The Best Summer Road Trips in North America – Routes You’ll Never Forget
There’s something magical about a summer road trip — windows down, music up, and the open road stretching ahead. North America is made for road tripping, with scenic highways that weave through national parks, coastal cliffs, and charming small towns.
Whether you’re chasing ocean views, mountain air, or desert sunsets, these summer road trips promise memories you’ll carry for a lifetime.
1. Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA
Route: San Francisco → Big Sur → Los Angeles
Distance: ~655 miles (1,054 km)
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is a road trip dream. You’ll cruise past rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and redwood forests.
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Highlights: Bixby Creek Bridge, Monterey Bay, Hearst Castle
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Best For: Ocean lovers, photographers, and those who love winding scenic drives
2. The Canadian Rockies – Alberta & British Columbia, Canada
Route: Banff → Jasper → Yoho National Park
Distance: ~140 miles (225 km) between Banff & Jasper via Icefields Parkway
Drive through towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and glacier-filled valleys.
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Highlights: Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake
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Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife photographers
3. Route 66 – The Mother Road, USA
Route: Chicago → Santa Monica
Distance: ~2,448 miles (3,940 km)
This iconic route captures America’s retro charm. Drive through diners, vintage motels, and quirky roadside attractions.
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Highlights: Cadillac Ranch, Petrified Forest National Park, Santa Monica Pier
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Best For: History buffs, classic car fans, and anyone who loves nostalgia
4. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia, Canada
Route: Cape Breton Island loop
Distance: ~185 miles (298 km)
Winding through highlands and hugging the Atlantic coastline, the Cabot Trail is breathtaking in summer.
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Highlights: Skyline Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Celtic music pubs
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Best For: Coastal explorers, hikers, and seafood lovers
5. Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia & North Carolina, USA
Route: Shenandoah National Park → Great Smoky Mountains
Distance: ~469 miles (755 km)
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this route is a lush green paradise in summer.
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Highlights: Mabry Mill, Linville Falls, Clingmans Dome
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Best For: Scenic lovers, slow travelers, and campers
6. Baja California Peninsula – Mexico
Route: Tijuana → La Paz → Cabo San Lucas
Distance: ~1,000 miles (1,609 km)
Mix desert landscapes, turquoise waters, and laid-back coastal towns.
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Highlights: Loreto, Bahía Concepción, Todos Santos
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Best For: Adventurers, beach lovers, and foodies
7. Alaska Highway – USA to Canada
Route: Dawson Creek (Canada) → Delta Junction (Alaska, USA)
Distance: ~1,390 miles (2,237 km)
This is the road trip for the wild at heart — long stretches of wilderness and wildlife encounters.
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Highlights: Kluane National Park, Wrangell–St. Elias, endless mountain views
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Best For: Road warriors, campers, and explorers
Tips for the Perfect Summer Road Trip
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Plan fuel stops in remote areas.
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Bring layers — even in summer, mountains and coasts can be cool.
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Book accommodations early for popular routes.
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Create a road trip playlist to set the mood.
Final Thoughts
Summer road trips in North America are about more than reaching your destination — they’re about the stories you collect along the way. Whether you’re hugging the California coast, exploring Canada’s wild beauty, or driving through America’s heartland, the journey is the real treasure.
So grab a map, pack your bags, and hit the road — adventure awaits.
