Last Updated on December 1, 2023
Road tripping in the US is a must, and the Southern states are particularly well suited to long distance jaunts. If you want some inspiration when planning your next behind-the-wheel excursion, here are some top options to consider.
Embrace the Blue Ridge Parkway Experience
The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a road. Bookmarking North Carolina and Virginia, it’s an exhilarating journey filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and breathtaking vistas. This 469-mile stretch features mesmerizing views of America’s diverse wildlife and gorgeous foliage all-year-round.
Take your time to pull over at highlights like Linville Falls or Craggy Gardens for unforgettable snapshots. Whether you’re seeking solitude amidst nature’s beauty or embarking on a grand eastern US adventure, this scenic route simply can’t be missed.
Journey Through Time Along the Natchez Trace Parkway
Stretching across three states, the Natchez Trace takes you on an enchanting trip through history. This 444-mile path links Mississippi to Tennessee, passing through Alabama where roadside diners exude authenticity. The route is steeped in Native American tales and early pioneer stories, so it’s a journey that will lead back hundreds of years.
You’ll be amazed by verdant forests, fields adorned with wildflowers, and swamps through which distant animal calls echo, and each section holds its own fascination. You’ll also discover landmarks like Emerald Mound or Jackson Falls as your journey unfolds along this fabled trail once walked by explorers and settlers alike.
Explore Hill Country’s Splendid Scenery in Texas
From the winding roads that kiss sweeping rivers, to the explosion of wildflowers come springtime, Texas Hill Country is a feast for your senses.
Start in San Antonio, move north, and be prepared to have your breath stolen away at nearly every turn. As you make progress, you’ll unearth charming little towns like New Braunfels and Fredericksburg while you cruise along.
It’s also well connected to other states, whether you’re looking to keep heading west, or even veer north into Oklahoma and on into Colorado, where cities like Denver will feel like a far cry from the dry and dusty places you’ve left behind. In fact you could even visit a Thornton car lot in CO, trading in your travel-worn wheels from the South for something more suited to the northerly climate.
Investigate Alabama’s Coastal Connection
Alabama’s Coastal Connection not only connects roads, but also seamlessly weaves together distinct ecosystems, historical epochs, and culinary delights. This 130-mile route invites you to bask in the beauty of sandy beaches next to turquoise waters, explore wildlife refuges rich with fauna or delve into riveting Civil War history.
The vibrancy of Southern culture comes alive against a backdrop of scenic landscapes from Mobile Bay to the Gulf Shores. So immerse yourself in an enticing array of coastal towns oozing charm and character.
Discover Florida’s A1A Highway
Florida’s A1A is a sun-soaked scenic route that takes you along the east coast from Fernandina Beach to Key West. This stunning highway boasts miles of surf-lapped beaches and bustling towns known for their vibrant nightlife.
On this drive you’ll stumble upon fascinating landmarks like St. Augustine’s historical fort and Daytona Beach’s Boardwalk amusements. You can also tune into the subtropical rhythm as you reach Southern Florida, where natural beauty merges with rich Cuban influences in food, music and architecture. It’s a way to learn that there’s more to the state than Miami.
Rack up the Miles on Virginia’s Colonial Parkway
Evoking America’s earliest days, Virginia’s Colonial Parkway grants travelers a peek into the humble beginnings that helped forge a nation. This 23-mile route connects Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg, which form the ‘Historic Triangle’ defined by the move from colonialism to the American Revolution.
Flanked by lush foliage and beguiling bodies of water, the scenery acts as an atmospheric canvas for an inviting road trip. You can bask in the simplicity of meandering deer as you journey past avenues lined with impressive living-history sites like Old Court House or Governor’s Palace, and conclude your trip a little wiser than when you set out.
Final Thoughts
Take these scenic routes as a starting point for your own road trip plans, and you’ll see just what all the fuss is about when you trek across the South.
