New Orleans to Nashville Road Trip
From scenic parks to musical landmarks, the New Orleans to Nashville road trip has it all. Here are the must-see stops along your way.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
This 8-9 hour route is rich with historic sites, musical landmarks, and natural beauty. The New Orleans to Nashville road trip is best enjoyed over two full days—and make sure you have roadside assistance in case your adventure takes an unexpected turn.
Our route takes you through
Louisiana
, Mississippi
, Alabama
, and Tennessee
. It’s not the fastest route but what it sacrifices in efficiency it makes up for in interesting stopovers. Military history and antebellum architecture? Check. Recording studios and stunning natural waterfalls? You got it.Now make sure your proof of
car insurance
is in the glove box (or in your mobile app via Jerry
) and let’s hit the road!Key trip details
Distance: 535 miles
Driving time: 9 hours and 13 minutes
Suggested length of trip: 2 to 3 days
It’s possible to finish this trip with one solid day of driving, but there are enough things to do and see along the way that it's worth extending your trip to take everything in!
Itinerary
- New Orleans, LA—Half a day
- Meridian, MS—One half to 1 day
- Florence, AL—Half a day
- Nashville, TN—2 days
New Orleans, LA to Meridian, MS
198 miles, 3 hours
This route offers natural attractions, historic sites, and a public art trail. Meridian is three hours from NOLA, making it the perfect stopover. Plus, you’ll pass through Hattiesburg which was an epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement, and is highly significant to American transportation history as well.
To get to Meridian, follow the I-10 E and I-59 N until you reach exit 152.
Where to eat from New Orleans to Meridian
- Jutamas Thai Restaurant(Hattiesburg, $$-$$$): Stop here to experience authentic Thai cuisine and fantastic, welcoming service. We recommend trying out their pad see ew or their massaman curry.
- Harvest Grill(Meridian, $$): A great place to stop and fill up before the rest of your trip, this gem of a restaurant provides solid burgers, steaks, and salads with a lively atmosphere.
What to do from New Orleans to Meridian
- Paul B. Johnson State Park: Just before Hattiesburg, take a small detour to this park located in the heart of Mississippi’s pine belt region. There are 800 acres to explore here, and you can walk and swim to your heart’s content. It’s pet-friendly and there are food and bathrooms onsite.
- African American Military History Museum: Hattiesburg’s one-of-a-kind museum is located on the site of a former USO club constructed in 1942. It preserves the history and stories of African-American soldiers that fought for the nation, with a real focus on hands-on learning and interactive exhibits.
- Dentzel Antique Carousel: Located in Highland Park, this is definitely one of the most unique attractions in Meridian. It was manufactured in 1896, and you can still ride it today for a mere 50 cents!
Key Takeaway Make sure you have 50 cents handy to ride the vintage carousel in Meridian!
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Meridian, MS to Florence, AL
210 miles, 4 hours
Whether you’re an expert or a newbie when it comes to the musical history of the South, you are guaranteed to be awed by the sights and sounds in Florence. This slightly westerly detour means you get to pass through more lovely territory, and it is definitely worth taking the time to explore!
To get to Florence, take the US-45 until you get to the MS-50 E exit. Follow the MS-12 E to US-43 N to reach your destination.
Where to eat in Florence
- Odette($$$): A neighborhood eatery found in downtown Florence, you can’t go wrong with any of their elevated American dishes, made with locally-sourced ingredients. We recommend trying their snapper special.
What to do from Meridian to Florence
- Muscle Shoals Sound Studios: Found a bit east of Florence on 3614 N Jackson Highway, this is a historic music site worth touring. Some of the legends that recorded here include The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Paul Simon!
- FAME Studios: First opened in the 1950s, this studio has produced a number of iconic hit records, and has hosted the likes of Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, and many, many more.
- Drive past Elvis Presley’s birthplace.: If you’re a fan of the King of Rock and Roll, detour over to Tupelo and check out the small two-room house he was born in and other landmarks dedicated to Elvis. Check out the gift shop for some fun souvenirs!
Florence, AL to Nashville, TN
122 miles, 2 hours
Nashville is most famous as the national home of country music, and you can definitely find it here in spades from live concerts to the Country Music Hall of Fame. But Tennessee has so much more to offer! Natural waterfalls abound, there’s great food—and even better people.
Where to stay in Nashville
- Thomson Nashville: Located in the ultra-hip Gulch neighborhood, this trendy and sleek hotel is the perfect place to catch some zzz’s at the end of your trip. All the major things you’ll want to see and do are also accessible from the Thompson. Cost per night: from $271.
Where to eat in Nashville
- Dino’s Bar($): Head here for an authentic—and, Nashville’s oldest—dive bar experience! You get simple, delicious burgers, fries, and beer in an easygoing setting.
- Peg Leg Porker BBQ($$): Check out this family-owned and operated restaurant for fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy pulled pork, and delicious BBQ nachos. Sit on the patio for some great vibes during dinner!
What to do from Florence to Nashville
- Stillhouse Hollow Falls: Midway between Florence and Nashville is this state natural area in Summertown, where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors. It does get muggy but the waterfalls are refreshing and accessible from the main trail.
- Grand Ole Opry: A must-see, even if you don't consider yourself a country music fan. The Grand Ole Opry is a cultural and historical landmark, and if you aren’t interested in any particular live shows while you’re in town, you can still tour their extremely well-maintained grounds.
- Nashville Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour: If you prefer to explore the town without having to deal with parking, try this sightseeing tour that will take you to all the major Nashville attractions. They run rain or shine, and tickets cost around $45.
Pro Tip Driving around and finding parking in a major city like Nashville can be a hassle, so to save yourself the time and pain, you might want to locate an area where you can park for the day and walk to all your destinations.
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Tips for road-tripping
You need a plan to keep yourself fed and entertained—even grown-ups deserve cute snacks and interesting
road trip games
! It’s also worth getting roadside assistance membership so you don’t have to worry about flat tires, running out of gas, or locking yourself out. With
Jerry
it’s only $6.99. How’s that for affordable peace of mind?We also recommend looking into
uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
before you embark on your road trip. Mississippi has the highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the country. This policy can protect you if you get into an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your repairs or medical expenses.Why you need roadside assistance
If you can change a flat tire, do you really need roadside assistance?
YES! And here’s why. Roadside assistance is for the things you can’t control. It doesn’t say anything about how safely you drive or how well-prepared you are. Anybody can lock their keys in the car or need help getting towed off of an unexpectedly muddy side road.
It’s easy to get a membership and if you use it just once it will easily pay for itself.
Finding cheap car insurance
If you want to save money on car insurance, the
Jerry app
is a good place to start. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding the cheapest quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even cancel your old policy for you.And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
"I was afraid I’d have to spend hundreds because I’m a first-time insurer and I’m young. But I got something so affordable and way less than expected!" - Jerry User
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FAQs
How far apart are gas stations on this route?
Gas stations are plentiful on the route between New Orleans and Nashville. Experts recommend keeping your tank no less than half full on a road trip.
Are there rest areas on the New Orleans to Nashville road trip?
Yes. On major roads in every state, you can find rest areas with free public bathrooms and parking. Some also offer maps, free coffee, and vending machines.
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