Everybody loves a good road trip.
But, sometimes it’s hard to know exactly where to stop.
If you’re taking a road trip from Atlanta to New Orleans, then this post is for you, because we cover the best places to stop along the way.
There’s everything from military history, civil rights history, natural wonders, and more.
So there’s something for everyone on this road trip.
(My personal favorites are numbers 6 and 7 on the list.)
1. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia, the buzzing city in the heart of the South, is known for its rich history, world-class food, and being the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.
You can visit the giant Georgia Aquarium, tour the Coca-Cola Museum, or stroll through Piedmont Park while taking in the skyline views.
💡Fun fact: Atlanta is home to Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport, connecting you to destinations all over the globe!
2. Providence Canyon State Park, Georgia
A few hours south brings you to Providence Canyon State Park — Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” and a hidden gem worth exploring.
The park’s huge, colorful gullies were created by erosion caused by poor farming practices in the 1800s.
Today, they offer stunning hikes with orange, pink, and red cliffs that rise up to 150 feet.
Don’t forget your camera — the vibrant canyon walls make every photo look like a postcard!
As one of Georgia’s best natural wonders, it’s a must-stop on this road trip.
3. Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Alabama
Next up is the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama, where America’s first Black military pilots trained during World War II.
You can walk through the original Moton Field hangars, see vintage planes, and hear powerful stories of courage, skill, and breaking barriers.
It’s an inspiring stop where you’ll experience a chapter of American aviation history that not everybody knows about.
4. Montgomery, Alabama
Leaving Tuskegee behind, you’ll roll into Montgomery, Alabama.
This is a city that’s deeply connected to the Civil Rights Movement.
Here, you can stand where Rosa Parks made history and visit The Legacy Museum to learn about 400 years of American history.
Montgomery blends its rich past with a lively downtown lined with cozy coffee shops, riverfront parks, and Southern charm around every corner.
For a slight detour before your next location, you can also head over to Selma nearby and walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge (now a National Historical Landmark).
5. Monroeville, Alabama
Next up is Monroeville, Alabama, known as the “Literary Capital of Alabama.”
This place is the hometown of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird.
You can tour the Old Courthouse Museum, which was the inspiration for the courthouse in the novel, and wander the streets that inspired the fictional town of Maycomb.
It’s a quiet, storybook stop where classic American literature comes to life in Alabama’s small-town setting.
6. USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, Alabama
This one is an absolute must if you’re into your military history.
Shifting from literature to massive machines, your next stop is the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile.
Step aboard the mighty WWII battleship and crawl through the tight spaces of the submarine USS DRUM (a Gato-class submarine from World War II).
There are also over 30 historic aircraft to check out, including iconic ones like the A-12 Blackbird and B-52 Stratofortress.
It’s a hands-on, climb-everywhere kind of museum where you’ll feel fully immersed.
7. Dauphin Island, Alabama
After all that action, slow things down on the sandy shores of Dauphin Island — Alabama’s peaceful little barrier island.
You can relax on quiet beaches or visit the historic Fort Gaines, which is known for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War.
If you want to learn about local marine life, stop by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, where you can join guided eco-tours or explore the Alabama Aquarium.
With gorgeous sunsets and gentle Gulf breezes, Dauphin Island is probably the most relaxing stop on this road trip.
8. Pearl River Wildlife Management Area, Louisiana
Once you’ve enjoyed the beaches, you’ll head into Louisiana for wild adventure at the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area.
This huge swampy area is known for its cypress trees and hanging Spanish moss.
It’s also a great place to spot alligators, turtles, and herons while exploring by kayak.
Every minute here feels like pure bayou magic, with gorgeous views worthy of a nature documentary.
It might not be for everyone, but for wildlife, it’s probably the best stop on the list.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
And we’re finally there.
The road trip wraps up in New Orleans, where music, bold flavors, and non-stop energy fill every corner.
Wander through the lively and historic French Quarter, snack on sweet beignets at the historic Café du Monde (established 1862!), and catch live jazz echoing through the streets.
You can also hop on a steamboat ride along the Mississippi and sign up for spooky ghost tours.
Or if you’re around at the right time, join the Mardi Gras fun that makes New Orleans unforgettable.
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