From Houston to Lake Livingston, Memphis to Nashville, this itinerary has you hitting all the best places as you turn a 12-hour drive into a multi-day road trip.
Gearing up for a jaunt through the heartland? Don’t miss the opportunity to turn a Houston to Nashville road trip into an adventure. You’ll see alligators, indoor jungles, hot springs, and genuine heaps of Americana.
: Take a leisurely day to enjoy the city. Rothko Chapel, an octagonal building in the Museum District, features 14 original paintings by Mark Rothko himself and is the perfect spot to soak up some culture.
: Of course, you’d be remiss to visit the capital of space exploration without seeing Space Center Houston. The NASA Tram Tour is included in admission and offers a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration.
($$): If you’re just waking up in Houston, it’s time for breakfast! For something unique, head over to Pondicheri, an Indian-inspired breakfast spot that specializes in gluten-free and vegetarian options— the masala eggs with breakfast avocado salad is a good pick.
($$): If you prefer more standard American breakfast fare, try Snooze. You can order classics like pancakes and bacon as well as more creative dishes like a breakfast pot pie.
MORE: The most important road trip safety essentials
Houston to Texarkana
290 miles, 5 hours 21 minutes
The first leg of your journey will take you right to the border of
: About 1.5 hours into your drive up Highway 69, you’ll reach Lake Livingston, one of the largest lakes in the Lone Star State. Lake Livingston is gorgeous and a great opportunity to take a walk. Be ready to spot some alligators and make sure to follow all the park rules around alligator safety.
: Lake O’ The Pines covers about 18,700 acres and is completely surrounded by massive pine trees. It’s another awesome spot to get out and go for a quick walk (or even a swim—there are no alligators to worry about!).
* Catch a show at a historic theatre: Once you arrive in Texarkana, catch a show at the historic
($$): Before winding down for the night, get a bite and something to eat at Texarkana's local favorite Redbone Magic Brewing, featuring wood-fired pizza and hand-crafted burgers and wings.
: There are plenty of hotel options in Texarkana, including most major chains. The Wyndham Garden is an affordable pick for a restful night of sleep. Cost per night: from $58
Texarkana to Memphis
277 miles, 4 hours 5 minutes
Today you’ll be driving straight through Arkansas. While you could definitely spend more time exploring the state, Memphis is a destination you want to save time for.
For the fastest route, take I-30 E followed by I-40 E.
: We recommend leaving Texarkana early to get to Buckstaff Bathhouse. The Bathhouse is located next to a huge hot spring along the Ouachita River and has been a luxurious soaking destination for more than one hundred years. If you feel like getting pampered, try their facials, manicures, pedicures, and massages.
: Graceland, the former residence of Elvis Presley, is the second-most visited building in the United States for a reason. The colonial-style mansion is full of rock and roll memorabilia and even features a private airplane that Elvis kept on the grounds.
Located right next to the Mississippi River, Beale Street is the prime destination for Memphis tourists. The street is full of everything from historic jazz halls, famous tourist attractions, blues-themed nightclubs, and incredible restaurants. It’s hard not to find something interesting while walking on Beale!
* Hit the touristy spots: If you have more time, take a tour of
: After you’ve had a fun night on the town, stay at The Peabody, a famous hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the iconic resident ducks walking through the lobby. Cost per night: from $209
Pro Tip If you want to do as the locals do, keep an eye out for flyers along Beale Street. You’ll find plenty of events and shows to enjoy while you’re there!
The first part of your drive will take you right to the city of Jackson—and you should definitely listen to Johnny Cash’s album “Folsom Prison” to put you in the mood. From there, it’s onto the home of country music.
: Yee-haw partner! The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum features over 2.5 million artifacts, two massive floors of gallery space, and the historic RCA Studio B where countless country classics were first recorded.
: Standing right in the middle of Nashville’s Centennial Park, the Nashville Parthenon is a full-scale recreation of the one in Athens, Greece. The inside features a 42-foot gilded sculpture of the Greek goddess Athena and a permanent display of historic American paintings.
: The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center has a sprawling atrium and features over 50,000 tropical plants arranged in gardens meticulously maintained by a team of 20 full-time horticulturists. The area is also filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it almost too easy to spend a whole day walking around the premises.
($): If you’re in the mood for some homestyle southern cooking, Big Al’s Deli offers up incredible dishes like fried catfish and spicy shrimp and grits.
: For something a little more budget friendly, the Hilton Homewood Suites is ideally located and has an indoor pool. Or try one of the many unique Airbnbs in the city! Cost per night: from $128
’s roadside assistance program, you get free lockout assistance, battery jumps, gas refills, and even Uber credits for emergency rides. Plus, it’s only $6.99 a month!
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