May 23

National Road Trip Day

Fuel up, buckle in and hit the road! National Road Trip Day is your chance to explore scenic routes and make unforgettable memories.

Yearly Date

Friday before Memorial Day

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Fuel up, buckle in and hit the road, because National Road Trip Day is here on May 24! This exciting day was established by Pilot Flying J, a chain of truck stops in the United States and Canada, in 2019. The inspiration behind the day is to kick off the unofficial start of the summer season, a time when many families, friends, and solo adventurers choose to explore the open road. National Road Trip Day is a tribute to all those who love the thrill of the journey, the stunning roadside views, and the unforgettable memories made along the way. So let's pack our bags, turn up the music and celebrate the adventures ahead!

National Road Trip Day Timeline

1885

First Automobile Invented

Karl Benz invented the first automobile, paving the way for the possibility of road trips in the future.

1913

Birth of US Highways

The U.S. started marking its highways, enabling easier navigation for drivers and encouraging exploration on the open roads.

1956

Creation of Interstate System

President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid-Highway Act, creating interstate system and making road trips across states easier.

1970s

Rise of Road Trips Trend

The trend of taking long summer road trips with family and friends became popular in North America during this decade.

2011

National Parks Tourism Boost

The National Park Service reported a major boost in tourism, a significant portion of which could be attributed to road trip explorations.

2019

First National Road Trip Day

Pilot Flying J took the initiative to establish the first National Road Trip Day to kick off the unofficial start of summer travel season.

How to Celebrate National Road Trip Day

1 Plan a spontaneous road trip

In keeping with the spirit of adventure, plan a spontaneous road trip. Select your playlist, pack some snacks for the journey, fill up the gas tank, and just hit the road! Let the open roads guide you.

2 Map out a themed road trip

Whether it’s ghost towns, historic landmarks, amusement parks or diner food, pick a theme for your road trip. It could lead you to some unexpected, but delightful places!

3 Organize a caravan road trip with friends

Invite your friends for a caravan style road trip. Nothing feels better than exploring new places with people you love and creating memories together.

4 Capture your road trip experiences

Take lots of photos, write a travel journal or create a vlog to capture all the experiences you've had. These will be great to look back on in the future and relive the moments.

5 Take a historic or scenic route

Instead of taking the fastest route, choose a scenic or historical route. It will add an extra touch of charm and intrigue to your journey, giving you a chance to see more than just the highway. Routes like the Historic Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway offer beautiful sights and points of interest along the way.

Why We Love National Road Trip Day

It Celebrates the Joy of Travel and Exploration

National Road Trip Day is a day to rekindle our love for going on exciting road trips and discovering new routes. Each road has its own character and story, which makes each trip an utterly unique experience. Nothing quite beats the thrill of an impromptu trip out on the open road!

It Offers a Chance for Quality Time and Shared Experiences

When you embark on a road trip with family or friends, it offers the opportunity to bond, have fun, and create unforgettable memories together. The journey often becomes as memorable as the destination itself, thanks to the shared experiences along the way.

It Encourages Learning about History or Natural Beauty

National Road Trip Day inspires us to take scenic or historical routes, like the Historic Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway. These routes, rich in history or natural beauty, allow one to appreciate the diverse landscape and heritage of the country more.