April just feels like the right time to hit the road in the southern United States. The weather’s usually that sweet spot—warm enough for windows down, cool enough for a hoodie at night. Spring flowers pop up everywhere, and those green hills? You almost want to pull over every five minutes.
The South really shines this time of year, with scenic drives that mix wild beauty, historic towns, and plenty of local flavor. I love that you can cruise mountain highways or hug the coast without sweating through your shirt or fighting summer crowds. There’s just a relaxed vibe on the roads in April.
So, if you’re itching for a little adventure, I’ve got five routes you might want to check out. Each one has its own personality—some wind through mountains, others trace the coast, and a few are all about history. Let’s dive in.
1) Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway rolls out for 469 miles, linking Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. In April, wildflowers start popping up everywhere, and the temps are just right for a hike or a picnic.
Driving here is slow and easy—speed limit’s 45 mph, so you can take in the mountain views without rushing. I always find myself pulling over at overlooks just to soak it all in.
Along the way, Asheville, North Carolina, is a must-stop. The food scene and craft breweries are worth a detour. Roanoke, Virginia, has its own artsy vibe and mountain-town charm.
You can jump on or off the parkway at lots of spots, so it’s easy to make the trip fit your schedule. Some folks drive the whole thing in a few days, but even a short stretch is memorable.
Don’t miss Mabry Mill in Virginia, and definitely hit a few hiking trails. There’s Appalachian culture everywhere—music, old-timey sites, and friendly locals. Just remember, mountain weather can flip fast, so bring layers.
2) Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches out for 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, all the way up to Nashville, Tennessee. This road winds through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, following a path people have traveled for centuries.
April’s weather here is a dream. You skip the muggy summer and catch everything in bloom.
No billboards, no big trucks—just a quiet, tree-lined drive. You’ll spot Native American burial mounds and Civil War sites scattered along the route.
They started building this parkway back in the 1930s, tracing the ancient Natchez Trace used by Native Americans and early settlers. It connects the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi rivers.
You could technically drive it in eight hours, but why rush? Most folks take two or three days to explore the sights and trails. The parkway stays open all year and has lots of spots to pull over and wander.
It’s both a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road, so you know it’s got some serious scenery.
3) Great River Road along the Mississippi River
The Great River Road runs for a whopping 3,000 miles along the Mississippi River, crossing ten states from Minnesota down to Louisiana. In April, the southern stretch—think Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana—feels just right. No sticky heat, just gentle breezes and lots of color.
Each state along the river gives you a different slice of history and culture. River towns pop up along the way, each with stories about trade and how the Mississippi shaped life here.
The road follows highways that hug both sides of the river. You’ll stumble across historic spots, quirky museums, and natural wonders. In Mississippi, you can cruise more than 275 miles of Highway 61.
April’s weather makes it easy to linger outside. I love stopping at river overlooks, poking around old towns, and sampling regional food without melting in the sun.
You can make this trip as long or short as you want. Stick to the southern states or keep heading north if you’re feeling ambitious.
4) Gulf Coast Route through Alabama and Florida
The Gulf Coast is just about perfect in April. You beat the summer crowds and still get warm weather for the beach.
Kick things off in Mobile, Alabama—explore some history, then head to Fairhope for small-town charm. Keep rolling through Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, where the sand is white and the water’s that perfect emerald green.
Fresh seafood? All over the place. And the locals really do make you feel at home.
Once you hit Florida, the Panhandle beaches might just spoil you for anywhere else. Pensacola and Destin both have great beaches and plenty to do. I always try to squeeze in a state park visit or a walk along the shore.
The drive itself is a treat, with water views popping up everywhere. April means fewer people, so parking’s a breeze and you won’t have to fight for a spot on the sand. It’s also prime time for kayaking, fishing, or just wandering the beach.
5) Historic Savannah to Charleston coastal drive
This stretch between Savannah and Charleston is only 107 miles, but honestly, you’ll want to slow way down. There’s too much to see.
April brings out the best in the Lowcountry—mild temps, blooming flowers, and that dreamy light for photos. Walking historic districts feels almost cinematic.
Start in Savannah, wander the shady squares, and take your time along the riverfront. The city’s architecture goes way back, and every corner has a story.
The drive north takes you past coastal islands and old lighthouses. Marshes and bridges give you water views in every direction.
Charleston greets you with colorful streets, preserved landmarks, and those iconic cobblestone roads. Horse-drawn carriages still clatter past mansions that have stood for centuries.
Between the cities, you’ll find beaches, wildlife spots, and tiny towns that invite you to linger. This route really packs history and natural beauty into a short distance.
Essential Packing Tips for Southern Road Trips
April in the South can throw you curveballs—warm days, cool nights, maybe a surprise thunderstorm. Packing smart makes the trip way more comfortable. I always focus on layers and a few practical essentials.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing for April
Daytime temps usually hover between 60°F and 80°F, but mornings and evenings can dip into the 50s. I never regret bringing an extra layer.
Here’s what I usually pack:
- Light jacket or cardigan for chilly evenings or blasting AC
- Short-sleeve shirts and breathable pants for daytime exploring
- Comfy walking shoes—trust me, you’ll rack up steps
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for those sunny afternoons
- Light rain jacket or umbrella because April showers sneak up
Cotton and moisture-wicking fabrics are your friends. If you want to splurge on a nice dinner in Charleston or Nashville, toss in one dressier outfit.
Road Trip Safety Essentials
Before you hit the road, double-check your car’s emergency kit. I always stash jumper cables, a flashlight, and some basic tools in the trunk.
Don’t forget these:
- First aid kit with the basics
- Spare tire and jack
- Phone charger and a backup battery
- Actual paper maps—you never know when your phone will lose signal
- Bottled water and snacks that won’t melt
Make copies of your license, insurance, and registration. Keep them somewhere separate, just in case. Quick tip: check your tire pressure and fluids before leaving.
Travel Comfort and Entertainment
Long hours in the car can get old fast unless you plan ahead. I always pack a few things to make the ride smoother.
Here’s my go-to comfort list:
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Seating | Neck pillow, lumbar cushion |
| Food | Cooler with ice, refillable water bottles, snacks |
| Entertainment | Audiobooks, playlists, offline podcasts |
| Navigation | GPS or phone mount, toll payment method |
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are lifesavers at rest stops. A little trash bag keeps things tidy. Download your music and podcasts before you leave the city—rural cell service can be spotty.
Navigating Southern Scenery
April paints the South in bold colors and soft light. Mild weather and spring blooms make every drive feel like you’re rolling through a postcard.
Best Routes for Springtime Blooms
If you’re chasing wildflowers, the Blue Ridge Parkway is tough to beat. Trilliums, violets, and mountain laurels start showing up in April, especially at lower elevations. There are plenty of overlooks where you can pull over and just soak it all in.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is another winner for spring color. Dogwoods and redbuds line the route, and you’ll find short trails leading into blooming woods.
Highway 17 between Charleston and Savannah mixes coastal views with southern gardens. Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place are at their best this time of year. Don’t skip the tiny Lowcountry towns—azaleas and wisteria drape over old porches everywhere.
Photography Opportunities Along the Way
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is magic in the mornings—fog hugs the valleys, wildflowers line the trails, and Cades Cove’s fields frame old barns against mountain backdrops. Early light is your friend here.
Plantation gardens in South Carolina and Georgia are full of drama in April. Spanish moss hanging from live oaks makes for some unforgettable shots. Bring a wide-angle lens if you want to capture those massive canopies.
Small southern towns like Beaufort, South Carolina, and Madison, Georgia, have main streets just begging for a photo—colorful storefronts, flower boxes, and historic buildings all pop in the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a Southern road trip in April? Here are a few things I get asked all the time.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a classic for mountain views and wildflowers. Savannah and Charleston? You get history and coastal charm in spades.
New Orleans is unbeatable for music and food. The Natchez Trace Parkway gives you 444 miles of scenic, laid-back beauty.
Gulf Shores and Pensacola Beach are perfect for white sand and warm weather. Asheville is great for a mountain base and craft brews.
Stay at state parks or campgrounds instead of hotels—many spots are $15-30 a night.
Pack your own snacks and picnic gear for roadside lunches. Free attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace, and historic downtowns in Savannah or Charleston keep costs down.
Fill up on gas in small towns (usually cheaper) and look for local restaurants away from touristy areas for better deals and more authentic eats.
North Carolina and Tennessee make a great combo if you’re into mountains and music cities. In just a week, you can cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway, wander around Asheville, and tap your feet in Nashville.
Mississippi and Alabama deliver that classic Deep South vibe. You’ll wind along the Natchez Trace Parkway and kick back on Gulf Coast beaches—no need to rush.
Georgia and South Carolina? They’re perfect for a laid-back coastal ride. Start in Savannah, then meander your way to Charleston, soaking up all that history and Southern charm.
Louisiana and Mississippi set you up for a cultural adventure on the Great River Road. New Orleans is the obvious place to kick things off, and honestly, you might not want to leave.
Virginia packs in a surprising amount of variety. Spend a few days in the Blue Ridge region, then head out to the coast for a totally different scene.
Kick things off in New Orleans. Three days here fly by—just wandering the French Quarter and catching live music on Frenchmen Street.
Next, drive north along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Natchez is worth a two-day stop, especially if you like historic homes and slow Southern mornings.
Memphis comes next. Spend two days soaking up blues music and hunting down the best barbecue joints you can find.
Then, it’s off to Nashville. Two days here will have you toe-tapping in honky-tonks and maybe even catching a show at the Ryman.
Head south through Alabama until you hit the Gulf Coast. Mobile and Gulf Shores are perfect for three days of beach time and seafood.
Wrap up with a couple of days in Pensacola, Florida. Relax by the water, grab some fresh oysters, and let yourself ease back into reality before heading home.
Gulf Shores, Alabama feels just right in April. The weather’s in the mid-70s, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet.
Pensacola Beach, Florida is another winner. The sand’s so white it almost hurts your eyes, and the water hovers around 70 degrees—refreshing, but not freezing.
Tybee Island, just outside Savannah, is a sweet spot for beach access and quick trips into the city. You get the best of both worlds.
Hilton Head Island in South Carolina has gentle waves and miles of bike paths right on the sand. It’s easy to find your own quiet patch.
Destin, Florida? Those emerald waters are unreal. April means you’ll catch spring deals on places to stay, too.
St. George Island is a bit off the beaten path. You’ll find peace, plenty of shells, and barely any crowds—pretty rare these days.
Let’s kick things off with the Natchez Trace Parkway. I drove this 444-mile stretch from Nashville down to Natchez, and wow—there’s something magical about winding through forests, passing old Native American mounds, and stumbling across quiet historic sites. You’ll want to linger, so give yourself about three days here.
Next up, the Great River Road. This route hugs the Mississippi River, rolling through Louisiana and Mississippi. I’d recommend at least four days if you want to soak in the river views and maybe pop into a few plantation tours. There’s a timeless vibe along this stretch, like you’re drifting back through centuries.
Craving a bit of salt air? The Gulf Coast route from Mobile to Pensacola is a breezy 100-mile cruise. I spent two days hopping between beaches, grabbing seafood, and watching the sun dip below the horizon. It’s the kind of place where you might lose track of time.
And then there’s Highway 61. This road from New Orleans to Memphis is legendary for blues fans—it’s the heart of the Delta, after all. Over three days, I found myself stopping at tiny juke joints and roadside museums, just soaking up the music history.
If you’re drawn to stories that shaped America, don’t miss the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. It’s only 54 miles, so you can drive it in a day, but the Civil Rights landmarks and museums along the way will stick with you long after.
Honestly, each of these routes offers its own kind of adventure. Mix and match, or just pick the one that calls to you most.
