Explore and plan for the best summer road trip yet, with destinations in both the USA and Canada.
When I think of summer, I definitely think about road trips, and not just road trips that I want to take but the road trips that I took with my family as a kid and then with friends as I got older. According to a recent survey by The Vacationer, 82% of Americans are traveling this summer, and 75% are taking road trips. Further north, a survey by Deloitte on the 2024 Summer Travel Outlook noted that 65% of Canadians are planning a road trip this summer, driving between 2-8 hours to reach their destination.
I’ve talked in the last few episodes about my big goal for 2025, to visit all 50 of the United States since I turn 50 years old in September 2025. So I already had a lot of research done for this topic, since I’ve been actively planning my various travels next year. I’m combining that research with some new research and some of my personal experiences over the years, going on summer road trips in some really beautiful areas. I hope this inspires you to hop in your vehicle of choice and to hit the road soon, to explore some new places or to revisit some favorites.
Many of these road trips can be taken at various times of the year, though of course the further north you go, the more you need to take into account winter weather conditions that may last into the spring months. I also trended more toward locations that aren’t quite as hot as Florida is in the summer, but where there often is some water body nearby to cool off if you’d like to enjoy that, which I do.
So while I would recommend a road trip through the Florida Keys or through Monument Valley, I don’t think summer is the best time to enjoy those locales.
If you’re interested in specific tips to plan a road trip, check out Episode 068, Planning for an Epic Road Trip. I also shared more planning details in Episodes 081 and 082 about my fall road trip in 2022 from Florida to Asheville, North Carolina. After a couple nights at the beautiful Biltmore Estate, I drove through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to Pigeon Forge and fell in love with Dollywood. A friend joined me, and we drove to Indiana, where I’m originally from.
I enjoyed time with family and friends before heading back south, stopping in Nashville, Tennessee and Birmingham, Alabama. Fall was a great time for that road trip, with the temperatures starting to cool and the colorful fall foliage. So if you’re interested in those road trip routes, those two Episodes 081 and 082 are great to listen to.
Best Summer Road Trip Ideas
Route 66
The historic Route 66, also called the “Mother Road”, pretty much set the standard back in the day for road trips, so it seems fitting to start with it. Route 66 was one of America’s first national highways. It spans from Chicago, Illinois all the way to Los Angeles, California, for a total of 2,300 miles (3,700 km). I plan to travel on at least part of Route 66 next year.
The states along Route 66 include Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Route 66 runs through St. Louis, Missouri, so stop and take a trip up the Gateway Arch. I’ve been up there, 630 feet high, and it’s quite the view.
There are a lot of fun, quirky stops along Route 66 if you so choose, including the World’s Largest Covered Wagon in Lincoln, Illinois; the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, Missouri; and Catoosa’s Blue Whale in Oklahoma. Other must-stops include the Petrified Forest National Park and, of course, the Grand Canyon National Park, both in Arizona.
I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, but of course I’ve seen it featured in movies. I have a feeling that visiting it and seeing a 10-mile wide gap in the earth is far different than seeing it on a screen. It’s definitely on my 2025 travel list.
Pacific Coast Highway – California
The Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH as it’s sometimes referred to, is one of the world’s most well-known coastal drives, and for good reason. This Highway 1 follows the California coast from southern California’s beaches up through Northern California’s mountains and redwood trees, for a total of 656 miles. The highway offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the world, with dramatic cliffs, expansive beaches, and picturesque coves.
There are many places along the PCH that you’d likely recognize from TV and movies. One of the most photographed and iconic bridges on the PCH is the Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur. Completed in 1932, it stands 260 feet above the creek and spans 714 feet. It can be seen in the TV series “Big Little Lies” opening credits, among other TV shows and movies.
In fact, the PCH stretch through Big Sur is often considered the most beautiful part of the drive, with rugged coastline, redwood forests, and pristine beaches. Also heavily featured in “Big Little Lies” (can you tell I love this show?) is the town of Monterey. Both Monterey and nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular stops along the PCH.
Monterey is known for its aquarium, Cannery Row, and historic wharf, while Carmel is famous for its art galleries, boutique shops, and picturesque beach.
There are a couple of points of interest near San Simeon. The Hearst Castle is a historic mansion built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The estate includes 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. Also near San Simeon, you can visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, where you can see hundreds of elephant seals lounging on the beach, especially during breeding season.
The PCH passes through some of California’s famous wine regions, including the Central Coast and the area around Mendocino. These regions are known for their excellent wineries and vineyards, so stop at some wineries and enjoy tastings. Lastly, I love lighthouses and am always drawn to them.
Several historic lighthouses dot the coastline along the PCH, including Point Sur Lighthouse, Point Montara Lighthouse, and Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Many of these lighthouses are open to the public and offer stunning views of the ocean.
Pacific Coast Highway – Oregon and Washington
If you’d like to extend your PCH road trip or start a new one, you can drive the PCH further north through Oregon and Washington. It’s about 670 miles from Brookings, Oregon to Seattle, Washington. Local seafood will be plentiful. Enjoy Dungenesse crab, wild salmon, oysters.
Highlights along this stretch of the PCH include:
- Cape Blanco State Park in Port Orford, OR. This state park marks the westernmost point in Oregon and has the state’s southernmost lighthouse.
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in Reedsport, OR. This is the largest area of coastal dunes in the U.S. You can hike, play in the sand, kayak, and more here.
- In Newport, OR, the Oregon Coast Aquarium features wildlife unique to the Oregon Coast and beyond. The aquarium is especially known for its otter exhibit.
- Another popular stop is the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint in Tillamook, Oregon.
- If you are a dairy fan like I am, then you may recognize the name Tillamook. Yes, here in Tillamook, Oregon is the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Take the tour and sample these delicious cheeses, some of my favorites!
- This next stop is a must-see for me, as an ‘80s kid, and that’s Cannon Beach, Oregon, where scenes from “The Goonies” movie were filmed. Drive another 25 miles north along the PCH to Astoria, where more scenes from “The Goonies” were filmed, and tour the Oregon Film Museum, which has a Goonies exhibit, of course. Plus, the museum’s building was in the movie as well.
In Washington, stop at Seaview, where Lewis and Clark ended their cross-country journey, for the world’s longest drivable beach. The PCH takes you through Olympia, the state capital, and then Tacoma, through more beautiful wooded scenery, before reaching Seattle. And then in Seattle, there is so much to experience, from the Space Needle to Pike Place Market.
I’ve never been to Seattle, and I’m so excited that our July 2025 cruise on the Celebrity Edge to Alaska sails out of Seattle… more about that in a moment, and how you can join us for this amazing cruise!
Great Lakes Drive
This next drive is partially from my childhood. I grew up mostly in central Indiana, but for a few years, my family lived in Utica, Michigan, northeast of Detroit. We explored the 5 Great Lakes in those 3 years, including Lake Superior and trips to Mackinaw Island. In case you didn’t know, Michigan is geographically divided into 2 peninsulas – the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula.
Here’s what Google says about the Upper Peninsula: The Upper Peninsula is a forested region in Michigan bordering 3 of the Great Lakes and extending outward from Wisconsin. It’s connected to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula by the roughly 5-miles-long Mackinac Bridge, which spans the Straits of Mackinac. Sandwiched between the 2 peninsulas is Mackinac Island, a car-free vacation destination with the iconic 1887 Grand Hotel and the Victorian-era Fort Mackinac.
I recommend starting this road trip at Mackinaw City, at the very top of the Lower Peninsula, with a visit to the iconic Mackinac Island. Be sure to get some of the fudge made fresh on the island, it’s decadent. Then you’ll cross over the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge, heading north. On the east side will be Lake Huron, and on the west side will be Lake Michigan.
Drive up to the north shore of the UP, where you’ll get your first glimpse of Lake Superior, then northwest to Houghton. Stop on the way in Marquette, the largest city in the UP and home to Northern Michigan University. It’s not home to Marquette University, that’s actually in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In Houghton, tour the beautiful downtown area along Portage Lake, and drive 15 minutes to Lake Superior for beautiful sunset views.
The next day, take Interstate 2 west through Wisconsin to Duluth, Minnesota. Stop at interstate Falls Park on the border of Michigan and Wisconsin, on the east branch of the Montreal River, and stretch your legs on a short walking trail with platforms of the 18-foot waterfall. You’ll start seeing Lake Superior again around Ashland in Wisconsin.
Once in Duluth, enjoy the Great Lakes Aquarium that has both freshwater and saltwater animals. Or explore the Lake Superior Train Museum.
Now it’s time for the North Shore Scenic Drive, from Duluth to the Canadian border along Lake Superior’s northwest shoreline, for about 150 miles. Along the way, explore 8 Minnesota State Parks, including Gooseberry Falls, with coastal cliffs and beautiful waterfalls throughout the park.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” is a scenic highway that stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Fun fact: each year, more people drive the Blue Ridge Parkway than visit the Grand Canyon.
With any road trip, you can choose where to start and end it. I’ve been on portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Tennessee, but there’s much more to explore. Add on either the Shenandoah National Park or the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for more beautiful sightseeing and nature.
Even though I’m including the Blue Ridge Parkway in the summer road trip list, this would also make for a great fall road trip. Just expect it to be more crowded in the fall as people want to see the fall foliage.
Here are some highlights to look forward to on a summer road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The parkway begins (or ends) at the Shenandoah National Park at Milepost 0, which features Skyline Drive with nearly 75 overlooks that provide views of the surrounding valleys, numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.
At the other end of the parkway is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Milepost 469. There’s something really special about the Smokies, and maybe that’s because growing up, my family drove many times from Indiana through the Smokies, on our way to see relatives in Florida. We almost always stopped in the Smokies, and sometimes we all met there and vacationed together in the Smokies.
Don’t miss Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, for panoramic views. Also, stop at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center that provides excellent exhibits on the history and culture of the Smoky Mountains.
There are several overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls to stop along the way, including Crabtree Falls (Mile 339.5) in the George Washington National Forest. At 70 feet high, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. There is also the Linville Falls (Milepost 316.4). A short hike leads to various overlooks of this impressive waterfall, which cascades into the Linville Gorge, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.”
Peaks of Otter (Milepost 86) in Bedford, Virginia, is another area highlight, featuring beautiful mountain views, serene lakes, and several hiking trails. Sharp Top Mountain provides a rewarding hike with panoramic views.
One of the most photographed spots on the parkway is the historic Mabry Mill (Milepost 176.1). This grist mill features a blacksmith shop, sawmill, and demonstrations of old-time crafts.
One of the highest points of the parkway is Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451), offering breathtaking views and a short hike to the summit for even more spectacular scenery.
As you travel further west, you’ll encounter the city of Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is known for many things, including its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and the famous Biltmore Estate.I spent 2 nights just at the Biltmore Estate, and I never made it to downtown Asheville. I loved exploring the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, though I do recommend also exploring Asheville.
If you want to see some fun performing arts, check out the Flat Rock Playhouse, about a 45-minute drive south of Asheville. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing shows here, and they are wonderful. Back in Asheville, the Folk Art Center (Milepost 382) showcases traditional and contemporary Appalachian crafts, with rotating exhibits, a craft shop, and live demonstrations.
If you make it to Asheville, then I highly encourage you to keep driving west for another 2.5 hours. Drive through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and stop at the many overlooks to take in the views. The last 30 minutes of your drive will take you out of the National Park, through Gatlinburg, into Pigeon Forge. Here, you must visit Dollywood. I talk in Episodes 062, 085, and 102 about Dollywood. I’ve been a seasonal passholder for the last 2 years. Needless to say, I am hooked!
Upstate New York
During the 15 years that I lived in New York City, I was very privileged to travel all around New York State. There are some very beautiful areas in this state that are very different from each other. Besides New York City, you have Long Island with its many coastal towns, the Hamptons, and the North Fork. And then you have further north, in what’s called upstate New York, beautiful mountain regions with lakes.
In the summer, going to the Finger Lakes or the Adirondacks was a favorite of mine. So this is a suggested road trip of mine to explore this area.
Start in Albany, the capital of New York State. You could also start in New York City, which will add about 3.5 hours to your driving time, depending on traffic. From Albany, head north on Interstate 87, stopping in Saratoga Springs. Enjoy the horse races in the summer here. Take a walk down Broadway through downtown Saratoga Springs with its great restaurants and fun boutiques.
Back on I-87 heading north, stop at the Adirondacks Welcome Center to pick up visitor information about this special area. Just a little further north is Lake George. Known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George offers stunning scenery and numerous recreational opportunities. There are several lakeside resorts and golf resorts surrounding Lake George.
The lake itself is about 32 miles long and up to 2.5 miles wide, with 395 islands, pretty incredible. Depths go down to 200 feet in some spots.
From Lake George, you could choose to explore more of the Adirondacks. There are over 3,000 lakes to explore, plus mountains, rivers and streams, fields, and forests. It really is the perfect summer getaway. I will include a link in the show notes to VisitAdirondacks.com that has several ideas for summer activities in this area.
One popular village in the Adirondacks is Lake Placid, known for being a venue for the Winter Olympics in 1932 and again in 1980. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum exhibits artifacts, including team uniforms and medals. There are so many beautiful lakes to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. A favorite of mine is Blue Mountain Lake in Indian Lake.
We stayed in cabins and then had meetings in the main lodge. At night, we had to carry noisemakers with us as we walked back to the cabins to frighten away the bears. And we did see bears checking out the garbage one evening! But the drive there from Syracuse was gorgeous, and the lake itself was so serene.
That’s just a few fantastic road trips in the USA that are especially great during the summer months. Now, let’s head north to Canada for a few really scenic summer road trips.
Golden Circle Route, Yukon and Alaska
This first road trip goes through both the USA and Canada, since it includes both Alaska and the Yukon. BellsAlaska.com shares that the Golden Circle Route is an easy drive that explores the incredible scenery, unique towns, the rich history of the First Nations, and the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. The route is 367 miles/591 km of stunning highways, plus an unforgettable journey on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry that links Skagway, Haines and Juneau.
On this route, you’ll journey through the scenic White Pass as you travel from Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon, to Skagway, Alaska. From there, you’ll ride the ferry to Haines and then circle back to the Yukon through Kluane country.
Skagway was the gateway to the Klondike gold fields, and it remains a well-preserved Gold Rush town today. It is a major cruise ship port, and in fact our Alaska cruise in July 2025 with the Me and the Magic community will stop at Skagway. I’d love for you to join us on the Celebrity Edge for that cruise. Go to the Events page at MeAndTheMagic.com for more information. Back to Skagway, the Yukon Route Railroad is a very popular activity there, climbing 3,000 feet in just 20 miles.
On the ferry to Haines, watch for whales, eagles, and other wildlife. Then, as you drive through the Kluane National Park and Preserve, watch for grizzly bears. Kluane has the highest concentration of grizzlies in North America, so your chances of seeing them are high – just don’t get too close!
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
The Icefields Parkway , Alberta’s Highway 93, connects Banff and Jasper National Parks. From Icefieldsparkway.com, rated as one of the top drives in the world by both National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveller, the Icefield Parkway is a 232-kilometer stretch (that’s 144 miles) of double-lane highway winding along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and vast sweeping valleys.
Plan your trip in advance, including stays at Jasper, Lake Louise, or Valemount, BC. There is no cell service on the Icefields Parkway. July and August are the busiest times to go, but snow can be expected any time of the year, and winter conditions can be very extreme, which is why I recommend going in the summer months.
Recommended activities include visiting the Columbia Icefield, stopping at Lake Louise and Peyto Lake, hiking the Athabasca Glacier, and enjoying wildlife sightings during the drive.
Coastal Drives, Prince Edward Island
I have never been to Prince Edward Island, so I was researching it. I watched some YouTube videos about the island, and I think I’m in love! It looks so picturesque. Prince Edward Island has 61 lighthouses, the highest concentration of any area in North America. I love lighthouses, so this is now high on my travel wish list. Plus, it’s known for 2 of my favorite food items, lobster and oysters.
There are a few ways to get to Prince Edward Island. Take a ferry from Nova Scotia, fly into Charlottetown (the capital of the province and its largest city), or drive the 15-kilometer Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick.
There are 3 different coastal drives, with all kinds of picturesque stops along the way.
- The North Cape Coastal Drive goes along the west side of Prince Edward Island. The drive is 350 kilometers, or 217 miles long. The red and white sand beaches look stunning, along with several lighthouses. You’ll find trails for hiking and biking with windmills. Tourismpei.com notes that in North Cape, witness the meeting of the waters as the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait converge over the longest natural rock reef in North America.
- Tourismpei.com describes the Central Coastal Drive going through picture-perfect scenes where the sandstone cliffs and white sand dunes are front and center. This drive is 253 kilometers, or 157 miles. When I was a kid, I read “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery and loved it. Cavendish is home to this author’s home that inspired Anne of Green Gables. Explore Charlottetown, and take in beautiful views of the Confederation Bridge.
- On the Points East Coastal Drive, you’ll drive past 50 beaches and some of the Island’s best culinary destinations. There are colorful starfish signs to well-known sites and hidden gems. The drive is 475 kilometers, or 295 miles. You’ll see red cliffs, harbors and waterfronts of fishing villages, beaches, golf courses, and farmland along this drive.
Altogether, this sounds like a lovely 4-day trip with plenty of time to enjoy the island to the fullest.
That wraps up the best summer road trips in the USA and Canada. I hope you discovered some new places to travel to on your next road trip.
Road Trip Resources
USA Road Trips
The book that Amanda references for her road trips is Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA.
Here is Roadtripper’s guide to the top things to do on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.
Visit the Adirondacks in upstate New York.
Enjoy this Road Trip Classics playlist on Spotify.
Canada Road Trips
Follow the Golden Circle Route in the Yukon and Alaska.
Explore the Icefields Parkway in Alberta.
Check out where to go in Prince Edward Island on the North Cape Coastal Drive, the Central Coastal Drive, and the Points East Coastal Drive.
Road Trip Playlist
Enjoy Amanda’s updated Road Trip Classics playlist, free on Spotify.
