10 Best Coastal Road Trips in the U.S.
canadastock / Shutterstock
Traveling doesn’t have to be limited to destinations that require a plane ticket. If anything, a road trip can be even more fun, also giving you flexibility with your schedule and itinerary (as long as traffic cooperates). A cross-country road trip is a bucket list item for many of us, but if you just want to cruise and feel a salty breeze, a drive up and down the seaboard might be just what the doctor ordered. Not sure where to start and end your trip? Our travel experts have plenty of suggestions for the cities to bookend your vacation, and all of the stops to take in between. Read on for the 10 best coastal road trips in the U.S.
RELATED: 6 Best U.S. Road Trips for Beach Lovers
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
First up on the list is a historic adventure through the Southeast, starting in Charleston, South Carolina; visiting Savannah, Georgia; and ending in St. Augustine, Florida.
“A popular historic coastal trip has always included Charleston and Savannah, two charming cities I loved visiting,” says Samantha Oppenheimer , full-time travel blogger and founder of Find Love & Travel. “Now, add St. Augustine , Florida, the oldest city in the U.S., and you will have hit the trifecta of great coastal historic cities.”
Oppenheimer recommends checking out Joe Riley Waterfront Parkway, walking along the Battery in Charleston, and taking time to explore the hidden alleys that dot the city.
“Of course, you’ll want to make time for Folly Beach if the weather is nice,” she adds.
Savannah’s River Street, Forsyth Park, and Tybee Island are must-sees, and then you can hop back in the car to continue your journey to Florida.
“Once you make it to St. Augustine, you shouldn’t miss climbing the Lighthouse on Anastasia Island, exploring the Historic District, and enjoying one of the many beaches, including Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, and Mickler’s Landing,” Oppenheimer suggests.
While planning, she recommends allotting two to three days to explore each city.
MarkVanDykePhotography / Shutterstock
According to Anna Cook , travel blogger and founder of Stuck On The Go, the Outer Banks in North Carolina is a well-known coastal road trip destination—and it’s easy to see why.
“Between the stunning views, beautiful North Carolina beaches , and amazing seafood restaurants, what’s not to love?” she gushes. “Start your trip in Corolla where you can climb the Currituck Lighthouse (in season) and take an excursion to try and spot the wild horses. Make your way south to Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head where you can stop at Jockey’s Ridge State Park to admire the dunes, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn why North Carolina was First in Flight.”
Cook says you’ll also want to catch a glimpse of the sunsets at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and check out Bodie Island Lighthouse, too.
“One of the most iconic lighthouses in North Carolina is located further south of Pea Island—Cape Hatteras Lighthouse,” she shares. “Hatteras is also known for its great fishing opportunities and beautiful, quiet beaches.”
RELATED: 6 Iconic American Diners to Hit on Your Next Road Trip .
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
If you want to extend your historic East Coast road trip—or would just like to focus on exploring all that Florida has to offer—consider driving down to Vero Beach.
“Start at St. Augustine and end up in Vero Beach, where you’ll enjoy history, gorgeous beaches, delicious seafood, and quaint small towns—everything you need for a great road trip,” says Pam Howard , the travel blogger behind Our Adventure Is Everywhere .
She also praises St. Augustine: “At the northern tip of Florida, as the oldest city in Florida, St. Augustine is an ideal starting point. History is on every corner, from the Old City to the Fort Castillo de San Marcos.”
After your history lesson, Howard recommends heading south and stopping in “the home of Spring Break, Daytona Beach.”
“Daytona Beach is your chance to indulge in some of the typical beach town fun,” she notes. “Spend a day at the beach playing in the surf and end your evening with a round of miniature golf at one of the many local courses and some fresh seafood.”
After that, it’s time to head to your final destination—but make a pit stop if you’re so inclined.
“If you’ve got extra time, consider stopping for a day at Cape Canaveral and visiting the Space Center—especially if a rocket launch is happening,” Howard advises. “End your coastal road trip with a few days of relaxing and exploring Vero Beach . With art museums, local boutiques, and amazing seafood, it’s the perfect spot to wrap up this East Coast Florida road trip.”
Shutterstock
While the East Coast is full of road trip opportunities, the Gulf Coast is worth checking out as well.
“Many people don’t realize that Alabama has some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the country. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer the perfect blend of fun attractions and relaxation,” Cook recommends. “If you’re looking to relax, there’s no better way than with Hammock Time Tiki Tours in Orange Beach, where you can lay back in a hammock while meandering on a pontoon boat.”
From there, head to Gulf Shores to explore the outdoors, and be sure to add Gulf State Park to your Alabama beaches itinerary , Cook says.
Wrap up by taking the ferry to Dauphin Island and exploring Fort Gaines, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Cook suggests.
RELATED: The 6 Best Foodie Road Trips in the U.S.
Shutterstock
Prefer the rocky shores of New England? Samantha Hamilton , creator and writer behind New England Wanderlust , has the perfect road trip for you.
“One of the most epic road trips I’ve ever taken is a New England road trip along the Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine coastlines. Not only does it take you on a ride to see some of the most beautiful beaches and idyllic scenery in the entire country, but you’ll also get to indulge in some fantastic food, snap photos of gorgeous lighthouses, and head out on memorable coastal hiking trails,” she says.
The beaches of Cape Cod, the scenery in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and the entire Maine coastline and at Acadia National Park are sure to impress and provide plenty to do while on your trip.
“There’s such a diverse spectrum of things to do on this route that it really appeals to just about everyone,” Hamilton gushes. “It also offers a great balance of charming towns and exciting cities.”
For history buffs, she recommends the Freedom Trail in Boston and the mansions in Newport, Rhode Island.
“For anyone who loves small-town charm, there are plenty of quaint fishing villages and coastal towns that feel like the set of a Hallmark movie on this route,” she notes. “And, of course, everyone will love munching on a fresh lobster roll or lobster dinner at the numerous seafood shacks along the way. (Taking a picture in your lobster bib is not mandatory, but highly recommended!)”
Shutterstock
If you want to visit a coastal point a little bit further south, try starting your road trip in New York before heading up to explore the New England coastline.
“This route has a few swimmable beaches in Cape Cod and all of the way up the coast, but the real draw is the adorable New England coastal towns along the way,” says Amber Haggerty , travel blogger with Amber Everywhere . “Some highlights include Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Portland and Camden, Maine; and, of course, Bar Harbor, Maine.”
She recommends checking out Plymouth Rock, the historic town of Salem, Massachusetts, and—like Hamilton—ensuring you have time to explore Acadia.
RELATED: 6 Unforgettable Road Trips Inspired by Famous Books .
iStock
You can also plan a road trip right through the middle of the East Coast, exploring the DelMarVa peninsula, according to Becca Siegel , co-owner at Half Half Travel Blog .
“One of the best coastal road trips in the U.S. is one you may not have guessed: the DelMarVa region, or Delaware-Maryland-Virginia,” she shares. “Road tripping in this region can get you from the beaches of Delaware down to the coast of Virginia, or basically, to famous Virginia Beach.”
Be sure to take the route where you can see the “engineering wonder” of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Siegel advises.
“[It’s] a transportation marvel of bridges and tunnels in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay that’ll get you from the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula down to Virginia Beach itself,” she explains.
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
If you’ve got the time, why not explore everything the East Coast has to offer on one epic road trip?
“It doesn’t really matter where you start (Philadelphia, Delaware, D.C.), it’s really accessible from any beginning point, which makes it a great choice!” says Taylor Beal , owner and author of the travel blog Traverse With Taylor . “Along the coast, you can start with Virginia Beach, Virginia, or the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Both are quintessential beach towns with some amazing family-friendly things to do or great spots for a night out on the town. From there, drive as far as you’d like!”
Beal also recommends East Coast hubs like Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Savannah—and suggests going a bit inland to wrap up your trip at Disney World.
“End your road trip in Orlando, Florida, at the happiest place on Earth! Disney World is a must-do in the U.S.—even if it is touristy —and it fits seamlessly into this East Coast road trip!” she says.
RELATED: 10 Scenic Road Trips That Will Make You Fall in Love with America .
iStock
The journey from Northern California to the Pacific Northwest is sure to be an epic road trip, starting in San Francisco and wrapping up in Seattle.
Travel bloggers Danny and Danielle Johnson , who run the website The Traveling Dans , break down their 10-stop itinerary in a June 2023 TikTok .
They recommend starting at Muir Beach Overlook in California, then heading to Russian Gulch State Park. From there, take a drive down the Avenue of the Giants and visit Fern Canyon in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Once you wrap up in Cali, the Johnsons suggest heading north to Oregon and stopping in Bandon Beach before venturing to the awe-inspiring Crater Lake National Park, Silver Falls State Park, and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Your last two stops will be in Washington, starting with Gifford Pinchot National Forest and ending at Mount Rainier National Park.
Shutterstock
We’d be remiss not to mention the epic California coast on this list—who hasn’t dreamt of driving up and down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)?
In an April 19 TikTok , new-age travel agency Fora Travel recommends starting in Los Angeles, making sure you see the Santa Monica Pier, walk down Rodeo Drive, hike in Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park, and explore local museums and restaurants.
From there, it’s a two-hour drive (without traffic) north to Santa Barbara. Fora Travel says it’s a nature-lover’s paradise with mountains, beaches, and rolling vineyards. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Lotusland in Montecito are musts.
Head further up the coast to Big Sur and Carmel—and stop in the charming town of Cambria if you want to take the drive slower! Morro Rock, the Oceano sand dunes at Pismo Beach, and Hearst Castle are also worthwhile pitstops along the way. If you want to go through San Luis Obispo, you can also take the 101 instead of the PCH (the 1). Traffic concerns aside, always check the California Department of Transportation website to ensure the roads on your planned route are open.
After you’ve explored nature in Big Sur, proceed to your final spot in San Francisco.
“Depending on traffic, this is about a two to four-hour drive from Carmel, but it’s worth it. The city’s eclectic personality can’t be matched,” Fora Travel says.
The Golden Gate Bridge should definitely be on your list—and Fora Travel recommends getting a view from Presidio National Park Site. However, there are also plenty of museums, spas, and great food options in San Francisco.
- Source: California Department of Transportation: Road Information
9 Iconic American Diners You Need to Visit
Sam Wagner / Shutterstock.com
You’re cruising along Route 66 or winding through sleepy mountain towns, and suddenly a neon-lit diner with red vinyl booths calls your name. In 2025, a surge of chef-driven comfort food spots and 24-hour retro hangouts are reviving the classic American diner scene. Whether you’re fueled by nostalgia or just crave a no-nonsense breakfast, these diners deliver sizzling bacon, fluffy pancakes, bottomless coffee, and that cozy community feel.
So, as summer road trips ramp up and roadside nostalgia becomes trendy again, here are the most beloved diners worth detouring for. Expect timeless interiors, friendly chatter, and meals that feel like a hug in plate form.
RELATED: 40 Essential Items to Buy for a Cruise
Fotogro / Shutterstock.com
Mel’s isn’t just a diner—it’s a pop culture institution. First made famous by American Graffiti , this 1950s-inspired chain serves up thick milkshakes, towering burgers, and all-day breakfast under neon lights and chrome finishes.
Whether you hit the Sunset Strip location after a night out or grab pancakes at the original spot on Geary Boulevard in SF, Mel’s delivers vintage vibes and reliable comfort food. Insider tip: the jukebox still works, and the chili cheese fries are a must.
RELATED: 7 Best U.S. Road Trips for History Buffs
Sam Wagner / Shutterstock.com
Open 24/7 since 1939 (yes, even during blizzards), Mickey’s Diner is a streamlined Art Deco icon that’s fed everyone from late-night locals to The Mighty Ducks cast.
This narrow, train car-style spot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places—and the short-order cooks are masters of the flat-top. Don’t miss their crispy corned beef hash or fluffy hotcakes, and be sure to bring cash. Mickey’s is more than a diner—it’s a time machine with a breakfast menu.
Instagram / @mtkiscodiner
Nestled in Westchester County, Mt. Kisco Diner looks like your classic chrome-and-neon roadside joint—but step inside and you’ll find a social media-worthy menu of outrageous milkshakes, truffle mac & cheese, and rainbow-colored pancakes.
It’s the best of both worlds: nostalgic comfort with an Instagram twist. Locals come for the Greek salad or pastrami reuben, but it’s the over-the-top desserts that go viral. Pro tip: visit on a weekday to skip the weekend brunch crowds.
RElATED: 35 Road Trip Essentials to Make Every Journey Fun & Worry Free
Copyright The Kiltie/Facebook
Drive-in diners are all but a bygone restaurant relic. However, there are some that are still thriving—including one iconic establishment in the Midwest.
“If driving in Wisconsin’s Lake Country, about 30 minutes west of Milwaukee, make time to detour to The Kiltie Drive-In off Highway 16,” suggests Janice Moskoff , travel writer and founder of Gather and Go Travel . “It is an old-school seasonal burger, shakes, and fries drive-in where cash is king and the only currency accepted.”
A stop-by here is more than a meal. She says you’ll feel like it is the 1950s as “car hops” (aka servers) take your order from your car and bring food back on a tray that clips to your window.
“Order the onion rings—battered, thick, and crisp—and leave room for dessert: Kiltie’s shines brightest with its custards, banana splits, and shakes,” she recommends.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House (@herbiesbar)
A drive through the Florida Keys is ideal for beach lovers , and it’s not so bad for anyone looking to have a memorably great meal, either.
“ Herbies Bar and Chowder House is a roadside diner hole in the wall that was featured on Diners Drive-ins & Dives ,” says Laura Elm , travel expert and founder of The Traveling Elms . “Herbies may not look like much from the road, but the food is delicious. We went back twice during our stay!
In addition to the namesake chowder, this hole-in-the-wall also focuses on comfort food classics, including burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and mac & cheese. It also has locally inspired dishes, including a mahi sandwich and plenty of homemade barbecue.
Elm suggests setting up on the diner’s outdoor patio. “Expect super friendly staff and large portions,” she tells Best Life . “And of course, their key lime pie is to die for!”
RELATED: The Airlines With the Best In-Flight Meals (And the One With the Worst)
Copyright Root Beer Barrel/Facebook
On a road trip along Michigan’s western coast? Moskoff suggests a dining option you won’t want to pass by.
“Stop in at the Root Beer Barrel in Douglas, Michigan, where you honest-to-goodness order your food from people working inside an oversized barrel,” she says.
Here, the fare is focused on hot dogs and sweet treats—and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the restaurant’s namesake beverage.
“Get Chicago-style hot dogs with all the toppings, chips, and a sundae or a float made with craft root beer,” Moskoff suggests. “Stretch your legs and enjoy it all outdoors at one of several picnic tables before re-hitting the road.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dat Cajun Place (@datcajunplace)
Great Cajun cuisine is reason enough to plan an entire trip. But you don’t have to travel all the way to Louisiana to get it.
“Dat Cajun Place is a great family restaurant featuring—you guessed it—cajun food,” says Elm of the Florida diner. “We enjoyed the Gator Bites, Boudin Balls, and shrimp.”
The diner offers plenty of Cajun favorites, including po’boys and crawfish etouffee. Fresh catches are also on the menu, with popular seafood baskets and oysters, both cold-shucked and baked, available daily.
“They have a stage with live music, daily specials, and TVs all around,” says Elm. “And it has great service and a kid-friendly atmosphere!”
RELATED: 6 Best U.S. Road Trips for Beach Lovers
View this post on Instagram A post shared by H&H Soul Food (@handhmacon)
Diners are establishments where authentic cooking can really shine when done right. H&H Soul Food is a perfect example of a restaurant that warrants a detour whenever you’re driving through the South.
The Macon, Georgia institution serves up lunch and dinner , and customers say there’s practically nothing on the menu not worth trying.
“The biscuits are huge and scrumptious but we love the cornbread even more,” one reviewer wrote. “Add sides into the mix, like the best collard greens ever, black-eyed peas and lima beans to die for, smoked turkey and beef brisket, and you have a comfort food experience that will knock your socks off.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Agawam Diner (@agawamdiner)
If you’re looking for a comforting meal on the North Shore in Massachusetts, check out the Agawam Diner , which is serving up some familiar classics.
Open since 1940, the vintage dining car provides plenty of diner mainstays to hungry customers , who are often willing to wait in line for a spot at the counter or in a booth. Breakfast fare includes your reliable stack of pancakes, eggs, home fries, and bacon—plus coffee—but also includes lunch staples such as a BLT and a famous tuna melt. However, there’s still a nod to local cuisine.
“The fried clams and fish do the North Shore proud and never miss,” one reviewer writes.
Just make sure you save room: The diner is also beloved for its dessert counter, especially its pies. Grab a slice or two before heading along the coast to your next destination.
This story has been updated to include additional entries, fact-checking, and copy-editing.
The 10 Best Audiobooks for Your Next Road Trip
Prostock-studio / Shutterstock
Packing up the car and heading out on a road trip is a rite of passage. Many of us remember our first road trip as a kid, when we loaded up our suitcases to venture out toward a new destination. Maybe you also hit the road with friends after college, or have taken your kids on a road trip of their own, seeing the sites or exploring different national parks . But if you’re spending hours in the car—no matter who you’re with—you need something to pass the time. Music and podcast episodes can only cover so many miles, which is why you might be in the market for an audiobook.
According to Hayley Yager , bookstagrammer and blogger of Backpacking Bookworm , there are a few key factors that go into selecting the right audiobook for a road trip. To maximize your listening experience, she recommends looking for “engaging and authentic narrators,” who will keep your attention. Second, consider the genres or types of books you’re most interested in. Podcast-lovers might prefer a non-fiction pick, and if you’ve always wanted to learn about some historical or contemporary figure, a biography or memoir could be a great option. Fiction is also a great option, and you’ll find a plethora of different stories that you can immerse yourself in on a long drive.
If you’re having trouble making the right call, travel experts and book bloggers have recommended some of their top audiobook choices, which you can either purchase or borrow from your local library. Read on to find out what you should be listening to while on the road.
READ THIS NEXT: The 8 Most Charming Towns in the U.S. for a Fall Getaway .
Audible Studios
Anything by renowned nonfiction author Bill Bryson is worth a read or a listen. He writes about complex concepts—including the intricacies of the human body and the history of the universe—but does so in an accessible, often comical way. Of Bryson’s many worthy reads, Anthony Presti , travel writer of ValueQuack, recommends The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America .
“Follow Bill on his cross-country road trip in the United States. From the backwoods of Kentucky to the badlands of South Dakota, Bryson covers it all in this hilarious account of his journey,” Presti says.
Bryson travels across 38 states in total over the course of the travelogue, as he searches for the perfect small American town—and you’ll be waiting to see if he finds it. “If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud book to listen to on your road trip, this is the one for you,” Presti says. “It is one of the funniest books you’ll ever read, whether at home or on the road.”
Random House Audio
If you love a good modern mystery, The Flight Attendant is a solid choice for your next road trip. Full of suspense, this story follows Cassie, a binge drinker who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. It’s also been turned into a popular show on HBO Max, so you can engage in the age-old debate of book versus TV series when you’re done listening.
“Why not infuse a little ‘travel talk’ into your travels? With the release of the new HBO show based on this novel, I wanted to give the book a try before watching it,” Bryan Mullennix , founder of the travel website Feeling Vegas, explains. “It’s a suspenseful novel and makes for a good road trip audiobook because of how it is written and also the fact that it kind of relates to travel.”
This audiobook has three narrators, meaning you’ll hear different voices for different characters in this chilling and thrilling read. Looking for something even darker? You might want to opt for Yager’s thriller pick, The Night Swim by Megan Goldin .
Macmillan Audio
If you just want to be transported to another world, let TJ Klune take you there by listening to Under T he Whispering Door . Klune has quickly become a mainstay in the fantasy genre, often featuring LGBTQ+ characters. Under The Whispering Door also adds a splash of romance, humor, and some more intense themes of grief and loss.
John Hubbard , founder and CEO of the outdoor blog Urban Dare, recommends Under The Whispering Door if you want something that will truly keep your attention. “The audiobook gives you all types of feeling with every character’s unique and suitable voice,” he explains, adding that Kirt Graves , a well known audiobook reader and audio producer, narrates. “It provides a great message from life and love to death with its lovable characters.”
Hubbard recommends this for a long drive, “as it will take some time to understand the deep questions Klune’s tale poses throughout.” The audiobook has a listening length of 14 hours and 54 minutes, so it’ll get you through a good stretch of your trip. “Some listeners might find the audiobook a bit slow at the start,” he notes. “It is better to listen at 1.5 speed until you begin to understand the plot of the story.”
Random House Audio
If you’re choosing a memoir for a long-haul drive, Yager recommends selecting one that is recorded by the author. “In my experience, stories are brought more to life when read by the person who knows the book better than anyone,” she tells Best Life , suggesting Becoming by Michelle Obama as a notable choice.
The former First Lady narrates her memoir, discussing her childhood all the way through her time in the White House and after. You’ll feel connected to Obama when listening to her tell her story, and if you needed any more convincing, she won the 2020 Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for her audio edition of the book.
If you’ve already checked Becoming off of your reading list—it was, after all, the best-selling book of 2018—Presti also recommends Barack Obama’s 2020 memoir A Promised Land . “It chronicles his upbringing, his time in office, and the challenges he faced throughout his presidency,” he says. “It’s an inspiring story that will leave you feeling hopeful and motivated—perfect for a road trip where anything can happen.”
READ THIS NEXT: This Type of Vacation Is About to Skyrocket in Popularity, New Survey Finds .
Pottermore Publishing
One of the most beloved series of all time centers on a young wizard named Harry Potter. The stories have captivated young and old readers alike since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was first published in 1997. Presti recommends this audiobook for your next trip on the open road, especially if you’ve got your kids in tow.
“If you’re looking for a book the whole family can enjoy on your road trip, look no further than Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ,” he explains. “With its magic, adventure, and suspense, this book is sure to keep everyone entertained on a long car ride.”
As The Sorcerer’s Stone is the first installment in the seven-part series, you might also want to bring Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets along as well, just in case the kids (or you) can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Macmillan Audio
While you can’t watch a rom-com while you’re driving, you can certainly listen to one. Yager recommends The Switch , which is set in the U.K. and features a plot line that might remind you a little of the movie The Holiday . The story focuses on a newly-single grandmother looking for love in the rural town of Yorkshire and her granddaughter, who has become exhausted by life in London. The two decide to switch places, and drama, romance, and comedy ensue.
The audiobook is read by two English actors, Daisy Edgar-Jones , of Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing , and Alison Steadman , award-winning stage, film, and television star.
“This is an easy and light listen with two celebrity narrators, which evokes familiarity,” Yager says. “The chapters are the perfect length, enabling you to get invested in one storyline before moving on to the next when the narrators switch.”
You can listen to this 10-hour audiobook on a longer drive, but Yager notes that you can also “dip in and out for shorter trips.”
READ THIS NEXT: The 5 Newest National Parks You Need to Add to Your Bucket List .
Random House Audio
Some stories are classics for a reason, and even if you haven’t picked up a copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , odds are you’ve heard of it. First published in 1979, it was adapted from author Douglas Adams’ radio series and follows the journey of the only man to survive after earth is destroyed.
“Full of laughs, science fiction, and awesome ’70s and ’80s references, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is the perfect audiobook for a road trip,” Tim White , CEO and founder of the travel site MilePro, says. This pick is more “lighthearted,” he adds, making it a good choice for those who don’t want an audiobook that’s too intense.
The book is just under six hours long, White points out, making it optimal for shorter journeys. It’s also narrated by English actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry , so you might recognize a familiar voice.
Harlequin Audio
Another one of Yager’s fiction picks is The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman , which has all the necessary components of a family comedy—think Little Miss Sunshine with a twist.
“This is the perfect road trip listen as the book itself revolves around a family taking a detour-heavy road trip up to Edinburgh so 12-year-old Norman can perform at the Fringe,” she says.
For those unfamiliar with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, it’s the largest arts festival in the world, dating back to 1947. In this contemporary fiction novel, young Norman is hoping to take his comedy act to center stage at the event. “It’s an absolute rollercoaster of one hilarious feat after another, yet still manages to retain every ounce of authenticity,” Yager says. “It’s a feel-good book that anyone can enjoy, making it perfect for a long road trip.”
READ THIS NEXT: If You’re Going to Yellowstone, Check Your Car for This First, Officials Warn .
Hachette Audio
For those who want an audiobook that is chock-full of different stories, check out David Sedaris’ When You Are Engulfed in Flames .
“If you’re looking for a more introspective, thought-provoking read, When You Are Engulfed in Flames is the book for you,” Presti tells Best Life .
Sedaris narrates the audiobook himself, and you’re sure to be entertained by his wit as he covers topics that range from ridiculous to deeply insightful. “It’s a hilarious and poignant look at the human condition that will have you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading,” Presti says. “Follow as David travels the world and tries to make sense of it all.”
Random House Audio
Ernest Cline’s fantastic 2011 novel Ready Player One is a must-read—or listen, in this case—for anyone interested in gaming, virtual reality, or just science fiction in general.
“If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fun book to keep you entertained on a road trip, look no further than Ready Player One ,” Presti says. “This science fiction novel follows the story of Wade Watts, a teenager who finds himself thrust into a virtual world in search of an Easter egg that will grant its finder ultimate power and control over the world. Along the way, he makes allies and enemies as he fights to be the first to find the egg.”
The novel has also been adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg , but the book has significant differences. S0, even if you’ve seen the movie, you should still give the book a go. “It will have you laughing, crying, and cheering—the perfect way to pass the time on a long car ride,” Presti says.
