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The Southern states of the USA are famous for their rich history, warm hospitality, and plenty of music. From Nashville to Memphis to New Orleans, there is so much to discover. Experience unforgettable insights into the fascinating culture of the American South on a road trip through the Southern states of the US.
8 Highlights of the Southern States in the USA
From vibrant cities steeped in blues and jazz to magnificent plantation houses that reflect the sad history of slavery. The Southern states of the USA offer a wide range of contrasting experiences, making them very interesting for a road trip.
There are countless places to discover, and in our article, we introduce you to 8 places worth seeing.
Getting to the Southern States of the USA
There are several options for traveling to the Southern United States. Especially major cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, or Memphis have well-developed airports. You can reach them effortlessly with domestic or long-haul flights. There are also some options from Europe, sometimes with a layover. You can find a good overview of this at Skyscanner.
Alternatively, you can travel within the USA by train or also by buses such as Greyhound. The rail network as well as the highways in the USA are very well-developed. So, there are plenty of connections to choose from. Prices and travel times depend, of course, on your starting point.
1. Savannah, Georgia
The city of Savannah is located on the East Coast of the United States and is separated from the neighboring state of South Carolina only by the Savannah River. There are some great highlights to discover locally, making a stay of 2-3 days well worth it. First and foremost, don’t miss the historic district with charming and well-preserved Victorian buildings, such as the Mercer-Williams House and Forsyth Park.
Other must-dos in Savannah include a visit to the Talmadge Memorial Bridge. It offers a great view of the city and is very popular at sunset. Culinary-wise, you can sample Southern cuisine on River Street. A traditional dish to try would be Shrimp and Grits. Before you leave Savannah, don’t miss seeing the city from a different perspective on a Riverboat Cruise on the Savannah River.
Tip: If you have some extra time on your road trip through the Southern states of the US and are looking for additional destinations, you could drive from Savannah to Charleston or Myrtle Beach. Both are popular destinations in South Carolina.
2. Atlanta, Georgia
With Atlanta, the capital of the state of Georgia awaits you, which is also well-connected internationally and therefore makes an excellent starting point for an individual USA road trip. However, Atlanta is not only an impressive metropolis but also the place where, for example, the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. is located. The historical area named Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site honors the civil rights activist and is deeply intertwined with Atlanta’s history.
Other tips for visits in Atlanta include the Georgia Aquarium, which is one of the largest in the world. Also, visit the World of Coca-Cola, where you can learn everything about the popular beverage and its history. The Fox Theatre is another must in Atlanta. The latter is a historic theater with a magnificent interior and is known for its Broadway shows.
If you want to experience some nature in Atlanta, explore the Atlanta BeltLine. This is a network of cycling and hiking trails that connect several parks and art exhibitions in the city. Or visit the botanical garden as well as Piedmont Park to relax a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Great Smokey Mountains, Border Between Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range with an impressive landscape, stretching between the two US states of Tennessee and North Carolina. A must-see is the Clingsmans Dome. It is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains and offers fantastic views as well as beautiful photo opportunities.
In the nature of the Great Smoky Mountains, you can hike or bike excellently and discover the picturesque valley of Cades Cove, the Alum Cave Trail, or even the Newfound Gap. The Newfound Gap is a pass that runs directly between the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. A slightly different highlight would be Elkmont Ghost Town, an abandoned town waiting to be explored by you.
Another destination in the area that you can include in your road trip is Knoxville. There, you can explore the bustling Market Square or admire the panoramic view from the Sunsphere Tower.
4. Louisville, Kentucky
The next stop on a road trip through the Southern states of the USA could be Louisville in Kentucky. The largest city in Kentucky has some attractions to offer and is home to the famous Kentucky Derby horse race, which takes place at Churchill Downs.
Another highlight is the Old Town of Louisville, where you can admire the well-preserved Victorian mansions. You can also find relaxation at the Louisville Water Tower Park with its historic water tower or the Waterfront Park on the banks of the Ohio River. Particularly popular among locals for walks or a picnic.
If you’re interested in some active adventures, how about zip-lining in the underground cave of Louisville Mega Cavern? Additionally, you can witness a light show there. If you’re interested in whiskey and its production, then check out some of the distilleries on the Bourbon Trail. You could take a guided tour and participate in tasting.
5. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is also known as Music City, and especially Country Music is at home here. This is evidenced, above all, by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Ryman Auditorium, where many legendary performances by country musicians have taken place, which is why it is also referred to as the Mother Church of Country Music.
In the heart of the city, you’ll also find a lively bar scene with Broadway, where you can visit numerous clubs and bars with live music night after night. But even away from music, Nashville has a true must-see with the Parthenon in Centennial Park. It is an authentic replica of the Parthenon in Athens.
You can also find some history at the Belle Meade Plantation. Originally founded as a horse farm and later turned into a plantation. As a visitor, you can explore the magnificent buildings, including the mansion and the former slave quarters, and learn more about life on a Southern plantation. Additionally, wine tastings and tours are a great activity for wine lovers.
6. Memphis, Tennessee
The city of Memphis is famous for sad events, such as the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968, where the civil rights leader succumbed to his injuries. Today, at the location, you can find the National Civil Rights Museum, where you can learn more about the history.
But there are also many positive things to report about Memphis. These include, for example, the Sun Studio, which is generally considered the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Here, legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, or Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their music. Also, Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, is located in Memphis and is a true tourist attraction.
If you’re interested in music, you should also not miss the Beale Street, a historic street in the blues scene, as well as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The latter tells the story of Stax Records, a significant record label for soul music.
If you have time left on your road trip to the Southern States of the US after visiting Memphis, then cities like Little Rock in Arkansas, as well as Vicksburg and Jackson in Mississippi, are worth a stop.
7. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
When you think of the capital of Louisiana, you probably first think of New Orleans, but it’s actually called Baton Rouge. The capital of the state of Louisiana is not overlooked, but it’s visited by significantly fewer tourists. However, there are many attractions to discover on a Southern States trip. These include the Louisiana State Capitol and also the Old State Capitol, which now houses exhibitions about the history of the state.
Also, worth a visit is the Rural Life Museum and the many plantations that can be found around the area. This provides you with insight into life as it was during the time of slavery. A terrible chapter, but one that is an integral part of the Southern States and should not be forgotten.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
The last destination on our road trip is New Orleans, the home of jazz, as it’s often called. Everything here feels a bit more relaxed, and life is carefree, hence the nickname The Big Easy. The city combines a vibrant music scene with a unique culture and culinary highlights, such as Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Po’boys.
If you come to New Orleans between February and March, you shouldn’t miss Mardi Gras. A colorful carnival with even more colorful costumes. There’s a lot going on in the French Quarter, and the neighborhood and its famous Bourbon Street are always worth a visit. Charming alleys, historic houses, and some shops where you can learn about the Voodoo culture in New Orleans are great to discover on a stroll through the French Quarter.
By the way, a must-see that connects the last three destinations is the Mississippi River, the longest river in North America. River cruises are also offered in all these places, often with paddle wheel steamboats. New Orleans is also frequently used as a starting point for a river cruise.
Have you ever taken a road trip through the Southern states of the US? Do you have any tips for other places not to miss on a journey? We look forward to a comment.
Photos: Photo 1 (Savannah Skyline): Darryl Brooks/shutterstock.com – Photo 2 and Header (Piedmont Park, Atlanta): Gennady Stetsenko/shutterstock.com – Photo 3 (Churchill Downs, Louisville): EQRoy/shutterstock.com – Photo 4 (Nashville Skyline): Mihai_Andritoiu/shutterstock.com – Photo 5 (Sun Studio, Memphis): f11photo/shutterstock.com – Photo 6 (French Quarter, New Orleans): amadeustx/shutterstock.com
