The Most Interesting Cities to Visit on a Road Trip to the South

The American South is one of the most interesting regions to road trip through. The South is home to delicious food, incredible music, and of course, southern hospitality and charm. Visiting this region also gives you an opportunity to learn more about American history – especially the Slavery and Civil War eras. With so many exciting cities and rich history, the South is one of the most spectacular road trip destinations.

This road trip guide will take you through Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. The cities listed below are my personal recommendations, and can be adjusted to suit your travel needs.

Recommended duration: 2 weeks

Mode of transportation: by car, RV, etc.

Before your road trip, decide on the best time to visit. Low season is generally between October and April, and these major cities will most likely be less crowded. During the summer months, these popular cities are swarming with tourists, making it more lively but also a bit more difficult to navigate. Need additional planning tips? Check out my family road trip planning guide.

Louisville, Kentucky

Located along the Ohio River, Louisville is an incredible city with so much to see. It’s one of the largest cities in the US, and the largest city in Kentucky. Louisville is home to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the Kentucky derby. In addition, Louisville has some amazing arts and culture so be sure to check out the Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, The Kentucky Center for the Arts, and The Speed Art Museum.

Nashville, Tennessee

If country music, great food, and exciting activities are your thing, Nashville should surely be on your list. ‘The Country Music Capital’ is a great place for a family road trip or a weekend getaway with your friends. The eclectic city is known for famous venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and The Country Music Hall of Fame. If you’re an art enthusiast, check out The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, The Parthenon, and Tennessee Central Railway Museum.

Where to stay: Springhill Suites Nashville Brentwood (stay tuned for my review)

Where to eat: Hattie b’s Hot Chicken, Greek Cafe Grill, Brentwood

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Located about 2 hours southeast of Nashville, Chattanooga is an exciting city to visit during your southern road trip. With stunning landscapes, fantastic restaurants, and so many fun activities, it’s the perfect road trip destination for all kinds of travelers. My favorite place to visit in Chattanooga was the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a former rail station that is now a hotel complex. You can even book a room in a train car! It is by far one of the most unique hotel experiences in the city. The hotel complex also offers bars, cafes, a garden, and an arcade. Other popular attractions to visit in Chattanooga are Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.

Charlotte, North Carolina

As North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte is a major hub for business, sports, arts and culture, and great food. The ‘Queen City’ – named after King George III’s wife, Charlotte, is quickly becoming a bustling commercial center. Whether you’re looking for festivals and museums, or gardens and parks, Charlotte has it all. Uptown Charlotte is the central hub, and is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Discovery Place Science, Levine Center for the Arts, Mint Museum Uptown, and so much more.

Getting around Charlotte: The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is efficient and convenient. The LYNX Blue Line is a light rail service with 26 stations throughout the city ($2.20 one-way for adults)

Where to stay: Springhill Suites Charlotte Uptown. This hotel offers many amenities for a reasonable price, and is close to all major attractions. I highly recommend it! (Hotel review coming soon)

Birmingham, Alabama

Alabama’s largest city is on the rise. Birmingham is often overlooked, but with the current urban revitalization taking place, it is gradually becoming a travel hot spot. The former industrial downtown is now being renovated to include lofts, coffee shops, start-ups, and boutique hotels. ‘Magic City’ offers top-rated restaurants, great universities, and historical sites and museums. Some must-see attractions include Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, McWane Science Center, and Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens. In addition, the Civil Rights District is a vital part of the city’s history. Be sure to check out Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16th Street Baptist Church as well.

Atlanta, Georgia

Also known as the Capital of the South, Atlanta is a vibrant city with Southern charm and rich culture. ATL is a bustling metropolis with top-rated restaurants, exciting attractions, and scenic parks. In addition, the ‘A’ also offers many free and cheap things to do, so it’s easy on the pockets. Some must-see attractions include the Center for Civil and Human Rights, World of Coca-Cola, Piedmont Park, and Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Getting around Atlanta: Atlanta Streetcar ($1 one-way for adults)

Where to stay: Springhill Suites Atlanta

Where to eat: Hattie b’s Hot Chicken, Atlanta Breakfast Club