Ultimate USA Road Trip 2024: 15-Day South East to Midwest Itinerary for Theme Parks, MLB Stadiums, and Hidden Gems
Earlier this year, my wife and I embarked on a thrilling USA road trip from the South East to the Midwest, packed with theme parks, MLB stadiums, and hidden gems. This trip was a mix of excitement, adventure, and discovery, as we navigated through iconic destinations and unexpected treasures. Over the course of 15 days, we explored major cities, attended baseball games, visited world-class theme parks, and even stopped at the Field of Dreams movie site. If you’re planning a similar journey, this detailed USA road trip itinerary offers insights, tips, and personal highlights from our experience
USA Road Trip Itinerary: From South East to Midwest
“Our USA road trip itinerary covered 15 days of adventure, beginning in the South East and ending in the heart of the Midwest. Along the way, we visited five MLB stadiums, five world-class theme parks, and a handful of unexpected, charming spots. By using Laurel as a base for several days, we could explore Washington D.C., Hershey Park, and Baltimore without the hassle of packing and unpacking every day. This itinerary provided the perfect combination of thrill, exploration, and relaxation.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of our journey:
- Days 1-2: Orlando, FL – Our trip began with two magical days at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
- Day 3: Drive to Atlanta, GA – After our theme park adventures, we headed north to Atlanta.
- Day 4: Braves game at Truist Park & Drive to Pigeon Forge, TN – We spent the afternoon at Truist Park for a Braves game and then drove to Pigeon Forge, where we rode the Rocky Mountain Coaster.
- Day 5: Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN – We enjoyed a full day at Dollywood, experiencing thrilling rides and the charm of the Smoky Mountains.
- Day 6: Drive to Laurel, MD – After Dollywood, we made our way to Laurel, our base for the next few days.
- Day 7: Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park – From Laurel, we drove to Washington D.C. for a Nationals game at Nationals Park.
- Day 8: Hershey Park in Hershey, PA – Using Laurel as our base, we spent the day riding coasters and exploring Hershey Park.
- Day 9: Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards – On our third day in Laurel, we made the trip to Baltimore to catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards.
- Day 10: Drive to Pittsburgh, PA – We packed up from Laurel and headed toward Pittsburgh.
- Day 11: Kennywood Amusement Park in Pittsburgh, PA – We spent the day at Kennywood, a classic American amusement park.
- Day 12: Pirates game at PNC Park & Visit the Andy Warhol Museum – In Pittsburgh, we watched the Pirates play at PNC Park and visited the Andy Warhol Museum.
- Day 13: Drive to Rockford, IL – A long day on the road as we made our way to Rockford, near Chicago.
- Day 14: Cubs game at Wrigley Field – We enjoyed a legendary Cubs game at Wrigley Field, one of the most historic ballparks in the country.
- Day 15: Visit the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, IA – We ended our trip with a visit to the nostalgic Field of Dreams movie site.”
Best Theme Parks on the South East to Midwest Road Trip
“Our USA road trip was filled with excitement at some of the best theme parks across the country. While there are many Theme Parks in Orlando to choose from with 4 in Disneyworld and 2 and Universal Studios to start with, we started in Orlando, choosing to spend two days at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. At Magic Kingdom, we embraced Disney’s magic with iconic rides like Big Thunder Railroad, and at Hollywood Studios, we were blown away by Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, although we do like competing against each other at Toy Story Mania.
After Orlando in regards to Theme Parks our next was in Pigeon Forge, where Dollywood offered us an incredible day of thrill rides and Southern charm. The setting of the Smoky Mountains made it even more special. We also couldn’t miss a ride on the Rocky Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge, which was a thrilling experience in itself.
While in Laurel, we made a day trip to Hershey Park in Hershey, PA, where we indulged in chocolate-themed fun. The combination of coasters like Candymonium and the sweet atmosphere made this park a highlight for us. After the rides, we enjoyed a tour of Hershey’s Chocolate World and sampled some delicious treats.
Finally, we spent a day at Kennywood in Pittsburgh, a historic amusement park. It was an enjoyable mix of classic wooden coasters and modern rides, and its rich history added a nostalgic touch to our visit.”
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MLB Stadiums to Visit on Your USA Road Trip Itinerary
“One of the major highlights of our USA road trip was visiting multiple MLB stadiums. As big baseball fans, we planned the route to catch as many games as possible, and each stadium brought something unique to the experience.
On Day 4, we attended our first game at Truist Park in Atlanta, where we watched the Braves play. After the game, we drove to Pigeon Forge for some evening thrills on the Rocky Mountain Coaster.
After setting up base in Laurel, we ventured out for a Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park on Day 7. The stadium had a laid-back atmosphere, and we enjoyed sightseeing in Washington D.C. before the game.
We then took a day off visiting Ballparks by going to Hershey Park, On Day 9, we headed to Camden Yards in Baltimore for an Orioles game. Camden Yards was one of our favourite stadiums, with its retro design and proximity to the B&O Warehouse giving it a unique charm.
On Day 12, we experienced PNC Park in Pittsburgh. This was one of the most scenic stadiums we visited, with breathtaking views of the Pittsburgh skyline and rivers. Before the game, we explored the Andy Warhol Museum, which gave us a fascinating glimpse into the world of modern art.
We ended our baseball tour with a Cubs game at Wrigley Field on Day 14. Wrigley was everything we imagined it to be—iconic, full of history, and with a charm that only an old ballpark can offer.”
Hidden Gems Along Your South East to Midwest USA Road Trip
“While the theme parks and MLB stadiums were definite highlights, we also discovered some incredible hidden gems along the way.
One of the most unexpected thrills was the Rocky Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge. We rode it after our drive up from the Braves game, and the mix of adrenaline and mountain views made it a memorable stop.
Another hidden gem was Laurel, MD, where we based ourselves for three days while visiting Washington D.C., Hershey Park, and Baltimore. The town’s small, laid-back atmosphere gave us a chance to relax between our day trips, and we enjoyed exploring the local restaurants and shops.
Finally, the ultimate hidden gem on our trip was the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, IA. Walking onto that famous baseball field felt like stepping into the past, and it was the perfect nostalgic ending to our road trip.”
Itinerary Breakdown
Here’s the itinerary breakdown for our 15-day road trip:
- Days 1-2: Orlando, FL
- Visit Magic Kingdom & Hollywood Studios
- Day 3: Drive to Atlanta, GA
- Day 4: Braves game at Truist Park & Drive to Pigeon Forge, TN
- Ride the Rocky Mountain Coaster
- Day 5: Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN
- Day 6: Drive to Laurel, MD
- Day 7: Nationals game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
- Day 8: Hershey Park in Hershey, PA
- Return to Laurel for the night
- Day 9: Orioles game at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD
- Return to Laurel for the night
- Day 10: Drive to Pittsburgh, PA
- Day 11: Kennywood Amusement Park in Pittsburgh, PA
- Day 12: Pirates game at PNC Park & Visit the Andy Warhol Museum
- Day 13: Drive to Rockford, IL
- Day 14: Cubs game at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Day 15: Visit the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, IA
FAQs
What’s the best time of year to do a South East to Midwest USA road trip?
We did our trip in August, which was perfect for both theme parks and MLB games. The weather was warm without being unbearably hot, making outdoor activities comfortable.
How long does it take to complete this road trip?
Our trip lasted 15 days, but you could easily adjust the length based on your schedule. A two-week trip allows plenty of time to enjoy all the destinations without rushing.
Are the theme parks and MLB stadiums family-friendly?
Yes, all the theme parks and MLB stadiums we visited are family-friendly, offering activities and accommodations for all ages.
Which theme park was the best on this road trip?
It’s hard to choose, but Dollywood stood out for its charm and setting in the Smoky Mountains. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios were also highlights for their iconic rides and immersive experiences.
What’s the best MLB stadium on this itinerary?
For atmosphere and history, Wrigley Field is hard to beat. PNC Park in Pittsburgh, with its spectacular views, was another favourite of ours.
Are there any hidden gems along this road trip?
Some of our favourite hidden gems included the Rocky Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge and using Laurel, MD as a base for exploring Washington D.C., Hershey Park, and Baltimore. The Field of Dreams movie site was the perfect final stop.
Final Thoughts
“Our USA road trip itinerary from the South East to the Midwest was filled with unforgettable experiences. From thrilling rides at theme parks to the excitement of MLB stadiums, and peaceful moments in hidden gems like Laurel, MD, this trip had the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for iconic destinations or off-the-beaten-path discoveries, this road trip has something for everyone. If you’re planning a similar journey, I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your trip.”
