Summer is calling—and there’s no better way to answer than by hitting the open road.
There’s something timeless about a road trip: the freedom to go where you want, stop when something catches your eye, and fill your days with scenic views, spontaneous detours, and unforgettable memories (the best ones always being the ones we don’t plan). July is peak season for some of the most stunning drives across the U.S.—from open seaside highways to you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it alpine passes—and we’re sharing all our favorite can’t-miss road trips to embark on this season.
And because every good adventure deserves the right travel companion, we’re pairing each trip with a Sherpani bag that fits the journey. Whether you’re island hopping, hiking trails, or rolling through wine country, there’s a style made for how—and where—you travel. Let’s ride!
1. The Overseas Highway, Florida Keys 🌴
If you’re craving something coastal with an island vibe and a touch of turquoise Caribbean waters, this drive is the best in the U.S. The Overseas Highway connects mainland Florida to the Keys in one of the most surreal road trip experiences imaginable. July brings hot weather, yes—but also the warmest ocean temps of the year and that signature Keys energy. The highlight? Seven straight miles of driving over nothing but water.
Trip Highlights:
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Stop on your way to Key West in places like Key Largo for world-class coral reefs.
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Catch a Mallory Square sunset—July’s sky turns electric orange.
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Conch fritters and seafood shacks = mandatory.
Sherpani Bag to Bring: The Izzie in Cloud9
This is your co-pilot bag for breezy, windows-down driving. With easy-access organization, the Izzie keeps your essentials—emotional support water bottle, sunglasses, snacks, and headphones—right where you need them. Cloud9 + Florida’s turquoise views = a match made in road trip heaven.
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2. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana 🏔
Tucked into Glacier National Park, this famous Rocky Mountain route runs through alpine meadows and glacial lakes. Open for just a few months each year, July is your sweet spot to experience it all. With 50 miles of dramatic views, trailheads, and endless photo ops, this drive makes "detour" a beautiful word.
Trip Highlights:
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Logan Pass: wildflowers, mountain goats, and your camera’s favorite stop.
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Hike to Hidden Lake or cruise at your own pace.
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Crystal-clear stars, crisp air, and total quiet.
Sherpani Bag to Bring: The Esprit Sling in Alchemy
A lightweight, hands-free companion that’s easy on the back and big on function. Whether you’re snapping pics or chasing a waterfall, the Esprit fits it all—extra layer, snacks, phone, and camera gear—in a sleek, compact profile.
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3. Pacific Coast Highway, California 🌊
This one’s the crown jewel of coastal drives—and with good reason. The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) winds along California’s rugged coastline, serving up cliffside curves, sweeping ocean views, and sunshine that never quits. In July, the skies are clear, the surf is up, and the wildflowers are still hanging on in pockets along the roadside. Start in San Francisco, cruise through Big Sur, and end in Santa Barbara for a picture-perfect trip that’s as laid-back as it is unforgettable.
Trip Highlights:
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Pull over for Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and every scenic overlook in between.
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Grab a smoothie in Santa Cruz, wine taste in Paso Robles, or cliff picnic in Big Sur.
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Watch the sunset melt into the ocean somewhere south of Carmel—it’ll stick with you.
Sherpani Bag to Bring: The Getaway Travel Backpack in Wasabi Stone
Meet your ride-or-die for Highway 1. The Getaway is built for winding cliffside curves, coastal pull-offs, and that classic PCH unpredictability. With 27L of space, water-resistant fabric (for foggy mornings in Big Sur), and a trolley sleeve for any extended legs of the trip, it holds your road trip lineup: layers for ocean breezes, snacks for long stretches, and space for whatever you pick up in Santa Barbara. Equal parts stylish and functional—just like the views.
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4. The Cascade Loop, Washington 🌲
For those craving forests, wine country, and misty alpine air—this one’s for you. This 400+ mile loop winds through the Cascades, from Leavenworth’s Bavarian charm to the calm of Puget Sound. It’s not just a drive—it’s a full sensory experience.
Trip Highlights:
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Sit lakeside at Diablo Lake (yes, it really is that blue).
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Wander vineyards and charming small towns.
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Perfect for slow travel and unplugged days.
Sherpani Bag to Bring: The Camden Backpack in Con Leche
From vineyard stops to fog-drenched trailheads, the Camden is your Cascade Loop essential. Water-resistant and deceptively spacious, it carries everything you need for a moody lakeside picnic or a quiet hike in the evergreens. The sternum strap adds comfort for longer stretches on foot, and the sleek Con Leche color pairs perfectly with misty mornings and espresso stops in Leavenworth. Equal parts refined and rugged—just like this road trip.
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5. Skyline Drive, Virginia 🌄
East Coast beauty at its best. Skyline Drive runs through Shenandoah National Park, tracing the ridge-line of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With over 70 overlooks, it’s the kind of drive that turns into a meditation—especially in the soft, golden light of a July morning.
Trip Highlights:
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Sunrise at Hazel Mountain Overlook (pure magic).
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Hike Stony Man or opt for a scenic walk.
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Golden hour = prime time for photography or peace and quiet.
Sherpani Bag to Bring: The Metro Reversible Sling in Aloe Mist
Skyline Drive is all about soft starts, scenic stops, and letting the road set the pace—and the Metro Reversible Sling was built for exactly that. With its low-profile design and convertible strap, it’s perfect for breezing through short hikes, overlook picnics, or quiet mornings with your film camera in tow. Switch it from left to right shoulder as you roam, and keep your essentials close without the bulk. Light, effortless, and ready for golden hour.
Wherever you’re headed this summer, Sherpani’s got the bag to match your map. Our designs are built with the modern traveler in mind—adventurous, fashionable, and always functional.
So cue the playlist, load up the snacks, and take the long way home. ✌️
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