17 Foodie Road Trips in the U.S. Where Every Stop Is Delicious

There’s something special about hitting the open road with food as your guide. I’ve followed my cravings through smoky BBQ trails in the South, clam shacks dotting New England’s coast, and taco trucks in the Southwest that completely changed my expectations.

These 17 foodie road trips aren’t just about what’s on the plate—they’re about the stories behind each bite. Ever had pie so good you turned the car around? Or found the best sandwich of your life in a gas station deli? I have. That’s what makes these routes unforgettable. Which region would you start with?

1. The Maine Lobster Trail

When you think of Maine, fresh lobster immediately comes to mind. Starting in Portland, the trail takes you up the coast to Bar Harbor. It’s a place where every bite tells a story of the sea. The delightful aroma of butter-drenched lobster rolls is impossible to resist. Stop at renowned spots like Red’s Eats for a taste of heaven.

If you’re a seafood lover, this is paradise. The journey is dotted with charming coastal towns that add to the allure.

Maine harvests around 100 million pounds of lobster each year. The views, the food, and the friendly locals make this trip unforgettable.

2. California’s Pacific Coast Highway

How about a drive with stunning ocean views and succulent seafood? California’s Pacific Coast Highway offers just that. Begin in San Francisco and wind down to Los Angeles. It’s a route known for breathtaking scenery and diverse culinary offerings.

Stop for fresh oysters in Monterey or indulge in farm-to-table dining in Santa Barbara.

The road is a feast for the senses, with each stop offering fresh flavors and local charm. Are you a wine lover? You’ll find plenty of coastal wineries to explore. This journey combines the best of coastal beauty and culinary delight. Each curve of the highway reveals a new taste sensation that’s hard to forget.

3. BBQ Trail in Texas

Texas is synonymous with barbecue, and the BBQ Trail is a meat lover’s dream. Starting in Austin, it leads you through towns like Lockhart and Taylor.

Where else can you find brisket that melts in your mouth? The smoky aroma is a promise of flavors to come. Franklin Barbecue in Austin is a must-visit, with lines forming early each day.

Though each joint has its own twist, the passion for barbecue is universal here. The trail is filled with lively spots where the food is as warm as the hospitality. Texas BBQ is all about the beef, particularly brisket.

4. New Mexico’s Green Chile Trail

If heat is your thing, New Mexico’s Green Chile Trail is a fiery adventure. From Santa Fe to Albuquerque, the trail is a celebration of the famous chile. It’s where each meal packs a spicy punch. The green chile cheeseburger is an iconic dish you must try. Stop by The Shed in Santa Fe for authentic flavors.

The trail is a journey through rich culture and spice, with each stop offering a different take on chile. The green chile is New Mexico’s state vegetable. The landscape is as vibrant as the flavors, making the experience unforgettable. Every bite is a warm embrace of New Mexican heritage.

5. Louisiana’s Cajun Country

Where can you find a blend of music, culture, and incredible food? Louisiana’s Cajun Country is the answer. Starting in Lafayette, the journey takes you through the heart of Cajun culture. It’s a place where gumbo and crawfish are more than meals, they’re celebrations.

Try the boudin at Best Stop in Scott for a taste of tradition.

The road is filled with lively festivals and friendly faces, enhancing the taste experience. Cajun cuisine is rooted in French-Canadian traditions. The sights, sounds, and tastes of Cajun Country offer a sensory feast.

6. The Wisconsin Cheese Tour

This is for the cheese enthusiasts. Wisconsin’s Cheese Tour is a dairy delight, starting in Madison and winding through the Cheese Belt. It’s a journey where each stop offers creamy indulgence. Visit Carr Valley Cheese for award-winning selections. The landscape is dotted with charming farms and artisanal shops.

Where else can you find cheese curds this fresh? The tour is a celebration of all things cheese, from sharp cheddar to creamy brie. Wisconsin produces over 600 varieties of cheese. The lush scenery and rich flavors make this a must-do for cheese lovers.

7. The Vermont Maple Trail

Vermont’s Maple Trail is a sweet escape into nature and flavor. Starting in Stowe, the trail leads you through scenic towns like Woodstock. It’s where maple syrup is more than a topping, it’s a tradition. Stop by Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks for a taste of liquid gold. The autumn scenery enhances the journey.

Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the U.S. The trail is a celebration of sweet and savory, with each stop offering a taste of history. The flavors and views are intertwined, making this a memorable journey. It’s a delicious dive into New England’s natural beauty and culinary heritage.

8. The Florida Keys Seafood Trail

How about some sun, sea, and seafood? The Florida Keys Seafood Trail is a paradise for seafood lovers. Starting in Key Largo and stretching to Key West, it’s a route filled with fresh flavors. Try the conch fritters at Alabama Jack’s, a local favorite. The ocean views add a tropical vibe to the culinary experience.

Where else can you savor seafood with such stunning scenery? The trail is a celebration of coastal cuisine, with each stop offering a taste of the tropics. The Keys are known for their stone crab and pink shrimp. This trip is a sunny escape into flavor and fun that’s uniquely Floridian.

9. The Michigan Cherry Trail

It’s cherry season in Michigan, and the Cherry Trail is a celebration of this vibrant fruit. From Traverse City to Leelanau Peninsula, the route is a feast of cherries. Each stop offers a taste of sweetness, from cherry pies to fresh-picked delights. Visit Cherry Republic for a cherry-centric adventure.

Michigan produces 75% of the U.S. tart cherries. The trail is a journey through lush orchards and delightful flavors. The views, the fruit, and the friendly atmosphere make this a must-visit. It’s a vibrant celebration of all things cherry that’s sweet and satisfying.

You’ll leave with a heart full of memories and a belly full of cherries.

10. The New York Pizza Tour

Where can you find the best slice? The New York Pizza Tour offers a cheesy adventure through the city that never sleeps. From Brooklyn to Manhattan, each pizzeria has its own flair. It’s a journey where each bite reveals a story of tradition and taste. Start at Di Fara Pizza for a legendary slice.

How about a taste of history with your pizza? New York’s pizza culture is iconic, shaped by generations of passion. The first pizzeria in the U.S. opened in Manhattan in 1905. This tour is a cheesy exploration of culture and flavor that’s uniquely New York.

11. The North Carolina BBQ Tour

Are you a fan of smoky flavors? North Carolina’s BBQ Tour offers a savory journey through a state rich in barbecue tradition. From Lexington to Raleigh, each stop is a celebration of pork perfection. Try the pulled pork at Lexington Barbecue for an authentic taste. The aroma of wood-fired cooking fills the air.

Where else can you taste such tender meat? Each joint offers its own twist, making the tour a flavorful exploration. North Carolina is known for its vinegar-based barbecue sauce. The combination of tradition, flavor, and friendliness makes this tour unforgettable.

12. The Oregon Wine Country

Wine lovers, this one’s for you. Oregon’s Wine Country is a journey through lush vineyards and exquisite flavors. Starting in Willamette Valley, the trail offers a taste of world-class wines. Each winery has its own charm, with Pinot Noir being a local specialty. Don’t miss a tasting at Domaine Serene.

The landscape is as rich as the wine, offering a feast for the senses. Oregon is the third largest wine-producing state in the U.S. This tour is a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. It’s a relaxing escape into a world of wine and natural beauty.

13. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country

When it comes to comfort food, Pennsylvania Dutch Country is a delightful destination. From Lancaster to Bird-in-Hand, the trail is a taste of tradition. Try the shoofly pie and homemade pretzels, each bite offering a taste of homemade goodness. Stop by Central Market in Lancaster for fresh delights.

The Amish community is known for its simple, home-cooked meals. The trail is a journey through scenic landscapes and rich flavors. The warmth and hospitality of the locals make this trip special. It’s a comforting dive into a world of flavor and tradition that’s uniquely Pennsylvanian.

14. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

This one’s for the bourbon enthusiasts. Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail is a spirited journey through the heart of bourbon country. Starting in Louisville, the trail takes you through historic distilleries like Maker’s Mark. Each sip is a taste of craftsmanship and tradition. The aroma of aging barrels fills the air.

Bourbon is a uniquely American spirit, with strict production standards. The trail is a celebration of flavor and history, with each distillery offering a unique experience. It’s a toast to tradition and taste that’s quintessentially Kentucky. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of bourbon-making.

15. The Colorado Beer Trail

Beer aficionados, this trail is for you. Colorado’s Beer Trail offers a hoppy adventure through a state rich in craft beer culture. From Denver to Fort Collins, each brewery has its own unique brews. Try the IPAs at New Belgium Brewing for a refreshing taste. The mountain views add to the experience.

Where else can you enjoy such a variety of flavors? The trail is a tribute to innovation and craftsmanship. Colorado is home to over 400 breweries. This journey offers a taste of creativity and community in every glass.

16. The Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Whiskey lovers, this trail is calling. Tennessee’s Whiskey Trail offers a journey through a state known for its spirited flavors. From Nashville to Lynchburg, each distillery has its own story. There’s something special about sipping whiskey where it’s made. Visit Jack Daniel’s for a taste of history.

Tennessee whiskey is distinct from bourbon due to its charcoal filtering process. The trail is a celebration of flavor and heritage, offering a taste of tradition. It’s a spirited adventure through a state that loves its whiskey.

17. The Kansas City Donut Safari

Kansas City isn’t just about BBQ, it’s a donut lover’s paradise. Start your morning at one of the city’s charming donut shops where you’ll find flavors that surprise and delight. Imagine biting into a maple bacon donut or savoring a lavender-infused creation.

Each shop offers its unique twist, from classic glazed to innovative concoctions. As you travel through the city, the sweet aroma of freshly baked donuts will guide you. This trip is perfect for those who love a sweet start to their day, coupled with a hot cup of locally brewed coffee.