and Col de l’Iseran, offering breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.
Popular with cyclists and hikers, the route provides numerous opportunities to explore picturesque villages and scenic trails. Compared to other European mountain drives, it stands out for its dramatic elevation changes and access to France’s most celebrated alpine landscapes. Learn more at France This Way.
12. Transfăgărășan Highway (Romania)
The Transfăgărășan Highway winds spectacularly through Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, renowned for its hairpin bends, dramatic ascents, and long tunnels. This route is often hailed by automotive shows, including “Top Gear,” as one of the world’s most thrilling drives.
Travelers are rewarded with breathtaking mountain vistas, glacial lakes, and opportunities to explore medieval castles along the way. Compared to other European mountain roads, the Transfăgărășan stands out for its engineering marvels and sheer scenic drama. Discover practical tips and highlights at Romania Insider’s Transfăgărășan Guide.
13. Icefields Parkway (Alberta, Canada)
The Icefields Parkway stretches 140 miles between Jasper and Banff, offering travelers glacier-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife such as bears, elk, and mountain goats. This scenic route is often considered one of the most beautiful mountain drives in North America, rivaling even the famed Blue Ridge Parkway and U.S. Rockies routes.
Along the way, visitors can marvel at the Columbia Icefield and stop at iconic spots like Peyto Lake. For detailed travel tips and highlights, visit the Parks Canada Icefields Parkway Guide.
14. North Coast 500 (Scotland)
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile circular route showcasing Scotland’s wild northern landscapes, with rugged coastlines, ancient castles, and quaint villages. Adventure-seekers are drawn to its winding single-track roads, remote beaches, and panoramic mountain vistas.
The journey offers opportunities to spot wildlife, explore whisky distilleries, and immerse in Scottish heritage. Compared to other UK road trips, the North Coast 500 stands out for its dramatic scenery and sense of remoteness. Learn more and plan your drive with VisitScotland’s North Coast 500 Guide.
15. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys, USA)
The Overseas Highway stretches 113 miles, linking the Florida Keys with a series of sweeping bridges over turquoise waters and lush tropical landscapes. This iconic drive offers stunning ocean views and easy access to world-class snorkeling, diving, and island hopping adventures.
Each key along the route boasts its own charm, from vibrant Key Largo to laid-back Key West. Unlike any other American highway, the Overseas Highway feels like a journey across the sea itself. For more information and trip planning, visit the Florida Keys Overseas Highway Guide.
Conclusion
Embarking on a summer road trip is an invitation to experience the world’s most diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures firsthand. From misty mountains to sun-drenched coastlines, each route offers unique adventures and unforgettable moments.
Whether you crave the thrill of new horizons or the comfort of scenic drives, these journeys promise lasting memories for every traveler. So fuel your wanderlust, chart your course, and set out to discover the magic of the open road. For more inspiration and planning tips, visit Roadtrippers and Lonely Planet’s Best Road Trips.
