Before you enjoy the action of Las Vegas, your Charlotte to Las Vegas road trip must begin. Make the most of this multi-state journey and discover must-visit spots along your route. Whether you’re enjoying local dining, shopping for souvenirs, or soaking up the beauty of America’s heartland, you have plenty of spots to explore on your Charlotte to Vegas drive. Hit the road with these pit stops in mind.
Pack your bags, rally the troops, and fill the tank, because we have all the road trip recommendations to have the best Charlotte to Las Vegas drive.
Your cross-country journey from Charlotte to Las Vegas spans 2,216 miles, weaving through 12 states. You can expect this journey to take 32 hours, so plan to dedicate three or four days for your drive, including pit stops. Ambitious roadtrippers can knock out the drive in two long days.
This road trip takes you through several major cities, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, and Albuquerque. Traveling through the southeast, midwest, and west, you’ll encounter different landscapes, from the towering skyscrapers in downtown Atlanta to the open plains of Oklahoma and the desert of New Mexico. Check out unique attractions along the route that allow you to experience local culture, food, art, and more.
Weekend traffic in Vegas can be heavy, and the city also has standard rush-hour traffic as people travel to and from work on weekdays. Expect more traffic in larger cities along the route, and allow for longer drive times if you plan on traveling during the holidays or when there are big Las Vegas events. No matter where you’re driving from or which day of the week, the traffic is sure to pick up closer to the city.
Make Greenville your first stop to check out the city’s Art in Public Places exhibit. Stroll through town to find 125 original art pieces, including statues, murals, and more. Be sure to check out Chiluly’s stunning Rose Crystal Tower.
Alabama’s Talladega National Forest offers 29 miles to explore by car. Drive through Talladega Scenic Drive, which winds through the southern Appalachian Mountains and climbs more than 2,400 feet in elevation.
A drive through Memphis calls for some barbecue. A&R Bar-B-Que is a locally-owned restaurant that gets praise from locals and visitors alike. So, fuel up with ribs or pulled pork nachos before continuing your road trip to Vegas.
Located at Hendrix College, the Windgate Museum of Art is a free museum open to the public. Explore various art exhibits and installations to learn about the local arts scene and stretch your legs before resuming your drive.
Oklahoma City marks the halfway point of your Charlotte to Vegas road trip. Take a break and get moving on the Hefner-Overholser Trail, where you can see Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser and the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge.
Visit Canyon, Texas, to check out the tallest wind turbine in the country. It towers 653.5 feet in the sky, eclipsing the height of other notable landmarks, including Seattle’s Space Needle.
Located in Tucumcari, New Mexico, the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratory is a must-see for science lovers. The museum is home to many cool sights, like full-scale bronze dinosaur skeletons.
This isn’t your ordinary pharmacy. Stroll through Albuquerque’s iconic Duran Central Pharmacy, which includes a specialty shop featuring locally crafted items. While there, grab a bite to eat at the New Mexican diner.
Visit downtown Winslow, Arizona, and snap a picture at the “Standin’ on the Corner” Park. Inspired by the lyrics from the Eagles song “Take It Easy,” this park is a must-see for music lovers.
Pick up a souvenir to commemorate your Charlotte to Las Vegas road trip. Visit Goatfeathers Emporium in Boulder City, which offers a selection of antiques, handcrafted items, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Some say life isn’t only about the destination, it’s about the journey. If you’re planning your next trip to Vegas from Charlotte, consider hitting the road and making an adventure out of it. While you’re planning all your Las Vegas road trip pit stops, be sure to book your room at Golden Gate Las Vegas to have a place to call home after your drive. On top of comfortable rooms and suites (or penthouses for added luxury), you’ll be in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas to walk around town and stretch your legs after your Charlotte to Las Vegas drive. Drive safely, and see you soon!
