Summertime, and the livin’s easy. ParkMobile is taking you on an epic summer road trip with the perfect summer road trip playlist. We’re sharing our favorite summer stops across the country with a song to go with each destination. So, hop on in, buckle up, and let the tunes take you on a journey from coast to coast.
Stop 1: Boston, MA
Song: “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
Nothing says summer in Bean Town like attending a Boston Red Sox game. The city’s iconic ballpark, Fenway Park, has been home to the Red Sox since 1912 and is a must-see destination for locals and visitors. As one of America’s oldest baseball teams, the Red Sox have a plethora of game-day traditions including playing Neil Diamond’s hit, “Sweet Caroline”, during the eighth inning of every home game. This beloved song “Sweet Caroline” was written in 1969 after a baby named Caroline – JFK’s daughter Caroline Kennedy! Beginning in 1997, the song had been played when the Red Sox were winning, and the crowd was upbeat. That changed in 2002 when the song was believed to have “transformative powers,” and has since become a staple at Fenway Park. If you’ve seen Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore’s 2005 film, “Fever Pitch”, then you know the significance of “Sweet Caroline” to Red Sox Nation.
Stop 2: Washington, DC
Song: “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen
If you’re going to road trip to celebrate July 4th anywhere in the United States, it should be in Washington, DC, the nation’s capital. Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C. feature activities and attractions, including a parade, concerts, picnics, and fireworks. One of the most prominent events is the “A Capitol Fourth” concert, which takes place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building. The concert will feature live performances by The National Symphony Orchestra, The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” and The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, and it concludes with a jaw-dropping fireworks display over the National Mall.
Stop 3: Chicago, IL
Song: “Angels” by Chance the Rapper
Chicago comes alive in the summer with outdoor activities, events, and beautiful weather. The Windy City sits on Lake Michigan and its beaches and lakefront parks are especially popular during the summer. Relax on the sandy shores, swim in the lake, play beach volleyball, or take a leisurely stroll along the Lakefront Trail, which spans 18 miles along the city skyline.
The Navy Pier is another Chicago attraction that is bustling in the summer with pretty views of Lake Michigan, outdoor dining options, a Ferris wheel, and boat tours. Add Chance the Rapper to your road trip playlist, a Chicago native, and enjoy the summer vibes.
Stop 4: Nashville, TN
Song: “Crazy Town” by Jason Aldean
There is no better time to visit Nashville, the home of country music, than during the CMA Music Festival, an annual country music event held in Music City. It is one of the largest country music festivals in the world. This year’s event is June 8th to 11th and will feature performances by some of the biggest names in country music.
During CMA Fest, downtown Nashville transforms into a lively hub of country music celebrations. The streets are filled with fans, artists, and music industry professionals and the bars and venues on Broadway host live music performances. As Jason Aldean says, Nashville is “Hollywood with a touch of twang.”
Stop 5: Miami, FL
Song: “Miami” by Will Smith
If you’re looking for a sandy destination, Miami Beach is the place for you. Temperatures will be hight, and the crystal-clear waters will call your name. Visitors from all over the world flock to Miami for the warm weather, beautiful beaches, diverse culinary scene, and art culture. Experience the neighborhoods of Miami such as South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood, Miami Design District, and Brickell.
Stop 6: Houston, TX
Song: “Flawless” by Beyonce
The next stop of our summer road trip takes us to the largest state in the country, Texas. We’re popping by Houston, or “H Town,” birthplace of singer, songwriter, and performance extraordinaire, Beyonce. Houston tends to get very hot in the summer, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees, so we recommend one of the many indoor attractions in the city’s museum district. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Space Center Houston are just a few of the attractions to explore. These indoor activities provide relief from the Texas sun while offering educational and cultural experiences.
Stop 7: Denver, CO
Song: “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver
We’re stepping away from the scorching hot temperatures and riding into the mountains for our next road trip stop. Colorado summers offer pleasant weather, stunning scenery, and a wide range of nature activities. Denver is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go hiking, mountain biking, or take scenic drives to explore the nearby national parks and forests, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Evans, or the Maroon Bells. Colorado also offers camping, fishing, whitewater rafting, and hot air ballooning.
Located just outside of Denver, Red Rocks Park is a must-visit destination. The park features unique red sandstone formations and is home to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, known for its natural acoustics and hosting concerts and events. You can explore the park’s hiking trails or attend a concert to enjoy live music in a rare setting.
Stop 8: Las Vegas, NV
Song: “Sin City” by AC/DC
Viva Las Vegas! We have now entered the desert. Due to the dry heat, Las Vegas is famous for its pool parties and during the summer they are in full swing. Many hotels and resorts have elaborate pools where guests can relax, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy live music or DJ performances. Mandalay Bay turned their pool area into Mandalay Bay Beach, complete with sand, a lazy river, jogging track, and four pools.
No trip to Sin City is complete without a visit to a casino. Las Vegas is renowned for its world-class casinos and entertainment options. You can try your luck at the slot machines and table games or watch incredible shows and performances by famous artists, magicians, or acrobats.
Stop 9: Los Angeles, CA
Song: “California Love” by 2Pac
We’ve officially made it to the last stop on our road trip playlist and we’re finishing in sunny California! As 2Pac sings, “California knows how to party” and the legendary Greek Theatre is the place to see a show. The outdoor amphitheater has a picturesque setting in LA’s Griffith Park surrounded by trees and natural scenery. The amphitheater’s open-air design allows for an intimate and atmospheric experience. The Greek has a packed lineup of summer shows, so if you’re planning to attend one, we recommend reserving a parking spot in advance with ParkMobile. LA traffic is no joke and you do not want to miss any of the concert.
Experience the southern California beaches in Santa Monica and Venice. The neighboring beachfront areas sit on the gorgeous West Coast waters. The Santa Monica Pier is a popular attraction featuring an amusement park overlooking stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a lively and eccentric stretch with a vibrant atmosphere and street performers. You can find vendors selling arts and crafts, skate parks, basketball courts, Muscle Beach, and various performers showcasing their talents. Stop by the Venice Canals for a picturesque view inspired by Venice, Italy.
The best part about each of these warm weather destinations? No matter where you visit, you can use ParkMobile. The parking app is available nationwide in over 550 cities. Make the most of your summer experiences without worrying about parking meters and loose change. Pay for parking directly from your phone, and then go explore what you’ve driven so far to see!
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