New York to Dallas: Epic Road Trip Itinerary

New York City is one of the greatest & most iconic cities in the world, filled with skyscrapers such Empire State Building, one world trade center and the Rockefeller centre!

In addition, to it being a melting pot for culture, from Chinatown to Little Italy. As the hub of the east coast its the ideal launching pad for some epic road trips! Especially an Epic Road trip to Dallas, Texas!

Blue Ridge Parkway which is the longest linear park in the U.S, around 469-miles in length through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties.

Expect smooth roads, sweeping curves and exquisite natural beauty as a backdrop!

Blue Ridge Parkway Blowing Rock North Carolina Travel Guide

How Long Does it take to drive from New York to Dallas?

Driving between New York to Dallas is one epic road trip! Driving direct you will cover (1,547.2 miles and it will take you approximately 22 h 46 min via I-81 S and I-40 W.

I recommended taking this road trip over at least 3 – 4 weeks +!

For example, covering an average of 100 miles per day would take you approximately 18 days. However, some days you may want to relax in some of the great cities enroute such as Memphis, Charlotte, NC and Philadelphia!

For Help planning a longer road trip, check out this post: How to Plan a 6 month Road Trip: USA

Interactive Map (New York to Dallas)

Dive into our Interactive map below!

In the map below i have outlined three driving Routes:

• Route 1 Via Philadelphia, Atlanta and New Orleans
• Route 2 via Savannah, Charleston
• Route 3: Via Blue Ridge, Nashville, Memphis (Blues Highway)

(The Routes are very similar for the first leg to Charleston, NC. Full Itinerary below)

User guide: Use the +/- buttons to zoom in and out of the attractions.

Top Tip: Many visitors choose to share the post on Facebook to inspire friends and help plan their road trip.

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Should you fly half way?

This is entirely applicable to you and your route! I suggest viewing the map below and writing down which stops you definitely wish to visit and which are optional.

For your information, Atlanta has the busiest airport in the USA! This is approximately half way and is a great jumping of point for many fly drive road trip!

For more info see: 6 Epic RV Road Trips from Atlanta

Should you take the Bus?

If your on a budget the bus is an option! A direct bus to from New York City to Atlanta actually travels directly through Route 1 via Philadelphia on our map.

The price of this is very reasonable at between $50-$70  and it runs every 4 hours. The operator is greyhound. However, be ware this is a direct service.

If you would like to stop off at many cities enroute I suggest you book split tickets for each leg, this is likely to cost more.

For the best booking deals check out: Best Public Transport Booking Tools? Trains, Buses, Ferries!

Road Trip Itinerary (New York to Dallas)

In the map above I have outlined three driving routes for this epic road trip:

(I have highlighted the common part of the routes in orange)

Route 1 Via Philadelphia:

1. New York City
2. Atlantic City – Optional
3. Philadelphia
4. Baltimore
5. Washington D.C
6. Raleigh, NC
7. Charlotte, SC
8. Blue Ridge Parkway
9. Atlanta, GA
10. Mississippi
11. New Orleans, LA
12. Houston, TX
13. Austin, TX
14. Dallas, TX

Charlotte, NC is a great stop enroute!

Route 2: Via Savannah, Charleston:

1. New York City
2. Atlantic City – Optional
3. Philadelphia
4. Baltimore
5. Washington D.C
6. Raleigh, NC
7. Charleston, SC
8. Savannah, GA
9. Jacksonville, FL
10. New Orleans, LA
11. Houston, TX
12. Austin, TX
13. Dallas, TX

Route 3: Via Blue Ridge, Nashville, Memphis (Blues Highway)

1. New York City
2. Atlantic City – Optional
3. Philadelphia
4. Baltimore
5. Washington D.C
6. Raleigh, NC
7. Charlotte, SC
8. Blue Ridge Parkway
9. Nashville, TN
10. Memphis, TN
11. Blues Highway
12. Dallas, TX

Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Guide Itinerary

Road Trip Highlights:

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is famous for its southern hospitality, musical heritage and also the birth place of the civil rights movement. Atlanta is also home to many other record breaking icons such as the worlds largest Aquarium (home to whale sharks!), the worlds largest Drive in Restaurant and many more.

For more on Atlanta road trips check out; 6 Epic RV Road Trips from Atlanta

Where to stay in Atlanta?

For our list of recommend places to stay in Atlanta follow the link HERE

Memphis, TN

This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Check out the famous Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley, B.B King and Johnny Cash all recorded albums.

Other popular attractions include Graceland Mansion, Elvis Home and final resting place. See Celebrity Graves Road Trip: U.S.A.

Memphis, Tennessee

In addition to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

For the full Itinerary on Nashville, Memphis and Blues highway check out Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip: Blues Highway 61

and this post Jazz, Blues & Rock n Roll Rail Vacation

Savannah, GA

Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and one of the original 13 colonies. This quaint city is filled with cobblestoned streets, manicured parks and horse drawn carriages.

Due to its age, Savannah is a history buffs dream with a variety of Civil war & Revolutionary sites making it a popular place to visit.

A Road Trip Savannah Georgia from New York has some memorable drives through oak tree tunnels! Source: getty

In the centre of Savannah you will find the stunning Gothic-Revival Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.  My favourite thing to do here was to drive through Oak tree lane, a breath taking Instagrammable road! It actually made our list: 25 Most Epic Driving Roads in the U.S.A: Road Trip Ideas!

For more on Savannah and Charleston check out: Atlanta to Charleston Road Trip: Via Savannah

Austin, Texas:

Austin, Texas is famous for its nightlife & awesome live music venues! It was even dubbed “the drunkest city in the US”! But is there more to Austin?

Yes definitely, check out the vibrant food scene, the outdoor graffiti art gallery and soak up the unique and friendly atmosphere!

6th Street Austin Texas. Source: getty

Austin offers the perfect balance between “small town and Big city”.

Austin was recently named the best place to live in the USA, the survey compares quality of life and job markets across the country!

Top 6 Things to do in Austin

1. Visit the Texas Capitol - Built in 1885

2. Photograph the Outdoor Graffiti Galley!

3. Check out the 1.5 Million Mexican Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge!

Bats congress bridge austin texas road trip

4. Immerse yourself at the Interactive Bullock Texas State History Museum

5. Visit the 351 acre Zilker Park.

6. Go Bar hopping on “Dirty” Sixth

The “dirty” sixth street is half a mile of bars, clubs and many regrets the morning after! It ones of those things you must do while in Austin.

Coyote Ugly is a popular venue with many local students, so expect some wild parties!

For a more sophisticated evening head to, Midnight Cowboy a reservation-only lounge.  There is also Esther’s Follies a surperb comedy club.

Best Tours in Austin Texas?

Can’t be bothered having to plan each route or want something special all organised for you! Check out our list of recommended Tours HERE.

Austin small group guided tour

Two of my favourites are the Small Group Guided Tour of Austin and the Austin Live Music Crawl!

Where to Stay in Austin?

For a list of our recommended Hotels and the best deals for Austin, check out this link HERE

For our full Austin, Texas Itinerary check out: Ultimate New York to Austin Road Trip Itinerary!

Dallas, Texas

Dallas is a modern vibrant city in Texas. It is know for its many cultural activities including musicals, Opera & Ballet! Whereas Dealey Plaza commemorates the location of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963!

dallas--texas-cityscape. Source: Getty Images

Things to do in Dallas?

1. Scale the Unique Reunion Tower

Reunion Tower is an iconic 560 foot observation tower which has a very unique style! It was constructed in 1978 with a large futuristic golf ball atop its  5 pillars.

It also has a Geo Deck Observation level which has a interactive display which provides details of the building and other notable attractions.

Insider Tip:

At nighttime it lights up spectacularly, be sure to check out its Revolving restaurant which offer 360 degree views of dallas

Dallas Texas Nighttime reunion tower is lit!

Address: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, Texas

2. Explore the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Dallas Arboretum is just a few minutes from downtown Dallas, you will find the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. It is located over 66 acres on the southeast shore of White Rock lake!

The Gardens offer 14 world renowned displays of seasonal flowers, trees and plants! The gardens also offer a variety of outdoor festivals, art shows and even concerts!

There are also many beautiful sculptures & fountains with names such as Texas Town and Toads Corner.

Insider Tip:

Don't overlook the White Rock Lake Park which offers 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's also known for its superb bird and wildlife spotting. In addition to fishing and sailing.

Address: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas

3. Bring the Family to the Dallas Museum of Nature/science.

The Dallas Museum of Nature/Science is popular with families due to its interactive exhibits, games and high tech facilities.

There is even a 3D theatre, a Family Childrens museum & playground, in addition to a 54 foot  glass escalator which offers views of the facility.

Address: 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, Texas

4. Go wild at Dallas Zoo

Dallas Zoo is a 106 acre park which houses over 2,000 exotic animals from 406 species! This is a great place for families and is split into two sections. Zoo North and the wilds of Africa.

There you will find everything from Otters, Tigers and even an Adventure Safari Monrail! The wildlife Amphitheatre showcases many tropical birds in flight!

Insider tip:

Thrill seekers should check out the Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park, a fun theme park many bungee jumps and free-falling rides!

Fun Fact: Dallas Zoo was created in 1888 making it one of the oldest zoos in America!

Address: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas

5. Visit the Infamous Texas School Book Depository

An notorious part of American history, the Texas School Book Depository is located at the intersection between Houston & Elm Streets in Dallas, Texas.

At the interactive museum you will discover the details of the Presidents last trip and how he was assassinated!  Be sure to check out the snipers perch in the window where Lee Harvey Oswald took those deadly shots! There are also original photos from the crime scene.

Texas School Book Depository

You can also check out the historical artefacts showcased such as a replica of the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle used during the assassination, Oswalds wedding ring and even the scale model of Dealey Plaza the FBI used.

Insider Tip:

Be sure to check out the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial an intriguing but often overlooked monument to the president, just a few blocks away by the city courthouse.

Best Tours in Dallas?

For the JFK Assassination, we took the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza tour  it was amazing & really interesting! The tour includes museum admission & a guided audio tour by Pierce Allman.

There are also audio clips of radio broadcasts, police statements and eyewitness reports to really immerse yourself into the time!

Should you buy a Dallas city pass?

If you plan on visiting a few attractions then YES!

A Dallas City pass will give you FREE entry to the majority of the attractions mentioned previously from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Reunion Tower and even Dallas Zoo!

Dallas city pass

Check prices & availability HERE

Where to Stay in Dallas?

For a list of our recommended places to stay in Dallas & the best prices, check out this link HERE

Essential Road Trip Tips:

1. Book Your Hotels in Advance!

To avoid having to drive around looking for hotels when your tired (My wife hates this!)

& to get the best prices, Check out our: How to find the Best Hotel Deals??

Auberge-Resorts_California

2. Get the Best deal on Car Rental

For some vital tips to know before renting a car & to get the best deals check out, Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!

car rental travel hacks

3. Need an RV?

If you fancy an RV adventure, you have to check RV Share

It’s an RV share platform, like airbnb where you can rent someones RV at a fraction of cost compared to normal!

Bring your RV to Tiden Park.

4. Bring a Great Travel Camera!

Want to capture those vacation memories? For friends, Facebook or even Instagram!

A phone just doesn’t compare with a high quality travel camera, they are well worth the investment!

Make sure you are equip with some great Photography Gear!

Check out our Recommended Travel Photography Gear

5. Make sure you have all your Essential Travel Accessories

Phone died?? You should have brought a Chargeable power bank now your stuck in the mountains (Happened to me in the Rockies!!).

Have you packed all your Travel essentials!??

Other essential Travel Accessories, I don’t leave home without include;

• Space Saving Water Bottles (These are great for a day out with the family or hiking!)
• Comfy Neck Pillows (A must have for long road trips)
• Hidden Money Belt (These are vital when travelling in busy tourist areas where pickpockets are common)

6. Get yourself a high quality backpack,

Pots of Jam smashed!??? After leaving Pikes Place Farmers Market my old backpack ripped and pots of Jam smashed everywhere!

I was so embarrassed, don’t let this happen to you! A high quality backpack is even more essential if out travelling with the family or hiking.

Backpacks

See our Robust Backpack reviews.

7. Invest in a High quality tent

If you plan on camping out under the stars and saving some money on hotels!

Organ-Pipe-Camping-winter. Source: LAtimes.com

Check out our recommended, Camping Gear

8. Pack your Sturdy Hiking boots:

“These Boots are made for walking!” – Sturdy hiking boots are essential when visiting the great US National Parks or even a long days hiking!

hiking boots usa

See our Hiking Gear reviews

9. Get Travel Insurance!

If travelling Internationally Travel Insurance is ESSENTIAL!

Avoid gigantic $15,000 Medical Bills! see: Why you NEED Travel Insurance in 2020?

Getting hit with a large hospital bill after getting sick or injured, could really add to your worries! Get some Travel Insurance

I used to think travel insurance was expensive, but after doing some research I found it to be really cheap!

Definitely worth it for the peace of mind! I’m not losing my house over a vacation!

10. Too Much Planning!?

Is planning your own trip is getting time consuming and stressful? An organised tour could be a great option for you!

They organise Flights, Hotels, Car Rental, Activities and much more!

Town & Tourist tours

Check out our reviews here: Which are the Best travel Tours?