Best Places to See When Driving From Alabama to Florida
When planning a road trip from Alabama to Florida, you may be wondering what sights are worth stopping to see along the way. Luckily, there are plenty of places to explore, from beaches to historical landmarks. To help you navigate your journey, we've compiled a list of the top places to see when driving from Alabama to Florida.
Beautiful Beaches
The Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida is known for its stunning beaches. If you're a beach lover, make sure to take some time to explore the area's coastlines. Here are a few beaches that should be on your list:
1. Gulf Shores Beach, Alabama
Gulf Shores is a popular destination for beachgoers, and for good reason. The beach boasts pristine white sand, clear waters, and plenty of activities, like fishing, swimming, and kayaking. There are also several nearby attractions, like the Gulf State Park and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
2. Pensacola Beach, Florida
Located on the western edge of Florida, Pensacola Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The popular destination offers plenty of activities, like fishing, surfing, and parasailing. The beach is also home to the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier, a great spot for fishermen to cast their lines.
3. Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is often referred to as the "Spring Break Capital of the World." The beach is a popular destination year-round, with its white sand and turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy activities like jet-skiing, kayaking, para-sailing, and more. There are also plenty of nearby attractions, like St. Andrews State Park, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and Gulf World Marine Park.
Natural Wonders
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, there are several natural wonders to explore on your road trip from Alabama to Florida.
1. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida
Located on the western edge of Florida, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a stunning combination of beaches, marshes, and forests. The seashore is home to over 40 miles of coastline, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. Visitors can also explore historic forts and take guided tours.
2. Wakulla Springs State Park, Florida
Wakulla Springs State Park is located just south of Tallahassee and features a crystal-clear spring that is 180 feet deep. Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour or go for a swim in the park's natural swimming area. The park also offers hiking trails and picnic areas.
3. DeSoto Caverns, Alabama
Located in Childersburg, DeSoto Caverns is a series of underground caves that were formed over millions of years. Visitors can take a guided tour through the caverns and learn about their geological history. The park also offers gem mining, panning for gold, and a ropes course.
Historical Sites
If history is your thing, there are plenty of historical landmarks to explore on your road trip from Alabama to Florida.
1. Fort Barrancas, Florida
Located within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Barrancas is a historic fort that was built in the 19th century. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort and learn about its history and strategic importance during the Civil War.
2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Florida
Located in Miami, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a stunning estate that was built in the early 20th century. The estate features 34 rooms and sits on 10 acres of landscaped gardens. Visitors can take a guided tour of the estate and explore the gardens.
3. Civil Rights Memorial Center, Alabama
Located in Montgomery, the Civil Rights Memorial Center is a monument to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. The center features exhibits and interactive displays that tell the stories of the people and events that shaped the movement. Visitors can also see the Civil Rights Memorial, designed by Maya Lin.
Iconic Attractions
No road trip is complete without stopping to see some iconic attractions.
1. Dinosaur World, Florida
Located in Plant City, Dinosaur World is a family-friendly attraction that features over 200 life-size dinosaur sculptures. Visitors can take a guided tour, dig for fossils, or even participate in a dinosaur-themed scavenger hunt.
2. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Alabama
Located in Mobile, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a tribute to the sailors who served on the USS Alabama during World War II. Visitors can explore the battleship and learn about its history, as well as view other historic military artifacts.
3. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Florida
Located in Fort Myers, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are a tribute to two of America's greatest inventors. Visitors can take a guided tour of the estates and learn about the lives and inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The estates also feature extensive gardens and a museum.
Conclusion
Whether you're a beach lover, outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or just looking to see some iconic attractions, there's something for everyone on a road trip from Alabama to Florida. With so many amazing sights to see, be sure to plan your trip accordingly so you don't miss out on any of these top destinations.