Planning a US Road Trip: The Southern Route

Los Angeles 

A cultural centerpiece of the West Coast

There aren't many areas of the world where you'll encounter such a diverse culture as Los Angeles (okay, maybe New York). The best of everything can be found right in the city limits of LA, from restaurants to zoos, skyscrapers to mountains, busy roadways to tranquil parks.

On the northern side of LA are several famous beach communities, like Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Malibu, while on the southern side lies Long Beach, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.

What's Cool: A unique culture all its own, LA is made of many smaller cities that each have their own personality. Beach towns like Huntington Beach and Long Beach differ greatly from the inland parts like Hollywood and Beverly Hills, or nearby Anaheim.

Not too Far Away: San Diego 

Beachside paradise in Southern California

121 miles seperate the two large California cities of San Diego and Los Angeles, and an easy drive south along I-5. This drive will take approximatley 2-3 hours, depending on traffic. The drive down has many places to stop and enjoy the scenery, from the amazing mansions and seaside bliss of Newport Beach, the town MTV made famous, Laguna Beach, and the endless beaches of Oceanside (the half-way point between LA and San Diego).

San Diego has many attractions to keep you occupied. On the northern side is "Old Town" San Diego, with the early settlers' influence still ingrained in the community. Also on the northern side is La Jolla, a beautiful shorefront community with small shops and restaurants. Further south, you'll find Sea World and the best zoo in the United States, the San Diego Zoo. Most everything can be accessed by a short walk. To the west of San Diego lies Coronado Beach, connected via the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. Directly to the south lies Tijuana, Mexico, only a 20 minute drive and a surely unforgettable experience.

What's Cool: San Diego Zoo is not to be missed, it's one of the best in the world. San Diego is renowned for its excellent beaches, so take advantage. San Diego has a much different feel than LA, a more laid back approach. You'll never be more than 5 miles from the ocean no matter where in the city you are, so the ocean is a huge part of the culture and lifestyle.

Arizona 

Desert serenity in the Grand Canyon state

Don't let the dry climate and openness of Arizona fool you--there's plenty here to see. Along I-10, you'll pass through the largest city in Arizona, Phoenix. Temperatures here regularly pass 100 daily on summer days, so be prepared! Further to the east, you'll pass Tucson and Saguaro National Park, which is divided into two seperate sections.

What's Cool: Amazing towns like Sedona, relatively new desert cities like Phoenix and Tucson, National Parks like Saguaro and Grand Canyon, ghost towns like Tombstone, border towns like Nogales and Yuma, and amazing mountain scenery everywhere in the state!

An Essential Side Trip: The Grand Canyon 

Make this stop one of your southern road trip destinations!

What road trip through Arizona would be complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon? The Grand Canyon is one of the "7 natural wonders of the world," and if you see it in person (not from a plane), you'll understand why.

A Fun Side Trip: Sedona 

Secluded beauty in the red rock canyons of Arizona

115 miles to the north of Phoenix and 120 miles to the south of the Grand Canyon lies a town in the middle of scenic Red Rock Country called Sedona. Red rock formations tower into the air, surrounding the open, upscale desert community. Road trip lovers take note: Oak Creek Canyon, a designated "scenic highway," is one of the most breathtaking rides in the state, if not the country, and well worth the drive.

Sedona is home to a large, impressive art community, as well as some of the state's well known spas and state parks.

What's Cool: An art community all its own, beautiful rock buttes, parks, and the alleged "energy vortex" that lies within the boundaries of the red rock area.

New Mexico 

Much to see off the small stretch of Interstate

Only a small portion of New Mexico is on Interstate 10, however, to the north are several natural wonders like White Sands National Monument and Carlsbad Caverns, and unique modern cities like Albuquerque. Heavy Hispanic and Native American influence are felt statewide, with a cool style all its own.

What's Cool: Santa Fe defines the southwest. When you think of the southwest, you think Santa Fe. The unique desert experience of the city is unparalleled, with a great art community, Spanish reminiscent architecture, top notch dining and excellent hiking.

A Fun Side Trip: Carlsbad Caverns 

New Mexico's underground National Park attraction

Take a trip to New Mexico's amazing partially underground National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and you won't regret it. Carlsbad is a small town in the middle of New Mexico, near the Guadalupe Mountain Range and the northern Chihuahuan Desert. The attraction of the park is the massive cavern of stalactites and stalagmites, natural limestone formations that have slowly formed over thousands of years. Bring a sweatshirt, the average cave temperature is around 55 degrees F!

The Grand Circle 

America's Southwestern States

These destinations of the famed southwestern states, the Grand Circle, lie far off the Interstate, and really deserve their own seperate vacation to be fully appreciated. If you have the time to kill, you can plan an excellent trip to these destinations in around 7-10 days. A nice add on to your current road trip route.

Bryce Canyon National ParkBryce Canyon is a large ampitheater of rock formations called hoodoos in southern Utah.

Capitol Reef National ParkCapitol Reef is a large formation nearly 100 miles long called Waterpocket Fold, a plateau formation in the middle of the desert of Utah.

Canyonlands National ParkCanyonlands has spectacular canyon views, biking, hiking and enormous panoramic vistas of the southwest from its high elevations.

Zion National ParkThe challenging terrain of the Narrows section of Zion and the beautiful enclosed canyon at Zion are must-sees.

Mesa Verde National ParkA long lost culture can be found again at the ruins of Cliff Palace and Mesa Verde National Park.

Monument ValleyYou may not have been to the Navajo area of Monument Valley, but you've definitely seen it in western movies and television advertisements.

Arches National ParkArches National Parks offers an incredible view of the majestic and strange arches that millions of years of erosion have left behind.

Black Canyon of the GunnisonThe Gunnison River has carved a mighty slice in the earth at Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado.

Great Basin National ParkAn underground cave is nicely complimented by the gigantic Mount Wheeler in Great Basin National Park of eastern Nevada.

The Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is something that once you visit, you'll want to revisit and explore over and over. The endless canyon scenery and crevices never get old.

Texas 

Big cities, long highways, and a one of a kind section of U.S. culture

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the long stretch of roadway between El Paso and Houston--over 900 highway exits and nearly 900 miles...that's comparable to driving the distance from Providence, Rhode Island to Charleston, South Carolina!

Upon entering Texas and the El Paso area, the mountainous region will provide some stellar views of the Chihuahuan Desert. This course, jagged countryside will soon become more populated upon venturing closer to the epicenter of Texas, San Antonio. This large city of 1.3 million acts as an unofficial divider between the eastern and western parts of the state.

On the eastern side of the state, the air becomes gradually more humid as you approach the Gulf area of Houston, America's 4th largest city.

What's Cool: Large cities like Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio and Houston each have plenty of different things to do, and each have a mind of their own, While all of these cities have a Texas feel, they all have their own niche...like Austin's music scene, or Dallas' amusements like Sea World, or Houston's Space Center.

San Antonio 

Do you remember the Alamo?

At the midway point on I-10 between Florida and California (and the midway point of Texas) lies the 2nd largest city in the state, San Antonio. San Antonio's historic Alamo was the

The oak-lined sub-city level River Walk is an important segment of San Antonio's tourism and attractions. Here the San Antonio River winds underneath the city, with towering palm trees and oak trees lining the paved banks. Complete with pedestrian walking, fine restaurants and fun, lively bars, the River Walk is one of the must-sees of San Antonio.

If you're looking for fun in the form of amusement parks, San Antonio also has its own Sea World, as well as Six Flags Fiesta Texas. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves some of the 17th century Spanish missions of the city, while the nearby San Antonio Botanical Garden displays beautiful plants and gardens.

Louisiana 

Crossroads of culture in the deep South

Lousiana is a crossroads of cultures, and you can see it in its cities and towns. Varying from built up cities to sprawling plantations and swamps, the state knows variety. It's also one of the warmest states in the country. The humidity makes it feel even hotter...it's about as "deep south" as you can get!

What' s Cool: The home of Cajun culture, this state has a blend of many influences around the globe. There's Native American influence, old French ancestry, Creole and Southern charm, it's unlike anywhere else in the country! Take a look at the architecture, and stop by a restaurant for some authentic Cajun cuisine for the complete experience.

Mississippi 

Beautiful coastline in Mississippi

It's hard to talk about the Mississippi Coast without talking about the devestation of Hurrican Katrina. The coast is beginning to rebuild, but if you're on I-10, stop by! The areas of Gulport and Biloxi and other small towns need your business and support. New building and casinos have emerged from the rubble and provide excellent views of the Gulf Coast's amazing beaches.

What's Cool: Beautiful coastline and the famed Mississippi River are what the state is known for. Try taking a river tour, or explore the roads along the Mississippi.

Alabama 

The short but sweet Alabama coast!

What's Cool: Alabama's coastline may look short, but it has many inlets and bays, enlarging the overall distance of shoreline. Lighthouses dot the bays leading to Mobile, making a great scenic opportunity.

Florida 

Sunshine, beaches, warmth and southern charm on the Panhandle

Florida has hundreds of destinations on the coast as well as inland Orlando, but some of the best beaches lie on the panhandle. Lesser crowds, pure white sands, and southern flavor are abound on the shores of the Florida panhandle.

What's Cool: Try visiting one of the many coastal panhandle towns, like Pensacola, Tallahassee, or Panama City for some of the best beaches for miles.

A Fun Side Trip: Georgia & South Carolina 

Travel the beautiful beaches and historical towns

South Carolina and Georgia have some of the most spectacular coastline in the country, with unspoiled beaches like Tybee Island and Hilton Head Island, and historic cities like Charleston or Savannah. Further north, the beachside town of Myrtle Beach is a favorite for those looking to for a fun and relaxing atmosphere in the south.

A Fun Side Trip: Key West 

Florida's near tropical island destination!

About an 9 hour drive south of Jacksonville is the string of islands known as the Florida Keys, and the final island of Key West. Just 90 miles from Cuba, this tropical destination is connected via bridges to the mainland of Florida. A trip over these bridges will last a lifetime...give it four hours from start to finish.

What's Cool: A Carribean-like atmosphere in the southernmost area of the United States, all without leaving the country! Guaranteed warm weather, year round.