Alabama Car Rental Deals – Drive the Heart of Dixie for Less

Welcome to Alabama, a land of rich history, soulful music, and surprising natural beauty. From the jazz halls of Birmingham to the rocket labs of Huntsville, the civil rights landmarks of Montgomery to the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores, having a rental car in Alabama unlocks the full experience of the Heart of Dixie. This page is your ultimate guide to renting a car in Alabama. We’ve packed it with unbeatable deals and local insights so you can tour the Yellowhammer State on your own schedule and budget. Whether you’re here to explore vibrant cities, trace history along the Civil Rights Trail, or embark on a Southern Road trip, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly, easily, and affordably.

Why Rent a Car in Alabama?

• Freedom to Explore Beyond the Cities: Public transportation in Alabama is limited, so a car is key to reaching attractions outside city centers. With a rental, you can drive from Birmingham to the Talladega National Forest, or from Mobile to remote Gulf beaches on your own timetable. Want to visit those small-town BBQ joints or hit multiple civil rights historic sites across the state? A car gives you that flexibility, no tour schedules, just you and the open road.
• Discover Hidden Natural Gems: Alabama boasts diverse landscapes, mountains, forests, rivers, and coastline, many of which are off the beaten path. A car lets you find secluded waterfalls like Little River Canyon (nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East”), cruise the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway in northwest Alabama, or drive down to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta for a swamp airboat tour. You can detour to state parks, take scenic routes and stop whenever a view catches your eye.
• Historical Road Trips: Alabama is a state where history unfolded along its highways. With a car, you can easily follow the Civil Rights Trail: drive from Selma (and cross the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge) to Montgomery, then on to Birmingham, visiting key landmarks at your pace. Or explore Alabama’s musical heritage by hitting Muscle Shoals’ recording studios, then detouring through Tupelo, Mississippi (Elvis’s birthplace), which is just a short drive out of state. These meaningful journeys are only possible on your own wheels, allowing time for reflection and discovery at each stop.
• Authentic Southern Experience: The true flavor of Alabama is often found in small communities and roadside stops, places tour buses skip. Renting a car lets you venture into the countryside: stop at a U-pick peach farm along Highway 31, drive through picturesque covered bridges in Blount County, or pull over at the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro for a one-of-a-kind shopping treasure hunt. The ability to go wherever curiosity leads is a huge perk of having a car in Alabama.

Our Alabama Car Rental Advantages

• No Hidden Costs: We pride ourselves on transparent pricing. All mandatory fees (like Alabama’s modest rental car surcharge of 1.5% and standard sales tax ~4% state + local) are included in your quote. No surprise “arena fees” or dubious add-ons here, what you see is what you pay. Alabama’s taxes on rentals are relatively low compared to many states, and we make sure you benefit from that. We also don’t spring surprise fees on you at pick-up, no hard-sell for extras you don’t need.
• Free Cancellation: Lock in a great Alabama rate today, worry-free. Plans change, we get it. Most of our Alabama deals come with free cancellation up to 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up. So if you decide to fly into a different city or shift your travel dates, you can cancel or modify without penalty. This flexibility ensures you can book early (often the best prices) without being locked in.
• Wide Vehicle Selection (and Trucks!): Alabama’s lifestyle can be diverse, you might need a comfy sedan for long highway drives, or perhaps a pickup truck if you’re doing some hauling or going off the paved roads. We’ve got them all. Thanks to our partnerships with 50+ suppliers statewide, you can choose from economy cars, luxury models, 8-15 passenger vans (great for church groups or family reunions), and yes, even pickup trucks and SUVs with towing packages if you plan to boat or camp. From Huntsville to Gulf Shores, the selection is vast. And with so many options, you can snag exactly what fits your trip (maybe a convertible for that coastal drive down Orange Beach?).
• Unlimited Miles: All standard Alabama rentals include unlimited mileage. You’re free to roam from the Tennessee line down to the Gulf and everywhere in between without counting miles. Planning to drive into neighboring states like Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, or Tennessee? Go right ahead, unlimited miles means you won’t pay extra for a multi-state Dixie road trip. Many travelers land in Atlanta or New Orleans and drive through Alabama; with our deals you can drop in one state and pick up in another, all with unlimited miles (just inform us of the one-way). Drive worry-free, whether it’s 50 miles or 500.

Today’s Top Alabama Car Rental Deals

• Compact Car from $21/day: e.g. Nissan Versa or similar. Great fuel economy for zipping around cities like Birmingham or Montgomery.
• Full-Size Car from $28/day: e.g. Toyota Camry or similar. Extra legroom for longer drives (ideal for a journey from Huntsville to Mobile).
• SUV from $35/day: e.g. Nissan Rogue or Ford Escape, seats 5. A versatile choice if your plans include some rural routes or just need cargo space.
• Minivan from $49/day: e.g. Chrysler Voyager or similar, 7-passenger. Ideal for family vacations, whether it’s a beach trip to Gulf Shores or visiting relatives statewide.
• Pickup Truck from $50/day: e.g. Ford F-150 Crew Cab or similar. Perfect if you need to move furniture, tow a trailer, or venture to hunting camp on dirt roads.

(Note: “From” rates are for base vehicle classes and common locations like airports in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Prices can be higher during peak demand events (Talladega race weekends, college football games in Tuscaloosa or Auburn, etc.) or at smaller regional airports.)

Driving in Alabama: Tips and Local Insights

Driving in Alabama is generally relaxed and straightforward, but here are some tips and things to know to navigate like a local:

Rules & Road Etiquette: Alabama follows the standard “rules of the road” used throughout the U.S., drive on the right, yield to the right at uncontrolled intersections, etc. Speed limits: On interstate highways, the limit is usually 70 mph (112 km/h) in rural stretches; it may drop to 65 or 55 near urban areas. Four-lane state highways are often 65, and two-lane roads 55 unless otherwise posted. In towns, expect 25-35 mph. Law enforcement (state troopers, local police) do enforce speeds, especially on interstates like I-65 between cities, so use cruise control to avoid accidentally speeding. Alabama has a “Move Over” law: if an emergency vehicle is on the roadside with flashing lights, you must move to the next lane if possible or slow down to a safe speed. This includes tow trucks and police cars pulling someone over. Alabama also prohibits texting while driving statewide, it’s illegal and very dangerous, so don’t do it. Uniquely, unlike many states, Alabama does allow talking on a handheld phone while driving (for adult drivers), but it’s not recommended for safety, hands-free is better. Just know that if you see others holding a phone, they’re not necessarily breaking the law (unless they’re a novice driver under 18, for whom all phone use is banned). Regardless, focus on the road; distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents.

Driving Style: In general, Alabama drivers are polite and not as aggressive as in some big metro areas. In cities like Birmingham or Mobile, you’ll encounter the normal urban mix of cautious and hurried drivers, but nothing extreme. On the highways, you might notice a lot of pickup trucks and SUVs, common for the region. Many Alabamians will wave “thank you” if you let them in or give a friendly wave to let you merge (the famous Southern hospitality extends to the road a bit). Do note that on rural two-lane roads, it’s customary to wave at oncoming drivers in many small communities, a little raised hand off the steering wheel, it’s just a friendly gesture. You’re not obligated, but don’t be surprised to get waved at on a backroad; they’re just being friendly! Also, farm vehicles (tractors, etc.) occasionally use backroads, they’ll usually pull over to let cars pass when they can, but be patient if you’re stuck behind one for a short time.

Tolls: Good news, Alabama has no toll highways. There are only a couple of toll bridges/tunnels, and they’re down near the coast. The main ones: the Wallace Tunnel on I-10 in Mobile is free (no toll), it often gets congested but costs nothing. The Dolly Parton Bridge (I-65 over Mobile-Tensaw Delta) is also free. The Beach Express Bridge going to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores is a toll bridge (currently $2.75 for standard vehicles, cash or credit at the booth). There’s also a causeway bridge to Dauphin Island with a small toll (around $3). If you head to Lake Eufaula, there’s a minor toll on a causeway ($0.50) at the George C. Wallace Bridge. But outside of these, you won’t encounter tolls. If you do drive into neighboring states: Florida has toll roads (e.g., if you go to Pensacola or Panama City Beach there are some), and Georgia uses electronic toll lanes around Atlanta (Peach Pass lanes). In Alabama, no transponder is needed, nothing like E-ZPass here, just have a few bucks in cash if you plan to cross at Orange Beach or Dauphin Island and you’re all set.

Traffic & Rush Hours: Alabama’s smaller cities mean traffic is seldom severe. Birmingham (the largest metro) has rush hour slowdowns on I-65, I-20/59, and I-459 during 7-9am and 4-6pm weekdays, but compared to big cities it’s quite manageable. A common bottleneck is where I-20/59 passes through downtown Birmingham (it narrows through an interchange, recently improved but still busy). Also, around Hoover (I-459/I-65 junction) can jam up during commuting hours. Mobile sees congestion on I-10, particularly at the George Wallace Tunnel under the Mobile River, afternoons heading east through the tunnel can back up for miles, especially on summer Fridays as folks head to Florida beaches. If you can, time your passage through Mobile’s tunnel during off-peak hours (early morning or later evening) to avoid stop-and-go. Mobile’s I-10 Bayway (bridge) also can slow if there’s an accident, as there are few alternatives. Montgomery has mild congestion on I-85 and I-65 at rush hour but nothing too daunting. Huntsville’s growing, but its roads (like the Memorial Parkway) are handling traffic fairly well except maybe right at 5pm. One thing to note: college football is a religion here, and on game days, traffic swells near the big stadiums. If you happen to be near Tuscaloosa on a University of Alabama home game Saturday, expect heavy traffic on I-59/I-20 and local roads before and after the game (approx 100k fans attend). Similarly, Auburn (off I-85) sees jams on game days. If you’re not going to the game, try to route around those cities during those times, or be patient. Many small college towns (like Troy, Jacksonville, Florence) also get local congestion after games but nothing that affects interstates. Lastly, weather can affect traffic: heavy rains can cause localized flooding on low-lying roads, never drive into standing water. And an inch of snow can paralyze some areas not used to it (more on winter below).

Parking: Parking in Alabama is generally easy and free in most places. Downtown Birmingham has plenty of garages and surface lots, rates are modest (often $1 an hour, $8-10 daily max). Meters in Birmingham (and Montgomery/Mobile) are usually enforced 8am-5/6pm weekdays and free on evenings and weekends. Downtown Montgomery around the state capitol and historic district has street parking that’s mostly free for 2 hours or metered cheap. Mobile downtown uses meters (or the convenient ParkMobile app) for on-street spots, but you’ll find inexpensive city-run lots too. When visiting beach areas like Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, many parking areas at public beach accesses charge a few bucks (via kiosk or attendant) during peak season, bring small bills or credit card. At state parks, there’s often an entrance fee per vehicle (e.g., $5 at Gulf State Park, or a few dollars at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville), which covers parking inside. In smaller towns and attractions (like visiting the USS Alabama in Mobile, or civil rights sites in Montgomery/Selma), parking is usually free or included in admission. One caution: in college towns like Auburn or Tuscaloosa, on normal days parking is fine with some free public decks; but on football game days, many lots turn into paid parking ($20-50 for the day) and street parking fills up quickly, also watch for permit-only zones in neighborhoods (they’ll tow violators). If you attend a big game, consider official parking or park a bit farther and walk/shuttle. Overall, Alabama doesn’t have the parking headaches of big metro areas, you won’t be circling the block for an hour. Just pay attention to signage because occasionally a spot might be reserved or time-limited. And parallel parking, plenty of it downtown, if you’re not used to it, don’t worry, traffic is light enough you can take your time to maneuver.

Road Conditions & Hazards: Alabama’s interstates and major highways are generally in good condition. You’ll find smooth asphalt on most of I-65, I-59, I-20, etc., especially after recent repaving projects. Rural county roads can vary: many are paved and fine, but some farm roads might be narrow and bumpy. If you venture off the pavement, know that Alabama red clay dirt roads get very slick and muddy after rains, an ordinary car can slip or even get stuck, so use caution (and maybe stick to paved roads unless you have a suitable vehicle). A notable hazard in Alabama is wildlife, deer are common in the state, and collisions happen year-round but especially during fall mating season (October-November) and at dusk/dawn when animals are active. If driving on rural or wooded highways at night, use high beams when no oncoming traffic and stay alert for the reflection of deer eyes. Hitting a deer can cause significant damage (they can leap out quickly), so be prepared to brake if you see one. Also, armadillos (yes, we have them) and opossums may wander onto roads, mostly at night, smaller, but can still give you a jolt if you hit one. Another natural consideration: storms. Alabama is in the Dixie Alley for tornadoes. If you’re driving and a severe weather warning or tornado siren sounds, it’s best to find shelter (gas station, rest stop). Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car, luckily they’re infrequent and localized. Summer brings thunderstorms; if rain is extremely heavy, pull off to a safe spot until visibility improves. Also, along the coast during hurricane season (June-Nov, peak Aug-Sep), heed any evacuation orders. If a big hurricane is forecast to hit the Gulf Coast, avoid driving into those areas, you might have to detour well north (I-10 could close if a direct hit is expected). Conversely, evacuations cause heavy northbound traffic from the coast, something to remember if traveling around that time.

Unique Alabama Laws or Customs: Alabama recently passed an updated left lane law on interstates, you’re not supposed to stay in the leftmost lane for more than 1.5 miles without passing someone. It’s designed to prevent “left lane campers.” While police mostly give warnings for this, it’s good practice to use the left lane only for overtaking, then move right. Alabama also has no statewide ban on handheld phone calls (only texting is banned), but some cities like Montgomery have local ordinances banning any cell phone use without hands-free. So if you see a sign entering Montgomery about a phone ban, take note, you could be ticketed there for holding a phone call. Seat belts are mandatory for all front-seat occupants and also for back-seat passengers age 15 and under (and practically everyone should wear them regardless). Child car seats: required for kids under 6 (and booster seats until age 6 per Alabama law; and many people do until age 8 as recommended). If you need a car seat with your rental, reserve one in advance. Another note: open container law, it’s illegal to have any open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a vehicle in Alabama. That includes your passenger; so finish or stow that to-go cup from the brewery tour before driving. And obviously, DUI is strictly enforced (0.08% BAC or above is over the limit; penalties are severe). On a fun note, you might notice many mile markers or small towns in Alabama reference sports or history on their welcome signs (“Home of the 2021 5A State Football Champions” etc.), Alabamians are proud of their local heritage; if you have time, stopping in a little town can lead to friendly chats if you show interest.

Seasonal Driving Tips:

• Summer (May, September): It gets HOT. Expect highs 90°F+ (32°C) plus high humidity especially in south Alabama. Keep your car’s AC on and bring sun protection (windshield sunshade for when parked, it can easily be 120°F inside a car otherwise). Thunderstorms are frequent in late afternoon; roads can suddenly become slick with water, slow down to avoid hydroplaning. Also, summer is beach season: I-65 southbound on Fridays (and northbound Sundays) between Montgomery and Mobile can be very busy with beach traffic. Plan accordingly or take alternative routes (like US-31 or US-331) if you want a scenic slower option.
• Fall (October, November): Beautiful weather, mild temps (60s-80s°F). This is hurricane season’s tail end; if a Gulf hurricane is brewing, keep an ear on local news in case your route is affected. Fall foliage peaks in late October in North Alabama, consider a drive like scenic Hwy 25 near the Blount County covered bridges or the Little River Canyon Parkway for great colors. Also, college football in fall, as mentioned, game weekends see heavy local traffic in Tuscaloosa/Auburn. If you’re not attending, just be mindful of when those games happen (usually Saturdays) to avoid those areas during influx/outflow times.
• Winter (December, February): Winters are generally mild, especially in south Alabama. North Alabama (Huntsville, Birmingham) can get occasional snow or ice, typically a few times a year at most, and it rarely stays long. However, if it does snow/ice, be aware that Alabama drivers and infrastructure aren’t well-equipped for it. Bridges can ice quickly, and there are limited plows/salt trucks. If the forecast calls for freezing rain or over an inch of snow, many businesses and schools close preemptively. If you’re on the road during a snow event, best advice is to get to a safe place (hotel, etc.) and wait it out; it usually melts within a day or two. Black ice (invisible ice) can be a hazard on winter mornings after a cold clear night, drive slowly if temps are around freezing and the roads look wet/shiny, especially on bridges and shaded areas. Also, some rural counties don’t salt roads, so hills can be tricky. On the flip side, many winter days are sunny and cool, perfect road trip weather with very low traffic. Just keep a jacket and maybe gloves in the car, as temps can drop into the 20s°F (-5°C) on winter nights up north.
• Spring (March, April): Spring is gorgeous in Alabama, blooming dogwoods, azaleas, and warm days (70s°F). It’s also tornado season, March and April have the highest incidence of severe thunderstorms and twisters. Listen to radio or have a weather app if storms are forecast. If a tornado warning occurs (siren or phone alert goes off), ideally take shelter in a sturdy building. If that’s not possible and one is near, as a last resort, some advise parking and getting low in a ditch away from the car (but that scenario is very rare for travelers). More likely, you’ll just have some heavy rain and lightning to wait out. Also, springtime means agricultural activity picks up, watch for slow-moving tractors on rural roads or occasional mud tracked on pavement near farms after rains. And watch out for potholes that sometimes form after winter; crews fix many by late spring, but an early spring road might have a new pothole or two, particularly on lesser-traveled routes.

Alabama is truly enjoyable to drive, with varied scenery from mountains in the north to bayous in the south. Locals are generally helpful, so if you need directions or assistance, don’t hesitate to ask at a gas station, you might end up hearing a story or two along with the info. Buckle up, obey the laws, and you’ll have a smooth ride through the Heart of Dixie.

Road Trip Ideas from Alabama

From blues music highways to coastal getaways, Alabama is a fantastic starting point for road trips. Here are three road trip ideas showcasing the state and beyond:

• Civil Rights Trail Road Trip (Memphis to Montgomery via Alabama)
  Distance: ~400 miles (645 km) from Memphis, TN to Montgomery, AL (one-way). Recommend 4-5 days to fully experience it (driving ~7-8 hours total, plus stops).
  Route: Start in Memphis, Tennessee (to visit where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel). Then head south on I-55 to Jackson, Mississippi and east on I-20 to Birmingham, Alabama. Continue south on I-65 to Selma, then east on US-80 to Montgomery.
  Highlights: Begin in Memphis at the National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel) to set the historical stage. Then drive to Birmingham, Alabama, the epicenter of many civil rights battles. In Birmingham, park downtown and visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the iconic 16th Street Baptist Church (site of the tragic 1963 bombing), and Kelly Ingram Park where protesters faced down fire hoses and police dogs, an incredibly moving experience. Grab some Alabama barbecue for dinner (try SAW’s or Dreamland). Next, drive down to Selma, the small city where in 1965 activists marched for voting rights. Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, imagine “Bloody Sunday,” and visit the National Voting Rights Museum. From Selma, follow the path of the marchers along US-80 (now designated as the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail). Along this route, you can stop at interpretive centers, like the Lowndes County Interpretive Center, which shares stories of the march and “Tent City” (a community of evicted sharecroppers). End in Montgomery, Alabama’s capital. Here, the journey’s history ties together: tour the Civil Rights Memorial & Center (designed by Maya Lin, it honors martyrs of the movement), stand outside the Alabama State Capitol where the Selma march concluded with Dr. King’s famous speech, and visit the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church (Dr. King’s parish when he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott). Also in Montgomery: the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which confronts the history of slavery and lynching, it’s powerful and newly opened (2018). These stops can be heavy and emotional, so pace yourself. End your trip on a reflective note or with a sense of hope at the Freedom Rides Museum (the former Greyhound station) to see how young people in 1961 challenged segregation. This road trip is not just travel, it’s a pilgrimage through pivotal moments in American history, much of it along Alabama’s highways. Expect to learn, to grieve, and to be inspired by stories of courage. It’s a drive that will stay with you long after you’ve left Alabama.
• Sweet Home Alabama Tour (Music & Food Trail)
  Distance: ~300 miles (480 km) loop, starting and ending in Birmingham. Best done over 3 days (driving about 6 hours total, plus delicious stops!).
  Route: Begin in Birmingham. Go northwest on I-22 to Muscle Shoals. Then south on the Natchez Trace Parkway to Tupelo, MS (optional), back into Alabama toward Tuscaloosa, and return to Birmingham via I-59.
  Highlights: Start in Birmingham with a hearty breakfast at a classic Southern diner (Birmingham has spots like Bogue’s or Demetri’s for biscuits and gravy). Then head to Muscle Shoals, the small town with a big music legacy. Tour the FAME Recording Studio and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in nearby Sheffield, where legends like Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded hits. It’s surreal to stand in these modest studios that produced such outsized sound. Nearby, in Tuscumbia, visit the Alabama Music Hall of Fame or Helen Keller’s birthplace Ivy Green if you’re interested. Don’t leave The Shoals without trying some local BBQ (Brooks Barbecue in Muscle Shoals is a hidden gem). Next, drive down a stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic byway with no commercial traffic, it’s peaceful and historic (Native American and pioneer route). You can detour 5 miles off the Trace to Tupelo, Mississippi to see the Elvis Presley Birthplace, a two-room humble house where the King of Rock was born, plus a museum. Back in Alabama, point your car toward Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama. If it’s fall and you’re a football fan, catch a Crimson Tide game for a true cultural experience. If not, you can still visit the campus and see Bryant-Denny Stadium. More importantly for this trip: Tuscaloosa has the original Dreamland BBQ, famed for its ribs and white bread (it’s a divey pit, cash only, but those ribs are the stuff of legend). Feast there. After wiping the sauce off your hands, drive back to Birmingham (about an hour). In Birmingham, dive into the city’s vibrant craft beer scene or live music at venues like Iron City or the Nick, to cap off your music and food journey. Before you depart, one more treat: swing by the Alabama Peanut Co. in downtown Birmingham to grab some roasted or boiled peanuts for the road, a true Alabama snack. This loop gives you a taste (literally) of Alabama’s soul, blues and rock history in Muscle Shoals, Elvis’s humble roots, championship football fervor, and BBQ perfected over generations. It’s the soundtrack and flavor of “Sweet Home Alabama” in road trip form.
• Gulf Coast & Bayou Adventure (Mobile to New Orleans)
  Distance: ~180 miles (290 km) one-way from Mobile, AL to New Orleans, LA. Can be done in 3 days (but easily expanded to enjoy more beach time), ~3.5 hours driving without stops.
  Route: Start in Mobile, Alabama. Take I-10 west to Biloxi, Mississippi. Continue along I-10 (with an optional coastal byway detour on US-90) through the Mississippi Gulf Coast, then to New Orleans, Louisiana.
  Highlights: Begin in the port city of Mobile, explore its charming downtown (markets, historic Fort Condé) and perhaps tour the USS Alabama battleship in Mobile Bay. Mobile has a rich Mardi Gras tradition (older than New Orleans’s, they’ll proudly tell you), if visiting in late Jan/Feb, you might catch some parades. Next, head towards Mississippi. Consider a scenic diversion on Dauphin Island before leaving Alabama, you can drive down to this barrier island via a bridge. Check out the Audubon Bird Sanctuary or the historic Fort Gaines, then take the Mobile Bay Ferry (car ferry) from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan (at the tip of Alabama’s Gulf Shores). This short ferry ride is fun and saves a lot of backtracking. From Fort Morgan, you can drive along the coast through Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama’s beloved beach towns. Dip your toes in the Gulf, maybe stay overnight here to enjoy fresh seafood and beach nightlife. Then continue into Florida for a few miles (around Perdido Key) or cut up north to I-10. Either way, as you head west you’ll enter Mississippi, known for its Gulf Coast casinos and beaches. Stop in Biloxi or Gulfport, try your luck at a casino resort or simply walk Biloxi’s lighthouse pier. Don’t miss a meal of Gulf shrimp or oysters, the Gulf Coast is seafood heaven. Pressing on, cross into Louisiana. If time allows, detour off I-10 to Bay St. Louis or the coastal scenic route (Old US-90) that hugs the shore, it’s a slower but picturesque drive through Pass Christian and Waveland, MS, rejoining the interstate near Slidell, LA. Finally, arrive in New Orleans, the Big Easy. Park the car (you won’t need it much in the French Quarter’s narrow streets) and soak up the jazz, Creole cuisine, and joie de vivre. From Mobile to NOLA, you’ve traversed three states’ worth of Gulf culture: colonial forts and battleships, pristine white beaches, moss-draped oaks, neon-lit casinos, and finally the rhythmic heart of New Orleans. This road trip is relatively short in distance but packed with variety. Don’t rush, part of the charm is pulling off at a roadside stand for boiled peanuts or pralines, or photographing an epic sunset over the Gulf. And if you return to Mobile, you can make it a loop by taking I-10 back (under 2.5 hours direct), perhaps stopping at the Infinity Science Center at the MS-LA border (NASA’s Stennis Space Center visitor center) or shopping at the outlets in Gulfport. It’s hard to top the Gulf Coast for laid-back adventure: where else can you experience three distinct states of Southern hospitality and end your journey dancing to a brass band on Bourbon Street?