For food lovers, a road trip isn’t just about the destinations—it’s about the culinary adventure that unfolds along the way. The thrill of discovering local delicacies, regional specialties, and hidden gems in small towns can turn a regular road trip into an unforgettable gastronomic journey. If you’re planning a road trip and love food, here are some of the best road trips for food lovers, with tips on where to eat along the way.
1. The Pacific Coast Highway, California
Starting in Southern California and winding its way up the coast to Northern California, the Pacific Coast Highway offers not only stunning views of the Pacific Ocean but also some of the best seafood and farm-to-table dining on the West Coast.
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Santa Barbara: Known for its wine country, stop at a local vineyard for wine tastings and artisanal cheeses. Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Public Market for fresh seafood and local produce.
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San Francisco: Famous for its sourdough bread and seafood, especially at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can try clam chowder in a bread bowl. The Mission District is home to some of the best Mexican food, including the famous Mission-style burrito.
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Mendocino: This charming coastal town is known for its seafood, particularly oysters. Stop by a local farm or seafood shack to enjoy freshly harvested oysters straight from the waters.
2. Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica
As America’s most iconic highway, Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, and along the way, it offers an incredible variety of regional dishes that reflect the diverse food cultures across the United States.
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Chicago: Kick off your road trip with a deep-dish pizza at one of Chicago’s legendary pizzerias, like Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s. For a truly Chicago experience, head to Portillo’s for a famous Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich.
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St. Louis: Try St. Louis-style pizza, which features a cracker-thin crust and Provel cheese, at places like Imo’s. Don’t forget to stop by Ted Drewes for their famous frozen custard.
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Santa Monica: End your trip at the beach and enjoy seafood with a view at The Lobster or grab a bite at one of the many trendy eateries on the Santa Monica Pier.
3. The Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
This scenic route follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota down to Louisiana, passing through small towns with rich food traditions. The Great River Road offers everything from hearty Midwestern meals to the spicy Creole and Cajun flavors of the South.
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La Crosse, Wisconsin: Start your journey with a visit to one of La Crosse’s iconic supper clubs for a classic fish fry or steak dinner.
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St. Louis, Missouri: As mentioned earlier, make sure to sample the local pizza and frozen custard in St. Louis.
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Memphis, Tennessee: Known for its barbecue, Memphis is a must-stop for food lovers. Head to Central BBQ for some of the best pulled pork sandwiches or ribs in town.
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New Orleans, Louisiana: End your trip in New Orleans, the food capital of the South. Try gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and beignets at iconic spots like Café du Monde and Commander’s Palace.
4. The Florida Keys Scenic Highway
If you love seafood, the Florida Keys offer some of the freshest and most flavorful meals you’ll find anywhere in the country. The drive along U.S. 1 is a paradise for foodies, with a focus on seafood and Caribbean-inspired dishes.
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Key Largo: Stop at the famous Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen for their legendary Key Lime Pie and other delicious comfort food.
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Islamorada: Head to Morada Bay Beach Café for a fresh seafood meal while enjoying the stunning views of the ocean.
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Key West: The southernmost point of the United States, Key West is known for its conch fritters, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie. Visit the historic El Siboney for authentic Cuban fare or enjoy seafood at the popular A&B Lobster House.
5. The Finger Lakes, New York
While this region is renowned for its wineries, it also offers a great culinary experience for road trippers. From farm-to-table restaurants to artisanal cheese shops, the Finger Lakes is a foodie’s paradise.
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Ithaca: Known for its bustling farmers’ market, Ithaca is a great stop for fresh, local produce. Head to the Moosewood Restaurant for a vegetarian meal or visit The Commons for more local eateries.
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Watkins Glen: Visit the Glenwood Pines for a classic American meal and their famous “Glenwood Burger” or enjoy a casual bite at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.
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Skaneateles: This picturesque town is home to The Sherwood Inn, where you can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with stunning views of Skaneateles Lake.
6. New England Road Trip: Maine to Rhode Island
New England is a treasure trove of delicious seafood, hearty chowders, and baked goods. A road trip through this region offers plenty of opportunities to taste the best of the Northeast.
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Portland, Maine: Start in Portland, where you can enjoy a lobster roll at one of the many seafood shacks or grab a bite at Eventide Oyster Co.
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Boston, Massachusetts: Head to the historic Union Oyster House for some clam chowder or visit the North End for a delicious Italian meal. For dessert, don’t miss out on a Boston cream pie.
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Providence, Rhode Island: Stop by the famed Federal Hill district in Providence for an incredible Italian meal, or try the local delicacy, Rhode Island clam cakes, at a local seafood spot.
Conclusion
A road trip for food lovers isn’t just about the destinations—it’s about savoring the flavors of each region, discovering hidden culinary gems, and experiencing the diverse food cultures across the country. Whether you’re in search of fresh seafood, mouthwatering barbecue, or local specialties, these road trips offer some of the best eating experiences in America. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for a delicious adventure!
