27 Unforgettable Road Trip Stops Every Southerner Should See This Summer
Summer’s warmth beckons us to hit the open road and explore the South’s hidden treasures. From coastal hideaways to mountain retreats, our region boasts some of America’s most breathtaking destinations.
Pack your cooler, queue up your favorite country tunes, and join me as we discover these unforgettable Southern stops that deserve a spot on your summer adventure list.
1. Savannah’s Historic District
Spanish moss drapes over cobblestone streets like nature’s own decorations in this Georgia gem. Walking through the 22 historic squares feels like stepping back in time, with each park offering its own unique charm and story.
Grab a praline from River Street and explore the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. The local open container laws mean you can enjoy a refreshing drink while strolling through this pedestrian-friendly district.
2. The French Quarter in New Orleans
Jazz pours from doorways as freely as drinks flow in this lively Louisiana neighborhood. The Quarter’s vibrant energy is contagious, with street performers and artists showcasing their talents on nearly every corner.
Morning brings the heavenly scent of beignets from Café du Monde, while evenings transform the district into a celebration of music and life. Don’t miss Jackson Square, where fortune tellers and artists gather beneath the watchful gaze of St. Louis Cathedral.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Misty blue ridges stretch toward the horizon in America’s most visited national park. Straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, this natural wonder offers over 800 miles of hiking trails through ancient forests and flowering meadows.
Wildlife spotting becomes second nature here – black bears, elk, and over 1,500 species of flowering plants call this park home. For an unforgettable experience, drive Cades Cove Loop Road early morning when fog dances between the mountains and valleys.
4. Charleston’s Rainbow Row
Pastel-colored Georgian townhouses stand shoulder to shoulder along this iconic stretch of East Bay Street. Each building tells a story of Charleston’s past, from pirates to wealthy merchants who once called these structures home.
The waterfront location provides refreshing breezes as you admire the architecture. After snapping the perfect photo, wander through the nearby historic district where gas lamps still flicker and horse-drawn carriages clip-clop down narrow streets.
5. Graceland in Memphis
Elvis Presley’s larger-than-life personality shines through every room of his beloved Memphis mansion. The Jungle Room with its green shag carpet and Polynesian feel remains exactly as The King left it, preserving a moment in musical history.
Beyond the house tour, you’ll find his impressive collection of gold records and jumpsuits. The meditation garden where Elvis and family members rest provides a quiet moment to reflect on his enduring legacy and impact on Southern culture.
6. Florida’s Emerald Coast
Sugar-white sand squeaks beneath your feet along this stunning stretch of Gulf shoreline. The water lives up to its emerald name, with crystal clear waves revealing schools of fish darting through the shallows. Seaside and Rosemary Beach offer picture-perfect planned communities with pastel cottages and charming shops.
For a more natural experience, venture to Henderson Beach State Park where protected dunes create a pristine coastal ecosystem rarely seen elsewhere in Florida.
7. Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame
Musical history resonates through this treasure trove of country memorabilia and artifacts. The building itself impresses with its piano key-shaped windows and guitar-inspired architecture that hints at the wonders inside.
Elvis Presley’s gold-plated Cadillac and Hank Williams’ handwritten lyrics await discovery among thousands of exhibits. After exploring the museum, catch a live performance at the attached CMA Theater where tomorrow’s country stars often share the stage with today’s legends.
8. Asheville’s Biltmore Estate
America’s largest private home stands majestically amid 8,000 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. Built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s, this 250-room French Renaissance château showcases unimaginable wealth and craftsmanship.
Summer brings the gardens to vibrant life with thousands of roses and seasonal blooms. The winery on the estate offers complimentary tastings after your tour, and the former stable complex now houses charming shops and farm-to-table restaurants worth lingering in.
9. Key West’s Southernmost Point
Standing at this concrete buoy marker places you just 90 miles from Cuba at the southernmost spot in the continental United States. The colorful landmark draws visitors for the obligatory photo, but the surrounding area offers much more to explore.
Nearby Hemingway House provides a glimpse into the famous author’s life with its resident six-toed cats. As evening approaches, join locals and tourists alike at Mallory Square for the nightly sunset celebration where street performers entertain as the sun sinks into the Gulf.
10. Mammoth Cave National Park
Beneath Kentucky’s rolling hills lies the world’s longest known cave system, a limestone labyrinth of underground wonders. Various tour options range from easy walks to challenging crawls, each revealing different aspects of this subterranean marvel.
Massive chambers like the Rotunda and Frozen Niagara formation showcase nature’s artistry. Above ground, the Green River offers canoeing opportunities through forested valleys where wildlife abounds. The constant 54-degree cave temperature provides perfect relief from summer heat.
11. Outer Banks Lighthouses
Five sentinel towers stand guard along North Carolina’s barrier islands, each with distinctive black and white patterns designed to be recognized by sailors during daylight. Climbing the spiral staircases rewards visitors with breathtaking coastal panoramas.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, America’s tallest brick lighthouse, features a candy-cane spiral that’s instantly recognizable. Between lighthouse visits, explore miles of pristine beaches where wild horses sometimes roam and the Wright Brothers first took flight at nearby Kitty Hawk.
12. Natchez Trace Parkway
Ancient footpaths once used by Native Americans and early settlers have transformed into a 444-mile scenic drive through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. The two-lane road winds through forests, farmlands, and historic sites without a single commercial establishment in sight.
Pull over at Meriwether Lewis’s gravesite or the ghostly remains of abandoned towns. The Double Arch Bridge near Nashville provides an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity. With a 50 mph speed limit, this route encourages slow travel and appreciation of the South’s natural beauty.
13. Austin’s Barton Springs Pool
Fed by natural springs, this three-acre swimming hole maintains a refreshing 68-degree temperature year-round. Nestled within Zilker Park, the limestone-bottomed pool offers the perfect escape from Texas summer heat. Locals gather here for morning swims before work or evening dips as the sun sets.
The grassy hills surrounding the pool provide perfect lounging spots. Keep an eye out for the endangered Barton Springs salamander that makes its home in these crystal-clear waters.
14. Lexington Horse Country
Rolling bluegrass pastures divided by white plank fences create a landscape that seems straight from a painting in central Kentucky. World-famous horse farms open their gates for tours where visitors can meet Kentucky Derby winners and their promising offspring.
The Kentucky Horse Park offers interactive experiences including horse-drawn trolley rides and museum exhibits. Time your visit to catch morning workouts at Keeneland Race Course where thoroughbreds train against the rising sun.
Even non-equestrians find themselves enchanted by these magnificent animals and their caretakers.
15. St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos
America’s oldest masonry fort has guarded Florida’s coast since 1695, its coquina shell walls withstanding centuries of sieges and storms. Walking the gun deck provides spectacular views of Matanzas Bay and the nation’s oldest city.
Costumed interpreters demonstrate musket firings and colonial life skills throughout the day. The fort’s unique star shape represents military engineering at its finest.
After exploring the fortress, wander through St. Augustine’s historic district where Spanish colonial architecture and narrow streets create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in America.
16. Gulf Shores’ White Sand Beaches
Miles of pristine shoreline await along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, where powdery quartz sand gleams brilliantly white against turquoise waters. The family-friendly atmosphere makes this an ideal destination for building sandcastles and splashing in gentle waves.
Fishing enthusiasts flock to Gulf State Park Pier, the second-longest on the Gulf of Mexico. When hunger strikes, beachside restaurants serve up fresh seafood caught that morning. For wildlife viewing, nearby Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge protects nesting sea turtles and migratory birds.
17. Antebellum Homes of Natchez
Perched high on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, these grand mansions showcase the opulence of pre-Civil War Southern aristocracy. Ornate furnishings, spiral staircases, and period antiques transport visitors to another era during guided tours.
Longwood, the largest octagonal house in America, remains unfinished inside – frozen in time when workers left to fight in the Civil War. The town’s Spring and Fall Pilgrimage festivals open additional private homes to the public. Gardens surrounding these mansions burst with colorful blooms during summer months.
18. Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks
Winding through Virginia and North Carolina’s highest mountains, this 469-mile scenic byway offers breathtaking vistas at over 200 designated overlooks. Summer transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise with wildflowers carpeting meadows alongside the roadway.
Mabry Mill at milepost 176 provides the parkway’s most photographed scene with its water wheel and pioneer exhibits. Hiking trails branch off from many overlooks, leading to hidden waterfalls and summit views.
The elevation provides natural air conditioning, with temperatures often 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands.
19. Everglades National Park
Gliding through saw grass prairies on an airboat reveals Florida’s most unique ecosystem – America’s largest subtropical wilderness. Alligators sun themselves on banks while herons stalk fish in shallow waters of this river of grass.
The Anhinga Trail offers an accessible boardwalk where wildlife viewing practically guarantees sightings. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that create dramatic skies perfect for photography.
The park’s vastness means you can find solitude even during peak tourist season if you venture beyond the main visitor areas.
20. Charleston’s Historic Plantations
Live oaks draped with Spanish moss create natural archways leading to these preserved estates outside Charleston. Each plantation offers a different perspective on Southern history, from agriculture to architecture to the lives of enslaved people who built these properties.
Magnolia Plantation features America’s oldest public gardens, while Middleton Place boasts meticulously landscaped terraces. Boone Hall’s spectacular Avenue of Oaks appeared in numerous films. These sites now balance showcasing architectural beauty with honest education about the harsh realities of plantation life.
21. Hot Springs National Park
Thermal waters bubble from the ground at this unique Arkansas destination where nature and civilization intertwine. The historic Bathhouse Row features eight grand buildings in varying architectural styles where visitors once sought healing waters.
Today’s travelers can still soak in several operating bathhouses or fill containers with mineral water from public fountains. Hiking trails lead up Hot Springs Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. The compact downtown area makes this one of America’s most walkable national parks.
22. San Antonio’s River Walk
Below street level, a verdant oasis winds through downtown San Antonio, lined with restaurants, shops, and colorful umbrellas. Stone footbridges arch over the water while tour boats glide beneath, carrying guides who share the city’s rich history.
Summer evenings bring twinkling lights and mariachi music that creates a festive atmosphere. The River Walk extends beyond the popular central section to connect cultural sites including the historic missions. Escape the Texas heat by dining at a waterside table as ducks paddle past your feet.
23. Lookout Mountain Attractions
Straddling Tennessee and Georgia, this mountain offers three classic tourist stops that have delighted Southern travelers for generations. Ruby Falls takes visitors deep inside the mountain to witness America’s tallest underground waterfall illuminated by colorful lights.
Rock City’s enchanted trail weaves through massive ancient rock formations to Lover’s Leap, where seven states are visible on clear days. The Incline Railway climbs at breathtaking angles, earning its nickname as “America’s Most Amazing Mile.” Combined, these attractions provide a perfect day of mountain exploration.
24. Okefenokee Swamp
Mysterious and primeval, this vast wetland along the Georgia-Florida border harbors incredible biodiversity within its tea-colored waters. Guided boat tours navigate through cypress forests draped with Spanish moss where alligators glide silently alongside.
The prairie-like expanses of water lilies stretch to the horizon in some sections. Overnight camping on platforms within the swamp offers unforgettable experiences as the wilderness comes alive with sounds after dark.
Stephen C. Foster State Park provides the most remote access point for truly adventurous travelers.
25. Monticello in Charlottesville
Thomas Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece sits atop a small mountain, showcasing his innovative design ideas and love of gadgetry. The dome room, hidden staircases, and clever storage solutions reveal Jefferson’s brilliant mind at work.
Summer brings the vegetable garden to full production with heirloom varieties Jefferson collected. Tours now honestly address the contradiction between Jefferson’s words about liberty and his ownership of enslaved people.
The view from the west lawn stretches across the Virginia countryside that Jefferson so dearly loved.
26. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Carnival atmosphere fills the air along this oceanfront promenade where saltwater taffy scents mingle with sunscreen. The SkyWheel lifts riders 200 feet above the Atlantic for spectacular coastal views. Arcades, shops, and restaurants create a nostalgic beach vacation experience that’s entertained generations.
Live music performances at the Bowery and other venues keep the energy high well into evening hours. For a quieter experience, walk the northern end of the boardwalk at sunrise when the beach belongs mostly to seagulls and shell collectors.
27. Helen’s Alpine Village
Tucked in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains sits an unexpected Bavarian wonderland complete with half-timbered buildings and German restaurants. The Chattahoochee River flows through town, carrying tubers who float lazily downstream during hot summer days.
Despite its touristy nature, Helen’s charm captivates visitors with mountain scenery and unique shopping. Nearby Anna Ruby Falls offers a refreshing hiking destination when Alpine kitsch becomes overwhelming.
The surrounding vineyards produce surprisingly good Georgia wines available for tasting in several downtown shops.