Road trips are the ultimate way to experience America’s vast and varied landscapes. From misty mountains to endless coastlines, summer brings sunshine and open roads for unforgettable drives. Most of all, it offers a chance to strengthen family bonds and make memories that will last a lifetime. Below, we explore some of the nation’s most beloved scenic routes for a safe (yet adventurous) summer journey, complete with highlights and tire tips.
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Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Winding for 656 miles along California’s shoreline, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is famed for its jaw-dropping ocean vistas and rugged cliffs. Key stops include Santa Barbara’s Spanish Mission, the beach and redwood groves of Big Sur (with the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls), the historic Hearst Castle at San Simeon, and the seaside towns of Monterey and Carmel.
In summer, California’s mild coastal climate means clear skies and long days of sunshine (though July–August brings peak crowds). A sports sedan with Yokohama all-season touring tires is ideal – you’ll want reliable traction on winding roads and a smooth ride for the long miles. These Yokohama tires keep you firmly on the road so you can enjoy the breeze (windows down, of course) and the views without missing a beat.
- Key stops: Santa Monica Pier; Big Sur sights (Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP); Hearst Castle in San Simeon; Monterey/Carmel’s coastline.
- Why summer: Mild weather and long daylight make for great driving and even whale-watching. Wildflowers bloom and sunsets stretch late in the sky.
- Vehicle & tires: A luxury sports sedan like the BMW 3 Series is great for soaking up the scenery. Can’t recommend Yokohama’s ADVAN Sport® A/S+ enough because it has the best in all-season performance. Yokohama all-season performance tires provide stability and grip on the twisting cliffs and occasional fog-damp pavement, making the drive fun and surefooted.
Historic Route 66 (Illinois → California)
The legendary "Mother Road" (Route 66) stretches roughly 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. It's the quintessential American road trip, dotted with vintage diners, neon signs and quirky attractions (think Cadillac Ranch or the Gemini Giant). Key stops include the Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac, IL; Cadillac Ranch in Texas; the Petrified Forest (AZ) and small towns like Winslow (AZ) with its classic corner. In summer the Southwest desert can sizzle, and afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan for heat and brief downpours. Yokohama all-season tires with strong wet-grip are ideal – Route 66's vintage asphalt can have cracks or potholes, and the tires' durable tread keeps you safe on long straightaways and the occasional rain-slick patch. With Yokohama tires beneath you, you're ready to cruise all the way to California in comfort and style.
- Key stops: Quirky roadside attractions (Cadillac Ranch, weird museums, giant statues); historic downtowns (e.g. Winslow AZ "Corner"), Route 66 diners and motels; ending at the Santa Monica Pier in LA.
- Why summer: Classic Americana vibes are at their peak – summer festivals and car cruises often celebrate Route 66. You'll see neon-lit throwbacks against big-sky sunsets. (Just stay hydrated in the desert sun and enjoy the occasional desert storm.)
- Vehicle & tires: A reliable sedan like the Toyota Camry with Yokohama's AVID Ascend LX® all-season premium touring tire is perfect for the trip. These tires are built for the long haul, offering comfort on the highway and confidence-inspiring grip when you hit a sudden rainstorm or navigate an old, uneven stretch of road.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia → North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic two-lane highway through the Appalachian Mountains. It links Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains (NC) and is famed for its rolling forest ridges and overlooks. Every few miles brings panoramic vistas and hiking trailheads (e.g., the hike to Hawksbill Mountain or Linville Falls). In summer, the air is cool – often 15°F cooler along the parkway than in the valleys – and mountainsides burst with wildflowers and rhododendrons. (Afternoon thunderstorms can pop up, though.)
A car with good steering and Yokohama performance or all-season tires works best here. These tires deliver confident grip on the many curves and grades, so you can safely savor the misty mountain views (and not worry about slippage on wet leaves or fog-slick rock).
- Key stops: Linville Falls and Gorge; Grandfather Mountain vistas (Linn Cove Viaduct); historic cabins like Moses Cone; and the northern Skyline Drive (Shenandoah NP) with dozens of overlooks.
- Why summer: The high elevations stay comfortably cool with breezes and blooming mountain flowers. It's perfect for picnics, camping, or hiking along miles of trail (many waterfalls and forests to explore).
- Vehicle & tires: A nimble crossover like the Nissan Rogue fitted with Yokohama's GEOLANDAR CV® G058 is the perfect combo. These tires offer true all-season traction and handling for a smooth, quiet ride on the Parkway's gentle grades, and strong traction on its winding curves – ideal for taking on the "Grandfather of all parkways" with confidence.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier NP, Montana)
A summer-only drive through Glacier's high peaks, this 50‑mile road is a "transmountain highway" offering jaw-dropping alpine scenery. It climbs to 6,646 ft at Logan Pass, cutting through glacier-carved valleys and 100‑foot falls. Key stops include Lake McDonald Lodge, Trail of the Cedars (an easy boardwalk among ancient red cedars), and the Logan Pass Visitor Center for panoramic overlooks. Because snowplows only clear it by late June, the full route is only open in summer – making summer the exclusive season to cross into Glacier's heart.
For this road, a sturdy car with strong brakes and Yokohama all-season touring tires is recommended. The steep grades and tight turns demand reliable traction and heat resistance; Yokohama's tread handles the chilly summit temperatures and occasional mist, so you can enjoy the epic views without slipping.
- Key stops: Glacier National Park highlights (Avalanche Lake, Trail of the Cedars, Hidden Lake trail, St. Mary Falls); Logan Pass (6,646 ft) overlooks; Apgar Visitor Center on Lake McDonald.
- Why summer: Snow dams only melt out by July, so only summer travel reveals crystal-clear lakes, wildflower meadows, and mountain goats. The sunlit peaks and waterfalls are at their most accessible.
- Vehicle & tires: Yokohama's all-weather GEOLANDAR CV 4S® tires on a crossover like the Toyota RAV4 provide confidence on steep grades and moist pavement (from melted snow or rain). In short, they let you focus on the scenery instead of worrying about the road.
Overseas Highway (Florida Keys, US-1)
“Cruising” down the Overseas Highway literally feels like driving on water. This All-American Road runs 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West (fla-keys.com, daytripnomad.com), crossing 42 islands via dozens of bridges. The highlight is the Seven Mile Bridge – at 6.79 miles long it spans open ocean, so famously that the original railroad span was nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Along the way, stop for snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo) or the beaches of Bahia Honda. Summer brings tropical heat and bright sun – perfect for an open-window drive – though brief afternoon showers can pop up. A comfortable sedan or SUV with Yokohama touring all-season tires works best: they cushion the ride over the flat highway and handle sunbaked pavement (and the occasional downpour) with ease. The salt-tinged breeze may tangle your hair, but Yokohama’s tread keeps the car planted firmly on the bridge.
- Key stops: Seven Mile Bridge (ocean vistas), Coral Reef State Park (snorkeling), Islamorada fishing docks, sunset at Mallory Square (Key West). Historic lighthouses and Key Deer in Big Pine.
- Why summer: Consistent sunshine and warm sea breezes make it ideal for water activities and leisurely island hopping (July nights often have festivals). Hurricane season comes later, so summer is mostly dry and calm.
- Vehicle & tires: Yokohama’s GEOLANDAR X-CV® on a luxury SUV like a Lexus RX will give you a quiet ride and long-lasting, powerful all-season traction and braking, which are perfect for a smooth journey on long straights.
North Shore Scenic Drive (Minnesota)
The North Shore All-American Scenic Drive (Highway 61) hugs Lake Superior’s rocky shore for 154 miles from Duluth to Canada. It’s famed for its “spectacular scenery” – eight state parks with rugged cliffs, thick forests, and thundering waterfalls. Key stops include the Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls State Park (cascading rapids), and the artists’ haven of Grand Marais. Summer days here are cool and breezy – great for lakeside picnics or a dip in Superior’s chilly water. Yokohama all-terrain tires on your SUV or truck ensure a steady ride through the piney highways and around curvy headlands. The pavement is smooth, but the road curves often – the tires’ reliable grip means you can enjoy the dense woods and Big Lake views without fuss.
- Key stops: Sawtooth Mountains vistas, High Falls at Grand Portage and Baptism River in Tettegouche State Park, historic Split Rock Lighthouse and shipwreck museum, Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge.
- Why summer: The cool lake climate (and fewer bugs by midsummer) make hiking and kayaking on Superior inviting. Wild blueberries ripen in July, and the long days are perfect for exploring.
- Vehicle & tires: Match a truck, full-size SUV or CUV like Chevy Tahoe with Yokohama’s multipurpose GEOLANDAR A/T4TM and you’re ready to go just about anywhere! They offer long-life comfort and reliable traction on winding roads and occasional summer rain, so you can focus on the view instead of the road. Driving a truck, SUV or CUV? The GEOLANDAR A/T4TM may be your top choice for superior handling and comfortable ride, on-road or off-road.
Beartooth Highway (Montana ↔ Wyoming)
The Beartooth Highway (“Highway to the Sky”) is only 69 miles long, but it packs alpine drama. Connecting Red Lodge, MT, to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, it climbs from ~5,000 ft to over 10,000 ft across treeless tundra. You’ll pass alpine lakes and “constant views of…12,000-foot peaks”. Highlights include the Beartooth Pass summit (nearly 11,000 ft) and Alpine Lake – wildflowers may still bloom amid patches of snow in July.
This drive is not for the faint of heart (it’s narrow with steep drop-offs), so we recommend Yokohama performance all-season tires. They deliver a precise grip on the many switchbacks and confidence on rocky curves, ensuring your high-altitude adventure stays safe and thrilling. Summer (late May to early fall) is the only time to venture here, when the wild tundra is alive and views stretch for miles.
- Key stops: Beartooth Pass summit (10,947 ft); scenic pullouts at Heart Lake and Beartooth Plateau; detour into Yellowstone NP via Cooke City.
- Why summer: The road only opens in late spring when the snow melts. Summer brings endless wildflower meadows and “sky-high” vistas that reward the hairpin climb.
- Vehicle & tires: An EV like the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y with Yokohama’s ADVAN Sport EV A/S tires would be a nice choice for this route. The ultra-high-performance, all-season Sport EV carries the new E+ badge, which signifies that the tire is compatible with electric vehicles and able to fulfill the unique set of requirements brought by EVs. It can easily handle the steep, curvy grades and slick mountain weather, so you can focus on those breathtaking peaks instead of worrying about traction.
With these scenic routes on your summer itinerary, your road trip will be full of adventure – and Yokohama tires will help make every mile surefooted and safe. These are just a few iconic drives to whet your appetite. – Next, we’ll explore how summer heat affects tire performance and share essential tire tips before you hit the road.