The Open Road Travel

Best Places To Stop On A Road Trip From Atlanta To Memphis

With the road trip from Atlanta to Memphis drive time being 6 hours, some people will consider doing the journey in a single day. However, if you want to make the most of all the fantastic sights and attractions along the way, you are going to want to break it up into smaller chunks. There are a number of great places you can do this on our suggested route, but the best place for an extended stop on an Atlanta to Memphis drive is easily Birmingham, Alabama.

Birmingham, Alabama

Situated relatively close to the halfway point of an Atlanta to Memphis drive, Birmingham is a vibrant city that is the 2^nd most populous in Alabama. Boasting a rich history and diverse culture, it is well-known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, and the attractions available for tourists to enjoy cover this in great detail, while also covering a variety of other topics and activities, such as art and nature.

History buffs have key sites like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and Kelly Ingram Park to explore, all of which are significant landmarks in the struggle for racial equality. The Birmingham Museum of Art offers a diverse collection of art, while the Vulcan Park and Museum lets you see the world’s largest cast-iron statue and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Red Mountain Park, with its trails, scenic overlooks, and remnants of the area’s mining history, or visit Railroad Park, a 19-acre green space perfect for picnics and outdoor activities, or the Birmingham Zoo, one of the best zoos in the American South.

Throw in additional attractions like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and McWane Science Center, a thriving food scene rich with Southern cuisine, craft breweries, and trendy eateries to enjoy, and vibrant cultural events and growing attractions, and Birmingham is easily worth an extended visit, as it truly has something for everyone.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Birmingham – Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel

The Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel is a luxurious and well-appointed 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city. It offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and Southern hospitality, making it an excellent choice for travelers of all types.

Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable workspaces. The hotel also features a large indoor pool, a fitness center, a range of dining options, including the Wynfrey Grill serving Southern-inspired cuisine, extensive conference facilities, a large ballroom, and even direct links to the Riverchase Galleria, one of the largest shopping malls in the Southeast United States.

The Best Things To See On An Atlanta To Memphis Drive

Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge

Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area covering 7,000 acres that is home to the last remaining longleaf pine forest in the United States. Its beautiful natural landscapes feature a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various reptiles and migratory birds, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The refuge provides opportunities for activities like hiking, birdwatching, and photography on the countless trails that wind through the forest, or you can simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings in a serene, undeveloped environment. The refuge also hosts educational programs about conservation and the longleaf pine ecosystem, making it a great stop for those interested in its wildlife, ecology, biodiversity, and scenic beauty.

Talladega National Forest

Talladega National Forest is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts that offers over 390,000 acres of diverse landscapes to explore. The forest is best known as the location of Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama, which provides stunning panoramic views, making it a must-see for visitors and climbing enthusiasts.

The lush hardwood and pine forests, rolling hills, and scenic views Talladega National Forest offers’ create a peaceful and immersive outdoor experience that is perfect for those looking to connect with nature. There are numerous hiking trails, including the famous Pinhoti Trail, which stretches for over 300 miles, as well as a selection of both primitive and developed camping areas, so it’s ideal for longer hiking or camping trips.

With opportunities to fish in the many lakes and streams, such as Lake Chinnabee and Cheaha Lake, enjoy picnicking in scenic spots, or observe or photograph wildlife like deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, and a variety of bird species, the forest's diverse ecosystem makes it perfect for those looking to experience the great outdoors.

Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega Superspeedway is one of the most famous and thrilling racetracks in the world. Known for its high-speed NASCAR races, this 2.66-mile oval track is the longest track on the NASCAR circuit, a title previously held, albeit briefly, by the legendary Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It attracts racing fans from all over the world, especially for major events like the NASCAR Cup Series races.

Visitors can attend race weekends featuring high-speed competitions with cars traveling more than 200 mph, car shows, fan festivals, and various other family-friendly activities, or take guided tours that give you a behind-the-scenes look at the track, pit areas, and exclusive racing zones. With its thrilling atmosphere and rich history in motorsports, Talladega Superspeedway is a must-visit for anyone interested in cars or NASCAR racing.

Bankhead National Forest

Bankhead National Forest is a beautiful and diverse outdoor destination offering over 180,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and those just looking to escape into nature, as it features a selection of species like deer, wild turkeys, and various small mammals and birds, while also offering a range of other outdoor activities.

Its hiking trails include the widely popular Sipsey Wilderness Area, known for its rugged beauty, waterfalls, and old-growth forests, making it a great spot for avid hikers. It is then also a fantastic location for fishing, with several creeks and rivers to explore, such as the Sipsey Fork, known for its clear waters and excellent trout fishing. There are also both developed and primitive campgrounds, giving campers a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings.

Dismals Canyon

Dismals Canyon is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts that offers a stunning natural experience with beautiful sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and unique geological features. Its scenic hiking trails take you through the captivating landscape, offering views of waterfalls, rock formations, and crystal-clear streams.

Home to the rare dismalites, which are bioluminescent glow-worms that light up the canyon at night, it gives you the chance to enjoy a magical, otherworldly experience. Guided tours are offered to teach you more about the canyon’s history, ecology, unique features, and serene beauty, while the canyon is a popular destination for photography, birdwatching, and simply exploring diverse plants and wildlife.

Tupelo, Mississippi

Tupelo, Mississippi is a charming city and the 7^th most populous in the state. Boasting a rich cultural heritage and a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy, it is best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. With the house he was raised in having been converted into the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum, Tupelo is simply a must-visit destination for any of his fans who want to see where he was born or learn more about his life and career.

Even if you aren’t an Elvis fan, Tupelo offers a blend of attractions linked to its history, music, and southern hospitality that are worth visiting for. For example, the Tupelo National Battlefield commemorates a Civil War battle, while the Tupelo Automobile Museum showcases classic cars and teaches visitors about the automobile history.



Nature lovers can explore Tupelo’s parks and green spaces, such as Ballard Park, which features trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful lake, or the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, which offers a chance to see bison, as well as other wildlife. Add in local art galleries, restaurants serving Southern cuisine, and unique shops, and it makes for a pleasant experience for anyone interested in the culture, history, and natural beauty of Northeast Mississippi.

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield is a historic site that commemorates a significant Civil War battle fought on June 10, 1864. The battlefield is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into one of the most important engagements of the Civil War, with interpretive signs and markers detailing the battle’s events, its key players, and the tactics used.

There’s a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the battlefield, helping them explore the landscape where Confederate and Union forces clashed. The Brices Cross Roads Visitor Center offers more in-depth information, including exhibits and historical context, while the Brices Cross Roads National Cemetery lets you visit a peaceful and reflective location where many soldiers from the battle who made the ultimate sacrifice are buried.

Rowan Oak

Rowan Oak is the former home of renowned author William Faulkner and a must-visit destination for literature enthusiasts and anyone interested in Southern history. It offers a chance to step into the life and legacy of Faulkner, and visitors can tour the historic house where he lived from 1930 to 1962 and see the rooms where he wrote many of his most famous works, including The Sound and the Fury and As I Lay Dying.

The house is preserved much as it was during Faulkner's time, with many of his personal belongings and furnishings still in place. The surrounding grounds are equally beautiful, with scenic walking trails and gardens offering a peaceful, reflective atmosphere that Faulkner himself enjoyed. This makes exploring Rowan Oak a perfect activity for anyone interested in one of America’s greatest writers or the history and culture of the American South.

Tunica, Mississippi

Tunica is a lively city in Northwest Mississippi best known for its casinos, rich history, and southern charm, making it a great stop for tourists looking for entertainment and adventure. Its casinos are recognized as some of the best in both Mississippi and the entire American South, with everything from slot machines and poker tables to live entertainment and dining options, while the Horseshoe Tunica is a particularly prominent location for poker players.

Beyond its casinos, Tunica offers visitors a taste of local history at the Tunica Museum, where you can learn about the region’s past, including its African American heritage and the history of the Mississippi River. Outdoor lovers can explore nearby natural attractions, like the Tunica RiverPark, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River, walk trails, and visit exhibits related to the river’s history.

Throw in its annual events, such as music festivals and cultural celebrations, and Tunica has something to offer for everyone.

Conclusion

That concludes our guide to making your Atlanta to Memphis drive as enjoyable as possible. Now that you have all of the information you need to make your road trip as perfect as possible, all you have left to do is get things booked, so you can start looking forward to experiencing it all for yourself as soon as possible.