road trip new orleans to savannah

40 Best Stops Between New Orleans and Savannah

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How long is the drive from New Orleans to Savannah?

The direct drive from New Orleans to Savannah is 683 mi (1,099 km) , and should have a drive time of 10 hrs 7 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from New Orleans to Savannah, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with St. Augustine , Panama City Beach , Jacksonville , Pensacola , Biloxi , Mobile , Saint Augustine Beach , Gainesville , Tallahassee , and Fort Walton Beach , as well as top places to visit like Gulf State Park and The Wharf, or the ever-popular Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Top cities between New Orleans and Savannah

Fort Walton Beach

Panama City Beach

Tallahassee, gainesville, st augustine beach, st. augustine, jacksonville, best stops along new orleans to savannah drive, gulf islands national seashore.

Gulf State Park

National Naval Aviation Museum

Pensacola beach, navarre beach, destin harbor boardwalk.

Henderson Beach State Park

Santa rosa beach, gulf world marine park, florida caverns state park, edward ball wakulla springs state park, st. marks nat'l wildlife refuge, florida state university, all-star amphitheater, ichetucknee springs state park, butterfly rainforest at the florida museum of natural history, jacksonville zoo and gardens, st. augustine wild reserve, the catty shack ranch wildlife sanctuary, saint augustine distillery.

St George St

Castillo de san marcos national monument, jacksonville beach.

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort clinch state park, georgia sea turtle center, driftwood beach, top searches in savannah, other popular road trips from new orleans, explore nearby places.

• Thunderbolt
• Garden City
• Port Wentworth
• Wilmington Island
• Bloomingdale
• Daufuskie Island
• Hardeeville
• Richmond Hill
• Springfield
• Parris Island
• Fort Stewart
• Saint Helena Island
• Shellman Bluff

All related maps of Savannah

• Map of Savannah
• Map of Thunderbolt
• Map of Garden City
• Map of Port Wentworth
• Map of Wilmington Island
• Map of Pooler
• Map of Bloomingdale
• Map of Daufuskie Island
• Map of Hardeeville
• Map of Richmond Hill
• Map of Rincon
• Map of Bluffton
• Map of Okatie
• Map of Eden
• Map of Ellabell
• Map of Springfield
• Map of Sunbury
• Map of Guyton
• Map of Midway
• Map of Ridgeland
• Map of Parris Island
• Map of Port Royal
• Map of Riceboro
• Map of Pembroke
• Map of Fort Stewart
• Map of Hinesville
• Map of Beaufort
• Map of Seabrook
• Map of Saint Helena Island
• Map of Shellman Bluff
• Map of Brooklet

Savannah throughout the year

• Savannah in January
• Savannah in February
• Savannah in March
• Savannah in April
• Savannah in May
• Savannah in June
• Savannah in July
• Savannah in August
• Savannah in September
• Savannah in October
• Savannah in November
• Savannah in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Savannah?

Get inspired for your trip to Savannah with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Savannah Itinerary
• 2-Day Savannah Itinerary
• 3-Day Savannah Itinerary
• 4-Day Savannah Itinerary
• 5-Day Savannah Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from new orleans to savannah.

Yes! You can drive from New Orleans to Savannah.

How far is Savannah from New Orleans by car?

The drive from New Orleans to Savannah is 683 miles (1,099 km).

How long does it take to drive from New Orleans to Savannah?

Driving from New Orleans to Savannah should take you 10 hrs 7 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from New Orleans to Savannah?

Gas from New Orleans to Savannah would cost around $60 to $140 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from New Orleans to Savannah?

You could check out Gulf State Park and The Wharf, or the always popular Gulf Islands National Seashore!

What are the best cities to visit between New Orleans and Savannah?

People love visiting St. Augustine, Panama City Beach, and Jacksonville, among others.

What's the weather like in New Orleans?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in New Orleans in January
• Weather in New Orleans in February
• Weather in New Orleans in March
• Weather in New Orleans in April
• Weather in New Orleans in May
• Weather in New Orleans in June
• Weather in New Orleans in July
• Weather in New Orleans in August
• Weather in New Orleans in September
• Weather in New Orleans in October
• Weather in New Orleans in November
• Weather in New Orleans in December

What are some other road trips from New Orleans?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for New Orleans.

• New Orleans to New York City drive
• New Orleans to Orlando drive
• New Orleans to Washington DC drive
• New Orleans to Chicago drive
• New Orleans to Las Vegas drive
• New Orleans to Nashville drive
• New Orleans to Atlanta drive
• New Orleans to San Antonio drive
• New Orleans to Memphis drive
• New Orleans to Houston drive
• New Orleans to St. Augustine drive
• New Orleans to Toronto drive
• New Orleans to Gatlinburg drive
• New Orleans to Savannah drive
• New Orleans to Mexico City drive
• New Orleans to Branson drive
• New Orleans to Dallas drive
• New Orleans to Boston drive
• New Orleans to Miami Beach drive
• New Orleans to Biloxi drive
• New Orleans to San Diego drive
• New Orleans to Saint Louis drive
• New Orleans to Austin drive
• New Orleans to Tampa drive
• New Orleans to Charleston drive
• New Orleans to Niagara Falls drive
• New Orleans to Philadelphia drive
• New Orleans to Chattanooga drive
• New Orleans to Pensacola drive
• New Orleans to Montreal drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
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• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Road Trip from Savannah to New Orleans

Looking to hop in the car and explore the rich culture of the South on an epic adventure? This road trip from Savannah to New Orleans will take you through the historic towns of Georgia brimming with southern charm, to the idyllic picture perfect beaches of Florida.

The 790-mile road trip from Savannah to New Orleans will take 15 hours to drive. The notable sights on the way are Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Panama City, Destin, Pensacola, Gulf Shores, Mobile, Biloxi, St George Island and Miramar Beach.

Concluding your trip, a wild nightlife on Bourbon Street awaits, or if that's not your scene, historical sites and neighborhoods to explore. Continur reading to learn about the absolute best routes to follow, amazing places to stay, unforgettable things to see and the best time to set off on this journey.

How far is New Orleans from Savannah, and how long will the road trip take?

The shorter of our two recommended routes is the Peach State Route, which will take 13 hours to drive mostly inland, covering 790 miles without any stops or detours.

The Gulf of Mexico Route will cover the same distance at 790 miles, and this will take 15 hours to drive due to smaller roads this route follows on the coast.

To enjoy everything this amazing road trip has to offer, we recommend taking at least 3 or more days to explore the gorgeous Southern States without any worry about time constraints.

Best road trip route from Savannah to New Orleans

Our two routes are very distinct in character and both are filled with colorful cities, amazing things to do, and so much to see. Your decision as to which is the best will depend entirely on what you are looking for in a road trip.

The Gulf of Mexico Route will take you on a coastal drive that is incredibly scenic. Beginning your journey, you'll ride alongside the East Coast with the North Atlantic Ocean at your side.

You'll then cruise across Florida and travel the panhandle alongside the Gulf of Mexico. This coastline is idyllic with its white sandy beaches and emerald waters. The perfect road trip for days lounging on a beach in the sun or exploring the coastal state parks where you can hike and picnic.

The Peach State Route delves deep into the southern state of Georgia. The quaint historic towns and cities of Georgia are relaxing and laden with historic buildings.

What's more, because of the scenic backdrops of these towns, they've become a hotbed for production companies who use them as filming locations. As such, it's a glorious trip for anyone who enjoys film and TV where you can visit notable places from your favorite shows like Stranger Things and Vampire Diaries.

They are also opportunities for nature walks and outdoor activities on the Peach State Route, including an adrenaline pumping white water ride through urban rapids. As you conclude your journey, you'll reach coastal cities with nightlife and entertainment.

Whether you're flying into Savannah or you simply don't have your own transport in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from Savannah to New Orleans, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

The Gulf of Mexico Route

Hugging the beautiful shores of the Atlantic Ocean, take Interstate 95 (I-95) out of Savannah towards Brunswick and then Jacksonville. Here, you will start heading west and pass through Tallahassee before reaching the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City.

From here on, you will drive through one gorgeous beach after another; Miramar Beach, Destin, Pensacola Beach, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are all fantastic locations to dip your toes in the sand.

I-10 will then take you through the historic city of Mobile, and past Biloxi. Here you can continue to follow the shore, or stay on the interstate to reach your destination in the iconic city of New Orleans.

The Peach State Route

Head inland from Savannah towards Augusta, a history-rich city to explore. Heading west on I-20, drive through Thomson and you will soon reach Covington, made famous by the Vampire Diaries as the fictional town of Mystic Falls.

The interstate will then take you to the buzzing city of Atlanta, perfect place for an overnight stay or two. After your visit, drive through Columbus and Montgomery.

Following I-60 will take you to Mobile. Follow the same directions as the Gulf of Mexico Route to reach New Orleans.

Best places to stop between Savannah and New Orleans

With so many amazing cities to stop and explore on a road trip from Savannah to New Orleans, you will definitely not be short of choice as to where to stop overnight.

To make your decision easier, here are our top picks for unforgettable places to stop at.

A sunny day in Panama City Beach

Located about halfway on the Gulf of Mexico Route, Panama City Beach is a popular resort town which is known for its gorgeous beaches providing great opportunities for water sports. You can hire kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis and take to the Gulf of Mexico during your visit to this vibrant town.

Take the Shell Island Shuttle from St Andrews Park for a day on Shell Island. The barrier island has glorious beaches and untouched landscapes. You can find the ultimate guide to visiting Shell Island here .

During your stay here, you can visit one of the highest ranked waterparks in the US at Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Also, consider a visit to WonderWorks Panama City Beach, a unique amusement park.

Once you are done with hitting the waves, let your hair down and experience the nightlife Panama City Beach is so famous for. You'll find live music and beach bars; try Schooners Last Local Beach Club where you can watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail.

While in Panama City Beach, we absolutely recommend Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach. This hotel embraces the perfect laid-back atmosphere of the resort town with rooms that feature private balconies with sea views.

After a long drive, or a day out exploring, head to one of the four (you read that correctly!) swimming pools and hot tubs available on the property. If you want to take your relaxation to another level, you can also head to the wellness facility for a full body massage or other body treatments.

With four on-site restaurants available, you might not even want to venture out but if you do, you will find the Shell Island Shuttle, Shipwreck Island Waterpark and WonderWorks a stone's throw from the hotel.

Admire the bright city lights in Atlanta

Approximately one-third of the Peach State Route, you will arrive in the urban cityscape of Atlanta. With so many options for entertainment and countless attractions to enjoy, Atlanta makes a perfect and exhilarating stop on the first leg of your adventure.

Famous for being the home of Coca-Cola, while in Atlanta a visit to the World of Coca-Cola is a must. Here, you can learn about the history of the world-famous beverage through fun and interactive exhibitions.

Atlanta and the surrounding areas are popular filming locations. You can take private tours to visit famous locations on TV shows such as the Walking Dead and Stranger Things.

If you'd rather enjoy the views, hop on the SkyView Ferris Wheel to enjoy a panoramic look at the vibrant city. Located in Centennial Olympic Park, there are also fountains and gardens in the downtown oasis.

The AZA accredited Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is home to many species of marine wildlife. Get an insightful look at marine animals such as penguins and dolphins. For an interactive experience, you can cage dive with sharks.

After you are done exploring, there is nowhere better to stay than Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown . This fantastic hotel features smart rooms and a gorgeous rooftop bar with views of Downtown Atlanta.

During your stay you will be located downtown and yards from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Selfie Museum, the World of Coca-Cola, the Centennial Olympic Park and Georgia Aquarium as easily accessible from the hotel.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options

Where to stay when you reach New Orleans

New Orleans has an abundance of places to stay, but none come close to Pelham Hotel , a boutique hotel with Victorian charm that boasts New Orleans Manor House style.

The Ruby Slipper on-site restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch serving local food, so that you can start your day right and satisfied. Make sure to check the surroundings of the downtown property, which is a short walk from Lafayette Square.

You cannot visit New Orleans and not see Bourbon Street, which is the quintessential New Orleans experience. This lively street is only a short walk away from the hotel, where you can find amazing restaurants, bars and live music.

Things to see on a road trip from Savannah to New Orleans

You will drive through many amazing cities, landmarks and attractions on a road trip from Savannah to New Orleans. Here are our favorite places you simply cannot miss:

Gulf of Mexico Route

• Brunswick - Georgia Visit the old town and spot the historic 19th-century buildings and walk the signature squares.
• Jacksonville - Florida From the beaches of Big Talbot Island State Park with its washed up trees or St Johns Town Center for open-air shopping. You'll find outdoor activities and downtown fun in Jacksonville.
• Tallahassee - Florida Railroad Square is a hidden gem. You'll find art bars and galleries in this unique neighborhood known as 'Little Soho'. The booming area has unique restaurants and microbreweries to boot.
• St George Island - Florida From Eastpoint, take the Bryant Patton St. George Island Bridge to visit the 22-mile long barrier island of St George Island for uncrowded beaches to enjoy the sun.
• Miramar Beach & Topsail Hill Preserve State Park - Florida At the Topsail Hill State Park, you hike through pine trees to reveal the white sand beaches. The clear waters are popular for paddle boarding.
• Destin - Florida Destin is one of the USA's most idyllic beaches. Experience the white sandy beaches and famed emerald blue waters at Henderson Beach State Park.
• Pensacola - Florida After a day on the beach, explore the Pensacola nightlife. Historic Downtown is a good place to start, try The Seville Quarter with 7 rooms of fun.
• Gulf Shores - Alabama Hire a Segway and join a guided tour through the backcountry trail in Gulf State Park. There's also a public beach with coastal restaurants.

Peach State Route

• Augusta - Georgia Augusta is the home of the Masters Golf Tournament, so there are many legendary courses. Try Forest Hills as one of the best open to the public. Also, visit the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson and see the statue of hometown hero James Brown.
• Thomson - Georgia Experience southern hospitality at Thomson. Walk McTells 12-string strut, on Main Street and Railroad Street you'll find 12 guitar sculptures designed by local artists.
• Madison - Georgia Once called one of the USA's best small towns, it's charming and relaxing. Looking like a movie set, its historic buildings appear in major films and you can take the self-guided Madison Film Tour.
• Covington - Georgia Known as 'Hollywood of the South', Covington has supplied the backdrop for over 100 films and TV productions such as Vampire Diaries. There's even a Walk of Stars where you see production made here.
• Newman - Georgia Newnan has six districts on the National Register of Historic Districts. See the Antebellum and Victorian homes, one of which was used in the film The House with a Clock in its Walls.
• Columbus - Georgia Famed for its white water rapids, you can ride the Whitewater Express in the heart of downtown. The course was used for the 1996 Olympics.
• Montgomery - Alabama A central part of the Civil Rights Movement, the Montgomery Bus Boycott became a foundation to the movement. Visit the Rosa Parks Museum where the protest began.
• Georgiana - Alabama Hank Williams moved to Montgomery in 1934, but you can visit his childhood home in Georgiana. The museum has memorabilia and personal belongings.

Both Routes

• Mobile - Alabama Visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Climb aboard the famous battleship and take a self-guided tour.
• Biloxi - Mississippi Alongside the beaches, Biloxi has a booming casino scene. Go to the Hard Rock for live music, memorabilia and dining.
• Gulfport - Mississippi Ride the ferry to West Ship Island, where you may see Fort Massachusetts or simply relax by swimming and sunbathing on Gulf Island National Seashore.
• Pearl River Wildlife Management Area - Head to the Cajun Encounters Tour Company at White Kitchen to float through the Louisiana swamps, where you'll get up close with gators.

Best time to go on a road trip from Savannah to New Orleans

New Orleans attracts visitors year-round. That said, there are busier times than other the visit NOLA due to contrasting weather. Summer months can be too hot for visitors so March to May and September to November can be the best times to visit.

It's common for June to August to be quieter than expected because of the humidity. Average temperatures in the warmer months are 83 in June and 84 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August. Keep in mind that these are part of the wet season, which means it can be rainy.

December and January are calmer times to visit New Orleans and you can pick up budget friendly deals on hotels. The average temperature will be around 55-64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Visiting during Christmas can be a magical experience with carols in Jackson Square and decorations around the city.

February to May is the liveliest time to visit New Orleans. With Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival it's a booming time. Hotel prices can be higher during spring for this reason. If you want to see the sights, note that many close during Mardi Gras as the festival takes over the city.

Fall can be a good time to visit, especially October with an average temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit and smaller festivals like the Voodoo Music and Crescent City Blues Festival creating a lively atmosphere.

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Most scenic route from New Orleans to Savannah

13th May 2022

southernafro

A direct drive to Savannah from New Orleans is a 683-mile journey that will take you over 10 hours to complete. The road trip route in this article will take you over 14 hours to complete and is 814 miles in the distance. This two-day driving trip should cost you about $176.57 in fuel. New Orleans to Savannah is famous because of the many stunning stops. Some of the beautiful areas include St. Augustine, Panama City Beach , and Jacksonville. These areas during summer are tourist hotspots because of their lifestyle beaches. You can also see Tallahassee and Fort Walton Beach. Both offer stunning luxury sites like Island View Casino Resort and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Let’s take you through the most scenic route from New Orleans to Savannah.

Table Of Contents

Alabama Gulf Coast Drive

Travel Overview: 1 hour 56 minutes — 121 mi

Many travelers love this section of the route because of the scenic gulf coast. This journey begins at the Mississippi-Louisiana line on US Hwy 90. As you drive east towards Mobile and Pensacola, you see the beautiful Mississippi-Alabama line. This area is stunning and worth diverting away from the faster highway 188 to Dauphin Island. This guide looks at the different sites, including the top outdoor recreational areas on the drive. Many outdoor adventurers choose this because you can camp, hike, bike and golf. It is a 121-mile stretch that can be covered in about 2 hours. The Gulf coast drive is a prime location for beautiful beaches and authentic downtowns. It is worth seeing the beautiful wildlife preserves and historic sites. You can also stop on the way to enjoy some fresh seafood. This is known as Alabama’s Coastal Connection and is nationally designated as a drive-through area. First-time visitors find it easy to navigate and connect to the Deep South traditions. It’s the closest place to visit to get a more laid-back island lifestyle. It is covered in acres of preserved lands and a beautiful beachfront perfect for vacation. 

Savannah, GA

Travel Overview: 6 hours 16 minutes — 395 mi

The next stage of the journey is purely about outdoor excitement and historical adventures. The Savannah River Scenic Byway is one of the most famous roads along the western edge of South Carolina. The area is densely wooded as farmland and is dotted with historic churches for a religious experience. Camping, fishing, and other recreational opportunities await you on the journey. It is one of the best choices for people who enjoy looking for antiques. The town of Abbeville offers some fun shopping, dining, and historic architecture adventures. The landmark treasures on this route combine well with the ever-popular southern hospitality. Choosing to use this itinerary will take you to one of the ten most visited Corps of Engineers lakes available in the country. East of the Mississippi River, the journey offers tourists camping, boating, fishing, and hunting. Expect to enjoy close-up views of wildlife and their intriguing natural habitats.

The Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage is naturally 28.5-miles in length. It begins on the US Highway 2 between Sandpoint and Oldtown. To get here, you need to traverse the Washington-Idaho State line. It will commonly connect you with the Pend Oreille Valley Scenic Byway of Washington. Further down at the Sandpoint, you can connect with nature and horses while at the Wildhorse Trail Scenic Byway. Combining these areas is how the United States section of the International Selkirk Loop is formed.

Leaving Sandpoint and heading west, the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage will get you close to the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille. The lake goes on for miles and fades away from the Pend Oreille River. You can see the sites from both sides at this part of the journey. It is believed that the first documented European explorer to pass through this area was fur trapper/cartographer David Thompson in 1809. The trapper came on this route to explore the Northwest Fur Company.

The Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage end provides tourists convenient access to the Pend Oreille River. These areas are trendy because of their four recreation areas which boast exciting activities such as swimming or boating. The waters there are gentle and flow kindly, allowing for fishing and picnics. You can participate in or witness epic snow sports on state and federal lands, such as skiing. Due to the thick ice lakes, it is also quite enjoyable to go ice fishing. Logging is a popular commerce activity performed in the area, allowing you to see a working sawmill.

This route offers travelers stunning river, forest, and mountain views. Priest River is the next point of call as you head north. This area leads to Priest Lake State Park, a popular area well known for being in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains. This stage is tricky as it is a sizeable roadless area. It is still roadless because the space is intended for wilderness designation. During summer, you can enjoy the delicious and sizable wild berry crop.

Return Journey

The return journey can be completed 683 miles taking over 10 hours. 

Savannah to New Orleans train

This train will take you up to 22 hours and 12 mins to complete.

Savannah to New Orleans flight

This flight takes over 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete. 

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Perfect USA Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 57 Comments

One of the trips in the US that we had always wanted to do was a “Deep South” road trip. We think the USA is the perfect country for road tripping in, and we’ve already done a number of road trips here, including iconic Route 66 , the Pacific Coast Highway , and the Oregon Trail.

The Deep South was a part of the USA that neither of us had fully explored, so we decided to spend five weeks crossing five states to find out what it was all about. Read on for everything you need to know to plan your own perfect USA Deep South Road Trip, including what to eat, what to see, and where to go!

Where is the Deep South of the USA?

First things first. If you’re going to road trip somewhere, you should probably know where it is, right? Well, the Deep South of the USA is usually defined as covering the following states: South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

This Deep South road trip itinerary covers a road trip across all five of those states, covering key sights and attractions along the way. We’ve personally done this itinerary, and can definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic road trip across America’s Deep South.

Why Should You Visit the Deep South of the USA?

The Deep South is a fascinating part of the USA, a land with its own culture and history. The people are known for their friendliness, the food is legendary (so are the portion sizes!), and there is a huge amount of history here to learn about, from the native peoples through to the American Civil War and civil rights movement.

There are lovely old towns, stunning wilderness areas, sumptuous plantation homes, spooky old cemeteries and fun events – like the world famous Mardi Gras parades. To be honest there’s something for everyone. And what better way to experience all of this than by taking a classic road trip across the Deep South?

We’d argue there isn’t a better way. So let’s take a look at our idea of a perfect Deep South road trip itinerary.

Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

This is a one way road trip itinerary. We find this makes the most sense for this road trip, as it saves you driving all the way back to the start.

If you rent a car for the trip, be aware that most car rental providers charge a one-way fee. As is often the case with our road trips, we booked our hire car directly with Enterprise who offered the best value for our trip.

We can also recommend comparing prices across a range of providers using a website like Discover Cars . If you decide to rent an RV, then we recommend Motorhome Republic to compare and book.

The timings below are for a three week trip, however you can adjust the days to suit your own schedule, and we have some suggested itineraries in the section on timing further on in the post.

Days 1-3: Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the perfect place to start this road trip. It has a food scene that is one of the best in the country, and there is a lot to see and do here – plus the airport is fairly large, so it’s easy to get to.

We’d suggest spending at least two days in Charleston. Spend some time exploring the downtown area – a good way to do so is to take a carriage ride through the historic part of town.

There are also a number of museums and old houses that are worth visiting, including Charleston Museum – the oldest in the US, and the Old Slave Mart Museum , which will help you learn about a darker part of US history.

If you’re interested in naval or military history, the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point is well worth a visit – a retired US aircraft carrier which you can lose a whole day exploring. A trip out to Fort Sumter is also well worth it – this was where the first shots were fired in the American Civil War.

You’re going to be encountering a lot of civil war sights and information on this road trip, so starting with Fort Sumter will get you up to speed quickly. You can get your tickets for Fort Sumter in advance here .

If you’ve got time, I’d also suggest heading out of town and visiting some of the old plantation homes around Charleston.

We visited four of these, and can definitely recommend adding at least one to your itinerary. There are four within a twenty minute drive of the city: Magnolia Plantation , Boone Hall Plantation , Middleton Place Plantation and Drayton Hall .

See our complete guide to the Charleston Plantations for more information and to help plan your visit.

For more on Charleston, take a look at my detailed guide to visiting Charleston , which has everything you need for getting the most out of your stay. We can also recommend the Charleston Tour Pass (also check price here ) for saving money on attractions in the city.

Where to stay in Charleston : We’ve stayed in and can recommend both the Mills House Wyndham Grand and the Francis Marion Hotel . Other recommended options are the Days Inn by Wyndham , the NotsoHostel and Barksdale House Inn .

Days 4 – 6: Savannah, Georgia

The oldest city in Georgia, Savannah has a totally different vibe to Charleston – and there’s plenty to see and do here as well.

For that reason, you’ll want to spend at least a day or two in Savannah. I’d also suggest on your way down that you take the time to pop out to Botany Bay Island – there’s a beautiful beach here full of driftwood trees that is worth visiting.

Once you get to Savannah, you won’t be short of options for signt-seeing, eating and drinking. From learning about the town’s history and the civil war and civil rights movement at the Savannah History Museum , through to taking a trolley tour and exploring the beautiful waterfront, you’ll find your days full in no time.

If you’ve got time, we also recommend heading out of town to Tybee Island – an old seaside resort, where you’ll find a lengthy beach and historic lighthouse. On the way there, you’ll also be able to visit the civil war era Fort Pulaski , and the excellent Oatland Island Wildlife Centre , home to everything from mountain lions to birds of prey.

Finally, don’t miss the incredible Bonaventure Cemetery , and, as you head out of town, we also suggest visiting Wormsloe Historic Site . Read more about what to see and do (and some great food ideas!) in Savannah in our Savannah guide .

Savannah also has a pass that can save you money, the Savannah Tour Pass (compare price here too), which is worth looking into if you plan on visiting some of the attractions it covers.

Where to stay in Savannah : We stayed in and can recommend the  Quality Inn in downtown Savannah. Other options to consider include the Olde Harbour Inn , The Alida , and the Fairfield Inn & Suites .

Days 7 & 8: Atlanta, Georgia

Next stop on our Deep South road trip is the capital city of Georgia – Atlanta.

If you have time though, I’d recommend taking the time to head a bit further south of Savannah to Jekyll Island. There’s a beautiful driftwood beach at the north end of the island, perfect for watching the sunset or sunrise, and the island itself has a relaxed laid back feeling.

Then, rather than the interstate, cruise up the quieter country roads from Brunswick to Macon, and the onto Atlanta.

Atlanta is the capital city of Georgia, and has a definite city feel. We didn’t spend a lot of time here, but we did visit the World of Coca Cola , where we learnt all about the history of this iconic soft drink (and drank a lot of it too!).

Other highlights in Atlanta include the Georgia Aquarium , the Atlanta Zoo , CNN Studio Tours , the Centre for Civil and Human Rights and the Fernbank Museum of National History .

If you’re planning on visiting a number of these locations, we recommend checking out the Atlanta CityPass , which can save you over 40% on ticket prices.

Once you’re done with Atlanta, it’s time to head to a new state – Alabama!

Where to stay in Atlanta : Options to consider in Atlanta include the AC Hotel Atlanta , Loews Atlanta Hotel ,  the Springhill Suites by Marriott and the Clarion Inn & Suites .

Days 9 & 10: Birmingham, Alabama

The Civil Rights movement in the USA existed across the nation, but many of the key events in the march towards equal rights for all happened in Alabama.

One of these events was the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, which killed four African-American girls, and injured at least 14 others.

It was also the home of the Birmingham Campaign , one of the key movements that focused the attention of the country, and the world, on the civil rights movement.

One of the best places to learn about these events is at the excellent Birmingham Civil Rights Institute , which forms a part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument , alongside other key civil rights locations in the city.

These include the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park, both of which are just over the road from the Institute, as well as the Bethel Baptist Church and the A.G. Gaston Motel.

As well as learning about Civil Rights, Birmingham has a number of other attractions. This was a major mining town and there are a number of sights you can visit to learn about this history. The old Sloss Furnaces , now a National Historic Landmark, offer an insight into the industrial past of the city.

You can also head to the top of Red Mountain, home of the Sloss Mines, where the ore for the furnaces was mined. Today, the mountain is topped by a giant statue of the Roman god Vulcan – the largest cast iron statue in the world. This statue is the symbol of the city, and from the top of the hill you can get a wonderful view of the city and surrounds.

Finally, before continuing your adventure, a food recommendation. We ate a lot of great BBQ across the South, and Saw’s BBQ in Birmingham was definitely among our favourites. If you like BBQ – check them out.

Where to stay in Birmingham : Options to consider in Birmingham include the historic 3* Cobb Lane B&B , the 3* Redmont Hotel and the 4* Elyton Hotel . For more budget options, consider the Red Roof Inn or the Quality Inn & Suites , just be aware that these are a short drive out of the city centre.

Days 11 & 12: Montgomery, Alabama

Heading south from Birmingham now, and our road trips takes us to Alabama’s state capital – Montgomery. Again, there’s a lot to see and do here.

We really enjoyed visiting the free Museum found in the Alabama Department of Archives and History , which took us through a whole history of the state, from the native people through to the civil war, civil rights movement and on to modern day Alabama.

Just opposite this is the First White House of the Confederacy, also worth a visit, which was where the President of the Confederate States was based during the period of time that Montgomery was the capital city of these states in early 1861.

There are some other fascinating museums in and around Montgomery if you’re feeling like learning. There’s the Mooseum , which will teach you everything you didn’t know about the beef industry.

Then there’s the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum , found in one of their former homes, which, as the name suggests, is all about the life of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald – Scott being particularly famous for penning the Great Gatsby .

Finally, there’s the excellent Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts , showcasing fine art from both American and International artists.

Don’t worry, there’s more to Montgomery than museums of course. We loved visiting Chris’ Hot Dogs , a staple Montgomery diner, which has been serving up classic American fare since 1917!

Finally, there are some lovely locations just to wander. Montgomery has some wonderful historic districts that are worth exploring on foot, and the riverwalk area (also home to the visitors information centre), is a pleasant spot for a stroll.

Where to stay in Montgomery, AL : Accommodation options to consider in Montgomery include the Lattice Inn , the Red Bluff Cottage B&B , the Hampton Inn & Suites . Nearby budget options include this Red Roof Inn and this Extended Stay America .

Day 13: Selma, Alabama

From Montgomery, it’s a short trip across to Selma, which is well worth visiting. We had recently seen the movie Selma when we visited, which had helped with some of our understanding of the importance of this town.

It was in Selma that the famous Selma to Montgomery march took place, with marchers including Dr. Martin Luther King. The march met with violent resistance on Edmund Pettus Bridge on a day that became known as Bloody Sunday, and was unable to continue.

The march was attempted again two days later, but again was forcefully stopped. Finally, on the 21st March 1965, the march was allowed to proceed, and made it all the way to Montgomery, arriving on the 25th March 1965.

Today, Selma is worth visiting to get a feel for the town where these key civil rights events took place. You can walk across the bridge, visit the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute , and the Selma Interpretative Centre, to get eye witness accounts and first hand information on the civil rights movement.

Once you’ve finished seeing Selma, our next destination will be Mobile, but we definitely recommend taking the 20 minutes to drive out to the Old Cahawba Archaeological Site .

For five years, from 1820 to 1825, Cahawaba was the state capital of Alabama. This is hard to believe today, as the town is entirely abandoned, known instead as Alabama’s most famous ghost town. Some buildings have survived, and it is eerie to drive or walk around what was once a large town that is now silent.

Where to stay in Selma, AL : Selma is a relatively small town so there is not a huge choice. This Holiday Inn Express Hotel is the best rated of the options available.

Day 14: Mobile, Alabama

Time to head for the coast now, and the last stop in Alabama – Mobile. In Mobile you’ll notice that famous style of French architecture that the old quarter of New Orleans is famed for, this is because Mobile was the original capital of French Louisiana. It was subsequently colonised by the British and then the Spanish, before joining the United States in 1813.

Again, there’s a lot to do in Mobile, with plenty of museums, historic attractions, parks, not to mention restaurants and bars. However, our real interest in visiting Mobile was to learn about the roots of the Mardi Gras Carnival, because it was in Mobile that the first organised Carnival celebrations took place, leading to the huge parades and celebrations that we now associated with Mardi Gras in the south.

We were in Mobile for their Mardi Gras festivities, and very much enjoyed seeing the night time parade. We also visited the Mobile Carnival Museum , which is a great way to get up to speed with the history of the Carnival in the USA.

Where to stay in Mobile, AL : Good central options in Mobile include the Candlewood Suites , Hampton Inn and Suites and the Forte Conde Inn . Value options a little way out of the city centre include La Quinta by Wyndham and Wingate by Wyndham .

Days 15 & 16: Biloxi, Mississippi

From Mobile, it’s time to leave Alabama and head west, into Mississippi. I’ll be honest – time constraints meant that we didn’t have time on our trip to do a lot of sight-seeing in Mississippi. Which is a shame, because this is a state with a lot to offer, and it’s somewhere we fully intend to return to.

On the route across to Louisiana we mostly just drove through, but we think if you have time, you might want to add in some sight-seeing in Mississippi.

Most logically, the city of Biloxi falls on the route and is a good stopping point.

Other highlights of the route include the INFINITY Science Centre – a 72,000 sq foot NASA visitor and science museum which forms a part of the John C. Stennis Space Centre. If you like space, rockets and science, this is a must visit.

After Biloxi, you’ll be crossing the border and into Louisiana, the final state of your deep south road trip!

Where to stay in Biloxi, MS : There’s a wide range of great value accommodation in Biloxi, including several casino resort hotels. These can be fantastic value if you resist the temptation to gamble. Some examples include the Golden Nugget and the IP Casino Resort and Spa . There’s also a good value Suburban Extended Stay just outside the city.

Days 17 & 18: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is the State Capital of Louisiana, and again, there’s plenty to do here to fill two or three days of exploring and eating time.

A highlight for us was a trip to the State Capitol building . This incredible construction towers over the city, and you get incredible views from the top floor – plus you can visit the House of Representatives, and the State Senate, to see politics in action.

Whilst you’re at the State Capitol, you should also visit the old Baton Rouge Arsenal, originally a powder magazine, and now a museum about its history. Capitol Park Museum , which covers a full history of the state of Louisiana, is also well worth a couple of hours of your time at least.

Other highlights of Baton Rouge include the castle-like Old State Capitol Building , which has a stunningly beautiful interior, the Old Governors Mansion , and the USS Kidd – a naval museum on an old warship anchored in the Mississippi.

For more information on what to do on your time in Baton Rouge, including advice for visiting during Mardi Gras, check out our post on the top Things to Do in Baton Rouge .

Between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, along the mighty Mississippi river, is the famous “river road”. This was once home to hundreds of plantation homes and some of the wealthiest people in the country, who made their money predominantly growing sugar cane and through slave labour.

Today, a small number of these plantation homes survive, mostly as visitor attractions. There are a good many to choose from, all of which offer a slightly different experience to the visitor, including some which let you stay overnight.

Helping you choose which one to visit is a post in itself – thankfully Jess has already written one. Check it out for the definitive guide to the Plantations of the Louisiana River Road , based on our experiences visiting 12 of these plantations.

Where to stay in Baton Rouge, LA : We stayed at the very central Hampton Inn and Suites in Baton Route. Other options to consider include the Holiday Inn Express Baton Rouge , the 4* Watermark Baton Rouge and the Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge . For budget out of town options, try Sleep Inn South , Microtel Inn & Suites or SureStay Plus .

Days 19 – 21: New Orleans, Louisiana

Last stop on our epic road trip across the Deep South of the USA is New Orleans . Famous for its huge Mardi Gras celebrations, there is a lot to see and do here – so much so that we happily spent a week exploring the city.

Of course, if you want to experience a huge Mardi Gras, then New Orleans is the place to come. The parades are massive, the crowds are gigantic, and the atmosphere is tough to beat.

We had a lot of fun visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras and would happily recommend it. That said, there is a lot more to the city than Mardi Gras.

We suggest visiting Mardi Gras World to get a handle on the carnival, heading to the French Quarter to admire the beautiful old balconied buildings, eating Beignets at Café Beignet , sipping coffee at Cafe du Monde , and taking a tour of one of the old cemeteries.

We also took a river boat cruise on the steam powered riverboat the Natchez , which was a wonderful way to end our Deep South adventure.

For more on what to see and do in New Orleans, check out our guide to visiting  New Orleans during Mardi Gras , which has lots of information on activities, plus advice on visiting during Mardi Gras.

We can also recommend the New Orleans Pass to save money on attractions in the city.

Where to stay in New Orleans, LA : There’s a huge amount of choice in New Orleans, although if you visit during Mardi Gras, expect prices to be high. Some options for you to consider are: Bourbon Orleans Hotel , La Quinta by Wyndham , Hotel Mazarin , Hotel le Marais and French Market Inn .

Deep South Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of the above route to help you plan your own trip.

Well done – you made it! And so did we. Now, let’s answer some questions you might have, and then cover some practicalities for your trip.

How Long Does a Deep South Road Trip Take?

We spent five weeks road tripping from Charleston to New Orleans, although we spent almost a week at either end, and we travelled fairly slowly, taking our time and really savoring the adventure.

We’d suggest that a two week deep south road trip would be the minimum amount of time we’d recommend, and if you have time, try to stretch it to three weeks so you can fit more in.

As an example of how each of these might look, we have put together suggested timings for a two week deep south road trip itinerary and a three week deep south road trip itinerary below.

2 Week Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

• Days 1 & 2: Charleston, South Carolina
• Days 3 & 4: Savannah, Georgia
• Day 5: Atlanta, Georgia
• Day 6: Birmingham, Alabama
• Day 7: Montgomery, Alabama
• Day 8: Selma, Alabama
• Day 9: Mobile, Alabama
• Day 10: Biloxi, Mississippi
• Days 11 & 12: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Day 13 & 14: New Orleans, Louisiana

3 Week Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

• Days 1 – 3 : Charleston, South Carolina
• Days 4 – 6 : Savannah, Georgia
• Days 7 & 8 : Atlanta, Georgia
• Days 9 & 10 : Birmingham, Alabama
• Days 11 & 12 : Montgomery, Alabama
• Day 13 : Selma, Alabama
• Day 14 : Mobile, Alabama
• Days 15 & 16 : Biloxi, Mississippi
• Days 17 & 18 : Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Day 19 – 21 : New Orleans, Louisiana

Of course, there’s a lot more to see in all the states we’ve mentioned, so you could easily extend this itinerary for as long as you wish!

When to Visit the Deep South

We visited in January, when the temperatures were pleasant for the most part – although we did experience light and brief snowfall in Birmingham, Alabama! We’d definitely suggest Winter or Spring / Fall would offer the most reasonable temperatures. In the summer this part of the USA gets very hot and humid, which can make sight-seeing uncomfortable.

If you’re interested in attending the Mardi Gras festivities, these vary in timing as they are based around Shrove Tuesday, a religious date which changes every year. It usually falls somewhere in February or March.

If you’re not interested in Mardi Gras, it’s best to avoid cities that celebrate it during this time, particularly places like New Orleans, Mobile and Baton Rouge, as accommodations will be both expensive and hard to find.

What to Eat in the Deep South

Fair warning, don’t come to the Deep South expecting to lose weight. Portions are large and the food is definitely waist expanding.

There are a lot of foods to try, but some of our favourites were:

Gumbo – A soup which can be made with seafood or meat and is either cajun or creole in style

Jambalaya – A Louisianan rice dish mixed up with various meats, usually including smokey sausage

Fried Chicken – No round up of Southern food would be complete without mentioning fried chicken. Usually battered, this is an absolute must-try when journeying through the south. We had it presented in all kinds of forms, from the classic no frills fried chicken, through to fried chicken on waffles with bacon and maple syrup. Amazing.

BBQ – Of course, the Deep South doesn’t have a monopoly on BBQ (Texans in particular would have something to say about this I suspect), but the origins of BBQ are definitely in the south. Different regions have different BBQ sauce styles, with the classic meat being pork.

Grits – I’d never had grits before visiting the Deep South, and was I missing out! Served generally as an accompaniment, they are made from ground corn which is boiled. Tastier than they sound!

Where to Stay in the Deep South

There are a lot of lodging options in the USA, truly something for pretty much every budget. On our trip, we did a mix of motels, hotels and AirBnB stays, generally booking online using booking.com as we found that was cheaper than turning up at the property.

Often we’d arrive at hotels and ask if they would price match, but we were usually told by the reception staff to book through booking.com for the best deal! So we did.

For your convenience, here are direct links to all the city pages on booking.com that we used for our deep south road trip. Each section of the article also has recommended lodgings.

• Baton Rouge
• New Orleans

Practicalities for your Deep South Road Trip

Travelling in the Deep South of the USA is relatively easy. People are generally friendly, you can ask for help, and the infrastructure is good. There are a few things to be aware of, so here’s a run down of some of the most important.

The USA uses a 120 Volt electrical system, which means if you’re coming from Europe you need to check if your equipment is supported. Most laptops and phone chargers will work (the adapter will have 100 – 240V marked on it), however high powered items like hair dryers and travel kettles may not. You can buy voltage convertors, but these tend to be heavy – my advice would be just to pick up a cheap version of whatever it is you need in the country from somewhere like Walmart.

The plugs are for the most part a narrow two pin plug, if you’re coming from abroad you’ll need a travel adapter . See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

I also advise travelling with a power strip – often motels / hotels don’t have enough outlets to charge all those gadgets we travel with. Something like this would be good.

Internet Access

Internet access is relatively easy to find in the US. WiFi networks can be found at most bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels, and there are also free networks in some public areas. So getting online isn’t too hard.

If you need to be permanently online with data on your phone, you have a number of options. First, check if your cellphone provider has some form of overseas roaming policy. If the prices are unreasonable, you have a number of other options.

First, if your phone is unlocked, you can pick up a SIM card locally. One of the better value deals in the USA I found was the Straight Talk plan, which offers 5GB of data for $45, and can be picked up at any Walmart. There are lots of other PAYG options to choose from, see an overview here .

For more information on the various options you have for getting online, see our complete guide to getting online when you travel .

Health / Insurance

The USA has a great healthcare system, with the huge caveat that it’s mind-bogglingly expensive. I cannot stress the importance of good travel insurance enough that will cover your medical fees if the worst should happen.

Depending on where you live in the world there are numerous travel insurance companies, so do shop around for a good policy.

We have a full guide to travel insurance for UK travellers here.

Safety Tips

The USA is a safe country to travel in for the most part, however, sensible precautions should apply. Don’t leave valuables alone or in plain sight, especially in parked cars. Take advantage of the safe in your hotel or motel. Don’t travel with large amounts of cash – use your credit card or debit card instead, and just keep small bills for tips and instances where cards aren’t accepted.

Be aware of your surroundings, particularly if travelling alone or in an unfamiliar neighbourhood. Check with locals, like your AirBnB host, if there are neighbourhoods to avoid.

Finally, take a look at your governments travel advice page for the latest information that may apply to you – for example, the UK Foreign Office has some helpful information for travellers to the USA here , which applies to both UK and non UK nationals.

The USA uses the US dollar bill. These are all green, and come in seven denominations – $1, $2, $5, $20, $50 and $100. They are all the same size, with only the number and illustration being different, so they can be a little hard to get used to at first. There are also coins, running from 1 cent through to $1.

Credit cards are widely accepted, and are usually the easiest way to pay. At gas stations in particular, it’s most common to pay at the pump with a credit card rather than at the till.

One thing to be aware of – prices in the USA are usually displayed without sales tax or tip included. Sales tax varies state to state, from 0% to around 10%. This is something to keep in mind, especially in restaurants, as everything on the menu will be a bit more expensive than indicated once tax is added.

Tipping is also a part of the culture in the USA, especially in the service industry. Tips average 15%, but can vary between 10% and 20%. You can either add the tip to the credit card, or leave cash. It’s always helpful to have some $1 bills for tipping purposes.

For an idea of how much to budget for a road trip like this, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA .

Driving in the USA is quite easy – the roads are large, well-signed and the vehicles are usually automatic which gives you less to worry about.

There are definitely a few quirks to be aware of though if you’ve not driven here before – things like turning on a red light and the rules at STOP intersections. It’s a lot to cover, so I wrote a whole post on tips for driving in the USA which will answer all your questions.

Otherwise, take a look at car rental prices here to compare the best deals from a number of providers and get yourself booked for your adventure!

Further Reading for your Deep South Road Trip

We’ve written a fair amount about travelling in the USA , plus we have some resources that we think you will find useful for a trip like this. These are:

• A guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA
• Tips for Driving in the USA
• A comprehensive guide to the River Road Plantations of Louisiana
• City guides for New Orleans , Baton Rouge , Savannah and Charleston
• For more road trip inspiration, take a look at our two week California road trip , our two week  Route 66 itinerary , our Pacific Coast Highway guide , our 1 week Route 66 itinerary , and our two week Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and California road trip itinerary
• This is my South – a travel blog focused on what to see and do in this part of the world
• Lonely Planet’s guide to Louisiana and the Deep South
• Our guide to the best Airbnb Alternatives , to help you get the best lodging, whatever your budget
• Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out our guide to the world’s best road trips for more ideas!

And that pretty much sums up our post on the perfect USA Deep South Road Trip! Have you ever done a trip like this? Anywhere you’d suggest adding to the itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!

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Lee & Sue says

1st January 2024 at 9:44 am

Hi guys…

We really enjoyed reading about your trip… We are doing a trip in April 2024 for 3-4 weeks but we are starting in Dallas Texas & possibly finishing in Miami (Haven’t fully decided yet)…

I have one question that hopefully you may be able to answer… With car rental, say we Start in Dallas are we able to return the vehicle to a totally different place & is there anything we should know about this ??? I’m in my mid 50’s & this will be a new experience for me…

Laurence Norah says

1st January 2024 at 4:05 pm

Hi Lee & Sue

You can definitely book a hire car one way. The only thing to be aware of is that pretty much every car rental company we know of does charge a fee for this, known as a one-way fee. This fee varies by company and where you are returning the car to. Some very popular routes don’t always have a fee (for example we once did a trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco and there was no one way fee when we did it), but that’s the exception.

The fee is normally displayed at the end of the booking process, and you should just be aware the rental car comparison sites don’t always include this fee. So it’s best to get a quote direct to ensure the fee is included.

I hope this helps, have an amazing road trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

Stewart says

1st November 2023 at 11:04 am

Excellent post on a Southern road trip, just wanted to saw we found it very helpful!

1st November 2023 at 1:20 pm

Thanks very much Stewart, I hope you have a great time!

James Messenger says

22nd May 2023 at 5:11 am

May 2023. My wife and I followed your guide virtually to the letter. Starting with Charlestone. We skipped Atlanta due to time. And you were spot on with all your destinations. However for future travellers. Skip Mobile totally. Very little to see and for us a total bust as we arrived on Saturday. On Sunday & Monday most museums, houses and tourist sites are closed. The city Trolley Tour of 90 minutes doesn’t operate those two days. We went to Visitors Centre at 1pm for guidance. It never bothered to open. After 12 days Road Trip this was the most severely disappointing city. We hope this is the only let down as we continue for another 20 days on our 9th US Road Trip.

12th June 2023 at 7:05 pm

I’m delighted to hear you guys have had a great time in following our Deep South road trip itinerary! Interesting to hear your feedback on Mobile, I am sure that will help other travellers. I hope the rest of your adventure also went well 🙂

Safe travels!

Michelle says

14th September 2021 at 6:15 pm

Hello, a friend and i are driving from CT to TX and back all along the south and middle states on way home. CT, NY, PA, WV, KY, TN, Alabama, Miss, Lousiana, Tx. We are looking for places that are not just the tourism attractions, but the places that are a WOW experience – views etc. from PA to TX is there any places that you would say are you have to go to…. Thank you in advance for any guidence on this.

I am looking forward to staying in an amish comunity – yes i am sure it is touristy but they are truley facinating.

17th September 2021 at 11:27 am

Hi Michelle!

Wow, that sounds like a fantastic road trip! I have to be honest that I’ve not visited the first states on your list in sufficient depth to be able to give solid recommendations. For Alambama I can definitely recommend Huntsville, it’s an awesome town with tonnes to do (see our guide to things to do in Huntsville here ). There are also some excellent civil rights trail stops in AL, including in Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park outside Selma is really interesting as well. Further south you can learn about the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile, although you might have crossed into Mississippi by then. In Louisiana, Baton Route is definitely worth some time exploring, and the river road plantations along the way into New Orleans are definitely worth visiting.

I can definitely recommend Amish country. My wife is from Ohio and we’ve visited Amish country a number of times. The food is always a highlight of a visit 😀

Have an amazing trip, let me know if I can offer any further insights!

Jon parker says

15th July 2021 at 6:42 am

Hiya, could I do a Deep South trip over 3 months using a backpack, travelling without a car? Would look to travel from end October for 3 months, what would the weather be like?

15th July 2021 at 11:42 am

You certainly could do that, the locations mentioned in this deep south itinerary are all linked by Greyhound bus, so that would be achievable. The weather is definitely cooler at that time of year, particularly around November and December. In Alabama we were there in January, and we had a few flakes of snow and the temperatures were just above freezing. However it can warm up a bit more. I’d definitely dress warmly though!

Have a safe trip!

Kristin Arnone says

27th May 2021 at 3:26 pm

Hello – I have loved reading several of your itineraries and have gotten several great trip ideas these past few days! Where is the lovely plantation located that is in the photo at the beginning of this Deep South Road Trip article? Thank you so much!!!

28th May 2021 at 1:23 pm

Hi Kristin! That’s Oak Alley Plantation 🙂 You can read all about it in our blog post all about Oak Alley here 🙂

Jessica L Chann says

29th January 2020 at 8:21 pm

Thank you for sharing! These are all fantastic cities. I must admit I am sad to see Tennessee get left off of the list. Nashville and Chattanooga are two amazing cities to visit! Also North Carolina deserves some love! Nothing like the mountains!!

30th January 2020 at 7:29 am

Hi Jessica!

My pleasure. I agree, there are some wonderful stops not on the list – unfortunately I couldn’t include everywhere. Seems I will have to make another itinerary!

Carolyn says

8th July 2019 at 12:27 am

Hey! Great article. I would have loved to read more on your site, but the ads were super frustrating. I know writers have got to make a living, but I actually found it very difficult to read because videos were playing and graphics were flashing beside and at the bottom of my screen.

9th July 2019 at 3:39 pm

Hi Carolyn,

Thanks for your feedback! Unfortunately there are few ways for us to monetize the site beyond ads, most people aren’t willing to pay for content on the internet these days, so the ads are the only option we really have to pay the bills and allow us to travel and write about destinations. We’re not massive fans of ads either, but it’s just the reality. For the ad unit at the bottom you should be able to press the “X” to close it out at least.

Johan Lupander says

20th May 2019 at 10:07 am

Very informative and a great help in planning for a visit in early 2020!

The price advantage for an European in arriving and departing in/from the same airport (ATL) is compelling but naturally means a round-trip itinerary. Your trip suggestion does not include the up-river area Baton Rouge – Natchez – Vicksburg. Any particular reason why?

20th May 2019 at 10:33 am

Hi Johan – thanks very much!

It’s largely just a question of time – there are large chunks of every state that have been left out, such is the nature of a road trip across states. We’re often just as happy spending weeks exploring one state as we are travelling between them. The trip certainly isn’t meant to be prescriptive though, feel free to adjust to your own interests 🙂

23rd April 2019 at 2:17 pm

Great little guide to the South! My girlfriend are from the UK and I are planning a road trip in September-October (six weeks total). Right now our plan is to do it in 2 legs (a Western states leg and a Southern States leg).

Perhaps something like this….

1st leg: Hire RV in San Francisco, then…..Yosemite – Death Valley – Las Vegas – Grand Canyon – Monument Valley – back to Las Vegas (to drop off RV and fly out).

2nd leg: A bit more undecided at the moment. I’ve got some friends just south of Nashville so would like to visit them for a couple of days. But would also love to see New Orleans so perhaps makes sense to fly into there from Vegas and work our way up? I’ve been to Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville on a previous trip so perhaps keen to see some other places with good food and music in the south! Also thinking perhaps better to hire a car in the south and stay in motels, as could be more economical/easy than RV-ing everywhere?

We fly out from New York at the end of the 6 weeks so will plan to spend at least 2-3 days there at the end.

Any advice would be welcome!

Thanks Miles

23rd April 2019 at 2:27 pm

First, thanks very much!

So your first section sounds great, it’s an itinerary that is very popular and is something we hope to write about soon on our blogs 🙂

For the second leg, I’d say flying in NOLA makes sense, and then you can build your itinerary around what you are most interested in. There are lots of cities and attractions (as you can see from this itinerary), and you won’t have any problem filling in your route.

I would say that for this stretch it will likely be more economic to rent a car and stay in budget motels rather than renting an RV. RV’s are great, but they are pretty expensive to rent, and then you often have to pay for campsites anyway. So it makes sense out in the west as there are many areas where you can camp, but in more populated areas it is less logical I think.

I hope this has helped a little bit at least 🙂

23rd April 2019 at 2:34 pm

Hi Laurence,

Thanks a lot for the speedy reply. And you’ve confirmed what I was thinking already, which is great! Just one more question. Do you think 6 weeks is fine for this sort of itinerary?

Thanks again Miles

23rd April 2019 at 3:06 pm

I’d say so yes. Of course, the more time you have the more you can see (the States is a big place!) but you will definitely be able to see a lot in six weeks for sure!

Jeremy says

8th March 2019 at 7:32 pm

Hey, just a quick correction to the Montgomery section of your trip. Cahawba was only the capital city temporarily from 1820 until 1826 – not for over 100 years. Huntsville was the first temporary capital after Alabama became a state in 1819 (200 years ago on December 14 of this year), then Cahawba (as I said, until 1826), then Tuscaloosa until 1846 which is when it moved to Montgomery in an attempt to have the capital be a more centrally located city in the state. Love the blog, My wife and I are heading to Savannah for our anniversary this year and thanks to your blog, we are going to take a couple of extra days to go to Charleston. I’ve been there but it was long ago and I had forgotten how beautiful it was. Thanks.

8th March 2019 at 7:44 pm

Hi Jeremy! Thanks for the information, I’m not sure how I got that so wrong – I must have misread a date somewhere along the line. I’ve updated that. Interestingly, some sources say that Selma was the state capital from 1825 – 1826, wheras others seem to indicate it went from Cahawba to Tuscaloosa. Anyway, I have corrected it in the post to be more accurate! Thanks again, and have a wonderful trip – we loved Charleston, and we hope you do too 🙂

Richard Sullivan says

12th February 2019 at 2:25 pm

This all looks very interesting indeed. I am hoping to do a family road trip, either deep-south, or West to East coast. But blimey, the food does not look at all appealing! Gosh is all food either brown or covered in cheese in America?

12th February 2019 at 5:29 pm

Hi Richard,

Definitely not – there’s pretty much everything you could imagine, from healthy options to more cheese covered dishes 😉

I’m sure you’ll find something you enjoy

Keith & Ann Garner says

21st January 2019 at 12:36 pm

Hi Laurence & Jessica Love your web page, we live in the UK and are thinking of planning a trip to the south for two weeks and looking for advice for the best route to take for us to see the most interesting places. We are thinking of going in May is this a good time? We are planning to arrange the trip ourselves, rather than an agent so is it wise to book hotels/motels or airbnb in advance here in the UK. Any advice would be much appreciated.

many thanks

Keith & Ann

21st January 2019 at 1:12 pm

Hey Keith and Ann,

Thanks very much. It’s a fantastic trip and we’re sure you’ll have a great time. May is a great time for this trip, temperatures will be pleasant but not unbearable, likely in the 20C – 30C range.

For your hotels, I would say that generally you will be ok not to book far in advance at this time of year, the only exceptions would be if there any any events happening in any of the locations you are headed to that you need to be aware of. I can’t think of any off the top of my head. May should also not be too busy in general, so availability should be reasonable. We have not normally had a problem just booking a day or two in advance on trips like this, but if you prefer peace of mind and greater choice, then you can always book in advance. One idea is to book using a platform like booking.com at properties that allow for cancellation, and then you can switch it up as you go if you prefer, whilst having a fallback option.

Have a fantastic trip, and do drop by and let us know how it goes – either here, or in our facebook group 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

7th January 2019 at 12:04 am

I found your blog, while I was trying to figure out where to go for my 50th birthday. My wife said that we can go anywhere I want, as long as we stay inside the USA. We have up to four weeks, of vacation, ready to go. But we do have two elementary age children. So the trip will have to be between mid June and late August. Over the past 12 years, we’ve taken road trips to West Virginia, across the Northern states. Traveled all around the Mid-West (Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kentucky). Road trips down the Oregon and California coasts, And we’ve spent a week (give or take a day or two) in each of the following: Hawaii, Miami, New York, Washington D.C, Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Francisco. But I’ve never spent any time in the Deep South. After reading your blog, that may change. You made the Deep South sound like a great place to go with our kids (especially since I’m into American history). The only part I’m worried about, is its weather and the humidity. We’ll be coming from the Seattle area, where the weather and humidity is the exact opposite from the South. So the Summer weather, kind of worries me.

7th January 2019 at 11:16 am

The south is definitely a wonderful place to travel, but you are correct, that time of year is more challenging when it comes to the weather. It’s hot and humid, and it’s also the rainiest time of the year! There are some upsides though – it tends to be less busy, and hotel rates are better! It’s going to be a personal decision of course, I’d say if you do go just make sure to prepare with lots of sunscreen, loose clothing and a hat 🙂

Have a great trip wherever you go!

Larry Spielman says

5th January 2019 at 8:51 pm

Wow, what a gift to discover your post! You have expanded my vision of the deep south. We have visited Charleston, Alanta, and Savannah and loved these locations. Planning this summer going from San Antonio to Mobile with extended time in New Orleans. Obviously we need to plan more time in the Mobile area. Any other words of wisdom for us?

5th January 2019 at 10:30 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 We were in Mobile during Mardi Gras, and we can definitely recommend a visit to the Mardi Gras Museum which is very good. However, we didn’t see much else during our time there. We were also just in San Antonio, I’m not sure if you’re from San Antonio or just starting there, but we did just publish a guide to San Antonio as well 🙂 Of course, if you’re from San Antonio I’m sure all this will be familiar to you!

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/things-to-do-san-antonio-texas/

Have a great trip!

5th January 2019 at 11:35 pm

Thanks – we will check out your suggestions, flying into San Antonio, train to New Orleans, then rent a car for Alabama. Thanks again.

5th January 2019 at 11:41 pm

My pleasure! Sounds like it’s going to be a great trip 😀 Let us know if you have any more questions!

Connie Fidler Glassford says

17th November 2018 at 4:47 am

I’ve been to a number of cities on your list and loved them all. My town Fairhope, across the bay from Mobile is a gem.

Larisa says

2nd November 2018 at 3:36 am

Great read as we are planing to come over in Dec next year for a road trip as a family of five and we need to do as much research as possible! Our itinerary will be ideally a 7 night Cruise from Galveston then Houston-Lafayette-Slidell-Tallheusee-Orlando-Savannah- Montgomgery-Jackson-Dallas and back to Houston. Excuse the mis-spellings.!

3rd November 2018 at 9:01 am

Sounds like an awesome trip Larisa!

Sherryl Rivers says

10th October 2018 at 7:32 pm

You can also head to the top of Red Mountain, home of the Sloss Mines, where the ore for the furnaces was mind.

You can also head to the top of Red Mountain, home of the Sloss Mines, where the ore for the furnaces was mined.

*****Ore was MINED…not MIND******

12th October 2018 at 3:41 am

Fixed! Thanks so much 🙂

David Shows says

15th August 2018 at 1:11 pm

As a Mississippian who grew up in Long Beach (next to Biloxi) and living in North Carolina let me complement you on your excellent choices. You nailed Charleston and Savannah, two of my favorite towns. For ship watchers, Savannah is one of the busiest ports in the United States, part of a railroad corridor that stretches across the U.S. to San Diego.

I’ve also lived in Mobile and Montgomery and they are two hidden gems. Montgomery has live music on the weekends and a Baseball park built on top of an old confederate barracks. Dauphin Island is near Mobile and it has miles of white sand beaches. If you are a seafood lover btw, I would try our oysters on the the Gulf Coast, in my very prejudiced opinion, some of best tasting anywhere. They can be fried, in a broth, or you can have them char-broiled, cooking in the half-shell with garlic.

I grew up two blocks from the beach, even moved back after Camille, and love the Gulf Coast beaches, where you can get a sunrise and a sunset! On the Coast we have a small town vibe but we have visitors year round, and there are two big military bases in Gulfport and Biloxi that contribute to the big net we cast.

Thanks for the great article! As we say on the Coast, don’t be a stranger! Come back when you can!

15th August 2018 at 8:23 pm

Thank you very much David, it’s always wonderful to hear from a local that we’ve managed to put something together that showcases their part of the world 😀 We certainly do want to come back sometime soon for the amazing food & people, not to mention all the scenery 🙂

12th August 2018 at 11:41 pm

We spent two weeks driving from California to visit the deep south. We stopped in New Orleans, Tallahassee, Savannah, and Charleston. We drove the backroads through deep Georgia and it was amazing! The people in the deep south are straight out of a character novel. They are warm and friendly and some of them say the quirkiest things! The food is phenomenal!! I gained 5 pounds over our trip and I do not regret one bite! We visited in July and the humidity definitely takes some getting used to but after about 3 days, my skin seemed to love it. The architecture, history, plantations, and culture are beautiful and fascinating. The cicadas and the sounds of the insects were truly magical and the lightning bugs!! Seeing the lightning bugs was definitely on my bucket list! So beautiful, like little twinkling fairies. We originally made the trip because we were considering moving out there in 2 years. After the trip, we pushed up our move to next year. We completely fell in love with the deep south. It was everything that I had hoped it would be!

13th August 2018 at 9:05 pm

I am so pleased that you had a wonderful time. The food really is amazing isn’t it? And you are so right about the people. Love that you are moving there a year early too – I hope it all goes well for you!

Have a great journey

Vanessa Perumal says

24th June 2018 at 12:30 pm

Such generous sharing thank you. From New York where would you start your road trip please

24th June 2018 at 10:45 pm

Hey Vanessa – are you thinking of flying from New York or driving? It’s quite a long drive from New York (11 or 12 hours straight driving), so you might prefer to fly to Charleston and start there 🙂

Martha Mason says

26th April 2018 at 7:39 pm

I’m born and raised in Alabama – with a few sojourns in California, New York and Chicago. If you come to Alabama again, make sure you hit Fairhope, a quaint, beautiful town across Mobile Bay from Mobile, AL. If you come this far, also visit Gulf Shores on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico – one of the secrets we keep from beach lovers so it stays pretty and white.

I enjoyed your article on the deep south trip and although I’ve been to all of the places you mentioned, your info. will send me back to those places again better informed.

26th April 2018 at 7:42 pm

Thanks Martha! We’re actually going to be in Alabama this September most likely, visiting Huntsville and some of the space related sights 🙂 Not sure how much time we have, but I’ll definitely keep your tips in mind – thanks very much!

Stephanie says

16th March 2018 at 12:04 pm

Wow this is awesome! I work in the school system So unfortunately summer is the only time my boys and I can travel. We live in Charlotte so we will hit the road this summer. I’ll be sure to prepare for the unbearable heat! We will have about 3 weeks! Thank you for sharing!

16th March 2018 at 4:30 pm

My pleasure, and thanks Stephanie. I’m sure you’ll be fine and are probably used to the heat anyway 🙂 Have a fantastic trip – three weeks is the perfect amount of time for it 😀

9th March 2018 at 8:03 pm

Just wondering how many days total did you spend on this trip:) thanks

9th March 2018 at 8:06 pm

Hi Susy 🙂 We spent five weeks doing the trip, but we spent a week of that in New Orleans at the end. For the suggested itinerary, we’d suggest a minimum of two weeks, and ideally three weeks if you can spare the time. You can see more in this section of the post: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/usa-deep-south-road-trip-itinerary/#How-Long-Does-a-Deep-South-Road-Trip-Take

11th February 2018 at 6:24 am

Thank you so much for this really informative itinerary! My boyfriend and I are doing a deep south road trip this summer and you’ve given us some great ideas which move away from the typical cities.

11th February 2018 at 10:51 am

My pleasure – have a really wonderful trip and do shout if you have any questions!

Melissa says

25th January 2018 at 8:20 pm

I LOVE THIS! I live in Hawaii, but doing a Road Trip around the South is on my bucket list. Thank you so much for the info and suggestions.

26th January 2018 at 12:39 am

Thanks Melissa! Have an awesome trip when you do it – we sure did 😀

Linda Aksomitis says

26th February 2017 at 5:22 pm

Love your article. There are so many of my favourite deep South destinations on it. As a Canadian, I need to get my Gulf Coast “fix” on a regular basis.

Laurence says

27th February 2017 at 2:48 pm

Thanks Linda! And we still feel there’s so much more to see down here 🙂

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The ultimate road trip through the coastal South

Editor's Note

Editor's note: This article has been updated with factual corrections for Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi.

The dog days of summer are the perfect time to embark on a great American road trip .

One such road trip links two of the South's most historic and poetic cities: New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia.

Along the route, explore the Gulf Coast — balmy shores full of quirky beach towns, Cajun culinary magic and endless breweries — as well as the white-sand beaches of the Eastern Seaboard between Florida and Georgia.

Pack your sunscreen and bathing suit, and throw on a blues and Southern rock playlist. This weeklong road trip through the warmest (both in climate and culture) region of America awaits.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Start your trip in New Orleans

The Big Easy. N'awlins. The Birthplace of Jazz.

New Orleans is one of America's most storied and, with deep French, Spanish and African roots, culturally distinctive cities.

As the saying goes, New Orleanians are perpetually either throwing a party or recovering from one. For those seeking revelry, look no further than the French Quarter or Frenchmen Street — the latter is also one of the best places in New Orleans for live music.

Like Las Vegas, New Orleans doesn't have open-container laws. So snag yourself a daiquiri while you stroll and admire the city's inimitable architecture, street music and local characters.

Dining at one of New Orleans' legendary restaurants — perhaps Commander's Palace, Arnaud's or Galatoire's? Use a rewards card that racks up high multiples of points on restaurant purchases .

Related: The 5 best American cities for solo travelers

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about 25 minutes from the French Quarter and the Central Business District by Uber.

Spirit Airlines has deals on direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to MSY (around $125 round-trip and as low as $60 one-way).

A flight from Chicago is only two hours, and both Spirit and United have one-way tickets for well under $100. MSY is the ideal place to rent a car for the rest of the trip. I paid about $50 per day from Thrifty for a well-maintained Toyota sedan.

For a classic New Orleans experience, check out the International House Hotel, an institution beloved by visiting musicians and celebrities. This sumptuous property is within walking distance of the French Quarter. It will run you about $120 per night.

Travelers with extra World of Hyatt points can book a standard room at the Eliza Jane for about 15,000 points or $200 on most nights.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Bay St. Louis is about an hour and a half east of New Orleans.

As with Louisiana, the French colonized these shores in the late 17th century. We recommend taking Highway 90 from New Orleans. This route follows the coastline and is far more scenic than the slightly more expedient Highway 10.

After the bacchanalia of New Orleans, Bay St. Louis, a quiet and breezy beach town, is the ideal place to catch your breath.

For those interested in blues history, visit 100 Men Hall. This hallowed music venue has hosted the likes of James Brown, Etta James and Muddy Waters.

The current owner, Rachel Dangermond, continues to host musicians and uses the hall for events in support of coastal Mississippi's African American community.

The gorgeous Pearl Hotel overlooks the ocean and sits within easy walking distance of the restaurants, beach bars and ice cream parlors of Bay St. Louis.

The Pearl exudes simple luxury and is perfect for unwinding after a day on the beach. Rooms hover around $150 per night.

Right across from Pearl Hotel is The Blind Tiger, a beach bar serving up delicious "royal reds," deep-water shrimp, a coastal Mississippi delicacy.

Related: A great American ​​road trip through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming

Gulfport, Mississippi

Driving east from Bay St. Louis, you'll soon arrive in Gulfport.

Whatever you do, make sure to stop in Pass Christian, a small town between Bay St. Louis and Gulfport, for biscuits and coffee at Fill-Up with Billups, an old-fashioned gas station converted into a diner

Boasting two well-known casinos, Island View and Beachview, Gulfport is a popular gaming destination. But if gambling isn't your thing, Gulfport also boasts world-class charter fishing and is home to the superb Chandeleur Island Brewery.

Biloxi, Mississippi

About 30 minutes down the coast from Gulfport is Biloxi, the Playground of the South.

Long renowned for the abundant shrimp, oysters and crabs of its warm waters, Biloxi suffered tremendous destruction from Hurricane Katrina.

Now, nearly 20 years later, Biloxi is on the rise again with a slew of busy casinos, booming commercial and recreational fishing industries, and killer dining and drinking.

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is a classic, but rooms are pricey (around $350 per night). It does, however, occasionally run flash sales where prices drop down to closer to $150 per night.

The all-inclusive package at Beau Rivage entitles you to the resort's casinos, pools, restaurants and bars.

Inspired by the laid-back island lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville in nearby Biloxi is another great option for an all-inclusive resort.

If you've had your fill of gambling, take a shrimp boat tour with Capt. Mike at Biloxi Shrimping Trip. He takes passengers out into Biloxi Bay to learn about the world's favorite crustacean. He's also slated to receive a makeover from the team at "Queer Eye" in the coming months.

Ground Zero, Morgan Freeman's blues club, serves up both unforgettable live music and Southern barbecue. For an exceptional fine dining experience, try the Cajun seafood at Mary Mahoney's, one of New Orleans' best restaurants — albeit 100 miles east of Crescent City.

If you begin your road trip in Mississippi, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) has some good deals from cities like New York (around $250 round-trip), Chicago (around $300) and Los Angeles ($350) on American Airlines.

For lodging in Biloxi, all-inclusive resort casinos abound.

The Golden Nugget ($140 per night) and Harrah's Gulf Coast ($120 per night) are two of the most popular.

The boutique and beautifully appointed Wilbur Hotel harks back to Biloxi's days as a French outpost. Nestled among ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, the Wilbur is a quaint and romantic hideaway — a honeymooner's paradise.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Just east of Biloxi Bay, this small town is a leafy artists' colony that punches well above its weight for dining, coffee and nightlife. It's sprawling with live oaks and buildings bedecked with wrought-iron balconies, and the old French influence is palpable.

Ocean Springs comes alive at night. To find a bustling patio bar and live music, just walk up Main Street after dark.

Check out Maison de Lu for excellent French-inspired seafood with a Gulf twist. And don't leave Ocean Springs without getting a cup of joe at Bright-Eyed Brew Co., a local roastery adored by both visitors and locals.

The Hemingway, a boutique hotel, is within walking distance of both the water and the restaurants and shops of Main Street.

The hotel only has four rooms, each exceedingly luxurious and named after one of the eponymous writer's wives. Naturally, old photos of Papa Hemingway's many exploits adorn the hotel's surfaces.

Mobile, Alabama

Continuing east and crossing state lines, Mobile is about an hour from Ocean Springs.

If you have time, keep to coastal Highway 90 — it's a much prettier drive than the inland Highway 10 as noted previously.

As with New Orleans, Biloxi and most older Gulf Coast settlements, the French founded Mobile in the late 17th century. Mobile also claims to be home to North America's oldest Mardi Gras.

Beer aficionados should check out Braided River Brewing Co., a recently opened brewery that's already garnering national awards.

The boutique Malaga Inn was built almost 150 years ago. It epitomizes the French colonial architecture of the Gulf Coast with wrought-iron balconies, ornate fountains and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The rooms, simple but comfortable, are equally impressive. Standard rooms are usually slightly over $100 per night.

Fairhope, Alabama

Consistently ranked as one of the nation's coolest small towns, Fairhope is an upscale beach town about an hour east of Mobile.

With wooden piers stretching out over blue waters, white-sand beaches and gorgeous architecture, Fairhope is a town that seduces visitors to stay permanently.

What's more, Fairhope boasts some of the South's best restaurants. Check out Tamara's Downtown for scrumptious Gulf Coast delicacies.

Fairhope is undeniably posh (golf carts are the preferred means of transportation here). However, it also has a funky side, evidenced by the ample coffee shops, breweries and the fact that the town once had a flourishing nudist colony.

If you're willing to splurge on luxurious oceanfront lodging, Emma's Bay House is a converted mansion right on the water. The photos of sunsets over the water taken from the hotel's patio just might convince you to consider paying the $240 nightly rate.

For a no-frills option, check out the Hampton Inn (around $130 per night). Hampton Inn is affiliated with Hilton, so you can use Hilton Honors points if you have them.

Tallahassee, Florida

Welcome to the Sunshine State!

Tallahassee is about three hours east of Fairhope. Home to nearly 35,000 college students, Florida's capital is one of the country's most notorious college towns.

As you would expect with an overpopulation of 18-to-22-year-olds, Tallahassee brims with rowdy bars, late-night eateries and youthful verve.

If you're nostalgic for college, head down to The Tally Strip, a multivenue nightclub complex devoted to cheap shots, skimpy clothing (it's gotta be the hot climate) and questionable decisions.

The Days Inn by Wyndham Tallahassee is close to the city's favorite nightlife spots and central district. Rooms run about $65 or 15,000 Wyndham points per night.

For a more boutique lodging option, a standard room at the Hotel Indigo Tallahassee costs about $135 per night. It's just 11 minutes from Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) by Uber and a quick five-minute walk to Florida State University's campus.

Jacksonville, Florida

Another 2 1/2 hours of driving will take you from Tallahassee to Jacksonville and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Jax is the largest city in the U.S. in terms of geographical breadth. It's also the hometown of Southern rock legends the Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

In Jacksonville, the Platonic form of the Florida beach — that is, powdery white sand against placid, turquoise water — is fully realized. Not to mention that Jacksonville's beaches are far less crowded than those farther south. For fun in the sun, head to Neptune Beach, near downtown Jacksonville.

Jacksonville offers plenty of great lodging near the beach. Basic rooms at the Marriott Jacksonville Downtown usually cost around $125 or 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Hotel Palms, formerly a motor-home court and now a boutique hotel, will delight those who appreciate quirky, creative lodging.

Savannah, Georgia

Head north up the coast for about two hours to reach Savannah, the final stop on our jaunt through the coastal South.

Savannah is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. and boasts some of the most stunning examples of the South's grandiose pre-Civil War architecture.

Unlike Atlanta, a city Gen. Sherman burned to the ground during the Civil War, the Union Army spared Savannah its torches — some say because Sherman had a local mistress who convinced him that her city was too beautiful to destroy.

Either way, posterity is grateful that Savannah remained intact, as the Historic District — with its stately fountains, mansions and lush public parks — is a national treasure.

Savannah is a city that loves to indulge.

To pamper yourself with all the delights of Southern hospitality, check out The Drayton Hotel. From its white-stone facade to its sumptuous lobby and stunning rooftop bar, the Drayton, in its entirety, is spectacular. Rooms are not cheap, but not egregiously expensive either (about $230 per night). The Drayton is right by the Savannah Historic District, where you can take free walking tours to learn about the long, colorful and, according to many, haunted history of Georgia's oldest settlement.

Bottom line

Whether your thing is American history, beautiful cities, fabulous cuisine or gorgeous beaches, the coastal South makes for a fantastic road trip.

This route links the old and superlatively poetic cities of New Orleans and Savannah. It shows you the best of coastal Mississippi, the Gulf Coast, North Florida and the southern reaches of the Eastern Seaboard.

17 Spectacular Southern USA Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

From the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Lowcountry, and from the music of Nashville to the food scene of New Orleans, there is no shortage of wonderful options when looking for the best southern USA road trip itineraries.

I’ve been taking road trips in the south for my entire life, crisscrossing across the southeast USA visiting cities, towns, national parks, beaches, marshes, and beyond.

And yet, even after all that time, there are still plenty of southern road trip routes on my wish list.

In order to give perspectives beyond my own, I asked several other travel bloggers to share their favorite road trips in the south, and the result is a road trip bucket list that would take even the most dedicated road-tripper years to complete!

From weeks-long deep south road trip itineraries to quick weekend getaways, these southeast US road trip ideas cover an enormous variety of landscapes and interests.

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, we have a southern USA road trip itinerary here for you!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your Southeast USA Road Trip

Deep south usa road trip itinerary ideas, other multi-state southern usa road trip routes, more single-state southeast road trip itineraries.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Ideally, take your southern road trip in the spring or fall.

While you can technically take all of these southern USA road trips year-round, the south’s notoriously brutal summer means that it’s best to avoid the months of June, July, and August if you can (unless you plan to spend most of your time on the beach, of course).

Winter, depending on the location, can be gray and rainy, but can also be a joyous time to visit cities, towns, and mountains that see far less tourism in the winter (but don’t underestimate the possibility of snow in the mountains, either: it may be the south, but the Smokies still get snow!).

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your US south road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your USA road trip.

Browse rental cars  for your southern USA road trip today!

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

Don’t underestimate the south’s national parks!

The wide-open spaces and epic landscapes of the American West are often the typical images conjured up when imagining the USA’s national parks–but the south has plenty to offer, as well!

In fact, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee is the most-visited national park in the country, and its gorgeous vistas and jaw-dropping waterfalls are well worth exploring.

Other southern national parks to consider adding to your road trip through the south include Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Everglades National Park in South Florida, and Congaree National Park in South Carolina–just to name a few!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a deep south road trip requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on  our road trip packing list  before you go!

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the US south is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop at just one more beach or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your road trip driving from one spot to the next.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Scenic Byway

From Charles of US Gulf Coast Travel

One of the best scenic coastal drives in the United States is the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway (US Highway 90 / Beach Boulevard) in  Coastal Mississippi , where for 11 glorious miles there is nothing between you and the soft sugar sand and Gulf of Mexico water.

The most awe-inspiring section of the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway is from Henderson Point Beach to the Port of Gulfport Mississippi.

Drive this portion, or this entire road trip, in either direction, but we suggest west to east because you are closer to the water.

Start this road trip after an overnight in Bay St Louis or New Orleans (55 miles away).

In Bay St Louis, fuel up at Mockingbird Cafe (try their pulled pork and grits) or Serious Bakery (superb chicken salad).

Drive across the iconic St. Louis Bay Bridge and your senses will activate and heighten with your first Gulf and sand view.

Stop as often as you want because parking is free!

The coastal drive continues through Gulfport and into Biloxi.

Visit the new Mississippi Aquarium, stroll the Biloxi Beach Boardwalk, and eat at White Pillars or The Blind Tiger.

After crossing the Biloxi Bay Bridge, make time to explore the wonderful small town of Ocean Springs.

Stroll the gorgeous oak-lined Washington Avenue, stop at Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and eat at Vestige.

Highway 90 continues through Pascagoula (Jimmy Buffett’s birthplace) and into Mobile, Alabama, where you can turn around and complete this classic deep south road trip again.

Driving Distance

Bay St Louis to Pascagoula is 50 miles. New Orleans to Pascagoula is 107 miles and it is another 35 miles to Mobile, Alabama.

Recommended Road Trip Length

You can drive this coastal scenic drive in a couple of hours but we suggest allowing three or more days to fully experience the spectacular sugar sand, seafood, sunsets, and small beach towns of Coastal Mississippi.

Alabama Black Belt Road Trip

From Lori of Southerner Says

A road trip through the Black Belt region of Alabama is one of the best southern USA road trips around.

Named for the dark fertile soil of the region, the Alabama Black Belt is made up of twenty-three states across central and south Alabama.

This part of Alabama is the place where significant law-changing history was made, where literary giants were born, and is home to some of the best food that can be found in the United States.

For first-time visitors or someone flying in, there’s no better way to start an Alabama southern road trip than by including the capital –  Montgomery.

Plan on visiting important civil rights sites and the renowned Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Next, drive west approximately fifty miles to Selma, Alabama on Highway 80.

This route is the same route as the important Selma to Montgomery march for voters’ rights that took place in 1965.

See the places that put this small town on the map and made it crucial in the civil rights movement.

Walk the Edmund Pettus Bridge, eat locally caught catfish, and sleep in a hotel that was built in 1837 . 

After saying a farewell to Selma, drive county backroads approximately seventy miles to the literary capital of the south.

As unbelievable as it may seem, Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird and Truman Capote – Breakfast at Tiffany’s were childhood friends in the south.

They both grew up in Monroeville, Alabama – the next stop on this southern road trip. Take a walk around the charming downtown square to spot murals that pay tribute to these well-known books and authors.

From Monroeville, it’s easy to hop on Interstate-65 north to return to Montgomery or take the scenic route for a few more towns and sites on your southern road trip.

Driving Distance 

Recommended road trip length  .

This itinerary would be good for a weekend or long weekend.

Since the Alabama Black Belt is a rather large region there is an abundance of small towns and sites that can be added to a southern road trip.

Visitors could easily spend a week or two in the area.

Mississippi’s Highway 61 (Blues Trail)

From Hannah of HH Lifestyle Travel

A road trip from Memphis to New Orleans down Mississippi’s Highway 61 is rich in music history; and the inevitable river lore that pervades a road trip running parallel to the Mighty Mississippi.

In true road trip style, the road itself is part of the fun of the journey.  

Highway 61 is long and flat and often sits higher than the fields and levees below it.  It is punctuated by quaint southern churches, glimpses of the Mississippi River, and cities rich in blues history. 

Enjoy visiting one of the legendary ‘juke joints’ in  Clarksdale, Mississippi .  

If there is one stop on the road trip to learn about the history of blues music in the area, it’s Clarksdale.  

Visit the Devil’s Crossroads, the Delta Blues Museum, and many more Blues Trail plaques.

Your next stop is Vicksburg.  Brimming with Civil War history, Vicksburg mixes reverence with rejuvenation.  

Pay your respects to meaningful Civil War history, but then enjoy a day spa and quality craft brewpub experience.

Natchez sits on an important bluff on a bend in the Mississippi River with a long history.  

The historic district of Natchez Under-the-Hill has a prime position along the river and was once famous for gambling and river pirates.  

Nowadays it’s a cute place to see the Mighty Mississippi and have lunch in one of the historic buildings.

End your road trip in the vibrant and magnetic city of New Orleans .

Driving Distance  

It takes around 9 hours of non-stop driving time from Memphis to New Orleans, but with time spent in the stops above it would suit a 5–7-day road trip.  

Plan a bit longer if you want to spend time in both Memphis and New Orleans before and after this deep south road trip experience.

Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Road Trip

From Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

One of the fabulous road trips in the southeastern USA travels along the historic coastal corridors of Georgia to South Carolina, finishing in Charleston.

From the Georgia border to Florida, the major artery is Hwy 95, you’ll pass through so many historic and recreational sites along the way to make this a few days or even a longer visit depending on how many places you want to see and experience.

Some of the cool and historic places to visit in Georgia include St. Marys and Cumberland Island, Brunswich and St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island , Tybee Island , and Savannah .

Places to explore around South Carolina’s southern coastline from Savannah include Hilton Head, Beaufort, Edisto Island, and Charleston.

Each of these areas caters to historic sites or recreation getaways that are fun to explore when you have more time to visit each area on this road trip.

Even though you can go directly on Hwy 95 from the Georgia border all the way to South Carolina, it’s the small detour expressways and backcountry roads that will give you a better insight into visiting some of these gems in the region.  

If you only have a few days or longer then the major cities of Savannah and Charleston are memorable cities to prioritize to experience the local lifestyles foods that you’ll enjoy on this southern road trip experience.

Savannah, with its historic squares, fabulous architecture, and historic district that remains intact includes so much to see, do and experience around the historic center of the city.

Charleston on the other hand is more compact and walkable with a tighter historic district to enjoy and explore on your own or with some tour operator sharing the main attractions to see in town.

It’s 107 miles to drive straight from Savannah to Charleston.

If you’re focusing on Savannah and Charleston, 5 days is a comfortable length for this USA southern road trip itinerary.

Add additional days for each city, small town, or island that you’d like to visit.

The Classic Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Route

From Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, is such an unimaginably epic USA road trip, that veterans almost envy people who are experiencing it for the first time.

There are a lot of reasons it’s the #1 most visited unit in the US National Park system (with more than 15 million annual visitors), including 200 jaw-dropping BRP overlooks that offer stunning Blue Ridge Mountain vistas and provide access to the region’s most incredible hiking trails, landmarks, mountain towns, and waterfalls.

Designed as part of FDR’s New Deal to protect American wilderness and provide jobs in the wake of the Great Depression, construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began back in 1935.

Most of the scenic route was completed by 1966, but the popular 8-mile stretch around the iconic Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina (including the engineering marvel known as the Linn Cove Viaduct) wasn’t finished until 1987.

The BRP is the longest linear park in the country, taking travelers through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests.

So naturally, there are a lot of exciting things to do along the way. 

At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, with lots of challenging hiking trails and a relatively easy paved path to the observation platform at the summit.

Grandfather Mountain State Park is also home to epic hiking trails (including several with ladders to climb massive boulders), and the neighboring Grandfather Mountain attraction is home to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a small zoo featuring native North Carolina animals, and myriad picnic areas. 

Virginia’s Mabry Mill is the most photographed spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and one of the region’s many historical attractions.

There’s very little commercial development along the Parkway, with only a few hotels and resorts (including the historic Switzerland Inn in  Little Switzerland NC ,  and the Peaks of Otter Lodge in Bedford VA).

But part of the fun is exploring some of the charming little mountain towns along the way, including Cherokee, Blowing Rock, and Boone in NC, and Bedford, Lexington, and Waynesboro in VA.

You could drive the entire Blue Ridge Parkway in as little as 15-16 hours if you wanted, but that would totally defeat the purpose.

Some people like to break it up into weekend getaways, basing themselves in a local town.

But you could also spend a week or two driving the entire route, spending nights in lots of little towns along the way.

Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina

From Kim of Traveling Swansons

A Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina southeast road trip takes you on a tour of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region.

Chattanooga is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and located along the Tennessee River.

There are many fun things to do here including the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway.

After leaving Chattanooga, your next stop will be Knoxville, Tennessee.

Check out the Sunsphere Tower, which was built for the 1982 World’s Fair.  Walk around Market Square and grab a bite to eat and shop.

After leaving Knoxville, your next stop will be Pigeon Forge. 

Here you find no shortage of attractions including the popular Dollywood. 

Right next to Pigeon Forge, you’ll find the town of Gatlinburg. 

In Gatlinburg, you will also find plenty of attractions including Anakeesta and the Gatlinburg Skybridge. 

Gatlinburg is one of the busiest and most popular gateway towns to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  has many amazing hiking trails, waterfalls, and views. 

Drive the breathtaking scenic Newfound Gap Road to Cherokee, North Carolina. Jump out along the many turnouts along the way and enjoy the scenery. 

Once you reach Cherokee, explore the Oconaluftee Indian Village and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.  Shop for some authentic Cherokee arts and crafts.

The drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina is 191 miles and takes 3 hrs 51 minutes if driving straight through. 

Since there is so much to do on this southern USA road trip, you will want to spend at least 5 days here in order to take in as much as you can along the way.

NOLA to Nashville Southern Road Trip Itinerary

From Agnes of The Van Escape

The southern USA road trip from New Orleans to Nashville is extraordinary.

Why? Nashville and New Orleans are music cities.

New Orleans – the world capital of jazz and Nashville – the capital of American country music – anyone who likes live concerts will appreciate this combination.

And indeed, in both cities, you can listen to music at every turn!

Concerts, music events, live music in almost every restaurant, bar, and even on the streets – Nashville and New Orleans are alive with sounds.

Moreover, there are many great  things to do in Nashville and in New Orleans.

In Nashville visit Jonny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Grand Ole Opry, reproduction of the Parthenon, and Downtown with famous Broadway Street.

In New Orleans, visit the French Quarter, the Jazz Museum, the Woodoo Museum, the National WWII Museum, explore one of the famous cemeteries, sign up for a swamp tour. Enjoy the best cocktails at the famous Bourbon Street.

Both cities are also known for their excellent cuisine. In New Orleans, you’ll melt at the tastes and smells of Louisiana Creole cuisine, and in Nashville, you’ll delight at the famous juicy BBQ ribs and more.

That’s not all. Both cities are famous for the finest spirits.

New Orleans offers great alcoholic cocktails and in Nashville, you can try classic Tennessee Jack Daniels whiskey , whose distillery is nearby.

The driving time from NOLA to Nashville is about 8 hours, and 4-5 days is perfect for this road trip.

You can cover the distance in one day or split it into two days and spend one night in Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama.

To feel the atmosphere of each city and immerse yourself in its music world, we recommend two nights in New Orleans and two in Nashville.

Virginia Beach, Virginia to Hilton Head, South Carolina

From Alex of Wander With Alex

If you’re planning a road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to Hilton Head, SC, and need a few stops along the way, we’ve got you covered!

While Virginia Beach and Hilton Head are both popular southern beach towns, the experience is very different!

They are both, however, family-friendly vacation destinations with lots of unique things to do and see.

While in Virginia Beach, VA you’ll want to check out the main beach at the Oceanfront.

There are 35 miles of beachfront, an amusement park on Atlantic Ave, and tons of souvenir shops for you to choose from.

If you’re looking for something free to do, check out the Creative ViBE District for murals, sidewalk art, and other creative artwork!

Now that’ll you’ve explored Virginia Beach, it’s time to hit the road!

After being on the road for seven and a half hours, you’ll be nearing Savannah, GA! If you’ve never been to Savannah, consider staying overnight.

You can take a riverboat dinner cruise on the Savannah River or enjoy a low country dinner at one of the best restaurants in Savannah .

And since Hilton Head is only 45-minutes from Savannah, you can stick around for a few hours in the morning and to Tybee Island before heading over to Hilton Head!

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a laid-back resort town offering beautiful beaches and tons of golf courses.

Additionally, Hilton Head is incredibly bike-friendly.

Head over to Hilton Head Outfitters, rent bicycles for the whole family, and go exploring!

And if you are a seafood lover, you’ll have tons of waterfront restaurant options!

A road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to  Hilton Head, SC  via Interstate-95 is approximately 589 miles.

If you do not want to stay overnight in Savannah, you can make the trip in seven and a half hours.

However, if you prefer slow travel and wish to explore Savannah, you should consider making this a two-day drive.

Gulf Coast Beach Road Trip from Alabama to Florida

From Ashlee of The Happiness Function

One of the best-kept secrets in the South are the sugar-white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama to the Florida panhandle.

If you have never heard of Dauphin Island, Alabama, it is a must-visit southern destination.

Take the ultimate beach road trip from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Pensacola, Florida!

Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a beautiful place to visit. The island is home to many different wildlife species, including sea turtles, and the scenery is simply stunning.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Dauphin Island is the perfect spot. Plan to stay at least two days.

From Dauphin Island, take the ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan, where visitors can continue the road trip to Gulf Shores.

Be sure to visit Gulf State Park and enjoy the incredible beaches from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach! Plan at least two days in Gulf Shores.

Gulf Islands National Seashore in Fort Pickens is a popular tourist destination offering a variety of activities such as catching some sun on beaches, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and exploring the historic fort.

Camp at the  Fort Pickens Campground  for a few days to enjoy all the island offers.

From Gulf Shores, continue east into the Florida panhandle towards Pensacola.

A road trip along the southern coast of Alabama into the Florida panhandle makes for an incredible beach road trip any time of year.

We recommend taking about a week to enjoy this road trip in the US south.

This way, road trippers can enjoy each destination for two days.

Savannah, Georgia to Clearwater, Florida Road Trip

From Terri of FemaleSoloTrek.com

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and fun in the sun, plan a short southern road trip route from Savannah to Clearwater.

Plan to start at dawn from Savannah on a Saturday so you can arrive by noon in  Clearwater, Florida .

Google Maps or Waze will offer you the choice of traveling down I-95 toward Orlando and then across to Tampa/St. Pete outposts.

Alternatively, you can drive through Jacksonville and then cut across the state via US-301 S and I-75 S.

The estimated time is 6 hours if you don’t hit bad traffic on I-95.

You will also have time to eat fried grouper at Clearwater Beach for lunch, then hit the Clearwater Aquarium for an afternoon adventure.

Dedicate the evening to drinking margaritas and watching the sunset.

You might want to watch the sunset (while sipping a cocktail) at Pier 60 on Saturday night or delay until Sunday because you will be exhausted from your early morning drive.

Clearwater is also a great place to settle while you plan day trips to Tampa, St. Pete, and Sarasota.

While you can easily make the drive in a day, it’s best to set aside a week for this US south road trip as you will lose two days to travel.

Florida’s Gulf Coast deserves a minimum five-day stay so you can experience different beaches.

Southeast USA Road Trip from Washington DC to Florida

From Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids

One of the best road trips in the southeast US is from Washington, DC to  Anna Maria Island, Florida . 

If you want to break it up with overnights and stops, I recommend going from Washington DC to Raleigh, NC on Day 1.  On Day 2, drive from Raleigh, NC to Savannah, GA.  Then on Day 3, drive from Savannah, GA to Anna Maria Island, FL.

Starting in Washington, DC, where there is much to see from the Capitol to the Washington Monument to the Smithsonian Museums, you can begin heading on the road toward Virginia and the Carolinas. 

In Virginia, the historic college town of Williamsburg is well worth a visit. 

In addition to being a beautiful town, home to William and Mary College, it is also where you can step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg and learn a bit about American history. 

From here, head into North Carolina and stop in Raleigh if you plan to spend the night.

Then head into South Carolina, where a drive-through or stop in Charleston is a great thing to do. 

The historic and lavish architecture is well worth a look, and the southern hospitality and walk on the waterfront are worth it even just for a short visit. 

From here, continue into Georgia, where a stop in Savannah is a must. 

If you have a bit of time to spend in this southern city, the hop on hop off trolley, walking tours, and a 90-minute riverboat sightseeing cruise would be worth doing. 

This beautiful and historic city really is a gem on this road trip, so be sure to build in a bit of time, and even book a bed and breakfast for the night.  

Continue on from Georgia into northern Florida, where if you can stop in Jacksonville for a visit to the University of Florida or in St. Augustine for lunch or a walking tour of this beautiful and historic city. 

There is an old town part of St. Augustine well worth visiting, and depending on the time of day, is a great stop for a lunch. Continue on from St. Augustine to Anna Maria Island, Florida.

You may pass through Orlando and Tampa, which if you have time, may want to stop in one of these cities. 

While Orlando is home to many theme parks and activities, you won’t have time on this drive to do many of those unless you build in another day or two to your drive.

Instead, I suggest stopping in Tampa, where you will get to view this fantastic seaside city, where you can enjoy a cruise, walk around Ybor City, or grab a meal at the famous (and delicious) Columbia Restaurant. 

While you are also right at Clearwater Beach, you may want to save that beach visit for Anna Maria Island, just about an hours drive from Tampa, on the Gulf Coast, and renowned for its teal Caribbean-like water, white soft sand, quieter beaches, and home rentals perfect for a beach getaway. 

It’s the perfect destination to such a cultural and historic road trip, and one of the best road trips in the south USA.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way, this road trip is at least a two to three-day drive, depending on how much you would like to stop along the way. 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina Road Trip

From Candice of CS Ginger

One of the best Southern USA road trips is driving through the Outer Banks. There are so many fun things to do in the Outer Banks  and its sweeping coastal scenery is gorgeous.

The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast filled with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and fun beach towns.

A great historic stop in the Outer Banks is at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

This is where the Wright brothers completed the first controlled flight in December of 1903.

There are a fun visitor’s center, some historical markers, and a replica of the first plane.

The Outer Banks is also home to the tallest brick lighthouse in the world. You can climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. There are 257 steps to the top.

The lighthouse and Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a great place to spend the afternoon. The beaches are beautiful and not crowded.

After spending time at Cape Hatteras, you can take the ferry over to Ocracoke Island.

There is another lighthouse on this smaller island, but it is not open to visitors.

There are, however, beautiful beaches making this island a fun spot to explore.

The distance from the northern town of Corolla through Hatteras, the southern point, is about 95 miles.

If you continue to the ferry to Ocracoke, the mileage is longer.

You can easily fill 4-5 days with fun activities during your Outer Banks road trip, and spend even more time in the area if you want to relax on the beach.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

From Anna of Stuck On The Go

One of the best road trips in the southern US winds through Shenandoah National Park offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you drive Skyline Drive straight through it only takes a little under 3 hours but there are so many hikes, overlooks, and small towns to stop and explore. This is the perfect road trip for outdoorsy people.

You can start at the Front Royal Entrance Station and on your first day hike to Compton Peak where you’ll find a gorgeous view as well as unique geological formations that resemble the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland .

In the afternoon, head out to the town of Luray where you can shop in the boutiques along Main Street and visit the famous Luray Caverns.

If you like to camp then stay the night in Mathews Arm Campground, otherwise rent a room at the Skyland Resort inside the park.

For day two you can fit in two hikes – Stony Man and Hawksbill – which both offer stunning mountain views and are 2 of the best hikes in Shenandoah .

Have lunch at Big Meadows and make sure you get the blackberry ice cream pie for dessert!

In the afternoon you can hike Dark Hollow Falls or just head into Elkton or Sperryville.

Visit Sperryville for wineries and Elkton for breweries. Tonight stay at the Lewis Mountain Cabins & Campground.

On the last day of the road trip, hike Doyles River Falls and Blackrock Summit.

Stop for lunch at Blue Mountain Brewery and check out some of the other Waynesboro breweries. Main Street in Waynesboro is also very quaint.

For many people, 3 days is enough to spend in Shenandoah National Park.

However, if you are very outdoorsy and love to hike and explore small towns then you can spend a week in the Shenandoah Valley.

Northwest Arkansas Road Trip Loop

From Lydia of Lost With Lydia

Arkansas is an underrated state with a lot to offer for outdoor adventurers!

The state has beautiful state parks, incredible mountain biking trails, a uniquely historic national park, and much more.

The northwest portion of Arkansas is where you’ll find the most beautiful natural areas along with some fantastic cities. 

This road trip begins in Bentonville, a city known for mountain biking, modern art, and as the Walmart headquarters.

There are miles of mountain biking trails in parks around the city and trails range from beginner to advanced. 

Continue on from Bentonville to Buffalo National River, a beautiful river with epic canyon walls towering above it.

After the National River, enjoy hiking in the Ozark National Forest (the most famous hike is Whitaker Point) and take in the views at Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo. Mount Magazine is the highest point in the state. 

Be sure to not miss the most iconic state park in Arkansas: Petit Jean. This state park is a favorite of many and is home to a 95-foot waterfall, caves, and several unique rock formations. 

Spend some time in Little Rock for great food and interesting history. 

Things to do in Little Rock include visiting the Little Rock Central High School Museum, exploring the vibrant SOMA neighborhood, and hiking at Pinnacle Mountain. 

Finally, end your road trip with a visit to Arkansas’ only national park: Hot Springs.

Hot Springs National Park was a resort destination in the early 1900s and there are a couple of bathhouses still in operation today.

In addition to the spas, you can visit a brewery inside of a bathhouse and enjoy the views from the observation tower. 

A week is the minimum amount of time you’ll want to fully explore the cities and hiking destinations along the way.

Ideally, take 10 days or more to take your time and enjoy this underrated southern USA road trip itinerary.

Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast Road Trip

From Lori of Travlinmad

If you’re looking for an ideal year-round  road trip destination, Florida’s Gulf Coast  offers dreamy beaches, fantastic food, and some of America’s most (in)famous history!

Begin your road trip in Tampa, where you can spend 2 days exploring the city’s Cuban history in Ybor City and enjoy the amazing cuisine before heading south to Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Spend the next day in Sarasota admiring the mid-century architecture and visiting the Ringling Museum.

Shoppers will no doubt stay longer on St. Armand’s Circle, then head to Siesta Key later in the day to take in the new age vibes of the nightly drumming circle on the beach at sunset.

The next day, drive south to Casperson Beach in Venice and rent a “Florida snow shovel” for a few dollars to dig in the sand for prehistoric megalodon shark teeth.

Millions of them wash ashore every day and you just might find a big one to treasure!

Spend the night at Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, one of Southwest Florida’s most historic towns before heading out the next morning for Fort Myers.

Situated where the Caloosahatchee River meets the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Fort Myers is worth a few days to explore the history and the beautiful beaches on Sanibel and Captiva.

Visit the summer homes of neighbors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, whose mansions are popular tourist attractions today.

The last stop on your road trip is Naples and Marco Island on the southwestern coast. This stunning region is known as the Paradise Coast and it’s easy to see why.

Spend your days on the soft white sand beaches, shopping at the luxury stores and dining downtown, or get out into the Everglades for some adventure.

It is 180 miles from Tampa to Marco Island.

Plan on 7-10 days for this southern road trip route.

There is plenty to see in the major cities of Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, and Marco Island, but you’ll find the real gems in between!

Virginia’s Eastern Shore Drive: Chincoteague to Cape Charles

Recommended by Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia

There’s so much to love about  Virginia’s Eastern Shore .

Roll down the windows and breathe in the salt-infused air as you make the 70-mile drive north to south from Chincoteague to Cape Charles.

Get ready to make stops for sandy beaches, ice cream shops, and verdant wetlands just right for a scenic paddle.

Start at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to miles of stroller-friendly hiking and biking trails.

The Chincoteague Lighthouse Trail is a must-visit to ogle the red-and-white striped Assateague Lighthouse.

Take a guided kayak tour or nature cruise across pristine coastal waterways with Assateague Explorer.

Keep your eyes open for wild ponies, as well as native wildlife, like sandhill cranes and eastern mud turtles, that call the wildlife refuge home.

Order up a scoop of Mint Chip or Pony Tracks at Island Creamery.

Spend the night at the Refuge Inn, a mainstay in Chincoteague since 1973. Chincoteague is also home to several camping resorts, including KOA and Jellystone Park.

Continue on to Onancock, a historic waterfront town.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast sandwich at Janet’s Café before strolling the hamlet’s tree-lined streets that wow with Victorian-style homes.

Take a tour of Ker Place, a historic Federal-style home.

On the south end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore is Cape Charles, which is home to gentle beaches and vibrantly-colored sunsets.

Spend the day on the beach at Kiptopeke State Park, then order hush puppies at The Shanty.

Cap off the day with a scoop at Brown Dog Ice Cream and settle in at the Sunset Beach Hotel on the Chesapeake Bay.

70  miles.

This trip is best enjoyed over at least 3 days, including one day in Chincoteague, one day in Onancock, and one day in Cape Charles.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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The cost of driving from New Orleans, Louisiana to Savannah, Georgia is:

$84.91 one-way / $169.82 round trip.

• New Orleans to Savannah drive
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Route to drive from New Orleans, LA to Savannah, GA

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use CostDrive.com to get the cost to drive from New Orleans to Savannah .

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The total cost of driving from New Orleans, LA to Savannah, GA (one-way) is $84.91 at current gas prices.

The round trip cost would be $169.82 to go from New Orleans, LA to Savannah, GA and back to New Orleans, LA again.

Regular fuel costs are around $3.31 per gallon for your trip. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg for a mix of city and highway driving.

All currency units are U.S. Dollars. If you prefer international units, the equivalent petrol pump price is 87.3 cents/litre . This assumes a typical fuel economy of 9.4 L/100 km .

You'll go through 25.7 gallons of gas during this trip. This is equal to 97.2 litres .

If you fill your tank with unleaded gasoline, the carbon emissions will be around 502 lbs CO2 . This is equivalent to 228 kg CO2e or 0.23 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. These numbers may change depending on the exact make and model of your car. If your vehicle uses diesel instead, the CO2 emissions will be around 588 lbs CO2 , which is equivalent to 267 kg CO2e or 0.27 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.

These results are based on the actual driving distance from New Orleans, LA to Savannah, GA, which is 642 miles or 1 033 kilometers .

Your trip begins in New Orleans, Louisiana. The price of regular gas is currently averaging $3.23 in Louisiana .

Your trip ends in Savannah, Georgia. The price of regular gas is around $3.39 in Georgia .

Currently, we only have exact data for locations in the United States. To improve the accuracy of your fuel cost estimate, you can enter the actual price you pay for gas or petrol at the local pump in the table above.

The following chart displays the difference in total cost of driving given varying fuel grades. If your car requires higher octane gas, you can find out how much more it will cost you to drive between New Orleans, LA and Savannah, GA.

New Orleans, Louisiana

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Savannah, Georgia

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Cost of driving

Travelmath provides an online driving cost calculator to help you determine how much you'll spend on gas for your next road trip. You can enter airports, cities, states, countries, or zip codes to compute the cost of driving between locations. Driving distances are calculated using actual driving directions if they are available, or a GPS-accurate method for the straight line distance. Automatic estimates are provided for local gas prices and vehicle fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km), based on the make and model of your car, SUV, or minivan. Don't let the economy and rising oil prices stop you from taking your next trip. You can use this tool to find out if it's cheaper to fly or drive to your destination.

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Planning A Road Trip from New Orleans to Charleston

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

After three and a half years of exploring the world, it’s time for me to explore my own country.

Exploring the US on a road trip has long been on my list of travel priorities, and the time was finally right. There are so many places to explore in the US, from the forests and beaches of the northwest to the national parks of the mountainous states. I especially love the southwest and its colorful deserts.

For this trip, however, there was one region I was dying to visit above all: the South.

Exploring the South

The South is a region of the US that has intrigued me for years. As a native New Englander, the South was never on my radar as a vacation destination. Well, not beyond Florida, which for New Englanders is visited for one of three reasons: Disney, retirement, or Red Sox spring training.

Of course, some New Englanders do visit the South — I’d wager New Orleans, Savannah, and Charleston or maybe Myrtle Beach are the most popular non-Florida destinations — but when was the last time you heard a New Englander, or New Yorker for that matter, planning a trip to the Mississippi coast?

The South is a region of great beauty — but also great hardship. After the region was devastated first by Hurricane Katrina and then the BP oil spill, tourism is back, but it hasn’t returned to its previous levels, I’ve been hearing again and again from various tourism industry workers here in New Orleans. “Tell your friends to come back,” one guide told my group. “We sure do miss ’em.”

I want to show off this region. I want to do what I can to bring people back.

And I also want to see enormous oak trees leading up to antebellum-era mansions. I want to see Spanish moss draped over wrought-iron balconies as fountains dominate squares in the distance. I want to submerge my toes in the fine white sands in front of bright teal ocean. I want to spend endless conversations talking to countless friendly Southerners, the people who made Southern hospitality internationally famous.

But I can’t lie — above all, I’m looking forward to the food. REAL Southern food. Not Paula Deen abominations. Crawfish etoufee, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, gumbo, shrimp and grits, pecan pie, caramel cake, all washed down with teeth-numbingly sweet tea.

Working Together

I’m happy to be working with two quality companies over the course of this trip. For the lodging, I will be partnering with Country Inns and Suites by Carlson (SM) , who will be providing me with lodging for 12 nights of the trip. I chose Country Inns because they are focusing on road trips this year — check out some of their itinerary ideas — and they’re conveniently located throughout the South.

But I mostly chose Country Inns because their focus is on being a home environment away from home. In other words, that means great amenities on top of a comfortable room — hot breakfasts with new dishes every day, a Read It And Return It Lending Library (SM) from which you can borrow books, and, most importantly, free unlimited wifi.

For the car rental, I will be partnering with Holiday Autos . They are covering the cost of a 10-day car rental with a pickup in New Orleans and drop-off in Charleston, which ordinarily costs in the neighborhood of $500.

One-way car rentals are almost always much more expensive than picking up the car and dropping it off in the same location. If you wanted to do this trip from New Orleans to Charleston and back or vice versa, you’d spend a lot more on gas, but the rental cost would be roughly $250.

#SouthUSA: The Itinerary

When I tell people about the itinerary, most of them are surprised that the driving distances are so short. Indeed, most of the daily drives are three hours or less, and some are just 90 minutes.

But who says you need to drive massive distances each day in order for it to be a genuine road trip? I love to stop in random places, and this trip’s short journeys will give me the incentive to stop and linger in any little town that looks interesting.

Here’s where I’ll be going:

March 3-4: New Orleans, Louisiana.  Mardi Gras is currently in full swing, and I’ll be staying at the Country Inn right in the French Quarter! Easily the best time to visit New Orleans .

March 5: Louisiana and Mississippi.  First up is exploring Louisiana’s countryside mansions before heading to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, spending the night in the Country Inn in Ocean Springs, which is close to destinations like Gulfport and Biloxi.

March 6-7: Mississippi, Alabama, Florida panhandle.  I’ll be checking out the Alabama Gulf Coast before staying at the Country Inn in Pensacola West for two nights, using it as a base to explore the Florida panhandle and beyond. This region is known for its white sand beaches.

March 8-9: Florida. The longest driving day of the trip will take me down the Forgotten Coast to oyster haven Apalachicola and across to Jacksonville, which I hear is a surprisingly fun city with easy access to St. Augustine and Amelia Island. I’ll be there, staying in the Country Inn right in Jacksonville, for two nights.

March 10-12: Savannah, Georgia. I allotted three nights in Savannah because this is a city that everyone seems to love and I’m sure I’ll be no exception. I’ll be staying at the Country Inn right in the Historical District. (Now I need to just start and finish Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil before I get there…)

March 13-14: Charleston, South Carolina. A short drive will take me across the South Carolina to Charleston, where I will finish and celebrate the end of the trip with some coca-cola cake. I’ll be staying about 30 minutes away from Charleston at the Country Inn in the town of Summerville.

From Charleston, I’ll be taking part in Amtrak’s new campaign providing long train rides to writers , taking the Palmetto train to Washington, DC. More on that later.

The trip starts today! From now through March 15, I’ll be tweeting and Instagramming under the hashtag #SouthUSA. Do follow along, as I’ll be sharing lots of pictures and anecdotes along the way.

I can’t wait to see what this beguiling region has in store for me — sweet tea and all.

Many thanks to Country Inn and Suites and Holiday Autos for their support of the #SouthUSA trip. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Have you been to the South? Have any recommendations?

8 Most Beautiful U.S. Coastlines For A Summer Road Trip

Discover stunning seaside journeys along America's breathtaking coastlines perfect for an unforgettable summer road trip.

• Discover hidden coastal gems from Aberdeen to Astoria and immerse yourself in awe-inspiring natural wonders.
• Unleash your sense of adventure with a rugged road trip from San Francisco to Eureka along Northern California's dramatic cliffs.
• Explore the laid-back sophistication of the Central California Coast from Monterey to Santa Barbara, indulging in local flavors and scenic wonders.

From the sun-drenched shores of the Pacific Coast to the rugged beauty of the Atlantic, the United States boasts extraordinary coastlines that beckon adventurers and beach lovers alike. This curated collection of road trips promises to ignite the wanderlust within even the most seasoned traveler.

Showcasing stunning natural landscapes, vibrant local cultures, and hidden gems that are often overlooked, these under-the-radar coastal routes offer a chance to veer off the beaten path and immerse oneself in the raw beauty and untamed spirit adorning the nation's shorelines.

From the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Northwest to the warm waters of the Gulf Coast , and the iconic boardwalks of the Jersey Shore, each road trip promises to ignite a sense of adventure and deep appreciation for the breathtaking tapestry woven by the country's remarkably varied coastlines.

Planning ahead for your summer road trip ensures an unforgettable and safe experience. Check weather forecasts, vehicle safety, and pack essential supplies like snacks, water, and and emergency kit. When exploring destinations, follow all posted guidance, remain on designated trails to preserve the natural environment, and keep a safe distance from wildlife and areas prone to rising tides or unstable cliffs.

8 Aberdeen, Washington To Astoria, Oregon

Unforgettable immersion in the untamed coastal beauty of the pacific northwest.

From Aberdeen on Washington's coast, this Pacific Northwest journey hugs the rugged shoreline down to Astoria, Oregon . Incredible natural wonders like the towering sea stacks at Ruby Beach and iconic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach demand awe.

The route offers opportunities to explore tide pools, take invigorating coastal hikes, and spot diverse marine wildlife. In Astoria, the vibrant town charms with its rich maritime history at the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Astoria-Megler Bridge. Stunning scenery abounds, from the churning Columbia River to charming lighthouses perched on craggy cliffs.

7 San Francisco To Eureka, California

An unparalleled escape into the often overshadowed northern california coast.

Venture off the beaten path and discover the rugged splendor of the Northern California Coast on this road trip from San Francisco to Eureka. The journey begins with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge before winding along the dramatic cliffs of the Mendocino Headlands, offering breathtaking ocean vistas. Continue north to lose yourself in the towering ancient redwoods lining the Avenue of the Giants, a humbling experience amidst nature's giants.

Further along, the Lost Coast beckons with its remote windswept beaches and trails hugging the shoreline. Explore hidden coves, spot diverse marine life, and travelers can immerse themselves in the serene tranquility of this unspoiled coastal wilderness. From quaint seaside towns to pristine state parks, this road trip promises an unparalleled escape into a section of the state's coastline that's often overshadowed by California's more famous destinations.

What To Know About The Road Toll Scam Ahead Of Your Next Road Trip

6 monterey to santa barbara, california, unspoiled natural beauty and laidback sophistication define the central california coast.

Prepare to be spellbound by the Central California Coast, where nature's grandeur meets laid-back coastal charm. From Monterey, the road winds along cliffs that line the Pacific, offering jaw-dropping vistas at every turn.

Marvel at the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, a architectural masterpiece framing the dramatic landscape. Charming seaside towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Cambria beckon with their white-sand beaches, quaint shops, and locally-sourced culinary delights. Further south, the rolling vineyards of Paso Robles invite travelers to indulge in world-class wine tasting experiences.

As road trippers approach Santa Barbara, dubbed the "American Riviera," be prepared to get lost in the heart of its red-tiled rooftops, swaying palm trees, and pristine beaches. From the sculpted majesty of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to the serene coves of El Capitán State Beach, this road trip immerses travelers in the unspoiled natural beauty and laidback sophistication that define the Central California Coast.

5 Corpus Christi, Texas To Panama City Beach, Florida

The sun-drenched gulf coast, where warm turquoise waters meet sugar-white beaches and a laidback coastal vibe.

From Corpus Christi, explore the Padre Island National Seashore, a pristine 70-mile barrier island ripe for beachcombing, swimming, and spotting diverse coastal wildlife. In Galveston, stroll the historic Strand District and cool off with a classic float in the surf. In New Orleans, tour the French Quarter, indulge in Creole cuisine, and dance to the rhythm of live jazz.

The vibrant beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama invite you to sink your toes into their velvety sands. Take a break from the road in Pensacola, snorkeling or diving to explore underwater wonders like the world's largest artificial reef.

Cap off the journey in Panama City Beach, promising endless fun with concerts, water sports, and vibrant beach clubs. With sunny days, balmy nights, and a fusion of flavors and cultures, this Gulf Coast road trip epitomizes the ultimate summer escape.

10 Things You Can Do When Visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama

4 savannah, georgia to amelia island, florida, unhurried island life, rich southern history, and natural splendor unique to the salt-kissed marshes and maritime forests of the golden isles.

This journey along the Atlantic Coast's Golden Isles immerses travelers in the quintessential charm of the south. It begins in Savannah, where Spanish moss-draped oak trees and grand antebellum mansions transport visitors to a bygone era. Tour the historic districts, then savor local delicacies like buttery shrimp and grits.

As the road winds through the Golden Isles of Georgia, a series of barrier islands offer slices of coastal paradise. On Jekyll Island, bike trails fringed by swaying palmettos lead to uncrowded beaches. St. Simons Island enchants with its lighthouse museum and lively fishing village.

Continuing into Florida, Amelia Island, a Portuguese haven turned Victorian-era resort town, beckons. Here, horseback riding along the shore, exploring Fort Clinch, and dining on fresh catch while watching the sunset paint the marsh grass golden await.

3 Norfolk, Virginia To Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

History and natural beauty converge in the outer banks.

Departing from the naval town of Norfolk, the journey winds through a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, each offering its own distinct charms. In Kitty Hawk, aviation and history buffs find themselves in the birthplace of powered flight at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, standing on hallowed grounds where Wilbur and Orville's iconic first flights forever altered human transportation.

Beyond its legacy, Kitty Hawk beckons with pristine beaches, rolling dunes perfect for hiking, and tranquil sound waters ideal for kayaking amidst coastal birds and marine life. Jockey's Ridge State Park offers towering dunes with panoramic Atlantic views. This journey provides a chance to embrace the Outer Banks' untamed beauty while stepping back in time.

2 Sandy Hook (Middletown Township), New Jersey To Cape May, New Jersey

The quintessential jersey shore experience..

This 145-mile coastal journey transports travelers to the iconic Jersey Shore, capturing its vibrant energy and laidback spirit. Begin at Sandy Hook's pristine beaches, snapping photos at the historic lighthouse before heading to Asbury Park and Long Branch's lively boardwalks with eclectic dining and live music venues.

No visit is complete without Atlantic City's bright lights, strolling the iconic boardwalk lined with casinos and riding the legendary Steel Pier roller coasters. The journey culminates in Cape May, a Victorian-era seaside gem where they admire beautifully preserved historic districts, climb the lighthouse for panoramic views, and savor evenings of fresh-caught seafood.

12 Bucket List East Coast Road Trips

1 newport, rhode island to provincetown, massachusetts, a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty along the new england coast.

Begin in Newport, where travelers can explore the Gilded Age grandeur of the Vanderbilt's Breakers mansion and stroll along the iconic Cliff Walk, taking in sweeping ocean vistas. Heading northward, stop at quaint seaside villages like Watch Hill and Mystic, where historic lighthouses, weathered fishing boats, and cozy seafood shacks await.

Continue to the beaches of Cape Cod, hiking the pristine trails of the Cape Cod National Seashore and savoring fresh lobster rolls. In Provincetown, at the very tip of the cape, a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and thriving arts scene create an electric atmosphere. Wander the lively galleries, catch a live performance, and watch the sunset.

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Distance between New Orleans and Savannah

Driving non-stop from new orleans to savannah.

How far is Savannah from New Orleans? Here's the quick answer if you don't sleep at all, or you have a friend with you so each person can drive some of the way, letting you make the entire trip by car without stopping.

Nonstop drive: 642 miles or 1033 km

Driving time: 9 hours, 33 minutes

This is a pretty long drive, so it's not very realistic to drive nonstop. To get a better idea of how long this road trip would really be, scroll down to calculate how many hours it would take if you drive with stops .

Flying non-stop from New Orleans to Savannah

Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line between New Orleans, Louisiana and Savannah, Georgia. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula. For a long distance, this appears as a curve on the map, and this is often the route that commercial airlines will take so it's a good estimate of the frequent flyer miles you'll accumulate as well.

Flight distance: 553 miles or 890 km

Flight time: 1 hour, 36 minutes

The straight line flight distance is 89 miles less than driving on roads, which means the driving distance is roughly 1.2x of the flight distance.

Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/6th of the time it would take to drive.

This is a medium length flight, so unless you have a nice private jet, you might be booking a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

New Orleans to Savannah road trip

Let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Savannah, and you want to stop along the way to rest. If it's a real road trip, you might want to check out interesting stops along the way, eat at great restaurants, and maybe even find a hotel to stay overnight. That's what Trippy is perfect for, helping you figure out travel plans in detail.

Based on the length of this trip, we think you could spread out this fun road trip over more than one day.

Road trip: 2 days of driving

With the full itinerary planned out, we can estimate your total travel time for this trip.

Travel time: 11.5 hours on the road with 1 overnight

Start in New Orleans .

Drive for about 1.5 hours , then stop in Biloxi and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Mobile and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 51 minutes then stop in Atmore and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 2 hours then stop in Montgomery . Stay overnight. The next day, drive for about 56 minutes , then stop in Auburn (Alabama) and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 2.5 hours then stop in Warner Robins (Georgia) and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 1.5 hours then stop in Vidalia and stay for 1 hour. Finally, drive for about 1.5 hours and arrive in Savannah .

New Orleans to Savannah airports and flights

In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline (whether it's first class or coach). So that means we really need to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination.

To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Eventually you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports and flights. But for now, here's an example we've selected to give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports.

Departure airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Arrival airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown.

Getting to the airport: 34 minutes

Getting to your destination: 22 minutes

Now finally, let's look at an example flight from MSY to SAV and figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off and landing, and time to taxi on the runway.

Commercial flight time: 1 hour, 36 minutes

So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from New Orleans to Savannah including time spent getting to/from the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself.

Total travel time: 5 hours

Plan a trip to Savannah

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Savannah, Georgia. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Savannah . A great place to eat might be Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room . Trippy members can suggest things to do in Savannah like Forsyth Park . Check out some of the questions people have asked about Savannah like What is your favorite under rated attraction in Savannah? . Click the button below to explore Savannah in detail.

How far is it the other way?

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the distance from Savannah to New Orleans , or go to the main page to calculate the distance between cities .

If you happen to know New Orleans, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about New Orleans!

More info on this route: elevation from New Orleans to Savannah drive from New Orleans to Savannah road conditions alternate routes Google driving directions

Written by js4mk • May 20, 2024 • 6:33 pm • Camp America - Road Trips , Travel

• RV Road Trip | Southern Plantations & Cajun Country

Hit the Road and Travel the Famed River Road, New Orleans and Cajun Country

Old Ferry Landing, Port Allen

Located across the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge, Old Ferry Landing is an amazing spot to enjoy views of Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge is a very flat city, and from across the Mississippi at Old Ferry Landing, visitors can enjoy unimpeded views of Baton Rouge. In addition, visitors can enjoy the beautiful walkway, at the same spot where the ferries carrying cars across the Mississippi from Baton Rouge landed for many years.

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, known as the Red Stick is Louisiana’s capital city, and is rich with the unique culture of Louisiana. In this city visitors can steep themselves in the history of the south with a plantation tour. The Louisiana State Museum is one of Baton Rouge’s best destinations for learning all about the history and culture of this amazing state. Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is another fantastic Baton Rouge destination. It stands overlooking the Mississippi River and is now home to Old State Capital Museum of Political History. If you want to try something a little different for your southern escape you can visit the Alligator Bayou Swamp Tour, where you can see the wildlife of a real Louisiana Swamp.

Atchafalaya Basin and the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge protects some very important ecosystem within Louisiana. It protects a small part of the largest bottomland hardwood swamp in the United States. The Atchafalaya River is the largest river swamp in North America. Visitors to this region should be sure to take a swamp tour of the Atchafalaya Basin, and also explore the beautiful protected lands of the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge. There are many swamp tour companies that offer a great opportunity to explore this unique environment. During a tour visitors can learn about the cypress trees and many other types of indigenous plant life. Tours also offer a great way to learn about the native wildlife, including alligators. The Atchafalaya River is located in the heart of Cajun Country, so visitors on swamp tours will have to learn about the local culture.

Nottoway Plantation, White Castle

One of Louisiana’s many historical treasures are the old plantation homes. The Nottoway Plantation is one amazing example and well worth a visit. This home was designed by Henry Howard for the John Hampton Randolph family. Visitors can take guided tours of the home, the grounds and the museum. The Nottoway Plantation, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was completed in 1859. Visitors can see the amazing number of rooms, staircases, windows and much more. One of the most notable features of the home is its semi-circular white ballroom.

Mississippi River Trail

The Mississippi River Trail parallels the Great River Road, and it is a great way to enjoy the Mississippi River. It is an enjoyable hike, which follows the river. Visitors can enjoy views of the river, and points of interpretation. As the trail follows the byway, and the Mississippi it gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the history and nature of the river through  recreation.

New Orleans

The Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico at New Orleans. One way to celebrate the end of the iconic trip along the Great River Road is to enjoy the history, excitement and beauty of the city of New Orleans. Visitors to New Orleans will find all sorts of attractions, dining and the unique culture of the city to celebrate the end the trip. For visitors wanting to combine culture and shopping, the French Market in New Orleans is a great destination. The market stretches for six blocks on the river side of the Lower French Quarter. It is home to over twenty retail shops, as well as performance venues, restaurants, a flea market and a farmers market. The French Market started as a Native American trading post, and is now the oldest public market in the United States, it has been in the same spot since 1791. As visitors explore the market they can enjoy a wide range of food at the Farmers Market, the public art, walkways and even historical monuments.

Another great New Orleans destination is the Historic Voodoo Museum. New Orleans is known for its unique culture. One place to learn about one aspect of the culture is the Historic Voodoo Museum. The Voodoo Museum celebrates and educates all of its visitors about voodoo and its history and culture.

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

This National Wildlife refuge is located within the city of New Orleans. It protects fresh water ecosystems, brackish marshes and coastal hardwood forests and much more. Visitors to New Orleans can enjoy bird watching, hiking and wildlife watching throughout the area. In addition there is a boardwalk with interpretive information, which is a fantastic way to learn about the area.

The Great River Road presents an amazing road trip option to enjoy some of the unique attractions and destinations of Louisiana’s Cajun Country. These are just a few of the many destinations along this route.

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Woman accused of killing elderly Mount Dora couple in 2022 found incompetent to stand trial

A Lake County judge ruled Monday that a woman accused of killing an elderly Mount Dora couple at their home on New Year’s Eve 2022 is incompetent to stand trial.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Vickie Williams is accused of fatally stabbing Darryl Getman, 83, and his wife Sharon Getman, 80, in what detectives described “a random act.”

Police said Williams was later found with the Getmans’ car in Georgia and was arrested Jan. 6, 2023 on first-degree murder charges.

Earlier this month, Williams’ attorney had experts testify during a competency hearing that she was psychotic and schizophrenic.

Read: Crazy or competent? Murder suspect urinates on self, spits during court hearing

Read: Woman accused of killing elderly Mount Dora couple to make court appearance

She spit and urinated on herself during that hearing.

Williams’ attorneys said that she arrived at the jail behaving normally, but four to six weeks later, she began refusing to use a toilet and only showered when forced.

They said she saw ghosts during their meetings with her and she spent much of her time dancing in her cell.

The judge ruled that Williams must be placed in a mental health treatment facility.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

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Food Road Trip Planner: 6 Culinary Regions In America To Visit

E xploring the culinary regions of America on a road trip is an immersive experience that helps you connect with an area. Food is a universal language; it rises above borders, social standing, and ethnicity and brings people together.

Planning a road trip around culinary regions will allow you to taste various distinctive and enticing dishes specific to the region. You’ll also learn about the history and culture behind them.

You can meet local chefs and farmers, visit markets, and attend food festivals, all while enjoying scenic drives through beautiful landscapes. A culinary road trip is not just about the food but the journey and the memories you create along the way.

Make your culinary trip to one of these cities, then drive to the surrounding countryside to find the source of the food you savor.

1. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a city known for its outstanding foodie scene. It is a melting pot of different cultures, which is evident in its food. San Francisco has a long culinary history. It dates to the Gold Rush era when immigrants worldwide came to California in search of fortune.

The city is famous for its sourdough bread, a staple since the Gold Rush. Seafood is also a big part of the city’s culinary traditions, with fresh fish and shellfish caught from the Pacific Ocean being served in many restaurants. Additionally, San Francisco is home to Chinatown, the largest outside of Asia, and offers a range of authentic Chinese cuisine.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a city unlike any other, and its food is no exception. The cuisine of New Orleans is a fusion of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors, resulting in a unique and delicious culinary experience.

Some of the most popular dishes from the city include gumbo, jambalaya, red beans, rice, and po’boys. Seafood is also on every menu, with fresh oysters, shrimp, and crawfish served in restaurants, food stands, and food trucks. Try the famous beignets, a deep-fried doughnut covered in powdered sugar, for dessert. In New Orleans, you’ll never go hungry.

3. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is a city with a long and varied culinary history. The food is shaped by its location near the Chesapeake Bay, making seafood a staple in many dishes. Crab cakes, soft-shell crabs, and oysters are just a few examples of the seafood delicacies that Baltimore is known for.

But the city’s food history is not limited to seafood alone. Baltimore is famous for pit beef. This local specialty involves marinating beef and cooking it over a charcoal fire. Other popular dishes in Baltimore include Old Bay seasoning, Berger cookies, and Natty Boh beer.

4. Kansas City, Missouri And Kansas

Kansas City is often associated with world-famous barbecue. The barbecue culture in Kansas City is deeply ingrained in its history. It has become a significant part of the city’s identity. The city features over 100 barbecue restaurants, each with a unique style and flavor.

The most popular barbecued meats in Kansas City are pork ribs, burnt ends, brisket, and pulled pork. The barbecue sauce in Kansas City is a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce used to baste the meat while it cooks. A visit to Kansas City is incomplete without trying its mouth-watering barbecue.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has a distinct cuisine that reflects the region’s cultural legacy. The food in Santa Fe is deeply influenced by the Native American and Hispanic cultures, offering a blend of flavors and spices individual to the region.

Some of the most popular dishes in Santa Fe include green chile stew, enchiladas, tamales, and posole. The city is famous for its chilies, used in many dishes, and can be found in varying degrees of spiciness. Santa Fe’s food is just right for anyone who wants to explore new flavors, especially chilies.

6. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has a distinct food history. It is a melting pot of different ethnicities; you can see it in the cuisine. The Windy City’s food scene has been shaped by the influence of immigrants worldwide, including European, African American, Mexican, and Asian communities.

Some of the most popular dishes in Chicago are the savory deep-dish pizzas, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. The city is also known for its love of street food, with food trucks and stands offering a variety of delicious eats. Chicago’s food scene is a testament to its vibrant and multicultural community.

If you’re planning a culinary road trip, there are a few things to consider. First, determine the destinations you want to visit and research the local cuisine. Look for unique and authentic dishes that are specific to each region.

You can check out food blogs, travel guides, and apps to find the best places to eat, visit markets, and attend food festivals. Plan your route to include scenic drives through beautiful landscapes and consider staying at local bed and breakfasts or inns to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Remember to try the local specialties and meet local chefs and farmers along the way.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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Road trip from New Orleans to Charleston & Savannah - Charleston Forum

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Road trip from New Orleans to Charleston & Savannah

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Idea 1 has beach, history, great food:

New Orleans

Gulf Coast in MS, AL and FL

St. Augustine

Idea 2 has history, music, scenery, wildlife:

MS River Natchez and Vicksburg

Great Smoky Mountains national park

What do you advise?

How long will your trip be?

What is the appeal of the gulf coast stops? If it's beach that's not where I would choose.

Thank you for your replies.

My wife and I ( respectively 68 and 63 years old) are planning to spend one month in May 2023.

Since this is our first visit to the United States, we selected the east and south part of USA after reading some reports on this forum and we have been seduced by the historical, cultural, architectural, musical, curinarian traditions of this region and the beauty of its landscapes ,the plantations around Charleston , the kindness of the people, the beauty of the old cities of Savannah , Saint Augustine and Charleston as well as the beaches in the background( although that beaches are on the second plan of our interests).

However, what remains unclear for me is what itinerary to choose between all these différents places and especially between New Orleans and Charleston, Savannah St. Augustine and eventually Miami to go back to home, because we will have to pass either by Paris, Rome Berlin or Frankfurt.

Considering the above mentioned preferences, the duration, the climate in May, the possibility of renting a car (although there would be additional costs for drop off in a different place) and the possibility to take one or two domestic flights (one from Washington to New Orleans and if it is necessary from New Orleans to Charleston ) I will be very grateful if you can recommend me the best itinerary to follow for this trip.Thank you in advance.

I’m confused, how would you do either of these trips without renting a car ?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i12567-Road_Trips.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g143031-Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park_Tennessee-Vacations.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60842-Gatlinburg_Tennessee-Vacations.html

If you have time you might want to add in a couple of nights in Asheville between the GSMNP & Charleston .

https://www.exploreasheville.com/outdoor-adventures/waterfalls/

As for visiting the GSMNP its easiest to stay in Gatlinburg to visit most of the park. It is touristy and others prefer Townsend, however you can access Roaring Fork Motor Trail and the main drive through the park right there, you can also drive to Cades Cove (best place to see the animals) or visit it on your way in from Nashville .

You are correct that weather can be a concern. May is the start of tornado season and can be quite rainy - but then again, it could be beautiful weather.

I would not worry about domestic flights . I generally plan flight days as "lost" to adventuresome exploring at a new destination, but with the distances in the US, flying is the choice of many of us.

How will you get to Miami ? Flight from Charleston ? Drive? You pass by St Augustine .

I wonder if you could prioritize your must-see spots and if that might also help clarify an itinerary. If New Orleans is not a necessity, the trip could be a nice, slow drive down the east coast or detour through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolin headed to Charleston. (Look between Winston-Salem and Asheville for some potential routes with nice scenery). Then explore Charleston for a period, then a drive down to Miami via Savanah, Tybee Island, St Augustine or whatever else strikes you on the route to Miami.

You note this is a first trip to the US . You are undoubtedly aware of the driving distances and traffic levels, but a reminder, especially itinerary 2, that you are looking at covering a lot of distance that may leave limited time for exploring. New Orleans to Vicksburg to Memphis to Nashville to Charleston google maps as over 1200 miles. You will have longer hours of daylight in May, but some of those more mountainous, hilly areas can get foggy which may limit your ability to get moving early in the morning. Personally, I would not be looking at that itinerary on top of New York City and Washington and needing to leave from Miami, but if you can lay it out on days available and make it work for you, that's all that matters!

I do hope you enjoy your visit, whatever you end up planning. As an aside, my hubby and I are about your ages and I have just planned a 2 1/2 week driving trip to the southwest. To be honest, I am not sure we will make it and have given us the option of cancelling and returning home if we decide that distance road tripping isn't for us! So, you pick up my bias in critiquing your itinerary 2! Our last real road trip was in Germany pre-Covid, so much easier to travel by road in Europe with shorter distances!

I am grateful for all these tips and recommendations .

Europelover 2014 , even if you live in United States and used to its roads ,you seem to be very considerate and cautious about the idea of taking the road for long distances, which I find nevertheless to be a good advice.

I drived all the Peloponnese in Greece during July 2022 through the mountainous and windy roads and also in Germany (Bavaria, Constance lake and part of Austria :Salzburg and Salzkammergut) without any problem but as you said, in Europe the distances are not as long as in United States .

Having said that, I don't like to run the risk of traveling during tornado times. What is the best time to travel in the American South East to avoid tornadoes and much raining ?

This option has the advantage to drive less km bus has the disadvantage of not going through Memphis , Nashville , Asheville ,Columbus (1300 miles )and through Winston,Salem and Asheville as proposed by Europe's er2014 (about 1200 miles)

Which of these options seems to you the most interesting in term of discovery new land and different landscapes and for beauty of nature architecture as well asfir the beauty of the cities of the animation that they have and the cultural curiosities which are there.

Thank you in advance.

If you are attempting cover larger distances efficiently, much of the driving will be on US Interstates. These routes are frequently not scenic. I drove the route from Charleston to St Augustine a year ago and saw nothing but the bumper in front of me. Heavy traffic, stop and go, almost all the way. Not pleasant. My trip was in July - May could be better, but these are routes with heavy duty truck traffic all year long. You might find a couple possible routes and ask in the road trip section of TA about them. I found good advice when determining my routes for our upcoming road trip - people may know specifically what to avoid and where some good stops are.

New Orleans seems to be the outlier on your itinerary. If it is a must-see, I would fly direct from Washington, round trip. At a quick glance, looks like multiple non-stops. Then from Washington, drive down the east coast towards Charleston detouring toward Asheville, NC with stops in the mountains. There are a number of little, "cute" towns and scenic panoramas in the area. TA for NorthCarolina Mountains is an active forum with good advice (I've used it!). Charleston to Savanah to Jekyll Island to St Augustine to Miami.

Our weather, like much of the world, has been crazy in recent years. May is as good a bet as most other times for travel. Kids are still in school, so the roads might not be as bad as later. Just monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for possible changes to your schedule.

You also have to know holidays (Memorial Day) and any large events that may affect pricing and availability of hotels and more (Jazz Fest in New Orleans for one), and yes, definitely post on the Road Trips forum for help with dates and more once you have an outline.

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