Featured Places and Activities
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.
The Ultimate Kayak Rental Car Hack: Score a Deal & Be Your Own Tour Guide
Here is the insider guide to landing the best rental deals on the market, and more importantly, how to use that car to skip the dreaded tour bus entirely and become your own guide with Drives & Detours.
Navigating the USS Midway & San Diego Embarcadero: A First-Timer’s Guide to Avoiding Tourist Traps
At Drives & Detours, we believe travel should happen on your own time. If you want to gain a deep, authentic knowledge of San Diego’s naval history and waterfront culture at your own pace, you need the inside scoop.
The Southern Gothic Crown Jewel: 6 Unmissable Sights & Attractions in Savannah, Georgia
To help you plan your perfect, self-guided adventure, Drives & Detours has compiled the definitive list of the top six sights and attractions in Savannah. These are the iconic landmarks that make this coastal Georgian city entirely unforgettable.
Looking Past the Windmills: A First-Timer’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Solvang
You don’t need to follow a flag to experience the magic of Solvang. You just need a bit of local know-how, a healthy appetite for carbohydrates, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Where to Eat in St. Augustine: A Local’s Food Guide
We’ve combed through the historic district and the quiet side streets to curate a list of five exceptional, highly-rated, and deeply beloved local spots. From fresh-caught Atlantic seafood to immersive Peruvian fine dining, here are the standout places to eat and drink in St. Augustine.
Savannah for First-Timers: The Squares, The Secrets, and The Sand Gnats
Savannah, Georgia, is a city that practically demands you slow down. With its canopy of Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old architecture, it feels like stepping onto a beautifully preserved movie set
Discover the Magic of the San Diego Embarcadero: 5 Must-See Waterfront Attractions
The best way to experience the Embarcadero is on your own time, with a deep dive into the history that surrounds you. Here are the top five can't-miss attractions along the San Diego Embarcadero, curated for the independent traveler who wants to soak in every detail.
Unlocking Solvang: The 6 Best Sights in Solvang, California’s Little Denmark
Trade the crowded buses and rigid schedules for buttery pastries, hidden histories, and the freedom to explore the Danish Capital of America at your own pace
The Insider’s Guide: 6 Standout Places to Eat and Drink in Scottsdale
To help you fuel your self-guided adventures, we have curated a local’s list of the six best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale. These aren’t the obvious, flashy spots you’ll find on every mass-market brochure. These are the award-winning, chef-driven, uniquely local establishments that define Scottsdale’s true culinary identity.
Uncovering St. Augustine: 6 Must-See Historic Attractions
As the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement within the borders of the continental United States, every cobblestone, coquina wall, and ocean breeze in St. Augustine feels heavy with centuries of history.
USS Midway: The Secrets of San Diego’s Floating City & The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is a place where historic tall ships rub shoulders with modern yachts, and where military history is woven into the very fabric of the city
Escape the Theme Parks: A First-Timer’s Guide to the Real Tampa
Often overshadowed by the neon lights of Miami or the sprawling theme parks of Orlando, Tampa has quietly cultivated a deeply rich culture, a phenomenal food scene, and a history that is entirely its own.
Ditch the Crowd: 6 Top Attractions in Scottsdale
Scottsdale, Arizona, is practically built for the independent traveler. From its rugged mountain preserves to its sophisticated arts districts, this city rewards those who wander at their own pace.
Chasing Flavor Beyond the Beach: The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Miami
Miami is a sprawling, beautiful patchwork of distinct neighborhoods, each holding its own culinary secrets. From the deep, rich aromas floating through Little Havana to the quiet, leafy enclaves of Little River, the real culinary magic happens when you take the wheel yourself.