The idea of a summer road trip with friends is an adventure that inspires optimism and joy, especially after a long year of school or work. Getting in your vehicle with your closest friends, excellent music, and nowhere to be is freedom you can’t replicate. There’s a reason why 80 percent of adults in the United States of America planned a road trip in 2022.
Planning the best road trip with friends and family is often not about the destination but the journey itself. Packing your recreational vehicle with the essentials and stopping at points of interest along the way is the essence of a proper road trip.
The good news is that you’ve found the perfect guide to choosing the best road trip ideas to enjoy during the upcoming summer months. Keep reading to find the best travel ideas to pitch to your friends for Summer 2023 today!
Route 66
If you’re looking for an incredible mix of history and scenery, look no further for your next road trip idea than Route 66. This stretch of highway became famous as the route of choice to venture from Midwestern cities like St. Louis and Chicago to the growing city of Los Angeles, California. It’s arguably the most famous road trip in the United States, and with good reason.
The length of the route is just under 2,300 miles, presenting tons of memorable opportunities to stop and take in the scenery and check out the history. The course takes you through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Give yourself at least two weeks to complete this road trip going one way. It’s much more memorable if you have time to stop and check out the towns and attractions along the way. Twin Arrows and Cadillac Ranch are two must-stop places to check out when traveling Route 66.
Scenic Byway 12
Scenic Byway 12 is another road trip route that takes you out west, and you’ll find it challenging to keep your eyes on the road while traveling. It’s an All-American Road that is loaded with scenery around every bend. This road trip’s most prominent natural feature is the endless layers of red rock.
It’s a unique road trip with features you won’t see anywhere else in the United States, making it an excellent option to see something new with friends and family. The road also connects multiple National Parks, making it the perfect route if you’re looking to do some hiking and enjoy nature.
This road trip is only 122 miles, but you’ll have your breath taken away multiple times throughout the journey. It’s an unforgettable option when you start vacation planning with a class a rv vehicle. You can complete the drive in a few hours, but stopping and enjoying multiple vistas and activities is best.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Not all the top summer road trip destinations are out west. Plenty of excellent drives and scenic byways on the Eastern seaboard are worth exploring. The Blue Ridge Parkway is the crown jewel of road trip ideas, with the road taking you through Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
There are five main sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway that you’ll drive through if you decide to trek and experience this region’s wonders.
Each section takes around three hours to complete, and you’ll find many stunning vistas to pull over and take in as you drive on this road.
It’s also wise to bring hiking boots when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway.
You’ll find some incredible hiking trails throughout the route, perfect for summer fun in the sun.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Another road trip idea worth exploring during the summer of 2023 is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It’s the perfect road trip for the whiskey lover in your friend group or family. You’ll stop at 18 distilleries as you move along with this road trip idea, though you should never drink and drive.
This travel idea is terrific if you want to learn more about the history of Kentucky bourbon and the process of distilling each barrel. There’s no official route when you set out on the Bourbon Trail, though Whiskey Row in Louisville, Kentucky, is an excellent place to start.
Consider this route if you’re looking for weekend road trip ideas. It’s long enough to fill a weekend with great bourbon and better memories.
Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is located in Colorado, and it’s a drive that you must take if you’re heading through the area. This stretch of the highway makes up part of US Highway 550 and connects the towns of Ouray and Silverton, Colorado. It’s among the best summer road trip ideas if you love mountain views and passes.
You’ll head over multiple passes at elevations approaching 11,000 feet. Take things slow and pull over to enjoy pictures from vistas of snow-capped mountains and pine forests. This road trip idea has it all, with ghost towns, hot springs, hiking trails, whitewater rafting, and more!
Road to Hana
Hawaii isn’t what typically comes to mind when people rattle off the best road trip ideas in the United States, but the Road to Hana is a unique road trip opportunity that every road trip lover should experience at least once in life. It’s the number-one attraction on the island of Maui.
This road trip is one where it’s vital to remember that you’re there for the journey rather than the destination, though the destination isn’t too shabby. Take in the emerald green cliff and mountains, the dreamy waterfalls, and the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Don’t forget to enjoy the many beaches with sands ranging from black, red, and white.
It’s vital to remember that this route is quite popular with visitors and locals alike. If you decide to make the trek on the Road to Hana, start your journey early to get ahead of the crowds. You’ll face less traffic and congestion when you start the road trip early in the morning.
As with any Hawaii tours and activities, do your research ahead of time for the best results, as this route contains many turns, one-lane stretches, and bridges to navigate. It’s worth the extra work to make this road trip idea a reality.
The Parks Highway
After venturing out of the Lower 48, it’s worth mentioning that Alaska is home to incredible road trip ideas that you should explore in the future. The Parks Highway in Alaska is the best destination to check out if you’re looking for your next idea for the best road trip.
This stretch of highway connects Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska, and it offers the quickest access to the incredible Denali National Park. The route stretches for 362 miles through the untouched wilderness on the Last Frontier. In addition to the endless forests and majestic mountains, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like bears, elk, and moose.
On clear days, you can take in views of Denali Mountain, which extends more than 20,000 feet above sea level. It’s one of the best road trip ideas to consider if you have weeks free to drive and take in the nature around you.
Pacific Coast Highway
No list of the best summer road trip ideas is complete without mentioning the Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of highway runs parallel with the Pacific Ocean along California’s coastline for 550 miles, connecting San Francisco with Los Angeles.
You can choose either direction for this route, though it’s recommended to start in Northern California to enjoy having the ocean views next to you as you drive. Give yourself at least three days to make the most of this road trip idea with your friends.
Utah National Parks
Utah is a naturally beautiful state that is famous for its National Parks, so checking out the Utah National Parks road trip route is a must during your time in the Beehive State. The route takes you to each of the five National Parks in this state, along with several beautiful state parks.
This is one of the best road trip ideas if you’re taking a recreational vehicle since you’ll find tons of free camping. Utah is also a wonderful state for outdoor adventures, so bring your hiking gear and plenty of water when you hit the road for the Utah National Parks road trip. It’s home to the best sunsets in the Lower 48, making it a photographer’s dream!
Start Planning Your Next Summer Road Trip Today
Planning a summer road trip with your best friends is the essence of the modern human experience, and you have plenty of memorable options if you’re seeking ideas for the best road trip. The Pacific Coast Highway is perfect if you want stellar views of the ocean, while the Parks Highway in Alaska is best for pristine nature. Consider taking a trip down Route 66 if you want to drive back in time on a historical route.
Are you ready to get out and explore the great outdoors in 2023? Check out the rest of our blog content for more road trip advice today!
