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By the end of this list you’ll have twenty different ways to spend a lazy afternoon behind the wheel, no destination required.
Some weekends call for a plan and some just call for gas in the tank and a decent playlist, am I right?
These ideas came from scrolling through way too many road trip pins and travel blogs, honestly more than I’d like to admit, lol!
Only the ones that actually work for a everyday weekend made the cut. Nothing that needs a week off or a second mortgage.
You’ll find short loops near home plus a few that are worth a longer haul if you’ve got the whole day free.
Grab your keys, maybe a snack for the road. Let’s get into it!
SUNDAY DRIVE IDEAS
Scenic Coastal Highway Loop
We’re starting off strong with a proper coastal loop. Salt air through the window and waves on one side, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Pull off at every overlook you see. The ones with the tiny gravel lots are usually the best ones.
- Best with the windows down
- Takes about two hours round trip
- Good gas station coffee at the halfway mark
Autumn Backroad Foliage Tour
Fall backroads are basically their own reward. The trees do all the work and you just have to steer.
Pick a route with hills if you can find one. The color looks completely different from up high than it does at ground level.
- Peak color window is short
- Best mid October in most states
- Bring a thermos, it gets chilly fast
Countryside Farm Stand Route
Farm stands pop up on backroads all over the place once the weather turns nice. Half the fun is not knowing what you’ll find.
Bring cash. A lot of these run on the honor system and a little metal box, which is honestly kind of charming.
- Cash only at most stops
- Corn and tomatoes are usually the best deal
- Some stands have fresh eggs too
Mountain Pass Sunset Drive
Mountain passes at sunset are dramatic in the best way. The light turns everything gold for about twenty minutes.
Time your drive so you’re near the summit right before dusk. That’s when the view actually earns the trip.
- Time it fifteen minutes before dusk
- Check road conditions before you go
- Bring a jacket even in summer
Small Town Antique Shop Tour
Small towns with antique shops are made for slow Sundays. You never know what’s tucked in the back corner of a shop. That’s half the appeal.
No shame in that.
- Many shops close early on Sundays
- Bring small bills for haggling
Vineyard Hopping Country Roads
Vineyard country roads are basically made for this kind of drive. Rolling hills, tidy rows and usually a tasting room waiting at the end.
Plan for one tasting stop if someone else is driving home. Otherwise just enjoy the view and skip the pour.
- Designate a driver for this one
- Most tasting rooms open by noon
Lakeside Picnic Drive Route
Lakeside routes are perfect when you want scenery without a real hike. Find a spot with a picnic table and just stop.
Pack simple food. Sandwiches, chips and something cold to drink cover it completely.
- Pick a lake with public access points
- Bug spray earns its spot in the trunk
Historic Main Street Cruise
Historic main streets are underrated for a slow cruise. Old brick buildings, painted signs and usually one diner that’s been there forever.
Park the car and walk a block or two. It’s a whole different experience on foot than through a windshield.
- Weekday mornings mean easy parking
- Look for a family run diner
Red Covered Bridge Photo Stop
Red covered bridges photograph so well it’s almost unfair. That deep red against green trees or white snow just works every time. If you were hunting for covered bridge trip ideas, this one is a keeper!
Get there early if you want the shot without other cars in it. Weekend mornings tend to be quiet.
- Golden hour makes the red pop
- Many bridges have small parking pull offs
New England Covered Bridge Trail
A proper covered bridge trip idea worth planning around is a full trail through New England. Some states have a dozen or more within an easy drive of each other.
Print a map ahead of time since cell service gets spotty out there. Old school, but it works, haha!
- Cell service drops in these valleys
- Vermont has the highest concentration
- Plan for one bridge per twenty minutes
Covered Bridge Autumn Backdrop
Covered bridges surrounded by autumn color look like something off a postcard. It’s one of those views that’s somehow better in person than in any photo.
Aim for a weekday visit if crowds bother you. Same bridge, way fewer people in your shot.
Hidden Forest Waterfall Hike
Hidden forest waterfalls are worth the extra mile of hiking. The sound alone is worth the walk before you even see the water. If you were hunting for waterfall trip ideas, this one is a keeper!
Wear real shoes for this one. The rocks near the base get slick fast, fair warning.
- Rocks near the base get slick
- Trail is usually under two miles
Roadside Waterfall Viewpoint Stop
Not every waterfall needs a hike. Plenty sit right off the highway with a small pull off and a view worth the two minute stop.
These are perfect for a drive when you’re short on time but still want a little wow moment.
- No hiking boots required at all
- Pull offs fill up fast on weekends
Multi Tier Waterfall Trail
Multi tier waterfalls give you several views for one hike, which honestly feels like cheating in the best way. Each level looks completely different from the last.
Pack a little extra water. These trails tend to run longer than they look on the map.
- Each tier has its own view
- Trails average three to four miles
Sunrise Balloon Launch Viewing
Watching a sunrise balloon launch is one of those things everyone should do once. The quiet before the burners fire up is almost eerie. If you were hunting for hot air balloon trip tips, this one is a keeper!
Get there at least an hour early. The setup process is honestly half the show.
- Setup is half the show
- Arrive an hour before liftoff
Balloon Festival Weekend Getaway
A balloon festival weekend makes for a genuinely great little getaway. Dozens of balloons lifting off at once is a sight that photos never quite capture.
Book a hotel early since these weekends sell out fast in popular towns.
- Hotels book up months ahead
- Weather can delay launches, plan a buffer day
Best Balloon Ride Outfit
If you’re actually riding in a balloon, the outfit matters more than people think. Layers work best since it’s chilly at launch and warmer once you’re airborne.
Skip loose scarves and hats without a strap. The wind up there has other plans for them, lol!
- Skip anything loose or floppy
- Closed toe shoes are required, always
- Layers beat one heavy coat every time
Dark Sky Park Camping Spot
Dark sky parks are basically designed for stargazing trip ideas like this one. No streetlights for miles means the sky actually looks the way it’s supposed to.
Book a campsite ahead of time. The good spots fill up fast once word gets out.
- Book the campsite months ahead
- Peak meteor months fill up first
Desert Stargazing Blanket Setup
Desert stargazing has a whole different feel once the sun drops. Temperatures fall fast, so the blanket setup matters more than you’d expect.
Layer a thick blanket under you before the thin one on top. The ground pulls heat faster than the air does.
- Ground pulls heat faster than air
- A thermos of something warm helps a lot
Mountain Overlook Meteor Shower Spot
Last but definitely not least, a mountain overlook during a meteor shower is hard to beat. The extra elevation means a wider slice of sky and way less light pollution.
Check the peak night ahead of time and get there before dark. The good overlook spots go quick once the show starts.
- Elevation means a wider sky
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily
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