When the days grow long and the air warms up, there’s a magnetic pull toward the open road. Summer is peak road trip season in North America for good reason: national parks are in full bloom, festivals fill small-town calendars, and scenic byways shine under blue skies.

Traveling by RV in summer amplifies the adventure. You’re not limited by hotel check-ins, flight schedules, or restaurant hours. Instead, you set the pace, stopping whenever a view catches your eye or a roadside diner tempts you. Whether you’re seeking incredible scenery, dramatic coastlines, mountain passes, desert canyons, or charming rural towns, an RV road trip offers the freedom to explore in comfort—your bed, kitchen, and bathroom always within reach.

In this guide, we’ll share eight of the best summer road trips in North America—beloved by travelers, highlighted in top travel blogs, and endorsed by locals. You’ll discover must-see stops, suggested itineraries, seasonal highlights, and the reasons each route is even better when you’re traveling by RV.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)

Why It’s a Top Summer Pick:
California’s Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is world-famous for its cliff-hugging curves, ocean panoramas, and charming coastal towns. Summer brings sunny skies, warm breezes, stunning scenery, and fewer bouts of the morning fog that often blanket the California coast in spring.

Must-See Stops:

• San Francisco: Start your trip with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a walk through Fisherman’s Wharf.
  
  

• Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea: Head south to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, browse Carmel’s boutiques, and stroll along Carmel Beach.
  
  

• Big Sur: Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach’s purple sands.
  
  

• Hearst Castle: Tour the lavish hilltop estate built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst.
  
  

• Santa Barbara: Mediterranean-style architecture, pristine beaches, and wine tasting in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley.
  
  

Sample Itinerary (5–7 days):

• Day 1–2: San Francisco to Monterey (camp at Monterey Fairgrounds RV Park).
  
  

• Day 3–4: Big Sur (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground).
  
  

• Day 5: San Simeon & Hearst Castle.
  
  

• Day 6–7: Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
  
  

Seasonal Highlights:

• Summer art festivals in Carmel
  
  

• Whale watching in Monterey Bay
  
  

• Surf competitions in Huntington Beach
  
  

Why It’s Better in an RV:
California’s coastal hotels can be pricey and book up months ahead. RV travel lets you stay at scenic state park campgrounds right by the ocean, often for a fraction of the cost. Have a great trip exploring hidden gems like Hearst Castle and Carmel's boutiques. 

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina & Virginia, USA)

Why It’s a Top Summer Pick
Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands. Summer brings lush greenery, cooler mountain air, and wildflowers along the roadside.

Must-See Stops:

• Asheville, NC: Explore the arts district and visit the grand Biltmore Estate.
  
  

• Linville Falls: A short hike rewards you with spectacular waterfall views.
  
  

• Mabry Mill: The most photographed spot on the Parkway, offering Appalachian crafts and cornmeal pancakes.
  
  

• Peaks of Otter: Hiking trails, a serene lake, and mountain vistas.
  
  

Sample Itinerary (4–6 days):

• Day 1–2: Asheville to Linville Falls (camp at Linville Falls Campground).
  
  

• Day 3: Mabry Mill and surrounding trails.
  
  

• Day 4–5: Peaks of Otter area (Otter Creek Campground).
  
  

• Day 6: Continue north toward Shenandoah National Park.
  
  

Seasonal Highlights:

• Mountain music festivals in Virginia
  
  

• Blueberry picking in North Carolina highlands
  
  

• Scenic sunrise hikes on Mount Pisgah
  
  

Why It’s Better in an RV:
Campgrounds along the Parkway put you in the heart of the mountains, letting you enjoy peaceful evenings and star-filled skies.

3. Route 89 Through Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks (Utah, USA)

Why It’s a Top Summer Pick:
Utah’s Route 89 connects Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks. While midday summer heat can be intense, mornings and evenings are magical, with golden light on red rock formations.

Must-See Stops:

• Zion National Park: The Narrows and Angels Landing hikes.
  
  

• Bryce Canyon: Hoodoos glowing in the morning sun.
  
  

• Capitol Reef: Scenic drive and fresh pies from the Gifford Homestead.
  
  

• Moab: Base for Arches and Canyonlands, plus mountain biking trails.
  
  

Sample Itinerary (7–10 days):

• Day 1–2: Zion National Park (Watchman Campground).
  
  

• Day 3–4: Bryce Canyon National Park (North Campground).
  
  

• Day 5: Capitol Reef (Fruita Campground).
  
  

• Day 6–8: Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands (Devils Garden Campground).
  
  

Seasonal Highlights:

• Peach harvest in Capitol Reef (August)
  
  

• Stargazing festivals in Bryce Canyon
  
  

• Local rodeos in small Utah towns
  
  

Why It’s Better in an RV:
You can stay inside or just outside each park, avoiding long daily drives and making it easy to rest during the hottest hours.

4. Icefields Parkway (Alberta, Canada)

Why It’s a Top Summer Pick:
The 144-mile stretch between Banff and Jasper is filled with glacier-fed lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife. Summer offers snow-free roads and vibrant turquoise water at its most striking.

Must-See Stops:

• Lake Louise: Canoeing or simply enjoying the view.
  
  

• Peyto Lake: Famous wolf-head-shaped turquoise lake.
  
  

• Athabasca Glacier: Guided ice walks or snowcoach tours.
  
  

• Sunwapta & Athabasca Falls: Powerful waterfalls framed by lush forest.
  
  

Sample Itinerary (3–5 days):

• Day 1: Banff to Lake Louise (Lake Louise Campground).
  
  

• Day 2: Peyto Lake and Columbia Icefield.
  
  

• Day 3: Jasper National Park (Whistlers Campground).
  
  

• Day 4–5: Explore Jasper’s Maligne Lake and hot springs.
  
  

Seasonal Highlights:

• Alpine wildflower season
  
  

• Long daylight hours for extended hikes
  
  

• Wildlife sightings including elk, mountain goats, and bears
  
  

Why It’s Better in an RV:
National park lodges can be expensive and sell out quickly; RV camping offers flexibility and cost savings.

5. Route 66 (Illinois to California, USA)

Why It’s a Top Summer Pick:
Historic Route 66 is a nostalgia-filled journey through America’s heartland, dotted with retro diners, neon signs, and quirky roadside attractions.

Must-See Stops:

• Chicago, IL: Museums, Millennium Park, and deep-dish pizza.
  
  

• Cadillac Ranch, TX: Public art installation of half-buried cars.
  
  

• Petrified Forest National Park, AZ: Colorful badlands and ancient fossilized wood.
  
  

• Santa Monica Pier, CA: The official end of the route.
  
  

Sample Itinerary (10–14 days):

• Day 1–3: Illinois and Missouri (camp at Route 66 State Park).
  
  

• Day 4–6: Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle.
  
  

• Day 7–9: New Mexico and Arizona.
  
  

• Day 10–14: California to Santa Monica.
  
  

Seasonal Highlights:

• Vintage car rallies
  
  

• Summer farmers markets in small towns
  
  

• Evening strolls down neon-lit main streets
  
  

Why It’s Better in an RV:
You can stop at every quirky destination and spend nights in retro-themed RV parks outside of the city. 

6. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana, USA)

Why It’s a Top Summer Pick:
Following the Mississippi River through 10 states, this road trip blends stunning views with cultural richness, from Midwest farmland to Southern bayous.

Must-See Stops:

• Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN: Riverfront parks and museums.
  
  

• Dubuque, IA: Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
  
  

• Memphis, TN: Live blues music and BBQ.
  
  

• New Orleans, LA: French Quarter charm and Creole cuisine.
  
  

Sample Itinerary (7–14 days):

• Day 1–3: Minnesota to Iowa.
  
  

• Day 4–6: Illinois to Missouri.
  
  

• Day 7–10: Tennessee to Mississippi.
  
  

• Day 11–14: Louisiana.
  
  

Seasonal Highlights:

• Riverboat cruises
  
  

• Regional summer food festivals
  
  

• Fishing tournaments
  
  

Why It’s Better in an RV:
Visitors can choose riverside campgrounds and wake up to sunrise over the Mississippi.

7. The Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)

Why It’s a Top Summer Pick:
This loop on Cape Breton Island offers cliffside ocean views, cultural heritage, and small fishing villages.

Must-See Stops:

• Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Hiking Skyline Trail for panoramic views.
  
  

• Baddeck: Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site.
  
  

• Pleasant Bay: Whale-watching tours.
  
  

Sample Itinerary (3–5 days):

• Day 1: Baddeck to Pleasant Bay (Ingonish Beach Campground).
  
  

• Day 2: Cape Breton Highlands hikes.
  
  

• Day 3–5: Coastal drives, seafood, and cultural stops.
  
  

Seasonal Highlights:

• Lobster season
  
  

• Celtic music festivals
  
  

• Peak whale migration
  
  

Why It’s Better in an RV:
Stay close to nature and cook fresh lobster in your own kitchen when visiting.

8. Alaska’s Seward Highway (Anchorage to Seward, USA)

Why It’s a Top Summer Pick:
This short but spectacular route packs in glaciers, fjords, and mountains. Summer offers nearly endless daylight and beautiful views. You'll be glad you visited.

Must-See Stops:

• Turnagain Arm: Beluga whale spotting.
  
  

• Girdwood: Hiking and summer tram rides.
  
  

• Kenai Fjords National Park: Boat tours for glacier and wildlife viewing.
  
  

Sample Itinerary (2–4 days):

• Day 1: Anchorage to Girdwood (Willawaw Campground).
  
  

• Day 2–3: Seward and Kenai Fjords.
  
  

• Day 4: Return to Anchorage.
  
  

Seasonal Highlights:

• Salmon runs
  
  

• Wildflower blooms
  
  

• Summer solstice festivals
  
  

Why It’s Better in an RV:

Lodging is limited—RV camping ensures comfort anywhere.

RV Travel Tips for Summer Road Trips

If you're planning a road trip, use these tips to have a great time and stay prepared. 

• Book early: Popular campgrounds fill quickly.
  
  

• Travel off-peak hours: Beat both traffic and heat.
  
  

• Pack for all weather: Even summer nights can be cool in the mountains.
  
  

• Stay flexible: The joy of an RV is being able to adjust plans when you discover something new.

Why Cruise America is Your Best Summer Road Trip Partner

Cruise America makes it easy to explore these top-rated routes with comfortable, easy-to-drive RVs. Each rental comes fully equipped with sleeping areas, kitchen, bathroom, and storage so you can enjoy the journey without worrying about accommodations or meal stops.

With convenient pickup locations across the U.S. and Canada, you can start your summer adventure close to your chosen route and return with unforgettable memories—not hotel bills.

Ready to plan your summer road trip?
Book your RV rental with Cruise America today and hit the road for an unforgettable season of freedom, discovery, and adventure.