Summer will be here before you know it, and there's no better way to spend this sweltering season than on a road trip. The United States is brimming with the most beautiful and diverse views on the planet, from the glittering waters of the Pacific to the majestic Rocky Mountains and down to the mysterious swamps of the South.

There is a road trip for everyone, and we've compiled a list of routes that will take you anywhere. The slideshow above shows you some of the must-see stops along the way. So what else makes these places so special? We explain, starting with Route 66.

Route 66: 2,448 Miles

Nothing speaks more to the history and ingenuity of the United States than U.S. Route 66. Beginning in the Windy City, the long highway stretches ever westward, ending in the land of golden dreams. Chicago’s mighty skyscrapers give way to the Ozarks, eventually leading into the grassy plains of Oklahoma and Kansas. From here you’ll travel into a world of surreal sights: the desert murals of the Southwest and the sandy beaches of California.

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Cape Cod: 115 Miles

Along the craggy Atlantic coast, the hustle and bustle of Boston gives way to a maritime vision of windswept beaches, historic villages, tiny fish markets and glimpses of the mighty Atlantic. Along the route from Boston to Provincetown, you can enjoy a bike ride along the sandy shores or bask in the sun before finishing the day munching on a plate of delectable, fresh seafood.

Blue Ridge Parkway: 469 Miles

The road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia into North Carolina will take you on an ethereal ride through the vibrant forests of Shenandoah National Park to the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. Higher elevations tend to experience lower temperatures, so bring a jacket if you plan on pulling over and exploring. Temperatures can vary with the changes in elevation, ranging from 20 to 30 degrees in difference, says RomanticAsheville.

Tamiami Trail: 275 Miles

Take a scenic ride through the Sunshine State, enjoying a route that connects historical Florida with its modern counterpart. The highway is over 250 miles of warm sunlight, salty breezes and lush vegetation. The Tamiami Trail is described as the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ of Florida roadways by the St. Petersburg times, winding its way through the treacherous Florida Everglades, hammock oaks and sandy pines and affording glimpses of elusive alligators.

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Great River Road: 2,069 Miles

The drive along the Great River Road will sweep you away to one of the nation's most famous waterways. The Mighty Mississippi will unfold before you as you travel over 2,000 miles from Minnesota, known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," to Mississippi. The Great River Road is “arguably the longest and most important scenic byway,” the United States has to offer, says Experience Mississippi River. Trying to plan the perfect time to take this must-do road trip? Experience Mississippi River suggests taking the drive in September when the fall foliage showcases a stunning mosaic of fiery colors along the route.

Natchez Trace Parkway: 444 Miles

History lovers will relish the trip along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Thousands of years of history, from the early Native Americans to the American Civil War, are ingrained into the land here. From Mississippi to Tennessee, ancient ceremonial mounds will stun passerbys and the eerie ruins of a Civil War era home provide for a fantastic photography opportunity. This is another trail that is stunning in the fall; lined with everything from maple to hickory trees, you’re sure to be surrounded by a vibrant canopy of fall foliage.

Rocky Mountains (Colorado to Wyoming): 390 Miles

While all these trips are stunning in their own ways, no road trip bucket list is complete without a getaway to one of the most stunning portions of the United States. This trip will take you from the dizzying heights of Colorado’s portion of the famed Rocky Mountains to the flat, grassy prairies of Wyoming. According to National Geographic, “This drive is stunning in any season, but parts of it are impassable in winter, when snow buries the roads.”

The Great Northern: 2,571 Miles

And finally, we head north, to the longest transcontinental route in existence. The Great Northern treks coast to coast from Seattle to Maine's Acadia National Park, covering some of the country’s darkest forests, vastest plains, craggy peaks and glittering lakes. The Great Northern was named in homage of a pioneer railroad that ran parallel with the western portion of the roadway, according to Road Trip USA.

So what are you waiting for? Sit back, relax and take it all in. Don't forget to check out the slideshow at the top of the page for some of the best sights along these routes.

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