Road Trip Planner for Summer - Travel Tips Road Trips

10 Great Road Trips to Take This Summer

of

On the Road Again

Few things in life are more liberating than a road trip in summertime. Whether you’re racing the sea breezes along a coast, following the tempting aroma of barbecue or enjoying the beauty of verdant landscapes, hitting the open road is one of summer’s great pleasures. So buckle up, roll down the windows and hit the gas — America awaits. Here are 10 multiday journeys and simple day trips that will inspire you. of

Hug the Eastern Shoreline

Start: Asbury Park, New Jersey. End: Outer Banks, North Carolina. Distance: 450 miles. Begin at the brand-new boardwalk in Asbury Park, which is recovering well post-Hurricane Sandy. Farther south, Atlantic City unveils several new non-gaming hotels this summer, including the newly refurbished Claridge Hotel. Cape May, also in New Jersey, offers quiet beaches, quaint charm and a historic lighthouse. Delaware’s Fenwick Island is the spot for watersports and the home of the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum. Virginia’s U.S. Route 13 leads you to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, one of the best in the country. Next stop: the Outer Banks in North Carolina, a collection of barrier islands with great beaches, pleasant fishing villages and historic sites such as Kitty Hawk, where the Wright Brothers first took flight. of

Cruise Under the Big Sky

Start: Cooke City, Montana. Finish: Red Lodge, Montana. Distance: 68 miles. The late TV newsman and “On the Road” host Charles Kuralt called the Beartooth Highway, aka U.S. Route 212, the “most beautiful drive in America.” Though only 68 miles, this scenic All-American Road, which winds through northern Wyoming as well as southern Montana, is meant to be explored leisurely, so expect the trip to take at least three hours — and be prepared for weather changes. Keep your eyes open for wildlife while enjoying breathtaking scenery: 20 mountain peaks and 10,000 stunning lakes. Outdoor activities are available along the way, from rafting to hiking, especially at the Cooke City terminus, which borders Yellowstone National Park. of

Discover Nautical New England

Start: Mystic, Connecticut. End: Bar Harbor, Maine. Distance: 400 miles. While some may prefer the fall foliage, summer is also prime time for exploring New England. In Connecticut, visit the Mystic Seaport and its Museum of America and the Sea; the galleries, historic wooden ships and re-creation of a 19th-century maritime village are a great way to steady your sea legs. Detour off Interstate 95 to Newport, Rhode Island, to tour opulent Gilded Age mansions and tackle the city’s 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. Don't forget to grab some fresh lobster right on the harbor at the Aquidneck Lobster Bar, Newport’s newest seafood spot. Head to Boston next and stretch your legs along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walk through famous sites from the American Revolution. Boston is also a prime stop for foodies. Chef Barbara Lynch, known for No. 9 Park and B&G Oysters, was recently named Restaurateur of the Year by the James Beard Foundation. Pushing northward, stop in Portland, Maine, for its picturesque downtown, before hopping a ferry to explore the chain of outlying islands that are full of beaches and artists’ havens. Wrap up your journey in Acadia National Park — 47,000 acres of woods, mountains, coastline and lakes. of

Hit Maui s Hana Highway

Start: Kahului, Hawaii. End: Paia, Hawaii. Distance: 68 miles. Be sure to pack your bathing suit for Maui’s most scenic drive. Sprawled along state routes 36 and 360, picturesque coastlines and verdant jungles await at every twist and turn, along with black sand beaches, waterfalls and roadside fruit stands. Plan on a full day in order to enjoy the various stops: the famous Jaws surf break and the chilly cascades of Twin Falls. A great detour for a meal is in Paia, at either Mama’s Fish House or the Paia Fish Market. Once you reach Hana, the gorgeous black sand of Wai’anapanapa Beach is a perfect place to relax after the day’s drive. Take a final dip in the Seven Sacred Pools at Haleakala National Park. of

AARP Offer Explore Your World

with our newsletter filled with tips and ideas to plan the ultimate getaway.
today for savings on airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises.
Click the white arrow on the right of the photo above to continue the slideshow. of

Savor the Pacific Northwest s Wine Country

Start: Salem, Oregon. End: Walla Walla, Washington. Distance: 300 miles. More than 200 vineyards await just outside the Salem city limits in the Willamette Valley; one of the best for a stop is Montinore Estate — the pinot noirs are a standout and the 210 acres are lovely to behold. Then get a taste of the big city in Portland, the culinary boomtown of the Northwest. Be sure to grab an award-winning meal at Le Pigeon or Beast, or opt for a more casual bite at one of the city’s many food cart “pods.” If you’re passing through on a weekend, visit the riverside Saturday Market (it’s open on Sunday, too, despite the name), the area’s largest outdoor arts and crafts market. Head east via Interstate 84, once part of the Oregon Trail, to the Columbia River Gorge to view the gushing waterfalls. Cross into Washington state to explore some more great wineries, such as the Chateau Ste. Michelle Estate in Woodinville and K Vintners in Walla Walla. of

Roam the Wilderness of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Start: Charlottesville, Virginia. End: Asheville, North Carolina. Distance: 469 miles. Dense with aromatic forests, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in North Carolina and Virginia’s Skyline Drive. The Poor Farmer’s Market at mile 178 is a great spot to pick up a quilt, and the Blue Ridge Music Center (mile 213) is a must to experience and appreciate Appalachian music. Take in the best views at Waterrock Knob at mile 451 and be sure to explore towns such as Blowing Rock (mile 291) and Little Switzerland (mile 334). The bookend cities of Charlottesville and Asheville are worth a day or two each. of

Wind Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Start: Monterey, California. End: Morro Bay, California. Distance: 123 miles. One of the country’s most iconic drives, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) always makes for a great trip. Start in Monterey, once the capital of California, to uncover the state’s Spanish and Mexican past — and don’t miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. The noted artists’ community of Carmel is next; pull over to observe the kingfishers and pelicans at Carmel River State Beach. Due south, the Point Lobos Reserve covers 550 acres and includes the first U.S. undersea ecological reserve. Continue on to the stunning cliffs of Big Sur; sea otters await farther south at Soberanes Point. The drive ends at Morro Rock, where great views and the Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History are draws. of

Follow a Southern BBQ Trail

Start: Holly Hill, South Carolina. End: Austin, Texas. Distance: 1,350 miles. Work up an appetite and pace yourself for the best barbecue the South has to offer. Starting in South Carolina, the “dark” and “light” pork at Sweatman’s make for the perfect starter. Be sure to order a side of the house mustard sauce. Then hit the road and follow Interstate 20 due west until Birmingham, Alabama, where Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q’s vinegary, mayo-based white sauce will win you over. Next, it’s deeper south and west to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint, just outside Biloxi. Here, take in live blues with your pork ribs before continuing on to New Orleans, where you can digest several days of history, music, food and fun. Don't forget to hit The Joint, where the ribs are said to be the best in the city. Your last stop is Austin for two barbecue landmarks. The Salt Lick is known for its beef brisket, smoked over an open pit. Finally, you won’t regret braving the lines at Franklin Barbecue, hailed by many as the best barbecue the U.S. has to offer.

of

Explore the Empire State s Great Lakes

Start: Dunkirk, New York. End: Cape Vincent, New York. Distance: 315 miles. Begin at Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse on Lake Erie, where you can take a harbor cruise from the Dunkirk Pier to learn about shipwrecks. Continue north on state Route 90 around the lake and take a breather at majestic Niagara Falls. Enjoy living history programs and stunning views at Fort Niagara State Park before traveling north and continuing along Lake Ontario on state Route 18. You’ll find a historic detour worth taking at Murphy Orchards, a historic Underground Railroad site in the town of Burt. Continue on state Route 104 to Oswego to stop at the Fort Ontario State Historic Site, the Safe Haven Museum and the Oswego Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse. Finish at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River at Cape Vincent. of

Circle Puerto Rico s Best Beaches

Start: San Juan, Puerto Rico. End: Dorado, Puerto Rico. Distance: 290 miles. Start in cosmopolitan San Juan, where you can explore ancient fortifications by foot. Once on the road, head east to the marinas of Fajardo to spend the day sailing. Or, if it’s a clear evening, set out in kayaks in the bioluminescent bay. Continuing south, explore the fishing village of Naguabo, then head southwest to the historic city of Ponce before hitting the beach again in Guanica, home of the island’s dry forest reserve. On the western coast of the island lie some of the best surfing zones, including Cabo Rojo and Rincon. Looping around the island’s northwest end, trade the car for a horse and ride along the beach in lovely Isabela. Finish in placid Dorado Beach, a favorite with families; gourmands might try celebrity chef José Andrés’ Mi Casa restaurant at the Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve. of

Also of Interest

AARP Travel Center Call: 1.800.675.4318 Search Flights Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Flight 2 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 3 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 4 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 5 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Add Another Flight search Search Hotels Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Room 1 Room 2 Room 3 Room 4 Room 5 Room 6 Room 7 Room 8 search Search Packages Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date You didn't specify child's age Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Room 1 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 2 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 3 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 4 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 5 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age You have more than 6 people total Please select a trip duration less than 28 days search Search Cars Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search Search Cruises Select a valid location Select a month search Search Things to Do Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search × Let's Go Reset Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Car Rentals offers > See more Travel offers > See more Hotels & Resorts offers > See more Gas & Auto Services offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.