Discover 3 unforgettable Southern USA road trips—from historic Route 66 in Missouri to Kentucky’s bourbon trails and the classic Atlanta-to-Charleston drive
Few journeys rival the magic of driving through the American South. Along these winding highways and backroads, history seeps from every town square, music drifts out of tucked-away bars, and the rhythm of local life reveals itself in small but unforgettable moments. From antebellum charm to soulful cuisine and timeless traditions, the South invites travelers to slow down and savor its richness. To inspire your next escape, we’ve highlighted three road trips that capture the region’s spirit at its most authentic and alluring.
A Classic Southern Road Trip: Atlanta to Charleston
Few routes embody the soul of the South quite like the drive from Atlanta to Charleston. It’s a journey steeped in history, layered with culture, and—of course—flavored by some of the country’s most memorable food.
Start in Atlanta, just 20 miles north of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where the city pulses with creativity and Southern warmth. Downtown, Midtown, and the Sweet Auburn Historic District anchor the experience. Sip your way through the World of Coca-Cola’s global tasting room, wander Centennial Olympic Park (built for the 1996 Games), and lose yourself in Castleberry Hill’s art galleries or Midtown’s cultural mix. When hunger calls, the city’s dining scene delivers: Mary Mac’s fried chicken, Fat Matt’s legendary barbecue, South City Kitchen’s reimagined Southern staples, and craft cocktails with a view at Polaris.
From there, head east on I-20, pausing in Columbia, South Carolina, to see the State House—its scars from Civil War cannon fire still visible. Then follow I-26 into Charleston, a coastal gem and former seaport that has been a cultural crossroad since the 1700s. Charleston’s historic district feels like a step back in time: horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past Rainbow Row’s pastel facades, the Battery promenade, and White Point Gardens, while King Street brims with boutiques and galleries. A ferry to Fort Sumter immerses you in the opening chapter of the Civil War, while the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon unveil tales of pirates and revolutionaries.
Of course, no Charleston stay is complete without indulging in its culinary heritage. She-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and a modern wave of coastal Southern cuisine have secured the city’s place as one of America’s great dining capitals.
A Family-Friendly Road Trip: Missouri on Historic Route 66
Few drives are as nostalgic—or as quintessentially American—as cruising down Route 66. Stretching across Missouri, this legendary highway, dubbed “the Mother Road,” turns 100 in 2026, making it the perfect moment to rediscover one of the USA’s most storied journeys.
Begin in St. Louis, the state’s gateway to Route 66. Stroll across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, one of the road’s earliest Mississippi River crossings, then admire the historic Eads Bridge and the cobblestoned charm of Laclede’s Landing. The soaring Gateway Arch promises unbeatable views, while Ted Drewes Frozen Custard serves up the kind of sweet treat generations of travelers have pulled over for. Car enthusiasts will love the National Museum of Transportation before ending the day in Maplewood, where sidewalk plaques commemorate the local businesses that thrived in the Route 66 boom years.
Heading southwest, keep an eye out for one of the road’s most enduring icons: a painted barn advertising Meramec Caverns. This massive limestone cave system is more than a roadside curiosity—it’s an adventure hub offering guided tours through glittering chambers, riverboat rides, ziplining, camping, and even gold panning.
Continue your journey to Cuba, known as the “Route 66 Mural City.” Each mural tells a piece of the town’s story, from its small-town heroes to its place in Route 66 lore. Refuel with smoky ribs, brisket, or pulled pork at the beloved Missouri Hick BBQ, then bed down at the Wagon Wheel Motel—a living landmark and the longest continuously running motel on Route 66.
A Taste of Kentucky Road Trip: Smoked Meats and Bourbon
Kentucky is where two great American traditions meet—slow-smoked barbecue and the world’s finest bourbon. With 95% of the globe’s supply crafted here, and pitmasters perfecting recipes for generations, the state offers a road trip that is equal parts flavor and heritage.
Begin in Louisville, flying into Louisville International Airport before making the short drive east to Lexington. Here, bourbon and bluegrass reign. Start at Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., then tuck into pulled pork and brisket at Red State BBQ. A stop at Keeneland racetrack nods to Kentucky’s equestrian heart, while nearby Frankfort delivers history at Buffalo Trace Distillery, a Prohibition-era pioneer still producing award-winning spirits.
Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail out of Lexington into Lawrenceburg, home to Four Roses and Wild Turkey. Continue to Bardstown—self-proclaimed Bourbon Capital of the World—where the Jim Beam American Stillhouse and the intimate Kentucky Bourbon House invite deep dives into whiskey culture. For a one-of-a-kind experience, climb aboard My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, a gourmet bourbon excursion rolling through the countryside.
From there, cut across farmland to Owensboro, famous for its burgoo stew, bluegrass music, and the International Bar-B-Q Festival each May. Even outside festival season, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn serves legendary platters of hickory-smoked meats with all the fixings.
Circle back to Louisville to end your journey on a high. This lively city blends icons like Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Museum, and Muhammad Ali’s legacy with a buzzing food scene. Cap your trip on the Urban Bourbon Trail, where more than 100 pours await—each glass a toast to Kentucky’s enduring spirit.
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