Where to go in the summer in your car? 10 interesting routes in 2026
The car has long been in the top of popular modes of transport for travel. Traveling by car is always an adventure. And if you go with a large company, the road will cost much cheaper. In addition, you can choose any route you like and not depend on travel agencies and other unfamiliar tourists.
Before the holiday season, we have prepared tourist destinations for you, where it is better to get by car. Traveling by car is an affordable and interesting holiday for everyone.
Our list includes Russian beach resorts and unusual places for lovers of active and bold rest.
Itineraries of travel by your car
1. Karlovy Vary in Russian - rest in the Caucasian mineral waters
2. Cozy rest in the Krasnodar Territory
3. Rich history and cleanest beaches of Crimea
4. Primitive nature of Karelia
5. Tour of ancient cities of Russia – conquer the Golden Ring
6. Cold but beautiful Lake Baikal
7. A real lake paradise. Traveling through the Altai
8. Native warm waters of the Black Sea
9. The main resorts of the Caspian Sea
Karlovy Vary in Russian - rest in the Caucasian mineral waters
The Caucasian mineral waters are called one of the most visited vacation spots among Russians. The local area amazes with its beauty. The landscape is predominantly mountainous, so many extremes strive here, including. But the wonderful views are not the only feature of the Caucasian mineral waters. Here you will find about a hundred mineral springs, many sanatoriums and boarding houses. The perfect place for healing.
The Caucasian mineral waters consist of four cities: Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Zheleznovodsk and Essentuki. The cities are a short distance from each other, so it is easy to visit them all by car. These resorts are even compared with the famous Karlovy Vary and the resort of Baden-Baden.
In summer, the weather here is warm and dry. Locals delight tourists with their hospitality. In the Caucasian mineral waters you can find many unique attractions, each with its own history. Particular attention should be paid to the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, the Museum of Aviation Technology, and also be sure to visit the magmatic mountain Snake.
How to get there: the resort is located between the Black and Caspian Sea on the slopes of the Caucasian Range. The road there by car takes about a day, from Moscow and 17 hours. If you take a break for the night, you will get a little more than a day. You can lay a route on a map or use a guidebook. Bad roads along the way are unlikely to meet, but PPP posts are enough.
Where to settle: in the Caucasian mineral waters a wide range of housing. There are hotels from 2500 rubles. per day for a room, guest houses - 2000 - 2500 rubles. per day. Staying in a sanatorium will cost more, since you will be provided not only with a roof over your head, but also food, medical treatments, and some even a swimming pool. The daily price of accommodation in a sanatorium per person starts from 4000 rubles. You can look for good apartment options for 3000 - 3500 rubles per day.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: in total, you will spend from 15,000 to 20,000 rubles on the road in one direction. Staying overnight in roadside motels will cost rubles in 2000 - 2500. Of course, for such money luxury rooms do not have to wait. As a rule, there are no amenities in the room, but you can wait one night. Entrance to various museums is inexpensive, mainly 200 - 300 rubles. In general, rest for one along with the road, accommodation and food will cost about 65 000-70 000 rubles.
Duration: 2-2.5 days on the road + 7 days on rest.
Preparation, documents, money: be sure to bring all the necessary documents, including the car. Get a couple of guides and a map of Russia. It is best to have a navigator in the car. During the day, the temperature in these resorts reaches +30 C, so take with you hats and sunglasses. Remember that mineral waters have their own rules. For example, drinking alcohol and smoking in public places are prohibited. Cleanliness is also strictly monitored. So always clean up your trash. Violations of the rules can be subject to a large fine.
Cozy rest in the Krasnodar Territory
Usually among tourists Krasnodar region is associated with Sochi, Tuapse and Anapa. But in addition to large resort cities, the Krasnodar Territory is rich in villages, where rest is no worse, while the beaches and water there are cleaner, and prices are lower.
Planning to go to the sea by car, we advise you to pay attention to such places as Lazarevskoye, Shepsi, Dzhankhot, Kabardinka, Vityazevo, Novomikhaylovsky, Lermontovo.
About Lazarevskoye say that it is practically not inferior to Sochi, but the rest here will cost less. At the same time, there are entertainments for both young people and young children. Excellent family vacation option. If you only care about the sea, come to Shepsy. It's calmer and the beaches are great.
Despite the fact that the resorts are located not far from each other, the weather here can be seriously different, since the Krasnodar Territory is washed by two seas at once - the Azov and the Black. In the Azov region, the air is dry, there are often winds. Low humidity and almost no rainfall.
How to get there: Going south by car will cost more than mineral waters and longer. From Moscow to the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory to get about 20 hours without stopping. From the central part of Russia, for example, from Yekaterinburg on the road will take a day and a half without stopping.
Where to stay: in the Krasnodar region tourists are better to stay in small private hotels. You can rent a room in the height of the season from 3000 rubles. per day. For those who like privacy, we recommend renting an apartment. The daily cost of living in an apartment for three, 600 meters from the sea will cost 4 500 - 6000 rubles. In hotels you can find a place to leave your car. In the case of renting an apartment, finding parking will be more difficult.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: the cost of traveling by car in one direction will be from 20 000 rubles. to 35000 Plus accommodation - 20 000-25 000 rubles., Food and entertainment, then the trip will require about 75 000 - 80 000 rubles.
Duration: 3-4 days road + 5 days at sea.
Preparation, documents, money: for the trip you will need an identity document, license, documents for the car. Prepare food and drink for the trip, the road is not close. To make it easier to sit, you can buy a special pillow for the neck.
Rich history and cleanest beaches of Crimea
Another option where to go to rest by car in the summer is Crimea. Crimea is a unique place with a rich history and clean beaches. If earlier it was not so easy to get to the Crimea by car, you had to stand in traffic jams, wait in line for the ferry, now this problem has been solved. Since 2018, the Crimean Bridge has finally opened.
Crimea has a pleasant climate. It's sunny almost all the time and not so humid. To go here by car is the best option, since many attractions are easier to get by car. Like the top of Ai-Petri. On the way there are various waterfalls and protected places. You can even stay overnight. We also advise you to go to the rocks of Demerdzhi and the Grand Canyon of Crimea, get acquainted with the famous Crimean palaces - Vorontsov Palace, Livadia Palace, Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai.
How to get there: the trip to the Crimea will be about a day - two days. It depends on which part of the peninsula you decide to stay in. The Crimean bridge lies across the Kerch Strait and connects the Kerch and Taman peninsulas. The road to the bridge starts from the highway M-25 Novorossiysk — Kerch Strait and ends in the area of the Tuzla spit at the junction with the transport crossing. Until the peninsula is fully developed, the roads in many places remain in an eerie state. Especially near Kerch and in Kerch itself, as well as along the Kerch-Evpatoria highway. So you have to drive carefully.
Where to stay: there are many boarding houses throughout the Crimea. Double room costs from 6 000 rubles. - 7000 rubles. per day. In some boarding houses breakfast is included in the payment. The private sector offers a rich choice. Rooms there are no worse than in boarding houses, and prices are much more democratic. A room with amenities, next to the sea for two can be rented for 3000 - 3500 rubles. per day. Begin booking as early as possible, even in winter. Otherwise, you will not see rooms with comfort. They buy up empty seats very quickly. In Crimea, camping accommodation is common. Tent camps are often found along the beaches. Ideal for those who came to rest by car. As a rule, such camps are set up on the shore next to the toilet and showers.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: on the road you will take 15 000-20 000 rubles. Renting comfortable housing with amenities for ten days will cost 50 000 - 100 000 rubles. for two or more people. Entrance to various museums and fortresses costs 500 - 1000 rubles. As a result, you can relax in the Crimea, without saving every ruble, together for 120,000-150 000 rubles.
Duration: 2-3 days road + 10 days rest.
Preparation, documents, money: original documents: passport, license, policy, documents for the car.
Primitive nature of Karelia
Karelia can be called one large nature reserve. It is best to come here in the summer. There are a lot of lakes here. Therefore, there are many types of water entertainment available in Karelia. Also here are the famous islands of Valaam, Solovki and Kizhi.
If you prefer water “attractions”, we recommend rafting along the Wonge River or scuba diving in the White Sea. Karelia is also known for its wooden architecture. In the village of Virma stands a wooden Peter and Paul Church. You can get to it by your own car. In Karelia, you can plunge into the primitive world. In the area of Belomorsk on the stones preserved drawings of ancient residents - petroglyphs. They are only visible at sunset or dawn. In petroglyphs you can recognize the figures of moose, nerve, hunting scenes.
The weather here is changeable. Sunny days are replaced by rain. The water in the lakes is mainly cold, only by the middle of summer can warm up enough for swimming.
How to get there: you can get from Moscow to Karelia in just 13 hours. From the central part of Russia will have to travel for a day. Since the roads in Karelia are “special”, it is better to go there in a not capricious car that is able to overcome dirt and dirt mess.
There are two types of accommodation for tourists in Karelia: a campground and a camping. The advantage of the camp is that it will take care of your leisure. If you want interesting excursions, choose the base near Petrozavodsk. Depending on the degree of comfort, daily accommodation in the room will cost from 7,000 to 10,000 rubles. It's really cheaper to find a room. For example, to rent housing in the village of Vagvozero for two will cost 5500 rubles. per day. As for living in a tent, remember that in Karelia it often rains cold and the nights are not warm.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: the road to the capital of Karelia - Petrozavodsk - by car will reach 15000-25 000 rubles. Accommodation at the camp will cost about 30,000 rubles per person for 10 days. And going to Karelia makes more sense than a week. You'll see a lot of things that way. It is better to eat here food bought in the store and cooked independently, because the price of dishes in cafes and restaurants is high. Dinner for one will cost about 2500 - 3500 rubles. It is best to see the natural beauty of your car.
Duration: 2-4 days road + 10 days rest.
Preparation, documents, money: in addition to the necessary documents, stock up on warm clothes and raincoats. And comfortable shoes. Most of the natural attractions are rocky terrain. Take a remedy for ticks and insects.
Tour of ancient cities of Russia – conquer the Golden Ring
The Golden Ring is probably the most famous tourist route in Russia. It is a circle of the most ancient cities of the European center of our country. Despite the fact that the route was created primarily for foreign tourists, many Russians love to drive to these places. Therefore, if you do not know where to go by car, the Golden Ring is a great option for an adventure, at the end of which you will have a lot of emotions.
It is better to ride the Golden Ring in your car. So you do not have to tolerate other tourists, there will be more time for sightseeing and you can make your route based on interests.
The Golden Ring consists of the following cities: Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal, Vladimir. It is better to start with Sergiev Posad and from there go to Pereslavl-Zalessky and further along the route.
Of course, the main part of the attractions of these cities are monasteries: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Holy Assumption Cathedral, Golden Gate, as well as the Rostov Kremlin and Suzdal. But it is worth paying attention to museums, for example, in Pereslavl-Zalessky there is an interesting Museum of cunning and ingenuity.
How to get there: from Moscow to get to Sergiev Posad a little more than an hour. From other cities, the trip to the Golden Ring will take more than a day. The closer to the Golden Ring, the denser the traffic, so it is better to plan a trip that drives to the first city in the morning early.
Where to stay: As the route is popular, hotel rooms are overpriced. Therefore, it is better to look for housing away from the center, in such places modest apartments will cost 4,500-5,500 rubles. In large cities, for example, Vladimir, the price is much higher - from 6 500-7 000 rubles. per day. Hostel beds are cheaper. Here the price starts from 2000 rubles. per day.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: it is difficult to calculate the approximate cost of the trip, because everything depends on the specific route. If you believe already experienced tourists, on average, all costs and the road takes 95 000-150 000 rubles.
Duration: 2 days road + 9 days rest.
Preparation, documents, money: passport, documents for a car, a guidebook. Save some warm stuff. The weather in our country is unpredictable. The sun can easily be replaced by rain. If you have any benefits, for example, you are a student, be sure to take documents confirming this. Save on entrance tickets.
Cold but beautiful Lake Baikal
It is the most famous and cleanest lake in the world. Despite the fact that it is located in Eastern Siberia, a trip to Baikal will not leave anyone indifferent. Vacation on Baikal is suitable for those who are not spoiled by comfort and are ready to meet nature face to face. Particularly popular among tourists are resorts such as Listvyanka village, Small Sea, Sakhyurta village, Olkhon island, Peschanaya Bay, Baikal port.
The weather here is changeable. Even if there is a hot summer, the water in the lake allows you to swim only the most seasoned.
If you find yourself on Lake Baikal, we advise you to visit Peschanaya Bay, Tale Waterfall and the Valley of Volcanoes.
How to get there: getting to Baikal by car is a bold decision, because the way to overcome will not be small. From Moscow on the road will have to spend almost three days. From the center of Russia - two days. Travelers usually follow the federal highways M-7 and M-53, from the eastern part of Russia - along the highway R-258. According to tourists, the roads to Baikal are not always good, so be careful.
Where to settle: as a rule, on Baikal they spend the night either in tourist camps or in tents. The budget option of overnight accommodation at the recreation center will cost from 3,500 rubles. per day. Rooms are more comfortable - from 4 500 - 6000 rubles per day per room. If you are not ready for a wild holiday, settle better in the village of Listvyanka. Things are better with infrastructure.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: rest on Lake Baikal is not a cheap pleasure. Many people come here, so the price is too high. On the road in one direction can go from 50,000 to 70,000 rubles. Tickets to museums on average cost 500-1000 rubles. You can eat in a cafe for 1500 - 2500 rubles.
Duration: 4-6 days road + 7 days rest.
Preparation, documents, money: in addition to the necessary documents, navigator, maps and guides, save a spare and cable for the car. Bad roads can make themselves felt at any time. It is better to go to Baikal with cash. ATMs are available only in cities, and cashless payment is not popular. Since Baikal is nature, there are plenty of insects, especially ticks. Bring insect repellent and covered clothing. On Baikal there are significant temperature changes, so warm clothes will not be superfluous. I'll need a first aid kit.
A real lake paradise. Traveling through the Altai
Altai is a favorite place of Russian tourists. Here you will find a huge number of rivers and lakes. Altai attracts travelers with its unique landscape and almost untouched nature. Therefore, such a vacation is suitable, first of all, for lovers of active recreation. In summer, you can raft along the rivers, ride horses, go mountaineering. It is possible to arrange walking and cycling tours. The water in the lakes is usually cold. You can swim only in some of them, for example, in Lake Teletskoye. It gets dark here early. There are annoying insects. But all this fades before the beauty of the local nature.
We advise you to go to Lake Teletskoye. Very picturesque place, but there are not so many tourists. It is interesting to walk through the Tavdin caves. A test of strength will be a goat trail to the Chemal hydroelectric power station. Goat trail is a narrow path with a length of 1 km, located high above the level of the Katun River.
How to get to Altai by car from Moscow will take more than two days. From the cities closer - about a day. Experienced tourists speak well about the roads in Altai, however, if you stick to civilized places. The federal highway is in good condition, but there are several areas of increased accident rate on the M-52 in the Troitsky district and after the village of Srotki (the homeland of Shukshin), where the road is narrowing and sharp turns. When traveling to the mountains, we recommend using the services of travel agencies, because even the presence of all-wheel drive at the car does not guarantee a quiet trip. The path is too rocky and uneven.
Where to stay: There are many places to stay. You can rent a room at the recreation center. It will cost from 3,500 to 5000 rubles per day. There is an option to rent a guest house for several people. The price of the house is about 10 000 rubles. for three people a day. In the summer especially popular overnight in tents. But you will have to pay for a place for camping, usually 1500 - 2000 rubles per day. Don’t forget about the private sector. Local residents will gladly offer you inexpensive housing for rent and even with a bath for 3000-4500 rubles. per day.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: for gasoline in one direction to Altai will go from 50,000 to 75,000 rubles. Accommodation at the recreation center is about 45 000 rubles per person. For overnight stay in the tent will be enough and 25 000 rubles. for the rest. Eat cheaper food prepared by yourself. In the cafe lunch will cost 1500-3000 rubles. Prices for excursions can be found different. The entrance to the caves is about 1500 rubles. Long excursions are more expensive - 10 000 rubles.
Duration: 3-4 days road + 7-8 days of rest.
Preparation, documents, money: identity documents, documents for a car, a card. It should be remembered that Altai is not a place for people who like to lie on sunny beaches for a long time. You need to bring your medicine, the pharmacies are tough. Insect protection. Be prepared for both hot weather and cold weather.
Native warm waters of the Black Sea
The Black Sea coast is a classic option, where to go in the summer by car. They come here to swim plenty, soak up the sun and relax with the whole family.
The most popular and developed Black Sea resorts are Sochi, Anapa, Tuapse, Gelendzhik. As a rule, vacation here is available to everyone, regardless of income. You can choose both a traditional beach holiday and a therapeutic one. In these places there are mineral waters and therapeutic mud.
For rest with children, Anapa is most suitable. For young people, Tuapse. This city is rich in recreation centers with various types of entertainment. Gelendzhik will appeal to those who like to relax on the all-inclusive program. Here you will find the most comfortable hotels and enjoy walking around various attractions.
How to get there: by car the road to the famous resorts will take one and a half to two days. It is best to take the M4 Don highway. The route is paid, but allows you to get to the coast from Moscow as quickly as possible.
Where to settle: in the Black Sea resorts, rental housing in the private sector is common. You can rent a room by the sea for 3000 - 3500 rubles. per day. However, for such a price, conveniences at best will be common to all residents, at worst - on the street. In guest houses, the rooms will cost at the height of the season 5500-8500 rubles per room.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: 40 500-55 500 rubles will go for gasoline in one direction. If you do not bother for excessive comfort, then you can spend 15,000-25,000 rubles per person on accommodation. Cooking lunch is always cheaper. Lunch can be budgeted in the dining room for 1500 - 2500 rubles. In the cafe, the average check will be 3,500 - 4000 rubles.
Duration: 3-4 days road + 7-8 days rest.
Preparation, documents, money: going on the road, take with you a first aid kit, compiled by yourself, based on personal needs. Don’t forget your navigator and documents. Also on the road is to take a good supply of water and food, so as not to make unnecessary stops.
The main resorts of the Caspian Sea
For those who want to go to the sea by car, but are tired of the Black Sea resorts, there is another option - the Caspian Sea. Rest here is not only exciting, but also budget. The main Caspian resorts are Astrakhan and Derbent.
Tourists who come here are amazed by the pristine nature. Clean water, diverse flora and fauna. You can even see plants and animals listed in the Red Book. The uniqueness of the Caspian Sea lies in the fact that it is a lake washing Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran and Turkmenistan.
Holidays in the Caspian Sea will give you a great opportunity to admire the flowering fields of the lotus in the Astrakhan Reserve. Astrakhan region is famous for its fishing. In the local waters there are both sea and fresh fish. In Derbent district you will find real monuments of antiquity and eat plenty of various fruits.
How to get there: the road to the Caspian Sea will be from 20 to 24 hours. It is best to go along the federal highways leading to the Astrakhan region. There will be no problems with parking. Parking and campsites can be found on the coast.
Where to settle: in the resorts of the Caspian Sea you can find housing of different levels of comfort. The hotel room will cost from 3,500 rubles per day. A bed in the hostel will cost 2500 - 3500 rubles. As for prices in the private sector, you can find housing for any wallet.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: the road in one direction by car will result in 30 000-55 000 rubles. On average, accommodation costs 25,000 rubles. Dinner in the cafe is cheap here. Complex lunch costs 2500 - 3000 rubles. In the cafe more expensive - from 4000 rubles. If you decide to go to the reserve, you will have to spend about 3,500 rubles.
Duration: 2 days road + 7-8 days rest.
Preparation, documents, money: do not forget about the first aid kit, all necessary documents, navigator. Insect repellent. There are regular maximum air temperatures up to +38 C in the shade, so do not forget hats and sunglasses.
Volga towns
In original and interesting cities on the banks of the Volga Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Volgograd, Saratov, Samara, you can combine relaxing rest and acquaintance with local attractions.
The weather in this region is usually predictably warm and sunny, the river has time to warm up well, and it is pleasant to sunbathe on the warm coastal sand. Bonus - boat trips of different duration along the Volga and daily picturesque sunsets.
Saratov is a merchant mansion, apartment houses and unusual monuments. From Sokolovaya Mountain there is a magnificent view of the Volga from a bird's eye view.
People go to Volgograd to see the sights dedicated to the Great Patriotic War, and the natural beauty of the region, for example, the Natural Park "Tsimlyanskie Sands" or the salt lake Elton.
Nizhny Novgorod is called the capital of the most beautiful sunsets in Russia. Upper Volga and Lower Volga embankments, Fedorovskaya embankment are beautiful places in the very center for rest and walks.
How to get there: from Moscow to Volgograd can be reached in a day on the M4 Don highway (the distance between the cities is 970 km). The M7 Volga route connected Moscow with Kazan (the distance between the cities is 824 km). To Nizhny Novgorod - about 7-8 hours of travel with a distance between the cities of just over 400 km.
Where to live: in each city you can find housing for anyone according to his or her soul and wallet. A room in an ordinary hotel without any claims to comfort will cost from 4 500 - 6000 rubles. per day, in hotels 4 and 5 stars in the city center - from 8000 rubles. Place in the hostel will cost 2000-2500 rubles.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: it is very difficult to name the approximate cost of the trip: it depends on a certain route. On average, food, road, entertainment can go 100,000-150 000 rubles.
Duration: 1.5 - 2 days will take the road + 10-12 days of rest.
Preparation, documents, money: a standard set of travelers - passports and documents confirming the right to benefits (if necessary). In the summer, swimsuits, hats and skin care products after tanning are definitely useful.
Prices are indicated at the time of publication of the article - August 2026.
Text: personalguide
Photo: personalguide, pixabay, varlamov
Comments (3)
Анастасиод 28.02.2022
Ну куда с таким рулём только к Макдональдсу на Проспект Мира.
Елена 19.08.2021
Мы в этом году ездили на машине на Черное море. Побывали в первый раз в поселке Лермонтово, решили взять место на песчаном побережье. Понравилось. Останавливались в гостевом доме Отель Марсель прекрасное место. И недорого и есть все что надо для отдыха. Прекрасно провели время
Артем 13.05.2018
В Крыму огромное количество красивейших мест! Большинство достопримечательностей можно посетить даже без экскурсий!