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

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.

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