17 Best Scenic Routes for Summer Road Trip
There’s something about summer road trips that just feels different—the freedom, the longer days, the way the world looks when you’re seeing it through an open window.
One of my favorite memories is driving along the Pacific Coast Highway with no plan except to chase the ocean.
I’m writing this guide because picking the right scenic route can turn a regular trip into something unforgettable.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on a boring stretch of highway, you know why this matters.
A good scenic route can change your whole experience—it slows you down, gives you a reason to stop and stare, and reminds you why you hit the road in the first place.
Inside, I’m sharing 17 of the best drives for a summer road trip, based on my own travels and the ones still on my list.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
Stretching along California’s rugged coastline, this route gives you endless ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and charming beach towns.
Driving Big Sur at sunset honestly feels like stepping into a postcard.
Make time for slow stops—you’ll want to soak in every minute.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this 469-mile route is a lush, winding masterpiece through the Appalachians.
Summer brings green hills and wildflowers that seem to roll on forever.
It’s not about speed here; it’s about savoring every curve and overlook.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This one cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park, offering insane mountain views and crystal-clear lakes.
The road is narrow and steep in spots, but it’s worth every white-knuckle moment.
It’s only open during summer, so timing is everything.
4. Route 1, Maine
If you’re craving seafood shacks, rocky shores, and lighthouses, Maine’s coastal Route 1 delivers.
It’s slower-paced, with small towns that look like movie sets.
Lobster rolls and ocean air—what more do you need?
5. Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
This drive feels surreal, with long bridges stretching across turquoise waters.
It connects the Florida Keys all the way to Key West, where every mile feels like you’re farther from the real world.
Roll the windows down and let the island vibes take over.
6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
A road trip along the Historic Columbia River Highway puts you face-to-face with waterfalls, cliffs, and forested trails.
Multnomah Falls is a must-stop, but honestly, every bend has something worth pulling over for.
It’s pure Pacific Northwest magic.
7. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
If you’re headed toward Yellowstone, this jaw-dropping route is a must.
It climbs high into alpine tundra, with hairpin turns and snow even in July.
It’s one of those drives where you can’t believe your eyes.
8. Lake Superior Circle Tour, Midwest
Circling the largest of the Great Lakes, this tour passes through Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario.
Think rocky shores, dense forests, and sleepy harbor towns.
It’s big, wild, and way underrated.
9. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
This peaceful, historic route follows ancient Native American paths.
It’s low-stress driving with shady trees, historical markers, and picnic stops along the way.
Perfect when you want a slower, more soulful kind of road trip.
10. Highway 12, Utah
Nicknamed “A Journey Through Time,” this drive cuts through some of Utah’s most stunning national parks.
Expect red rock canyons, high mountain forests, and views that stretch forever.
It feels like driving through a natural museum.
11. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
You’ll hit rainforests, beaches, and mountain ridges all in one trip.
The loop around Olympic National Park is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of drive.
It’s one of the most diverse and wild places I’ve ever seen.
12. San Juan Skyway, Colorado
This 236-mile loop includes the Million Dollar Highway, known for its cliff-hugging thrills.
You’ll pass through old mining towns and massive alpine views that don’t even look real.
Summer wildflowers blanket the valleys in color.
13. Highway 101, Oregon Coast
Craggy beaches, sea stacks, and misty forests line this dreamlike coastal route.
Small towns like Cannon Beach and Newport make perfect overnight stops.
It’s ideal if you want ocean air without the California crowds.
14. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Known simply as “The Kanc,” this 34-mile drive through the White Mountains packs a punch.
Summer brings green canopies and rushing rivers perfect for quick swims.
It’s short but unforgettable.
15. Great River Road, Mississippi River
Following the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana, this route is all about Americana.
You’ll find charming river towns, historic sites, and plenty of places to get out and explore.
It’s a living, breathing slice of U.S. history.
16. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Running through Shenandoah National Park, this road offers 105 miles of ridge-top beauty.
Pull-offs are frequent, and the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch for miles.
It’s especially stunning during the golden hour.
17. Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona
Though short, this drive through Sedona’s red rock country feels almost spiritual.
The formations glow at sunrise and sunset, turning deep shades of orange and pink.
Even a quick drive here leaves a lasting impression.
