Exploring the U.S. by rental car offers the freedom to discover diverse culinary delights and breathtaking landscapes. The U.S. is a melting pot of cultures, each contributing unique flavors and cooking traditions. A road trip allows you to experience this firsthand, from Southern barbecue to New England seafood and Southwestern spices. You can discover regional specialties you might not find elsewhere whilst enjoying the country’s scenic routes.
A road trip also offers the flexibility to stop and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. You can take detours to charming small towns or picturesque spots, making the trip more personalized and enjoyable. You can plan your trip according to your culinary interests, whether you enjoy fine dining, street food, or farm-to-table meals.
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best road trips for food lovers that you can take in your rental car. These trips feature notable restaurants and regional cuisines along scenic routes.
Best driving routes in the U.S. for foodies
If you enjoy a good old road trip combined with visiting various restaurants for delicious food, try some of these routes.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Route: San Francisco to Los Angeles – approx. 460 miles
Starting in San Francisco, embark on a journey down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy clam chowder and sourdough at Fisherman’s Wharf before heading towards Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, where the stunning coastline and charming towns offer delightful seafood and farm-fresh produce. Stop by Nepenthe in Big Sur for lunch with a view, then continue to Santa Barbara’s wine country for some of California’s finest wines. Conclude your trip in Los Angeles with a diverse culinary scene that includes everything from upscale dining to delicious food trucks.
New Orleans to Austin
Route: New Orleans, LA to Austin, TX – approx. 510 miles
Begin your trip in New Orleans, savoring Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. Head west to Houston, where the barbecue scene rivals the best, and Vietnamese-Cajun fusion adds an exciting twist. Finally, arrive in Austin, famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine and vibrant food truck culture, offering everything from breakfast tacos to gourmet donuts. The drive includes scenic views of the Gulf Coast and rolling Texas countryside.
New York to Maine
Route: New York, NY to Maine – approx. 315 miles
Starting in the culinary melting pot of New York City, head north through Connecticut, stopping in quaint towns for fresh clams and oysters. Continue to Boston for a classic lobster roll at Neptune Oyster before journeying to Maine’s picturesque coastline. Enjoy the iconic lobster shacks, such as Red’s Eats in Wiscasset and The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth. The scenic Atlantic coastline offers a beautiful backdrop to this seafood-centric adventure.
The Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
Route: Minnesota to Louisiana along the Mississippi River – approx. 2,340 miles
This route takes you from the Twin Cities of Minnesota, known for Scandinavian influences and craft breweries, down to the rich, smoky barbecue of Memphis, Tennessee. Continue south to savor Southern cooking and soulful jazz in New Orleans. The Great River Road offers picturesque views of the Mississippi River and an opportunity to explore America’s heartland, discovering unique regional cuisines along the way.
Charleston to Miami
Route: Charleston, SC to Miami, FL – approx. 580 miles
Start in Charleston, where Lowcountry cuisine features shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and classic Southern comfort foods. Drive through Savannah for more Southern delights like fried green tomatoes and pecan pie. In Florida, enjoy Cuban sandwiches in Tampa, fresh stone crabs in the Keys, and the vibrant Latin American food scene in Miami. The route showcases the historic charm of the Southeast and the tropical beauty of Florida’s coast.
The Southwest Circuit
Route: Las Vegas, NV to Grand Canyon, AZ via Phoenix, AZ and Santa Fe, NM – approx. 1,160 miles
Starting in the bustling city of Las Vegas, head to Phoenix to experience authentic Mexican cuisine and innovative southwestern dishes. Continue to Santa Fe, where the unique blend of Native American and Spanish influences shine in dishes like green chile stew. Don’t miss the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon before returning to Las Vegas. This route offers stunning desert landscapes and a rich tapestry of flavors.
Portland to Portland
Route: Portland, OR to Portland, ME – approx. 3,200 miles
Begin in Portland, Oregon, enjoying its renowned coffee culture, craft beer, and Pacific Northwest seafood. Travel cross-country through varied landscapes and culinary regions, finally arriving in Portland, Maine. Eastern Portland is known for its local-focused cuisine, including fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and innovative farm-to-table restaurants. This epic journey offers a diverse array of foods and the chance to experience the vastness of American culinary traditions.
Each road trip offers a unique slice of America’s culinary diversity, paired with scenic drives and the freedom to explore in a rental car. From the fresh seafood of the Pacific Coast to the hearty barbecue of the South, these routes provide foodies with unforgettable gastronomic experiences and a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary heritage across the United States.
If this has sparked your appetite, take a look at our best remote restaurants in the U.S. that require a nice long drive to get to!
