The Best Playlists for Every Type of Roadtrip

Many travelers can agree that one of the best parts about going on a roadtrip is the music. Let’s be honest, driving for hours everyday would be a drag if we didn’t have a good jam getting us through it, especially when you’re cruising down an open, flat road. If you’re unsure what songs to put on as you make your way to your next destination, then this guide should help. Here are five of the best roadtrip playlists to match every landscape and music taste.

1. The Beach Bum Playlist

Whether you are driving past the coastal cliffs in Acadia National Park or heading to Enderts Beach in Redwoods National and State Parks, there are several songs that every beach bum will love listening to on their way to soak up the sun. Here are the best songs for beach vibes:

• “Dani California” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
• “Is This Love” by Bob Marley
• “All I Ever Wanted” by The Airborne Toxic Event
• “Follow The Sun” by Xavier Rudd
• “Comeback Story” by Kings of Leon
• “Pacific Coast Highway” by The Hip Abduction, Trevor Hall
• “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty

2. The Mountainous Playlist

When you’re heading out on a roadtrip, you are likely to come across several mountainous landscapes, whether that is while exploring the west coast, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alaskan Wilderness, or somewhere on the east, such as the Carolinas. The best way to connect to the rivers, alpine views, lakes, and wildlife is by putting on some music that fits the earthy vibe. Here are some great songs for mountain lovers:

• “Angela” by The Lumineers
• “Budding Trees” by Nahko and Medicine For The People
• “Saturday Sun” by Vance Joy
• “Green Mountain State” by Trevor Hall
• “Old Pine” by Ben Howard 
• “Everywhere, Everything” by Noah Kahan
• “Peace” by O.A.R.

3. The Wild West Playlist

If you’re heading into old, small towns in the country, a.k.a., the “Wild West,” then you definitely need a solid playlist to listen to on your way there. For a wild time in the Old West, you may want to jam to some old, wild songs. Whether you are heading to the Dakotas or Yellowstone National Park, here are our favorite wild song picks.

• “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
• “Adam’s Song” by Blink 182
• “Blood” by Breaking Benjamin
• “Slide” by The Goo Goo Dolls
• “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down
• “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback
• “American Idiot” by Green Day
• “In The End” by Lincoln Park

4. The Country Lover Playlist

If you’re driving down quiet plains, past cow farms, and through heat waves, then you’ve officially entered countryside territory. While here, listening to some top country hits is a must. Whether you plan on exploring places like Nashville, Tennessee or Texas State Parks, here are some sweet songs to jam to while in the country by artists like Luke Bryan and Rascal Flatts!

• “I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice 
• “Cop Car” by Keith Urban
• “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts
• “Play It Again” by Luke Bryan
• “Crash My Party” by Luke Bryan”
• “Ain’t That Some” by Morgan Wallen
• “Space Cowboy” by Kacey Musgraves 

5. The Skyline Playlist

With the colorful lights, constant movement, tall buildings, and shops and restaurants everywhere, driving through the city can be exciting. If you find yourself driving through the city on your roadtrip, then you should find a good EDM to match the energy! From famous artists like ILLENIUM to Tove Lo, here are some upbeat songs to turn on while driving through the city on your trip.

• “Miracle” by Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding
• “Gold Dust” by Galantis, ILLENIUM
• “One By One” by  Robin Schulz, Topic, Oaks
• “Self Destruction Mode” by The Chainsmokers, bludnymph 
• “Waiting For Love” by Avicii 
• “Happier” by Marshmello, Manuel Turizo
• “Habits (Stay  High)” by Tove Lo

What’s great about music is that there are so many genres to choose from, meaning every road-tripper can find a playlist they’d want to jam to. Plus, matching the music with the environment you’re in only makes the vibe even better. To make your road trips even more exciting, here are 5 different ways to stack up your s’mores at your RV site.

See you on the road!