The USA is one of the best countries to travel around thanks to the truly diverse states. One minute you can be seeing world-famous attractions in New York, before listening to live jazz in the Deep South and then sunbathing on a beach in Florida.
If you want to get a snapshot of what the nation is all about on a backpacking trip – starting in New York and working your way down to Miami provides you with just that.
Here is my guide to the best places to visit on an epic road trip starting in New York and finishing in Miami.
New York City
New York City is famous across the globe for top attractions such as the Empire State Building and Times Square, not to mention its fantastic shopping and nightlife. The destination is split into five boroughs, and it’s well worth trying to visit at least some of these during your stay. While Manhattan will no doubt be on your itinerary as it houses the aforementioned attractions, Brooklyn, Staten Island, The Bronx and Queens are also fascinating to explore. For more in-depth tips, view my New York travel guide.
Washington DC
After seeing the sights of the Big Apple, Washington DC should be next on the itinerary. This is America’s capital city and is the political hub. Of course, you will want to explore its famous monuments and memorials, such as the Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial. These are located on the 2-mile National Mall which stretches from the US Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial.
The White House is the home of the US president and you can tour this majestic building, although tickets need to be booked well in advance. Similarly, the Capitol Building could allow you to see a Congress session if you time your visit right.
Appalachian Mountains
From Washington DC, you will head into the Deep South via the Appalachian Mountains. Here, you can trek through the forest and soak up the fresh air – you’ll certainly feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Washington. The Cherokee Indians used to live in this corner of the country, although a current resident that you should keep your eyes peeled for is the American black bear.
Nashville, Tennessee
It is time to continue moving south to Nashville, Tennessee. You will now be in Deep South territory, a part of the States that is famous for its hearty dishes, rhythm and blues and traditional way of life. Nashville – also called the Music City – is seen as the home of the country genre, so it wouldn’t be a trip here without visiting a bar with live entertainment.
Memphis and New Orleans
Memphis and New Orleans are also fantastic destinations to stop off at when backpacking around this part of the country. The French Quarter of New Orleans is famous for jazz, and one of the best places to catch a performance is Preservation Hall. Going alligator spotting on a swamp tour while in Louisiana is also a must.
Florida
Florida is next on the itinerary, and it can sometimes be easy to forget just how far south the state is. Famous for its long stretches of sand and theme parks, the state is the ideal place to wind down and relax after a busy time backpacking – not that travelling can ever be classed as a chore!
Driving through Florida is a magical experience, think a spectacular coastline, beaches and lots of palm trees. Florida is a huge state so plan your itinerary accordingly and take lots of breaks. If you are looking for a beautiful beach, head to Clearwater. Now check out my other top rated places to visit below.
Orlando
Orlando is one of the most popular destinations in the United States attracting millions of tourists every year. Orlando’s most popular attractions include Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Universal’s Island of Adventure, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center, Aquatica Park and Legoland.
Miami
Miami is a popular city to visit in Florida and where my East Coast USA road trip ends.
Drink the day away at a pool party before enjoying a hedonistic night out in one of Miami’s many superclubs, where you can dance ’til dawn with the tanned and toned locals. South Beach is where the rich and beautiful spend their days, sunbathing on the well-maintained sand before returning in the evenings to sip on cocktails at one of the trendy nightclubs.
The following day, nurse your hangover with an afternoon of sun worshipping on the sand or, if you’re feeling more spritely, hit a local mall for some retail therapy. In the evening, catch an NBA game at the American Airlines Arena and enjoy the thrill of watching the Miami Heat.
Hopefully my guide to the ultimate NYC to Miami road trip itinerary has given you some ideas for places to stop off along the way. This trip really is one of the best US road trips! If you enjoyed this article you might like to view more of my United States travel tips.
