There is a timeless appeal to road trip movies that balance chaotic comedy with genuine heart, and Netflix’s “Joe’s College Road Trip” hits all those marks. Starring Tyler Perry as the titular Joe, the film marks a significant shift for the character. While fans typically know Joe as the troublemaking sidekick in the Madea franchise, he finally takes the lead here. His boisterous personality transforms a routine college visit into a series of wild mishaps and unexpected life lessons that keep the energy high and the laughs frequent.
However, the characters aren’t the only ones driving the story; the filming locations serve as a vital “co-star.” The backdrop shifts from charming Southern towns to vast desert landscapes, mirroring the personal growth of Joe’s sheltered grandson, B.J. Simmons. Each stop on their journey represents a new chapter in B.J.’s discovery of the world before he heads off to school. For viewers, this visual roadmap is just as engaging as the dialogue, proving that a well-chosen setting is essential for bringing such an ambitious, cross-country adventure to life.
Memphis’ Beale Street Appears In The Netflix Original
Key Scenes: Tennessee served as a significant filming location for early road-trip moments and hilarious family interactions in “Joe’s College Road Trip.” More specifically, as Prime Timer reports, downtown Memphis and Beale Street were featured in the road trip montage.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Memphis is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the city’s famous outdoor festivals are in full swing. Winter is the most budget-friendly time to visit, offering lower hotel rates for those who don’t mind the occasional chilly day.
Transportation Options: If you stay Downtown, you’re in luck; the area is highly walkable, allowing you to easily trek between Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum and the Orpheum Theatre on foot.Uber and Lyft are plentiful, and for a more traditional route, local companies like Bluff City Taxi are readily available, especially for pre-arranged airport transfers.
Known for its deep musical roots and vibrant culture, Memphis provides the perfect setting for the film’s opening stretch, where the journey begins to unfold. Many character-driven scenes, like those highlighting Joe’s dynamic with his grandson, were filmed in residential neighborhoods and city streets that feel authentic and lived-in. Production crews chose Memphis not just for its aesthetics but for its strong film infrastructure and welcoming community.
Things to Do: Memphis offers a deep dive into American music and history, anchored by iconic sites like Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley, and Sun Studio, where rock and roll was born. For a powerful cultural experience, a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is essential, especially as it celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2026.
Where to Eat: Tennessee is full of fantastic eateries that offer a glimpse into the state’s cultural history and influence. Try Central BBQ for a quick bite to eat or Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for a tasty touch of Memphis. Both local favorites are popular with visitors and locals alike.
Where to Stay: Downtown is the best base for first-timers and music fans. You can choose the historic Peabody Memphis to see the famous duck march, or try the trendy Central Station Hotel, which features a massive vinyl collection and a high-end listening room. If you prefer a quieter, suburban atmosphere that’s great for families, East Memphis offers larger hotels like the Hilton Memphis.
The Mississippi Delta Was Also Utilized As A Filming Location
Key Scenes: Mississippi was an important location for roadside stops and comedic detours during Joe and BJ’s journey. The Mississippi Delta, specifically Clarksdale, played a big part in some highly entertaining scenes. One scene that was captured in Mississippi that viewers may recall is when Uncle Joe has a bar fight, as Prime Timer reports.
Best Time to Visit: Just like Memphis, the best time to visit Clarksdale is during the spring or fall, when the Delta weather is at its most comfortable and the festival calendar is packed.
Transportation Options: In Mississippi, driving is considered to be essential due to the spread-out locations. Visitors without cars can rent a vehicle, use rideshare services or stay in central locations to ease the burden of commuting.
As the road trip continues, the film moves into Mississippi, where several transitional scenes were filmed. These moments often showcase the unpredictability of travel, with roadside attractions, gas stations and scenic highways playing big roles in the plot. While specific towns weren’t always highlighted, the rural landscapes and small-town vibes are unmistakably Mississippi, adding a grounded, relatable feel to the journey.
The locations here are less about big landmarks and more about atmosphere, as Decider reports. Rolling fields, quiet backroads and classic Southern pit stops create a sense of discovery. These scenes in Clarksdale, a northern Mississippi city, help bridge the gap between major plot points, giving viewers a chance to breathe while still enjoying Joe’s antics.
Things to Do: Clarksdale is the beating heart of the Mississippi Delta, where the primary draw is the raw, live blues music played 365 nights a year in legendary spots like Ground Zero Blues Club and the authentic juke joint Red’s Lounge. You can also explore the Delta Blues Museum, which houses the remains of Muddy Waters’ actual cabin.
Where to Eat: You haven’t truly visited until you’ve tried the spicy, simmered bundles at Hicks’ Famous Hot Tamales or the legendary Abe’s Bar-B-Q, which has been serving its signature sauce and tamales at the Crossroads since 1924. If you’re looking for something a bit more elevated, Levon’s Bar & Grill is a local favorite known for its creative Southern dishes like gumbo and succulent Angus filets.
Where to Stay: The HOSTEL Auberge Clarksdale is a charming option that is considered a hub for music lovers. For a more upscale stay, the Hampton Inn Clarksdale is highly rated.
Las Cruces, New Mexico, Provided Outdoor Shots For ‘Joe’s College Road Trip’
Key Scenes: New Mexico was a dynamic backdrop for the climactic moments and visually striking travel sequences in “Joe’s College Road Trip.” As Prime Timer reports, the historic city of Las Cruces was where many outdoor scenes were shot.
Best Time to Visit: Spring is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring mild temperatures and clear skies. Fall brings the famous New Mexico chili harvest; visiting in September or October allows you to experience the smell of roasting green chilis in the air and attend local harvest festivals.
Transportation Options: Navigating Las Cruces is most convenient with a car, but the city offers some unique and budget-friendly public options for travelers. The city’s bus system is a standout feature for visitors because it is currently zero-fare, meaning you can ride any of the eight fixed routes for free. You can track buses in real time using the Passio GO! app, which is especially helpful for reaching major hubs like the Mesilla Valley Mall or Downtown.
New Mexico’s iconic scenery does a lot of the heavy lifting in “Joe’s College Road Trip,” with its vast desert vistas and dramatic horizons perfectly mirroring the film’s emotional journey. The production leaned into the unique charm of Albuquerque and its surrounding areas, blending urban architecture with natural beauty to create a cinematic look that’s hard to replicate. Fans of the movie will likely recognize the specific stretches of highway and scenic overlooks that provide the backdrop for the story’s most memorable sequences.
While the state feels like a main character in the movie, the production team actually moved through the region quite efficiently. Filming was centered in Las Cruces between January and February 2024, per Las Cruces Sun News, completing the local shoot in a relatively short window. This speedy turnaround was supported by New Mexico’s famous film incentives, which have turned the state into a major Hollywood hotspot, as Prime Timer points out. These perks didn’t just benefit the studio; they also allowed the production to hire local New Mexicans for various crew and background roles, adding a touch of authentic community spirit to the project.
Things to Do: Nature lovers should head straight to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument for breathtaking hikes at Dripping Springs, or take a short drive to the surreal, gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park. For a taste of local history, a stroll through the charming Old Mesilla Village offers boutique shopping and historic architecture, while the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum provides a fascinating look at the region’s agricultural past.
Where to Eat: For a more casual, local favorite, Andele’s Dog House offers some of the best tacos and enchiladas in town. If you’re looking to cool down after a spicy meal, make sure to stop by Caliche’s Frozen Custard for a classic “Caliche” treat, a beloved local tradition that perfectly rounds out the Las Cruces food experience.
Where to Stay: Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town offers a blend of comfort and regional style close to key filming areas. The Staybridge Suites Las Cruces by IHG is also a great option, though it costs more than some nearby budget hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madea in “Joe’s College Road Trip”?
While Madea is one of Tyler Perry’s most iconic creations, she does not play a central role in “Joe’s College Road Trip.” The hilarious matriarch is featured during scenes in the kitchen with BJ and his father (and Joe’s son) Brian, but overall, the film focuses more on Joe as a character, giving him room to lead the story in his own special and playful way.
Where can I watch “Joe’s College Road Trip”?
The film arrived on Netflix on Feb. 13, 2026, where it’s streaming exclusively.
