Featured Places and Activities
The History of Harpers Ferry: A Crossroads of Conflict and Nature
There are few places in the United States where geography and destiny collide as violently—and as beautifully—as they do in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Tucked into a dramatic gorge where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers crash together, this picturesque town looks like a painting but reads like an action thriller.
Planning the Perfect Self-Drive Holiday: The Ultimate Guide
This guide covers everything you need to know about self-drive holiday planning, from routing your journey and pacing yourself safely to using modern technology to unlock the hidden stories waiting for you along the way.
5 Unforgettable Places to Eat and Drink Around Yellowstone
Whether you are craving farm-to-table bison, authentic Spanish tapas, or a cold craft beer after a long day of exploring the Grand Loop, Drives & Detours has you covered. Here are five standout, highly-rated local restaurants and bars to elevate your Yellowstone adventure.
The Magic City Unlocked: A First-Timer’s Guide to Birmingham, Alabama
Here is everything you need to know to navigate Birmingham like a true local, from dodging sudden downpours to finding the best Thai food hidden inside a gas station.
Savoring the Mile High City: The Best Restaurants and Bars in LoDo, Denver
For the independent traveler—the kind of explorer who prefers to uncover a city's secrets at their own pace rather than following a crowded tour group—LoDo is a treasure trove of architectural marvels and gastronomic brilliance.
Why a Self-Guided Tour is the Best Way to See Harpers Ferry
You get the rich, expert storytelling of a premium guided experience, perfectly blended with the total autonomy of a solo adventure. Here is why downloading Drives & Detours’ Harpers Ferry audio guide is the absolute best way to experience this iconic town.
The Independent Traveler's Guide to Santa Fe: 5 Unforgettable Sights
If you are ready to explore the city with deep curiosity and zero rigid schedules, here are Drives & Detours top five must-see attractions in Santa Fe that perfectly lend themselves to an independent adventure.
Uncovering the Magic City: 6 Must-See Attractions in Birmingham, Alabama
We believe that the best way to uncover a city's soul is to do it on your own terms. Whether you are walking through the hallowed grounds of the Civil Rights District or staring up at the largest cast-iron statue in the world, Birmingham rewards the independent traveler.
Where to Rest Your Head in the High Desert: Joshua Tree’s Most Unique Stays
We have curated a list of standout boutique properties, historic inns, and architectural gems that embody the authentic Joshua Tree experience. These properties are highly rated by fellow travelers and offer the perfect home base for your desert exploration.
Unveiling Denver: 6 Iconic Attractions in the Mile High City
These are the heavy hitters—the sights that define the city's skyline, history, and cultural pulse. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning fan of the Centennial State, these destinations are the foundational pillars of any incredible Denver trip.
Ditch the Umbrella: The Independent Traveler’s First-Time Guide to Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a city of low-slung adobe architecture, vibrant turquoise jewelry, and the intoxicating scent of roasting piñon wood. But for all its undeniable charm, it has a few quirks that can easily trip up a first-time visitor.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham has transformed from an industrial steel hub into a vibrant, modern metropolis that boasts a dining scene rivaling cities twice its size.
Desert Drama & Dr. Seuss Trees: The Ultimate Joshua Tree Guide for First-Timers
You don't want to be the person being ushered back onto a 40-passenger bus just as the light hits the Hidden Valley rocks in that perfect, golden way. You want to linger. You want to take the detour. You want to know where the locals go when the West Entrance is backed up for two miles.
Denver for First-Timers: The Ultimate Local Survival Guide to the Mile High City
Grab a cup of locally roasted coffee, and let's dive into the essential local tips every first-timer needs to know before touching down in Denver.
Buen Provecho: 6 Unforgettable Places to Eat and Drink in Santa Fe
While some of those historic spots hold their own charm, the true culinary heartbeat of Santa Fe often lies just off the beaten path.
Why a Self-Guided Tour is the Absolute Best Way to See Joshua Tree
Our Joshua Tree self-guided tour is the perfect marriage of professional expertise and total personal freedom. At Drives & Detours, we believe that the best stories are told at your pace, in your car, with your favorite people.
The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Eating & Drinking in Savannah, GA
We’ve done the heavy lifting to curate a list of five extraordinary, highly-rated spots that showcase the true flavor of Savannah. These are the places where locals celebrate, where chefs push boundaries, and where the ambiance is as memorable as the meal itself.
More Than Aebleskiver: The Independent Travelers' Guide to Eating and Drinking in Solvang
We have bypassed the national chains and the overcrowded tourist traps to curate a list of five exceptional, highly-rated places to eat and drink in Solvang. These are the spots where the locals dine, where the ingredients shine, and where you can truly savor the flavor of the region.
Ditch the Tour Bus: The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to St. Augustine
If you are ready to experience the Ancient City like a seasoned local rather than a rushed tourist, you are in the right place. Here is Drives & Detours’ guide to mastering St. Augustine, Florida.
Tampa on Your Terms: Top 6 Can't-Miss Attractions for the Independent Explorer
At Drives & Detours, we believe the best way to see a city is on your own time, armed with the deep, local knowledge that turns a standard vacation into a true adventure. Here are the top six iconic, can’t-miss attractions in Tampa that you can—and absolutely should—explore at your own pace.