12 day itinerary for United States South

Itinerary

A 12-day adventure through the Southern United States sounds like a fantastic way to soak in the culture, music, and natural beauty of the region. Let’s create an itinerary that balances parks, music, and relaxation without spending too much time on the road. Here we go!

## Day 1: Arrival in Nashville, Tennessee

• Morning: Arrive in Nashville. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Centennial Park to stroll through the beautiful gardens and see the Parthenon replica.
• Evening: Enjoy live music at The Bluebird Cafe or Tootsies Orchid Lounge on Broadway. Grab some Southern comfort food for dinner!

## Day 2: Nashville

• Morning: Visit Radnor Lake State Park for a peaceful hike and some wildlife spotting.
• Afternoon: Explore Music Row and check out the historic recording studios.
• Evening: Catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry or visit The Ryman Auditorium for a classic music experience.

## Day 3: Nashville to Memphis (Approx. 3 hours)

• Morning: Depart for Memphis. Stop at Hatch Show Print for a quick tour of this iconic print shop.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Memphis and head to Shelby Farms Park for biking or paddle boating.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Beale Street and soak in the live blues music at one of the many bars.

## Day 4: Memphis

• Morning: Visit Mud Island River Park for stunning views of the Mississippi River.
• Afternoon: Explore Overton Park, which has beautiful green spaces and trails.
• Evening: Experience the vibrant music scene at B.B. King’s Blues Club.

## Day 5: Memphis to New Orleans (Approx. 6 hours)

• Morning: Depart early for New Orleans. Enjoy the scenic drive.
• Afternoon: Arrive in New Orleans and check into your hotel. Head to City Park to explore the beautiful gardens and oak trees.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the French Quarter and listen to some jazz at Preservation Hall.

## Day 6: New Orleans

• Morning: Take a stroll through the Garden District and admire the historic mansions.
• Afternoon: Visit Audubon Park for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
• Evening: Experience the lively atmosphere of Frenchmen Street for more live music.

## Day 7: New Orleans to Baton Rouge (Approx. 1.5 hours)

• Morning: Depart for Baton Rouge. Stop at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center for a nature walk.
• Afternoon: Explore Baton Rouge’s Riverfront and enjoy the views of the Mississippi River.
• Evening: Check out some local music at The Varsity Theatre.

## Day 8: Baton Rouge to Lafayette (Approx. 1 hour)

• Morning: Head to Lafayette. Visit Lake Martin for a scenic boat tour and birdwatching.
• Afternoon: Explore Lafayette’s parks, like Moncus Park, and enjoy the local flora.
• Evening: Dive into Cajun culture with live music and dancing at Randol’s.

## Day 9: Lafayette to Austin, Texas (Approx. 3.5 hours)

• Morning: Depart for Austin. Arrive and check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Zilker Park and take a dip in Barton Springs Pool.
• Evening: Enjoy the live music scene on Sixth Street.

## Day 10: Austin

• Morning: Explore Lady Bird Lake with a kayak or paddleboard rental.
• Afternoon: Visit Mount Bonnell for a stunning view of the city.
• Evening: Catch a show at The Continental Club for some classic Austin vibes.

## Day 11: Austin to San Antonio (Approx. 1.5 hours)

• Morning: Depart for San Antonio. Visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
• Afternoon: Stroll along the River Walk and enjoy the lush surroundings.
• Evening: Experience live mariachi music at a local restaurant.

## Day 12: San Antonio

• Morning: Visit Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
• Afternoon: Relax and enjoy your last day in the city, perhaps with a leisurely lunch along the River Walk.
• Evening: Head to a local venue for one last night of music before your departure.

Departure

• Depending on your flight schedule, you can squeeze in a final stroll along the River Walk or a visit to a local café for some breakfast before heading home.

This itinerary gives you a great mix of parks, music, and Southern charm while keeping travel times manageable. Enjoy your trip! 🌳🎶✨