Pack It Up, Pack It In: Summer Road Trip Ideas

Things are warming up, and a summer roadtrip never sounded better. Need ideas where to go? Read on for a few summer road trips and destinations worth mapping out.

Midwest Drive Stops: Missouri and Arkansas

Boat in water, buildings on the bank of Table Rock Lake at Branson

Did you know Branson, Missouri is less than a day’s drive from more than one third of the U.S.? Seven hours from Nashville and less than 5 hours from Central Arkansas, the Midwest is prime for roadtripping with friends or the family. Both Branson and Nashville are famous music destinations, so you can theme your getaway for both. The route (typically via I-40 to US-65) winds through the Ozark Mountains, offering beautiful forested landscapes and rolling hills—perfect for windows-down, music-up vibes. You’ll find incredible natural attractions and roadside food stops all along the way.

Speaking of the Ozarks, Arkansas is also an easy drive to and from Missouri or Music City. Comfort food galore, classic Southern and Ozark-meal pit-stops may include chicken-fried steak, BBQ, cobblers and endless buffets. (Pack the elastic waist shorts.) Central Arkansas has a super easygoing mix of mountains, forests and waterways, including Lake Hamilton in the Tri-Lakes area. Driving from southern Missouri (e.g., Springfield or Branson) to Central Arkansas is beautiful—especially down Highway 65 or Scenic Highway 7.

Explore properties in Branson | Explore properties in Central Arkansas | Explore properties in Nashville

Southeast Roadtrips: North Carolina to Florida

You don’t have to travel far to get a whole new scene (Charlotte to Charleston is just over three hours). Go further, and Amelia Island + Jacksonville, Florida is under six hours with a whole different vibe. Other reasons to head to the Jacksonville area? It’s got miles of beach (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jax Beach), plus a laid-back surfer town energy. The St. Johns River runs through the city, giving you riverside parks, trails, and amazing sunset views.

If you’re taking the more scenic route, drive the Golden Isles path (St. Simons, Jekyll Island and others) for a beachy, relaxing detour. No matter where your roadtrip in this area ends up, you’re sure to encounter Southern hospitality at every stop.

Southwest Roadtrip: California to Arizona

If the ocean or desert is calling, a day’s roadtrip is all you need from California to Arizona. Less than 7 hours from Tempe, AZ is Newport Beach, California. In the summer, Newport provides even more relief with its median temperature of 75°F plus a breeze.

From Newport, you’re:

  • 30–40 mins to Disneyland

  • 1 hour from L.A. if you’re up for a little more energy

  • 1.5 hours from San Diego if you want to keep the coastal cruise going

Heading east instead?

The drive takes you through some stunning Southwestern scenery. As you leave the coast and head inland, you’ll cruise through:

Northeast Roadtrip Ideas: Delaware to Cape Cod

The Northeast is brimming with road trip potential, and with so many small towns in between, how do you decide? From Delaware to Cape Cod, here’s a roadtrip plan that only takes 6-7 hours.

Depending on how you go, you can pass through Connecticut’s Coast and Boston. (Even if you don’t stop, it’s cool to drive by Fenway or the skyline.) You’ll get a blend of quaint towns (hello, Chatham or Provincetown), ocean views, and tons of tons of opportunities to stop at beaches, bays, and marinas. Feel like venturing further? Don’t miss Massachussett’s North Shores.

Heading south? Going from North Massachusetts to the Delaware Shores will swap rocky coast New England charm for laid-back Mid-Atlantic beach town vibes. Same Atlantic, different experience.

Driving down is cheaper, flexible, and you get to pack all the beach stuff without TSA stress. Plus, you can stop and explore whenever something catches your eye.

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