Featured Places and Activities
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.
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.