[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EF4035″ header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1C3F95″ header_4_text_color=”#404040″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A summer road trip is one of the best ways to make the most of the long days and warm weather that come with the season. It’s the time to be outside, and a road trip is a great way to take a break from work and renew yourself from some of life\u2019s everyday stressors.
You can bring the comforts of home with you, set your own pace, and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. The right route depends on what kind of experiences light up your eyes. Some RVers want beach days and ocean views, while others want scenic hikes and family-friendly stops along the way.<\/p>\n
To help you start planning for a summer trip, here are some of the best summer road trip ideas for RV travelers, along with tips.<\/p>\n
The best summer road trip should give you a mix of scenic views, comfortable places to stay, and plenty to do. RV travel makes it easier to explore multiple destinations in one trip, but it also means that planning ahead can make or break your trip.<\/p>\n
Before choosing your route:<\/strong><\/p>\n Popular summer trip destinations can fill up quickly, especially at national parks and beaches, so making reservations is often the best route to take during the planning stage. If you like to go with the flow, stick to mostly public places and avoid these crowded spots altogether for a more relaxed, go-with-the-flow vibe.<\/p>\n The weather is another important factor to consider. Some destinations are beautiful in the summertime but can be too hot to enjoy during the day. Mountain routes, northern states, and coastal areas can be great options for travelers looking for cooler temperatures. But no matter where you go, a little planning can make your trip seamless and, as a result, more enjoyable.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ChatGPT-Image-May-20-2026-01_17_46-PM.png” alt=”Map outlining summer road trip destinations on the Pacific Coast Highway in California” title_text=”Pacific Coast Highway travel map” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EF4035″ header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1C3F95″ header_4_text_color=”#404040″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You’re on the west coast and like Ocean Views<\/strong><\/p>\n Route<\/strong>: Start at Leggett and end in San Diego, California<\/p>\n If you’re on the West Coast, the Pacific Coast Highway 1 is a popular scenic route through California, packed with ocean views. Most take this route from north to south for easy right-side ocean views right from the road. People usually take their time and turn this highway into a four to five-day summer road trip. This route has some long stretches of highway and winding roads, so make sure you check the road conditions.<\/p>\n Popular Attractions & Stops:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ChatGPT-Image-May-20-2026-12_16_14-PM.png” alt=”Map outlining summer road trip destinations in Michigan\u2019s U.P. ” title_text=”Michigan’s Upper Peninsula road trip map” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EF4035″ header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1C3F95″ header_4_text_color=”#404040″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You want cooler summer weather and lake views<\/b><\/p>\n Route:<\/b> Mackinaw City to Copper Harbor\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This is a 350-mile route in Michigan that covers 3 great lakes and leads into Wisconsin. This forestry area can start in Mackinaw City, right before crossing the Mackinac Bridge. From there, you can head north and west through some of Michigan\u2019s most beautiful lakefront towns and forests. You can enjoy a lake-filled summer exploring lighthouses, hiking trails, kayaking, and peaceful campgrounds. The UP is one of the best summer RV destinations for those who want outdoor adventure without dealing with the extreme heat. This summer road trip idea is especially appealing for couples and retirees who want a slower-paced trip with plenty of natural beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n Popular Attractions & Stops:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Browse All RVs CTA” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”85%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”95%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”7px|auto|30px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” border_width_all=”10px” border_color_all=”#CECECE” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|12px||12px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_tablet=”off” background_enable_color_phone=”off” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” background_enable_image_phone=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Rv-Getawat-CTA.jpg” alt=”An RVUSA travel trailer at sunset” title_text=”RV Getaway CTA” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px||10px|20px|true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment_tablet=”center” module_alignment_phone=”” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_tablet=”off” background_enable_color_phone=”off” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” background_enable_image_phone=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Need the perfect RV for a getaway?” button_url=”\/browse-all-rvs” button_text=”Browse all RVS” content_tablet=”<\/p>\n Check out other seasonal pillow covers in our RV holiday store!<\/p>\n ” content_phone=”” content_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”30px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#000000″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” button_alignment=”left” button_custom_padding_tablet=”10px|35px|10px|35px|true|true” button_custom_padding_phone=”” button_custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” background_layout=”light” width=”100%” width_tablet=”95%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”26px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” header_text_align_tablet=”center” header_text_align_phone=”” header_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” body_text_align_tablet=”center” body_text_align_phone=”” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” button_alignment_tablet=”center” button_alignment_phone=”” button_alignment_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ChatGPT-Image-May-20-2026-12_36_52-PM.png” alt=”Utah’s Mighty 5 Stops on a outlined map. ” title_text=”Utah’s Mighty 5 Road Trip Guide” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EF4035″ header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1C3F95″ header_4_text_color=”#404040″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You love hiking and visiting National Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n Route<\/strong>: Start in Moab, Utah, and end near Zion National Park in Springdale.<\/p>\n Utah\u2019s Mighty 5 can make an unforgettable summer road trip. This route gives you a chance to see red rock arches, canyons, scenic highways, and some of the most recognizable national park views in the United States. This summer road trip can usually be done in 7 to 10 days, or closer to two weeks if you want to pack in more hikes. Roads between the parks are well-traveled and RV-friendly, but the summer heat can be intense, so stay hydrated and coordinate outings in the morning or late evening.<\/p>\n Popular Attractions & Stops:<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ChatGPT-Image-May-20-2026-12_47_17-PM.png” alt=”Summer road trip idea in New England mapped out” title_text=”New England coastal road trip map” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EF4035″ header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1C3F95″ header_4_text_color=”#404040″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You love fresh seafood and want coastal scenery and cooler weather<\/strong><\/p>\n Route<\/strong>: Start in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and end near Cadillac Mountain<\/p>\n The New England Coast is a wonderful choice for RV travelers who enjoy seafood and cooler coastal weather. This summer road trip takes travelers through classic seaside communities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, with plenty of harbor views and rocky shorelines along the way. This route can take about 5 to 8 days, with extra time recommended for Acadia National Park. However, keep in mind that some coastal towns have narrow streets and limited parking, and busy summer traffic.<\/p>\n Popular Attractions & Stops:<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EF4035″ header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1C3F95″ header_4_text_color=”#404040″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You want mountain views, wildlife, and outdoor adventure.<\/b><\/p>\n Route<\/b>: Start in Denver, Colorado, and end in Grand Lake<\/span><\/p>\n Colorado is a great choice for travelers who want cooler temperatures, mountain views, hiking, and wildlife during their summer road trip. This route takes RV travelers from the Denver area into the high country, where alpine lakes, mountain passes, pine forests, and charming towns create a refreshing summer escape. The trip can be done in about 4 to 6 days, but travelers who want more time for hiking, scenic drives, and campground stays may want a full week. Mountain roads can be steep, winding, and weather-sensitive, so RV drivers should be comfortable with elevation changes and check restrictions before taking high mountain routes. A fun fact about Colorado is that it has more than 50 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, which is why it is such a popular state for scenic drives and outdoor adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n Popular Attractions & Stops:<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ChatGPT-Image-May-20-2026-12_53_00-PM.png” alt=”Example road trip for summer in Colorado” title_text=”Colorado mountain adventure map guide” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ChatGPT-Image-May-20-2026-12_59_19-PM-1024×562.png” alt=”Road map with outlined RV desinations along Route 66 ” title_text=”Route 66 road trip guide” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EF4035″ header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1C3F95″ header_4_text_color=”#404040″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You love nostalgia, roadside attractions, and US history.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Route<\/b>: Start in Chicago, Illinois, and end in Santa Monica, California, or choose a shorter section through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Route 66<\/span><\/a> is a classic summer road trip for travelers who want history, roadside attractions, diners, neon signs, and small-town charm. Since Route 66 became the “Mother Road” for American road trips, it was one of the original U.S. highways. The full route stretches from Illinois to California, crossing a wide variety of landscapes, including Midwest cities, desert highways, mountain views, and the California coast. Driving the entire route can take about 2 to 3 weeks, but many RV travelers choose a shorter section that can be explored in 5 to 7 days. Road conditions vary, so RV travelers should map their route carefully.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Popular Attractions & Stops:<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/blog\/top-educational-road-trips-to-take-with-kids-this-summer\/” button_text=”Explore More Family-Friendly Road Trip Ideas” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#EF4035″ button_font=”|||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”7px|50px|7px|50px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EF4035″ header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1C3F95″ header_4_text_color=”#404040″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You crave tropical views and a relaxed island feel<\/b><\/p>\n Route<\/b>: Start in Miami, Florida, and end in Key West\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Florida Keys Overseas Highway offers a completely different kind of RV travel experience and is one of the most tropical summer trip destinations in the country. This route follows U.S. Highway 1 from mainland Florida across a chain of islands, bridges, and waterfront communities toward Key West. A summer road trip on the Overseas Highway goes over the Seven Mile Bridge, which is one of the most famous stretches. The drive itself can be completed in one day, but RV travelers should plan at least 3 to 5 days to enjoy the stops, campgrounds, and water activities along the way. The road is paved and easy to follow, but traffic can be slow during busy times, and RV campsite availability in the Keys can be limited.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Popular Attractions & Stops:<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ChatGPT-Image-May-20-2026-01_06_15-PM.png” alt=”RV stops alone the way for a summer road trip in the Florida Keys” title_text=”A Florida Keys Travel Map” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EF4035″ header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1C3F95″ header_4_text_color=”#404040″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Planning<\/span><\/a> the perfect summer road trip in your RV starts with giving yourself enough time to enjoy the destination and the stops in between. RV travel gives you flexibility, but the best trips usually include a balance of a structured schedule with a little free time. Before you leave, make sure your route and schedule fit your comfort level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You Should:<\/b><\/p>\n It is also important to pack for different types of summer weather. Even during warm months, conditions can change quickly depending on where you travel.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Bring These 5 Items On Your Summer Road Trip:<\/b><\/p>\n\n
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7 Road Trips For The Summer\u200b<\/h2>\n
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California<\/h3>\n
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2. Michigan\u2019s U.P.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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3. Road Trip to Utah\u2019s Mighty 5 National Parks<\/h3>\n
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4. The New England Coast<\/h3>\n
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5. Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado Mountain Towns<\/span><\/h3>\n
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6. Route 66 Summer Road Trip<\/span><\/h3>\n
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7. Florida Keys Overseas Highway<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Tips for Planning the Perfect Summer Road Trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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