As summer kicks into high gear, many Americans are preparing to embark on a hallowed tradition: road-tripping! According to The Vacationer survey, 75% of Americans intend to take at least one road trip this summer, most driving within 100 miles of home.
This tradition dates back to Henry Ford and The Vagabonds, who made summer road-tripping a uniquely American adventure in the early 1900s. Their excursions were a precursor to modern-day ‘glamping’ featuring vehicles designed by Ford Motor Company, including a kitchen camping car outfitted with a gasoline stove and built-in icebox.
Over a century after The Vagabonds’ adventures, summer road trips continue to be a cultural tradition. And now with BlueCruise* hands-free highway driving to help make a long road trip easier, when you arrive at your destination you will want to stay out and do things because you aren’t fatigued by the drive. It takes the work out of road tripping, but not the fun.
While 97% of U.S. highways are BlueZones and you can map out your road trip here, the Ford team compiled a list of some of our favorite BlueCruise routes for the summer – including a few customer recommendations.
Dallas to Wimberley
Take an adventure through the Texas Hill Country, beginning in Dallas and featuring an optional overnight stop in Austin before ending in the charming town of Wimberley.
This journey allows you to experience adventures in the great outdoors, cultural highlights, and great food across the heart of Texas.
Stop for kolaches at the Czech Stop in West, Texas to fuel up. A Texas road trip isn’t complete without it!
For a stop in Austin, enjoy Barton Springs Pool, Austin’s massive natural spring pool, or head to the Texas State Capital.
Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas.
Spend the evening enjoying live music and stay at The LINE Austin and enjoy breakfast at Bird Bird Biscuit before continuing onward to Wimberley the next day.
The LINE Austin.
The LINE Austin.
In Wimberley, head over to Wimberley Glassworks to watch a glassblowing demo.
Explore Wimberley
There is no better way to enjoy the Texas Hill Country than glamping in a Yurt at The Yurtopian Hill Country Resort.
Visit the iconic Blue Hole Regional Park.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Wimberley Café and explore downtown.
L.A. to Santa Barbara
Set out along the California coast, starting from Los Angeles and ending in Santa Barbara for a relaxing, slow paced weekend getaway.
Full of Spanish influence and architecture, Santa Barbara is filled with things to do whether you are traveling with your significant other and need an escape from the city or spending time with family.
Start your journey early out of Los Angeles through West Hollywood. When you’re near Calabasas, grab some coffee and some quick sightseeing in the star-studded Hidden Hills.
Stop in Downtown Ventura for a quick bite, some vintage shopping and an ice cream at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams.
Once you arrive in Santa Barbara, if you’re looking for an ocean adventure, go whale watching. If you want to take it easy, head to West Beach.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is also a great option if you are with the kiddos, or enjoy the pier.
Santa Barbara Zoo.
Santa Barbara Zoo.
Explore Santa Barbara
For an elegant weekend stay and dining experience, enjoy the Rosewood Miramar Beach and AMA Sushi.
Taste the fresh bites for breakfast or lunch at family-owned Jeannine’s Bakery and Restaurant.
For a half-day trip while in Santa Barbara, head to the Danish village of Solvang.
Detroit to Traverse City
Take a scenic road trip from Detroit, Michigan up north to Traverse City.
Traverse City sits on Lake Michigan and is the ideal escape whether you are a local or out-of-state visitor.
On your way up north, stop for lunch at H2O’s Waterside Grill in Bay City, best known for its historic downtown and waterfront views.
Take a brief stop in Grayling to snack on some pasties, a northern Michigan favorite.
Photo by Scott Eckersley on Unsplash
Photo by Scott Eckersley on Unsplash
Once you arrive in Traverse City, enjoy a weekend stay at the Grand Traverse Resort Hotel and Spa and check out the local shopping spots downtown.
Grand Traverse Resort.
Grand Traverse Resort.
Explore Traverse City
Explore the shores of Lake Michigan, from the beaches and dunes to the hiking trails.
To eat, enjoy comfort food at The Cottage. Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat at Moomers Homemade Ice Cream.
Go swimming, enjoy fishing or camp out at Michigan's first state park: Interlochen State Park.
Houston to Florida 30A
Head to the Florida Panhandle to enjoy the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and beach towns along Florida State Road 30A – Seaside, Destin, Rosemary Beach and Panama City Beach.
Although starting in Houston, Texas, this is a great route whether you are coming from the Lone Star State, the Midwest or a Mountain state. This destination offers beautiful beaches, delicious seafood and a cozy beach town feel.
If you are coming from Texas or the Mountain states, make an overnight stop in New Orleans to experience the vibrant music scene, rich history and tasty cuisine.
Enjoy a coastal beach house rental in one of the many beach towns along 30A, or check out the popular WaterColor Inn, great for groups and families.
If you don’t have beach access via your rental, relax on the beach at Van Ness Butler Public Beach.
Check out the submerged sand bar, Crab Island in Destin. You can snorkel, take a guided boat tour, go fishing and more!
L.A. to Holbrook, Arizona
Relive a classic Route 66-inspired road trip from Los Angeles, California to Holbrook, Arizona, where the Painted Desert attracts thousands of visitors each year and features natural scenes and many historic attractions.
Make an optional stop in the desert town of Sedona, Arizona, to see fossils from over 200 million years ago.
Stay overnight in Sedona, visit the iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into the red rocks and enjoy a short hike around Bell Rock.
After leaving Sedona, visit the Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum, a massive impact crater located about 35 miles east of Flagstaff.
Head to Holbrook, the nearest town to the Painted Desert and spend the night in a Wigwam at The Wigwam Motel located on old Route 66.
Enjoy a drive through the Painted Desert; take a hike for stunning views of colorful badlands and walk among the petrified logs.
NYC to The Hamptons
From the lively streets of New York City, head to the tranquil shores of The Hamptons and Montauk area for a weekend to unwind. Whether you're an East Coast local or traveling from out of town, this road trip is an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Head to one of the Round Swamp Farm locations in East Hampton or Montauk for a grab-and-go lunch.
Spend the day at Main Beach in East Hampton or another beach around Montauk, tour the island waters via a sailboat, or go fishing.
Enjoy seafood with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Interested in other routes? You can check out where Ford owners say they're headed by clicking the link below. One owner is even traveling over 3,000 miles from Los Angeles to Maine, a route in which 96% of the trip is available for BlueCruise hands-free highway driving!
*Available Feature. Equipped vehicles come with either a complimentary trial period or an included duration, after which purchase of a BlueCruise subscription is required. Modem activation is required for subscription purchase and for initial activation of BlueCruise (for pre-2024 model year vehicles). See ford.com/bluecruise or your Lincoln retailer for details. BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature and does not replace safe driving or driver’s attention, judgment or need to control the vehicle. Only remove hands in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
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