Soak Up the Last of Summer — One Epic Road Trip at a Time

End of summer road trips aren’t just a way to get from A to B — they’re a whole vibe, and there’s still time to plan one! Whether you’re chasing sunsets on the coast, hiking red rock trails or just rolling the windows down with your favorite playlist, there’s no better way to close out summer than hitting the road.

If you're looking for a sign to plan that spontaneous, end-of-summer road trip with your crew (or solo), this is it. Want a scenic drive or a destination adventure? This list of the 10 best U.S. road trips has you covered. And when you’re ready to make it real, AAA can help make the planning part a breeze. Book hotels, rental cars and more with exclusive member savings.

Planning a road trip is half the fun, especially when you pick the perfect ride.

Pro Tip: Renting a car lets you skip the wear and tear on your own vehicle and choose one that fits your trip, whether it’s a fuel-efficient compact or a spacious SUV with room for everyone and everything.

With Hertz, AAA Members get up to 20% off the base rate every day. Drivers 20 to 24 can have the young renter fee waived (save $25 per day). Plus, you can get even more stackable savings, like 10% prepaid fuel savings, up to four free additional drivers (save up to $210 per rental) and other valuable perks that help stretch your road trip budget even further.

One of the best things about living in the U.S. is how easy it is to find completely different landscapes just a few hours apart. Think beaches, deserts, mountain towns and quirky roadside stops. The hardest part? Choosing which route to take.

1.      Vegas to National Parks to Vegas

• Length: 857.4 miles
• Time: 16 hours
• Great for: Solo and adventure travelers and campers

A multi-day road trip from Las Vegas is a great way to explore the Southwest and check off a few bucket list items. The Vegas to National Parks Road Trip covers 860 miles in Nevada, Arizona and Utah and includes stops at man-made landmarks like the Hoover Dam and Route 66 and at natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the hoodoos (rock formations) of Bryce Canyon. For more inspiration, see Ditch the Glitz for Adventure in Vegas.

2.      Northern Arizona Canyons

• Length: 274.3 miles
• Time: 6+ hours
• Great for: Solo and adventure travelers

Southwest desert scenery is on full display on this Northern Arizona Canyons Road Trip. From the red rock formations of Sedona to the majesty of the rims of the Grand Canyon, this loop journey from Flagstaff hits all the highlights. It includes stops at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, the ancient pueblos of Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument lava fields.

3.      Southern California

• Length: 307.4 miles
• Time: 6+ hours
• Great for: Couples and solo travelers

It’s sunny skies ahead on this Southern California Road Trip, which includes a seven-hour journey from Los Angeles to Temecula wine country that features palm tree-dotted beaches, coastal cliffs, rugged desert canyons and a stop in San Diego. Travel editors don't recommend this drive as a summer road trip and instead suggest it as a trip for spring or fall, as temperatures at some points along the drive can top 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. 

For more escapes from L.A., consider the Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip or the California Desert Road Trip.

4. Utah's National Parks

• Length: 1,049.3 miles
• Time: 19+ hours
• Great for: Outdoor adventurers and naturalists

Utah is becoming known for its delicious food scene and adored for its gorgeous natural landscapes. This scenic road trip of Utah's National Parks will let you get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful sights in Utah. 

Throughout the 1,050-mile voyage, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Utah’s world-famous natural scenery. You’ll also be able to sample local delicacies from venues like the Sunset Grill in Moab, Utah. This drive is consistently voted as one of the best driving trips in the U.S.

5. Southern Arizona

• Length: 547.1 miles
• Time: 10+ hours
• Great for: Couples and adventure travelers

From the towering cacti of the Sonoran Desert to the Wild West saloons of Tombstone, photo-worthy sights are aplenty on a drive through southern Arizona. You’ll pass through the vibrant cities of Tucson and Scottsdale on this trip, with art galleries, authentic Mexican restaurants and splurge-worthy resorts along the way. 

 If you're looking for more to do near Scottsdale, explore the Best Places to Hike and Eat in Scottsdale, Arizona, on a Weekend Getaway.

6. Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina

• Length: 303.8 miles
• Time: 8+ hours
• Great for: Families, couples and campers

America’s longest linear park is also one of its most scenic, which makes the Blue Ridge Parkway a clear winner in AAA’s list of the best road trips in the U.S. The portion of the parkway that runs through North Carolina follows curvy mountain roads from Cherokee to the North Carolina-Virginia state line, with plenty of spectacular views and hiking opportunities along the way. You could easily stretch this drive into a multi-day trip.

7. Grand Pacific Northwest

• Length: 551.1 miles
• Time: 10+ hours
• Great for: Families and campers

Soak up views of iconic Northwest landmarks on this Grand Pacific Northwest drive, which covers 550 miles in Oregon and Washington. From the waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway to the summer wildflowers of Mount Rainier National Park, this road trip is sure to please nature lovers. There are countless other fantastic road trips in the Pacific Northwest, allowing you to explore more of the “upper left” region.

8. Route 66 - Eastern New Mexico

• Length: 118.7 miles
• Time: 2+ hours
• Great for: Americana fans, families and couples

This Route 66 road trip is a staple of “Americana” culture and the subject of a particularly catchy tune from the 1940s. This massive highway stretches across two-thirds of the United States, so it’s not uncommon for folks to explore Route 66 bit by bit. The Eastern New Mexico stretch of Route 66 will take you from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the primary setting of AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” to Adrian, Texas — the “Midpoint of Route 66.” Sought-after attractions make this one of the coolest road trips in America.

9. Cape Cod

• Length: 173.7 miles
• Time: 6+ hours
• Great for: Fishing fans, beachgoers, and whale watchers

This 174-mile road trip through Cape Cod highlights Boston’s natural beauty and historic significance. During this drive, you’ll encounter a touching monument to John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. You may also get a chance to admire humpback whales if you visit during whale-watching season, which normally runs from mid-April to October.

10. South Florida

• Length: 421.1 miles
• Time: 10+ hours
• Great for: Wildlife watchers, beachgoers, couples and families

Folks have called Florida the Sunshine State since before the 1970s — and for good reason. This popular U.S. vacation destination is brimming with sandy beaches and tropical weather. AAA’s 421-mile route through South Florida hits major destinations like Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. Along the way, you might even see herds of deer or congregations of alligators.

Hit the road with AAA + Hertz

Ready to map out your next big adventure? Whether you're road-tripping cross-country or chasing weekend vibes, AAA makes it easy to plan — without the stress. Score savings at hotel brands you know and love with AAA rates and get stackable savings on Hertz vehicles when you rent through AAA. All you have to do is pick the playlist and go.

Hertz benefits available at participating locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Up to 20% discount will vary depending on location, date, length of rental, car class and other factors. Discount applies to Pay Later base rate. Taxes, fees and options excluded. Additional Drivers and Young Renter must be AAA Members and meet standard rental requirements. Gas savings is only when prepaid fuel is purchased. Visit AAA.com/CarRental for complete terms and conditions.