Regional Road Trip Bucket List
It’s about that time of year when school and work wind down as trips wind up, while we look to make good on that precious PTO. As you start channeling your inner Clark Griswold to plan the perfect vacation, we thought we’d put together a comprehensive list of summer activities across the country. With iconic stops including boardwalks, beaches, whale watching, geographic monoliths, fireworks, county fairs, music festivals, national parks, and more, here’s our idea of a perfect summer road trip.
Northeast.
With coastal climates dripping in American iconography and bustling cities offering plenty to do, the Northeast is an ideal summer playground.
Coney Island
Brooklyn, NY
There’s something about a boardwalk that just feels nostalgic, and there’s something about Coney Island that just feels American. It’s almost like a portal to simpler days with street food, carnivals, and questionable roller coasters – all with a seaside backdrop. Whether you’re trying to catch a romantic ride on the Ferris wheel or find yourself awestruck by the amount of hotdogs one person can consume on the 4th, there are plenty of Summer memories to be made.
Nearby campgrounds.
Additional resources.
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Washington D.C.
While hotdogs on the 4th are pretty tough to beat, the most patriotic day might just deserve the most patriotic setting. Imagine winding down a day of historical hiking around the National Mall, great food, and a daytime Nationals game with the amber glow of fireworks by the Lincoln Memorial. The only way it could feel more like Independence Day is if you somehow had a time machine that could take you back to 1776.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
New England.
A perfect combination of mountains, beaches, and rich colonial history, New England promises a quaint holiday with near-perfect weather.
Highland Lighthouse
Cape Cod, MA
Reigning as both the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Cape Code, the Highland offers one of the most scenic sunset views in all of New England. Cap off a day filled with whale watching, hiking through the dunes, and getting a summer weather report from a clam (you read that correctly) with a romantic climb up the historic tower. Sounds like a core memory in the making.
Campgrounds nearby.
The Big E
West Springfield, MA
What’s better than ending your Summer with a state fair? Ending your Summer with six state fairs rolled into one.
The Big E represents all of New England, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont (they even have replicas of all six statehouses). When we say this fair is packed with activities, we mean it. No more having to settle that classic internal debate of whether you’re in the mood for a rodeo, circus, concert, museum, farmers market, or September celebration of St. Patrick’s Day – because you can literally do all of those things at once.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
Midwest.
The light at the end of a harsh winter, summertime in the midwest boasts pleasant days on the lake, outside dining, and a general boost in dopamine.
Lollapalooza
Chicago, IL
Summers in Chicago feel like a reward for enduring the brutal winters. You can feel the seasonal depression flee the city as thaws – allowing for outdoor dining, baseball games, and of course, Lollapalooza. Why not take in a weekend of live music and perfect weather in one of the top food towns in the country?
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
Stade’s Farm & Market
McHenry, IL
‘Tis the season for strawberries, and for our money, it doesn’t get any better than heading over to Stade’s Farm & Market. A little less than an hour outside of Chicago, it’s a perfect activity and photo op – especially if you have little ones. With 2,200 acres of corn, veggies, and fruit (obviously including strawberries), it doesn’t get any more “farm to table” or adorable than rounding up your crew and picking your own.
Campgrounds nearby.
Mall of America
Bloomington, MN
While a Midwest winter is something fierce, Summertime in Minnesota is about as ideal as it gets. But while you’re taking in perfect weather, why not inject a little commercial novelty into your schedule and peruse the Mall of America. With hundreds of stores, restaurants, a cinema, an aquarium, and even a theme park spanning four stories, it’s worth checking out for yourself at least once.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
Pacific Northwest.
One of the most alluring parts of the country, warmer months in the PNW bring exceptional weather, beautiful scenery, and a deeper connection with the outdoors.
Northern Lights
Fairbanks, AK
As you start to wind down your Summer of travel you might consider making a trek up to the last great frontier of Alaska to take in the Northern Lights starting in the middle of August. While you’re at it, you can capitalize on some of the best fishing and hiking on the planet, while surrounded by wildlife and some of the most breathtaking landscapes the world has to offer.
Campgrounds nearby.
Pike Place Market
Seattle, WA
For all the flack it gets for being a rainy town, Seattle in the summertime is unrivaled with perfect weather and scenic views (especially over on Queen Anne Hill). While you’re there, you might as well pay a visit to Pike Place and take in the sights and sounds of the iconic farmers market overlooking the waterfront. Catch a fish, right the Ferris wheel, and walk by the original Starbucks (unless you’d prefer to stand in that line all morning and go in) as you make your way to explore the rest of the Emerald City.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
West Coast.
While the West Coast is fairly temperate around the clock, there’s an extra dose of magic throughout the summer months.
Golden Gate Park
San Fransisco, CA
The Bay Area comes by its reputation honestly, and within a day of hiking, eating, and drinking your way through the city it’s easy to see why. And sure, Alcatraz and the tide pools are all great and certainly worth checking out, but make it a point to explore Golden Gate Park for their weekly summer concert series, or a picnic and a quick photo by the bridge. But also remember to bring a jacket, for as the great Mark Twain once said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Fransisco.”
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
La Jolla
San Diego, CA
To be fair, San Diego has perfect weather year-round, but there’s something about beating the heat that makes it extra magical. If you’re looking to head West for vacation, there’s no better destination than La Jolla. Between the rugged coastlines, fish tacos, and the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course, you physically can’t run out of things to do.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
- A Day in San Diego: West Mex, Snorkeling and Bonfires
- A Day in San Diego: Gorgeous Golfing, Fantastic Fish Tacos
Southwest.
Don’t let the heat scare you away, because the American Southwest has no shortage of natural beauty or fun things to do when the sun’s out.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce, Utah
Okay, there are plenty of incredible spots to stargaze, but if you want to really take in the magic of the night sky, consider taking a detour out to Bryce Canyon National Park. A sprawling reserve with colorful Star Wars-like spires, this southern Utah phenomenon boasts incredible hikes, temperate weather, and a stunning view when the sun goes down.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
The Grand Canyon
AZ
Millions of years in the making, this natural wonder of the world probably makes several different bucket lists. And between rafting, hiking, biking, and even a railway, the Grand Canyon offers plenty of unique perspectives. Did you know you can even send a postcard by mule at the bottom of the grand canyon? That would be a pretty novel souvenir for anyone.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
Barton Springs
Austin, TX
Everything might be bigger in Texas, but everything is also hotter during the summer. But if you’re looking to cool off, Austin has the perfect antidote its very own Barton Springs Pool, consisting of three acres of natural spring water coming in somewhere between 68 and 70 degrees. From there you can fuel up with some grub over at the world-famous Terry Black’s Barbecue or catch a show and a sunset at the Zilker Hillside Theater a few minutes away.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
South.
The food, beauty, and stories that come from the South are almost enough to take your mind off of how hot it is.
Great Smoky Mountains
NC and TN
One of the lushest national parks in the country, bordering North Carolina and Tennessee, The Great Smoky Mountains really hits its stride in the summer. With seemingly endless streams, temperate mountain tops, and breathtaking hiking trails (some of which feed into the Appalachian Trail), there’s plenty to explore. Make it a point to check out the Clingmans Dome observation tower on the highest peak to get the perfect view of the mountains and the perfect photo to go with it.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
The Grand Ole Opry
Nashville, TN
There’s never a bad time to visit Music City, but something about catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry in the middle of summer just feels settling to the soul. With a legacy spanning nearly a hundred years and countless country legends, sitting in that theater and witnessing the live broadcast is an indelible experience.
Campgrounds nearby.
Additional resources.
The post Regional Road Trip Bucket List appeared first on RV.com.
Source: https://www.rv.com/lifestyle-travel/regional-road-trip-bucket-list/
