How to Plan a Two-Week Southern U.S.A. Road Trip

We’ve been all over the United States since our first road trip through the American South, spending months in Louisiana, Georgia, and what’s considered the Deep South.

While it’s certainly a different world down there, especially for gals from Chicago like me, it remains one of my favorite regions of the country for driving trips.

A road trip through states like Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Alabama is delicious and historically and culturally significant. If you time things right, it can be an escape from the winter chill, too.

This guide takes everything we’ve loved about all of our trips in the region and combines it all into one two-week road trip itinerary through the country’s southern states.

Which states are considered the “South”?

I’m taking the federal government’s approach to defining “the South” in this post. Here are the states they consider the South in ABC order:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Delaware
• The District of Columbia
• Florida 
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• West Virginia

No, you won’t be able to hit all of those on this one road trip. This is basically an intro itinerary that gives you a feel for what’s possible in the region. You’ll certainly want to return as you continue ticking things off your American bucket lists.

If you’re planning a Deep South road trip, that includes Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana. That’s also more of what you’ll see in this guide.

How to Spend Two Weeks in the American South

You can spend your two weeks exploring the American South like this:

• Days 1-2: Memphis, Tennessee
• Day 3: Tupelo, Mississippi
• Day 4: Birmingham, Alabama
• Days 5-6: Atlanta, Georgia
• Days 7-8: Savannah, Georgia
• Days 9-10: Charleston, South Carolina
• Days 11-12: Asheville, North Carolina
• Days 13-14: Nashville, Tennessee

How to Plan a Southern U.S.A. Road Trip

We started in Chicago during our first road trip through the South, so this itinerary will start from the north and go south to reflect initial adventure.

You can certainly switch it up depending on your starting point, especially if you have to fly into a major city to make this happen. You’ll need a car from wherever you start, naturally.

The best time to visit the American South for most is spring or fall, especially if you’re here for outdoor pursuits. Spring offers blooming flowers and mild weather, while fall brings vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures.

Avoid summer if you dislike heat and humidity or want to do absolutely anything outside.

We’ve always preferred winters, though. As we’re both from the Midwest, we love the idea of escaping the snow. That doesn’t mean you don’t get the occasional ice storm in the South. When that happens, expect chaos on the roads.

These folks just aren’t used to that sort of thing.

Days 1-2: Memphis, Tennessee

Spend at least two full days in Memphis, especially if you’ve never been. You could spend one full day just eating all of that delicious barbecue if you’ve packed stretchy pants and stretchy pants alone. 

If you’re short on time and planning just a week on the road, Tennessee is still a great place to start.

Oh, you’re here just for the barbecue? Here are our favorites, in no particular order:

• Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous*
• Cozy Corner BBQ
• The Bar-B-Q Shop

*This one was Brian’s favorite growing up. He spent quite a few formative years in Bartlett, just outside of Memphis. My barbecue palate isn’t as discerning, but if you want the goods from a barbecue snob, start there.

From there, pick and choose how you’d like to spend your time using my weekend itinerary for Memphis.

If you’re invested in this road trip guide, here are some things you shouldn’t miss if you’re short on time in Memphis:

• Beale Street: Allow this iconic street to suck you in with promises of live music and a good time. This is where legends like Louis Armstrong and B.B. King found their footing.
• Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum: Hear a sobering retelling of the start of slavery in Memphis in a home linked to the Underground Railroad. This is one of the most moving experiences we’ve had in the South to date.
• Sun Studio: This is where some of the biggest names in music history recorded many of their hits. Elvis Presley himself frequented Sun Studio in his early years. The studio is still a working studio today.
• National Civil Rights Museum: This is one of the best museums in Memphis. You’ll see the Lorraine Hotel while you’re there. That’s the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968.
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music: Learn all about Stax Records at another legendary studio in these parts. Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding both recorded here, so you know this place has the goods.

You’ll want to overnight in Memphis proper during this leg of your trip. Luckily, I have a guide to the best neighborhoods and Memphis accommodations for you to peruse.

Use the map below for more options:

Day 3: Tupelo, Mississippi

Start your day early. In a breezy couple of hours, you’ll be Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss while in Tupelo:

• Elvis Presley Birthplace: This is why you’re here, right? I mean, this is why we were here. See the modest home where the King of Rock and Roll was born and grew up and hold hands with a statue of a 13-year-old Elvis.
• Greetings From Tupelo: Tupelo’s colorful past meets a colorful present in murals around town. Start with the postcard-perfect Greetings from Tupelo downtown. Continue your Elvis education outside the Gardner-Watson Ice House Club.
• Queen’s Reward Meadery: Elvis doesn’t have to get all of your attention in Tupelo. Pop into the first meadery in Mississippi for some sneaky-strong honey mead to fill a bit of your day.
• Tupelo Hardware Company: This hardware store is credited with selling Elvis Presley’s mother his first guitar. They still sell guitars there, by the way, on top of the usual fare you’d find in a hardware store.
• Natchez Trace Parkway: The parkway is over 400 miles of scenic road from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi. The town is still on my to-do list for its old mansions.

Fun fact: For your convenience, the road cuts right through Tupelo.

If you have more time, spend the night. Otherwise, continue on for another two hours to your next stop: Birmingham. You’ll have a full day in the Alabama city, so feel free to linger in Tupelo on the way. 

Love that advice? I’d recommend booking with chain hotels in Birmingham like the Homewood Suites by Hilton.

While these hotels may not sound as exciting as boutique properties, your stay will be safe, consistent, and budget-friendly. I like the Homewood Suites in particular for its central location, spacious spaces (say that three times fast), and secure parking.

Want to comparison-shop? Use the map below:

Day 4: Birmingham, Alabama

Spend the day exploring the best of Birmingham. This is the seat of Jefferson County and where a good chunk of Alabamians call home.

The historical threads of the Civil Rights Movement persist in this town, especially if you hear the moniker “Bombingham” for the first time.

Explore that history and more with these Birmingham highlights:

• Avondale Brewing Company: Visit for a great selection of pours and an impressive outdoor space. If your tastes run a little funky as mine do, visit The Sour Room where they serve up sours and mouth-puckering cocktails.
• Vulcan Park: Brian got a little weird at this stop because of the heights and open grates, but the observation tower offers some of the best views of the city. The Vulcan itself is the biggest cast iron statue in the world.
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens: This community treasure is the perfect place to reflect on all you’ve seen in town. Don’t miss the Japanese Garden. You walk through a red torii to get there.
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: This Smithsonian Institution affiliate details key moments from the Civil Rights Movement like the 1963 Children’s Crusade. The event was pivotal to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Kelly Ingram Park: If you’re traveling the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, this park is a key stop. It was once an assembly spot for a number of groups in the movement. It’s marked by powerful sculptures throughout the park.

If you’re following this itinerary as written, you’ll overnight in Birmingham again this evening.

With more time in Alabama, I’d urge you to linger in two cities critical to the civil rights movement: Montgomery and Selma:

• Montgomery: Educate yourself at The Legacy Museum and its lynching memorial, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. See more things to do while you’re there in my guide to Montgomery.
• Selma: This historic city was the site of Bloody Sunday, a day named as such because of attacks on civil rights protesters by local police. See where it all happened using my guide to Selma.

Days 5-6: Atlanta, Georgia

About two hours and 15 minutes will get you to Atlanta.

Fun fact: You’re entering another time zone here, so you may like the extra day.

Atlanta gets a lot of attention for its very busy airport, but it’s an excellent stop to show off the diversity of the South from a cultural perspective. This is a hub of progress here while retaining the best of the region. 

I’m talking about the food and the hospitality, friends. 

While in Atlanta, here are a few popular tourist spots with a day or two in the city:

• Jimmy Carter Library and Museum: Take a deep dive into the lives of the Carters and peruse a wealth of historical artifacts from the Carter administration. Spend some time walking the grounds if it’s a nice day.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park: See where the iconic civil rights leader was born and came up during a time of segregation. The audio exhibits are particularly powerful.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights:This museum wasn’t open yet during my trip to Atlanta, but I’m including it here for aspirational purposes. It looks stunning.
• The Vortex Bar & Grill: My local pal brought me here, and I must say entering through a large skull is a little bit intimidating. Once you get over yourself, you will indeed be eating some delicious burgers.
• Dwarf House. See where the chicken (or the egg?) started. Travel to the nearby town of Hapeville to see the original Chick-fil-A site, although the building is no longer original. See the

Note: I have mixed feelings about the chicken chain because of their record of donations to anti-gay advocacy groups, but they’ve made efforts in recent years to refocus where they put their money. I haven’t been to one since, but it’s up to you and your comfort level with that history.

I also visited the Clermont Lounge on my Atlanta trip upon request from a local friend, but I know it’s not for everyone. Do yourself a solid and Google it, and then decide for yourself whether it’s right for you.

At the very least, I feel like it led to quite a few stories that I’ve told throughout my life. Do with that what you will.

We stayed with friends on our trip to Atlanta, but the city has accommodations for you at every price point. Use the map below to get started:

Days 7-8: Savannah, Georgia

It’ll take you about four hours to get to Savannah from Atlanta. Start your driving early to make the most of your time in this magical place. If you’re traveling with your honey, I have a guide for you on visiting Savannah for couples.

If you haven’t guessed yet, Savannah is one of the most romantic cities in the country. That doesn’t mean you need a partner to make a trip here happen. Savannah is also delicious, welcoming, and full of sights to keep you busy for a few days.

No matter how you’re rolling, don’t miss these highlights:

• Savannah’s Squares: Visit Chippewa Square to see where Forrest Gump mused about chocolates. Calhoun Square is the city’s most haunted, while Johnson Square is the oldest. There are so many squares here.
• Hearse Ghost Tours: I’ll let you guess what you ride around in while you’re hearing spooky Savannah tales. It’s less scary and more comedy-focused, by the way, so don’t be afraid.
• Mercer Williams House Museum: If you’re a fan of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s a historic home even if you’re not aware of its history.
• The Old Pink House: This is historic Savannah dining at its finest. If you’re on a budget, no sweat. Grab a drink at the Planters Tavern in the basement of the eatery for a similar level of ambiance.
• Tybee Island and Fort Pulaski National Monument: See where the Union Army forced the Confederates to surrender during the Civil War and the scenic Tybee Island Light Station. Follow that up with a trip to The Crab Shack.

You’ll overnight in Savannah proper for the duration of your stay. While you’re here, staying at a historic property is a very bucket listy thing to do.

The Catherine Ward House Inn is steps away from Forsyth Park. Go on a square crawl from the Planters Inn on Reynolds Square as your base.

Enjoy your delicious breakfasts on historic Jones Street without worrying about toddlers lamenting over the lack of Cheerios at the Eliza Thompson House. This is an adults-only property.

Want more options? Check out the map below:

Days 9-10: Charleston, South Carolina

It’s just a few hours from Savannah to Charleston, another romantic southern city that has to top some list of the most whimsical cities in the United States.

I have a more detailed guide to Charleston for you, but if you don’t feel like jumping around, here are the highlights:

• The French Quarter: Nope, you’re not in New Orleans. The Charleston version isn’t as intense, but it’s a hub of activity nonetheless. Shop at Charleston City Market or visit the Old Slave Mart Museum, a difficult but important stop.
• Pineapple Fountain: Visit Waterfront Park for the requisite Instagram photos in front of Charleston’s quintessential water feature.
• Charleston’s Historic Homes: If you’re interested in touring a few, you can buy combo tickets for the Joseph Manigault House and the Heyward-Washington House. George Washington stayed at the latter in 1791.
• High Wire Distilling: If you’re not into bourbon, they have vodka. If you’re not into vodka, grow up. I’m mostly kidding, but you can probably just skip to the next thing then.
• Fort Sumter: This is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. You’ll need to take a boat to get there, but this one’s a must for history buffs.

We stayed outside of town as we waited too long to book, but I’d recommend that you stay as close to the action as possible while in Charleston to make the most of your time.

I love the looks of the Andrew Pinckney Inn, a boutique hotel that dates back to 1840. Think about that while you’re snacking on a complimentary breakfast on their rooftop terrace.

Use the map below to peruse more options:

Days 11-12: Asheville, North Carolina

Another four hours of driving time get you to Asheville, one of my favorite cities in the country. While it may not feel as southern as some of the others, that’s why it’s a primo spot for tourism in the region. It’s quirky and hipster and such a good time.

I have a detailed guide for a weekend in Asheville if you want to linger. Want the highlights? Here you go:

• Biltmore Estate: Budget a few hours for your visit to America’s largest home, but leave a few hours for a tasting at the Biltmore Winery, too. It was our favorite rainy-day activity on the grounds.
• Thomas Wolfe Memorial: Come for the historical intrigue of being at Thomas Wolfe’s boyhood home and the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, but stay for the gossip. Wolfe was messy.
• 12 Bones Smokehouse: You’ll need to stand in line, but this is former President Barack Obama’s favorite barbecue in the country. Also, Brian gave it an elusive “A” rating, so you know it’s legit.
• Asheville Craft Beer: Asheville’s beer scene is stellar and worthy of your time. Highland Brewing Company is the oldest, but my favorite was Wicked Weed Brewing’s Funkatorium. I love my sours.
• Lexington Glassworks: It’s a little off the beaten path of most Asheville itineraries, but what they do here is truly a marvel. Linger to watch a demonstration if you’re able. It’s impressive stuff.

Hang around in Asheville for the most efficient stay.

I’d personally recommend the Clarion Inn Biltmore Village for easy access to the Biltmore or the Four Points by Sheraton Asheville Downtown. The latter offers walkability for Asheville’s downtown. I’ve done both, and had great stays.

Use the map below for even more options:

With more time, check out Charlotte or explore the North Carolina Triangle.

You can also add day trips from Asheville to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a fantastic region of the country for lingering.

You’ll want enough time to experience the Blue Ridge Parkway at the very least. This is one of the most impressive drives in the country, so take your time along the way.

READ MORE: The South isn’t the only epic road trip possibility in the United States. Route 66 is another favorite.

Days 13-14: Nashville, Tennessee

It’ll take you about five hours to get to Nashville from Asheville, passing through Knoxville on the way. This is where you’ll end your road trip.  If you have more time, Nashville is a great place to spend it after a whirlwind tour of the South.

I’ve been to Nashville with both Brian and my mother on a mother-daughter trip. It works so well for both, especially if you’re at all into country music. (I’m not, and still always have a good time!)

I have a Nashville weekend itinerary if you want to stay a while, but if you’re short on time, don’t miss these highlights:

• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: See what the Maxwell House coffee fortune built at this impressive estate. While I didn’t notice any kind of coffee aroma while there, the live jazz in the garden was a welcome delight.
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Learn about country legends at one of the best music museums in the country. Upgrade your ticket to include a tour of the historic RCA Studio B to hear where Elvis recorded some of his early work.
• Monell’s: The family-style dining at this popular Nashville eatery may bring folks like my mom out of their comfort zone, but I promise it’s worth it.
• Marathon Village: This historic complex was once the site of Marathon Motor Works, a car manufacturing company. Today, visit for shops, casual eats, and distilleries.
• Grand Ole Opry: Listen to history in the making, even if you’re not a country fan. This is the longest-running radio broadcast in the United States.

Close out with overnights in Nashville. I’ve stayed at The Gallatin in East Nashville to save some money vs. staying in downtown Nashville. You’re still within easy access to all kinds of fun eateries at this one, so I promise you won’t feel like you’re missing out.

I stayed at the Hyatt House Nashville Airport with my mom and we both enjoyed the breakfast, staff, and cost-savings of staying closer to the airport. It’s a nice place for a quick trip, too, but you’ll need to drive to get anywhere in town.

Use the map below for even more options:

More Stops on a Southern Road Trip

When we went nomadic after selling our house in San Diego, we knew we’d be spending time in warmer climates during the winter months. 

Note: We were completely acclimated to very little temperature change throughout the year, which I know isn’t sustainable in most places around the United States.

Where do you go when the snow starts hitting half the country? You head south for warmer pastures. (While we won’t go all the way to Florida here, it’s an option for some of the country’s best beaches and Everglades National Park.)

Still, there’s so much we have left to see, like Hilton Head Island with its luxe beaches and golf, and historic Natchez. We’ve seen a lot, though, and are so grateful for it.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Baton Rouge, Louisiana: We visited Baton Rouge on a New Orleans day trip, and I’m so glad we did. I wouldn’t know what beignet fingers were otherwise. You’ll just need to taste ’em for yourself.
• Charleston, West Virginia: This is a bit niche when it comes to road trips through the South, but you shouldn’t only give the Charleston in South Carolina all of your attention. Take me home, country roads. This Charleston’s also adorable.
• Houston, Texas: Yes, the traffic is terrible. If you plant yourself in Eado, or East Downtown, you won’t have to do much driving. If you want to hit the road, it’s close to Galveston and the Texas Gulf Coast and Galveston Island State Park.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Come for nearby Hot Springs National Park and its historic bathhouses. Stay for important stops like the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. It’s one of the best guided tours in the country.
• Lockhart, Texas: If you love barbecue, you should prioritize a trip to a town with some of the best barbecue in the country. We had a literal meat crawl during our own trip to Lockhart. We suffered some after, but it was still worth it.
• Louisville, Kentucky: This town is big on bourbon but it’s also big on kitsch. Visit historic spots like the Louisville Slugger Museum and Churchill Downs, the host of the Kentucky Derby, to see what I mean.
• Mobile, Alabama: As soon as we left Mobile I knew we’d be back. It’s like New Orleans in miniature, and not just because it’s where the first Mardi Gras was held. Enjoy all of the delicious eats and watch out for gators.
• New Orleans, Louisiana: We spent a month exploring beyond the Mardi Gras thing and the French Quarter thing to really come to a better understanding of what makes New Orleans tick. Get off of Bourbon Street, people.
• Tulsa, Oklahoma: We spent a full month in this underrated Oklahoma town. It’s a great base for exploring the rest of the state, including Oklahoma City and towns like Tahlequah within the Cherokee Nation.

READ MORE: Love the idea of underrated travel destinations? Check out my guide to exactly that.

Is it safe to drive through the South? 

It is safe to drive through the South, but normal precautions apply. Don’t leave anything on your car seat and make yourself a target for petty crime. Pay attention to the rules of the road.

In my opinion, all of the locations I’ll get into here are appropriate for solo travelers. 

That all said, I’m a white woman with a white husband. Not to get all alarmist on you, but the South still has a lot of work to do when it comes to racial equality and a more open-minded approach to ideas that may freak them out.

If you’re a traveler of color, the Confederate flags throughout the South may give you more pause. Some places feel stuck in time as if the Civil War happened differently. 

I look at them as a sign of ignorance, but there is still hate in the hearts of what I hope to be a weak minority of people in the region.

You may hear remarks based on lingering stereotypes or off-color jokes that wouldn’t fly elsewhere. Many of the cities are very much liberal enclaves with work being done to curb gun use, expand voter rights, and create welcoming communities for all.

The smaller towns in the South are still very conservative, some even more so with a heightened political climate in recent years. I’ve found that some people just want a reaction when they say something absurd. You don’t need to give it to them.

American South road trip itineraries are worth your time, but they’re also worth your honest experiences.

As you navigate the best road trips in America through the South, do so with an open mind, but protect your own peace, too.

Spending more time in the South? Check out more of my favorite places:

• Explore One of the Least Visited National Parks
• Visit Beautiful Lake Oconee, Georgia
• Things to Do in Athens, Georgia in One Day
• A Planning Guide for Augusta, Georgia
• A Complete Guide to Texas Wine Country

I’m not done yet. Here are a few more guides for the American South:

• All of the Best Dog Parks in Tulsa, Oklahoma
• All of the Best New Orleans Day Trips
• A Mobile Day Trip to Bayou La Batre
• Take a Drive on the Lake Pontchartrain Parkway
• Sip on These Pours at the Best Tulsa Breweries

Want to see more?