2025’s Ultimate Summer Road Trip Itineraries & Tips

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the open road in summer—windows down, playlist ready, and endless horizons ahead. Whether you’re daydreaming about where can I go for my next adventure or mapping out the best summer road trip itineraries, this guide is your go-to resource for turning wanderlust into reality. From scenic coastal drives to rugged mountain trails, road trips offer freedom, flexibility, and unforgettable memories.

For couples seeking romance, the best summer road trips for couples include routes like California’s Pacific Coast Highway or Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where sunset stops and cozy B&Bs set the mood. Families can embrace the journey with our tips for family road trips, like packing smart snacks and planning interactive pit stops. Solo adventurers, fear not: the best solo travel destinations for road trips range from Iceland’s Ring Road to Australia’s Great Ocean Road—safe, scenic, and soul-stirring.

But where to start? A road trip planner is essential for seamless adventures. Tools like the best road trip planner apps help customize routes, track budgets, and find hidden gems. Dive into road trip planning by researching the best countries for road trips—think USA’s Route 66, South Africa’s Garden Route, or Norway’s fjord-filled highways.

This summer, it’s time to shift gears from routine to exploration. Let’s turn “are we there yet?” into “let’s keep going!”

1. Top 10 Best Summer Road Trip Itineraries for 2025

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

• Route: San Francisco to San Diego
• Highlights: Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur, Santa Monica Pier
• Why It’s Great: Stunning ocean views, charming coastal towns, and iconic landmarks.
• Duration: 5-7 days

Ring Road, Iceland

• Route: Circular route around Iceland
• Highlights: Waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, black sand beaches, and geothermal hot springs.
• Why It’s Great: Otherworldly landscapes and endless natural wonders.
• Duration: 10-14 days

Great Ocean Road, Australia

• Route: Torquay to Allansford
• Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and rainforests.
• Why It’s Great: A mix of rugged coastlines and lush greenery.
• Duration: 3-5 days

Amalfi Coast, Italy

• Route: Naples to Salerno
• Highlights: Positano, Ravello, and Capri Island.
• Why It’s Great: Romantic villages, Mediterranean cuisine, and turquoise waters.
• Duration: 4-6 days

Garden Route, South Africa

• Route: Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
• Highlights: Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, and Oudtshoorn.
• Why It’s Great: Wildlife, beaches, and diverse landscapes.
• Duration: 7-10 days

Route 66, USA

• Route: Chicago to Santa Monica
• Highlights: Cadillac Ranch, Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside stops.
• Why It’s Great: A nostalgic journey through Americana.
• Duration: 10-14 days

North Coast 500, Scotland

• Route: Circular route in the Scottish Highlands
• Highlights: Castles, Loch Ness, and dramatic cliffs.
• Why It’s Great: Serene landscapes and rich history.
• Duration: 5-7 days

Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

• Route: Sibiu to Curtea de Arges
• Highlights: Balea Lake, Vidraru Dam, and winding mountain roads.
• Why It’s Great: Thrilling drives and breathtaking views.
• Duration: 2-3 days

South Island Circuit, New Zealand

• Route: Christchurch to Queenstown
• Highlights: Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, and Franz Josef Glacier.
• Why It’s Great: Epic scenery and adventure activities.
• Duration: 7-10 days

Canadian Rockies, Canada

• Route: Banff to Jasper
• Highlights: Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, and wildlife spotting.
• Why It’s Great: Majestic mountains and pristine lakes.
• Duration: 5-7 days

2. Romantic Escapes: Best Summer Road Trips for Couples

Tuscany, Italy

• Route: Florence to Siena
• Highlights: Vineyards, medieval towns, and sunset dinners.
• Why It’s Romantic: Intimate settings and world-class wine.
• Duration: 4-6 days

California Wine Country, USA

• Route: Napa Valley to Sonoma
• Highlights: Wine tastings, hot air balloon rides, and gourmet meals.
• Why It’s Romantic: Luxurious and relaxing.
• Duration: 3-5 days

French Riviera, France

• Route: Nice to Cannes
• Highlights: Beaches, yachts, and lavender fields.
• Why It’s Romantic: Glamorous and picturesque.
• Duration: 5-7 days

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

• Route: Virginia to North Carolina
• Highlights: Mountain views, hiking trails, and cozy cabins.
• Why It’s Romantic: Peaceful and scenic.
• Duration: 4-6 days

Santorini, Greece

• Route: Circular island drive
• Highlights: Whitewashed villages, sunset views, and Aegean Sea.
• Why It’s Romantic: Iconic and dreamy.
• Duration: 3-4 days

See Also: 9 Top Summer Travel Destinations: 2025’s Must-See Spots

3. Family Fun on Wheels: Tips for Road Trips with Kids

Plan Kid-Friendly Stops

• Tip: Research parks, museums, and interactive attractions along the route.
• Example: Stop at the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis on a cross-country trip.

Pack Smart Snacks

• Tip: Bring a mix of healthy and fun snacks to avoid meltdowns.
• Example: Trail mix, fruit pouches, and granola bars.

Create a Travel Entertainment Kit

• Tip: Include coloring books, tablets, and car games.
• Example: Play “I Spy” or “20 Questions” to keep kids engaged.

Schedule Breaks

• Tip: Stop every 2-3 hours for stretching and bathroom breaks.
• Example: Plan breaks at rest areas with playgrounds.

Involve Kids in Planning

• Tip: Let them choose activities or snacks to build excitement.
• Example: Allow them to pick a roadside attraction to visit.

Safety First

• Tip: Ensure car seats are properly installed and pack a first-aid kit.
• Example: Keep emergency contacts and medical info handy.

Bring Comfort Items

• Tip: Pack favorite blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.
• Example: A cozy blanket can make naps easier.

Capture Memories

• Tip: Give kids a disposable camera or journal to document the trip.
• Example: Create a scrapbook together after the trip.

4. Solo Adventures: Best Destinations for Independent Travelers

Iceland’s Ring Road

• Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: Safe, well-marked roads, and friendly locals.
• Highlights: Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Reykjavik.
• Tips: Rent a 4×4 for off-the-beaten-path adventures and book accommodations in advance during peak season.

New Zealand’s South Island

• Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: Stunning landscapes and a strong backpacker culture.
• Highlights: Milford Sound, Queenstown, and Abel Tasman National Park.
• Tips: Join group tours for activities like hiking or kayaking to meet fellow travelers.

Scotland’s North Coast 500

• Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: Quiet roads and breathtaking scenery.
• Highlights: Dunrobin Castle, Smoo Cave, and the Fairy Pools.
• Tips: Stay in hostels or B&Bs to connect with other solo adventurers.

Australia’s Great Ocean Road

• Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: Easy navigation and plenty of stops for solo exploration.
• Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Great Otway National Park, and Torquay.
• Tips: Take your time to enjoy coastal walks and wildlife spotting.

USA’s Pacific Coast Highway

• Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: Iconic landmarks and diverse landscapes.
• Highlights: Big Sur, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco.
• Tips: Use apps like Roadtrippers to find hidden gems along the way.

Norway’s Fjord Routes

• Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: Safe and scenic with well-maintained roads.
• Highlights: Geirangerfjord, Trollstigen, and Bergen.
• Tips: Pack layers for unpredictable weather and enjoy solo hikes.

Japan’s Hokkaido Scenic Byways

• Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers: Clean, safe, and culturally rich.
• Highlights: Furano’s lavender fields, Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and Sapporo.
• Tips: Rent a car with an English GPS and explore hot springs (onsen) for relaxation.

5. Road Trip Planner Guide: Tools to Map Your Perfect Journey

Best Road Trip Planner Apps

• Google Maps: For real-time navigation and traffic updates.
• Roadtrippers: Perfect for finding quirky stops and planning routes.
• Waze: Great for avoiding traffic and road closures.

Online Trip Planners

• Furkot: Helps with multi-stop itineraries and accommodations.
• TripIt: Organizes bookings and creates a master itinerary.
• Sygic Travel: Offers offline maps and attraction recommendations.

Budgeting Tools

• GasBuddy: Finds the cheapest gas stations along your route.
• Trail Wallet: Tracks daily expenses to stay on budget.
• Splitwise: Ideal for splitting costs with travel companions.

Packing and Checklist Tools

• PackPoint: Creates packing lists based on your destination and activities.
• Checklist: Helps you organize tasks before and during your trip.

Safety and Emergency Tools

• SOS Worldwide: Provides emergency assistance and travel alerts.
• First Aid by American Red Cross: Offers step-by-step first aid guides.

Entertainment and Navigation

• Spotify: Create road trip playlists for endless entertainment.
• AllTrails: Find hiking trails and outdoor activities along your route.

6. Bucket-List Drives: Best Countries for Road Trips Worldwide

USA

• Iconic Routes: Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, and Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Why It’s Great: Diverse landscapes, from deserts to mountains to coastlines.

Iceland

• Iconic Routes: Ring Road and Golden Circle.
• Why It’s Great: Otherworldly landscapes, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders.

Australia

• Iconic Routes: Great Ocean Road and Stuart Highway.
• Why It’s Great: Stunning coastlines, outback adventures, and wildlife.

South Africa

• Iconic Routes: Garden Route and Panorama Route.
• Why It’s Great: Wildlife, beaches, and dramatic mountain passes.

Italy

• Iconic Routes: Amalfi Coast and Tuscany’s Chianti Wine Route.
• Why It’s Great: Romantic villages, vineyards, and Mediterranean views.

Canada

• Iconic Routes: Icefields Parkway and Cabot Trail.
• Why It’s Great: Majestic mountains, lakes, and wildlife.

New Zealand

• Iconic Routes: South Island Circuit and North Island’s Thermal Explorer Highway.
• Why It’s Great: Epic scenery, adventure activities, and friendly locals.

Norway

• Iconic Routes: Atlantic Road and Trollstigen.
• Why It’s Great: Fjords, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal drives.

France

• Iconic Routes: Route Napoleon and French Riviera.
• Why It’s Great: Lavender fields, vineyards, and glamorous coastal towns.

Japan

• Iconic Routes: Hokkaido Scenic Byways and Shikoku Pilgrimage Route.
• Why It’s Great: Cultural richness, hot springs, and cherry blossoms.

7. Answering ‘Where Can I Go?’: Unique Summer Road Trip Ideas

Coastal Gems – Hidden Beaches and Seaside Towns

• Destinations:
  • Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA: Secluded beaches and wild horses.
  • Algarve, Portugal: Stunning cliffs and hidden coves.
• Why It’s Unique: Escape crowded tourist spots and discover untouched beauty.
• Tips: Research lesser-known beaches and visit during weekdays for fewer crowds.

Mountain Escapes – Scenic Drives and Alpine Adventures

• Destinations:
  • Dolomites, Italy: Dramatic peaks and charming villages.
  • Rocky Mountains, Canada: Turquoise lakes and wildlife sightings.
• Why It’s Unique: Cooler temperatures and breathtaking vistas.
• Tips: Pack layers and plan hikes or scenic drives.

Desert Wonders – Otherworldly Landscapes

• Destinations:
  • Moab, Utah, USA: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
  • Wadi Rum, Jordan: Martian-like landscapes and Bedouin camps.
• Why It’s Unique: Surreal scenery and stargazing opportunities.
• Tips: Travel early or late in the day to avoid extreme heat.

Cultural Journeys – Historic Routes and Local Experiences

• Destinations:
  • Silk Road, Uzbekistan: Ancient cities and vibrant bazaars.
  • Route 66, USA: Nostalgic Americana and quirky roadside stops.
• Why It’s Unique: Immersive cultural and historical experiences.
• Tips: Engage with locals and try regional cuisines.

Island Hopping – Coastal Drives and Ferry Adventures

• Destinations:
  • Hawaii’s Big Island, USA: Volcanoes and black sand beaches.
  • Croatian Coast: Dubrovnik to Split with island stops.
• Why It’s Unique: Combine road trips with ferry rides for variety.
• Tips: Book ferries in advance and pack light for island hopping.

8. Summer Road Trip Essentials: Packing, Budgeting & Safety Tips

Packing Like a Pro

• Essentials:
  • Clothing: Lightweight, breathable outfits and a jacket for cooler evenings.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops for beaches.
  • Gear: Cooler, reusable water bottles, and a portable charger.
• Pro Tip: Use packing cubes to stay organized.

Budgeting for the Road

• Cost-Saving Tips:
  • Accommodation: Camp or stay in budget motels.
  • Food: Pack snacks and cook meals instead of dining out.
  • Fuel: Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas stations.
• Pro Tip: Set a daily budget and track expenses with a travel app.

Safety First

• Must-Haves:
  • Car Kit: Spare tire, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.
  • Emergency Contacts: Save numbers for roadside assistance and local emergency services.
  • Navigation: Carry a physical map in case of poor signal.
• Pro Tip: Share your itinerary with a friend or family member.

Entertainment on the Go

• Ideas:
  • Playlists: Create themed playlists for different parts of the trip.
  • Games: Bring travel-sized board games or download trivia apps.
  • Books/Audiobooks: Perfect for long stretches of driving.
• Pro Tip: Rotate entertainment options to keep everyone engaged.

Eco-Friendly Travel

• Tips:
  • Reduce Waste: Use reusable containers and utensils.
  • Respect Nature: Stick to marked trails and avoid littering.
  • Support Local: Shop at local markets and stay in eco-friendly accommodations.
• Pro Tip: Offset your carbon footprint by donating to environmental causes.

9. Seasonal Secrets: Why Summer is Perfect for Road Trips

Ideal Weather Conditions

• Why Summer?
  • Warm temperatures make outdoor activities enjoyable.
  • Longer daylight hours mean more time to explore.
• Examples:
  • Drive through California’s Redwood Forests without worrying about snow.
  • Enjoy Iceland’s midnight sun for extended sightseeing.

Festivals and Events

• Why Summer?
  • Many destinations host unique festivals and cultural events.
• Examples:
  • Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico.
  • Experience the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.

Scenic Beauty at Its Peak

• Why Summer?
  • Blooming wildflowers, lush greenery, and vibrant landscapes.
• Examples:
  • Drive through Provence, France, during lavender season.
  • Explore Canada’s Banff National Park with its turquoise lakes.

Family-Friendly Travel

• Why Summer?
  • School holidays make it easier to plan family trips.
• Examples:
  • Visit theme parks like Disneyland or national parks like Yellowstone.
  • Enjoy beach destinations like the Outer Banks or the Florida Keys.

Adventure Opportunities

• Why Summer?
  • Ideal conditions for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
• Examples:
  • Hike the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
  • Kayak in Alaska’s Kenai Fjords.

Road Trip Community Vibes

• Why Summer?
  • Meet fellow travelers at campsites, rest stops, and attractions.
• Examples:
  • Join a caravan on Route 66.
  • Share stories around a bonfire at a national park campground.

As your road trip plans take shape, remember that the journey is just as magical as the destination. Whether you’re chasing the best summer road trip itineraries with friends, crafting a couples’ escape, or embarking on a solo quest, preparation is key. Use a trip planner to balance spontaneity with structure—bookmark scenic viewpoints, local diners, and quirky roadside attractions in advance.

For families, our tips for family road trips ensure even the littlest travelers stay entertained (think audiobooks and car games!). Meanwhile, adrenaline-seeking solo travelers can lean into the best solo travel destinations for road trips, where safety meets solitude and stunning vistas.

Don’t forget to explore the best countries for road trips; each offers unique landscapes and cultural pit stops. And if you’re still wondering, “where can I go for my next adventure?”—the answer is everywhere.So fuel up, pack your sense of wonder, and let the road guide you. With the right road trip planning, every mile becomes a memory. Here’s to summer adventures that leave tire tracks on your heart! 🌞🚗