7 Best Scenic Drives in the USA for Summer 2026

Why is summer the best time for scenic road trips in the USA?

Summer is a perfect and adventure-filled season to explore the best scenic drives in the USA. Thanks to scenic routes, smooth drives, and a seamless travel experience across different regions - from coastal routes to mountain roads and desert landscapes.

Unlike spring rains or winter closures, summer offers clear roads, better visibility, and comfortable driving conditions. Routes like the Pacific Coast Highway and Blue Ridge Parkway see pleasant temperatures - 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F), while high-altitude roads such as Going-to-the-Sun Road and Trail Ridge Road are fully open.

Northern states like Montana, Wyoming, and Washington stay cooler, while parks like Yellowstone and Glacier have long daylight hours - 14 to 16 hrs, making them ideal for summer travel. And, with wildflowers, active wildlife, and seasonal events along routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway, summer becomes one of the most beautiful times for scenic drives in the USA.

Best months for summer road trips in the USA (June - August breakdown)

Each summer month brings in a different vibe and mood. Choosing the right months for best scenic drives in the USA for summer 2026 matters a lot. From crowd levels to road accessibility and overall costs, each month from June to August offers something unique for your summer drive in the USA.

7 best summer road trips in the USA

Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Route stretch: ~ 600 miles (965 km)

Driving Time: ~ 10–12 hours (without stops)

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best scenic drives in the USA, passing through California’s wild coastline with ocean views, visually stunning cliffs, and frequent scenic stops. Summer is when this route is at its absolute best - thanks to long sunny days and clearer skies, especially through Big Sur where the views are a treat for the eyes.

Suggested Itinerary

Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia–North Carolina)

Route stretch: 469 miles (755 km)

Driving Time: ~ 10 - 12 hours (non-stop)

The Blue Ridge Parkway is known as ‘America’s Favorite Drive’, featuring peaceful and stunning mountain scenery, rolling hills, and endless scenic views. In summer, the route is seen blooming in lush greenery, wildflowers, and clear views, offering you a delightful experience.

Suggested Itinerary

Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

Route stretch: ~ 50 miles (80 km)

Driving Time: ~ 2 - 3 hours

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-visit during your road trip in the USA. This 50 miles route will leave you in awe of stunning glaciers, beautiful valleys, gushing waterfalls, towering mountains and bright wildflowers. You may even spot wildlife on the go, making every turn unforgettable and every moment cherishable.

Suggested Itinerary

Route 66 (Arizona Stretch)

Route stretch: ~ 385 miles (620 km)

Driving Time: ~ 6 - 7 hours

Route 66 is the best drive for nostalgia because of culture and unique roadside attractions - desert landscapes, vintage diners, and historic towns. It is the longest and most scenic stretch and is known as one of the classic American road trips for travel enthusiasts.

Suggested Itinerary

Overseas Highway, Florida Keys

Route stretch: ~ 160 miles (257 km)

Driving Time: ~ 3 - 4 hours

The Overseas Highway is another iconic scenic route in the Florida Keys, popularly known as “Highway that Goes to Sea”, stretching from Key Largo to Key West. You will see beautiful turquoise waters, long bridges, and relaxing coastal vibe. Travelers claim it to be one of the best scenic summer drives in the USA.

Suggested Itinerary

Beartooth Highway (Montana–Wyoming)

Route stretch: ~ 68 miles (109 km)

Driving Time: ~ 2–3 hours

Beartooth Highway is again one of the scenic drives in the USA, offering spectacular glacier views, alpine lakes, and panoramic peaks. It is best experienced in summer from late May to mid-October with the road fully open. This roadway is photographers’ favorite for its visually stunning mountain scenery.

Suggested Itinerary

Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)

Route stretch: ~ 25 miles (40 km)

Driving Time: ~ 1–1.5 hours

The Million Dollar Highway is Colorado’s most scenic drive - a short but beautiful one. Enjoy steep cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and scenic alpine scenery. This is perfect for travelers planning a short yet memorable road trip in the USA.

Suggested Itinerary

5 top tips for scenic summer drives in the USA

• Start early: Start your summer road trip in the USA somewhere around 6 - 8 am to avoid traffic and crowds at popular routes like Pacific Coast Highway (California), Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia–North Carolina), and Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana).
• Plan fuel stops: If you are on remote routes, fuel stations are 50 - 100 miles apart, so it’s important to plan ahead. The best you can do is refuel when your tank reaches halfway rather than waiting for it to be empty.
• Choose the right car: The right vehicle can significantly impact your USA summer road trip. If you are choosing a rental car, pick one based on your route - SUVs are best for mountain drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway or Beartooth Highway, while compact cars or convertibles are ideal for coastal routes like the Pacific Coast Highway.
• Book in advance: Plan your stays beforehand for better deals and availability, especially on national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton, where hotels quickly fill up in summer. Even for rental cars, book in advance for wider fleet and best prices.
• Know your route conditions: Stay informed of your route conditions in advance so you know about road closures (in mountain areas), extreme heat (in desert regions), cooler temperatures (at higher elevations), and foggy mornings (in coastal routes).

What to pack for a summer road trip in the USA?

• Essential documents: Make sure to carry your driver’s license and ID proof, along with a basic itinerary and offline maps as some routes may have poor network coverage.
• Comfortable clothing: Carry breathable summer clothing along with light jackets for cooler regions. Pack comfortable shoes for walks and hikes.
• Food & Hydration: Carry reusable water bottles and simple snacks like fruits, nuts, or energy bars for longer routes.
• Car & Safety Essentials: Carry a first-aid kit, flashlight, and phone charger, along with your vehicle’s essentials like a spare tire and emergency kit for unexpected situations.
• Weather & Outdoor Gear: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, a travel blanket, and likewise depending on your itinerary.

Hidden gem road trips in the USA (bonus picks)

If you want to skip the crowd and explore something beyond the usual scenic drives, these hidden gems road trips in the USA will leave you in awe of stunning views, providing a peaceful and unique experience.

You may want to know

• What is the best time to go on scenic drives in the USA?

  Summer (June to August) is the best time for scenic drives in the USA, with roads fully open and skies clearer.

• How many days do I need for a scenic road trip in the USA?

  It depends on the route you take in the USA, but generally, it takes 2 - 5 days for shorter routes like Pacific Coast Highway or the Blue Ridge Parkway and about a week for longer ones like Route 66 or Route 50.

• Is it better to rent a car for the USA road trip?

  Yes, renting a car for the USA road trip is ideal as it gives you the flexibility to explore beautiful viewpoints at your own pace. If you are planning a road trip to the Pacific Coast Highway, renting a car from Los Angeles Airport is a good option.

• Are one-way car rentals available for the USA road trip in summer 2026?

  One-way rentals are widely available for the USA road trip, allowing you to pickup your car in one city and drop it off in another. Additional fees may apply depending on your route and supplier.