USA: Explore the Southern States

On this 14-day RV itinerary, you’ll experience several sides of the Southern United States. Start in the music city of Nashville before traveling through the Great Smoky Mountains and Alabama to Atlanta. From there, continue to the South Carolina coast and travel via Charleston and Myrtle Beach to Charlotte.

Days 1–2: Nashville, Tennessee
Your RV trip begins in Nashville, better known as “Music City.” From country and bluegrass to rock, blues, and soul, you’ll find live music throughout the city. Visit the Grand Ole Opry, Johnny Cash Museum, and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Take these first two days to explore Nashville before picking up your RV.

Days 3–4: Nashville – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, approx. 195 mi – 3.5 hours
On day 3, pick up your RV and begin your road trip through the Southern states. Your first drive takes you to Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The forested mountains are ideal for hiking and scenic drives. Plan at least two days in the park so you have time to follow trails to viewpoints and waterfalls.

Days 5–6: Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Birmingham, approx. 252 mi – 4 hours
From the mountains, continue to Birmingham, Alabama. The city played an important role in the American Civil Rights Movement. In the Birmingham Civil Rights District, you can visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and 16th Street Baptist Church. Car and motorcycle enthusiasts can also visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

Day 7: Birmingham – Montgomery, approx. 97 mi – 1.5 hours
Continue to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. Here, too, you can learn more about the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Visit the Rosa Parks Museum, for example. If you have some extra time, consider a side trip from Montgomery to Selma, known for the Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965.

Days 8–9: Montgomery – Atlanta, approx. 169 mi – 3 hours
Leave Alabama behind and drive to Atlanta in Georgia. Visit Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, or spend time at the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. For some time outdoors, head to Piedmont Park or walk or bike part of the Atlanta BeltLine.

Day 10: Atlanta – Charleston, approx. 305 mi – 5 hours
Today is one of the longer driving days as you make your way to Charleston on the South Carolina coast. Walk through the Historic District and French Quarter, where historic homes, churches, and public squares reflect different periods in the city’s history. Charleston is also known for its restaurants and regional cuisine.

Day 11: Charleston and surrounding area
Use this day to explore more of Charleston or visit one of the historic estates in the surrounding area, such as Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, or Middleton Place. These sites offer opportunities to learn more about the region’s history, including the role of slavery on these plantations.

Days 12–13: Charleston – Myrtle Beach, approx. 98 mi – 2 hours

Follow the coast north toward Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. Here, you can combine a day at the beach with the many activities available along the coast. For more nature, visit Huntington Beach State Park, with its beach, lagoons, and wetlands, or take a walk through Myrtle Beach State Park.

Day 14: Myrtle Beach – Charlotte, approx. 190 mi – 3.5 hours
The final drive takes you to Charlotte in North Carolina. Car racing fans can visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Depending on your RV drop-off time, you may have some time to explore the city before your Southern road trip comes to an end.

Prefer a different road trip through the Southern states?

Keep in mind that this is only an example itinerary, and you can adjust the trip to suit your travel plans and interests. For example, you could return your RV to Nashville if you want to spend more time exploring Tennessee and North Carolina, perhaps adding a side trip to Kentucky, the Bluegrass State. Another option is to travel from Nashville through Alabama and continue toward Louisiana.

Contact our team if you have questions about this itinerary or would like to request a free, no-obligation quote.