If you want to see more of the country, it may be time to add some driving trips to your summer schedule. Driving is more affordable and convenient than flying, and it also provides you with lots of opportunities to stop and explore while you make your way to your destination. And because summer means clear roads and sunny skies, there’s no better time than right now to check out one or more of the best summer road trip destinations.
Not sure where to go? We’re sharing some of our favorite summer road trip ideas, featuring fun spots across the U.S. that are worth hitting the road for.
Best Destinations for Summer Road Trips
Summer will be over before you know it, so make the most of it by planning a road trip adventure.
Road trips are a great way to take in the scenery and see new places and offer a level of flexibility that you can’t get by train or airplane. They’re also a smart choice for vacationing with kids since road trips offer a better alternative to the stress and overall chaos of air travel.
As for where to go, there is no shortage of stunning destinations in the U.S., with tons of options for all types of travelers. Of course, where you go is up to you, but here are six epic summer driving vacation ideas to get the inspiration going.
1. Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you like good food, good art, and good hikes, then Santa Fe is the place to go. This New Mexico city gets even more colorful in the summertime, with festivals and street fairs on the schedule most weekends. And while the days are hot, the evenings tend to cool down just in time for sunset cocktails and tacos on a cozy patio.
A place to visit on the way: Taos, New Mexico
2. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen may be one of the country’s most famous skiing destinations, but don’t sleep on it in the summer. In lieu of ski runs, Aspen’s mountains offer an abundance of warm weather activities, from hiking and mountain biking to ziplines and ropes courses. If you’re feeling really adventurous, book a paragliding tour and get a whole new view of this picturesque resort town.
A place to visit on the way: Telluride, Colorado
3. Blairsville, Georgia
It might not have the name recognition of Atlanta or Savannah, but Blairsville can hold its own as a summer road trip destination. Spend a day (or an entire week) exploring Chattahoochee National Forest, then slow it down with a day of golf at Blairsville’s Butternut Creek Golf Course, complete with amazing mountain views.
A place to visit on the way: Blue Ridge, Georgia
4. Door County, Wisconsin
Summer is the perfect time for a Great Lakes road trip, and a visit to Door County is a must while you’re doing it. This locale is particularly ideal for families and features beaches, orchards, and a charming downtown that you’ll be sad to leave when the trip is over. Sit down for a fish boil while you’re there and definitely save room for cheese curds, too.
A place to visit on the way: Two Rivers, Wisconsin
5. Columbia Falls, Montana
Drive on up to Columbia Falls, which offers easy access to nearby Glacier National Park and its fair share of local attractions if you want to extend your stay. This includes river rafting and golfing, plus the chance to do some memorable llama-guided hiking. There’s also the Big Sky Waterpark if your kids want a day that’s just for them.
A place to visit on the way: Missoula, Montana
6. Hot Springs, South Dakota
You can probably guess what you’ll find in this South Dakota “hot” spot. Yes, Hot Springs is home to several serene thermal springs, which have been a spa-like destination for more than 140 years. Just be sure to dry off long enough to go visit the Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig site with the world’s largest concentration of Columbian mammoth fossils.
A place to visit on the way: Deadwood, South Dakota
Your next adventure is just a drive away. Enjoy your summer travels and stay protected on the road with a reliable roadside assistance plan. We offer plans for both vehicles and motorcycles, as well as additional perks like travel savings and theme park discounts.
Contact Best Roadside Service today for a quote, and make sure your summer road trip is as carefree as possible.