What better way to reminisce about the days of Boy Bands, slap bracelets, and Saved by the Bell than to embark on a road trip that takes you through the iconic locations and landmarks in the United States that made the 90s unforgettable?
Remembering the 90s Vibe
The 90s were not just about great music, pop culture, and the advent of the internet. It was a period when the United States of America saw significant changes, from shifting landscapes to iconic structures that sprouted up during this vibrant decade. This ultimate 90s road trip guide will take you through these symbolic locations, each one with a piece of 90s history to explore.
The Start of a Journey: Seattle's Grunge Scene
Any 90s-themed trip must start in the birthplace of Grunge - Seattle. Visit the Crocodile Café, the heart of the grunge scene, where bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam first started their journey. You can almost hear the angst-ridden tunes as you walk through its doors. Not far from here, check out the Experience Music Project Museum that celebrates music history, particularly that of the 90s.
Tech Boom Landmarks: Silicon Valley
Head south to your next stop is in the heart of California - Silicon Valley. As the cradle of the tech boom, Silicon Valley was the birthplace of many tech companies that would change the world. Visit the original Google garage at 232 Santa Margarita Ave, and swing by the old Apple campus to appreciate the roots of these tech giants.
The Pop Culture Capital: Los Angeles
Continuing south along the west coast, Los Angeles was and remains a hub for film and TV culture. Drop by Central Perk, the replica of the Friends TV show coffee shop, or take a drive down Rodeo Drive, made famous by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
Cultural Diversity in the Southwest: Albuquerque
Head east to Albuquerque, the set of many iconic 90s shows. Feel like you're stepping into the past while exploring the Old Town, or visit the site of the International Balloon Fiesta, an event that began in the 90s and has been held annually ever since.
The Iconic Arch: St. Louis
Further down the road, St. Louis awaits with its iconic Gateway Arch, which was already an emblem of the city during the 90s. For a more 90s-specific visit, head over to Chuck Berry's Blueberry Hill, where the legendary musician used to play monthly shows until the early 2000s.
Music City U.S.A.: Nashville
Making your way to the Southeast, the city of Nashville, often referred to as Music City, has always been the country music capital of the world. The Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the historic Bluebird Cafe have seen the rise of numerous country music legends during the 90s, like Garth Brooks and Shania Twain.
Movie Magic: Atlanta
Next stop, Atlanta! In the 90s, Atlanta became known as the "Hollywood of the South," with films and TV shows like Fried Green Tomatoes and In the Heat of the Night shot in Georgia. Explore locations like Agnes Scott College, which served as a filming location for Driving Miss Daisy. Don't forget to visit The Varsity, the world's largest drive-in restaurant and an Atlanta institution since the 1920s.
Theme Park Capital of the World: Orlando
Known as the theme park capital of the world, and rightly so. A 90s road trip wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the era's booming theme park industry.
Walt Disney World Resort expanded significantly in the 90s with the opening of multiple new parks. Disney's Animal Kingdom opened in 1998 and brought an adventurous twist to the Disney park family. Additionally, Epcot's transformation in the 90s reshaped it into the multicultural, futuristic hub it is today.
The 90s also saw the rise of Universal Studios Florida, which officially opened in 1990. During this decade, it evolved from a single theme park into a multi-park resort, changing the landscape of Orlando's tourism industry. Revisit classics like E.T. Adventure, or reminisce about the 90s at Mel's Drive-In, a nostalgic nod to American Graffiti.
Sun, Sand, and Spring Break: Daytona Beach
On your way out of Florida be sure to stop at Daytona Beach, a place that truly defined the 90s for many college students. During the 90s, Daytona Beach was the epicenter of MTV's Spring Break coverage. This wild week was a staple of MTV programming showcasing live music performances and crazy beach competitions.
Walk the sandy beaches where once thousands of spring breakers partied to the tunes of bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and the Spice Girls. Visit the Boardwalk and Main Street Pier area, which used to be crowded with partiers and MTV celebrities. Even though it's much quieter now, you can still feel the high energy vibe that made Daytona Beach famous.
Also, not far from the beach is the Daytona International Speedway, another iconic location. This renowned racing track has been the home to the Daytona 500, one of NASCAR's most prestigious events, since 1959.
The Heart of the Nation: Washington, D.C.
As you continue on your road trip, the nation's capital is a must-visit. Besides the usual attractions of museums and monuments, pay a visit to the spot where the Million Man March, one of the most significant civil rights events of the 90s, took place. Walk down the National Mall and experience the powerful vibes of this historical location.
Always in Style: New York City
The Big Apple, with its status as a cultural and artistic hotspot, is the ideal endpoint of your 90s-themed road trip. Visit the iconic Seinfeld diner, or the Magnolia Bakery made famous by Sex and the City. And who can forget the MTV Studios in Times Square, where Total Request Live (TRL) brought fans closer to their favorite music stars.
The 90s are Alive and Well
This ultimate 90s road trip is a nostalgic journey that takes you from the grunge roots in Seattle to the pop culture landmarks in New York. As you move from one iconic location to another, you'll realize that while the 90s may be in the past, they are alive and well in the heart and spirit of the United States. So pack your mixtapes, dig out those cargo pants, and let's hit the road!