california road trip songs

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50 Fabulous Songs about California & Free California Playlist

Last Updated on: 13th January 2023, 08:11 pm

Whether you’re heading out on Route 66 or another fabulous California road trip, you will need some tunes to bob to on the drive. I have a giant list of road trip songs, but if you want something a bit more specific to California for when you hit the Cali portion of Route 66, this list is only songs about California so you can stay in a California state of mind.

At the bottom is a free California Spotify playlist that you can use on your trip!

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

The 25 Best Songs about California

Here are the best songs about California. How many have you heard?

Dani California (The Red Hot Chili Peppers)

It won’t shock you that the Red Hot Chili Peppers appear on this list more than once. They did release the album Californication after all! However, “Dani California” actually appeared their later album Stadium Arcadium.

Dani, the titular heroine, is a composite of multiple women in Anthony Kiedis’s life. She appears in multiple RHCP songs, though you might not realize the connection if you aren’t a true fanatic.

When You Get to California (Hoodoo Gurus)

‘When You Get to California’ was released as a music video by the Hoodoo Gurus as part of their album Mach Schau. Starting with a woman driving past cornfields and shots of people and places along the way, interspersed with the band performing, this is high energy driving music that lifts your spirits and makes you want to get to California faster!! -Christina from  Travel2next.com

California Sun (The Ramones)

‘California Sun’ was first recorded by Joe Jones an R&B singer in 1961. Covered by artists from The Offspring to Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon this rocking song quickly became an ode to all those headed to the sunny shores of California.

The Ramones made it theirs in 1977 removing the original sax and piano accompaniment adding a driving guitar and bass beat making it a punk anthem.

It can be found on their eponymous Leave Home Album and has been used in several feature films including Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, Jackass: The Movie, and in the famous scene in The Doors film when Jim Morrison arrives in Venice Beach.  -Faith,  Xyuandbeyond.com

Route 66 (Chuck Berry)

One of the best songs about California is “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66”. It was written in 1946 by Bobby Troup and first performed by Nat King Cole. Many different artists have covered the song over the years including Bing Crosby, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, and Depeche Mode.

John Mayer’s version was used in the Disney Pixar ‘Cars’ movie. Route 66 starts in Chicago Illinois and travels all the way to LA California. This song really gives you a great sense of just how epic the 2448 mile road trip is, with California as the ‘finish line’! -Kylie from  Between England and Iowa

California (Phantom Planet)

Even those who haven’t watched ‘The O.C.’ are surely familiar with its theme song – ‘California’ by Phantom Planet. Thanks to the show, the song, which is about driving on Route 101 and going to see a concert, got major attention in the US and Europe. Later on, it was covered by several artists like Mates of State and the virtual band Alvin & the Chipmunks (featured in their 2007 video game).

Without a doubt one of the best songs about California, this is one of those tracks that can make anyone want to get in their car and go on a road trip, and it certainly brings back a sense of nostalgia. -By Or from  My Path in the World

California Love (2Pac)

A hip hop classic that is synonymous with summer on the west coast, California Love was Tupac Shakur’s comeback song after his release from prison in 1995 and quickly became his most successful single ever. It sat on top of the Billboard Top 100 for 2 weeks.

The song was written by 2Pac and produced by Dr. Dre, with a beat that is instantly recognizable to any hip hop fan decades later.

California Love is widely regarded as one of 2Pac’s best works, and earned him 2 posthumous Grammy nominations, after his death the following year. -Dani from  Diapers in Paradise

San Francisco (Scott McKenzie)

Nothing says Hippie music more than the song ‘San Francisco’ by Scott McKenzie (written by John Phillips). The song was an instant hit and became one of the most sold singles in the 60s.

It was often coined “the unofficial anthem of the counterculture movement”. And this fits the song perfectly. It captured the spirit of the time and inspired thousands of hippies to move to San Francisco in the late 60s to fight for equality, peace, and freedom from societal norms. -Maria Haase from  SanDiegoExplorer.com

Queen of California (John Mayer)

Released way back in 2012, I’d say John Mayer’s ‘Queen of California’ is one of his most underrated songs to date. Dulcet tones meet a catchy, folk-pop/country melody to create an upbeat, positive vibe that you can’t help tapping your foot to!

Fed up with the glitz and glam of the celebrity status to which he’d grown accustomed in California, the lyrics (apparently) describe his move back to a simpler life based around quality music. Whether that’s true or not I’ll never know. One thing’s for sure, though, he wrote an absolute tune that rarely gets the recognition it deserves! -Danny Newman,  What’s Danny Doing?

Big Sur (The Thrills)

If you’re looking for a feel-good summer song with melodic guitar riffs, then take a listen to ‘Big Sur’ by The Thrills.

Big Sur was released in 2003 and has that quintessential coming of age feel to it. The song is carefree and lighthearted.

Ironically, despite the song title, the band was actually from Ireland. The song had moderate success in the charts; the band was a bit of a one-album-wonder. However, Big Sur still seems to be a firm favorite on any summer bbq party album. -Becki from  Meet Me In Departures

La La Land (Bryce Vine)

A bit newer on the scene, Bryce Vine combines hip hop and R&B for a unique sound that emulates California’s cool demeanor and laid-back vibes coupled with heavy bass and honest lyrics. One of his biggest hits last year, “La La Land,” is about the classic Southern California dream – meeting someone at a chill house party and wasting time cruising through California.

In fact, most of Bryce Vine’s songs are great for traveling through California, most of them focused on life in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. -Kay from  The Awkward Traveller

California Girls (The Beach Boys)

‘California Girls’ by The Beach Boys is one of the band’s greatest hits celebrating California women and how no one else compares! Written by band members and cousins, Brian Wilson and Mike Love, this catchy single was released in the summer of 1965.

The upbeat song is a perfect addition to your BBQ and party playlist for those warm summer nights in California! Rolling Stone magazine classified California Girls #72 of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” David Lee Roth famously covered the song in 1985 topping #3 on The Billboard 100. -Erin McLaughlin from The Gal On The Go.

It’s a Longer Road to California than I Thought (The Wind and the Wave)

It’s a Longer Road to California than I Thought  depicts a relationship on its last legs. The narrator drives in silence with her partner, alternating between reminiscing on the past, wondering where things went wrong, and pondering where they might be going.

Despite the heartbreak theme, the artist, The Wind and the Wave have written the song with an upbeat tempo and plenty of California imagery, such that the listener feels they’re in the car too. This is the most popular song from their album From the Wreckage.  It’s a Longer Road to California than I Thought  is an excellent song to play while driving alone or staring out the window. -Mikaela from  Voyageur Tripper

California Waiting (Kings of Leon)

The fourth single taken from the Youth and Young Manhood album by the Kings of Leon, California Waiting describes the negative aspects of fame. This is amplified when in a relationship and the reference to California is the very real possibility of the end of a relationship resulting from success in the industry.

Released in 2004, this song is actually an alternate version of the song that appears on their debut the EP Holy Roller Novocaine which was recorded in a rush to finish the record. However, the band wasn’t completely happy with the outcome and recorded this version instead. -Rai from  A Rai of Light

California Dreamin’ (The Mamas & the Papas)

This song was written by John and Michelle Phillips, both members of the famous American folk-rock group The Mamas & the Papas. And while the best-known version is the one recorded by that group, the original was actually sung by a lesser-known singer-songwriter named Barry McGuire.

The Mamas & the Papas sang backup on that original version, and they later went on to record their own version in 1965. The narrator of the song is singing from New York City in the dead of winter, where he is pining for the warm weather of Los Angeles. -Wendy Werneth from  The Nomadic Vegan

L.A. Woman (The Doors)

Although never released as a single, “L.A. Woman”, the title song of the 6th album released by The Doors, still resonates with the southern California vibe almost 50 years later. 

A meld of rock and blues, lead singer and songwriter Jim Morrison belts out the poetic contradictions of Los Angeles, calling it both the city of lights and the city of night.  There has always been speculation over the deeper meaning of the song, but it is filled with vibrant guitar riffs and catchy metaphoric phrases- one can’t help but sing along.  Although it was covered in 1990 by Billy Idol, it will always belong to The Doors. -Roxanna Keyes, Gypsy With a Day Job

Surfin’ U.S.A. (The Beach Boys)

Perhaps no song captures the California vibe like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys. Released in 1963, this song is a classic that everyone will recognize. “Surfin U.S.A” is essentially a collection of some of the most popular surfing spots in California.

From the beaches of San Diego in the south to Santa Cruz in the north, you’ll be transported to a California surf spot every time you hear this song. And after all, isn’t surfing, sunshine, and the ocean what California’s all about? -Ale from  Sea Salt & Fog  

Hotel California Song (The Eagles)

One of the favorite songs that would give nostalgia to many is Hotel California. This is one of the most iconic songs by The Eagles band from the album by the same name released back in 1977. 

The song won many awards and accolades including the Grammy Award for Record of the year 1978. The song remained a chartbuster across the globe on many charts and rock music lists. It is even listed in the Greatest songs of all times by Rolling Stone magazine. 

The songwriters were the members Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey. The lyrics were conceptualized during a drive to L.A. at night. The drive from SFO to LA anyhow is one of the Best road trips in the USA that definitely inspires many.  -Neha Kulshrestha of Travelmelodies .

Going to California (Led Zeppelin)

‘Going to California’ is a romantic travel song which was written and performed by the rock band Led Zeppelin in 1971. It’s a very old song but the meaningful lyrics will touch your heart if you are still looking for your dream girl. Assume your girl is somewhere in California and you are going to find her.

Play the song on your California road trip, you can relate yourself with the song. You will be amazed to know that this acoustic ballad was made with only two guitars and a mandolin. If you are going to visit California, be sure to keep this song in your playlist. This song will surely make your road trip more exciting, beautiful, and memorable. -Trijit Mallick from  BudgetTravelBuff

Californication (Red Hot Chilly Peppers)

Californication appeared in 1999, giving the same name to the seventh album of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. It is one of the band’s most popular songs and it’s been performed in almost all live shows of the last 20 years.

The name refers to the transformation of society into a Hollywood-like culture, where the movie industry creates a reality based on looks and sex, celebrity, and money.

Carnage Visors, an instrumental song by The Cure influenced the guitar and bass play in Californication. -Anda from  Travel for a while

California Gurls (Katy Perry)

Recorded in 2009, California Gurls by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg was the West Coast’s response to Empire State of Mind , the anthem about New York City by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

California Gurls was written by Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg (California natives) among others, and promotes a loud and proud California vibe with fun, sunny imagery of beaches and driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. This lively pop song is a staple for any California road trip and will have you dancing in no time! -from Alanna Koritzke at Periodic Adventures

California Soul (Marlena Shaw)

California Soul catapulted Marlena Shaw into the musical stratosphere, securing her status as a soul icon. Shaw’s soulful tones evoke a dazy dreaminess that perfectly captures a snapshot of life by the ocean in 60s California. There’s something about this song that makes it feel like sunshine on your face. That’s the magic of California Soul.

Few people know that this funk-soul tune is a cover of an earlier release by Motown group ‘The 5th Dimension’. Aside from this one, there are multiple covers of California Soul worth listening to (try the version by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell). More recently, California Soul has been sampled in loads of Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B songs which just shows its timelessness. -Amber from Ambers Destinology

Christmas in San Franciso (Vic Damone)

“Christmas in San Francisco” is one of the best Christmas and romantic songs at the same time. It was written by Tony Romano and released in 1988. The first and most famous performer of the song was Vic Damone.

The song depicts the beauty of the Christmas season in San Francisco and it puts you into a holiday mood right from the first notes. Though San Francisco might not come to mind to most people as a prime Christmas destination there are so many wonderful events happening in town this time of year that you should not miss. -Tatiana Sorokina, Family Road Trip Guru

California (Joni Mitchell)

The song “California” by Joni Mitchell is one of my favorite songs about my home state.

She starts the song in Paris, “reading the news and it sure looks bad,”  thinking about all the places she still has in the world to see. But then in the next few lines, she sings “still a lot of lands to see, but I wouldn’t stay here, It’s too old and cold and settled in its ways here.”

As a Californian with intense wanderlust that has brought me all over the world, the way she vocalizes “oh, but California, California I’m coming home” brings a little chill down my spine — it’s a sentiment I can relate too all to well.

Throughout the song, she keeps traveling to the Greek Islands and Spain, and while she’s having a great time traveling, she keeps thinking back to California, hoping it’ll take her back, “take her as I am” in her words. The song’s relationship with both a love for travel and intense homesickness for California is a dynamic I feel in my bones! – By Allison of California Crossroads

25 More California Songs for Your California Playlist

Twenty-five songs simply aren’t enough to cover all the great California songs, so here are another twenty-five.

• It Never in Southern California (Albert Hammond)
• Beverly Hills (Weezer)
• California One / Youth and Beauty Brigade (The Decemberists)
• San Diego (Atlas)
• Los Angeles (HAIM)
• California Stars (Billy Bragg, Wilco)
• I Love L.A. (Randy Newman)
• Malibu (Hole)
• Santa Monica (Everclear)
• Going Back to Cali (LL Cool J)
• Ventura Highway (America)
• Do You Know the Way to San Jose (Dion Warwick)
• All I Wanna Do (Sheryl Crow)
• I Left My Wallet in El Segundo (A Tribe Called Quest)
• Illl. Telegraph Ave. [“Oakland” by Lloyd”] (Childish Gambino)
• Los Angeles, I’m Yours (The Decemberists)
• Hollywood Freaks (Beck)
• Back in L.A. (B.B. King)
• Straight Outta Compton (N.W.A.)
• California Paradise (The Runaways)
• San Fernando Valley (Nancy Sinatra)
• Pretty Girl from San Diego (The Avett Brothers)
• [More Bounce in] California (Soulkid #1)
• Heads Carolina, Tails California (Jo Dee Messina)
• Ode to L.A. (The Raveonettes)
• Why You’d Want to Live Here (Death Cab for Cutie)
• This Town (The Go-Go’s)

Save this Free California Playlist

To save this playlist, open in Spotify and hit the “follow” button. Then you’ll be able to stream it on your very own California road trip!

Pin these California Songs for Your California Playlist

In this Article:

7 thoughts on “50 Fabulous Songs about California & Free California Playlist”

What is the song with the lyric ” California girls are the greatest in the world, each one a song in the making”?

Gold by John Stewart!

Check this one, with love from Belgium 🙂 California // Eszra – YouTube

“Sausalito Summer Nights” …. by Diesel

Also…. “San Franciscan Night”…..by The Animals

Tons of other great California songs. Many by Dave Alvin/The Blasters, Los Lobos, Tom Russell (check out “California Snow”, “rose of the San Joaquin”, etc), “South Coast” Rambling Jack Elliott (not sure who wrote it), “In Old California” Mike Beck, “Streets of Bakersfield” Buck Owens, “Low Rider” War, etc etc etc.

Yes, thank you! I’ll have to make this list a little longer!

“She stood there bright as the sun on that California coast” from Bob Seger’s Hollywood Nights is a simile forever embedded on my brain.

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Music | Ultimate California playlist: Top 25 songs for traveling the Golden State

There’s something about California that seems to inspire songwriters like no other state.

Maybe that’s because it provides so much dramatic inspiration as it stretches from the gorgeous sandy beaches of San Diego to the majestic redwood forests in the far north – and oh-so much in between.

Here are 25 great songs that sparkle with the magic of California. It’s a multigenerational, multigenre list, ranging from The Mamas & The Papas to Katy Perry. Also, we decided to pick no more than one song per artist – otherwise this whole list could have easily just been Beach Boys songs.

1. “Good Vibrations”: Let’s kick off the road trip with the ultimate California band – The Beach Boys – and possibly the most amazing pop song of all time.

2. “California Love”: Now, it’s time to drop the top (if you’re in a convertible), crank up this priceless party anthem and sing along with the legendary Tupac Shakur.

3. “California Dreamin”’: How many people moved to California in the ‘60s due to this perfect piece of sonic sunshine? In other words, you can thank The Mamas & the Papas for the congested freeways.

4. “The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion)”: Talk about a tune that evokes a proper ‘60s vibe — here’s one of the Grateful Dead’s best-known early offerings, still groovy after all these years.

5. “What Is Hip?”: Time to cross over the Bay Bridge for a big dish of “East Bay Grease,” courtesy of the one-and-only Tower of Power and its fabled horn section.

6. “All I Wanna Do”: If, indeed, all you “wanna” do is have some fun, then we recommend you turn up Sheryl Crow’s breakthrough hit, which radiates with a warm California glow from start to finish.

7. “California Girls”: No, this absolutely does not count as a second Beach Boys song on our list, because, um, we are going with the David Lee Roth cover version here. Yeah, that’s what we’re doing. Honest.

8. “California Gurls”: We just love the juxtaposition of Katy Perry’s super dance number with The Beach Boys – uh, we mean David Lee Roth – favorite.

9. “I Love L.A.”: Giants fans might not appreciate this one, which is played each time the home team wins at Dodger Stadium. But we just can’t imagine a proper California playlist without including Randy Newman’s amazing ode to the great city of Los Angeles.

10. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”: As legend has it, Otis Redding began writing this beauty while on a houseboat at Waldo Point in Sausalito. The result would be, for our money, the greatest song ever written about the Bay Area.

11. “Pacific Ocean Blue”: This memorable cut also does not count as a Beach Boys tune, since it hails from Dennis Wilson’s one – and, sadly, only – solo album.

12. “Rockin’ Down the Highway”: Is San Jose in the house? You bet, thanks to this fantastic Doobie Brothers offering. Just do your best to obey posted speed limits as the Doobies propel you on your road trip with “Got those highway blues, can’t you hear my motor runnin’/Flyin’ down the road with my foot on the floor.”

13. “Tell Me When to Go”: Time for a big dose of the East Bay’s hyphy sound, courtesy of rappers E-40 and Keak da Sneak. Enjoy responsibly and please resist the urge to “ghost ride the whip.”

14. “It Was a Good Day”: Ice Cube delivers a tuneful travelogue through a day in the life of one young man living in Southern California. We’ve always thought of this song as a kind of hip-hop equivalent of James Joyce’s “Ulysses.” But, then again, maybe we think too much (or not enough?).

15. “Malibu”: A lot of people forget just how fantastic Courtney Love and Hole were in back in the day. Let this shiny rocker serve as a reminder.

16. “L.A. Woman”: This Doors classic kicks off a three-song adrenaline rush. So, watch your speedometer, because we know the foot can get a little heavy on the pedal whenever Jim Morrison comes on.

17. “Still In Hollywood”: L.A. alt-rock outfit Concrete Blonde was at the top of its game when it recorded this blistering rocker, propelled by Johnette Napolitano’s soaring vocals and bass work, James Mankey’s muscular guitar leads and Harry Rushakoff’s explosive drumming.

18. “Hollywood Nights”: Leave it to the Midwest’s greatest rocker – Bob Seger – to come up with the ultimate song about Hollywood.

19. “The Only Place”:  It’s a shimmering slice of indie-pop magic, delivered by one of the best California bands of recent years — Best Coast.

20. “Streets of Bakersfield”: You didn’t think we’d forget the country music fans, did you? Here’s a honky-tonker from Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam, followed by an offering by one of the genre’s all-time greats.

21. “A Friend in California”: Merle Haggard was the man.

22. “California Uber Alles”: Just wanted to make sure you were still paying attention, and not getting sleepy. This jolt of the Bay Area’s Dead Kennedys will wake you right up.

23. “Back in San Francisco”: Yet another amazing pop song from South Bay songwriter Allen Clapp and his terrific Orange Peels.

24. “Electrolite”: Granted, we’ll look for pretty much any excuse to put R.E.M. on pretty much any list. But this gorgeous piano ballad for L.A. is nothing less than breathtaking.

25. “Talk to Me of Mendocino”: Put it in cruise control and enjoy Linda Ronstadt’s version of this lovely tune, written by Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

Bonus track– “Surfer Girl”: OK, we lied. We couldn’t bear to only put one Beach Boys cut on the list. So, please accept our apology and enjoy this remarkably romantic treasure.

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The ultimate playlist for your California road trip (Chilled vibes guaranteed!)

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on May 23, 2018 |

My husband and I fell in love on long drives down Highway One. Early enough in our relationship to cause concern, we’d hop into a rental car together and hit the road from our home in San Francisco: a few hours south to Big Sur, a few hours north to Mendocino; it didn’t much matter where we went as long as the views were spectacular. Conversation flowed so naturally it surprised us both, but when it didn’t we just turned up the music and relaxed in a comfortable silence, gazing out the window at the most stunning coastline in the world and watching whales breach in the Pacific ocean down below.

Over the years and through many weekends spent exploring our beloved home state, we developed the perfect playlist for driving in California. As you pass through rolling coastal cliffs, tiny beach towns, majestic redwoods, and the cityscapes of Los Angeles and San Francisco, this soundtrack will accompany your journey. Get your shaka ready and practice saying things like “chill vibes” un-ironically ( this is something I still struggle with) .

“California” by Phantom Planet

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“Maps for the Getaway” by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

The song isn’t specific to California in any way other than the fact that Andrew McMahon is the most California person ever. That said, it is a great road trip jam. Press play and let the road take you. After all, all you’ve got is time.

“California Love” by Dr. Dre and 2Pac

Another one of those Official California Soundtrack songs. Come on, you can’t drive through California and NOT listen to this!

Bakersfield, CA

“It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube

This is one of the quintessential 90’s West Coast rap songs, and the perfect song to roll through Los Angeles to.

“West Coast” by The Neighborhood

If there was a song on this list that describes my California native husband, this is it. Put this on as you head to the beach and become the embodiment of the phrase “chill vibes.”

“California Dreamin” by The Mamas and The Papas

Live your surfing flower child fantasy by putting this song on and letting the ocean air drift in through the open windows. Beachfront drives work best for this song, especially somewhere with a lot of surfing, like Huntington Beach or Venice Beach.

San Francisco, CA

“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Who hasn’t rolled down the windows and belted this out to the wind? Take the 110 to the 5 to the 405, singing this along the way. (Honestly, any highway in Los Angeles works for this song.)

“Los Angeles, I’m Yours” by The Decemberists

We might be San Francisco people more so than Los Angeles people, but that’s neither here nor there. Colin Meloy’s poetic description of life in LA will stick with you and provide some great background music for your trip.

“Canyon Moon” by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

Andrew McMahon has no shortage of excellent songs about California, and this is one of our favorites. It’s the perfect anthem for a trip to Joshua Tree or Death Valley, even though it’s really about Topanga Canyon.

“California Sunrise” by Dirty Gold

Get up early enough to see the sunrise and play this as you cruise in the golden light of morning, particularly near Malibu.

Monterey, CA

“No Room in Frame” by Death Cab for Cutie

A perfect California driving song, thanks to its copious references to LA highways and nearby towns – not to mention its soothing melody. Oh, and the song-long driving metaphor. That too.

“San Luis Obispo” by The Scissor Sisters

The Central Coast is often overlooked, but we have a soft spot for the cluster of towns halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles . Turn on this catchy tune as you head to San Luis Obispo.

“California One / Youth and Beauty Brigade” by The Decemberists

If we had to choose only one song to perfectly encapsulate the way it feels to drive the Pacific Coast Highway, it would be this one. The lyrics begin “take a long drive with me on California One.” I mean, hello . Play this song as you head north from the Central Coast up the most beautiful stretch of highway you’ve ever seen in your life.

“Big Sur” by Jack Johnson

The best song to listen to after a night spent camping in stunning Big Sur.

Big Sur, CA

“Bixby Canyon Bridge” by Death Cab for Cutie

This song is one of the best Highway One anthems about everyone’s favorite photogenic bridge. Turn on this song the minute the Bixby Canyon Bridge comes into view on Highway One, just north of Big Sur. Important disclaimer: please don’t climb below the bridge like the song says. That’s dangerous.

“Going to California” by Led Zeppelin

Time for some meditative, contemplative California music. The acoustic riffs of this classic Led Zeppelin song are the perfect accompaniment to that golden hour just before twilight, ocean air, and your own thoughts.

“Overland” by I’m With Her

A beautiful, folksy ballad about the long journey from Chicago to San Francisco. Play this song as the sun sets over the Pacific on your way to San Francisco.

“Keep the Car Running” by Arcade Fire

The perfect driving song to keep you in that meditative road trip zone. You know, that relaxed, calm, inner peace feeling. Please, don’t make me say “chill vibes” again. I’m from San Francisco, not LA, OK?

“Road Trippin’” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

An excellent song for getting quietly up in your feels and soothing your aching, nomadic soul as you explore the Golden State.

Yosemite National Park, CA

“San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” by Scott McKenzie

Transport yourself back to the 60’s with the hippie anthem of the century. This song was single-handedly responsible for the massive influx of flower children that resulted in the Summer of Love. Listen to it as you explore the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco, where some of those very same flower children – now more like flower elderly – still reside.

“(Sittin on) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding

This song is the perfect blend between the soul music of Memphis and the free-spirited vibe of San Francisco. Listen to it as you cruise the Embarcadero in San Francisco.

“San Francisco” by The Mowgli’s

This is the quintessential modern San Francisco anthem, especially for us locals. Somehow this song feels like a welcome mat, like there’s a software engineer in a tie-dyed Google hoodie playing it on an iPad as you arrive bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready to fall in love with this amazing, historic city. Can you feel the love?

“San Francisco” by Foxygen

Everyone knows “(I left my heart) in San Francisco,” but it’s a bit … how do we say this politely? Dated. Okay, it’s old. This song is its modern-day, much catchier replacement. Listen to it as you leave San Francisco behind.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

“On the Road Again” by Canned Heat

This is one of those classic road trip songs, but it’s a lot more relaxed ( dare I say … chill? ) than similar songs by Bon Jovi or Bruce Springsteen.

“101” by WALLA

Highway 101 always seems to get overshadowed by its coastal cousin. Still, at some point you’ll find yourself driving through California on the 101, and it will be the perfect time to jam to this upbeat song.

“Everyday is a Winding Road” by Sheryl Crow

Play this song as you’re swerving through curves and turns on some windy California back road. Yep, that’s right: we went literal. Sometimes you just have to go literal with your road trip songs, you know?

“Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne

Let’s keep this literal train rolling: listen to this song when you’re running out of gas. Dad jokes, anyone?

Redondo Beach, CA

“Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane

If you only include one cliche road trip song in your playlist, let it be this one. Play it when you find yourself on the 5 and you need something to sing along to, because the 5 is the least exciting highway in California.

“Lazy Eye” by Silversun Pickups

This song isn’t about California, or driving. But that doesn’t stop it from being an excellent song for driving in California. Something about the vibes, I guess. Perhaps they are chill.

“Holocene” by Bon Iver

This is another song that isn’t technically about California, but feels like it should be. It is THE perfect song to listen to while driving through massive old growth redwoods, particularly at Avenue of the Giants. The lyrics “I am not magnificent” will speak deeply to your soul as you pass through zillion year old trees. Just ignore the other lyrics – you know, the ones that sound like “shake and bake and stick with us” but actually say “jagged vacance thick with ice” ( what the heck is a vacance, anyway ?).

“California” by Delta Spirit

At the tail end of your incredible California road trip, you’re probably thinking about moving here. Sure, we’re incredibly biased, but you totally should! Anyway, this is an appropriate song for that feeling.

Hostels in California

About the author

Lia Garcia is a travel blogger at Practical Wanderlust , an off-beat couple’s travel blog which has been featured in Travel & Leisure, Forbes, the Washington Post, and other impressive sounding publications across the web. When she’s not traveling, she lives in Oakland with her husband Jeremy. She spends a lot of time watching Netflix, creating spreadsheets, and amusing herself on Instagram Stories.

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Mark Watson

California-based member of a LA Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. Author of bestselling books on Amazon about Route 66, Alaska Highway, PCH 1 & Overseas Higwhay. 🇺🇸

Pacific Coast Highway – The 15 BEST TOP SONGS & PLAYLIST for Your Road Trip

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic roads in the world. If you’re planning a road trip along this iconic route, then you know that music is a crucial part of any adventure. Whether you’re cruising through the winding roads or enjoying a beach sunset, the right playlist can make all the difference.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best songs and playlist for the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. From classic rock to indie hits, we’ve got you covered with a mix of old and new tunes that will make your journey unforgettable. So buckle up, roll down the windows, and let’s hit the road!

1. California Sunrise – Dirty Gold

I’ll start with a lesser-known track! “California Sunrise” is a dreamy, indie-pop track by the band Dirty Gold. Released in 2013, the song captures the essence of a California morning, with its sun-kissed melodies and shimmering guitars. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and yearning for a simpler time, as the singer muses about the beauty of the Golden State. With its infectious chorus and hazy production, “California Sunrise” is a perfect addition to any road trip playlist along the Pacific Coast Highway.

2. Saturday Sun – Vance Joy

We are sticking with lesser-known Pacific Coast Highway songs for now. Another great track for your summer West Coast drive is “Saturday Sun” by Vance Joy. “Saturday Sun” is an upbeat indie-folk track by Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy. Released in 2018 as a single from his second studio album “Nation of Two,” the song’s infectious melody and sing-along chorus make it a perfect addition to any summer road trip playlist. The lyrics tell a story of escaping to a carefree weekend getaway with a loved one and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. With its joyful energy and feel-good vibes, “Saturday Sun” is sure to put a smile on your face and make your West Coast drive even more memorable.

3. California Dreamin’ – Amason

“California Dreamin'” is a cover of the classic hit by The Mamas & The Papas, performed by Swedish indie-pop band Amason. Released in 2015, the cover is a fresh take on the timeless song, with Amason’s signature dreamy vocals and atmospheric soundscapes. The band stays true to the original’s melancholic lyrics, which express a longing for the warmth and sunshine of California while being stuck in cold, wintry New York. The cover has a slower tempo than the original, adding a contemplative, introspective feel to the track. “California Dreamin'” by Amason is a beautiful rendition that captures the essence of the original while bringing a new perspective to the beloved classic.

4. Malibu – Miley Cyrus

When you find yourself in Malibu during your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, be sure to play “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus. “Malibu” is a pop ballad by American singer Miley Cyrus, released in 2017. The song was inspired by Cyrus’ relationship with her then-fiancé, actor Liam Hemsworth, and their shared experiences in Malibu, California. The lyrics express a sense of newfound love and freedom, as Cyrus sings about the joys of being in Malibu and the healing power of the ocean. The song’s mellow, acoustic sound and Cyrus’ emotional vocals make it a perfect track for a relaxing drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. “Malibu” is a heartfelt tribute to a beautiful location and a special moment in Cyrus’ personal life.

5. California Gurls – Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg

I simply can’t leave out this mainstream classic from my top Pacific Coast Highway Songs playlist! It’s none other than “California Gurls” by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg. “California Gurls” is an upbeat pop song by American singer Katy Perry, featuring rapper Snoop Dogg. Released in 2010, the song is a playful ode to the laid-back California lifestyle and the beauty of its women. The lyrics mention several famous California locations, including Venice Beach, Palm Springs, and San Francisco. The catchy chorus and playful melody make “California Gurls” a perfect summer anthem, and its music video, featuring Perry and Snoop Dogg in a candy-colored, beach-themed fantasy world, became an instant hit. “California Gurls” is a fun and infectious song that captures the spirit of the Golden State and is sure to get you in the mood for a sun-soaked drive down the Pacific Coast Highway.

6. Pure Shores – All Saints

Another classic that makes it onto my playlist of Pacific Coast Highway songs is “Pure Shores” by All Saints. This song was even featured in the popular video game, Grand Theft Auto. “Pure Shores” is a pop song by British girl group All Saints, released in 2000. The song was written specifically for the soundtrack of the movie “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and was later included in the group’s album “Saints & Sinners.” The dreamy, electronic sound and ethereal vocals of “Pure Shores” create a serene and relaxing atmosphere, making it a perfect track for a coastal drive. The lyrics express a desire for escape to a place of peace and tranquility, where one can leave behind the worries of the world. “Pure Shores” is a beautiful and calming song that captures the beauty of nature and the need for inner peace.

7. California Soul – Marlena Shaw

Let’s continue with another classic song for our playlist! It’s none other than “California Soul” by Marlena Shaw. “California Soul” is a soul and funk song by American singer Marlena Shaw, released in 1969. The song was written by Ashford & Simpson and features lively horns and a catchy beat, making it a perfect tune for a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. The lyrics celebrate the carefree and laid-back California lifestyle, with Shaw’s soulful vocals expressing the joy of living in the Golden State. “California Soul” has been covered and sampled by many artists over the years, and its upbeat, feel-good vibe continues to be a favorite among music lovers of all ages. This classic tune is sure to put you in a good Pacific Coast Highway mood and get you grooving along your coastal drive.

8. I’m Always Here – Jimi Jamison

Have you ever watched Baywatch? If so, you’ll recognize this next song, which was featured on this iconic series! I’m talking about “I’m Always Here” by Jimi Jamison. “I’m Always Here” is a rock song by American musician Jimi Jamison, released in 1993. The song is best known as the theme song for the popular television series, Baywatch. The upbeat and energetic melody of “I’m Always Here” perfectly captures the lively and carefree atmosphere of the show, making it a great addition to any summer road trip playlist. The song’s lyrics express the idea of being a reliable and steadfast friend, always there to offer support and encouragement. “I’m Always Here” has become a cult classic and a favorite among fans of the show, as well as those who appreciate its catchy tune and uplifting message. If you’re looking for a song to boost your Pacific Coast Highway mood and get you singing along, “I’m Always Here” is the perfect choice.

9. Hotel California – Eagles

“Hotel California” is a song by the American rock band Eagles. Released in 1977, it quickly became one of their most famous and beloved songs. The song features a haunting melody, intricate guitar work, and thought-provoking lyrics that have inspired countless interpretations and debates. It tells the story of a weary traveler who stumbles upon a strange and alluring hotel, only to become trapped in a surreal and nightmarish world. Despite its mysterious and often ominous tone, “Hotel California” remains a beloved classic and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Eagles.

10. California Blue – Roy Orbison

Your Pacific Coast Highway experience would not be complete without the iconic song ‘California Blue’ by Roy Orbison. The song, released in 1989, perfectly captures the spirit and essence of California with its lush instrumentation and Orbison’s haunting vocals. It has become a beloved classic, often played on road trips and as a tribute to the beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway.

11. San Francisco – Scott McKenzie

One of the most famous songs associated with the Pacific Coast Highway and the city of San Francisco is “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” by Scott McKenzie. The song, released in 1967, was written to promote the Monterey Pop Festival and quickly became an anthem for the counterculture movement of the time. Its mellow folk-rock sound and catchy chorus make it a perfect addition to any Pacific Coast Highway road trip playlist. The song captures the spirit of San Francisco with its lyrics about peace, love, and the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.

12. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves

“Walking on Sunshine” is an upbeat pop song by Katrina and the Waves, released in 1985. Its catchy melody and feel-good lyrics make it a great addition to any Pacific Coast Highway road trip playlist. The song’s upbeat tempo and lively energy capture the feeling of driving along the scenic coastal highway with the sun shining and the wind in your hair. “Walking on Sunshine” has become a classic party anthem and remains a beloved hit to this day. Whether you’re cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway or simply need a pick-me-up, this song is sure to bring a smile to your face and get your toes tapping.

13. My Silver Lining – First Aid Kit

“My Silver Lining” by First Aid Kit is a folk-pop song that was released in 2014. While it may not be an obvious choice for a Pacific Coast Highway playlist, it is a great song with beautiful harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and a haunting melody that can make for a unique addition to a road trip playlist. The song’s introspective nature and acoustic instrumentation make it well-suited for a more relaxed and reflective part of the drive. While other more upbeat and energetic songs might be more commonly associated with a road trip, “My Silver Lining” offers a different perspective that can help you appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

14. Big Sur – Jack Johnson

“Big Sur” is a song by singer-songwriter Jack Johnson that was released in 2013. The song is named after the coastal region of California that is known for its rugged beauty and scenic drives along the Pacific Ocean. The song features Johnson’s signature laid-back acoustic sound and captures the essence of Big Sur’s peaceful and idyllic nature. Its simple yet evocative lyrics, coupled with Johnson’s mellow vocals, create a sense of calm and serenity that is well-suited for a relaxing drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. “Big Sur” has become a fan favorite and remains a popular addition to road trip playlists that showcase the beauty of the California coastline.

15. Hollywood Nights –  Bob Seger

“Hollywood Nights” is a song by American rock artist Bob Seger, released in 1978. The song tells the story of a young man’s wild and adventurous night in Hollywood, filled with parties, music, and romance. The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a perfect addition to any road trip playlist, including one for the Pacific Coast Highway. The song’s energetic rock sound and vivid storytelling capture the excitement and allure of Hollywood’s nightlife, making it an anthem for anyone looking for adventure and a good time. “Hollywood Nights” has become a classic hit and remains a popular song that embodies the spirit of rock and roll.

If you’re also curious about the top attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway, feel free to check out my latest blog post: Pacific Coast Highway – The 20 BEST STOPS Along the West Coast – Must-see places!

Pacific Coast Highway Playlist:

👍 Find out more:

Discover the best stops along the PCH in my travel guide,  “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops” , which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all West Coast travelers. Visit 202 places on the PCH with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.

Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles motorcycle club and an avid traveler. He has completed seven full journeys along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway on his Harley-Davidson and is passionate about promoting this historic drive to others. Mark has also explored the Alaska Highway and Route 66, and has authored three bestselling travel guides on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places,” “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops,” and “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops.”

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The Perfect California Road Trip Playlist

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

When planning a trip to California, one pictures sun and blue skies for those light, laid back west coast vibes. Well, it turns out when you travel to California in winter like we did, sometimes it rains. Looking out the window, If I didn’t know any better, I definitely could have believed we were still somewhere in Ohio.

However, this was our first visit to the Golden State, and I wanted to take it in as much as I could. So what’s the best way to feel like you’re in California when the weather says otherwise? Create sunny west coast vibes with the proper road trip tunes. Thankfully, I had quite the selection of songs on my phone to create the perfect California road trip playlist right on the spot.

California Road Trip Playlist

Below, I have created the perfect road trip playlist for your next west coast adventure. It is 51 straight minutes of old and new songs about California, showing that the magic of this state transcends generations, styles, and genres. So, sit back, enjoy the journey, and see if you can find some inspiration for yourself as you drive through California with these jams in the background.

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The ultimate California road trip playlist (Reels and TikTok sound suggestions)

Whether you’re planning a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway or just dreaming of sunny beaches and iconic landmarks, this ultimate California road trip playlist is sure to get you in the mood. Featuring a mix of classic rock, folk, hip-hop, and more, each song on this list captures the spirit and energy of the Golden State. 

And with their upbeat tempos and catchy melodies, they’re also perfect for adding some flavor to your Instagram reels or Tiktok sounds. From cruising down the streets of Los Angeles to catching waves in Venice Beach , these tunes will transport you to some of the most iconic destinations in California. 

So pack your bags, roll down the windows, and hit the road with the perfect soundtrack for your California adventure!

Page Contents

The ultimate California road trip playlist

Get ready to hit the open road and explore the iconic state of California with this carefully curated playlist. From the bustling streets of Los Angeles and the laid-back vibes of Venice Beach to the scenic coastline of San Francisco, each song on this list captures the essence of California. As you embark on your journey, let the music guide you through the state’s diverse landscapes and soak up the sunshine and good vibes. 

Don’t forget to snap some photos along the way and pair them with some California-inspired captions from our California captions for Instagram (Puns, Quotes & Short Captions) article . 

So buckle up, roll down the windows, and let’s hit the road with some of the greatest tunes from the Golden State!

• The Beach Boys – California Girls (Rock)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication (Rock)
• Tom Petty – Free Fallin’ (Rock)
• Tupac – California Love (Hip-Hop)
• Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way (Rock)
• Eagles – Hotel California (Rock)
• The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin’ (Folk/Rock)
• Snoop Dogg – Gin and Juice (Hip-Hop)
• Creedence Clearwater Revival – Proud Mary (Rock)
• Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine (Rock)
• Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg – Nuthin’ but a G Thang (Hip-Hop)

Grateful Dead – Truckin’ (Rock)

Sublime – santeria (reggae/rock), neil young – heart of gold (folk/rock), janis joplin – mercedes benz (blues/rock), green day – good riddance (time of your life) (rock), the doors – la woman (rock), joni mitchell – california (folk), stevie nicks – edge of seventeen (rock), kendrick lamar – alright (hip-hop), the story behind this california road trip playlist.

Whether you’re hitting the road with friends or embarking on a solo adventure, this playlist is the perfect companion for your California journey. So sit back, relax, and let the music transport you to some of the most iconic destinations in the state. But before you press play, here’s the story behind each song and why it made the cut for this epic road trip soundtrack.

California Girls – The Beach Boys (Rock)

Released: 1965

“California Girls” was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love of The Beach Boys and was released in 1965. The song is a tribute to the girls of California and the lifestyle of the state. It has become an anthem for the state of California and a classic summer song.

Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers (Rock)

Released: 1999

“Californication” is the title track of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ seventh studio album, which was released in 1999. The song is a commentary on the entertainment industry in California and how it has become commercialized and consumed by the media. The lyrics also reference various California landmarks and celebrities.

Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty (Rock)

Released: 1989

“Free Fallin'” is a song by Tom Petty that was released in 1989. The song is about a girl who is living in Los Angeles and trying to find herself. It references various locations in California, such as Mulholland Drive and Ventura Boulevard.

California Love – Tupac (Hip-Hop)

Released: 1995

“California Love” is a song by Tupac featuring Dr. Dre that was released in 1995. The song is an ode to California and the West Coast hip-hop scene. It features a sample of “Woman to Woman” by Joe Cocker and has become an iconic song of the 90s.

Hotel California – Eagles (Rock)

Released: 1977

“Hotel California” is a song by Eagles that was released in 1977. The song is about the excess and hedonism of the 1970s in California. The lyrics are filled with metaphors and allegories, making it one of the most mysterious and debated songs in music history.

Santeria – Sublime (Reggae/Rock)

Released: 1996

“Santeria” is a song by Sublime that was released in 1996. The song is about a man who wants revenge on his girlfriend’s new lover. It references the city of Santeria, which is a nickname for Santa Ana, California. The song is known for its catchy melody and unique fusion of reggae and rock music.

I hope this additional information gives you some context and insight into the songs on your California road trip playlist!

Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac (Rock)

Released: 1976

“Go Your Own Way” is a song by Fleetwood Mac that was released in 1976. The song was written by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and is about his failing relationship with Stevie Nicks, who was also in the band. The song’s lyrics are filled with bitterness and resentment, making it a powerful breakup anthem.

Gin and Juice – Snoop Dogg (Hip-Hop)

Released: 1993

“Gin and Juice” is a song by Snoop Dogg that was released in 1993. The song is about Snoop’s life in Long Beach, California, and the party scene that he was a part of. The lyrics are filled with references to California and its culture, making it a classic West Coast hip-hop song.

Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival (Rock)

Released: 1969

“Proud Mary” is a song by Creedence Clearwater Revival that was released in 1969. The song is about a woman who takes a job working on a riverboat to escape her mundane life. The song’s chorus is filled with energy and has become a classic rock and roll sing-along.

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses (Rock)

Released: 1987

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” is a song by Guns N’ Roses that was released in 1987. The song is about lead singer Axl Rose’s girlfriend at the time, Erin Everly. The song’s iconic guitar riff has made it one of the most recognizable rock songs of all time.

Nuthin’ but a G Thang – Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg (Hip-Hop)

Released: 1992

“Nuthin’ but a G Thang” is a song by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg that was released in 1992. The song is about the West Coast hip-hop lifestyle and culture. It features a laid-back groove and smooth lyrics, making it a classic song of the 90s.

Released: 1970

“Truckin'” is a song by the Grateful Dead that was released in 1970. The song is about life on the road as a touring musician, and the various challenges and experiences that come with it. As a band that originated in San Francisco, California, the Grateful Dead have always been associated with the state’s counterculture and free-spirited lifestyle.

“Santeria” is a song by Sublime that was released in 1996. The song is about a man who is seeking revenge on his girlfriend’s killer, and its catchy reggae-influenced melody and lyrics make it a popular song for road trips. Sublime was formed in Long Beach, California, and the band’s music has always been associated with the state’s laid-back surf culture.

Released: 1972

“Heart of Gold” is a song by Neil Young that was released in 1972. The song is about a search for inner peace and contentment, and its gentle folk-inspired melody and lyrics make it a classic road trip song. Neil Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has long been associated with California’s music scene, particularly in the 1970s.

Released: 1971

“Mercedes Benz” is a song by Janis Joplin that was released in 1971. The song is a humorous take on consumerism and materialism, and its bluesy melody and witty lyrics make it a classic road trip song. Janis Joplin was born in Texas, but she became associated with California’s music scene in the 1960s and 1970s.

Released: 1997

“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” is a song by Green Day that was released in 1997. The song is about moving on from the past and embracing the future, and its catchy melody and memorable lyrics make it a popular road trip song. Green Day is a punk rock band from the San Francisco Bay Area, and their music has always been associated with California’s punk and alternative music scenes.

“L.A. Woman” is a song by The Doors that was released in 1971. The song is an ode to Los Angeles and its unique culture and lifestyle, and its bluesy rock melody and iconic lyrics make it a classic California road trip song. The Doors were formed in Los Angeles, and their music has always been associated with the city’s counterculture and rock music scene.

“California” is a song by Joni Mitchell that was released in 1971. The song is about the allure of California and its idyllic lifestyle, and its gentle folk-inspired melody and poetic lyrics make it a classic California road trip song. Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has long been associated with California’s music scene.

Released: 1981

“Edge of Seventeen” is a song by Stevie Nicks that was released in 1981. The song is about the death of John Lennon and its impact on Nicks, and its driving rock melody and powerful lyrics make it a classic road trip song that has been embraced by generations of music fans. Stevie Nicks was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but she became associated with California’s music scene in the 1970s and 1980s as a member of Fleetwood Mac.

Released: 2015

“Alright” is a song by Kendrick Lamar that was released in 2015. The song is about resilience and hope in the face of adversity, and its dynamic hip-hop beat and politically charged lyrics make it a powerful California road trip song. Kendrick Lamar is a rapper and songwriter from Compton, California, and his music has always been associated with the state’s hip-hop and rap scenes.

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Hey there! I'm Elliot Clennam, a passionate photographer based in Brussels, Belgium. My love for capturing the essence of my surroundings has led me on countless adventures, from exciting road trips to bustling city escapes.

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The California Road Trip Playlist You'll Have on Repeat

From catchy tunes to classic tracks, these fun road trip songs will have you singing and dancing in your seat the entire journey.

September 17, 2020

Hitting the open road with the sun shining down on you, the breeze blowing through your hair, and the anticipation of adventure bubbling up inside of you has a way of evoking a sense of freedom that’s hard to beat—especially when you’re blasting the ultimate road trip playlist. Whether you’re cruising to NorCal along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway , heading to the deserts of Southern California , discovering Historic Route 66 , or visiting the state’s national parks , great road trip songs will get you revved up on any journey and fuel your good mood . 

Given the vast number of scenic drives in California, there’s seemingly no end to the roadways leading past crashing surf and pristine sands, through lush forests and looming mountains, and into striking deserts and captivating valleys. In the Golden State, you can truly find a route fit for any interest. Once you’ve determined the best road trip to take based on your personality , all that’s left is choosing the best songs for your car ride.

The Best Road Trip Songs to Sing Along to

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We’ve got you covered when it comes to the top road trip songs . From classic songs about the road to catchy tunes by California musicians, these fun road trip songs will have you singing and dancing in your seat the entire time. So grab your keys, pick up your closest friends, roll down the windows, and crank up the stereo. It’s time to hit the road and rock out to the best road trip playlist. Give it a listen on Spotify .

• “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
• “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
• “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
• “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
• “Juice” by Lizzo
• “Havana” by Camila Cabello and Young Thug
• “Confident” by Demi Lovato
• “Break Free” by Ariana Grande and Zedd
• “All I Wanna Do” by Sheryl Crow
• “Just a Girl” by No Doubt
• “Formation” by Beyoncé
• “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
• “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
• “Tell Me When to Go” by E-40 and Keak da Sneak
• “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
• “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth
• “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
• “Drive” by Incubus
• “Doin' Time/Summertime” by Sublime
• “No One Knows” by Queens of the Stone Age
• “Scar Tissue” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
• “California” by The Lagoons
• “Better Together” by Jack Johnson
• “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train
• “Home” by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
• “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey
• “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish
• “Low Rider” by War
• “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” by Journey
• “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
• “Hotel California” by The Eagles
• “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty
• “Smooth” by Santana
• “California” by Phantom Planet

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50+ BEST Road Trip Songs for the Ultimate Road Trip Playlist

Heading on a road trip soon and looking for the top road trip songs to add to your road trip playlist?  I’ve got you covered with 50+ of the best road trip songs to listen (and sing along to) on long car drives.

Road Trip Songs For Your Road Trip Playlist

I hope you enjoy this list of great road trip songs. I have included a mix of road trip songs from different genres (including rock, pop and country) and different eras (from classic road trip songs to modern road trip songs). Most of these great songs are about road trips and travel or cars, highways and driving in general.

(And if you are planning on taking a road trip soon make sure to check out my essential road trip packing list  to make sure you have all your road trip essentials before you go!)

10 Best Road Trip Songs of All Time

I think these are the 10 best road trips songs of all time (in no particular order).

• “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
• “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
• “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
• “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane
• “Little Red Corvette” by Prince
• “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by the Proclaimers
• “Take It Easy” by the Eagles
• “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
• “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (This song is perfect for a classic American road trip in the South.)
• “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar

Best Classic Road Trip Songs

Below are the greatest classic road trip songs that need to be on your music playlist:

• “Long Lonely Highway” by Elvis Presley
• “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
• “American Pie” by Don McLean
• “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
• “Route 66” by Chuck Berry
• “No Particular Place to Go” by Chuck Berry
• “Truckin’” by The Grateful Dead
• “Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne
• “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
• “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett
• “Radar Love” by Golden Earring
• “Hotel California” by Eagles
• “America” by Simon & Garfunkel
• “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop

80s Road Trip Songs

Below are best 80s road trip songs to add to your music playlist:

• “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham
• “Road to Nowhere” by Talking Heads
• “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins (from the movie Top Gun)
• “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
• “Love Shack” by the B52s
• “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake
• “Born in the U.S.A” by Bruce Springsteen
• “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• “I Drove All Night” by Cyndi Lauper
• “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

90s Road Trip Songs

Below are best 90s road trip songs to add to your music playlist:

• “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash
• “The Distance” by Cake
• “Drive” by Incubus
• “The Way” by Fastball
• “Everyday is a Winding Road” by Sheryl Crow

Modern Road Trip Songs

Below are best modern road trip songs to add to your music playlist:

• “Shut Up and Drive” by Rihanna
• “California” by Phantom Planet – this is one of my favorite California road trip songs .)
• “Keep the Car Running” by Arcade Fire
• “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
• “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
• “California Gurls” by Katy Perry (featuring Snoop Dogg)
• “Maps For The Getaway” by Andrew McMahon
• “Holocene” by Bon Iver
• “I Am The Highway” by Audioslave
• “Wild” by John Legend and Gary Clark Jr.
• “Thousand Miles” by Miley Cyrus (feat. Brandi Carlile)
• “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
• “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – this is the perfect song to listen on the way back home after a long trip

Road Trip Playlist on Spotify

To make it easier for you to listen, I have created a spotify playlist of the best road trip songs of all time:

What are your favorite road trip songs?

Need some road trip inspiration?

• Best Road Trips in the USA
• Best Road Trips In Europe For Your Bucket List
• Best Road Trips in Australia
• Best Road Trip Quotes to Inspire You to Go!

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savvyglobetrotter

These are all classics for sure when you’re talking about a road trip. My favorite would be Sammy Hagar “I Can’t Drive 55”. Something about that cool flow that makes it perfect for a summer road trip. But I would not follow the advice because I wish not to get pulled over crossing the country LOL.

Thank you so much for putting out this list of road trips and songs!!

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Music | Ultimate California Winter play list: Top 25 songs for the season

Diana Krall in concert. (Dan Rosenstrauch/Staff archive.)

Canadian jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall opens her concert at the Fox Theatre in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, part of her Wallflower tour. (D. Ross Cameron/Bay Area News Group)

Canadian jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall performs during a concert at the Universal Hall in Skopje, late on November 20, 2009. AFP PHOTO / ROBERT ATANASOVSKI (Photo credit should read ROBERT ATANASOVSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

** FILE ** In this May 3, 2008 file photo, Diana Krall performs during the 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Racetrack in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, file)

Contemporary Christian vocalist Lauren Daigle. (Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)

NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 05: Lauren Daigle speaks in the e press room at the 4th Annual KLOVE Fan Awards at The Grand Ole Opry House on June 5, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for KLOVE)

Lauren Daigle. (AFP Getty)

Lauren Daigle and Reba McEntire. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Singer Gordon Lightfoot performs during the CFL’s 100th Grey Cup Championship Halftime Show at the Rogers Centre on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, in Toronto. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP)

Singer songwriter Gordon Lightfoot performs during Tin Pan South festival week at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., on Tuesday, April 3, 2001. Members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International are gathered in the nation’s songwriting capital for the Tin Pan South festival through Saturday. (AP Photo/John Russell)

Folk singer Gordon Lightfoot at Wente Bros Winery Wednesday night July 19, 1995. (Norbert von der Groeben/Bay Area News Group archive)

The Bangles perform their reunion show at the Maritime Hall in San Francisco Sunday September 17,2000.(CONTRA COSTA TIMES/BOB LARSON)2000

In this Feb.7, 2015 file photo, Joni Mitchell arrives at the 2015 Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif

Joni Mitchell speaks at the Isabel Bader Theatre as part of Luminato festival, Sunday, June 16, 2013, in Toronto. Mitchell was hospitalized in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 according to the Twitter account and website of the folk singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, but details on her condition have not been released. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Galit Rodan)

(FILES) This file photo taken on December 13, 2016 shows US singer Kanye West (R) and then-president-elect Donald Trump speaking with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower in New York. – Kanye West has decided on September 29, 2018 that he now wants to be called Ye, but on political matters nothing has changed for the pro-Trump rapper. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

FILE – In this Sept. 10, 2015 file photo, Kanye West appears at the Brother Vellies Spring 2016 collection presentation during Fashion Week, in New York. West was silent when it comes to whether he thinks President Donald Trump cares for black people. West appeared on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2018. West discussed his support for Trump and questioned why people go after the president instead of trying “love.” However, West did not answer when Kimmel asked if the rapper thought Trump cares about black people, or any people at all. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

FILE – In this Aug. 28, 2016, file photo. Kanye West appears at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden in New York. West has called American slavery “a choice.” In an interview Tuesday on “TMZ Live,” West said, “When you hear about slavery for 400 years, for 400 years, that sounds like a choice.” West also told TMZ that he became addicted to opioids that doctors prescribed after he had surgery for liposuction in 2016. He was hospitalized for a week and had to cut short a tour. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

In this April 21, 2015 file photo, Kanye West, left, and Kim Kardashian attend the TIME 100 Gala, in New York. The couple married in 2014 and have three children. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Kanye West watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 30: Vanguard Award winner Kanye West speaks onstage during the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on August 30, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

FILE – In this Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015, file photo, Kanye West accepts the video vanguard award at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. West’s â⠬ŠFamous,â⠬ Beyonceâ⠬⠢s â⠬ŠFormationâ⠬ and Adeleâ⠬⠢s â⠬ŠHelloâ⠬ will battle Justin Bieberâ⠬⠢s â⠬ŠSorryâ⠬ and Drakeâ⠬⠢s â⠬ŠHotline Blingâ⠬ for the top prize at the MTV Video Music Awards, Aug. 28, 2016, from New Yorkâ⠬⠢s Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)

Bruce Springsteen, center, sings with E Street Band members Nils Lofgren, left, and Steven Van Zandt, during a concert at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, March 13, 2016; their latest stop on The River Tour. (D. Ross Cameron/Bay Area News Group)

Bruce Springsteen greets the crowd as he and the E Street Band perform at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, March 13, 2016; their latest stop on The River Tour. (D. Ross Cameron/Bay Area News Group)

Bruce Springsteen announced The River Tour with the E Street Band, which starts Jan. 16, 2016, and includes a stop in Oakland. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP)

Bruce Springsteen performs with the E Street Band during his “Wrecking Ball” concert tour premiere on Sunday, March 18, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band headline the main stage on day 4 of The Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park on June 24, 2012 in Newport, Isle of Wight. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images)

AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 15: Musician Bruce Springsteen speaks onstage during SXSW Keynote during the 2012 SXSW Music, Film Interactive Festival at Austin Music Hall on March 15, 2012 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for SXSW)

NEW YORK – MARCH 19: Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac perform at Madison Square Garden March 19, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Loud/Getty Images)

NEW YORK – MARCH 19: Mick Fleetwood (R) and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac perform at Madison Square Garden March 19, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Loud/Getty Images)

FILE – In this March 19, 2010 file photo, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings perform at the SPIN Party at Stubb’s during the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. Jones, a big-voiced soul singer who performed with high energy onstage has died at age 60 in New York, after battling pancreatic cancer. Her representative Judy Miller Silverman says she died Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, at a Cooperstown hospital surrounded by her band, the Dap-Kings. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP, File)

Vocalist Sharon Jones at the 2015 Toronto Film Festival, where Barbara Kopple’s documentary “Miss Sharon Jones!” premiered. (Toronto Film Festival)

Sharon Jones performs on the Lands End stage for Day 3 of Outside Lands in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, August 24, 2008. Outside Lands is the Bay Area’s largest music festival. (Alison Yin/The Oakland Tribune)

FILE – This June 8, 2012 file photo shows soul singer Sharon Jones of Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings performing during the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn. A Monday, June 3, 2013, news release says Jones has stage-one bile duct cancer and needs immediate surgery. Jones and her band had planned to release â œGive the People What They Wantâ on Aug. 6 and were already touring. The singer was forced to miss a few shows recently while looking for a cause of her illness. The release says doctors caught the tumor early and the cancer has not spread. They expect the 57-year-old to make a full recovery. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, file)

** FILE **The Beach Boys are shown in this 1966 file photo. From left are Al Jardine, Mike Love, Dennis Wilson, Brian Wilson and Carl Wilson. Classics such as the Beach Boy’s “Good Vibrations” and “Summer Nights” from Grease are among the best-loved songs of the summer. While songs that define summer have been as varied as the artists who’ve performed them, they all share a common thread: They make you feel good, like the last day of school. (AP Photo/FILE)

Members of the top American group The Beach Boys, pose in Essen, Germany, Oct. 30,1966. The group, from left: Bruce Johnston, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilso, and Mike Love were on tour in Germany, with a stop in Essen. (AP Photo)

the U.S. Californian Pop band “The Beach Boys” are pictured performing on stage in Essen, West Germany, October 30, 1966. From left to right are Bruce Johston on Bass, Dennis Wilson, guitar , Carl Wilson, guitar and Mike Love, vocals. (AP Photo/Klaus Schlagmann)

Beach Boys celebrate 20 years of surfing music with their star placed in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Dec. 30, 1980 in Los Angeles. The Beach Boys are, from left: Mike Love, Carl Wilson, Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston. Beach Boy Dennis Wilson did not appear at the ceremonies and Johnston has not been with the group for the entire twenty years. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon)

Recording artist Britney Spears (C) reacts after receiving a birthday cake from host Ryan Seacrest (2nd R) and recording artist Tinashe (R) onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2016 at Staples Center on December 2, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

FILE – In this April 12, 2018 file photo, Britney Spears arrives at the 29th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. Spears is taking her act on the road this summer with her “Piece of Me” world tour, traveling across North America and Europe. The first show is July 12 in Washington. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

FILE – In this June 13, 2017, file photo, U.S. singer Britney Spears performs during her concert in Taipei, Taiwan. Spears is taking her act on the road this summer with her “Piece of Me” world tour, traveling across North America and Europe. The first show is July 12 in Washington. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File)

Singers Britney Spears (L) and Tinashe perform onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2016 presented by Capital One at Staples Center on December 2, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

In this July 15, 2015 file photo, Britney Spears presents at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles. The CW announced Tuesday, Aug. 11, that Spears will guest star on and upcoming episode of “Jane the Virgin.” (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

In this photo provided by Caesars Entertainment, Britney Spears rehearses “Britney: Piece of Me” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, in Las Vegas. Spears began her two-year Las Vegas casino residency Friday. (AP Photo/Caesars Entertainment, Denise Truscello)

Music group Destiny’s Child poses at the Rhigha Royal Hotel in New York, Nov. 16, 2004. From left are Beyonce Knowles, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland. (AP Photo/Jim Cooper)

Even Beyoncé isn’t a fan of the scale. The singer released a video Wednesday on YouTube sharing how she got back in shape for Coachella after the birth of twins Rumi and Sir in 2017. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

INDIO, CA – APRIL 14: Beyonce Knowles performs onstage during 2018 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival Weekend 1 at the Empire Polo Field on April 14, 2018 in Indio, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Coachella )

INDIO, CA – APRIL 24: Musician Merle Haggard performs onstage during day one of 2015 Stagecoach, California’s Country Music Festival, at The Empire Polo Club on April 24, 2015 in Indio, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

FILE – In this May 28, 2003 file photo, country music legend Merle Haggard smiles during a news conference at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington where he and his sister Lillian Haggard Hoge donated belongings taken on their family’s Dust Bowl-era move from Oklahoma to California on Route 66. Haggard died of pneumonia, Wednesday, April 6, 2016, in Palo Cedro, Calif. He was 79. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

INDIO, CA – APRIL 24: Musician Merle Haggard performs during day 1 of Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival 2010 held at The Empire Polo Club on April 24, 2010 in Indio, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

SHORE FIRE MEDIA Songwriting legend John Prine.

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band perform during a show at Oracle Arena, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 in Oakland, Calif. (D. Ross Cameron/Staff)

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band perform during a show at Oracle Arena, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 in Oakland, Calif., another stop in Seger’s The Distance ’83 tour. (D. Ross Cameron/Staff)

Singer Bob Seger poses for a portrait in a Capitol Records studio on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band in concert during their Ride Out tour at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, March 5, 2015. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band in concert during their Ride Out tour at SAP Center in San Jose , Calif., on Thursday, March 5, 2015. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

Be a rock star like Bob Seger. What do you think is the best song ever? (Ray Chavez/Oakland Tribune file)

Bob Seger pumps his fists during the concert with the Silver Bullet Band at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Saturday Feb. 24, 2007. (Ray Chavez/The Oakland Tribune)

Bob Seger with the Silver Bullet band at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Saturday Feb. 24, 2007. (Ray Chavez/The Oakland Tribune)

Kevin Cronin, lead vocals and rhythm guitarist for REO Speedwagon, performs on stage during the REO Speedwagon and Chicago concert at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

Kevin Cronin, lead vocals and rhythm guitarist for REO Speedwagon, and bass guitarist Bruce Hall perform on stage during the REO Speedwagon and Chicago concert at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

Kevin Cronin (left), lead vocals and rhythm guitarist for REO Speedwagon, performs on stage during the REO Speedwagon and Chicago concert at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

Dave Amato, Lead guitar and vocals with REO Speedwagon, performs on stage during the REO Speedwagon and Chicago concert at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Contare Con Vivo (“To Sing With Life”) combines talents with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (pictured) in a pair of concerts of African-American music this weekend. Dubbed “I, Too, Sing America,” each show includes gospel music and popular favorites such as Edwin Hawkins’ “Oh Happy Day,” Fast Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin,'” U2’s “In the Name of Love” and Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World,” performed by 150 singers. The concerts are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland, and at 4 p.m. Sunday at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 LaCassie Ave. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $10 for youths. Contact www.cantareconvivo.org or 510-836-0789.

Terrance Kelly, with the Oakland Interfaith Youth Gospel Choir, performs a song and invites the audience to join in at the 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day National Holiday Celebration at McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 20, 2014. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)

Terrance Kelly, conductor and artistic director, performs with the Interfaith Gospel Choir at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. (Hillary Jones-Mixon/Staff)

MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL Terrance Kelly leads the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir in “One Voice,” a documentary focusing on the acclaimed chorus and its drive to be a force for peace and acceptance.

Terrance Kelly, conductor and artistic director, conducts the Interfaith Gospel Choir at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. (Hillary Jones-Mixon/Staff)

Phil Wickham and Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave perform at the 2nd Annual KLOVE Fan Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House on June 1, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 05: Phil Wickham speaks at the 4th Annual KLOVE Fan Awards at The Grand Ole Opry House on June 5, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for KLOVE)

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The road trip is not just a summer thing. We Californians hit the highway for adventures 12 months a year — including the holidays and ski season.

But what’s a road trip without a proper soundtrack? We’ve come up with a play list filled with winter-friendly tunes and holiday songs. You don’t need us to sing the praises of Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis and other classic Christmas crooners — you already know all about them. So we’re focusing on some more unusual suspects and recordings that deserve wider recognition.

Ready to ride? Here’s our soundtrack for the season:

1. “The Christmas Song”

We’re kicking off our journey with a gorgeous, slowly sung version of this Christmas classic, delivered with care by the great Diana Krall and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

2. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

There are plenty of worthwhile versions that could make the list – indeed, that’s the case with all the standards – but let’s highlight this gorgeous recent rendition by Lauren Daigle, who possesses a voice everyone should hear.

3. “What Child Is This?”

Chris Tomlin, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who topped the Billboard 200 with 2013’s “Burning Lights,” delivers a poignant take on this Christmas classic.

4. “Song for a Winter’s Night”

Leaving the traditional holiday songbook for the moment, we turn to one of the greatest songwriters of all time – Gordon Lightfoot – for a tune that lives up to its title in every way.

Oh, you might have guessed this would make the cut. But we don’t mind being predictable when it means getting to hear Joni Mitchell soar through this emotionally raw, folk favorite off 1971’s “Blue.”

6. “A Hazy Shade of Winter”

Simon & Garfunkel originally released this song in 1966, but we’d much rather crank up the Bangles’ rocking version from 1987.

7. “Coldest Winter”

It’s Kanye West at his heartbreaking best on the 2008 “808s & Heartbreak” album, looking back at memories made in “the coldest winter” and wondering “will I ever love again”?

8. “Holiday Road”

OK, it’s time to change the mood. And this campy blast of ’80s nostalgia, courtesy of Fleetwood Mac legend Lindsey Buckingham and the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” film, should do the trick.

9. “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out”

Some might call out for Bruce Springsteen’s popular version of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” but we prefer this fun rocker originally released on the landmark “Born to Run” album in 1975.

10. “I’ll Take the Rain”

We don’t get much snow in the Bay Area, but a little precipitation would be nice this season. So with that in mind, sing along at top volume to this stunningly beautiful R.E.M. number, from 2001’s vastly underrated “Reveal.”

11. “8 Days (of Hanukkah)”

Time to roll down Hanukkah highway for a pair of tunes, kicking off with this soulful, horn-fueled number by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.

12. “Hanukkah (Favorite Time of the Year)”

Turn up the Too $hort and let the Bay Area rapper detail why he loves this time of year: “I got eight gifts coming, one for each night / It’s my favorite holiday, you better treat a player right.”

13. “Little Saint Nick”

By law, we are required to include at least one Beach Boys tune in every play list we make about California. It’s a good law. We’re glad we made it.

14. “Fairytale of New York”

Simply put, we wouldn’t be allowed to show our faces in certain places if we didn’t include this cherished Christmas tune by Irish pub-punk greats, the Pogues.

15. “My Only Wish (This Year)”

Besides cherishing the idea of following up the Pogues with Britney Spears, we just have a soft spot for the pop star’s sweetly innocent plea for Santa to bring her “someone to love” for Christmas.

16. “8 Days of Christmas”

The amazing vocal harmonies of Destiny’s Child have rarely been more fully on display than on this memorable ode to commercialism and consumerism.

17. “Doughnut for a Snowman”

Instead of “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” we’re giving you another seasonal song with one of the best titles of all time. It’s a nice garage-pop nugget from Guided by Voices, who deliver praise for a Krispy Kreme that is as “sweet as life can get.”

18. “If We Make It Through December”

Merle Haggard recorded a lot of great Christmas music over the years, but the most touching of his seasonal offerings is this poetic original about a man going into the holiday season having just lost his job. Grab a hanky.

19. “Christmas in Prison”

We’ll stay in America’s Greatest Songwriters section a bit longer, enjoying this touching folk tune, which mixes heartbreak and humor in typical John Prine stye.

20. “Little Drummer Boy”

Bob Seger delivers what just might be the best classic-rock rendition of a Christmas standard. (Yes, even better than Springsteen’s “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”)

21. “Joy to the World”

REO Speedwagon, the band that had the top-selling album of the year in 1981 with “High Infidelity,” has gotten a late-career boost from the fine holiday album “Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon.”

22. “Adore Him”

Kari Jobe shines on this sweetly moving number, rooted in the traditional “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

23. “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”

Let’s motor down the highway with some gospel music, turning first to Mahalia Jackson, who shows why she’s known as the Queen of Gospel on this striking number.

24. “O Holy Night”

We wouldn’t think about ending this musical road trip without a stop in the 5-1-0, calling upon one of the many worthwhile selections from Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir’s “Rejoice” Christmas album.

25. “Silent Night”

The journey has almost come to its conclusion. But we have time for one more, so we’ll end with Phil Wickham and his excellent take on one of the greatest holiday songs of all time.

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Best Road Trip Songs to Drive Down Pacific Highway

No road trip would be perfect without carefully selected songs. With summer coming, I think a lot about my road trip in California and thought it would be a good start in your planning to give you ideas of the best songs to put on your playlist to drive down Pacific Highway.

I looked in my personal favorites, checked out the playlist shared on Pinterest, asked my DJ friends and searched in my parents libraries to give you the best of the best!

• Daylight by Matt & Kim
• Beverly Hills by Weezer
• Road Trippin’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• San Francisco by The Mowgli’s
• Big Sur by The Thrills
• Another Travellin’ Song by Bright Eyes
• California Waiting by Kings of Leon
• West Coast by Coconut Records
• California Love by 2Pac feat. Dr.Dre
• Alive by New Ivory
• California by Phantom Planet
• Haha Love Will Travel by The Sonics
• The Only Place by Best Coast
• L.A. Woman by The Doors
• Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• California Gurls by Katy Perry
• Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads
• The Distance by Cake
• California Girls by The Beach Boys
• Green Onions by Booker T & the M G’s
• The Way by Fastball
• Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane
• I’m gonna be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
• Dogs Days are Over by Florence and the Machine
• Keep the Car Running by Arcade Fire (Because this song goes on every road trip playlist )

If you want to listen to it, check it out on SoundCloud .

To discover more posts about California:

• What to Pack For California in Autumn
• California – My 10 Days Road Trip Itinerary
• What You Can See in One Day Walking in San Francisco
• Monterey Aquarium: Please Don’t Flash the Octopus
• Los Angeles is Disney World on Crack
• Photo Essay: Alcatraz Prison
• Why We Had a Terrible Day at Yosemite

And if you need more inspiration, here are a few other playlists.  Warning, you can get lost in music for hours!

• The Ultimate California Road-Trip Playlist (or Not)
• 20 Essential Songs for your Road-Rip Playlist
• The Ultimate Californian Road Trip Playlist
• The 50 Best Road Trip Songs of All Time

Thanks to @IlliaSelecta , my DJ friend in Brussels, and  Jack Host , a DJ colleague in Montreal for the suggestions!

Annie Anywhere

Annie est rédactrice et chargée de projets. Elle adore le Street Art, le café, le wifi et les endroits qui sortent de l'ordinaire. Elle aime aussi faire connaissance, alors n'hésitez pas à cliquer sur les icônes plus bas pour prendre contact!

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• Latest News

‘Aftermath’: The Rolling Stones At The Dawning Of Rock

‘elegantly wasted’: inxs’ unfairly overlooked album is due reappraisal, ‘e=mc2’: mariah carey’s 2008 album is a celebration, ‘mmmbop’: the story behind the success of hanson’s debut single, ‘second helping’: lynyrd skynyrd dishes up a tasty sophomore treat, ‘ticket to ride’: the beatles take a ‘cheeky, radical’ trip, ‘walking on sunshine’: the story behind katrina and the waves’ hit, nduduzo makhathini announces ‘unomkhubulwane,’ shares ‘omnaya’, girls aloud release ‘something kinda ooooh’ digital ep, elyanna releases debut album ‘woledto,’ video for ‘ganeni’, maggie rogers announces first ever arena tour, celebrates ‘don’t forget me’ release, u2’s ben affleck and matt damon-produced ‘kiss the future’ coming to paramount+, the rolling stones share ‘from london to shanghai’ documentary, poison’s ‘native tongue’ to receive vinyl reissue, head out on the highway: the 25 best road trip songs.

From backseat singalongs to nomadic anthems, the best road trip songs capture the feeling of freedom that’s sometimes just a car ride away.

Published on

The requirement for any good road trip is great songs. Whether you’re embarking on a solo trip down the highway or gathering for a vacation with friends and family, you’re going to need some tunes to keep you company along the way. We’ve collated classic driving songs from throughout the eras and assembled the best road trip songs to fire up as you head out on the open road.

Listen to some of the best road trip songs for your next vacation on Apple Music and Spotify .

25: Youngblood Hawke: We Come Running

With its driving beat and epic build up, this indie-pop song from LA pop-rockers Youngblood Hawke will get you revving down the highway. They spell it out directly, inviting the listener to head “for the open door, tell me what you’re waiting for”.

‘Grease’: How A Nostalgic Soundtrack Became A Timeless Hit

‘i won’t last a day without you’: the carpenters not-so ‘unlucky hit’, 24: blink-182: what’s my age again.

In just under two and a half minutes, blink-182 ’s ‘What My Age Again’ is pop-punk perfection. This song cooks and there’s nary a second wasted, which is exactly what you want in the best road trip songs.

23: The Killers: Mr Brightside

Pomp, bombast, killer riffs and melodies is one way to set you free, even when stuck in traffic. “Mr. Brightside” from The Killers ’ debut album, Hot Fuss , is the rare road trip song that can get you through the traffic blues and out of the “cage” that is the daily grind.

22: Nirvana: Breed

Just like Appetite For Destruction , Nirvana’s Nevermind features an endless array of road trip songs, but there’s one standout track that sounds like burning rubber. With its blast of feedback and machine-gun intensity, “Breed” will get everybody headbanging in the backseat.

21: Sammy Hagar: I Can’t Drive 55

This is a classic highway vacation song. If the Red Rocker can’t you get to go past the speed limit (which we’re not officially condoning), nothing else will. Sammy Hagar’s breakout solo single has been blasting out of every car stereo since 1984, and has never stopped.

20: Katy Perry: Teenage Dream

When there’s a long stretch of road ahead, sometimes you want psychedelic acid rock where you can put cruise control on and zone out, but when you’re traveling on vacation with a crew, singalong pop anthems are the best road trip songs. Katy Perry ’s ode to the endless possibilities of adolescence will have you sticking your head out the sunroof like a drunk teen on prom night.

19: Warren G (featuring Nate Dogg): Regulate

Few songs encapsulate an entire era better than this 1994 G-funk classic. Between Warren G’s storytelling and Nate Dogg’s smooth vocals, this is the song you can blast whether you’re cruising in your drop top or mid-sized sedan.

18: John Mellencamp: Pink Houses

This slice of heartland rock isn’t all that it seems. John Mellencamp seems to paint the perfect picture of the American dream, but if you keep listening, it’s really the indictment of a broken system. On one hand it remains a misunderstood political song but on the other, it’s a great road trip song.

17: The Rolling Stones: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

Tapping into that feeling of wanderlust, The Rolling Stones ’ search for satisfaction landed them their first No.1 hit . From Charlie Watts’ propulsive drumming to Mick Jagger’s cracking vocals and Keith Richards’ fuzz-box riff, “Satisfaction” beckons you to the road and the dancefloor.

16: U2: Where The Streets Have No Name

Like the morning’s first light coming over the desert highway, this U2 anthem begins with the sound of heavenly organs that quickly build to a driving rhythm led by The Edge’s arpeggiated guitar lines. Political origins aside, the song conjures images of the American West and the open road. It’s hard not to feel nostalgia when you glide in and out of traffic.

15: Guns N’ Roses: Appetite For Destruction

Forget road trip songs, this is a road trip album. From the menacing “Welcome To The Jungle” to the soaring “Rocket Queen” that closes Guns N’ Roses ’ Appetite For Destruction , you won’t find an album of songs better suited to a road trip vacation than this.

14: Dr. Dre: Let Me Ride

Any G-funk track is made for driving, but this cut from The Chronic is the ultimate road trip song. Between the Parliament-sampling chorus and Dre ’s evocative verses, “Let Me Ride” was tailor-made for summer driving… and is even better if you’re cruising around in a drop top.

13: Bob Seger: Hollywood Nights

While Bob Seger sings about “looking down at the lights of LA” in this 1978 hit, the anticipation of a night on the town is universal. Seger’s frantic vocals and epic storytelling, combined with the uptempo music, is the perfect formula to speed towards the horizon.

12: Cyndi Lauper: I Drove All Night

Some people escape the “sticky and cruel” city by seeking solace in the great outdoors. Not Ms. Lauper. Her vocal calisthenics are just the motivation to drive all night to see your lover.

11: Snoop Dogg: Gin And Juice

Another slice of G-funk heaven. You don’t need hydraulics to roll with the melodic flow of “D-O-double-G.” Released during the heyday of gangsta rap, Snoop took the wild antics of his hometown, Long Beach, and turned them into an idyllic summer jam.

10: Jackson Browne: Running On Empty

Few artists embodied the late 70s Laurel Canyon sound quite like Jackson Browne. “Running On Empty” isn’t a hard road rocker, but Browne could turn the most mundane experiences (like running out of gas) into a metaphor for missing out on the connections in life.

9: The Beatles: Day Tripper

The Beatles have an endless catalogue of travel tunes, from “Ticket To Ride” to “Drive My Car,” but “Day Tripper” is the real road trip song. Featuring one of the best guitar riffs of all time , “Day Tripper” is not so much about a quick getaway but about trying on the hippie lifestyle for a day or two.

8: Stevie Wonder: Master Blaster (Jammin’)

This could be included among the best vacation road trip songs for the intro alone, but the whole thing swings with a swagger that won’t (hopefully) have you swerving from side-to-side. Stevie Wonder ’s tribute to Bob Marley saw Stevie moving away from his typical one-man show and inviting a whole crew to boogie down.

7: Willie Nelson: On The Road Again

Country music is littered with dirt-road anthems, but one of the true classics is Willie Nelson ’s ode to the nomadic life, “On The Road Again.” Nelson was tasked with creating an original song for the aging rocker character he played in the film Honeysuckle Rose . Willie delivered and nabbed an Oscar nomination in the process.

6: Tom Cochrane: Life Is A Highway

Canadian treasure Tom Cochrane is a household name up north, but in rest of the world he’s best known for this highway song anthem that’s become the perfect pep talk for hitting tarmac.

5: Prince: Little Red Corvette

Prince seemingly never suffered from either writer’s block or a shortage of sexual metaphors, as evidenced on his 1983 classic, “Little Red Corvette.” This tale of an ill-fated one-night stand was supposedly inspired by his bandmate Lisa Coleman’s pink Edsel, but “little red Edsel” just isn’t as catchy a refrain.

4: The Beach Boys: Fun, Fun, Fun, I Get Around

Both of these Beach Boys tunes helped define the 60s driving culture, particularly in the winding highways of Southern California. Tight harmonies and terrific rhythms, these songs will transport you to the windswept cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway, driving along with the top down.

3: Tom Petty: Runnin’ Down A Dream

“Free Fallin’” is a great singalong, but when it comes to essential Tom Petty road trip tunes, “Runnin’ Down A Dream” takes the cake. Thanks to the highway imagery and scuzzy guitar riffs, this hard-charging song is best listened to with the windows down and your foot on the gas.

2: Bruce Springsteen: Born To Run

No survey of the best road trip songs would be complete without The Boss. Bruce Springsteen ’s entire body of work unpacks the experience of small-town living and the feeling that escape is just a car ride away.

1: Steppenwolf: Born To Be Wild

You don’t need a bike or road leather to blare this Steppenwolf classic. Most famously featured in the film Easy Rider , Jon Kay’s invitation to “head out on the highway” is a song that became an American anthem and a call for rebellion.

Honorable Mentions

Looking for more great road trip playlist songs for your next vacation? With compulsively sing-along lyrics, these tunes are perfect for lonely highways where you just want to shout out your open car window.

John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) Tracy Chapman – Fast Car Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama The Eagles – Take It Easy Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way Sheryl Crow – Everyday Is A Winding Road The Grateful Dead – Truckin’ Toto – Africa Arcade Fire – Keep The Car Running Ray Charles – Hit The Road Jack Bon Jovi – Living on a Prayer Ike & Tina Turner – Nutbush City Limits Don McLean – American Pie The Allman Brothers – Midnight Rider Outkast – Hey Ya Rascal Flatts – Life Is A Highway Van Morrison – Bright Side of the Road Sufjan Stevens – Chicago Rihanna – Shut Up And Drive The Eagles – Hotel California The Allman Brothers Band – Ramblin’ Man Elton John – Tiny Dancer Simon & Garfunkel – America Pointer Sisters – I’m So Excited ABBA – Waterloo Dolly Parton – 9 to 5 Billy Joel – Piano Man Paul Simon – Graceland

Looking for more options? Check out our list of the best songs about cars and driving .

11 Comments

June 26, 2019 at 7:37 pm

Golden Earring – Radar Love

June 27, 2019 at 5:16 pm

Mountain Jam, The Allman Brothers Band

August 2, 2019 at 8:34 am

Neil Young : White Line, DriveBy, Albuquerque, Trans Am

September 21, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Joanne Nagen

September 25, 2019 at 5:02 pm

John Hartford Steam Powered Aeroplane; Joe Bonamassa Drive; Govt Mule Travellin Tune; Greatful Dead Truckin;Jerry Reed’s Eastbound and Down …..as Roy Rogers said Happy Trails to you Thanks

September 25, 2019 at 6:29 pm

“It’s a Car!” by Sean Morin is a little-known but extremely fitting, perfect vibe, catchy little road trip song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3piktwUcP0

Mike Einhorn

May 28, 2020 at 5:24 am

Bruce Springfield?

September 18, 2021 at 7:27 am

Rolling Down the Highway – BTO Rockin’ Down the Highway – DOOBIE BROTHERS Highway Star – DEEP PURPLE

How’s these NOT make the list?

Belvin Sweatt

January 7, 2022 at 1:08 am

You left out the best one— Sniff and The Tears—Drivers Seat.

January 7, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Here is my Road Trip playlist: Windows are Rolled Down – Amos Lee Call Me The Breeze – Lynyrd Skynyrd Florabama – JJ Grey & Mofro Mustang Sally – Buddy Guy f. Jeff Beck Going to California – Led Zeppelin Hotel California – Eagles Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads Tangled Up in Blue – Bob Dylan Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin Joy – Lucinda Williams Breakdown – Jack Johnson Comin’ Home – Lynyrd Skynyrd Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp Till the Sun Comes Up – Jack & Weatherman

June 3, 2023 at 5:42 am

The triffids – Wide Open Road

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60 Best Road Trip Songs to Rock the Drive

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: March 16, 2023

Our list of the best road trip songs from the classics to today. We do a lot of road trips have rounded up the best driving songs to help you pass the time.

Nothing makes driving better than a good road trip playlist. And we’ve compiled the ultimate road trip playlist for your next overland adventure.

Table of Contents

The Best Road Trip Songs

1. sympathy for the devil by the rolling stones.

If you are looking for a song to drive to with a lot of groove, Sympathy for the Devil is just the ticket. We’ve been lucky enough to see the Rolling Stones in concert three times. Dave even met the band way back in 2003 when he shot a media blitz they did in Toronto.

This is by far our favorite Rolling Stones song for a road trip . Even if we have to get out of the car soon, we’ll leave the engine running until the final chord is played!

Get it on Amazon for just $1.29 / Buy the  Rolling Stones Greatest Hits  on Amazon

2. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

I didn’t know a lot about Lynyrd Skynyrd until I watched the documentary Muscle Shoals . It’s a music biography about one of the most innovative sound studios of the 60s featuring the Rolling Stones and Lynard Skynyrd.

But I have always known the song Sweet Home Alabama, and there is something about this song’s beat that make it the perfect driving song.

In Sweet Home Alabama, there’s a stanza saying: “ Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers And they’ve been known to pick a song or two “

Watching Muscle Shoals makes us want to get in the car and drive to Alabama to see the famous studio for ourselves!

Purchase Sweet Home Alabama for $1.29

3. Little Red Corvette By Prince

One of the best driving songs ever is Little Red Corvette by Prince. Who wouldn’t want to be driving a red corvette through the streets. The song is filled with metaphors, but when I sing it, I just think about driving.

It is sad to see another legend lost, but his music lives on. Buy Little Red Corvette $1.29

Pick up a copy of  Prince’s Greatest Hits , you won’t be disappointed. But there are some tributes happening on Spotify now.

4. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen

Queen is my ultimate favourite band. Metallica is Dave’s. I could have just said, “ buy Queen’s greatest hits and you’ll have the perfect Road Trip playlist”.

However, I can only choose one, and if you want a song that picks you up when you’re feeling a little groggy on the road, Another One Bites the Dust does the trick. Man, I love the bass in this song.

If you watch the Queen Documentary on the  BBC , you’ll learn that the Bass Player, John Deacon, actually wrote some of Queen’s biggest anthems, like this one, You’re my Best Friend and I Want to Break Free.

Get Another One Bites the Dust on Amazon just $1.29 / Watch Bohemian Rapsody

• Start Planning our own road trip with  National Geographic’s World Atlas  available on Amazon 

5. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars

While spending a summer in Spain and driving around  Costa Brava this Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars tune was was our go-to road trip song. We called it the song of summer and whenever it came on, we’d jive and jam in the car.

Dave and I love to sing during a road trip and this one makes you want to wail at the top of your lungs. “We’re gonna Uptown Funk you Up!”

Download Up Town Funk on Amazon 

6. Home for a Rest by Spirit of the West

This roadtrip song by Canada’s Spirit of the West always makes me want to go to London, England, and hang out in the pubs. I think about all the travels we have done, and when we do come home, we really do need a rest. 

Travel  is exhausting and when you add pub crawling to the mix, it is doubly exhausting. Spirit of the West captured the spirit of travel beautifully with this perfect driving song.

“ You’ll have to excuse me I’m not at my best, I’ve Been Gone for a Month, I’ve Been Drunk Since I left. These so called vacations will soon be my death, I’m so sick from the Drink, I need home for a rest …”

Download now on Amazon

7. Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers

How does one choose a favourite Red Hot Chili Pepper’s song? They have so many great albums. But Californication is the perfect tune for a road trip. Heck, even the video is all about driving.

I used to say, “How can anyone not name Red Hot Chili Peppers as one of the greatest bands of all time?” I mean, everything is perfection. Anthony Kiedis is a poet, Flea is a master on the bass, and John Frusciante creates the most memorable and intricate guitar riffs out there today. Plus, how can you forget Chad Smith on drums. He’s quiet and unassuming in real life, just like his music: Subtle and creative. Plus, he looks exactly like Will Ferrel.

You’ve got to read  Scar Tissue  by Anthony Kiedis – this book will blow your mind about everything he and the band have gone through. Buy the album  Californication . The entire disc is perfection.

8. 500 Miles by The Proclaimers

There’s nothing really amazing musically about this song by the  Scottish  Band, the Proclaimers, but when it comes to road trip music, it has the perfect beat. When comes up on the playlist, everyone stops to sing along. This song was made to be a song to drive to!

It’s one of those songs that you can’t help but love. Even if you hate it! I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) must be included on your Road Trips Songs playlist, it would be criminal to leave it out. Check out our guide to the North Coast 500

Buy it on Amazon for $1.29 / Rent  Benny and Joon where the song was featured

9. Take it Easy by The Eagles

Remember when Elaine’s boyfriend refused to speak to anyone when Desperado came on the radio during a classic  Seinfeld episode ? When it comes to the Eagles,  Hotel California  is our song. But when it comes to road trip songs by The Eagles, Take it Easy is Number one. See a great California Road Trip at 17 Mile Drive in Monterey

“ Well I’m a runnin’ down the road trying to loosen my load I’ve got seven women on my mind”

This song was meant for driving. It’s seriously all a bout driving.

If you happen to be going on an Arizona Road Trip, be sure to stop on the corner of Winslow Arizona like in the lyrics “ Well, I’m a standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona . Such a fine sight to see .”

Don’t speak to me, don’t even look at me when Hotel California comes on because I am going to sing along and play air guitar to that classic solo.

Get it now on Amazon / Get the  Hell Freezes Over Tour  where the Eagles come together live.

10. Running on Empty by Jackson Browne

I bet you didn’t know that Jackson Browne played a huge role in making the Eagles famous. He was roommates with Glen Frey and Don Henley at one point.

Heck, for the longest time when I was a kid, I thought Running on Empty was performed by the Eagles. They have similar sounds because Jackson Browne actually co-wrote a lot of the Eagles songs. How do we know all this? We watched the Eagles documentary.

Anyway, back to the song. Running on Empty is a road trip song, period. Come on, the album cover has a road on it!

Buy Running on Empty on Amazon / Rent the movie  The Eagles History  to see the role Jackson Brown played in their success.

11. Paradise by the Dashboard Light by Meatloaf

Who doesn’t love Meatloaf? Paradise by the Dashboard Light was the song of the 70s. There are so many layers to this song and right from that first guitar lick, you can’t help but get ready to start singing along in the car.

Dave and I love it when it breaks into a duet and we sing back and forth. We start screaming until our vocal chords nearly break. After that song, you almost have to pull over for a break. It’s that intense. For us, it’s one of the most fun songs to drive to on our playlist.

Get the album  Bat Out of Hell . Every song is great.

A great one day drive that we highly recommend is the  Hana Highway on Maui.  Make sure you have your road trip songs picked out because radio service in limited. 

12. Take the Money and Run by Steve Miller Band

“T his here’s the story ’bout Billy Joe and Bobby Sue “.

The Steve Miller Band’s Songs were made to sing along to. Dave and I love to harmonize to their music. It’s just so easy to hear the thirds and fifths. The reason we chose Take the Money and Run is that ” They’re headed down south and they’re still running today .”

We don’t plan on shooting anyone and taking their money, but we do plan on traveling forever. It’s in our blood and even if we do settle down a bit, something tells me we’ll always be on the move. Dave and I moved to  Vancouver  in 1992 and we’re still moving today. Maybe not running, but definitely at a steady pace.

Get Steve Miller’s Take the Money and Run

13. Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf

It’s probably the first and most cliché road trip song that anyone thinks of. Considering the lyrics start with:

“ Get your motor running Head out on the highway .”

So, really any road trip playlist would be remiss by not including it. It’s a good one to get the energy up when hitting the open road.

Add it to the list from Amazon

14. I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash

I love this song by the Man in Black. If you are looking for a song to drive to that is challenging to learn, this is it! It’s all about the places he has been crisscrossing through North America on his tour bus.

I originally only had this song in our travel songs playlist, but I realize that not everyone checks out both articles, so I had to bring it over here. You can’t ever leave out Johnny Cash man.

Get motivated on Amazon

15. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson

On The Road Again is the quintessential song about road tripping. But, his laid back style of singing will make for a relaxed road trip moment and be sure to keep you within the speed limit. It’s a fitting song for this list because after all “I just can’t wait to get on the road again.”

Buy it now $1.29

16. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

Everybody loves Bruce Springsteen and Baby we were born to run, is one of the great songs to drive to. This entire song is about driving and running. It’s about getting out of the small town trap and getting to the place you want to be.

The Boss is a great lyricist using car metaphors to tell his story. This driving beat will make you want to get behind your engine and run too.

Buy it on Amazon

17. Graceland by Paul Simon

When Paul Simon’s Graceland came out I went nuts for the rhythms inspired by his trip to Africa. When I went to Kenya for the first time , I was totally blown away that I stayed at the same lodge that he and Carrie Fisher stayed at during that exact trip. But that’s another story.

Graceland is an awesome song that fits with driving through America’s southern states. Who wouldn’t want to take a road trip to Elvis’s Graceland?

Get it now to see what I’m talking about

18. Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane

We always love including Canadians. Tom Cochrane’s rock anthem “Life is a Highway” was playing across radio stations throughout the summer that Dave and I met.

We’d drive down the road belting out “ life is a highway, I wanna drive it all night long .” It has a great driving beat and the lyrics are easy to learn. It’s perfect for a road tripping son.

get it on Amazon

19. Love Shack by the B52s

You can’t have a party without The B52s. I’ll never forget seeing them in concert. I had no idea who they were a friend invited me and I’m glad he did.

We arrived at Massey Hall in Toronto where the crowd was filled with people sporting beehive hairdos and wardrobes straight out of Austin Powers.

Once the music started, we rushed the stage and there I stood at the very front listening to the best party tunes I’ve ever heard. When choosing road trip music, be sure to include Love Shack!

Get Love Shack on Amazon

20. Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys

It was after watching  Love and Mercy  and  The Wrecking Crew  that we realised just what a genius Brian Wilson is. We even had the opportunity to see the Beach Boys live (sans Brian Wilson) at a private party in Orlando a few years ago.

They made a lot of good lighthearted songs like California Girls, Surfin’ USA and Kokomo, but it’s Good Vibrations that really shows the depth and musicality of the band’s genius. This song has the vibe that both Dave and I love for a road trip. I’m pickin’ up Good Vibrations.

Listen now on Amazon

21. Back in Black by ACDC

You may be thinking “No way, Highway to Hell is the ACDC song that fits in the road trip play list”. You may be correct, but doesn’t Back in Black have an awesome beat. That guitar at the beginning just rocks.

It’s no wonder Marvel’s Iron Man used it as the song for their opening scene as Robert Downey Jr. was driving with a band of army guys (and gal) from his arms dealing display in  Afghanistan .

Ever since then I’ve associated Back in Black with driving. Sure, he was in a Humvee and I’m usually in a mini compact economy car, but hey, I feel tough when that tune is playing.

Start making your own road tripping playlist for just $1.29 / Buy it on Amazon

22. The Way by Fastball

Don’t you ever want to just hit the road without ever knowing the way. That’s what this song is about. One of my favorite lyrics in the song is “an exit to eternal summer slacking, but where were they going without ever knowing the way.” So let’s. go wander the highway while listening to The Way.

23. Lose Yourself by Eminem

I once sang this song in  Belize  with the local crime lord. I didn’t know it at the time, but after I got off the karaoke stage, where I was joined by a random man who had a big grin on his face, I was told, he was that man. Woah.

The friends you make when you sing Eminem. But this song rocks. Dave and I saw 8 Mile in the theatre and were totally impressed with Mr. Marshall Mathers’ acting ability.

We promptly bought the soundtrack and learned the lyrics to this song.

It’s one of those songs where, once you learn the lyrics, you never forget them because they are so fast and furious, you fall over yourself trying to say them with him!

Listen to Lose Yourself now / Get the Movie  8 Mile on Amazon Prime

24. Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac

A road trip song playlist wouldn’t be complete without Fleetwood Mac and this song has the groove for driving.

“Let’s all sing it together….You can go your own way, Go your own way You can call it another lonely day You can go your own way”

25. See You Again by Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth

Why this song wasn’t nominated for an Academy Award was beyond me. Everyone was shocked when actor Paul Walker was killed in a car crash. He died during the filming of Furious 7.

I never did see the film, but this song played during his final scene in the movie, which I read all about. It seemed to be a beautiful send off to him and whenever I hear it, it still brings a little tear to my eye.

This is a great song for a road trip and is fitting since it’s the title theme for a movie about fast cars.

Buy this song on Amazon $1.29 / Watch all the  Fast and the Furious Movies  in this Box Set.

26. Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp

John Cougar was the first musician I ever saw live. My brother and now sister in law brought me to a show at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton and I couldn’t get enough of his music after that.

I loved his rockabilly sound and to this day, the minute those first five chords ring out over the car stereo, I start rockin’. Jack and Diane is probably his best song and is all about two American kids living in the  heartland .

Check it out on Amazon $1.29

27. Drive My Car by The Beatles

Baby you can drive my car, yes I’m gonna be a star. Have you watch Carpool Karaoke with Paul McCartney and James Corden yet? It is awesome and yes, they do sing the quintessential Beatles road tripping song as they drive around Liverpool checking out Paul’s old haunts.

28. You Oughta Know by Alannis Morisette

The feminism anthem of the 1990s was written and performed by a Canadian. We owned the album Jagged Little Pill and there isn’t a bad song in the bunch.

But it’s You Oughta Know that is one of the best road trip songs on the album. The staccato speech at the beginning gets you hooked for the driving beats ahead making it one of the best driving songs out there.

“I – Want – you – to – know. That – I’m – happy for you. I – wish – nothing – but – the – best – for – you both.”

Was this sone about Joey from Full House? We’ll never know. But you oughta know

Buy the  album Jagged Little Pill,  it’s a good one!

29. Sweet Child O’Mine by Guns n’ Roses

Okay, Dave and I are huge Guns n’ Roses fans. When choosing road trip songs, GnR is right at the top.

We know every word, and both of us immediately stop talking and start singing and playing air guitar. (Or if Dave’s driving, air drumming on the steering wheel.) Guns n’ Roses’ music holds up after all these years and they have many songs made for passing the time on long drives.

Download Sweet Child O’ Mine on Amazon

30. Coming to America by Neil Diamond

During our cycling road trip through Africa . I had Neil Diamond’s Greatest Hits on my playlist. Whenever I was feeling exhausted or just overwhelmed with the scope of the day’s ride ahead, I’d put on Neil Diamond’s mix of mellow and fun tunes. It was “Coming to America” that picked me up the most. It’s just so motivating.

The driving beat makes you feel that you can do anything. It’s all about traveling far and coming to America. I’m not even American, and it inspires me. This song captures what America used to be to so many people. Let’s hope they get there again.

Buy on Amazon Now

Enjoy reading about our road trip through the Causeway Coast at  The Best Things to do in Northern Ireland

31. Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas

If you are a fan of  Supernatural , (the TV series) you’ll recognize this song from the recaps they do at the beginning of most seasons. This song by Kansas has stood the test of time, not only because of Supernatural, but it was huge during the Guitar Hero days.

When they belt out their harmonies at the beginning followed by the hard drums and guitar solo, you can’t help but bounce to the beat. It’s no wonder this song is featured on Supernatural, Sam and Dean are always driving from town to town in Dean’s 1967 Chevy Impala

32. Hello by Adele

Who doesn’t love Adele’s velvet voice? Sure, “Hello” isn’t a fast-paced tune, but it is an excellent road trip song. Why? Because you can howl, scream and holler along.

Turn the stereo up to 11 and belt out those notes along with Adele. Don’t worry, everyone in the car will be singing along, so nobody will hear you scream “ Hello from the outside “.

Buy Hello to Add to your Road Trip Songs playlist $1.29

33. The Nights by Avicii

The best road trip songs are upbeat and easy to sing to. If you agree with that definition, The Nights is definitely a perfect tune for your playlist.

It’s easy to learn the lyrics and a lot of fun to sing a long with. The song is by the Swedish DJ Avicii, but it feels more  Celtic  to me. It was an awesome tune on our playlist for our road trip through Ireland last year.

You can buy the single on Amazon

34. The Distance by Cake

Man, Cake has some great road trip songs. They have a super sense of humour and their music is just simply a lot of fun. I could choose a couple of their songs for our road trip playlist, like Short Skirt Long Jacket or the hilarious Sheep go to Heaven, but Going the Distance is the song that was made for a road trip.

Because that’s in essence what you are doing when driving, right? “You’re going the distance, and you’re going for speed.”

Add Going the Distance to your Road Trip Playlist

35. More Than a Feeling by Boston

Lead Singer Brad Delp had one of the best voices in Rock n’ Roll. Dave and I love great vocalists and Boston’s songs were meant to wail to. He could reach the high notes with such clarity and there’s nothing more satisfying when out for a long day on the road than reaching those notes in the car and pretending to be a rock star. This is the song to do that to.

Buy More than a Feeling on Amazon

36. American Pie by Don McLean

When on a long road trip, there’s nothing better than a really long anthem-like song to come on. The miles seem to just fall away on the road. American Pie is one of those songs. A song that cuts nearly 10 minutes out of your road trip, as you sing along with each verse.

There’s something about knowing all the lyrics of American Pie that makes you feel like you are smart or something. When you know every word, it’s impressive to others. Well, at least Dave and I impress ourselves and that’s all that matters since we’re usually the only two in the car!

Download the ultimate road trip song on Amazon

37. American Woman by The Guess Who

Let’s stay with the American theme and go with this American classic, written by Canadians! When Dave and I got free tickets to see The Guess Who from his friend who ran their lighting, we weren’t sure what to expect. Weren’t these some old guys that sang songs we’ve never heard of? Boy were we wrong.

Burton Cummings’ voice is outstanding and Randy Bachman can make his guitar sing. But you’d also be surprised how many songs you know by the Guess Who. They had hit after hit.

American Woman has been deemed an American Anthem, but what’s funny about it is that the entire song disses on America.

“ I don’t need your war machines, I don’t need your ghetto scenes”. Colored lights may hypnotize Sparkle someone else’s eyes”

Listen closely and you’ll see that they’re telling America to stay away from them!

Get American Woman on Amazon 1.29

38. All About the Bass by Meghan Trainor

When I first heard Meghan Trainor’s voice I was hooked. It’s so clear and fun. Have you seen her sing on Jimmy Fallon with the Roots playing kids school instruments as back up? It’s amazing. That’s how you know someone can sing: When they’ve got nothing backing them up but a kazoo and they sound awesome.

This tune is so much fun. We’re also fans of Your Lips Are Movin’ by her as well. Meghan Trainor’s tunes were made for road tripping.

Get this road trip song on Amazon

39. Africa by Toto

Let’s slow This Road Trip Songs Playlist down a little now. Africa by Toto didn’t mean a lot to me until I went to Africa. They capture it beautifully in the song and it’s so soothing to listen to.

Wild dogs really do cry out in the night and yes,  Kilimanjaro  does rise like Olympus above the Serengeti. When Africa comes on, it makes me want to book a flight to Tanzania or Kenya.

These countries are two of our favorite places in the world and we could go back again and again. But until we do, there’s always Toto there to remind us of how much we love it.

Download on Amazon

• One of our favorite road trips where we had the tunes cranked was definitely a drive along the  Cowboy Route in Southern Alberta. 

40. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

Journey may have had a resurgence thanks to Glee, but we have always loved them. Open Arms is actually my favourite by them, but it doesn’t exactly fit the bill as one of the best road trip songs of all time. It’s more of a love ballad. We were both huge fans of Separate Ways, but perhaps the synthesizer is a little dated.

Don’t Stop Belivin’ is definitely the Journey song that was made for driving. Heck it’s even about taking a journey. “Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit . He took the midnight train going anywhere”.

Buy the song on Amazon / Rent the movie  Don’t Stop Believin ‘, it’s so inspiring!

41. I Bet My Life by Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons are quickly becoming one of our favourite bands of the 2000s. They are so versatile, with so many hits you don’t even realise they are the same band. They are the same guys that sing Radioactive, Demons and It’s Time. All songs are so different.

But it’s I Bet My Life that makes us want to bop our heads to the beat. We drove a lot through  Europe  last year and this was one of the big road trip songs for us to listen to.

Buy I Bet My Life for just $1.29

42. Dream On by Aerosmith

This song starts off slow and builds to a screeching point with Steven Tyler wailing “ Dream On, Dream On, Dream On, Dream Until Your Dreams Come True! “

You don’t want to be in the car with Dave and I when this song is on. Both of us are yelling at the top of our lungs and banging our heads to the beat. When Dream on comes on the radio, there’s no talking to either of us until the song is over.

Buy  AeroSmith’s Greatest Hits

• You don’t have to be in a car to appreciate good music. We had our playlist going like made in our Bluetooth helmets during our  tour around Lake Superior  on motorcycles. 

43. Rock Star by Nickelback

Hey, don’t hate on Nickelback okay? Everyone loves to hate this band, and yet they still have tons of top hits and sold out shows. Yes, Chad Kroeger’s hair sucks with his long bleach blond locks and dark roots and his goatee does not fit his face, but Nickleback has some pretty memorable tunes.

I remember listening to them sing live from “The Edge Studios” in Toronto for the first time when they belted out How you Remind Me. That song was their breakout hit, but you gotta listen to Rock Star. The lyrics of this song are hilarious and it was made for singing along to in the car.

Give Rock Star a chance now

44. Hey Ya by Outkast

I love the positive beat of this song. Sure it may or may not be a break up song, I can’t be sure about the lyrics – is it about breaking up or staying together? Who cares, it’s gone a cool vibe.

The video is so much fun and when this tune comes on, you instantly feel good. Andre3000 was named one of the best rappers of all time, and yet it’s this little ditty that we love for a road trip. My Baby don’t mess around.

Hey Ya on Amazon

45. Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks

The ultimate female rock voice is Stevie Nicks. This has been one of my favourite songs for years. I could only wish that I had a Rock n Roll voice. Mine was stuck in the pop world, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t daydream about rocking it like Stevie on the big stage one day.

This rock song is great for anyone.  Even Dave rocks out to it when I turn it on. It may have never made it to the top 10 when it was released in 1981, but this is the most memorable of all her songs and over time has gained more fame and glory than it had during its original release.

Give it a shot and listen to it!

46. I Wanna Be Sedated by The Ramones

This is the easiest song to sing along to. It repeats and repeats but the beat keeps on going. When we’re on a super long road trip, we agree, Twenty, Twenty, Twenty-Fours hours to go! I wanna be sedated. Get the Ramones on your road trip playlist now. They’ll have you Ba ba baba, baba ba baba along all night long!

Purchase I Wanna Be Sedated

One of our latest road trip adventures took us to  Fraser Island in Australia . We spent 3 days driving through the sand dunes and scenery of this amazing destination. 

47. Redemption Song by Bob Marley

Bob Marley is another artist where we could just put on his greatest hits and make that a road trip playlist. But the self imposed rules of this article was to choose only one song per artist.

Yes, he has more up-tempo songs that could fit the genre better, but we feel that sometimes you gotta slow down when choosing a road trip song and let the mellow feeling takeover as you drive the open road.

Redemption Song is the perfect song for that occasion. It’s one of those songs where you can put your vocal skills to the test and sing with feeling.

Download Redemption Song for 1.29 on Amazon

48. Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie

Sticking with slow songs, Dave and I love this one by Death Cab for Cutie. It’s a love song and we love a good love song. Hey, we’re both romantics at heart. One of my favourite lines is:

“You and me have seen everything to see From Bangkok to Calgary The soles of your shoes are all worn down “ That’s how Dave and I feel, we’ve seen it all together and we love doing so.

Download this now  for your Road Trip Song Playlist on Amazon

49. Life’s Been Good by Joe Walsh

Another very long tune. Life’s Been Good is a great road trip sing-a-long song. It goes on for a whopping 8 minutes. Do you know how many km you can cover when driving at 100km (or if you’re like most people, 120km) per hour?

That’s right, 15km will fly right by! How does Life’s Been Good fit with a road trip? Well, he does sing, “ My  Maserati  does 185, I lost my license, now I don’t drive. ” Best lyrics ever!

50. Shelter from the Storm by Bob Dylan

Well, since we’re in the vein of 1960s music icons. We must include a little Bob Dylan. You see, you want your road trip playlist to be versatile. You can’t stick with one genre or one decade. It needs to span many years and cover all music types.

That way you never get bored. Shelter from the Storm is one of Bob’s greatest hits and he’s had many.

You may choose one of his more famous songs like Blowin’ in the Wind, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door or Mr. Tambourine Man, But listen to Shelter from the Storm. This is a great song.

Purchase Shelter From the Storm Now

51. Piano Man by Billy Joel

I’ll never forget locking up Sherry Ott’s phone (of  Ottsworld’s ) during the  Mongol Rally.  She and Rick had to listen to our playlist the rest of the 10,000 km and she mentioned, if only we had some Billy Joel. I love Billy Joel, so I felt the same way!

We didn’t have Spotify then, so we couldn’t just magically download Billy Joel in the Gobi desert, but I do agree, he makes for some great road trip music. Yes, he has a lot of hits, but Dave and I both love Piano Man.

It’s another long anthem type song that lets you sing along forever. With verse after verse our voices grow stronger and more powerful in the car until we’re both belting out “Sing us a Song You’re the Piano Man!” no you’re the piano man!

Get it on Amazon

52. Old Man by Neil Young

From Piano Man to Old Man. Niel Young is another iconic Canadian in our list. I could do a Canadian version of Road Trip Songs, but I am afraid half of you wouldn’t know the songs I am talking about.

Anyone else out there know of The Tragically Hip’s  Fireworks ? Our Lady Peace’s  Starseed  or Blue Rodeo’s  Bad Timing ? Didn’t think so.

But we the world knows Neil Young. Even the younger generation knows him thanks to Jimmy Fallon. Old Man is our favourite. What’s yours?

Listen to Old Man Now

Watch Jimmy Fallon and Neil Young on YouTube

53. Lust for Life by Iggy Pop

In the 1990s, I didn’t know a lot about punk rock. Dave and I were into Grunge at the time. But when we went to go see Trainspotters at the theatre, we were introduced to Lust for Life by Iggy Pop.

If this doesn’t get you rocking in the car, nothing will. It is the perfect way to end our road trip songs playlist with an upbeat tune that was made for road tripping.

Lust for Life is on Amazon for just $1.29

54. Radar Love by Golden Earring

Whenever the popular rock and roll radio station in Toronto does a traffic update, they play this song. They also play “I’m a highway star” but Radar Love has the much better groove. I love adding grooving songs to drive to on my playlist.

55. Route 66 by Nat King Cole

It’s a classic and an oldie but goodie. All kinds of people have covered Route 66 but nothing compares to the velvet voice of Nat King Cole. So add this classic road song to your playlist and get your kicks on Route 66.

56. Mustang Sally in the Commitments

When I was younger I was in a band that had the feel of the movie The Commitments. I loved singing back up vocals to Mustang Sally, “Ride Sally Ride. This song has a cool groove that gets you in the mood to drive. (Among other things)

57. The Air Tonight by Phil Collins

Who doesn’t love that drum solo by Phil Collins in the Air Tonight. I’ll never forget hearing it for the first tim eon Miami Vice when Crocket and Tubs were driving down the strip of Miami. Man, this is the best grooving driving song out there.

58. Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is awesome. There isn’t a song of his I don’t like. But when it comes to songs about driving, this is it. I love the lyrics:

“I’m on my way Driving at ninety down those country lanes Singing to “Tiny Dancer” And I miss the way you make me feel, and it’s real We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill.”

Dave and I totally sing to Tiny Dancer when driving and we always think about driving those back roads in Ireland. How can the locals possibly go 90 on narrow winding roads, and yet they do. they really do! Get Castle on a Hill now

59. Boys of Summer by Don Henley

I admit, I bought a pair of RayBans just because of these lyrics… “Driving in your car with those Wayfarers on baby.”

When I listen to the Boys of Summer, I envision beautiful people driving up and down the sunset strip in Los Angeles. I always have and still do. Check out our guide to the Ultimate California Road Trip

60. Where the Streets have No Name by U2

And let’s end with a song that actually has a street in the name. Well, the Streets have no name here. U2s anthem is the perfect ending to our road tripping song. From the Joshua Tree, that takes us through the California desert, the Streets Have No Name, is a song that will hypnotize you as you get lost in Bono’s dreamy vocals. Just make sure to keep your eyes on the road!

So there you have it. This is our list of our favorite road trip songs. So are you ready to hit the road with the best playlist ever?

We have this on our playlist, what’s on yours? Have you ever taken a road trip going anywhere?

Do you have a song that needs to be included when you go traveling? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

• Best Travel Songs Playlist – It’s different from this!
• Best Travel Movies
• Best Travel Books to Inspire the Wanderer in you
• Best Travel Tips from 20 Years of Traveling

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81 thoughts on “60 Best Road Trip Songs to Rock the Drive”

Where Chris Rea? There should be at least one song if not 3

Interesting list you have here. I have some recommendations here if you don’t mind.

Raspberries – Go All the Way Jason Isbell – Super 8 Big Star – In the Street Crack the Sky, the best band to come out of Baltimore – Nuclear Apathy Wishbone Ash – (In All My Dreams) You Rescue Me The Bottle Rockets – Radar Gun Danny O’Keefe – Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues Cross Canadian Ragweed – Fightin’ For

Thanks for the nice collection, will definitely try this!!

Thank you so much for sharing this playlist. I really loved it.

Very nice collection thanks for sharing!!

Blatantly missing: “Roll on Down the Highway” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Great selection. Along with ‘Go Your own Way’ and ‘Life is a Highway’, I’d add ‘Peaches’ by Justin Bieber

Nice One! Amazing Playlist! Really love This, thank you for sharing this lovely playlist.

Awesome Playlist !! Love It

Thanks for the song list now it will be very easy for me to go on a road trip.

thanks for the list of songs. I loved the ‘boys of summer’ song so much. Every time when I drive I always play this song.

Superb Collection..i definitely tryy all songs..i am planning to go out . i hope it helps for me. Thank you

Thank you very much for this playlist. I really loved it.

Superb Collection.. Thanks for the lovely post

fantastic article thanks for sharing, I appereciate your work

Thanks so much! Do you have a favourite song to add?

Most of these songs and genres that aren’t rock should be left off the list completely. The best road songs are real rock hands down. The best road song ever is Judas Priest’s “Heading Out To The Highway”. The live version of the Priest Live album from 1987.

You reminded me of songs that I love but forgot about. Thanks for making this playlist, I will definitely be listening to some old favorites as well as some ones you’ve recommended…Old is gold

Thanks for this article but there are many tracks apart from these to make the highway journey a perfect experience.

You reminded me some of the songs that I love but forgotten about it. Thanks for reminding me again, I will definitely be listening to some old favorites as well as someones you’ve recommended. 🙂

Great collections thank you so much for sharing this article.

Really a great collection of songs thanks for sharing hopefully it will help me next time i go out.

Thank you for this wonderful list. It really helped me a lot during my road trip.

Amazing article I really loved it. Thanks for sharing this amazing content.

Hey there Thanks for the Wonderful Playlist.

This is an excellent list. I have a trip to plan here shortly. Hopefully everyone can agree on this playlist.

Yes.. This is an excellent list of songs for road trip

Superb Collection. Thanks for sharing it.

Superb Collection..i definitely tryy all songs..i am planning to go out . i hope it helps for me.

You reminded me of songs that I love but forgot about. Thanks for making this playlist, I will definitely be listening to some old favorites as well as some ones you’ve recommended…Old is gold

Awesome and ‘d add Big Sugar’s “Please Let Me Sleep In Late or My Heart Refuses To Pound”.

The requirement for any good road trip is, as everyone knows, a killer soundtrack. And summer is the optimal time to hit the road and go on an adventure. Whether you’re embarking on a solo trip or gathering with friends and family, you’re going to need some tunes to keep you company along the way. We’ve collated classic driving songs from throughout the eras and assembled the best road trip songs to fire up as you head out on the open road.

Hey, nice post loved it.

You reminded me of songs that I love but forgot about! Thanks for making this playlist, I will definitely be listening to some old favorites as well as some ones you’ve recommended!

Awesome playlist! Added some of these for my next road trip, thankyou so much sir ??

Awesome playlist! Added some of these for my next road trip 🙂 Thanks for the post!

really nyc playlist

awesome..amazing man..!!

Thank you so much!! You don’t know how you helped me. But you helped me a lot. Usually, I get bored while going for a long ride but now it is gonna Amazing. Thank you again.

Hi, You have put together a great collection of songs. It’s true music and travel if combined together can make any trip a great one. I have although written a similar article on my blog but being an Indian I love Bollywood songs. Lately, I have added some modern International songs too on my playlist and I am loving those. I have noticed that you have added many classic old songs, I have listened to a few of them on YouTube and I found them pretty great. Thanks for sharing your list of songs with us. You can check out mine too. It’s a bit different from yours.

Great collection. There is so much good music out there, old and new, the challenge always seems to be keeping the list to a manageable number. Quite a few caught me by surprise. I was a long haul truck driver for many years, and a big music fan, but you learn something new every day. A running joke in my house is that I have been more places with Melissa Etheridge than I have with my wife of 36 years. Submitted for your consideration: You can sleep while I drive-Melissa Etheridge. Radar Love-Golden Earring Roll Me Away- Bob Seger In The Air Tonight- Phil Collins Uneasy Rider-Charlie Daniels Here I go Again-Whitesnake Eastbound and Down-Jerry Reeves This Flight Tonight-Nazareth Fly At Night-Chilliwack The Load Out-Jackson Browne Several dozen more than you will have space for.

Superb Collection..i definitely try all songs..i am planning to go out . i hope it helps for me.

Thank You So Much For The Playlist. Now I Am Gonna Rock The Long Drive.

What an Amazing Wonderful Collection Realy I Love IT 🙂

Great collection man..Enjoy

Nice playlist. I’d include America’s Ventura Highway.

was going to put I’ve Been Everywhere Man on the list and then I decided against it because I have it on another music list on this site. I linked to it in this article and I thought, uh oh, I can’t repeat songs too muc

wonderful collection

Thank you so much for the playlist. I loved all of them. Now am ready to hit the long roads.

I can’t argue with most of the selections on the list, but there are a few blatant omissions:

Born To Be Wild Radar Love Twilight Zone

I don’t know how any music list (regardless of theme) can be complete without a single song by Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, or the Boss, let alone missing all of them???

I love music so much.this is the best article ever about road trip songs playlists. Thank you for nice article.

Excellent collection of songs! I truly needed to recommend this to these amazing people who have done great road trips I’m in touch with and will do in future. One of their trips was 20,000 Kms. Will share it ahead!

Thank you for the great road trip list. It was great.

Thanks Dev & Deb !! You made my day…!! By reading your article I found so much happiness because in coming days I’ll go on long tour with my new car & these road trip songs will rock it all the way … !! 🙂

– Jenny Diana

Jessica by the Allman Brothers is one of the best for me. In the movie of my life, it’s the music that would playduring the scenewhen I take a long road trip or move cross-country. 😛

Great addition, I’ll have to add it to my Spotify.

Ooooooh, so many. Led Zep’s Dazed and Confused (26 minute version), Hendrix’ Voodoo Chile, a lot of Buddy Guy. Yesterday I heard B-52s “Planet Claire”–that is a serious jam.

I am so happy to spend my time here, i am always search exactly like this blog. Thanks for sharing us.

Great choices and I love that you included a Canadian. Life is a Highway. Woot!

Awesome and ‘d add Big Sugar’s “Please Let Me Sleep In Late or My Heart Refuses To Pound”.

Great selection. Along with ‘Go Your own Way’ and ‘Life is a Highway’, I’d add ‘Dance the Night Away’ by Van Halen

Superb!! Never gonna to forget this one!!

I Wanna Be Sedated BY The Ramones

Amazing this post, thanks for share it.

Amazing this one thanks for share it.

Fantastic list, thank you! One addition comes to mind right away: “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane. I mean, it actually has the word highway in it. Classic.

That’s a great addition. I was actually thinking about that song. I love him because he’s also Canadian and I like adding Canadians to the list. But I then decided to leave him out because for me, he was oversaturated (in our neck of the woods anyway) and that song was totally overplayed and now I just can’t listen to it anymore. But most people love it!

I would add “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac.

Great choice! How could I forget that one!

thank you! One addition comes to mind right away: “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane.

LOVE THESE!! Couldn’t agree more about Paradise by the Dashboard Light. I love Meat Loaf, LOL. He was my first concert at age 8 😀 and we played “I Would Do Anything For Love” at our wedding hahaha. Great pics. I love any Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash as well—perfect for an All-American road trip. Also 80’s rock.

Road trips are the best!!

I loved that I would do Anything for Love. It was a great comeback song for him. So what wouldn’t you do? Haha, He says, I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that. HAha. I always think about what is that? 🙂 I was going to put I’ve Been Everywhere Man on the list and then I decided against it because I have it on another music list on this site. I linked to it in this article and I thought, uh oh, I can’t repeat songs too much.

Very good article…this is a very unique article for me. I have never seen this kinda article on any sites… REALLY VERY NICE..CHEERS

Thanks Jessica. We love music so much we decided that we had to put together a list of our playlists. So there you go!

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100+ Best Road Trip songs (to sing along with as you drive!)

Looking for good road trip songs? Honestly, the right driving songs in the right playlist can make or break a road trip! Here are 100+ best road trip songs to sing along with as you drive!

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Best Road Trip Songs

Planning a road trip or long drive is tough. There are a million things to think about. And one of the things often overlooked is a road trip playlist!

Whether you’re travelling by car, RV, camper or bike, this list of the 100 best road trip driving songs is guaranteed to make the miles fly past!

We’ve got a mix of great driving songs to sing along too: songs for girly summer road trips, classic rock, all-American, a bit of country and some modern 2020 tunes- all designed to create the PERFECT playlist for your journey. And with over 100 road trip songs to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone to sing along with on the road.

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How to create a great road trip playlist with sing-along songs!

The window wound down, the stereo cranked up and some awesome tunes you can sing along to; perfection, right? But if you’re anything like us, your phone/iPod is a random mix of all sorts of music- including a Christmas album or 7.

That’s why a road trip playlist is so important- you don’t have to worry if the next tune will be great, you already know it will be! 

• Make sure the songs are downloaded onto your phone/ ipod. Otherwise, you’re going to use up a lot of data and/ or run the risk of being in an area with bad signal and no music!
• Like listening to things as you drive? Check out Audible – you can get podcasts, audiobooks and more- it’s a perfect way to pass the time on a long drive.

You might be able to get 3 MONTHS FREE music at Amazon. Click HERE to take advantage 

I’ll be honest- there was some…. let’s call it “discussion”… over the best travel songs to include on this list. My husband prefers classic rock for driving songs. I like songs you can sing along with in the car and songs to drive fast too (NEVER above the speed limit though… right?!)

We compromised on creating a road trip playlist with song choices from all of us, so we hope there’s something in here for you!

So, let’s get to the best road trip songs.

(Update: This post started off as 100 of the best road trip songs… it’s growing as we add more in, so no idea how many are here now!! )

20 Rock Classics- the BEST Road trip Rock songs

• Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
• Nutbush City Limits – Ike & Tina Turner
• Dude Looks like a Lady – Aerosmith
• American Pie – Don Mclean
• Whole Lotta Rosie – AC/ DC
• Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
• Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses
• All Night Long – Rainbow
• Cats in the Cradle – Ugly Kid Joe
• Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
• Jump – Van Halen
• We Built This City – Starship
• Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
• Hell ain’t a Bad Place to Be – AC/DC
• The Boys are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy
• Rio – Duran Duran
• Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting – Elton John
• Who are You – The Who
• Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
• Love Walked In – Thunder

Best Driving Songs- All-American road trip songs

• Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
• Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Walk This Way – Aerosmith & Run DMC
• My Life – Billy Joel
• Living on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
• Footloose – Kenny Loggins
• One of these Nights – The Eagles
• Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf
• Nothing but a Good Time-  Poison

Planning a road trip? You might find these posts useful:

• How to plan a road trip
• The BEST printable road trip planner (FREE!)
• Most useful road trip apps
• 100 inspiring road trip quotes

25 Modern road trip songs to sing along with (2020 update)

Our favourite modern (ish!) driving songs, all of which are perfect to sing along to in the car and belt it out- especially in a traffic jam with people staring at you!! Add any (or all!) of these to your perfect summer road trip playlist.

• Physical- Dua Lipa
• Stupid Love – Lady Gaga
• Dance Monkey – Tones & I (you know you love it…)
• Take Me Back to London – Ed Sheeran
• All the Good Girls go to Hell – Billie Eilish
• What a Man Gotta Do – Jonas Brothers
• Castle on the Hill – Ed Sheeran
• Uptown Funk – Mark Robson & Bruno Mars
• Rockstar – Nickelback
• Looking for a Good Time – Lady Antebellum
• It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
• Take me to Church – Hozier
• Hold Back the River – James Bay
• Shut Up & Dance – Walk the Moon
• Happy – Pharell Williams
• The Pretender – Foo Fighters
• Hall of Fame – The Script
• Centuries – Fall Out Boy
• Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
• The Kill – 30 Seconds to Mars
• Mr Brightside – The Killers
• My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark – Fall Out Boy
• Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time – Panic at the Disco
• Knights of Cydonia – Muse
• If I had you – Adam Lambert
• All the Small Things – Blink 182

The ultimate girl’s road trip playlist- perfect songs to sing along with in the car!

Ah- I LOVE girly road trips, especially in the summer. There’s nothing better than some sunshine, good friends and some GREAT songs on the stereo. Here are some of our favourite road trip songs for girls (although we don’t mind if you boys listen to them too! 😉 )

20 Modern road trip sing-along songs for girls

• Rolling in the Deep – Adele
• Waking Up in Vegas – Katy Perry
• Trouble – Pink
• Everytime We Touch – Cascada
• According to You – Orianthi
• Bang Bang – Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Menaj
• Black Magic – Little Mix
• Heartbeat Song – Kelly Clarkson
• Sax – Fleur East
• Can’t Be Tame d- Miley Cyrus
• Fight Song – Rachel Platten
• The Best Damn Thing – Avril Lavigne
• Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
• U and Ur Hand – Pink!
• Part of Me – Katy Perry
• Shake it Off – Taylor Swift
• This is Me – Greatest Showman Soundtrack
• Raise Your Glass – Pink
• Living la Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
• Baby one more time – Brittany Spears

20 Classic road trip songs for girls to sing along to in the car!

• Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & the Waves
• Bitch – Meredith Brooks
• Everything I do, I do it for you – Bryan Adams
• Holding Out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler
• Wake Me up before you Go-Go – Wham
• It’s Raining Men – Weather Girls
• Love Shack – B52s
• I’m so Excited – Pointer Sisters
• Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
• 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton
• Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
• Heaven is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle
• Man! I Feel like a woman – Shania Twain
• Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
• Poker Face – Lady Gaga
• Burning Love – Wynonna (I much prefer this version- sorry Elvis!!)
• Love My Life – Robbie Williams
• Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
• Proud Mary – Tina Turner
• Summer Nights- Grease

14 Driving Songs with ‘road in the title’- perfect for a road trip playlist!

• Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles
• Every Day is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow
• Take me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
• The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles
• Bright Side of the Road – Van Morrison
• Long Road To Ruin – Foo Fighters
• Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
• Back on the Road Again – REO Speedwagon
• Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen
• Road to Hell – Chris Rea
• Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads
• Old Town Road – Lil Nas X
• Roadhouse Blues – The Doors
• Road Less Traveled – Lauren Alaina

15 best songs about driving and cars

Some of the best songs about driving (and cars!) – all perfect for a road trip playlist!

• Mustang Sally – The Commitments
• Bat out of Hell – Meatloaf
• I Drove all night – Roy Orbison
• Rhythm Made Me Do It – Shania Twain
• Drive By – Train
• Greased Lightnin’ – Grease Soundtrack
• Paradise by the Dashboard Light – Meatloaf
• Bad Habit – The Offspring
• Car Wash – Rose Royce
• 2,4,6,8 Motorway – Tom Robinson Band
• Little Red Corvette – Prince
• Pink Cadillac – Bruce Springsteen
• Route 66 – Chuck Berry
• Drive – The Cars
• Drive My Car – The Beatles

Planning a long drive? These post might help

• 15 Essential road trip tips you NEED to know
• Things to remember before you leave
• Healthy snacks for road trips

Best Driving songs to drive faster to (and sing along with!!)

Yes, we’ve already had some AMAZING road trip songs for the playlist, but here are some more to crank it up and sing along with (just watch that speed limit!!)

• Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
• Monkey Wrench – Foo Fighters
• Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
• Beat It – Michael Jackson
• 50 Ways to say Goodbye – Train
• River Deep, Mountain High – Tina Turner
• Cherry Pie – Warrant
• I would do anything for love – Meatloaf
• Addicted to Love – Robert Palmer
• Pour Some Sugar on Me – Def Leppard (one of the best songs about sugar ever 😉 )
• Any Way you Want it – Journey (or the Rock of Ages version!)
• DOA – Foo Fighters
• Lowlife – Theory of a Deadman
• Making it Hard – Hinder
• Oblivion – Terrorvision
• Haven’t Had Enough – Marianas Trench
• Angel with a Shotgun – The Cab
• Silent Majority – Nickelback
• Run to You – Bryan Adams
• Thanks for the Mmrs – Fall Out Boy
• The Anthem – Good Charlotte
• Teenagers – My Chemical Romance
• High School Never Ends – Bowling for Soup
• Seven Nation Army – White Stripes
• Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas
• Build Me up Buttercup – The Foundations
• Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry
• Come As You Are – Nirvana
• Teenage Dirtbag – Wheatus

20 Quieter Road trip songs- for when the kids are sleeping!

These songs are perfect when you want to turn it down a little bit. Admittedly, we tend to turn them up, but then we don’t have young kids anymore!

(Top tip for parents- these children’s car games won’t drive you crazy. Promise!)

• Livin’ Thing – Electric Light Orchestra
• All I Need is a Miracle – Mike and the Mechanics
• Everybody wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
• Money for Nothing – Dire Straits
• In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins  (just remember to air drum quietly!!)
• I don’t want a lover – Texas
• The Chain – Fleetwood Mac
• The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
• Stay with Me – Rod Stewart
• All Night Long- Lionel Richie
• No Son of Mine – Genesis
• Easy Lover – Phil Collins & Philip Bailey
• Every Little Thing She Does – The Police
• It’s a Beautiful Day – Michael Buble
• Jesus, He knows me – Genesis
• The Day We Caught the Train – Ocean Colour Scene
• All Right Now – Free
• Another Brick in the Wall – Pink Floyd
• Mama Told Me not to Come – Tom Jones
• Boys of Summer – Don Henley

Classic road trip driving songs for EVERY trip

These are some of our favourite driving tunes- but they didn’t really fit anywhere else (or they did, but my OCD with the numbers wouldn’t allow it!) Still, don’t forget to put these onto your ultimate driving playlist!!

• Africa – Toto
• Waterloo – Abba
• Like I Roll – Black Stone Cherry
• Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
• I Love Rock n Roll – Joan Jet
• Counting Stars – OneRepublic
• Song 2 – Blur
• Only The Good Die Young – Billy Joel
• Dreadlock Holiday – 10cc
• Englishman in New York – Sting
• Stacy’s Mom – Bowling for Soup or Fountains of Wayne
• The Power of Love – Huey Lewis and The News
• One of Us – Joan Osborne
• Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who
• When the Going gets tough – Billy Ocean
• I Can’t Dance – Genesis
• Losing My Religion – R.E.M
• We Are Family – Sister Sledge
• Video Killed the Radiostar – The Buggles
• Hit Me with your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
• I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown
• Graceland – Paul Simon
• Since You Been Gone – Rainbow
• Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
• Are You Gonna Go My Way – Lenny Kravitz
• I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2

Spotify Link for this road trip playlist

If you’d like to download this playlist on Spotify, you can do so here.

And if you found it helpful and like our playlist, feel free to buy us a coffee 😉

Best Road Trip Songs- how did you like our Playlist?

Every single one of these songs makes us turn the volume up and sing along like crazy people- much to the amusement of anyone around us!

These are driving songs to embarrass yourselves to and enjoy every second.  I hope it’s given you some great ideas for your own road trip playlist- let me know what you include on yours!!

How else can I help you today?

• Record your trip in one of these beautiful road trip logbooks
• How to plan an epic RV trip for beginners
• The BEST gifts for road trippers
• Essential road trip kit
• Best Children’s car Games

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Sharing is caring!

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15 comments.

Wow that is a great list. You have a few I had forgotten. Very complete list of all music genre. That is the only problem I have with things like Sirrus and XM you have to select only one type. I love Pandora but as you mentioned DATA, DATA, so Ipod it is for roadtrips.

Thank you! We had a lot of fun writing it and listening to old songs 🙂 Yeah, Data is definitely something worth considering- it can get expensive quickly otherwise!

You missed out poison alive Cooper got to be on

thanks for the information

You’re welcome!

What an awesome song list. Thanks for sharing this list. take care…

You are very welcome- glad you enjoyed it. Happy Road trip!

Great lists. I made playlists on Spotify that can be accessed by anybody. Makes it easy if you have Spotify.

How do I access the playlist that you made

Rockin’ down the highway by The Doobie Brothers

Is there a way to automatically click a link or something so my Apple Music will automatically take and start playing the 150 song list

Wow. Now I have something to do while waiting for lockdown to end. I’ve never heard of some of yours! You won’t have heard of some of mine! Each to his own. I will start with Stones, Clapton, John Mayalls Bluesbreakers, Sonny Boy Williams……….Can’t stop, I’ve got to get my iPod.?

This is a really lovely list. I would also recommend Dead American Presidents’ Peaches for trips through farm country.

I miss the golden Earring with Radar love.

Can’t believe you don’t have and Go-Go’s songs listed!! I can think of a few that are awesome road trip songs !!

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Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Road Trip Play List » The Best Road Trip Songs to Blast in the Car (+Playlists)

The Best Road Trip Songs to Blast in the Car (+Playlists)

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There’s nothing like taking an epic road trip. Driving by the seat of your pants, veering off the highway to explore the undiscovered roads, enjoying the surrounding scenery, rolling down all your windows, and, of course, blasting an epic playlist on your car’s radio. Every good road trip needs a good road trip soundtrack. So what are the best road trip songs to add to your playlist?

A good road trip song taps into how it feels to be traveling the open road: whether that is excitement, wistfulness, or nostalgia. We’ve compiled lists and playlists full of the perfect road trip songs, songs that mention driving or cars, music that is just plain fun to listen to while driving, and songs you can listen to in whichever US state you’re traveling in.

What is the number one road trip song? You’ll have to decide that for yourself! But we have plenty of options for you to choose from. Add any of these to your road trip playlist (or just play any of our pre-populated road trip Spotify playlists!) and get ready to pump up the volume!

What’s the best way to listen to music in your car? Sign up for Spotify or Amazon Prime Music to access thousands of songs and create your own playlists.

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)

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Everyone has different music tastes, so what you listen to in the car is up to you. But still, there are a few road classic road trip songs that will have everyone singing along in the car. The best road trip music invokes the emotions of traveling the open road with references to driving, exploring, or adventuring. Stuck on what to add to your playlist? These are fifteen of the best road trip songs to add to your playlist mix.

by The Proclaimers

“I’m Gonna Be” is the ultimate song about traveling far distances. Plus, it is just plain fun to sing along to in the car! While the Proclaimers might prefer to walk, we prefer to drive. But you know this song will be blasting on our car radio. (And for a more wistful drive, check out the Sleeping at Last cover.)

by Tom Petty

There are lots of places to run to and this song makes a good soundtrack to any of them. For anyone dreaming of that next adventure, this road trip song is always fun to sing along to with the windows down and the wind in your hair.

by The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Road Trippin’ is an anthem of the band’s Pacific Coast Highway road trip. But it is a good song to accompany any of the Best USA Road Trip Ideas Routes .

by Johnny Cash

No matter where your road trip is taking you, chances are that this song mentions it. “I’ve Been Everywhere” is the quintessential road trip song about a man who has been…well…everywhere! (92 places are mentioned in the song, if you’re keeping track). Check out this interactive map to see everywhere the singer visits in the song.

by Tom Cochrane (or Rascal Flatts)

Though more of a metaphor for the ups and downs of life, there is no better song to score a long drive on the highway. Check out the Tom Cochrane version or Rascal Flatt’s version from the movie Cars .

by Simon & Garfunkel

America is a song about two young lovers hitchhiking their way across the United States, in search of “America.” Full of adventure and optimism this song reminds us that everyone is on their own journey.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero

Though not really about traveling, this feel-good song takes us on a journey about love. It reminds us that no matter how far or wide we drive, home is based on who you’re with. It also makes the perfect last song in a road trip playlist, to play as you’re coming home.

by Willie Nelson

While “On the Road Again” was originally written about being on tour, it has morphed into a road trip anthem. It’s a song about going new places and seeing new things, making it the perfect tune to blast while you’re on the road (again).

by Chuck Berry

Get your kicks to this classic road trip song that takes you on a journey on the Mother Road. While it might not be the essential song for every road trip, if you’re planning a Route 66 road trip , this song has to be at the top of your playlist.

by Lindsey Buckingham

“Holiday Road” cemented its place as the quintessential road trip song when it was used as the theme song to the quintessential road trip movie , National Lampoon’s Vacation , in 1983.

by Miley Cyrus

“Party in the USA” is more about moving across the country than driving across the country. But we all know that butterflies-in-our-stomach feeling that comes with experience something new for the first time. This song evokes both that adrenaline nervousness and wide-eyed wonder that can come with taking a chance, and how a good song can put you in the right mindset for anything. Plus it is just a fun song to sing in the car!

by Bruce Springsteen

We often travel to escape our normal routine and seek the adventure that is out of our bounds. Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” has become an ultimate road trip anthem to the restlessness that keeps us on the road searching for something new.

by Sheryl Crow

Life has twists and turns, just as a road trip does. Using the metaphors of the road, this song evokes the ups and downs of a bumpy life and a bumpy highway. Plus the chorus is fun to sing along to in the car. It will surely get you a little bit closer to feeling fine.

For those times on the road when you just want to take it easy, this song is for you. This is the perfect driving song for any road trip, but especially if you plan to be standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona (there’s even a Standin’ on a Corner roadside attraction on Route 6 based off of this famous road trip song!).

by Fleetwood Mac

“Go Your Own Way” was originally a break up song but it has morphed into a song that means so much more to those who love to go, or travel, their own way. Any Fleetwood Mac song rounds out a road trip playlist and belting out, “go your own way,” makes this song a must add.

Pump up the volume!

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book features 100 activities to play in the car, at your hotel, or at stops along your route, including several fun music-themed challenges!

Music for road trips has to last for hours. You don’t want to end up listening to the same song over and over again (unless it’s your favorite song ever, in which case you might not mind!). Round out your music playlist with one of these songs about driving and cars. Each of these songs makes some mention to something you’ll find on the road!

• Behind the Wheel by Depeche Mode
• Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
• Drive by The Cars
• Drive My Car by The Beatles
• Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
• Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
• Here I Go Again by Whitesnake
• Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles
• I Drove All Night by Cyndi Lauper
• Interstate Love Song by Stone Temple Pilots
• Into the Great Wide Open by Tom Petty
• Jesus Take The Wheel by Carrie Underwood
• Keep the Car Running by Arcade Fire
• King of the Road by Roger Miller
• Little Red Corvette by Prince
• Movin’ Right Along by Alkaline Trio
• Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett
• One Headlight by The Wallflowers
• Paradise by the Dashboard Light by Meatloaf
• Ramblin’ Man by The Allman Brothers
• Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads
• Shut Up and Drive by Rihanna
• Slow Ride by Foghat
• Society by Eddie Vedder
• Stickshifts and Safetybelts by Cake
• Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
• Truckin’ by Grateful Dead
• The Way by Fastball

Road trip songs son’t have to be about driving, locations, or America to make them road trip songs. Sometimes the best songs are ones that fit the mood of whatever part of your journey you’re on: a karaoke-level banger for when you’re speeding down the highway with your windows down, a melancholy ballad that matches the scenery-for-miles national park, or an oldie-but-goodie that takes you on a nostalgic blast to the past. Any song you love can be a road trip song. But here are some of our favorites.

• 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins
• Africa by TOTO
• All Star by Smash Mouth
• All the Small Things by Blink 182
• American Pie by Don McLean
• Animal by Neon Trees
• As It Was by Harry Styles
• Baba O’Riley by The Who
• …Baby One More Time by Britney Spears
• Back to You by Bryan Adams
• Basket Case by Green Day
• Bitch by Meredith Brooks
• Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
• Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
• Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf
• The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
• Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
• Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen
• Closer by The Chainsmokers
• Complicated by Avril Lavigne
• Come As You Are by Nirvana
• Counting Stars by OneRepublic
• Cut to the Feeling by Carly Rae Jepsen
• Crazy in Love by Beyonce
• Creep by Radiohead
• Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen
• Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader
• Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine
• Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
• Down by the Water by The Decemberists
• Down on the Corner by Credence Clearwater Revival
• Dream On by Aerosmith
• Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
• Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks
• Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
• Fade Into You by Mazzy Star
• Fell in Love with a Girl by The White Stripes
• Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie
• Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty
• Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
• Happy by Pharrell Williams
• Have You Ever Seen the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival
• Heartbeats by José González
• Hear Comes the Sun by The Beatles
• Hello by Adele
• Heroes by David Bowie
• Hey, Soul Sister by Train
• Hey Ya by Outkast
• Ho Hey by The Lumineers
• Hold On by Wilson Phillips
• I Bet My Life by Imagine Dragons
• I’m Still Standing by Elton John
• I Wanna Be Sedated by The Ramones
• I Will Wait by Mumford and Sons
• Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp
• Jolene by Dolly Parton
• Juice by Lizzo
• July, July by The Decemberists
• J ust What I Needed by The Cars
• Like a Prayer by Madonna
• Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
• Love Shack by The B-52s
• Lust for Life by Iggy Pop
• Made You Look by Meghan Trainor
• More Than a Feeling by Boston
• Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra
• Mr. Brightside by The Killers
• Mr. Jones by Counting Crows
• My Sharona by The Knack
• No Diggity by Backstreet
• No Scrubs by TLC
• Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship
• Old Town Road by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus
• One Week by The Barenaked Ladies
• Perfect by Ed Sheeran
• Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
• Redemption Song by Bob Marley
• Riptide by Vance Joy
• Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
• Rolling In The Deep by Adele
• Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate Bush
• Say It Ain’t So by Weezer
• Scar Tissue by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind
• Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
• Sex on Fire by Kings Of Leon
• Shape of You by Ed Sheeran
• Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash
• Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
• Summer of ’69 by Bryan Adams
• Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N Roses
• Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
• The Golden Age by Beck
• This Is Me from The Greatest Showman
• Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
• Toxic by Britney Spears
• Umbrella by Rhianna
• Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie
• Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars
• Valerie by Amy Winehouse
• Wake Me Up by Avicii
• Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
• Welcome Home, Son by Radical Face
• Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
• Wonderwall by Oasis
• We Are Young by fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
• What’s Up by 4 Non Blondes
• Wild World by Yusuf / Cat Stevens
• You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi
• You Oughta Know by Alannis Morisette
• You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC

Road Trip Songs Playlist

We’ve added all of the music above to some special Spotify playlists you can listen to on your vacation. Add these to your favorites so you always have access to the best music to listen to in the car. Put them on shuffle for a surprise at every turn!

This Spotify road trip playlist contains all the best road trip songs and songs about driving and cars to provide a fun soundtrack to your travels. With more than 40 songs, it will keep yu entertained for three hours of driving!

This Spotify playlist contains all the music on our driving music playlist, plus over 100 more fun songs to listen to in the car! With over 170 songs, this playlist will run for 11 hours so you’ll never get bored on the road.

Road Trip Songs for Every State

Sometimes you just want to get in the mood for where you’re traveling to. These themed road trip playlists have songs for any US state you’re traveling to. From Alabama to Wyoming, these songs mention the state names, reference the state, are all about the state, or have some deeper meaning that ties them to the location. Use these US state playlists as the soundtrack to your Great American road trip, wherever that journey is taking you!

• Alabama by The Louvin Brothers 
• Alabama Getaway by Grateful Dead
• Alabama Pines by Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
• Alabama Rain by Jim Croce
• Alabama Song by The Doors
• Alabama Waltz by Hank Williams
• Ala-Freakin-Bama by Trace Adkins
• All In Alabama by Hank Williams Jr.
• All Summer Long by Kid Rock
• Angel from Montgomery by John Prine
• Birmingham by Randy Newman
• Midnight In Montgomery by Alan Jackson
• My Home’s in Alabama by Alabama
• Old Alabama by Brad Paisley
• Paint Me a Birmingham by Trace Lawrence
• Stars Fell on Alabama by Frank Perkins and Mitchell Parish
• Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Alaska by Dr. Dog
• Alaska by Little Hurt
• Alaska by Maggie Rogers 
• Alaska by Pinegrove
• Alaska and Me by John Denver
• Alaska Highway by Dan Bern
• The Alaska Song by Lacy J. Dalton
• American Child by John Denver
• Caroline Says II by Lou Reed
• Fairbanks, Alaska by The Front Bottoms
• Far Alaska by Jethro Tull
• From Alaska To L.A. by Wanda Jackson
• Home to Alaska by Lee Greenwood
• I’ll See Alaska by Black Irish Band
• North To Alaska by Johnny Horton
• Road to Alaska by the Bee Gees
• Talkin’ Goin’ to Alaska Blues by Shawn Mullins
• To the Wild Country by John Denver
• When It’s Springtime In Alaska (It’s Forty Below) by Johnny Horton
• Arizona by Josh Kerr
• Arizona By Kings Of Leon
• Arizona by Scorpions
• Arizona Skies by Los Lobos
• The Ballad Of Boot Hill by Johnny Cash
• Big Iron By Marty Robbins
• Bobby in Phoenix by Gorillaz (Featuring Bobby Womack)
• By The Time I Get To Phoenix By Glen Campbell
• Closer by the Chainsmokers
• Flagstaff by Morning by Joshua Kadison
• (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 by Nat King Cole
• Grand Canyon by Drive-by Truckers
• I Love You, Arizona by Rex Allen Jr.
• Mesa Town by Authority Zero
• Ocean Front Property By George Strait
• Painted Desert by Pat Benatar
• Phoner To Arizona by Gorillaz
• Sedona Sunrise by Aerosmith
• Send Me Down to Tucson by Mel Tillis
• Summer Running by Billy Idol
• Take It Easy By Eagles
• There Is No Arizona by Jamie O’Neal
• Tucson Train by Bruce Springsteen
• Arkansas by Chris Stapleton
• Arkansas by Damien Jurado
• Arkansas by Jimmy McCracklin
• Arkansas Farmboy by Glen Campbell
• Arkansas Heat by Gossip
• Arkansas Lovin’ Man by Johnny Cash
• Five Feet High and Rising by Johnny Cash
• Going Back to Arkansas by Big Bill Broonzy
• Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
• Little Rock by Hayes Carll
• The Lord God Bird  by Sufjan Stevens
• Mary Queen of Arkansas by Bruce Springsteen
• Sweet Southern Comfort by Buddy Jewell
• They Caught the Devil and Put Him in Jail in Eudora, Arkansas by Tony Joe White
• Beverly Hills by Weezer
• California by Blink-182
• California by Childish Gambino
• California By Delta Spirit
• California by Joni Mitchell
• California by Phantom Planet
• California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & The Papas
• California Girls by The Beach Boys
• California Gurls by Katy Perry
• California Kids by Weezer
• California Love by Tupac Shakur featuring Dr. Dre
• California Nights by Sweet
• California Soul by Marlena Shaw
• California Stars by Billy Bragg & Wilco
• Californication By Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Coming Into Los Angeles by Arlo Guthrie
• Going Back to Cali by The Notorious B.I.G.
• Going to California by Led Zeppelin
• Hotel California by Eagles
• I Left My Heart In San Francisco by Tony Bennett
• I Love LA by Randy Newman
• It Never Rains in Southern California by Albert Hammond
• La La Land by Bryce Vine
• Lights by Journey
• Malibu by Miley Cyrus
• Queen of California by John Mayer
• San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair) by Scott McKenzie
• Santa Monica By Everclear
• Ventura Highway by America
• Altitude Adjustment by Midland
• Boulder To Birmingham by Emmylou Harris
• Colorado by Alex Guthrie
• Colorado by Chevy Chase
• Colorado by Chuck Pyle
• Colorado by Florida Georgia Line
• Colorado by Infamous Stringdusters
• Colorado by Linda Ronstadt
• Colorado by Lotus
• Colorado by Paper Bird
• Colorado Bluebird Sky by The String Cheese Incident
• Colorado Girl by Townes Van Zandt
• Colorado Sunrise by 3OH!3
• Closer by Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
• Denver by Willie Nelson
• Driving Back to Denver by The Railbenders
• Forty Miles From Denver by Yonder Mountain Spring Band
• Get Out Of Denver by Bob Seger
• Goodbye in Telluride by Dierks Bentley
• I-70 Westbound by The Railbenders 
• I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado by John Denver
• I’m Leavin’ Colorado by Hillbilly Hellcats
• Intentions by Justin Bieber
• Lucky Denver Mint by Jimmy Eat World
• Lucky Old Colorado by Merle Haggard 
• A Mile High In Denver by Jimmy Buffett
• My Proud Mountains by Townes Van Zandt
• Rocky Mountain High by John Denver
• Rocky Mountain Way by Joe Walsh
• You Wild Colorado by Johnny Cash
• Connecticut by Artie Shaw
• Connecticut by Judy Garland and Bing Crosby
• Connecticut by Superchunk
• Connecticut Fun by Punkestra
• Connecticut Oberek by Jimmy Sturr
• Connecticut Snow by David Stephens
• The Connecticut Song by Kristen Graves
• Kylie from Connecticut by Ben Folds
• The Wives Are In Connecticut by Carly Simon
• Delaware by Arbour Season
• Delaware by Perry Como
• Delaware Slide by George Thorogood And The Destroyers
• Dover by John Flynn
• Down Home by Jimmie Allen
• Hello, I’m in Delaware by City And Colour
• Hot Time In Delaware by Saves The Day
• I’m From Delaware by Todd Chappelle
• All Signs Point to Lauderdale by A Day to Remember
• Backflip by The Front Bottoms
• Celebration, Florida by Chumbawamba
• Don’t Let Me Die in Florida by Patty Griffin
• The Everglades by Waylon Jennings
• Florida by Modest Mouse
• FloriFda Blues by Ricky Skaggs
• FloriDada by Animal Collective
• Florida Kilos by Lana Del Rey
• Florida Man by Blue Oyster Cult
• The Florida Song by Ricky Sylvia
• Florida Time by Bob Seger
• Floridays by Jimmy Buffett
• Gainesville by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• Goin’ Back to Daytona by Floyd Miles
• Heaven’s Gate (Sad & Sober) by The Wonder Years
• If I Could Do It Again by Corey Smith
• Jacksonville by Josh Turner
• Key Largo by Bertie Higgins
• Kokomo by The Beach Boys
• Mainline Florida by Eric Clapton
• Miami 2017 by Billy Joel
• Move to Miami by Enrique Iglesias (Featuring Pitbull)
• Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard
• Only the Ocean by Jack Johnson
• The State of Florida by Less Than Jake
• Summer Nights by Rascal Flatts
• Swimming in Miami by Owl City
• Talk Me Out Of Tampa by Joe Nichols
• Tallahassee Lassie by Freddy Cannon
• Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season by Jimmy Buffet
• Cedartown, Georgia by Waylon Jennings
• Chattahoochee by Alan Jackson
• The Devil Went Down to Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band
• Georgia by Elton John
• Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles
• Georgia Peaches by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Georgia Rain by Trisha Yearwood
• Georgia Woods by Keith Urban
• Highway 20 Ride by Zac Brown Band
• I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train by Billy Joe Shaver
• Lonely Night In Georgia by Marc Broussard
• Love Shack by The B-52’s
• Me and You and a Dog Named Boo by Lobo
• Meet in the Middle by Diamond Rio
• Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight & The Pips
• The Moon Over Georgia by Shenandoah
• The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia by Reba McEntire
• Oh, Atlanta by Alison Krauss and Union Station
• Peaches by Justin Bieber
• Rainy Night in Georgia by Brook Benton
• Sweet Augusta Darlin’ by Vince Gill
• Sweet Georgia Brown by Ella Fitzgerald
• Walkin’ Back to Georgia by Jim Croce
• Watermelon Crawl by Tracy Byrd
• Why Georgia by John Mayer
• Aloha ‘Oe by Queen Liliuokalani
• Blue Hawaii by Elvis Presley
• Fish and Poi by Sean Na’auao
• Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride by Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus and Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu
• Honolulu City Lights by Keola Beamer
• Island Style by John Cruz
• Kona Red by Ho`aikāne
• Pearly Shells (Pupu o Ewa) by Don Ho
• Pua `Ahihi by The Kahauanu Trio
• Rolling Down To Old Maui by Stan Rogers
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
• Tiny Bubbles by Don Ho
• To You Sweetheart, Aloha by Bing Crosby, Dick McIntire, and His Harmony Hawaiians
• White Sandy Beach by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
• Idaho by Bryan Lanning
• Idaho by BoDeans
• Idaho by Delta Spirit
• Idaho by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
• Idaho by Gorillaz
• Idaho by Gregory Alan Isakov
• Idaho by Josh Ritter
• Idaho by Nerina Pallot
• Idaho by Reckless Kelly
• Idaho by Train
• Idaho by Yonder Mountain String Band
• Idaho Cowboy by Reckless Kelly
• Idaho State Fair by Johnny Granger
• Idaho (Where I’m From) by Equaleyes
• Nowhere in Idaho by Rednex
• Private Idaho by B-52s
• Twin Falls by Built to Spill
• 65th And Ingleside by Chance The Rapper
• 100 Chicagos by Lupe Fiasco
• 2120 South Michigan Avenue by The Rolling Stones
• Ballad of the Illinois Opry by REO Speedwagon
• Cairo, Illinois by Pokey LaFarge
• Chicago by Sufjan Stevens
• Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town) by Frank Sinatra
• Come on! Feel the Illinoise! by Sufjan Stevens
• Effington by Ben Folds
• The Giant of Illinois by The Handsome Family
• Illinois by Dan Fogelberg
• Illinois by Everly Brothers
• Illinois Blues by Skip James
• J ohnsburg, Illinois by Tom Waits
• Lake Shore Drive by Aliotta, Haynes, and Jeremiah
• Lookin’ Out My Back Door by Creedence Clearwater Revival
• Made in the USA by Lupe Fiasco
• Meet Me in Chicago by Buddy Guy
• Moline by Pearl Jam
• My Kind Of Town by Frank Sinatra
• Someday We’ll Go All The Way by Eddie Vedder
• Sweet Home Chicago by The Blues Brothers
• Tonight, Tonight by The Smashing Pumpkins
• Via Chicago by Wilco
• Back Home Again in Indiana by Jim Nabors
• Back To Indiana by The Elms
• Can’t Get Indiana Off My Mind by Crystal Gale
• Fly Over States by Jason Aldean
• Gary, Indiana by Meredith Willson
• Going Back To Indiana by The Jackson 5
• Henrietta, Indiana by Josh Ritter
• Indiana by Jon McLaughlin
• Indiana Sky by Josh Garrels
• Indiana by Melissa Ethridge
• Indiana by The Samples
• Indiana By Sean Kelly
• Indiana Wants Me by R. Dean Taylor
• Mary Jane’s Last Dance by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
• On The Banks Of The Wabash, Far Away by Paul Dresser
• Pizza King by Wussy
• Small Town by John Mellencamp
• Springtime Indiana by Sandra McCracken
• Birth of Serpents by The Mountain Goats
• The Drycleaner From Des Moines by Joni Mitchell
• Iowa by Dar Williams
• Iowa Corn Song by Percy Faith
• Iowa Gold by Jane Roman Pitt
• The Iowa Song by Josh Connor
• It Sure Can Get Cold In Des Moines by Tom T. Hall
• Stranded by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
• Belexes by Kansas
• Home on the Range by Roy Rogers
• Kansas Rain by John Stewart
• One’s On The Way by Loretta Lynn
• On The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe by Judy Garland
• On the Road to Kansas by W.G. Snuffy Walden
• Ringing in the Year by Turnpike Troubadours
• Sunflower by Russ Morgan
• We’re Not in Kansas by Big Country
• Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell
• Wichita Skyline by Shawn Colvin
• You’re Not in Kansas Anymore by Jo Dee Messina
• Blue Kentucky Girl by Emmylou Harris
• Blue Moon Of Kentucky by Bill Monroe And The Bluegrass Boys
• Bourbon In Kentucky by Dierks Bentley
• Coal Miner’s Daughter by Loretta Lynn
• Dumas Walker by The Kentucky Headhunters
• Ghost of Floyd Collins by Black Stone Cherry
• It’s Got To Be Kentucky For Me by Tom T. Hall
• Kentucky Dirty by Laura Bundy
• Kentucky Gambler by Dolly Parton
• Kentucky In The Morning by Tom T. Hall
• Kentucky Means Paradise by Merle Travis
• Kentucky Moon by Jake Ousley
• Kentucky Rain by Elvis Presley
• Kentucky Skies by Leftover Salmon
• Kentucky Straight by Johnny Cash
• Kentucky Waltz by The Blue Grass Boys
• Kentucky Woman by Neil Diamond
• Long Hard Road by Tyler Childers
• Mountain Parkway by Sundy Best
• Old Kentucky Farmers by Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
• Old King Coal by Sturgill Simpson
• Paradise by John Prine
• Run for the Roses by Dan Fogelberg
• Whitehouse Road by Tyler Childers
• You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive by Patty Loveless
• Adalida by George Strait
• Apache Rose Peacock by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Born on the Bayou by Creedence Clearwater Revival
• Cajun Born by Johnny Cash
• Callin’ Baton Rouge by Garth Brooks
• Down at the Twist and Shout by Mary Chapin Carpenter
• Down Louisiana Way by George Strait
• House of the Rising Sun by The Animals
• Iko Iko by the Dixie Cups
• Jambalaya (On the Bayou) by Hank Williams
• Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight by Oak Ridge Boys
• Louisiana by Tim McGraw
• Louisiana Man by Lucinda Williams
• Louisiana Moon by Alabama
• Louisiana Rain by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• Louisiana Saturday Night by Mel McDaniel
• Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival
• Queen of New Orleans by Jon Bon Jovi
• Royal Orleans by Led Zeppelin
• Tryin’ to Get New Orleans by The Tractors
• Walking to New Orleans by Fats Domino
• The King Of Maine by Spose
• King Of The Road by Roger Miller
• Long Time Sunshine by Weezer
• Maine Stein Song by Rudy Vallée
• Nothing But Time by Jackson Browne
• Portland, Maine by Donovan Woods
• Portland Town by Schooner Fare
• The Reach by Dan Fogelberg
• So You Think You Know Maine by Wicked Good Band
• That Jane from Maine by Doris Day
• A Tombstone Every Mile by Dick Curless
• Baltimore by Prince
• Baltimore by Randy Newman
• Going To Maryland by The Mountain Goats
• Maryland by Vonda Shepard
• Maryland Memories by Ronnie Dove
• Raining In Baltimore by Counting Crows
• Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac
• Six Feet Under The Stars by All Time Low
• There’s A Girl In The Heart Of Maryland by Bing Crosby
• There She Goes by Good Charlotte
• Together In Maryland by Tony Cavallo
• What’s New In Baltimore? by Frank Zappa
• B ack to Boston by The Rosebuds
• Boston by Augustana
• Boston by The Byrds
• Boston by Kenny Chesney
• Dirty Water by The Standells
• Massachusetts by Aaron Lewis
• Massachusetts by Bee Gees
• Mass Pike by The Get Up Kids
• Midnight Rambler by The Rolling Stones
• M.T.A. by The Kingston Trio
• My Sister by The Juliana Hatfield Three
• Old Cape Cod by Patti Page
• Please Come to Boston by Dave Loggins
• Roadrunner by Jonathan Richman
• Rock and Roll Band by Boston
• Shipping Up To Boston by the Dropkick Murphys
• Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
• They Came to Boston by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
• Walcott by Vampire Weekend
• Whoever’s in New England by Reba McEntire
• America by Simon & Garfunkel
• Back to Ypsilanti by Lee Osler
• The Big Three Killed My Baby by The White Stripes
• Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas
• Detroit ‘67 by Sam Roberts
• Detroit Rock City by Kiss
• Especially in Michigan by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti by Sufjan Stevens
• Going to Michigan by The Extra Glenns
• Half Acre by Hem
• Hello Detroit by Sammy Davis, Jr.
• I Want to go Back to Michigan by Irving Berlin
• Lake Michigan by Rogue Wave
• Michicant by Bon Iver
• Michigan by The Milk Carton Kids
• Michigan and Again by The Accidentals
• Michigan Left by Arkells
• Mona and Emmy by Frontier Ruckus
• Night Moves by Bob Seger
• One Piece at a Time by Johnny Cash
• Panic in Detroit by David Bowie
• Roll Me Away by Bob Seger
• The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot
• The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota by Weird Al Yankovic
• Big River by Johnny Cash
• Drown Soda by Hole
• Duluth by Trampled By Turtles
• Escapade by Janet Jackson
• Girl From The North Country by Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash
• Good Old Days by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
• Lake of Fire by Nirvana
• Minnesota by Lil Yachty
• Minnesota Girl by Green Day
• On A Bus To St. Cloud by Trisha Yearwood
• Outshined by Soundgarden
• Rock ‘n’ Roll is Alive (And It Lives in Minneapolis) by Prince
• Say Shh by Atmosphere
• Skyway by The Replacements
• Truth Hurts by Lizzo
• Uptown by Prince
• Walls of Red Wing by Bob Dylan
• Biloxi by Jimmy Buffett
• Black Water by The Doobie Brothers
• Child of the Mississippi by Old Crow Medicine Show
• Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good) by Sugarland
• Ghosts of Mississippi by The Steeldrivers
• Here’s to the State of Mississippi by Phil Ochs
• In the Mississippi River by Mavis Staples
• Jackson, Mississippi by Kid Rock
• Living for the City by Stevie Wonder
• Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man by Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn
• Mississippi by Afroman
• Mississippi by Bob Dylan
• Mississippi by Charlie Daniels
• Mississippi by Pussycat
• Mississippi by Train
• Mississippi by Rising Appalachia
• Mississippi Girl by Faith Hill
• Mississippi Kid by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Mississippi Mud by Hank Williams III
• Mississippi Queen by Mountain
• Mississippi Sand by Johnny Cash
• Mister and Mississippi by Patti Page
• My Head’s in Mississippi by ZZ Top
• Sunrise on the Mississippi by Bruce Cockburn
• Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson (featuring Bruno Mars)
• California, Missouri by Kassi Ashton
• Cold Missouri Waters by James Keelaghan
• Missing Missouri by Sara Evans
• Missouri by David Nail
• Missouri Moon by Rhonda Vincent
• Missouri Waltz by Johnny Cash
• Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri by Jimmie Rodgers
• Songs About Missouri by Michael Tyler
• Southwest Missouri by The Mark Chapman Band
• Walkin’ To Missouri by Sammy Kaye
• 200 Miles From Montana by Greensky Bluegrass
• All Through Montana by John Craigie
• Big City by Merle Haggard
• Cut Bank, Montana by Hank Williams Jr.
• Goodnight Montana by David Walburn
• Hey Montana by Eve 6
• Home is Where Montana Is is Bruce Anfinson
• Livingston Saturday Night by Jimmy Buffett
• Montana by Justin Timberlake
• Look for Me in Butte by Utah Philips
• Meet Me in Montana by Dan Seals and Marie Osmond
• Midnight in Missoula by Nanci Griffith
• Montana by Daya
• Montana by Frank Zappa
• Montana by John Linnell
• Montana by Liz Carlisle
• Montana by Sons of the Pioneers
• Montana Lullaby by Ken Overcast
• Montana on My Mind by Shane Clouse
• Montana Rodeo by Chris LeDoux
• Montana Song by Hank Williams Jr
• Montana Sky by White Heart
• My Home’s in Montana by Wylie & The Wild West
• Wild Montana Skies by John Denver
• Calamity Song by The Decemberists
• Colder Weather by Zac Brown Band
• Egg & Daughter Nite, Lincoln, Nebraska, 1967 by John Prine
• Little Nebraska Town by Rachael Price
• My Guardian Angel by Pistoleros
• Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
• Nebraska by Cash Brothers
• Nebraska by moe.
• Nebraska Sunrise by Buddy Knox
• North Platte, Nebras-katte by Harry Partch And The Kronos Quartet
• Omaha by Counting Crows
• Omaha by Damien Jurado
• Omaha, Nebraska by Groucho Marx
• Tarkio Road by Brewer & Shipley
• There Is No Place Like Nebraska by Harry Pecha
• You And I by Lady Gaga
• Plains Of Nebrasky-O by Eric Anderson
• All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star) by R.E.M.
• Friend of The Devil by Grateful Dead
• Hell Before Reno by Big in Japan
• Leaving Las Vegas by Sheryl Crow
• Nevada by Deer Tick
• Nevada by YoungBoy Never Broke Again
• Nighttime in Nevada by Adrian Brannan
• Old Nevada Moon by Patsy Montana
• Sam’s Town by The Killers
• Sands of Nevada by Mark Knopfler
• Stop in Nevada by Billy Joel
• Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley
• Waking Up In Vegas by Katy Perry
• Welcome to Nevada by Jerry Reed
• Emperor of New Hampshire by James Parkington
• Escape From New Hampshire by Boscoden
• Granite State of Mind by The Super Secret Project
• Leaving New Hampshire by Andy Leftwich
• Live Free or Die by Bill Morrissey
• New Hampshire by John Linnell
• New Hampshire by Sonic Youth
• New Hampshire You’re My Home by Beverly Rush
• Okayalright by moe.
• White Mountain Fever by Jimmy Lehoux
• 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) by Bruce Springsteen
• Atlantic City by The Band
• Atlantic City by Bruce Springsteen
• Fake Blues by Real Estate
• Hackensac k by Fountains of Wayne
• I Like Jersey Best by John Pizzarelli
• I’m From New Jersey by John Gorka
• Jersey Bounce by Ella Fitzgerald
• Jersey Boy by Eddie Rabbitt
• Jersey Girl by Tom Waits
• Night Falls On Hoboken by Yo La Tengo
• Open All Night by Bruce Springsteen
• Palisades Park by Freddy Cannon
• Raise Your Hands by Bon Jovi
• Who Says You Can’t Go Home by Bon Jovi
• Wildwood Days by Bobby Rydell
• You Can’t Catch Me by Chuck Berry
• You Vandal by Saves the Day
• Albuquerque by Neil Young
• Arriba Nuevo Mexico by Roberto Griego
• Corner Of The Heart by Colin Raye
• Feels Like Home (New Mexico True) by Richmond
• Hearts And Bones by Paul Simon
• Motorway To Roswell by The Pixies
• New Mexican Rose by The Four Seasons
• New Mexico by Johnny Cash
• New Mexico Rain by Bill And Bonnie Hearne
• New Mexico’s No Breeze by Iron And Wine
• Point Me In the Direction Of Albuquerque by The Partridge Family
• Taos, New Mexico by R. Dean Taylor
• Worst Comes To Worst by Billy Joel
• The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) by Simon & Garfunkel
• Autumn In New York by Billie Holiday
• Big Apple Dreamin’ (Hippo) by Alice Cooper
• Chelsea Morning by Joni Mitchell
• Empire State Of Mind by JAY-Z Featuring Alicia Keys
• Englishman In New York by Sting
• Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacColl
• First We Take Manhattan by Leonard Cohen
• Give My Regards To Broadway by James Cagney
• Harlem Blues by Nat King Cole
• Manhattan by Ella Fitzgerald
• New York by Ed Sheeran
• New York by St. Vincent
• New York At Night by Willie Nile
• New York City by The Chainsmokers
• New York City by They Might Be Giants
• New York City Boy by Pet Shop Boys
• New York City Rhythm by Barry Manilow
• New York, I Love You, But You’re Bringing Me Down by LCD Soundsystem
• New York, New York by Frank Sinatra
• New York Serenade by Bruce Springsteen
• New York’s Not My Home by Jim Croce
• New York State Of Mind by Billy Joel
• No Sleep Till Brooklyn by Beastie Boys
• N.Y. State of Mind by Nas
• The Only Living Boy In New York by Simon & Garfunkel
• Rockaway Beach by The Ramones
• Safe In New York City by AC/DC
• Seventeen by Sharon Van Etten
• Take The ‘A’ Train by Duke Ellington Orchestra
• Talkin’ New York by Bob Dylan
• Welcome To New York by Taylor Swift
• Carolina by Corey Smith
• Carolina by Eric Church
• Carolina Calling by Mipso
• Carolina Girls by Des Ark
• Carolina Drama by The Raconteurs
• Carolina in My Mind by James Taylor
• Carolina in the Morning by Dean Martin
• Chapel Hill by Sonic Youth
• Carolina Low by The Decemberists
• Carolina Moon by Scotty McCreery
• Charlotte’s in North Carolina by Keith Whitley
• Crop Comes In by Chatham County Line
• Crow Jane by Etta Baker
• Foggy Mountain Breakdown by Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs
• Freight Train by Elizabeth Cotten
• Gone to Carolina by Shooter Jennings
• Heads Carolina, Tails California by Jo Dee Messina
• If the River Was Whiskey by Charlie Poole
• Leaving Eden by Carolina Chocolate Drops
• North Carolina Way by Hogjaw
• Oh Carolina by Shaggy
• Oh, My Sweet Carolina by Ryan Adams
• Poor Ellen Smith by Neko Case
• Pretty Girl from Raleigh by The Avett Brothers
• Raise Up by Petey Pablo
• Southbound by Doc Watson
• Southern Sadness by American Aquarium
• Traveling From North Carolina by Paleface
• Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show
• Highway Headin’ South by Dolly Parton
• I Gotta Gal I Love (In North And South Dakota) by Frank Sinatra
• My Home In North Dakota by Adam Taylor
• My North Dakota Home by Lawrence Welk
• Nellie Kane by Phish
• North Dakota by Chris Knight
• North Dakota by Lyle Lovett
• North Dakota by Mako
• North Dakota by Tigirlily Gold
• North Dakota Boy by Doc Walker
• Summer Hands by Chuck Suchy
• Winds of North Dakota by Mike Piper
• You’ve Never Been To North Dakota by Brennen Leigh
• Back Home by The Beach Boys
• Banks of the Ohio by Joan Baez
• Bloodbuzz Ohio by The National
• Boy in Ohio by Phil Ochs
• Carry Me Ohio by Sun Kil Moon
• Cleveland Rocks by Ian Hunter
• Cuyahoga by R.E.M.
• Dayton, Ohio – 1903 by Randy Newman
• Escape from Ohio by Electric Six
• Four Days by Counting Crows
• Girl From Ohio by The Outlaws
• Going to Cleveland by The Mountain Goats
• Hang On Sloopy by The McCoys
• In Ohio by Joseph Arthur
• In Ohio on Some Steps by Limbeck
• Look at Miss Ohio by Gillian Welch
• Look Out Cleveland by The Band
• My City Was Gone by The Pretenders
• Oh, Cincinnati by The Seedy Seeds
• O-H-I-O by Ohio Players
• Ohio by The Black Keys
• Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
• Ohio by Damien Jurado
• Ohio by Modest Mouse
• Ohio (Come Back To Texas) by Bowling For Soup
• Ohio is for Lovers by Hawthorne Heights
• Saturday Night in Toledo, Ohio by John Denver
• South of Cincinnati by Dwight Yoakam
• Youngstown by Bruce Springsteen
• Blown Away by Carrie Underwood
• Crazy About Oklahoma by Jimmy Reed
• Does The Wind Still Blow In Oklahoma by Reba McEntire and Ronnie Dunn
• Do Re Mi by Woody Guthrie
• Down In Oklahoma by Ginger Prince
• I Ain’t In Checotah Anymore by Carrie Underwood
• If You’re Ever in Oklahoma by JJ Cale
• My Oklahoma Home by Bruce Springsteen
• Nowhere Road by Steve Earle & The Dukes
• Okie From Muskogee by Merle Haggard
• Oklahoma Dust by The Notorious Cherry Bombs
• Oklahoma Hills by Jack Guthrie
• Oklahoma Morning by Charley Pride
• Oklahoma Sky by Miranda Lambert
• Oklahoma Sunday Morning by Glen Campbell
• Oklahoma Sunshine by Waylon Jennings
• Oklahoma USA by The Kinks
• Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa by George Strait
• Tulsa Jesus Freak by Lana Del Rey
• You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma by David Frizzell and Shelly West
• Alameda by Elliott Smith
• Back to Oregon by Broadway Calls
• City Of Roses by Esperanza Spalding
• Carry & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens
• Coming Home by Mat Kearney
• Don’t Take Me Alive by Steely Dan
• Eugene Oregon by Dolly Parton
• Better Company by Horse Feathers
• Light Rail Coyote by Sleater-Kinney
• Live Long In Oregon by Laura Gibson
• Lumberjack by Johnny Cash
• Mt. St. Helens by Mirah
• Night of the Living Rednecks by Dead Kennedys
• Oregon Girl by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
• Oregon Trail by Woody Guthrie
• Rose Parade by Elliott Smith
• Pastures of Plenty by Woody Guthrie
• Portland by The Replacements
• Portland, Oregon by Loretta Lynn
• Portland Town by Joan Baez
• Portland Water by Michael Hurley
• So Long, Astoria by the Ataris
• Twin Rocks, Oregon by Shawn Mullins
• 30,000 Pounds of Bananas by Harry Chapin
• Allentown by Billy Joel
• Fall in Philadelphia by Hall & Oates
• Harrisburg by Josh Ritter
• Motownphilly by Boyz II Men
• Pennsylvania by Bloodhound Gang
• Pennsylvania by Heart
• Pennsylvania Polka by Frank Yankovic
• Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John
• Philly, Philly by Eve
• Pittsburgh by the Lemonheads
• Pittsburgh by They Might Be Giants
• Pittsburgh Sound by Wiz Khalifa
• Pittsburgh Town by Pete Seeger
• South Street by the Orlons
• Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen
• Summertime by Will Smith (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince)
• You’ve Got A Friend In Pennsylvania by New Found Glory
• Holiday In Rhode Island by The Softies
• The Last Great American Dynasty by Taylor Swift
• The Last Resort by Eagles
• Psycho Killer by Talking Heads
• Poor Little Rhode Island by Guy Lombardo
• Rhode Island by The Front Bottoms
• Rhode Island by The Innocence Mission
• Rhode Island Is Famous For You by Jack Haley
• Summertime In Rhode Island by Someday Providence
• Sweet Rhode Island Red by Ike & Tina Turner
• Beers and Sunshine by Darius Rucker
• Carolina Can by Chase Rice
• Carolina Girls by General Johnson
• Carolina In The Morning by Judy Garland
• Charleston, South Carolina by Lovie Austin and Her Blue Serenaders
• Coast of Carolina by Jimmy Buffett
• Dancin’, Shaggin on The Boulevard by Alabama
• Just a Little Bit South of North Carolina by Dean Martin
• She’s Carolina by Cody Webb
• South Carolina by The Outlaws
• South Carolina Blues by Junior League Band
• South Carolina Low Country by Josh Turner
• Sumter County Friday Night by Lee Brice
• Waltz for a Girl From South Carolina by Brett Shady
• Badlands by Bruce Springsteen
• Big Foot by Johnny Cash
• Deadwood, South Dakota by Nanci Griffith
• Everything by Eve 6
• Fire by Autumn Hill
• Hills of South Dakota by Becky Schlegel
• Kadoka, South Dakota by The Living Sisters
• Misfits by Neil Young
• Rapid City, South Dakota by Dwight Yoakam
• South Dakota by Afroman
• South Dakota by Jakey
• South Dakota Morning by Bee Gees
• Back to Tennessee by Billy Ray Cyrus
• Back Where I Come From by Kenny Chesney
• Crazy Town by Jason Aldean
• Dixieland Delight by Alabama
• Girl Named Tennessee by NeedToBreathe
• Me and Tennessee by Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow
• Memphis, Tennessee by Elvis Presley
• My Tennessee Mountain Home by Dolly Parton
• Nashville by Noah Gundersen
• Nashville Blues by the Everly Brothers
• Nashville Without You by Tim McGraw
• Rocky Top by the Osborne Brothers
• Smoky Mountain Rain by Ronnie Milsap
• Tennessee by Arrested Development
• Tennessee by Johnny Cash
• Tennessee by Sugarland
• Tennessee by The Wreckers
• Tennessee Homesick Blues by Dolly Parton
• Tennessee River Run by Darryl Worley
• Tennessee Rose by Emmylou Harris
• Tennessee Stud by Johnny Cash
• Tennessee Waltz by Patti Page
• Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton
• This Ain’t Tennessee by Garth Brooks
• Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn
• Wrong Side of Memphis by Trisha Yearwood
• All My Exes Live in Texas by George Strait
• Amarillo by Morning by George Strait
• Austin by Blake Shelton
• Beautiful Texas by Willie Nelson
• Blame It On Texas by Mark Chesnutt
• The Bluest Eyes In Texas by Restless Heart
• Dallas by The Flatlanders
• Deep in the Heart of Texas by Gene Autry
• Dime Store Cowgirl by Kacey Musgraves
• Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind? by George Strait
• Galveston by Glen Campbell
• Girls From Texas by Pat Green featuring Lyle Lovett
• God Blessed Texas by Little Texas
• Houston Is Hot Tonight by Iggy Pop
• If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band) by Alabama
• La Grange by ZZ Top
• London Homesick Blues by Jerry Jeff Walker & Gary P. Nunn
• Lubbock or Leave It by The Chicks
• Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love) by Waylon Jennings
• Miles and Miles of Texas by Bob Wills
• My Texas by Josh Abbott Band featuring Pat Green
• Streets of Laredo by Johnny Cash
• Texas by Charlie Daniels Band
• Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Texas Pride by Miranda Lambert
• Texas Sun by Khruangbin & Leon Bridges
• Texas (When I Die) by Tanya Tucker
• Too Far From Texas by Stevie Nicks
• Travis County by Gary Clark Jr.
• Waltz Across Texas Tonight by Emmylou Harris
• Ballad for a Friend by Bob Dylan
• The Ballad of Billy the Kid by Billy Joel
• Don’t Get So Down On Yourself by Chris Isaak
• Friend of the Devil by the Grateful Dead
• The Great Salt Lake by Band of Horses
• The History of Utah by Camper Van Beethoven
• I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City by Johnny Mercer
• Palace Of The Brine by Pixies
• The Promised Land by Bruce Springsteen
• The Red Hills of Utah by Marty Robbins
• Salt Lake City by the Beach Boys
• Salt Lake City by Bobby & the Midnites
• Salt Lake City by Bob Weir
• Salt Lake City by Dwarves
• Salt Lake City by Hank Williams Jr.
• Utah by The Osmonds
• Utah Carol by Marty Robbins
• Utah Tribute by Chris LeDoux
• Yin & Yang by Adam Ant
• Carolina by Ferdinand The Bull
• Green Mountain State by Trevor Hall
• J ust Give Me Moonlight In Vermont by Amy Allison
• Moonlight In Vermont by Frank Sinatra
• Parking Lots and Mountain Tops by James Kochalka Superstar
• Vermont by Dead Winter Carpenters
• Vermont Girl by Joan of Arc
• The Vermont Song by The Breakfast
• T he Vermont Waltz by Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen
• Clinch Mountain Backstep by Ralph Stanley
• East Virginia by Pete Seeger
• The Ghost Of Virginia by Justin Townes Earle
• I Went Down To Virginia by Frank Sinatra
• James River Blues by Old Crow Medicine Show
• Longing For Old Virginia by The Carter Family
• Meet Virginia by Train
• My Old Virginia Home by The Carter Family
• Night Train by James Brown
• Old Virginia by America
• Sweet Virginia by The Rolling Stones
• Sweet Virginia Breeze by The Robbin Thompson Band
• Virginia by Tori Amos
• Virginia by Whiskey Myers
• Virginia Is For Lovers By Jordin Sparks
• Virginia Moon by Foo Fighters
• Virginia Plain by Roxy Music
• Aurora by Foo Fighters
• Belltown Ramble by Robyn Hitchcock
• Black Ball Ferry Line by Bing Crosby
• Dark Moon by Bonnie Guitar
• Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle by Nirvana
• Hello Seattle by Owl City
• I Love Seattle by Tacocat
• My Oh My by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
• Posse On Broadway by Sir-Mix-A-Lot
• Seattle by Perry Como
• The Shadow Of Seattle by Marcy Playground
• Sunny In Seattle by Blake Shelton
• Talkin’ Seattle Blues by Todd Snider
• This Place Is A Prison by The Postal Service
• Thrice All American by Neko Case
• Walk, Don’t Run by The Ventures
• Waitsburg by Bob Frank
• Working Titles by Damien Jurado
• Charleston Girl by Tyler Childers
• Come Home to West Virginia by Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.
• Jamboree Jones by Johnny Mercer
• Last Public Hanging in West Virginia by Flatt & Scruggs
• Leaving West Virginia by Kathy Mattea
• Morning Morgantown by Joni Mitchell
• Remember by Mac Miller
• Sixteen Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford
• Union, God, and Country by Steve Earle
• West Virginia My Home by Hazel Dickens
• You Remind Me of West Virginia by Wyatt Turner
• Alcohol by Brad Paisley
• Jump Around by House of Pain
• Man From Milwaukee by Hanson
• Milwaukee by The Both
• Milwaukee, Here I Come by George Jones and Brenda Carter
• My Cousin in Milwaukee by Ella Fitzgerald
• River in the Pines by The Deep, Dark Woods
• Turntable by Dead Horses
• Welcome to Janesville by Smoking Popes
• What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Fool Out of Me) by Jerry Lee Lewis
• Wisconsin by Bon Iver
• The Beaches of Cheyenne by Garth Brooks
• Happy Birthday (from Wyoming) by Mario Matteoli
• I Can Still Make Cheyenne by George Strait
• July in Cheyenne by Aaron Watson
• Leaving Wyoming by Northcote
• My Sweet Wyoming Home by Bill Staines
• Neon by Chris Young
• Paint Me Back Home in Wyoming by Chris LeDoux
• Song of Wyoming by John Denver
• What Happened in Wyoming by Envoi
• Why, Oh Why, Did I Ever Leave Wyoming by Roy Rogers
• Wyoming Wind by Chancey Williams & The Younger Brothers Band

Pin this list of the Best Road Trip Songs to Blast in the Car (and Spotify Playlists) to savefor your next road trip!

Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash

Plan Your Road Trip

Road Trip Scavenger Hunt (+ Free Printables)

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Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

Follow Valerie & Silly America

Last modified: December 3, 2023 Category: Road Trip Planning , Road Trip Play List

Best USA Road Trip Ideas and Routes

Best junk food road trip snacks, share this post ⤵.

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Everything you need to have and record an epic road trip, by valerie bromann.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

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Itineraries

12 epic california road trip routes.

(This post was originally published on Savored Journeys .)

California has a land area of over 155,000 square miles, nearly 850 miles of coastline and beaches, countless miles of desert, mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and immensely beautiful scenery. The best possible way to experience it all is on an epic California road trip.

Whether you have a few days or a few weeks to spend, there is a California road trip itinerary that will suit you. In this post, we’ve compiled 12 possible itineraries that will take you from the top of the state to the bottom. Choose your journey and piece together routes to form your perfect California road trip.

» See a few of these Ultimate California Bucket List places along the way!

» Enjoy your road trip with these 46 Best California Road Trip Songs .

The road will take you along some of the most stunning coastal roads, deep into National Park forests, into the mountains and, of course, to some of California’s biggest cities. It’ll be one of the most enjoyable journeys you’ve ever taken.

• Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Los Angeles to San Francisco (524 miles)
• Highway 395 Road Trip: Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes (450 miles)
• Santa Barbara to Paso Robles (120 miles)
• San Luis Obispo to Monterey (280 miles)
• San Francisco to Lake Tahoe (200 miles)
• San Francisco to Mendocino (176 miles)
• Mendocino to Redwoods National Park (240 miles)
• San Francisco to Yosemite National Park (170+ miles)
• Yosemite National Park to Lassen Volcanic National Park (900 miles)
• Lassen Volcanic National Park to Shasta Trinity National Park (150 miles)
• Yosemite National Park to Death Valley National Park (515 miles)
• Death Valley National Park to Joshua Tree National Park (250 miles)

» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco , Los Angeles , Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey , waterfalls in Southern California , and national parks.

Table of Contents

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Los Angeles to San Francisco

Distance: 524 miles Suggested Duration: 3-4 days

• Malibu Beach
• Pismo Beach
• Monterey Bay
• Carmel-by-the-Sea

See hotels in Los Angeles | Santa Barbara | Monterey

If you’re looking for the quintessential California road trip then you cannot go wrong with  driving the Pacific Coast Highway  from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Also referred to as the Highway 1, this coastal road will take you by some of the most iconic towns and jaw-dropping scenery in California and it is truly a trip to be remembered.

The drive along Highway 1 is about 450 miles total and it’s recommended that you plan to spend three to four days enjoying the highlights of this iconic road trip. This will allow you to take your time and really experience the beauty of the California coast without feeling too rushed.

» You might be interested in the Best California Wine Regions to Visit and 9 Beautiful Waterfalls in Southern California .

Some of the highlights of a PCH road trip include visiting the beaches of Malibu, exploring hip and cool Santa Barbara, and checking out iconic Central Coast seaside towns like Pismo Beach . Venture a little further for a stop at Morro Bay and the wine region of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. 

Of course, another highlight of the PCH is visiting the incredible natural area of Big Sur and taking in it’s stunning scenery with a hike , from imposing California redwood forests to dramatic cliff sides, there are few places in the country more beautiful.

Moving a little bit further north, the Monterey Bay area including the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey both have a lot to offer travelers.

The final stop is San Francisco and the beautiful Bay Area, where you’ll also want to spend a few days exploring, taking time to see the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz, and walk along the Pier at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Also try our longer San Francisco to San Diego road trip route that traverses the route the other way around.

» Try this tour : San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

Highway 395 Road Trip: Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes

Distance: 450 miles Suggested Duration: 4 days

• Red Rock Canyon State Park
• Mammoth Lakes

See hotels in Los Angeles | Lone Pine | Lake Tahoe

This road trip, from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lake along Highway 395, ending at Lake Tahoe, is considered one of the best road trip in the nation. The route takes you through mountains, deserts, forests, lakes, rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and canyons.

The best time to go for this road trip is during fall or late spring when roads are open. Be aware that many of the smaller roads are closed in winter.

The road trip begins in Los Angeles, where we recommend spending at least a few days to see the sights. When you’re ready to drive, head north to Red Rock Canyon State Park. You’ll see some of the colorful rock formations on either side of Hwy 14.

Stop in Lone Pine for small-town USA charm. There are numerous things to do there for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and Western movie fans, plus the scenery is stunning. You might also want to drive the Whitney Portal Road in the Alabama Hills (13 miles of unbelievable scenery!).

The next stop is Mammoth Lakes , which is a destination in itself. In winter, the Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski areas are very popular. In summer, you can hike the various trails, go fly fishing, rock climbing , ride the scenic gondola up to the summit, or go shopping in the Village.

The fun-filled journey culminates with the beautiful sight of Lake Tahoe. It is the calm centerpiece of the action, the largest alpine lake in North America and famous for its amazingly clear water. There are activities all around Lake Tahoe, from north to south, so be sure to save time to explore the area.

Always remember when hiking or visiting national parks to take a day pack with essentials like water, sunglasses, hat, smartphone and charging brick, and first aid supplies.

» Try this tour: Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

Central California Road Trips

Santa barbara to paso robles.

Distance: 120 miles Suggested Duration: 1-5 days

• San Luis Obispo
• Montana de Oro State Park
• Paso Robles

See hotels in Santa Barbara | Pismo Beach | Paso Robles

Road tripping within central California into wine country is a great addition to your travel plans if you like wine tasting, mountain scenery, or the seaside — this area has all three!

While the route from Santa Barbara is only about 120 miles or 2 hours each way, this is an area you could easily spend all week. There are vineyards and tasting rooms the entire length of the journey, with the  wineries in Paso Robles  being some of the best well-known.

Start in Santa Barbara, a perpetual favorite, with many wineries and tasting rooms. It’s also a great base to hike in the Santa Ynez mountains and then surf in the Pacific, all in the same day.

From there, head north to Solvang: this quaint, Danish-themed town has great food from bakeries to restaurants. You won’t want to miss the aebleskiver (a jam-filled donut) at Solvang Restaurant. A jeep tour here is also a must!

Continuing from Solvang, you’ll hit Pismo Beach, where there’s great hiking and biking in the Pismo Reserve. Further north, there’s San Luis Obispo with its historical mission, walkable downtown, and scenic Montana de Oro State Park.

From here, it’s a scenic half-hour drive inland to Paso Robles, with small towns and interesting architecture along the way for the perfect road trip.

Spend at least a day wine tasting in Paso Robles in both the valley and up in the scenic mountainside.

» Try this tour: Downtown Santa Barbara Food Tour

San Luis Obispo to Monterey

Distance: 280 miles Suggested Duration: 5-7 days

• Hearst Castle
• Big Sur 90-mile drive

See hotels in San Luis Obispo | Near Hearst Castle | Monterey

Central Coast is one of the most beautiful parts of California. With its rocky shoreline, amazing wildlife (hello whales and sea otters) and beautiful secluded beaches, this less-discovered side of the Golden State is a true gem.

The full road trip across central California spans just 160 miles, but there are many stops along the way, including a few lovely cities, beaches, and the famous Big Sur drive.

Highlights 

Begin your trip in San Luis Obispo , a town nicknamed “The Happiest City in America,” where you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, hike the dormant volcanoes (aka Seven Sisters) and take in the panoramic views of the ocean. 

From San Luis Obispo, continue north. If you have extra time, you can stop off in Paso Robles for a day of wine tasting in the gorgeous countryside.

Then head toward Hearst Castle, a National Historic Landmark located near San Simeon . I recommend purchasing one of the tours to see the interior of the castle and learn its fascinating history. 

Next stop is the magnificent Big Sur, a scenic 90-mile drive, that boasts some of the most beautiful views in California.

This scenic drive stretches for approximately 90, and while it might be tempting to jam-pack everything into one day, you should take your time and enjoy this iconic destination simply because there is so much to do here! 

The top places along Big Sur are Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (home to McWay Waterfalls), Cypress Grove Trail, the Bixby Bridge and The Los Padres National Forest.

But don’t try to cram your Big Sur drive in just one day. This place offers way too many amazing spots, so you should set aside about at least 2-3 days, especially if you are going to visit it for the first time.

Be sure to save a few hours to stroll though the cute oceanfront town of Carmel-by-the-Sea , where you’ll find lots of great wine-tasting rooms. Then take the beautiful 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove to Monterey. Enjoy miles of scenic beaches , bluffs, and overlooks that will leave your jaw on the floor. 

Monterey has a nice waterfront area to walk along as well, which culminates in the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

» Try this tour: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

Road Trips Departing From San Francisco

San francisco to lake tahoe.

Distance: 200 miles Suggested Duration: 2-3 days

• Old Town Sacramento
• Truckee (north shore of Lake Tahoe)
• Squaw Valley ski resort
• Emerald Bay State Park

See hotels in San Francisco | Sacramento | South Lake Tahoe

One of the most popular road trips in California is a visit to the Lake Tahoe area, near the Sierra Mountains and bordering Nevada. This road trip is a typical weekend getaway from San Francisco, and other Northern California destinations, with a distance of approximately 200 miles. It’s a three-and-a half-hour drive direct, but longer with some stops along the way.

There are two actual routes into Lake Tahoe, branching at Sacramento . You can travel by Hwy 80 which leads to the northern part of the lake, through Truckee, or Hwy 50 going to the southern part of Lake Tahoe. Both routes are spectacular and scenic. There are numerous gold rush towns in California that are still thriving and open to the public. You should definitely check out one or two along the way.

When building a road trip along this route, we suggest taking the northern route into Lake Tahoe and driving south along the lake. You can then take the southern route back to San Francisco, if you’re making a round trip.

Fun places to stop for a bite or explore along the way to Lake Tahoe include visiting Old Sacramento with its Gold Rush-era buildings and cobblestone streets, the foothill community of Auburn for more Gold Rush-era history, and grabbing a hearty meal at Truckee , which is a cool western alpine town worth exploring on the north shore of Tahoe.

Once at the lake, you can easily do the loop route around the lake to explore some of the cool towns, beaches, casinos and beautiful landscape to visit in the area on your road trip.

Each side of the lake has its own attractions and appeal. On the north shore. Along the southwest shore is Emerald Bay State Park with incredible views. You can go alpine skiing in Squaw Valley or take the 2.4-mile scenic Heavenly Gondola Ride. Hike the Rubicon Trail on the south side, or go on a boat cruise.

Lake Tahoe Tours You May Enjoy:

• 2 Hour Small Group Sailing Cruise Lake Tahoe
• Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe

San Francisco to Mendocino

Distance: 176 miles Suggested Duration: 1-2 days

• Sonoma Valley wineries
• Geyserville (Francis Ford Coppola Winery)
• Mendocino Headlands State Park

See hotels in San Francisco | Sonoma | Mendocino

A drive from San Francisco to Mendocino is one of the best road trips in California. San Francisco is one of the most popular places to visit in the world, with good reason. It is a beautiful city with so much to do, see and eat, like the famous Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, to exciting neighborhoods like Chinatown, The Castro and Mission District. 

When you are ready to leave San Francisco, head north over the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Stay in the right lane and pull into the lookout point at the end of the bridge, for one of the most stunning views ever. 

Continue north for 15 minutes and you’ll reach Mill Valley. Stop at Muir Woods for a beautiful hike through the old-growth redwoods, a national monument since 1908.

Drive north to the city of San Rafael for a Puerto Rican lunch at one of the most popular restaurants, Sol Food .  If you would rather a cafe, have lunch at MH Bread & Butter in the nearby town of San Anselmo.

Continue north 20 minutes to the historic downtown of Petaluma, once known as the “egg capital of the world.” Downtown you can see the historical buildings from the late 1800’s, boutiques, shops, and restaurants. Another highlight is to take a tour at the McAvoy Olive Oil Company. Stop for a delicious pastry or dessert and coffee at Della Fattoria.

From Petaluma up through Geyserville, be sure to save time for some wine tasting along the way from Petaluma up through Geyserville. There are dozens of wineries to stop at along the way.

In Geyserville, you can experience some of the best of Sonoma County wines at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery (owned by the famous movie director.)

Drive north until you reach Mendocino, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Northern California. Be sure to visit Mendocino Headlands State Park for hikes past stunning coastal scenery and Russian Gulch State Park to see the waterfall.

» Try this tour: Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley

Mendocino to Redwoods National Park

Distance: 240 miles Suggested duration: 4 days

• Humboldt Redwood State Park
• Avenue of the Giants Auto Tour
• Redwoods National Park

See hotels in Mendocino | Eureka

Mendocino to Redwoods National Park is one of the most spectacular 5 hour drives in the world. It will take you through the most beautiful 240 miles on scenic Highway 101, alternating between coastal views and redwood forests.

The entire drive is only 5 hours long but with so many things to see along the way, you can easily spend a 2-4 days on this stretch alone. 

Mendocino is a beautiful town, worth staying the night in a home along the coast. If the weather isn’t too cold (which is rare), you’ll have a blast on the beach. The town also has some great foodie places to choose from. 

Just north of Mendocino is Fort Bragg which offers many attractions for the family including the famous Skunk train, glass beach and sea glass museum. But if your short on time and need to complete the drive to the border on the same day, keep driving and you’ll be rewarded by the most majestic redwood forests in the world. 

First you’ll pass through the Humboldt Redwood State Park. Some favorite locations in the park includes the Founders Grove Nature Trail, the 32-mile Avenue of the Giants Auto Tour, and the Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center. You can pick a brochure for the 32-mile auto tour if you’re in a hurry or spend hours on the hikes. If you’re driving in spring, you’ll want to stop in the meadows to see some of California’s gorgeous wildflowers .

At about  half-way point, you’ll reach the city of Eureka. You might want to take a break, replenish food or visit sights such as the Carson mansion or the Discovery Center. 

Beyond Eureka, the rest of the drive is along the Pacific Ocean. It’s arguably one of the most spectacular coastal drive. Try to keep your eyes on the road and stop along the way to soak in the views and the breeze. 

Further along you’ll go through the magnificent Redwoods National and State Park . It is awesome for camping, hiking or simply stopping for lunch. The entire drive through the forests is like driving through a magical kingdom. 

San Francisco to Yosemite National Park

Distance: 170-260 miles Suggested Duration: 4 days

• Tuolumne County
• Sonora Pass
• Yosemite Valley

See hotels in San Francisco | Yosemite West

One of the most popular road trips in California is the route from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. This encompasses two of the State’s most wonderful travel destinations – the glorious city of San Fran and one of the most popular National Parks in the United States. The 4-hour drive is also one of the most scenic routes in the country, with meandering mountainous roads cutting through the forest of redwood trees.

Yosemite is roughly 170 miles from the city and the drive can be broken up into plenty of scenic stops along the way. If you stop at our recommended locations, the drive will increase to roughly 260 miles.

There are few better places to start a road trip than in the Golden Gate city and I recommend spending a  few days in San Francisco  before you travel down to Yosemite, (make sure to visit Pier 39 and take a trip to Alcatraz).

The first of these is the historic town of Oakdale, the cowboy capital of California. Located 1 hour 45-minutes from Pier 39, Oakdale is home to an impressive cowboy museum, a scenic reservoir and a delicious Mexican restaurant if you’re feeling a bit peckish.

The next stop is the gateway to Yosemite, Tuolumne County. A further 42 miles and 52-minute drive from Oakdale, you’ll find this beautiful slice of natural paradise. I recommend spending the night here and continuing on to Yosemite tomorrow because there’s just so many great things to do.

Make sure to photograph the views from the Sonora Pass, participate in some Gold Rush-era experiences such as a train ride at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and view the fantastic Column of Giants.

The final leg of the journey is to continue on to Yosemite. The park has some of the best hikes in the world such as Yosemite Valley and the striking cascades of Yosemite Falls. The Half Dome is another of the park’s most popular places to visit.

» Try this tour: Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup

Yosemite National Park to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Distance: 900 miles Suggested duration: 5-7 days

• Yosemite National Park
• Russian River
• Glass Beach at Fort Bragg
• Burney Falls
• Lassen Volcanic National Park

See hotels in Yosemite | San Francisco | Fort Bragg | Eureka | Redding

A northern California road trip is one of the top road trips you can take in California! This trip will take you just under 900 miles to complete. It starts in Yosemite National Park and ends at Lava Beds National Monument.

If you’ve already been through San Francisco, you can travel up through Sacramento, for a different route.

Starting at the majestic Yosemite National Park you can hike right next to a waterfall on the Mist Trail and take in the amazing views from Glacier Point. From here head over to San Francisco to check out the city and Muir woods.

Next head up the coast to the Russian River area for one of the best beers in the county at the Russian River Brewing Company and walk on glass beach in Fort Bragg.

Continue up the coast to the unbelievable Redwoods National and State parks where you can drive through a tree and stair up in awe at these giant trees. Then cut back inland to explore the most beautiful waterfall in California: Burney Falls. Continue on to Lassen Volcanic National Park to learn all about volcanoes before finishing your trip by hiking through Lava tubes at Lava Beds National Monument.

Northern California does not disappoint with its grandeur and magnificence at every turn. Pack up the car and head out to explore this unbelievable part of California! 

Lassen Volcanic National Park to Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Distance: 150 miles Suggested Duration: 2-3 days

• Black Butte
• Lake Shastina
• Shasta-Trinity National Forest

See hotels in Redding | Mount Shasta

Beginning in Lassen Volcanic National Park and adventuring up to  Shasta-Trinity National Forest , you’ll experience some of the more hidden gems on this California road trip.

Some stops you’ll want to add to your road trip itinerary include McCloud Falls, Mossbrae Falls, Heart Lake, Black Butte and Lake Shastina.

Visiting all of these stops from Lassen Volcanic NP to Shasta-Trinity National Forest will take a total drive time of 3 hours 13 minutes over 147 miles.  To really explore this area you’ll want at least a few days, but the longer the better!

Lassen Volcanic NP is a treasure trove of geologic wonders, including bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and other unique volcanic structures. Add to this pristine mountain lakes, tumbling waterfalls and jagged mountain peaks, and you’ll soon be entranced by this parks often overlooked beauty.

After Lassen, your next stop will be possibly the most beautiful waterfall in California; Burney Falls located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. As well as marvelling at the 129-ft high cascading falls, there are also some incredible hikes here, as well as camping and lodging.

Your final stop will be Shasta-Trinity National Forest.  This National Forest encompasses an enormous 2.2 million acres with an almost infinite amount of wilderness walks available.

Yosemite National Park to Death Valley National Park

Distance: 515 miles Suggested duration: 5-7 days

• Mariposa Grove
• Sequoia National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Furnace Creek
• Death Valley National Park

See hotels near Yosemite | near Sequoia | near Death Valley

A classic Californian road trip that takes in four of the state’s legendary national parks is the trip from Yosemite to Death Valley. The driving distance from Yosemite to Death Valley is 515 miles.

It’s often done as part of a longer road trip from San Francisco through to Las Vegas, which is is 830 miles in total.

There is  plenty to see and do in Yosemite , and you should aim to spend at least two to three days.  There are several epic drives in the park, including the route over the Tioga Pass, and the winding road up to Glacier Point.  Along the way, you can take in famous views of the granite peaks from Tunnel View and Olmsted View.

The route out of Yosemite takes you past the famous Victorian-era Wawona hotel and the Mariposa Grove, where you can see your first sequoia trees. From there, it is a straight three-hour drive via Fresno to Sequoia National Park. 

You can easily spend another couple of days exploring Sequoia National Park and the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park.  The parks are home to most of the world’s biggest trees, including the General Sherman Tree (the largest tree in the world) and the General Grant Tree (the world’s second biggest).  The road between them is called the Generals Highway, and there are multiple scenic viewpoints along the way, as well as trailheads to get out and see more of the giant forest.

The last leg of the road trip is a 6.5-hour-drive from Sequoia to Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park . Stop off in Bakersville for something to eat and to fill up on snacks and gas.  You can take Hwy 58 and pass a wind farm near Tehachapi, or the more winding Hwy 178 and see Lake Isabella along the way. 

Spend another couple of days in Death Valley visiting the lowest place in North America (Badwater Basin), sand dunes at Mesquite Flat, slot canyons, abandoned mines, a volcanic crater, etc. before driving another 2.25 hours to Las Vegas.

Death Valley National Park to Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: 250 miles Suggested Duration: 2-3 days

• Furnace Creek (Death Valley National Park)
• Artist’s Palette Drive
• Golden Canyon
• Badwater Basin
• Kelso Dunes
• Amboy Crater
• Joshua Tree National Park

See hotels near Death Valley | near Joshua Tree

Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks are among the most popular things to do on an epic California road trip. The distance between the two is a 252 mile, 4.5 hour drive and many people just bomb through it, hurrying to get from one park to the next. But you may want to slow down cowboy, because there is some pretty interesting stuff to see between the two parks.

Start in Furnace Creek in the core of Death Valley. Use this Death Valley guide to plan your trip and then head south down Badwater Basin road on Highway 178. Stop at the Artist’s Palette Drive, Golden Canyon, and Badwater Basin before continuing south on the scenic road out of the park.

Make a quick pit stop in Tecopa (to see the world’s tallest thermometer) and then take Highway 127 into the Mohave National Preserve. Stop at the Kelso Dunes, which sign-posted nature preserve with hiking opportunities. 

After you cross the National Trails Highway, take a short detour to the Amboy Crater. It’s a BLM landmark and one of the largest volcanic fields in the US. Take Amboy road south and head west into Joshua Tree town.

Before you go into the National Park, be sure to stop into the Noah Purifoy Museum ,  which is an outdoor sculpture garden of “assemblage sculptures” and the World Famous Crochet Museum (because Joshua Tree town is full of quirky art).

Then go into  Joshua Tree National Park for hiking , exploring old mining infrastructure and sunset at Key’s View. 

These California road trips will take you to all corners of the state, along the coast, and into the varied National Parks that make California so unique and interesting. You could easily spend weeks traversing this beautiful state.

Like this article? Save it on Pinterest so you can find it again. FOLLOW US on Pinterest and Facebook for more California travel inspiration and tips!

Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.

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The Greatest Road Trip Songs, Ever

50 road trip songs to make the miles fly by..

F inding the right song in the car can be as frustrating as trying to find the right movie on Netflix on a Friday night. As we head out on a weekend trip or a bucket list vacation, we find ourselves mindlessly scrolling through radio stations or hitting ‘pass’ on “Suggested For You” playlists. You need the right soundtrack for your time in the car .

This story contains affiliate links; A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from sales generated by links in this story.

To help you navigate this slight roadblock, these are some of the best tunes to listen to when it’s just you, your family, and the open road. Let’s just start here:

The McIntosh premium sound system speakers in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L might be the ultimate for listening to a great playlist. Photo: Scotty Reiss

1. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

During long road trips, one can never go wrong when listening to songs by Queen. Freddie Mercury, the true lyrical genius he was, wrote this nearly six-minute track for the release of Queen’s album A Night at the Opera which took the music industry by storm in 1975. Arguably the most well-known song from the band, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is perfect for jamming out in the car because of its energetic tempo and stimulating verse. 

Best car for singing to Queen: Range Rover

2. soak up the sun – sheryl crow.

Looking for a light-hearted and upbeat melody befitting a summer song? Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up The Sun” has got you covered. It’s the type of tune that one would listen to when they want to drive with the windows down in a cool breeze and bathe in the warmth of the sun. It came out in 2002 alongside Crow’s other single “Steve McQueen.” “Soak Up The Sun” is proof that the early 2000s knew how to make music that will last forever. 

Best car for singing along with Cheryl: Toyota Sequoia

3. ophelia – the lumineers.

In 2016, The Lumineers became even more popular after their release of “Ophelia,” inspired by William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet . Through it, the alternative band demonstrated their ability to produce yet another hit song (the former being “Ho Hey” in 2012). In the two minutes and forty seconds that “Ophelia” has been recorded, its lyrics will no doubt be stuck in your head for the rest of your drive. 

Best car for singing along with The Lumineers: Rivian R1S

Lincoln’s Revel sound system has 28 speakers, all displayed here; this is the perfect sound system for a road trip. Photo: Scotty Reiss

4. Mr. Brightside – The Killers

Yet another throwback to the early 2000s, The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” is a song to scream to in the car when the road dwindles down to nothing but desert or treelines. If you thought that you heard it everywhere you went in the United States ten years ago then you might be shocked to learn just how much more traction it gained in the United Kingdom. Not only has it gone down in music history as one of the most streamed songs there, it was also selected as the “Song of the Decade” by several U.K. radio stations. 

Best car for singing along with The Killers: Dodge Durango SRT

5. cruel summer – taylor swift.

This one is for all of the Swifties out there (especially since her recent embark through the U.S. on her Eras Tour). Based on the brilliance of her lyrics, Taylor has proven herself to be the mastermind of the current music industry. “Cruel Summer” was originally released in her 2019 album, Lover , but is set to be re-released on June 20th as a single. Its exuberant energy is sure to set you basking in the afterglow of the summer sun when cruising down the highway in the fast lane. 

Best car for singing along with Taylor Swift: Infiniti QX60

We love this details: The Fiat has Beats by Dre speakers! Photo: A Girls Guide to Cars

6.  Party In The U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus

This one makes everyone sing along, and makes everyone feel like a teenager (again). Party in the U.S.A. shares emotions we can all identify with – the nerves of being somewhere new, among people we don’t know, looking different, feeling homesick. And then, it gives us the confidence we can find our way, make new friends, find ourselves in this new place. This song is fun and contagious, and none more perfect for a road trip and the destination at the end of the ride.

Best car for singing along with Miley Cyrus: Cadillac Escalade 

7. daylight – david kushner.

Perhaps a lesser-known song than the others, David Kushner’s “Daylight” has also dominated the internet with its calming ambiance and powerful vocals. The most recent release on this list (as it came out in April), it has secured Kushner his position in becoming a rising star, one that you should look out for as he grows even more prominent in the industry. Behind the lyrics, Kushner has stated that “Daylight” was inspired by the Bible, specifically that of Paul’s Epistles in the New Testament. 

Best car for singing along with David Kushner: Acura MDX

8. beautiful boy (darling boy) – john lennon.

Although “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” was made public in 1981, there is a 2010 remastered version available across streaming platforms (like Spotify and Apple Music). With such a mesmerizing and soothing melody, it’s not a surprise that John Lennon wrote it as a sort of lullaby for his son, Sean. The boy is even named at the end of the recording as Lennon bids him good night. As a member of The Beatles, Lennon continued to prove his ability to stand alone as an influential and compelling lyricist through “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy).”

Best car for singing along with John Lennon: VW ID Buzz

9. little talks – of monsters and men.

Of Monsters and Men released their song, “Little Talks,” in 2011 and received a generous reaction from both its American and European audiences. While the track already provides us with something worth listening to, its lyrics go deeper than you might think. Switching between two perspectives, “Little Talks” portrays two lovers being trapped in the same house they lived in after one of them has passed away. The feminine voice is talking to either her deceased soulmate or herself as she slowly loses her sanity (this is up to the listener’s interpretation). In contrast, the masculine voice responds to her from the other side of the afterlife or, perhaps, it’s not really there at all. Telling a tragic story, the song is beautifully and yet hauntingly written. 

Best car for singing along with Of Monsters and Men: Kia Telluride

Bring your music on a USB drive, which will make it sound even better, as this selection from ELS Studio premium sound system showed us. Photo: Scotty Reiss

10. Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts

Although “Life is a Highway” was originally recorded by Tom Cochrane in 1991, the Rascal Flatts made a cover of the song fifteen years later in 2006. As an exhilarating country rock track, this version is definitely worth the listen. Unfortunately, the group itself is no longer in production as it officially disbanded in 2021 but after nearly twenty years together, they made enough music for you to sing along to in the car for the rest of your drive. 

Best car for listening to Rascal Flats: Ford F-150

Inspired make your own playlist of road trip songs.

Ten songs are not enough for a playlist for the road, so I added forty more for your entertainment. You can build on this playlist, or make custom playlists with these songs as inspiration. We like Amazon Music’s unlimited to 100 million songs… you’ll never run out of something great to listen to! 

Our Favorite Top 40 Songs For a Road Trip Playlist

• As It Was – Harry Styles
• Golden – Harry Styles
• Dancing Queen – ABBA
• Highway to Hell – AC/DC
• American Pie – Don McLean
• Walking on Sunshine – Katrina And The Waves
• Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
• Tongue Tied – GROUPLOVE
• Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles
• Malibu – Miley Cyrus
• Flowers – Miley Cyrus
• California Gurls – Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg
• Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) – Katy Perry
• Hey There Delilah – Plain White T’s
• Summertime Sadness – Lana Del Rey
• All The Stars (with SZA) – Kendrick Lamar, SZA
• Electric Love – BØRNS
• Are You Bored Yet? (feat. Clairo) – Wallows, Clairo
• Can I Call You Tonight? – Dayglow
• Steal My Girl – One Direction
• Perfect – One Direction
• Cruise – Florida Georgia Line
• 22 (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
• Blank Space – Taylor Swift
• Style – Taylor Swift
• Someone To You – BANNERS
• broken – lovelytheband
• Midnight City – M83
• Wonder – Shawn Mendes
• Yellow – Coldplay
• Heat Waves – Glass Animals
• Cloud 9 – Beach Bunny
• Thunder – Imagine Dragons
• Maniac – Conan Gray
• Sunroof – Nicky You’re, dazy
• I Ain’t Worried – OneRepublic
• Coastline – Hollow Coves
• Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
• Daddy Issues – The Neighbourhood
• The Night We Met – Lord Huron

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Spokane Concerts Events Apr 2024: Dates, Itinerary & Tickets Price

In April 2024, Spokane will be a hub of vibrant musical activity, hosting a variety of concerts and events that will captivate audiences. The city's rich cultural scene will come alive with performances spanning diverse genres, from rock and pop to classical and jazz. These Spokane Concerts Events in April 2024 will offer a unique opportunity for music enthusiasts to experience live performances by both renowned and emerging artists. The events are meticulously planned to ensure a memorable experience for all attendees. The city's iconic venues will be buzzing with energy, providing the perfect backdrop for these musical extravaganzas. Whether it's the soulful melodies of a blues concert or the electrifying beats of a rock show, Spokane's concert events in April 2024 promise to deliver unforgettable moments for every music lover.

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Movie Reviews

Dystopian film 'civil war' follows journalists covering a second american civil war.

Bob Mondello

Alex Garland's dystopian thriller Civil War depicts a current-day, less-than-united states of America in which journalists are scrambling to get to the White House before rebel factions do.

AILSA CHANG, HOST:

The film "Civil War," which depicts modern America as a literal battlefield, embeds viewers with journalists who are covering an assault on Washington. Critic Bob Mondello says it's a nightmarish alternate reality designed to trigger pretty much everyone.

BOB MONDELLO, BYLINE: It is roughly today - but not quite. Welcome to the divided states of America.

(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "CIVIL WAR")

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #1: (As character) Nineteen states have seceded.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #2: (As character) The United States Army ramps up activity.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #3: (As character) The White House issued warnings to the Western Forces, as well as the Florida Alliance.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #4: (As character) The three-term president assures the uprising will be dealt with swiftly.

MONDELLO: We meet that third-term president - and yes, he will remind you of someone - as he's trying out phrases like greatest victory in the history of mankind for a TV address about the state of a no-longer-existent union.

NICK OFFERMAN: (As President) Citizens of America, the so-called Western Forces of Texas and California have suffered a very great defeat at the hands of the United States military.

MONDELLO: Before you have time to puzzle out that California-Texas alliance - and don't sweat it, because the politics here are kept purposely vague - the action shifts to a desperate mob of New Yorkers screaming for water, screams that are silenced by a figure wearing an explosive vest...

(SOUNDBITE OF EXPLOSION BOOMING)

MONDELLO: ...Which is when we meet the scrum of journalists we'll be embedding with for the duration. Seasoned war photographer Lee, played by Kirsten Dunst, is the one calling the shots, as it were.

KIRSTEN DUNST: (As Lee) Every time I survived a warzone, I thought I was sending a warning home - don't do this. But here we are.

MONDELLO: She's teamed up with a cross-cultural journalistic bunch, a Latino reporter for Reuters, a Black New York Times correspondent and a young woman photographer Lee rescues...

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #5: (As character) It's my choice.

DUNST: (As Lee) Right.

MONDELLO: ...And then feels saddled with.

DUNST: (As Lee) And I'll remember that when you get blown up or shot.

MONDELLO: Together, they'll travel to Washington, 200 miles from Manhattan on a map but an 800-mile road trip on the byways they use to avoid active warzones, byways jammed with abandoned cars where football stadiums have become refugee centers and a huge winter wonderland Santa blocks a sniper's view of two soldiers.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #6: (As character) What's going on?

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #7: (As character) Someone's trying to kill us. We are trying to kill them.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #6: (As character) You don't know what side they're fighting for.

MONDELLO: Writer-director Alex Garland makes that a recurring question, with soldiers on both sides wearing camouflage, and one, played by Jesse Plemons, seemingly unimpressed by press credentials.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #7: (As character) We're American.

JESSE PLEMMONS: (As character) OK. OK. What kind of American are you?

MONDELLO: The journalists are - remember - Black, Latino and women.

PLEMMONS: (As character) You don't know?

MONDELLO: As I said, the divided states of America. Without ever taking or even defining sides, the filmmaker jacks up the stakes by relocating war images audiences associate with foreign conflicts to Main Street, USA - a downed helicopter, say, in a JCPenney parking lot or prisoners trussed up for execution behind a suburban gas station. When atrocity is so common, it no longer shocks the journalists covering it. What is their role exactly?

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #8: (As character) Like, why didn't I just tell him not to shoot them?

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #6: (As character) They were probably going to kill them anyway.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #8: (As character) How do you know?

DUNST: (As Lee) He doesn't know, but that's besides the point. Once you start asking yourself those questions, you can't stop. So we don't ask. We record so other people ask. You want to be a journalist? That's the job.

MONDELLO: These are the central characters in a story about the role of the free press, but heroes? Well, as their road trip, places them at the center of a blistering siege of Washington, opinions will vary on that.

(SOUNDBITE OF GUNS FIRING)

MONDELLO: It says something that "Civil War" qualifies as the darkest dystopia yet from a filmmaker who killed off the entire city of London in "28 Days Later" and who called another of his movies "Annihilation."

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #9: (As character) Move. Move. Move.

MONDELLO: Whether you experience the film as a battlefield blockbuster, a provocative cautionary tale or a straight-up horror story, it will almost certainly strike you as urgent and pulse pounding. And there's no arguing the harrowing cinematic force of the film's final moments, a pitched battle in which the director nods to America's other civil war by blowing up the Lincoln Memorial...

MONDELLO: ...Then heads to the White House to blow up what's left of the American experiment. I'm Bob Mondello.

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