Summer road trips are fun until you hit traffic at the same national park everyone bookmarked last winter. If you want your summer drive to feel different this year, steer away from the usual tourist magnets. These eight summer road trip ideas in the US promise fresh scenery, hidden corners, and stops you won’t find on every influencer’s feed.
1. Oregon Coast Road Trip
Forget crowded beaches and head for Oregon’s wild coastline. Start in Astoria, a fishing town with historic vibes and riverfront brewpubs. Then follow Highway 101 south. Stop at Cannon Beach to see Haystack Rock, then hit lesser-known spots like Cape Kiwanda’s giant sand dune and the tide pools at Seal Rock. End at Brookings near the California border where dramatic sea stacks rise from the Pacific.
Must-do:
- Fresh seafood at local shacks
- Walk the beaches at sunrise when it’s just you and the gulls
- Detour inland for a waterfall hike in the Siuslaw National Forest
2. Badlands and Black Hills, South Dakota
This loop is underrated but stunning. Start in Rapid City and roll into Badlands National Park for weird rock spires and bison herds. Unlike crowded national parks, you’ll often have viewpoints all to yourself. Swing through Wall Drug for old-school roadside kitsch, then wind through the Black Hills to see Mount Rushmore at sunset. Don’t skip Custer State Park where wild burros block the road for carrots.
Must-do:
- Drive Needles Highway’s sharp turns
- Picnic by Sylvan Lake
- Stay at a local ranch for cowboy vibes
3. Great River Road, Minnesota to Illinois
Trade ocean highways for America’s greatest river. The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for over 2,000 miles but the Minnesota to Illinois stretch is perfect for a summer road trip. Roll through charming river towns like Red Wing and Galena. Stop for pie at roadside diners. Watch barges float by from river bluffs.
Must-do:
- Eagle watching near Wabasha
- Antique shopping in La Crosse
- Cruise paddleboats in Dubuque
4. New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle
Northern New Mexico is a summer dream — cool mountain air, art villages, and desert views. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loops about 85 miles through Taos, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire. You’ll see high desert plains, pine forests, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in one trip. Skip chain hotels and stay in adobe casitas.
Must-do:
- Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO site
- Fly fish in Eagle Nest Lake
- Hit local art galleries and buy something truly handmade
5. Maine’s Downeast Coast
Maine’s coast is busy around Bar Harbor but head further Down East for a different vibe. Drive from Ellsworth to Lubec, the easternmost point in the US. The road hugs rugged cliffs and tiny fishing villages. You’ll find hidden coves, wild blueberries on the side of the road, and plenty of lobster shacks without lines.
Must-do:
- Walk across the sandbar to Bar Island at low tide
- Explore Quoddy Head State Park’s red-and-white lighthouse
- Watch whales from a quiet beach
6. The Loneliest Road, Nevada
Highway 50 across Nevada calls itself the Loneliest Road in America — and that’s exactly why it’s great in summer. No crowds, no theme parks, just wide-open desert, ghost towns, and mountain ranges. Start in Ely and head west to Fallon. Small mining towns like Eureka and Austin feel frozen in time.
Must-do:
- Tour Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
- Stargaze in Great Basin National Park
- Grab pie and coffee at a local diner that feels stuck in 1955
7. Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Florida without mega-resorts? Yes, please. The Forgotten Coast, a stretch between Mexico Beach and St. Marks, feels worlds away from Miami and Disney. Drive Highway 98 along the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll pass oyster shacks, fishing docks, and white-sand beaches with barely any footprints.
Must-do:
- Kayak the crystal-clear springs near Wakulla
- Eat fresh oysters in Apalachicola
- Walk quiet trails in St. George Island State Park
8. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
Okay, the Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t exactly a secret, but do it right and it won’t feel like everyone else’s trip. Start early, drive slow, and pull over at the lesser-known overlooks. The Parkway winds for 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands with endless wildflowers and old-time mountain music towns.
Must-do:
- Stop for local bluegrass in Floyd, VA
- Hike Craggy Gardens for panoramic views
- Sleep in a rustic cabin near Boone, NC
Hit the Road, Skip the Crowds
A road trip doesn’t need to be the same photo stops everyone’s tagging. Find a place that feels fresh, drive the backroads, stop at tiny diners, and sleep in oddball motels or cabins. This summer, pick a route that makes the journey the best part of your vacation. The US is full of hidden roads — you just have to steer clear of the obvious ones.
