Summer Road Trip Destinations Ideal for College Students

Key West is warm and surrounded by water, making it the perfect spot for a beachy, summer trip. The iconic Duval Street provides a spot to party, but you can also go kayaking, check out the famous butterfly conservatory, or learn how Papa's Pilar rum is made at the famous Key West distillery.

Denver, Colorado boasts amazing mountain scenery, hip downtown areas like LoDo, and legal marijuana. What's not to love? Plan a road trip here to eat at amazing farm-to-table restaurants, check out the bar scene, and embark on a day hike on a trail nearby.

Panama City Beach, Florida is a great place to party when you're on a road trip with college friends. Book one of the many affordable waterfront hotels or a rental condos, then spend your days in the sun on the area's famous white sand beach.

Any southern Florida road trip should include a stop in Miami Beach, Florida. Here you'll find iconic hotels, beautiful white sand beaches, spectacular shopping, and nightlife galore. Make sure to explore South Beach for the area's best people watching and cocktails.

Las Vegas, Nevada boasts destination hotels, Broadway-quality shows, slot machines and gaming tables, an amazing club scene, and world class poker. College kids continue to flock to this dazzling destination for the booze, the nightlife, and experiences they'll never forget.

While South Padre Island, Texas is the perfect stop for a beachy road trip, there's plenty else to do here. The area has its own sea turtle rescue center and birding and nature center, along with world class restaurants and watersports.

College kids seeking a nature-inspired road trip can explore a stop in colorful and majestic Albuquerque, New Mexico. This southwestern town makes it easy to enjoy amazing mountain views, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, and tacos, of course.

Austin, Texas has everything a college student could want-a thriving music scene, a spectacular arts scene, 220 parks, hiking and biking trails, and world-famous barbecue. Planning a stop here during your summer road trip is an absolute "must" if you want live music, great company, and amazing food.

Nashville's music and club scene brings in college students in droves. Whether you're a country music fan or not, plan a stop in Nashville, Tennessee to check out the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and Bicentennial park with its stunning city views.

While Seattle is known for its famous space needle, this city boasts so much more to see and do. Plan a stay in one of the city's hostels or affordable hotels then take in the area's free attractions such as Pike's Place Market and Seacrest Park.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers affordable beachfront fun for all ages. This region boasts world class golf, 60 miles of beaches, shopping, dining, and theme parks. The famous Myrtle Beach boardwalk is a great destination place to explore, shop, and dine when you're not soaking up the sun.

College kids who don't necessarily want to party can consider a road trip stop that's less about bars and more about nature. Mackinac Island, Michigan fits the bill Great Lakes views and watersports, nature and biking trails, and boating options galore.

Road trips that pass through the Grand Canyon should include a special stop in Havasupai Falls, Arizona. This Grand Canyon waterfall offers dramatic beauty among the canyons that you have to hike eight miles to see. Getting there is tough, but the views are worth it!

Crater Lake in Oregon is exactly what is sounds like it is-a lake nestled in a giant crater. However, this lake is world renowned for its strikingly clear azure waters and dramatic scenery. Plan a road trip here if you want to hike, take part in watersports like boating and tubing, and get away from it all.

With a destination at the crossing of I-35, I-40 and I-44 in the heart of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City is the perfect place to land if you're traveling through this state. In addition to a robust bar scene, Oklahoma City offers plenty else for young people to do including hiking along its river trails, taking a scenic cruise, museums and its own zoo.

Tourists of all ages head to Salt Lake City to explore its famous churches and sights such as the stadiums of Utah Olympic Park. Salt Lake City is also popular for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, biking, and rock climbing.

Any road trip that rambles through Kentucky should include a stop in Cave City-a natural stopping point along interstate 65. This area serves as the main gateway into Mammoth Cave National Park and features historic caves, museums, interesting eateries, and its own dinosaur museum.

College students looking for a quiet place to soak up the sun should consider driving south to Gulf Shores, Alabama. This family-friendly vacation destination offers plenty of nightlife along with award-winning seafood restaurants, shopping, and some of the whitest sand you've ever seen.

While most people associate Orlando with families, there is plenty for the older generation to do as well. College students can take advantage of the inexpensive hotels in the area to explore Disney World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios, numerous waterparks, SeaWorld, and more.

Charleston, South Carolina has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination thanks to its historic roots, stunning architecture, and reputation for fun. College students looking for a road trip with historical context can head to Charleston to explore its museums, ghost tours, graveyards, and centuries old buildings.

Atlantic City has something for everyone, including gambling and gaming, award-winning acts and shows, and the beach. College kids head here to check out the glitzy high-rise hotels, night clubs, and casinos at night and relax on the beach by day.

New Orleans is an obvious place to stop on a road trip across the south. Bourbon Street provides a party experience you'll never forget and probably won't even remember, and the French Quarter offers beauty and wonder plus inspiring creole and southern cuisine.

Bozeman, Montana is gorgeous and exciting in any season, but summer brings along a special set of thrills. Not only can you enjoy the scenery, the nightlife, and exquisite farm to table dining, but you can go hiking, biking, rock climbing, or river rafting.

If you're a college student who loves wine, head to Napa Valley, California on your summer road trip this year. Hotels and bed-n-breakfasts may cost less than you think, and more than 400 wineries dot the area's fertile soils.

The rolling hills of Southern Indiana host one of the state's most famous areas for fall foliage and outdoor recreation, Brown County. This region of the state is famous for hiking, biking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors.

There's so much to do and see in Chicago regardless of whether you're into ethnic dining, the local bar scene, seeing a Cubs game at Wrigley field, or visiting tourist traps like Navy Pier. College students come here to take advantage of the big city nightlife and activities plus the city's high-rise lined beach.

The twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota offer something for everyone, whether you're a sports lover, shopaholic, or outdoor enthusiast. Stay in town to see a ball game or head to the iconic Mall of America. This land of 10,000 lakes also offers watersports and lakefront relaxation in almost every direction.

College kids who love to take part in outdoor sports and recreation should plan a road trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This mountain paradise is ideal for fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, camping, and wildlife tours, but there's also plenty of nightlife.