National Road Trip Day
Hit the open road on National Road Trip Day! Road trips are a quintessential American adventure, offering freedom, discovery, and unforgettable memories. From Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway, embrace the spirit of exploration and the joy of seeing America one mile at a time.
About National Road Trip Day
Hit the open road on National Road Trip Day! Road trips are a quintessential American adventure, offering freedom, discovery, and unforgettable memories. From Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway, embrace the spirit of exploration and the joy of seeing America one mile at a time.
History & origins
National Road Trip Day was created in 2019 by Pilot Flying J to mark the unofficial kickoff of summer travel in the United States. Pilot introduced it as the Friday before Memorial Day weekend and tied the observance to the open-road tradition, highway travel, and stop-and-go adventures that define the American road trip. The day is a modern, branded observance rather than a long-standing official holiday, and its origin is clearly tied to the travel-center company’s seasonal promotion.
Why it matters
National Road Trip Day taps into a major part of American travel culture: the road trip as an affordable, flexible way to explore the country. It also matters economically, since highway travel drives spending on fuel, food, lodging, and roadside attractions, especially as summer travel begins. For many people, it is a reminder to slow down, discover local places, and make the journey part of the experience.
How to celebrate
Plan a road trip to a destination you've always wanted to visit. Take a day trip to a nearby town or attraction. Pack snacks and create the perfect road trip playlist. Stop at roadside attractions and local diners. Share your road trip photos and stories on social media.
Facts
- Route 66 is one of the most famous American road trip routes
- The average American road trip is about 284 miles
- Road trips became popular with the rise of the automobile in the 1920s
- The Interstate Highway System was completed in 1992
- Road trips are a great way to see America's diverse landscapes and cultures
Upcoming dates
- Sunday, May 31, 2026
- Monday, May 31, 2027
- Wednesday, May 31, 2028
- Thursday, May 31, 2029
- Friday, May 31, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Road Trip Day in 2026?
National Road Trip Day in 2026 is on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
What is National Road Trip Day?
National Road Trip Day is a fun observance that celebrates road trips and the start of summer travel. It highlights the freedom, spontaneity, and discovery that come with driving to new places.
Who started National Road Trip Day?
Pilot Flying J started National Road Trip Day in 2019. It was introduced as a branded observance to celebrate the annual summer travel season.
How do you celebrate National Road Trip Day?
You celebrate it by planning a drive, even a short one, and enjoying classic road trip stops. Packing snacks, making a playlist, and visiting diners or roadside attractions fit the spirit of the day.
Is National Road Trip Day an official holiday?
No, National Road Trip Day is not an official public holiday. It is an informal observance created to celebrate road travel and summer adventures.
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