Southern USA Road Trip: 3,000 Miles of Adventure, Music, and Memorable Chaos

Savannah: Oaks, Stars, and Swinging Like Kids

Savannah felt like stepping into a postcard. On the way, we pulled off the highway for some stargazing—the kind where you remember you’re tiny in a massive universe. In town, we explored the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, strolled the historic district, wandered Forsyth Park, watched the steamboat at Riverfront Plaza, and visited Angel Oak Park to see a tree so massive it could have its own zip code. On Wadmalaw Island, we stopped at a winery and, naturally, swung on the swings because adulthood is overrated.

Myrtle Beach → Greenville → Asheville: Boardwalks, Country Bars, and Tubing

Myrtle Beach had boardwalks, live music, and enough salty air to reset our senses. Near Greenville, North Carolina, we discovered one of our favorite country bars ever, "The Buccaneer"—it’s a small city, yes, but full of surprises. In Asheville, we reconnected with nature: waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, river tubing, and that satisfying feeling of floating along a river while the sun dapples through the trees.

Nashville: Music City Madness

Then, Nashville. Nightlife? Check. Live music? Check. Ed Sheeran at Nissan Stadium? Double check. Bonus: the stadium has a bridge connecting it to the main city, so walking over after the concert felt cinematic—perfect for some post-show reflection (and a snack).

Ozarks National Forest: The Grand Finale

Finally, we ended at Ozarks National Forest with one last tubing adventure down Jacks Fork River. Calm, serene, and absolutely perfect for a final reflection on the chaos, laughs, and epic sights of our Southern USA road trip.

This trip was equal parts chaos and magic, with surprises around every corner—storms, pool parties, rivers, pizza, jazz, and even a few star-studded detours. If you’re planning a Southern road trip, take a page from our playbook: drive with curiosity, leave plenty of time for the unexpected, and remember, the best memories happen when you’re not trying to stick to the map.

Kansas City → Oklahoma: Lake Views and Scenic Detours

Our first stop was Oklahoma’s Sequoyah State Park. Nestled around a shimmering lake, it was the perfect stretch-your-legs-and-breathe-in-the-fresh-air moment. Canoes, ducks, and a quiet serenity set the tone before the chaos of Texas.

Dallas/Fort Worth: Fourth of July Frenzy

Camping at Murrell Park outside Dallas, we barely set up before heading into the city to meet a friend. Dallas and Fort Worth were an adventure in contrasts: we saw the iconic cattle drive, grabbed tacos, and celebrated the Fourth of July at Ridgewood Park with a massive pool party. Think sun, music, fireworks, and slightly questionable dance moves. Texas knows how to celebrate.

Austin: Pizza, Parks, and Chill Vibes

Next stop: Austin. At Zilker Metropolitan Park, we soaked up panoramic city views and green space bliss. Then, of course, we found Home Slice Pizza, where yes, you can actually play with the dough. The pizza was incredible, the experience even more so.

New Orleans: Jazz, Cocktails, and Dancing

We rolled into New Orleans ready for music, chaos, and caffeine-level cocktails. The French Quarter did not disappoint—bars with live jazz, dancing in the streets, and a stiff cocktail (or two) that made the humid air feel like a jazz rhythm itself. Every street corner seemed to have its own story, and we drank it all in…literally.

Alabama & Mississippi → St. Augustine: Stormy Camping & Spanish Forts

Driving east, we attempted beach camping, only to have a storm soak our tent. Cue sleeping in the car and laughing at how “adventurous” we were. The next morning, we set up in a hotel to dry everything out and laughed even harder. St. Augustine was a beautiful payoff: historic streets, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and dinner at Vilano Beach with ocean views and soft sand under our toes.

Southern USA Road Trip: 3,000 Miles of Adventure, Music, and Memorable Chaos

Some road trips are about getting somewhere. Ours was about never wanting to leave anywhere. Starting in Kansas City, we hit the open road with no shortage of coffee, snacks, and bad singing. From city streets to riverside floats, music festivals to historic forts, this is how we spent over three weeks chasing adventure across the Southern USA.