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St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans, Louisiana

Established in 1789, this historic cemetery is the oldest in New Orleans and is known for its hauntingly beautiful above-ground tombs. The final resting place of many notable figures, including the infamous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, it’s steeped in local lore and supernatural tales. Visitors report seeing ghostly apparitions and feeling unexplained cold spots.

The cemetery’s maze-like layout and crumbling tombs create an eerie atmosphere, especially in the misty mornings. During October, guided tours often focus on the cemetery’s most chilling stories and alleged paranormal activities.

Some tours combine visits to the cemetery with explorations of the French Quarter’s haunted locations. For a family-friendly experience, daytime historical tours offer insights into New Orleans’ unique burial practices and the lives of its most colorful inhabitants, both past and present.

The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana

Known as “one of America’s most haunted homes,” the Myrtles Plantation dates back to 1796 and is shrouded in tales of tragedy and ghostly encounters. The most famous ghost is said to be Chloe, a former slave whose apparition has reportedly been captured in photographs. The plantation’s history includes multiple murders, poisonings, and other untimely deaths, fueling its reputation for paranormal activity.

October visitors can participate in special candlelit mystery tours that delve into the plantation’s dark history. For those seeking a truly immersive experience, the Myrtles operates as a bed and breakfast, allowing guests to spend the night in the allegedly haunted rooms. Daytime historical tours are available for families, offering a less spooky but equally fascinating look at antebellum life in the Deep South.

Savannah, Georgia (Various Locations)

Savannah, with its Spanish moss-draped squares and antebellum architecture, is often called America’s most haunted city. The Sorrel Weed House, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Pirates’ House are just a few of the city’s reputed haunted locations. October in Savannah sees an increase in ghost tours, ranging from family-friendly historical walks to more intense late-night paranormal investigations.

The city’s annual Oktoberfest celebration often incorporates Halloween-themed events. For a unique experience, visitors can take a haunted pub crawl or a ghostly river cruise along the Savannah River. Families might enjoy the less scary daytime tours that focus on the city’s rich history and beautiful architecture while still touching on some of its more famous ghostly residents.

The Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Known as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” the Crescent Hotel has a dark history dating back to its time as a “cancer-curing” hospital run by a notorious charlatan. Today, it operates as a hotel where guests can stay in allegedly haunted rooms. The hotel offers nightly ghost tours that take visitors through its most active paranormal hotspots, including the morgue in the basement.

The hotel hosts extended ghost tours, séances, and a Halloween extravaganza in October. For families, there are less intense daytime tours that focus on the hotel’s architecture and history. The surrounding town of Eureka Springs also gets into the Halloween spirit with fall festivals, costume contests, and ghost-themed theatrical performances suitable for all ages.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

While not traditionally “spooky,” this family-friendly event offers a magical Halloween experience. The Magic Kingdom transforms with Halloween decorations, special lighting, and music. Guests can trick-or-treat throughout the park, enjoy Halloween-themed rides, and watch the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade featuring Disney characters and spooky floats.

The “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” show stars the Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus” alongside other Disney villains. Special Halloween fireworks and projection shows light up the night. Character meet-and-greets feature Disney characters in Halloween costumes.

This event strikes a perfect balance between festive Halloween fun and a level of spookiness suitable for younger visitors, making it an ideal family destination for October (please stay aware, though, of the tail end of hurricane season in Florida).

Manchac Swamp, Louisiana

Known as the “Ghost Swamp,” Manchac Swamp is steeped in eerie legends and Cajun folklore. The swamp’s spooky reputation centers around Julia Brown, a 19th-century practitioner of voodoo who allegedly cursed the town of Frenier on her deathbed. Legend has it that on the day of her funeral in 1915, a hurricane devastated the area, fulfilling her curse.

Today, visitors can take boat tours through the murky waters and twisted cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. October brings special “haunted” swamp tours, where guides share ghostly tales and local legends. Some claim to hear Julia’s ghost singing on quiet nights.

For a family-friendly experience, daytime eco-tours focus on the swamp’s unique ecosystem and wildlife, including alligators and diverse bird species. The nearby town of LaPlace often hosts fall festivals featuring Cajun food, music, and storytelling events that explore the swamp’s spooky history in a way that’s light enough for all ages.

Grab more of our intriguing Louisiana road trip ideas here

We hope this guide has filled you with some spine-tingling ideas for a fun October road trip into the Deep South! You may also enjoy our guide to the most haunted places in New England & the Northeast.

Looking for More Southern Adventures?

Whatever time of year you want to tackle a southern road trip, you may also be interested to read:

Our favorite multi-day road trips in the South
Get these incredible scenic drives through Georgia onto your itinerary!

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post Spooky Spots to Spend Halloween in the South appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Whether you’re headed south to visit The Big Easy city of New Orleans or crossing the state as part of a road trip through Louisiana, why not plan to drive some of the scenic routes instead of the main highways? 

From beautiful bayous to sprawling historic plantations, Louisiana has a great combination of culture and natural wonder. Make a pit stop along one of the best scenic byways in Louisiana to try local Cajun or Creole cuisine, or visit one of the numerous parks to go hiking or bird watching. 

To learn more about Louisiana scenic drives, read on for this guide to some of the best routes for southern charm and spectacular scenery!  

1. Louisiana Scenic Drives: Creole Nature Trail All-American Road 

• Distance: 180 miles
• Time Needed: 4 or more hours, depending on stops 

Sometimes referred to as “Louisiana’s Outback,” this stunning drive in Louisiana takes you through the heart of the wildest areas of the state. 

Through the marshes and wetlands, you’ll likely get the chance to see an abundance of wildlife, from pelicans to alligators. The area is particularly popular among birders since more than 400 native species make their home here, including raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds, not to mention countless other migratory species passing through. 

There are also endless possibilities for fishing, both in freshwater and saltwater areas, and it’s also possible to get fishing gear and rent boats if you don’t have your own. 

Twenty-six of the 180 miles of the Creole Nature Trail are along Gulf beaches, many of which have remained completely undeveloped and preserve their natural beauty. 

Some of the popular beaches to visit include Holly Beach and Mae’s Beach. Make sure you bring your camera to get some photos of the waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the beautiful stretches of sand dunes! 

When to go: Any time of year is good for this drive in Louisiana unless you’re interested in certain hunting, fishing, or birding seasons. 

2. Louisiana Scenic Drives: Great River Road 

• Distance: 70 miles
• Time Needed: 1 day or more 

The Great River Road is a National Scenic Byway that traverses the entire length of the Mississippi River. From the border of Mississippi state to the delta, this scenic drive in Louisiana takes you to the very end of the Great River Road, where the river reaches the Gulf of Mexico. 

If you’re on a Louisiana road trip to visit New Orleans, then the Great River Road is the perfect route to take. After you’ve spent some time in New Orleans, tried the excellent Creole food, and visited some of the historic sites, you can continue a bit farther southeast to the Delta National Wildlife Refuge. This is known for its abundance of wildlife, from marsh flowers to migratory neotropical birds. 

Not only is the landscape beautiful, but the area is also rich in history and interesting places to visit. From antebellum southern mansions to historic plantations, this area of Louisiana is full of recollections of times before the Civil War. 

The Oak Alley Plantation is a particularly famous site that is worth visiting. This stunning mansion has been featured in several famous movies, and today, visitors can tour the inside and the grounds to view the preserved furniture and ornate architecture. 

To learn more about the tragic history of slavery in the South and witness a powerful monument to the many lives lost during this time, you can stop at the Whitney Plantation Museum. This historic plantation was converted into Louisiana’s first museum about slavery in 2014 and has become an incredible learning opportunity for visitors. 

When to go: Any time of year is great, but spring or fall is best for people wanting to catch the bird migration. 

3. Louisiana Scenic Drives: Toledo Bend Reservoir Scenic Byway 

• Distance: 130 miles
• Time Needed: 3 hours or more 

Following the shore of the Toledo Bend Reservoir in western Louisiana on the border with Texas, this is one of the best Louisiana roads for travelers interested in water sports and outdoor activities. 

The lake provides a perfect spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are plenty of places to pick from, with designated swimming areas, picnic spots, and places where you can rent equipment like canoes or kayaks. 

Around the lake, there are also several parks, including Cypress Bend Park and North Toledo Bend State Park. The parks have great hiking trails, and if you want to spend a bit more time out in nature, you can camp at one of the designated tenting or RV sites. 

Cyclists can enjoy cruising along the 26 miles of designated bike trails found along the way. Spring is a particularly good season for biking since you can avoid the high temperatures of summer and appreciate the hundreds of wildflowers that bloom in the area. 

There are also several golf courses, like the popular Cypress Bend Golf Resort. Even if you’re not a golf enthusiast, the course is known for its gorgeous views of the reservoir. 

In addition to the outdoor activities, there are a number of charming historic towns like Logansport and Zwolle where you can stop to get lunch or visit some of the local shops for a souvenir. 

When to go: During summer, you can escape the heat by jumping in the water, or spring and fall are good for hiking since the temperatures aren’t so high. 

4. Louisiana Scenic Drives: Grand Isle Loop

• Distance: About 18 miles round-trip
• Time Needed: 1 hour or more 

Grand Isle is located on the far southern tip of Louisiana on the Gulf Coast. It’s the only inhabited island in Louisiana, and it’s known for its amazing beaches, charming small-town vibe, and amazing wildlife. 

If you’re looking for scenic drives in Louisiana to spend time on the beach and see the Gulf of Mexico, then this is the drive for you. Fishing is one of the most popular activities on the island thanks to the four fishing seasons and easy conditions for casting a line. 

If you’re not interested in fishing yourself, but love seafood, then you’re still in luck since many local restaurants serve catch-of-the-day menu items featuring seafood caught from the nearest pier. 

Grand Isle is long and narrow, about 8 miles long, and only 1 mile across. The entire “loop” of the drive will take you to the tip of the island, where you’ll find Grand Isle State Park, known as having the last “wild” beach of Louisiana. 

There are 3 miles of hiking trails in the park, which offer the perfect opportunity to spot local birds, and there’s also a camping area if you’re interested in spending a night on the beach listening to the waves of the Gulf. 

Even if you don’t spend the night, it’s worth watching the sunset. Grand Isle probably has the best sunset view in all of Louisiana, so grab your camera to catch the show! 

When to go: Any time of year is good for this drive. Check if you’re interested in specific fishing seasons or bird migrations. 

5. Louisiana Scenic Drives: Cane River National Heritage Trail Scenic Byway

• Distance: About 70 miles
• Time Needed: 1.5 hours driving, but one or more days is recommended

The Cane River National Heritage Trail follows the Cane River and is home to some of Louisiana’s most important historic sites, not to mention the beautiful landscape. Along the red-soil banks of the river, sprawling restored plantations and distinctive landmarks characterize this area of Louisiana scenery. 

To best appreciate the experience, it’s recommended to make stops at some of the sites. Although you can view the plantations and historic areas from your vehicle, it’s only by getting out to view them in person that you get an appreciation of their history and impressive size. 

Natchitoches is a famous historic settlement dating back to when the region was part of the Louisiana Purchase area. Today, there are 33 blocks downtown filled with historic shops and restored buildings holding cafes and galleries. 

The Cane River Creole National Historical Park is located in Natchitoches as well which hosts a variety of year-round activities like festivals, concerts, and cultural events. 

At the Oakland Plantation, you can view one of Louisiana’s best-preserved Creole plantations and learn about what the area was like during the time of slavery. 

If you want to explore the natural area, head to Cane River Lake, where you can rent canoes or kayaks. The lake is also a good place for fishing, with a great pier that makes it easy for kids to try catching something without needing to take a boat trip. 

When to go: Any time of year is good. Check ahead for opening times at the plantations and seasonal events that take place along the historic trail. 

More Road-Tripping Adventures in the South

Continuing your road-tripping journey through the southern United States, you may also be interested in:

5 Incredible Scenic Drives in Alabama
6 Dreamy Scenic Drives in Georgia
8 Florida Scenic Drives to Add to Your Family Road Trip

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post 5 Incredibly Scenic Drives in Louisiana You’ll Love appeared first on Family Road Trip.

With approximate 52,000 square miles to explore and more than 20 state parks to choose from, you are guaranteed to find a Louisiana attraction to keep the family entertained on a road trip to the Pelican State.

In this Deep South family road trip guide, we’ve picked out the top seven attractions and activities to enjoy in the state of Louisiana; a state with a vivid history and a mix of Creole and Cajun cultures make this one of the most intriguing yet least visited states in the South, and indeed in the USA.

Attend a Festival

Louisiana is a state that likes to party! Pick a weekend, and there is bound to be a festival somewhere in Louisiana – far beyond just Mardi Gras. Every year there are hundreds of festivals, ranging from Alligator Day (Hammond) and Andouille Festival (LaPlace) to Zippity Zoo Days (Baton Rouge) and Zydeco Extravaganza (Opelousas).

Many of these festivals have hands-on experiences for children and food and music that appeal to almost anyone. The Center for Cultural and Ecotourism, based at Louisiana State University (Lafayette), is a good resource for finding some of the state’s most interesting festivals.

Whenever you plan to attend a festival, especially one held outdoors, it is best to have alternate plans in case of inclement weather or cancellation.

Experience Ghosts and the Supernatural

If your children like ghost stories, ghosts abound in the state of Louisiana! New Orleans offers several tours that cater to horror buffs, although you might want to ask the company you select if they think the tour is too intense for younger children.

Ghosts pop up outside New Orleans, too, even at bed and breakfasts with its resident ghost.

Louisiana has no shortage of battlefields and historical places, which are notorious for housing the occasional ghost. To add a bit of lagniappe (that’s a French term for “something extra” that you’ll see a lot in Louisiana), take a tour to see if you can spot the Honey Island Big Foot, or explore Louisiana’s southern regions to learn more about the loup-garou, Louisiana’s legendary half-man and half-wolf creature.

Some suggested spooky tours to try in Louisiana

Explore the National and State Parks

If your children like sandy beaches, wooded hiking and nature trails, and campsites with clean facilities and hot showers, try visiting some of Louisiana’s many beautiful campgrounds or parks. Most of them provide activities or host events periodically during the year. Not every park is an empty stretch of wilderness, marked only with nature trails and beaches.

Many state parks offer fishing and other activities. Even if you or your children don’t like to camp, most parks have day rates for visitors. If staying at the state park is appealing but you don’t have any camping equipment, many state parks have cabins available for rent, which hold up to eight people (pets are not allowed inside). Call the park in advance for reservations.

Bird Watching

If you have older children, consider traveling to one of Louisiana’s many National Wildlife Refuges, parks, or sanctuaries to do some bird watching. It should not surprise that Louisiana is a prime location for bird watching.

From the little island bird preserve in New Orleans’ Audubon Park to the shorebirds that winter in its miles of coastline to the bird sanctuaries that dot the inland map, Louisiana is host to hundreds of fascinating species.

Louisiana is host to a dozen annual birding festivals, many with things for even small children to do. There is also a wetlands “birding trail” with 115 sites along I-10 between Texas and Mississippi.

If you plan to travel for any length of time along this stretch of highway, some of these stops make fun and interesting stops to break up your drive and for your children to work off some of their pent-up energy.

Take a Step Back in Time in Cajun Country

Bring a little of Cajun history to life for your children at Vermilionville, located in Lafayette. The park’s 23 acres contain 18 structures, forming a historic village. Events, projects, and workshops are sure to entertain the entire family. In addition to Vermilionville, your kids might be interested in seeing a plantation where rice and crawfish are grown.

Baton Rouge, the capital, offers an actual WWII destroyer and an accompanying nautical center. Kids might be interested in exploring a nineteenth-century paddlewheel riverboat pilothouse replica. The pilothouse is full-scale, allowing visitors to glimpse what Mississippi River pilots saw so many years ago. Baton Rouge also offers an outdoor rural life museum for a little more history.

Cajun Country is also the home of Tabasco Sauce and features a town that bills itself as the Crawfish Capital of the world. Add in the outdoorsy appeal of the bayous that lace the area, and you have something for everyone. Try searching the Internet for Cajun-related activities, attractions, and festivals to help you plan.

Plan a Plantation Tour

Take a Louisiana scenic drive along the famous “River Road,” a seventy-mile stretch along both sides of the Mississippi featuring quite a few antebellum plantation houses.

Although some of the roads have been taken over by petrochemical plants and suburban housing developments, sweeping views of sugar cane fields and Greek Revival, architectural marvels remain.

If you’d rather that someone else do the driving, many companies offer plantation tours where you enjoy a ride in an air-conditioned van or bus to and from the plantation. Most tour companies will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

Look for extras from your tour company, such as dinner at the plantation, served in the grand dining room, and the style of its operating days. Some plantation tours are available in combination with swamp or city of New Orleans tours.

Try one of these plantation tours that leave from New Orleans

And Save Some Time For a Swamp Tour

Most kids love the swamp tours. The open-sided boats bring nature in, nearly close enough to touch, but hold the leaping alligators far enough away for comfort. Yes, leaping alligators!

In addition to the birds, wildlife, trees, and water that swamp tours provide, many tours will lure alligators in for “up close and personal” viewing.

Many swamp tours need to be pre-booked through online companies, but some have walk-up bookings or will take reservations over the phone or the Internet themselves.

Going through a tour group may be a good idea if you want to save yourself the driving or want a little extra for your money-some will serve lunch to people who book through a tour group, for example.

No matter how you book your tour, be prepared to bring a camera to capture some amazing scenery. One piece of advice: for the best experience, choose a tour with Cajun guides. These local guides know things about the swamp that are learned over a lifetime.

Try these tours to compliment your trip to Louisiana

We hope this guide to Louisiana has convinced you to add the unique sights, sounds and delights of the Pelican State to your Deep South road trip itinerary.

Before Your Louisiana Road Trip

Get prepared for your Louisiana road trip by noting the following important points:

Louisiana is on Central Time and observes daylight savings from mid March to early November (if Congress pass federal law, the state will move to permanent DST).

Louisiana’s subtropical climate on the Gulf Coast means much of the state is very hot and humid over summer. Mid-February to early May and October to December make the best months to plan your visit.

Whilst Mardi Gras can be the most festive time to visit, we know this can be overwhelming with the kids and prices can be sky high, in which case avoid late February/early March.

Any outdoor activities in Louisiana, particularly swamp tours, pack your bug spray!

Before you go, download our road trip packing essentials checklist; never miss an important item again when packing for your family road trip!

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post Best Attractions And Things To Do With Kids In Louisiana appeared first on Family Road Trip.

No country in the world does road trips quite like the United States, and Southern USA is where you’ll find some of the best of them. 

A Deep South USA road trip is an experience like no other. Thanks to its humongous size and the plethora of states it contains, the southern region of the USA provides some of the best roads and highways out there, each one with a very different cultural flavor and scenery than the last! 

From overseas highways above turquoise waters to endless deserts and towns that brim with history, each and every single southern states road trip has something interesting on offer. 

Below, we share some of the best southern road trips every single traveler needs to do at least once in their life! 

12 Sensational Southern USA Road Trips 

1. Miami to Key West Overseas Highway (Highway 1), Florida 

Taking you all the way from Miami to Key West through over-the-ocean bridges that connect the Keys, this mesmerizing highway is one of the most classic southern states road trips and a favorite for those who love sunny days and endless beaches. 

It goes without saying that the scenery along its 113 miles is as spectacular as it gets. Each and every mile, you’ll be treated to beautiful ocean views and white sand beaches as you make your way to Key West. 

While the trip can be completed in less than a day, it’s recommended to spend several days on this trip as there are plenty of incredible destinations worth making a stop at to explore. Top highlights include Key Largo, Islamorada, Bahia Honda State Park, and the underwater John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 

The best time of the year to do this southern states road trip is between March and May when hurricane season is over and the winter crowds have tapered off. 

2. Skyline Drive, Virginia 

Starting in Richmond, the Skyline Drive will have you seeing some of the best the state of Virginia has to offer as you make your way to the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.  

Even though this road is only 105 miles long, it can very well be turned into a multi-day southern road trip as there are plenty of stops worth making along the way for hiking aficionados. 

The drive will take you along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains inside Shenandoah National Park. All along the highway, you’ll find plenty of trailheads to park your car and go for a hike, as well as several campsites for those who want to spend the night inside the park.  

The best time to do the Skyline Drive is September through November, when the park gets wrapped up in gorgeous fall foliage. 

3. Chipley to Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida 

If you’re up for a few days spent chasing waterfalls, this southern states road trip through Florida is guaranteed to please. 

Starting in Chipley Falling Waters State Park, you’ll make your way all the way to Rainbow Springs State Park. Along the route, you’ll get to see the highest waterfalls in Florida, gaze at plenty of natural sinkholes, and spend a few hours exploring Torreya State Park.

Moreover, you’ll also get the option to stop at plenty of other parks such as the Big Shoals State Park and Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, where you’ll be able to see a series of waterfalls crashing down into a sinkhole that contains an actual mini rainforest!  

This road trip can be done any time of the year but keep in mind that the summer months are usually the warmest and wettest. With that said, summers are when the waterfalls look the most impressive due to the rain, so take your pick! 

4. Pineywoods Autumn Trail, Texas 

Vineyards, fairytale-like forests, and autumn colors are the staples of the Pineywood Autumn Trail in Texas. 

While it’s much lesser known than other southern states road trip routes, this 145-mile loop between Palestine and Athens will have you passing plenty of forests and parks worth making a stop at to take a walk and truly take in the golden and crimson tones. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also fly above the fall foliage at Texas ZipLine Adventures! 

As if that weren’t enough, Pineywood is also dotted by tons of idyllic lakes and vineyards. This route includes the Tara Vineyard & Winery for those keen to get a taste of Texas’s hidden wine country, but if you still haven’t gotten your fill of grapes, you can continue the road trip onwards over the Piney Woods Wine Trail, which is dotted by over 20 wineries.  

Autumn is definitely the best time to do this road trip, especially considering it’s a mecca for fall hues. If you’re unable to do it at this time of the year, spring is another great choice for mild weather and colorful blooms. 

5. Tuscaloosa to Eutaw, Alabama 

If you love all things vintage, artsy vibes, places that feel as local as they get, and historical architecture, this Alabama scenic road trip is everything you’ve been looking for. 

As you make your way from Tuscaloosa to Eutaw in West Alameda, you’ll pass plenty of antique shops, art galleries galore, and a plethora of antebellum mansions, not to mention you’ll also get the chance to make a few detours. 

A few highlights of this road trip include the Courthouse Square in Eutaw, the lakes that surround the town of Livingston, and getting to drive over the Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge, a wooden bridge that is said to be haunted by an outlaw who was hanged there! 

Spring and fall are the best time of the year to do this road trip as the weather is mild and comfortable. Summers are also pleasant for warm-weather lovers, although this is the high season in Alabama and cities like Tuscaloosa can get pretty crowded. 

6. Haunted Oklahoma, Oklahoma 

Love all things haunted? If you consider yourself a bit of a daredevil, this deep south road trip is definitely one to remember!  

This sensational road trip travels through some of Oklahoma’s most haunted cities, including Tulsa, Ponca City, Alva, and El Reno before looping its way back to Oklahoma City. 

All of these spots are great to spend the night in, but the main reason to visit them is to check out a few of its most haunted buildings. Highlights in Tulsa include the Gandini’s Circus in Edmond, an abandoned carnival, the Hex House, and Cain’s Ballroom.

In Ponca City, visit the Constantine Theater & Poncan Theater, which are said to be incredibly haunted and don’t forget to check out the Cherokee Strip Museum in Alva, which is believed to be extremely ghost-ridden. 

The best time to do this Oklahoma road trip is from late March to early June and September to November when the weather is temperate. Bonus points if you do it in late October for Halloween! 

7. Outer Banks Scenic Byway, North Carolina 

Starting in Nags Head, this scenic byway runs all the way to Ocracoke Island and back to the mainland (yes, a ferry journey is included here!). 

As one of the most iconic routes in North Carolina, this road trip in the southern US is a great addition to your bucket list, taking you through one of the most popular vacation destinations on the US east coast. 

Along the way, you’ll get to visit Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and if you like hiking, you can also spend a few hours exploring the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Ocracoke Island is another must-do stop for beautiful beaches, and if you’re feeling up for a day trip, you can hire a boat to the alluring Portsmouth Island.  

The best time of the year to do this road trip is between April to mid-June and early September to late October. 

8. Haunted Louisiana, Louisiana 

Another of the best southern USA road trips for those who love all things spooky, this incredible route will have you checking out some of the most beautiful (and haunted) sites in a state that is already infamous for its paranormal activity. 

The route begins in Keachi and ends in Fort Proctor, following mostly the I-49. Along the way, you’ll get to make stops at deserted schools, sugar plantations, and plenty of mills. There’s even an abandoned Six Flax on the way – it’s illegal to enter the premises, but even the sight from the road is enough to send chills down your spine! 

Must-do stops include Laurel Valley Sugar Plantation, Fort Proctor, Elise Reuss Memorial School, Charles Boldt Paper Mill, Kisatchie High School, and Keachi Women’s College.  

Louisiana is best visited between mid-February to early May and from October to December for mild weather. This road trip is a great idea for a Halloween adventure, or you can combine it with a Mardi Gras trip in February instead! 

9. Tennessee Waterfalls Road Trip, Tennessee 

If you love nature and all things waterfalls, the Tennessee Waterfalls route is one of the best southern road trips to take for outdoor adventures. 

This gorgeous drive will show you some of the best the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer. The drive starts at Cumming Falls on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, where you can freshen up and swim before continuing to Burgess Falls to check out four different waterfalls. 

Next, you can make a stop at Falls Creek Falls and finish up the trip at Twin Falls to end the trip with a bang! 

This road trip is a summer favorite, but fall is also a great time to do it for fall foliage – you can catch all our favorite Smoky Mountain scenic drives here.

10. Hilton Head to Charleston, South Carolina 

Starting on Hilton Head, an island just off the coast of South Carolina, this epic road trip will have you seeing the absolute best the Palmetto State has to offer. 

The drive is technically only 90 miles long, but there are plenty of wonderful spots to overnight in if you have the time. As you make your way to Charleston, you’ll get the chance to enjoy plenty of coastal scenery and small-town charm.

Stops worth making include Hunting Island State Park for secluded beaches, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge for wildlife spotting, and Beaufort for antebellum mansions. 

Summer is the best time to do this road trip for perfect beach weather. 

11. Midland Trail, West Virginia 

Gorgeous nature, charming historical towns, local art, pioneer history, pretty waterfalls, and plenty of mystery are just a few of the aspects that make this deep south USA road trip a true gem. 

Covering over 100 miles between Charleston and Sam Black Church in West Virginia, this scenic byway crosses some of the most rugged areas of the Mountain State. The road is believed to have been originally carved out into the mountains by buffalo and native tribes of the area. 

Some of the top highlights to check out for nature include Hawks Nest State Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, while historical sites that are musts include The Ruffner Log Cabin, Salt Village, Old Stone House, and the colonial town of Lewisburg. 

Fall is a great time to do this road trip for beautiful autumn colors, but spring and late summer are perfect for comfortable weather. 

12. The Blues Highway, Tennessee and Mississippi 

Along this epic road trip, you’ll get to visit some of the places where rock and roll, rhythm and blues, jazz, and country music were born, inspired by the melodies of the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta. 

The Blues Highway follows Route 61 between Memphis and Vicksburg, taking you right into the heart of American Music.  

Must-do stops include the Gateway to the Blues Museum in Tunica, the Delta Blues Museum and Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, and the Back in the Day Museum in Greenwood, where you can also visit the grave of Robert Johnson. 

Memphis is full of kid-friendly attractions including the acclaimed Children’s Museum and Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in America. Ride the trolley and stroll historic Beale Street during the day.

Further on, make a stop at Yazoo County for authentic Bentonia Blues at the Blue Front Café before heading to Indianola to check out the B.B. King Museum. The Mississippi Grammy Museum in Cleveland is also a treat, and a can’t-miss stop is the Dockery Plantation, where the genre was born! 

More Great US Road Trips

If you’re looking for more great US road trip inspiration, you may want to check out next:

The Best American Road Trips To Take With Your Kids
The Best of the Midwest – Unmissable Family Road Trips
Taking on the US East Coast National Parks in One Epic Road Trip

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post 12 Sensational Southern USA Road Trip Ideas appeared first on Family Road Trip.