For food lovers, the ultimate road trip isn’t just about scenic views and charming towns—it’s about discovering new flavors, local specialties, and iconic dishes. The U.S. is home to some of the most amazing food regions, each offering something unique to savor. Whether you’re craving barbecue, seafood, or regional comfort foods, these road trips will take you on a delicious journey from one food destination to another. Let’s explore the best road trips for food lovers.
1. The BBQ Trail (Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina)
If you’re a fan of smoky, tender, and flavorful barbecue, the BBQ Trail is your dream road trip. From Texas brisket to North Carolina pulled pork, this route will introduce you to some of the best barbecue in the country.
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Texas: Start in Texas, where you’ll find the legendary smoky brisket. Visit spots like Franklin Barbecue in Austin, known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and Salt Lick in Driftwood for a truly authentic experience.
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Tennessee: Head to Tennessee for some lip-smacking ribs. Memphis is famous for its dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Don’t miss the iconic Central BBQ for a taste of local flavors.
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North Carolina: Finish the trip in North Carolina, known for its vinegar-based barbecue. Try the pulled pork and hushpuppies at Skylight Inn in Ayden for a classic taste of Eastern North Carolina barbecue.
Must-Try Dish: Brisket in Texas, Ribs in Tennessee, Pulled Pork in North Carolina.
2. New England Seafood Trail (Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island)
For seafood enthusiasts, the New England Seafood Trail offers some of the freshest and most delicious ocean fare around. From Maine lobster to Rhode Island clam cakes, this road trip is a must for anyone who loves seafood.
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Maine: Start your journey in Maine, where lobster reigns supreme. Visit iconic lobster shacks like Red’s Eats in Wiscasset and enjoy a lobster roll that will make your taste buds dance.
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Massachusetts: Head south to Massachusetts for some fresh clam chowder. Quincy Market in Boston offers an authentic bowl of creamy New England clam chowder, a regional favorite.
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Rhode Island: Finish off in Rhode Island with clam cakes and stuffies (stuffed quahog clams). A must-try is the clam chowder at the famous Iggy’s Doughboys & Clam Cakes in Warwick.
Must-Try Dish: Lobster Roll in Maine, Clam Chowder in Massachusetts, Clam Cakes in Rhode Island.
3. The Southwest Spice Trail (New Mexico, Arizona, Texas)
The Southwest Spice Trail is perfect for food lovers who crave bold and flavorful dishes packed with spices. From spicy salsas to chili-infused stews, the Southwest offers a unique culinary adventure.
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New Mexico: Start in Santa Fe, New Mexico, famous for its use of chili in almost everything. Be sure to try the green chili stew or a breakfast burrito filled with green chilies and eggs.
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Arizona: Head to Arizona for Sonoran-style hot dogs, a unique and delicious twist on the classic. The dog is wrapped in bacon and topped with a variety of fresh ingredients. Don’t miss a plate of Navajo fry bread tacos!
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Texas: Finish the trip in Texas, where Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine is king. Enjoy a hearty chili con carne or a flavorful taco at a local food truck in San Antonio or Austin.
Must-Try Dish: Green Chili Stew in New Mexico, Sonoran Hot Dog in Arizona, Chili Con Carne in Texas.
4. The Pacific Northwest Foodie Road Trip (Oregon, Washington, California)
The Pacific Northwest is a culinary haven with its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients like wild-caught seafood, farm-to-table dishes, and local wines. This road trip is perfect for those who love fresh, sustainable, and inventive cuisine.
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Oregon: Start in Portland, Oregon, known for its food trucks and farm-to-table dining. Grab a bite at one of the many food trucks offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to Asian fusion tacos.
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Washington: Head north to Seattle, where you’ll find an abundance of fresh seafood, especially oysters and Dungeness crab. Pike Place Market is a must-see for seafood lovers.
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California: Finish off in California, where wine country reigns. Explore Napa Valley’s wineries, and indulge in fine dining paired with local wines. Make sure to try California-style pizza and a fresh avocado toast.
Must-Try Dish: Food Truck Meals in Portland, Oysters in Seattle, Wine and Dine in Napa Valley.
5. The Southern Comfort Food Tour (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia)
The South is known for its rich and comforting food, from buttery biscuits to spicy crawfish. If you’re a fan of soulful dishes, this road trip will take you through some of the best comfort food the U.S. has to offer.
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Louisiana: Start in New Orleans with some Creole and Cajun classics like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, and beignets. Café du Monde is a great stop for freshly made beignets.
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Mississippi: Head to Mississippi for Southern fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. Stop by The Pig & Pint in Jackson for a taste of authentic Southern barbecue.
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Alabama: Alabama is famous for its BBQ and soul food. Don’t miss trying the fried green tomatoes and smoked meats at restaurants like Dreamland Bar-B-Que in Birmingham.
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Georgia: Finish off in Georgia with some peach cobbler and fried chicken. Visit The Colonnade in Atlanta, a classic Southern restaurant known for its fried chicken and sweet tea.
Must-Try Dish: Jambalaya in Louisiana, Fried Chicken in Mississippi, BBQ in Alabama, Peach Cobbler in Georgia.
6. The Great American Diner Road Trip (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois)
Diners are an iconic part of American cuisine, serving up everything from hearty breakfasts to delicious lunch specials. A diner road trip is perfect for anyone who loves classic comfort food served with a side of nostalgia.
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New York: Start in New York with a classic diner breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and bacon. Check out Katz’s Delicatessen in Manhattan for a famous pastrami sandwich.
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Pennsylvania: Head to Pennsylvania for a taste of Scranton’s diner food and try the famous Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia at places like Pat’s King of Steaks.
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Ohio: Stop by Ohio’s diners for a classic burger and fries. The Starliner Diner in Columbus is a great spot for a retro diner experience.
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Illinois: Finish in Chicago with a classic deep-dish pizza and an iconic Chicago-style hot dog at one of the many local diners or eateries.
Must-Try Dish: Pastrami Sandwich in New York, Philly Cheesesteak in Pennsylvania, Deep-Dish Pizza in Illinois.
7. The Wine and Dine Tour (California, Oregon, Washington)
For food lovers who also enjoy wine, this road trip offers the perfect blend of culinary delights and world-class vineyards. California, Oregon, and Washington are home to some of the best wine regions in the U.S.
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California: Begin in Napa Valley or Sonoma County for a day of wine tasting and gourmet meals at Michelin-starred restaurants.
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Oregon: Head to Oregon’s Willamette Valley for some of the finest Pinot Noir and farm-to-table cuisine.
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Washington: Visit Washington’s Walla Walla Valley for more excellent wines, paired with seasonal dishes showcasing local produce.
Must-Try Dish: Wine and gourmet dishes in Napa Valley, Oregon Pinot Noir with local cheeses, Washington state wines with fresh seafood.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving barbecue, seafood, or comfort food, the U.S. offers an incredible variety of culinary road trips for food lovers. From coast to coast, these food-centric routes will take you to the heart of local specialties and iconic dishes. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor some of the best food the country has to offer on your next road trip!
