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National Road Trip Day

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

Friday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFriday before Memorial Day

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYTravel

SUBCATEGORYRoad Trips

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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

DEALS & OFFERS

2026 ran without a deal

No tracked offers this year. Here’s who has celebrated in past years.

No tracked deals for 2026

National Road Trip Day ran on May 23 without a tracked deal. Browse past offers from previous years.

1 brand has run a deal

Pilot

See past offers

TIMELINE

National Road Trip Day Timeline

First Automobile Invented

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

Birth of US Highways

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

Creation of Interstate System

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

Rise of Road Trips Trend

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

National Parks Tourism Boost

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

First National Road Trip Day

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

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Road Trip Day

Plan a spontaneous road trip

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

MAP

Map out a themed road trip

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

ORGANIZE

Organize a caravan road trip with friends

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

CAPTURE

Capture your road trip experiences

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

TAKE

Take a historic or scenic route

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

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Road Trip Day

It Encourages Learning about History or Natural Beauty

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

It Celebrates the Joy of Travel and Exploration

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

It Offers a Chance for Quality Time and Shared Experiences

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

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