Cool Road Trip Ideas Summer 2021

By Dejan B.. Published on May 28, 2021

Thinking about where to go on a road trip this summer? Luckily, we have come up with a list of top destinations for a perfect summer vacation in the US. Feel free to take a look.

Oregon Coast

Buckle up and head out to Oregon Coast, a misty paradise with light breezes. Stop at the small town of Tillamook where you will find amazing hiking trails also known as Three Capes Scenic Loop. This hike will take you from lush forests to spectacular ocean vistas. Tillamook is also well-known for its cheese and you can purchase all kinds of pastries and local fruit. There are several other small towns in the area worth visiting on your road trip to Oregon Coast including Yachats and Lincoln City.

Knoxville

Surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is a charming city that offers plenty of things to do and places to see. Visit the Market Square where you can catch a number of theater performances in summer and go to the farmers market for some fresh local produce. Travelers who are into art will fall in love with the Knoxville's Museum of Art that features outdoor sculpture exhibits, while those who love music should definitely check out the Old Town where there are bluegrass and rock live performance almost every evening.

Ann Arbor

Perfect for foodies and families for children, Ann Arbor is full of open-air markets, restaurants, and cafes. If you want to escape from all the rush in big cities, this is a perfect summer road trip idea. Wonder around the historic downtown and go on a tour of the Arbor Brewing Company. Here you will also find a farmers market, a couple of second-hand bookstores, and several antique shops that sell everything from jewelry to clothes. One of the main reasons why travelers visit Ann Arbor in summer is the amazing Street Art Fair which is usually held at the end of July. Hundreds of artists from all over the country gather here to celebrate the festival which includes numerous exhibits and musical performances.

Santa Barbara

With a perfect year-round temperature and a laid back vibe, Santa Barbara is one of the most visited summer destinations for travelers from all over the country. The beaches are great and there is something for everyone. For a killer sunset, go to the Butterfly Beach, while the One Thousand Step Beach is perfect if you want to get some peace and quiet. If you are into surfing, the best place to go is the Arroyo Burro Beach County Park. Besides the spectacular beaches, Santa Barbara is famous for its craft beer bars, hipster eateries, and local wineries.

Nice beach Butterfly Beach Montecito California

Chicago

In case you are searching for a big city with plenty of tourist attractions and things to do, Chicago may just be the perfect road trip destination this summer. The Windy City is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and is home to places such as Cloud Gate, Wrigley Field, the Magnificent Mile, and Richard H. Driehaus Museum. For spectacular views of the city go to 360 Chicago Observation Deck. If you are traveling with kids don't forget to take them to Navy Pie, a children's museum. Visitors who wish to have a picnic and see an outdoor concert should consider going to the famous Millennium Park. As for the food scene here in Chicago, it's pretty awesome. Foodies with a passion for BBQ will fall in love with joints like Smoque BBQ and Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Go to Giordano's for a delicious slice of Chicago-style pizza.

Utah's National Parks

For an ultimate summer road trip, start your engines and drive to Utah's National Parks. Go to Zion, the first national park in Utah, or check out the amazing Capital Earth. You can stay in the town of Moab, as it has plenty of eateries, shops, and markets. Of course, don't forget to take the brochures from the visitor's center and book a guided hiking trip. It would take you probably a week or two to check out all of the parks, but the most popular Utah's National Parks are definitely the Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, and Dixie National Forest.

Red Butte Events, National Parks and Utah Theater

Michigan's West Coast

If you think that summer vacation should be all about eating ice cream and chilling in the sun on the beach, Michigan's West Coast road trip is just what you need. There are so many cool places along the way including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Buffalo, Grand Haven, and Holland. Go to Muskegon that is ideal for swimming and kite-flying. Check out some of the Muskegon's main attractions including Muskegon South Pier Lighthouse, Hackley & Hume Historic Site, and Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum which includes a submarine from WW2. Travelers who want to relax and escape from all the tourists can drive to Fennville, a small town full of vineyards, authentic food, and friendly locals.

Cape Cod

Located just a short drive from Boston, Cape Cod is famous for its spectacular beaches, amazing sunsets, and tasty seafood. See a Cape Cod League baseball game. The entrance is free and the games take place at small local fields. Cape Cod is also home to 40 miles of beaches of hiking trails. Head out to the top of the 155-year-old Highland Lighthouse for amazing views of the area. For dinner, head out to Impudent Oyster or Lobster Pot for seafood snacks.