Summer is the perfect time for an American road trip. The days are long, the national parks are open, the wildflowers are blooming, and the country's most spectacular landscapes are at their most accessible. Whether you have a week or a month, there's a road trip that fits your time and your interests.

Here are the 10 best summer road trips in the USA — from the iconic to the underrated.

Distance: 655 miles (Los Angeles to San Francisco)
Time: 5–7 days
Best For: Dramatic coastal scenery, beach towns, Big Sur

The Pacific Coast Highway — US-1 along the California coast — is the most iconic road trip in America. The drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco passes through some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world, including the extraordinary cliffs and redwood forests of Big Sur.

Key Stops: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, Santa Cruz

Distance: ~800 miles (Las Vegas loop)
Time: 7–10 days
Best For: National parks, hiking, red rock scenery

Utah's five national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches — form the most spectacular concentration of national parks in America. A road trip through the Mighty Five is one of the great American travel experiences.

See our Utah Road Trip Itinerary for the complete day-by-day guide.

Distance: 2,448 miles
Time: 10–14 days
Best For: American history, roadside attractions, nostalgia

Route 66 — the "Mother Road" — is the most historically significant road trip in America. The route passes through eight states and captures the spirit of mid-20th century America, from the diners and drive-ins of the Midwest to the desert landscapes of the Southwest.

See our Route 66 Road Trip Guide for the complete guide.

Distance: 469 miles
Time: 5–7 days
Best For: Mountain scenery, wildflowers, Appalachian culture

The Blue Ridge Parkway — connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina — is one of the finest scenic drives in America. The parkway follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with extraordinary views of the surrounding valleys and forests.

Key Stops: Shenandoah National Park, Roanoke, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains

Distance: 50 miles (within Glacier National Park)
Time: 1–2 days (as part of a larger Montana trip)
Best For: Alpine scenery, wildlife, Glacier National Park

Going-to-the-Sun Road — the only road through Glacier National Park — is one of the most spectacular drives in America. The road climbs from the valley floor to Logan Pass (6,646 feet), with extraordinary views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and the surrounding mountains.

Best Time: July–September (the road is typically closed by snow from October to June)

Distance: 3,000 miles
Time: 14–21 days
Best For: Mississippi River culture, small towns, American history

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River from its source in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana — a journey through the heart of America, passing through some of the country's most distinctive regional cultures.

Key Stops: Minneapolis, Dubuque, St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans

Distance: 113 miles (Miami to Key West)
Time: 2–3 days
Best For: Tropical scenery, snorkeling, Key West

The Overseas Highway — US-1 through the Florida Keys — is one of the most unique drives in America. The road crosses 42 bridges over the turquoise waters of the Florida Straits, connecting a chain of tropical islands from Miami to Key West.

Key Stops: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, Key West

Distance: 68 miles
Time: 1 day (as part of a larger Yellowstone trip)
Best For: Alpine scenery, wildflowers, Yellowstone access

The Beartooth Highway — US-212 between Red Lodge, Montana and Cooke City, Wyoming — is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in America. The road climbs to 10,947 feet, passing through extraordinary alpine scenery with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Best Time: June–September (the road is closed in winter)

Distance: 444 miles
Time: 3–5 days
Best For: Southern history, wildflowers, peaceful driving

The Natchez Trace Parkway — connecting Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi — is one of the most peaceful and beautiful drives in the South. The parkway follows the route of the historic Natchez Trace, a trail used by Native Americans and early American settlers.

Key Stops: Nashville, Franklin, Tupelo, Natchez

Distance: ~200 miles
Time: 3–5 days
Best For: Lobster, lighthouses, Acadia National Park

The Maine coast — from Portland to Bar Harbor — is one of the finest coastal drives in America. The route passes through charming fishing villages, past beautiful lighthouses, and through the extraordinary natural beauty of Acadia National Park.

See our Maine Weekend Itinerary for the complete guide.

Book Early: Summer is the most popular travel season in America. Book hotels and campgrounds well in advance, especially for national park areas.

National Park Passes: The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) provides unlimited access to all national parks and federal recreation areas for one year. It pays for itself in 2–3 park visits.

Timed Entry Permits: Many popular national parks (Zion, Arches, Rocky Mountain) require timed entry permits during summer. Book at recreation.gov well in advance.

For more seasonal travel inspiration, see our Best Fall Foliage Destinations in the USA, Best Winter Getaways in the USA, and Best Spring Outdoor Adventures.