Disclaimer: Dates are based on information from U.S. Office of Personnel Management and official state sources. Some states may have additional observances, always verify locally before planning your trip.
Official List of US Public Holidays 2026
2026 is shaping up to be the ultimate year for a road trip across America. With 11 federal holidays and a handful of extended weekends, the calendar practically invites you to get behind the wheel. Whether it’s winter drives through snow-covered peaks or summer escapes along sunlit coastlines, every holiday break in the USA is a new story waiting to unfold.
| DATE | DAY | HOLIDAY |
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| February 16 | Monday | Presidents Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day |
| June 19 | Friday | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July 4 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| September 7 | Monday | Labor Day |
| October 12 | Monday | Columbus Day |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day |
| November 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Make Every Holiday Weekend Count
If you’re figuring out how to plan a road trip for 2026, start with your road trip essentials: a flexible route, a good road trip planner app, and reliable data. Whether you’re using Google Maps, Waze, or your perfect road trip map, you’ll want uninterrupted coverage for navigation and booking.
So cue your playlist, plan your road trip across America, and turn every three-day break into something unforgettable. Eskimo eSIM for USA is a must-have travel tool that keeps you connected from coast to coast. And if your journey crosses borders, the Eskimo eSIM has you covered in 180+ countries without switching cards or losing signal. Smart travel isn’t about rushing, it’s about staying connected every mile of the way.
Here’s a List of Activities Perfect for Each Holiday Break
From cheap holiday breaks to epic road trips, these weekends are ready-made for adventure:
| HOLIDAY | DATES | PERFECT FOR |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Jan 17–19v | Reflective city breaks in Atlanta or D.C.; winter road trips in Colorado. |
| Presidents Day | Feb 14–16 | Ski getaways in Utah, Arizona hikes, or spa weekends in Palm Springs. |
| Memorial Day | May 23–25 | Road trips to national parks or scenic lake towns. |
| Juneteenth | Jun 19–22 | Celebrate in cultural hubs like New Orleans, Houston, or Memphis. |
| Independence Day | Jul 3–6 | Fireworks, barbecues, and coastal drives along the Pacific Coast Highway. |
| Labor Day | Sep 5–7 | End-of-summer adventures — mountains, beaches, or desert escapes. |
| Columbus Day | Oct 10–12 | Fall foliage drives through Vermont or the Blue Ridge Parkway. |
| Thanksgiving | Nov 26–30 | Cozy cabins or quiet desert road trips before the holiday rush. |
| Christmas | Dec 24–28 | Holiday lights trails in New York, Aspen, or Leavenworth, WA. |
Road Trips Worth Taking in 2026
Whether you’re planning your perfect road trip map for summer or chasing foliage in fall, here are the best routes to bookmark:
Winter to Spring (January–April)
- Pacific Northwest Loop: Portland > Mount Hood > Bend.
Snowy forests and hot springs, classic winter magic. - Southwest Desert Route: Phoenix > Sedona > Grand Canyon.
Ideal for mild weather and quiet highways. - Texas Triangle: Austin > San Antonio > Houston.
Food, music, and culture all in one drive.
Summer Adventures (May–August)
- California Coastline: Los Angeles > Big Sur > San Francisco.
The best road trip USA route for ocean views. - Great Lakes Drive: Chicago > Mackinac Island > Traverse City.
Ideal for cheap holiday breaks and long weekends. - East Coast Explorer: D.C. > Outer Banks > Charleston.
Beaches, seafood, and history along every mile.
Fall and Holiday Routes (September–December)
- New England Colors: Boston > Stowe > Lake Placid.
Peak leaf season and perfect fall photography. - Southern Soundtrack: Nashville > Memphis > New Orleans.
For music lovers and food roadies alike. - Holiday Trail: From New York to Bethlehem, PA, or Santa Fe, NM.
Perfect for holiday breaks with a festive twist.
Each of these routes pairs naturally with Eskimo USA eSIM, your digital companion for every map download, detour, and “restaurants near me” moment.
FAQs
How many federal holidays are there in 2026?
There are 11 official U.S. federal holidays in 2026.
What is the best time for a road trip USA?
Between April and October, when weather and daylight are best for open-road travel.
What are road trip essentials?
Navigation apps, roadside kits, snacks, and a reliable eSIM for seamless connection on the go.
How to plan a road trip in 2026?
Start by mapping your stops on a road trip planner app, choose scenic routes over highways, and make sure your phone is covered with Eskimo eSIM for uninterrupted data.
