The Best American Road Trip Routes to do This Summer

14th December 2021

The Best American Road Trip Routes to do This Summer


Pack your bags, grab the snacks and don’t forget the tunes because it’s time to hit the open road. From the nostalgic pitstops and American kitsch to the classic car games and jam sessions, road trips are an excellent opportunity for travellers to experience a destination. Make the journey your destination this summer and discover all the diverse landscapes, cultures and climates that America has to offer. Here is our travel expert Kristin’s list of the best American road trips to do this summer!

Route 66

Beginning in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles, this iconic Mother road is the quintessential cross-country road trip for any traveler exploring America. The legendary Route 66 road trip features eight states and ten stops comprised of iconic attractions including the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville to the famous Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. Fashioned with neon signs, classic diners, and quirky inns Main Street America transports you back in time to the 1930s when Route 66 first came to life. Don’t forget to stop at the Grand Canyon or the Petrified Forest in Arizona for some of the most breathtaking views in the west.

best american road trips to do

The Road to Hana

Although best suited for a more experienced driver, the winding mountainous road to Hana features dramatic coastal landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas you can only find on the island of Hawaii. The Road to Hana spans 60 miles across the eastern coast of Maui and features cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches, rugged lava fields, and vibrant jungle. With its panoramic ocean views and exotic scenery, there is no question as to why The Road to Hana is one of the best American road trip routes to do this summer.

Pacific Coast Highway

From the scenic vistas and bluffs to the balmy breeze and sunshine, a Pacific Coast Highway drive boasts some of the most beautiful views in the nation. This spectacular coastal drive, also known as Highway One, is comprised of quaint seaside villages, enchanting vineyards, and picturesque forests make Pacific Coast Highway one of the best American road trip routes to do this summer. Make sure to visit all of the iconic and historical attractions this route has to offer, from the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to the Bixby Bridge and Hearst Castle.

The Road to Hana Although best suited for a more experienced driver, the winding mountainous road to Hana features dramatic coastal landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas you can only find on the island of Hawaii. The Road to Hana spans 60 miles across the eastern coast of Maui and features cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches, rugged lava fields, and vibrant jungle. With its panoramic ocean views and exotic scenery, there is no question as to why The Road to Hana is one of the best American road trip routes to do this summer.

US Route 20

Recognised for being the longest highway in America, US Route 20 encompasses some of the most diverse landscapes in the USA – from the rocky coastlines of Oregon to the soft, white sand beaches of Cape Cod. Stretching 3,365 miles across 12 states this transcontinental highway captures the spirit of what a great American road trip is all about. A few of our must-see stops include Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, Field of Dreams and Niagara Falls.

Great River Road

Submerge yourself in soul music, mouth-watering cuisine and deep south culture on the Great River Road trip. Extending from northern Minnesota to the deep south of Louisiana, this unique trip will see you travel along the national scenic byway of the Great River Road. Check out the friendly city of Minnesota – the lifelong home of Prince, walk along Beale street in Memphis where rock and soul collide and experience the buzzing jazz scene along Bourbon street in New Orleans. The Great River Road is the ideal road trip for those looking to soak up the honest and vibrant culture of the deep south.

The Road to Hana Although best suited for a more experienced driver, the winding mountainous road to Hana features dramatic coastal landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas you can only find on the island of Hawaii. The Road to Hana spans 60 miles across the eastern coast of Maui and features cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches, rugged lava fields, and vibrant jungle. With its panoramic ocean views and exotic scenery, there is no question as to why The Road to Hana is one of the best American road trip routes to do this summer.

Cabot Trail

Arguably one of the most well-known road trips in Canada, the Cabot trail is a 300km highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia complete with ocean vistas and quaint fishing villages. Take a sunset hike on the infamous Skyline trail, experience spectacular sea views or even learn to lobster boil. Known for its unique artisans as well as its incredible hospitality: the Cabot trail has easily earned its spot on this list.

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best American road trip routes to do this summer.  We have a great range of American road trip holiday packages. Kickstart your holiday by contacting our personal travel planners to start planning your American road trip!

By Kristin Skinner

Personal Travel Planner

Favourite Destination: California

The golden state of California, where I was lucky to grow up, is an incredible destination! Best time to visit would be May and October. May when the temperature is mild and the flowers are at their best. October is best to experience the amazing Sunsets.

I would suggest first flying into San Francisco, spending a few days in this awesome and walkable city, then drive up to Northern California to get a taste for the breathtaking National Parks – such as Yosemite, just a couple hours east of San Francisco. Then you could continue your trip back south, driving down the California coastline which boasts stunning scenery and some of the best beach communities in the world. Top things to do would be drop into Alcatraz, visit a winery on the central coast, and call into the original Disney and Universal Studios in LA.