Southern USA
Southern USA ranks 4th on the list of the best U.S. road trips for epic drives. Explore that famous Southern Charm, from the mountains of North Carolina to the famed hospitality of Charleston and Savannah, plus the magic of New Orleans. Start your Deep South road trip in Atlanta, the birthplace of Martin Luther King, and many African American political and cultural movements. It’s a place to educate yourself on the area’s history while also diving into the food scene. Next head up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at the Smoky Mountains along the way. Try to time your trip with the fall, so you can experience the majesty of the parkway’s fall colors.
Creative Asheville is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the parkway, and enjoying a slice of mountain life before you head south to well-to-do Charleston. The history of slavery casts a shadow over the area, so be sure to pay your respects and learn more at one of the more responsible plantation tours such as Magnolia Plantation. Next is arty and charming Savannah where you’ll be happy wandering its attractive streets. From there, head along the Gulf Coast to Tallahassee and Mobile before finally reaching New Orleans, a truly one-of-a-kind city and somewhere you could several weeks.
Distance: 2716km
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Things to do:
- Driving the epic Blue Ridge Parkway, especially in the Fall
- Enjoying the creative vibes of laid-back Asheville
- Choosing your favorite home in charming Charleston
- Experiencing the one-of-kind city of New Orleans
