Travel Experts Map Out Epic GTA-Inspired Road Trip Across America

Gaming fans can now visit the real cities that inspired Grand Theft Auto’s most famous locations

Grand Theft Auto fans are searching for the upcoming GTA 6 more than 8.8 million times per month on Google. While the game won’t launch until May 2026, travel experts have created the perfect way to experience GTA locations right now.

Netflights has mapped out an epic American road trip that visits all the real cities behind the game’s most famous settings. The trip takes you from coast to coast through the places that inspired the franchise’s virtual worlds.

Stop 1: Miami, Florida (Vice City)

Start your journey in Miami, the real city behind GTA’s Vice City. The game captures Miami’s luxury lifestyle and busy atmosphere perfectly.

Ocean Drive is essential for any GTA fan. The street features palm trees, bright lights, and famous hotels that look just like the game. The area shows off the glamorous side that made Vice City so memorable.

Stop 2: Florida Keys (Koncha Keys)

Drive south on the scenic Overseas Highway to reach the Florida Keys. Based on leaked information, GTA 6 will include a location called Koncha Keys that copies this real place.

The Florida Keys stretch 120 miles off Florida’s coast. The tropical islands offer clear blue water and great opportunities for fishing, snorkeling, and diving.

Stop 3: Everglades, Florida (Grassrivers)

Next, visit Everglades National Park. The game’s rumored Grassrivers location takes inspiration from this unique wilderness area.

In GTA 6, players will navigate swamps and avoid alligators in this area. In real life, you can safely explore the Everglades on guided airboat tours and see the wildlife up close.

Stop 4: Los Angeles, California (Los Santos)

Head west to Los Angeles, the massive city that inspired Los Santos in GTA V.

Visit Santa Monica Pier, which inspired the game’s Del Perro Pier. Both feature a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and ocean views. Venice Beach also appears in the game as Vespucci Beach, capturing the area’s unique, sun-soaked energy.

Stop 5: Las Vegas, Nevada (Las Venturas)

End your trip in Las Vegas, the inspiration for Las Venturas from GTA: San Andreas.

The famous Las Vegas Strip inspired the game’s version, complete with bright lights, casinos, and desert surroundings. Both the real and virtual versions are known for their entertainment culture and gaming.

Bonus Stop: New York City (Liberty City)

For dedicated fans, New York City inspired Liberty City in several GTA games. Times Square became Star Junction, the Statue of Liberty inspired Happiness Island, and Brooklyn influenced the game’s Broker area.

Travel Tips

Travel experts recommend flying into Miami first, then renting a car for the Florida portion of the trip. For the long drive to California, you can either drive the full 2,308 miles or fly from Orlando to Las Vegas, then drive to Los Angeles.

Remember to get the proper travel documents. You’ll need a valid passport and either a visa or ESTA authorization to enter the United States.

The Perfect Gaming Adventure

This road trip lets GTA fans experience the real places behind their favorite game locations. From Miami’s beaches to Las Vegas lights, you can see how the real world inspired one of gaming’s most popular series.

The trip combines gaming culture with classic American travel, creating a unique adventure that brings virtual worlds to life.