13810 Waterfront Drive We have reviews of the best places to see in Florida. World’s Smallest Police Station Leaving the shores of Lake Erie, you’ll soon be in Appalachia. On a nice day, head out to Winterthur Museum and Garden home to some of the most beautiful and whimsical gardens in the Mid-Atlantic. Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant serves shrimp caught by their own fleet of commercial shrimp boats. Fanning Springs State Park and Huckleberry’s Bar-B-Que 901 S. Federal Highway This agriculture area has some of the coolest offbeat attractions in the area. 501 Central Ave. Our Ultimate Florida Road Trip will take you from one end of the state down around and back up to the Florida panhandle. While we're known as the home of America's space program, Orlando's closest beaches and some of the best surfing in the country, this is only a taste of what our area has to offer. Native Americans used the caverns for shelter for thousands of years. With a screen door that mostly works and tin roof that pings when it rains, the restaurant features some good ole cracker cookin’: fried gator, fried okra, grits, greens and biscuits. 6180 US Highway 27 For a unique and enriching Keys vacation, explore intriguing attractions away from the mainstream haunts — whether secluded natural areas, historic spots or unexpected emporiums. Immerse yourself in the Greek culture and traditions of Tarpon Springs, home to the largest Greek population per capita in the U.S. This agriculture area has some of the coolest offbeat attractions in the area. Friendly folks and great ‘que makes this a perennial favorite. One of the first and largest National Wildlife Refuges, St. Marks is home to Florida’s second-oldest lighthouse and the gateway to the Northwest section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. A local institution featuring exotic fruits with names like Monstera Deliciosa, Carambola, Mamey, Lychee, and Atemoya. From the South Carolina State Museum to the Riverbanks Zoo there’s plenty to see and do in Columbia, SC. After driving 180 miles through North Carolina on your drive to Orlando, you’ll reach the famous rest stop, South of the Border. This event is hailed as the nation’s foremost prep for the Kentucky Derby. There are live butterfly releases on Saturdays and Sundays. Built in 1798 by the slaves of John McQueen, the house is the oldest planter’s residence still standing in Florida. the way around here is on the water. Kingsley Plantation National Historic Site South of the Border; 2. The excursion includes the Clewiston sugar mill, the sugar refinery and citrus juice plant, and a tour of the renovated Clewiston Museum. Amelia Island, a scant 13 miles long and two miles wide, is a charming seaport village characterized by stately Victorian-era architecture and a history that rivals any in the country. Looking for recommendations for things to do in Raleigh with your family? Art & Culture Center of Hollywood In 1738, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered Fort Mosé as a settlement for freed African Americans who fled slavery in the British Carolinas. Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino also provides casino action and fine dining. (941) 755-2757, www.lingerlodgeresort.com This should give you a hint as to why this Panama City Beach eatery was voted the No. The Sanibel Lighthouse is located at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island. 601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd. Bring or rent a kayak and a camera. (239) 283-2278, www.cabbagekey.com Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna is one of the few state parks in the U.S. with dry (air-filled) caves and is the only Florida state park to offer cave tours to the public. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki (meaning “a place to learn”) is home to the nation’s largest display of the life and culture of the unconquered Florida Seminoles. The content for this web site has been provided both by professional travel writers and by individual consumers. Canoeing, tubing or kayaking . The Air Force Armament Museum houses Air Force aviation warfare armament from the early days of World War I right through to today’s high-tech planes and bombs – and it won’t cost you a dime. Traveling with young children on your road trip to Disney World? All in one place, you can see lions, tigers, Geoffrey cats, servals, caracals, snow leopards, bobcats, lynx and more. The Royal Palm Grove was created to resemble the original 1937 garden. 209 Reid Street Visit a Florida cow camp from the year 1876, where you’ll find a cow hunter who is more than willing to talk about his life and times in a living history demonstration. Her Cracker-style home and farm, where she lived for 25 years and wrote “The Yearling,” has been restored and preserved as a state park. (800) 500-5583, www.babcockwilderness.com Voted the best river/lake for canoeing in Florida twelve years in a row, the Peace River is rife with sharks’ teeth. The Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys offers a quintessential U.S. road trip. Glad you had a chance to get out and… Discover 231 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Florida from Dry Tortugas to The Sea Hagg. (561) 744-6668, www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/s tates/florida/preserves/art5522 This 35-acre site includes the main house where you will see murals on the ceilings, faux marble on the walls and floors, and the courtyard with carousel animals. Salvador Dali Museum Top Things to Do in Raleigh, North Carolina. With epitaphs like “I Told You I was Sick,” “Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias” and others, the cemetery is as Key West as you can get—in a cemetery, of course. (727) 820-0100, www.flhm2.org (863) 902-1113, www.seminoletribe.com/museum Constructed in 1890, The Monticello Opera House narrowly escaped the wrecking ball in the 1970s and now serves as a center of community art and culture. Kids love riding a train down into the mine as a retired miner explains how coal was mined in Beckley. The state park is huge, but there is a suspension bridge and a short hike to a waterfall very close to I-95. The Fort Lauderdale Kite Surfing School offers year-round classes for those looking for a new thrill. So many travelers recognize I-4 as the well-traveled highway to Disney and Universal Studios, but this interstate really has so much more to offer on your drive to Orlando! A quintessential Pensacola experience, the National Naval Aviation Museum is the third- largest aviation museum in the world. This house of refuge, built in 1876, is the only one remaining of 10 commissioned by the U.S. Treasury Department as havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers along the barren east coast of Florida. Take the opportunity to jump tandem, work with coaches to improve your skills, or learn something new, like free flying. Belly up to The Everglades Lounge inside historic Clewiston Inn. 10901 Old Cutler Road Downtown, Channelside and Ybor City (239) 695-2989, www.smallwoodstore.com Roadtrippers will help you find all the best stops along the way. Trekaroo families love Fredericksburg, Virginia about halfway between Washington DC and Richmond. Take exit 99 for the West Virginia State Capitol Building along the Kanawha River. 901 Copeland Ave. Search for them all and find hidden images painted within them. Catch the curb service and have your food delivered to your car. Road School: Civil War and American History in Prince William County, VA. guide to an overnight stay in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This seafood processing plant, retail market and restaurant is open during crab season (between October and May) each year. Bioluminescent kayaking Closed in July, August and September. Home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and The Yearling Restaurant Librarians provide one-on-one help with your project. 400 N. Church Ave. On a rainy day, Nemours Estate is the place to go with antique automobiles and a children’s scavenger hunt inside the estate. (800) 388-9669 Contact various charters for diving. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. (850) 474-3015, www.uwf.edu/archaeology Coastal dune lakes Drive to Orlando: Kid Friendly Stops on Your I-77 Road Trip Itinerary Built in 1907, this historic inn features the award- winning Avenue Sea restaurant. Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant Once you’ve made it through the Capital Region and bypassed Washington DC on your drive to Orlando, you’ll certainly be ready for another pit stop by the time that you cross the Potomac into Virginia. The college is located on Lake Hollingsworth (also on the Great Florida Birding Trail). Then, check out the Apalachee Indian Council House, which could hold up to 3,000 people and is the largest-known historic-era Indian building in the Southeast U.S. You probably know which theme parks you want to visit and what you want to do once you’ve arrived in Central Florida, but how about pit stops on your drive to Orlando? Immerse yourself in Old Florida – literally. The University of West Florida Archaeology Institute presents artifacts from colonial, Early American, Victorian and Prehistoric Native American eras. Divers from around the world have returned from the depths singing the praises of the "Mighty O," and CNN dubbed the wreck "The Great Carrier Reef." From outdoor […] (863) 425-2823, www.mulberryphosphatemuseum.org/ Florida's State Road A1A is one of the most scenic road trip routes in the nation. Big Shoals State Park is home to the only Class III white water rapids in Florida on the famed Suwannee River. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art Outside the main gates of Eglin AFB on Highway 85 and State Road 189 Florida Caverns State Park 103 Water St.  The Lodge was built in 1937 by financier Edward Ball and is open year round. There is so much to do only a short distance from the interstate and plenty to keep the kids entertained. A small fee is required per car. 801 Johnson St. (727) 823-3767, www.salvadordalimuseum.org Key West Cemetery . Take exit 77 and in under an hour arrive at Wild Florida Airboats and Wildlife Park. Darien ; Kid-Friendly Stops Along I-95 in Florida – You’ve Made It! Just north of Richmond on I-95, Kings Dominion is one of the best amusement parks in the Eastern United States. The trail offers a wonderful view of the island along with hiking, bird watching, wildlife observation and photography. South Walton County has 15 coastal dune lakes, the largest concentration in the world. (863) 983-7979, www.clewistonchamber.com (239) 695-2428, www.clydebutcher.com (772) 225-1875, www.elliottmuseumfl.org (850) 623-6197, www.adventuresunlimited.com 574 South Beach Road The Butterfly Rainforest is a unique detour if you’re in town for an event or a campus tour. Planning a stop in New Bern on your drive to Orlando? 28655 S. Dixie Highway, (305) 248-6345, www.coralcastle.com. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood is a vibrant, regionally distinct, contemporary visual and performing arts organization offering visual art exhibitions, theatre, music and dance performances. While in Titusville, visit the locally owned and operated “Home of Rock Shrimp,” the shrimp that tastes like lobster. www.historiclakewales.com/spookhill This remarkable museum is conveniently located in downtown St. Petersburg, making it a must-see while in the area. The Metalwork Studio offers Metalsmith classes taught by a metalsmith artist and jewelry designer. Reptile World Serpentarium Ghost and pirate tours Her Cracker-style home and farm, where she lived for 25 years and wrote “The Yearling,” has been restored and preserved as a state park. During those months, Florida's weather is oftentimes on the cooler, more comfortable side. White water rapids depend on seasons and recent rainfalls; call the park before visiting to find out the latest conditions. . The cave has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies. Of course, there’s plenty of history lessons to be found at Fort McHenry. Herrmann’s Original Royal Lipizzans Located on Florida's Space Coast, this huge complex is where space exploration has made history. (850) 224-5950, www.floridastateparks.org/park/Wakulla-Springs Diners can enjoy the aquariums throughout the restaurant as they wait for their belly-busting meal. Check out Trekaroo’s Best Orlando Hotels for Families. Believe it or not, there are 14 skydiving locations in Florida and Skydive City is the Sunshine State's #1 drop zone. Saved by the Historical Society of Martin County in 1955, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and provides a look at life as the area entered the 20th century. If you’re on a mission to get to Orlando as quickly as possible, North Carolina is probably the state that you want to drive straight through making the fewest number of stops possible. (850) 997-5552, www.monticellojeffersonfl.com The museum is huge and focuses on US participation in various wars and conflicts. Off coastal Hwy 98 about 5 miles west of Carrabelle (5.5 miles into Tate’s Hell State Forest on forest roads) Classic old wax museum, formerly the second-largest in the world, exhibits a tight assemblage of historical figures and celebrities. (863) 956-4990 Mission San Luis We have reviews of the best places to see in Florida. Choose from walking, riding and even sailing tours. Peach Stands; 2. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Here is Trekaroo’s guide to road trip to Orlando. This preserve has several different habitats including beach dunes, coastal strands and mangrove wetlands. It is that close. Florida’s only statewide non-profit organization representing thousands of Florida’s established and emerging fine craft artists, the Gallery also acts as a retail outlet for member artists’ fine crafts. Fort Lauderdale Kite Surfing Co. 18020 US Highway 19 NW and 16300 US Highway 19 8974 Tomahawk Landing Road 7205 Linger Lodge Road Adventures Unlimited in Milton hosts daytime excursions, overnight trips and fishing groups in Blackwater River State Forest. North Wales Drive View Florida scrub cattle, originally brought here by the Spanish in the 1500s. A Trekaroo favorite is Carowinds off exit 90 in South Carolina. Check out the hip, undiscovered side of Miami on the Historic Redland Tropical Trail. With hourly tours, families learn how chocolate is transformed from a bean to a mouth-watering treat. Everglades Lounge at The Clewiston Inn Start Exploring. Here, they do things "the Cabbage Key way", an island style reminiscent of the nearly extinct Old Florida. 90 SE 910 Ave. (386) 761-1821, www.ponceinlet.org Site of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Wakulla Springs State Park offers daily guided riverboat tours in a glass-bottom boat (when the water is clear). There is no cost to visit the West Virginia State Capitol Building, gardens and West Virginia State Museum; they are all free! (904) 940-4123 or (800) WGVGOLF and (904) 940-3673, www.wgv.com/hof/hof.php 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House at DeLeon Springs State Park   Spending a Day in Charleston, West Virginia Capital City. Soon you’ll be joining I-95, but first you’ll drive through South Carolina’s state capital, Columbia. (Drivers are advised to not stop along the Interstate except for an emergency.) 125 West Washington St. Various outfitters for kayaking on www.space-coast.com After wandering the forest for seven days and nights, Tate stumbled into a clearing near Carrabelle and proclaimed, “My name is Cebe Tate, and I just came from Hell!” Today, the cypress trees at Tate’s Hell may be under 18 feet tall, but they are fully grown—and over 150 years old—at their diminutive stature. Check out Trekaroo’s Best Wilmington, DE Activities for Families. (954) 563-5393, www.bonnethouse.org In fact, the Denham House was named one of the top places to get in bed with a ghost by “USA Today.” Ghost tours are provided throughout the month of October (contact 850-508-8109 or visit www.bigbendghosttrackers.homestead.com). 301 SE Macarthur Blvd. (863) 983-8151 or (800) 749-4466, www.clewistoninn.com While the new Garfield Street parking garage will provide ample space with easy access to the beach. This amusement park is often called the “Thrill Capital of the Southeast!” Thrill rides, family-style rides, a waterpark, and even Planet Snoopy make this park fun and family-friendly. 12-acre passive park with linear trail, bicycle trail, pavilions, freshwater fishing and playground. 2009 N. Angel Oliva Sr. Street The trail also features observation platforms atop the site’s tallest shell mound. St. Augustine, Florida . The completely re-imagined Charnow Park along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk includes four picnic pavilions, two new play areas for children of all ages. 51 Ave. C 16405 Myakka Road Fanning Springs produces an average of 65 million gallons of water daily, making it one of Florida’s 33 first magnitude springs. Re-enactments held on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 1 through May 1 or by appointment the rest of the year. The town of Cassadaga started from the founding of the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association by a trance medium, George P. Colby, from Pike, New York. Navigate your way through ghost tours, Disney theme parks and swampland adventures—all the best things to do in Florida. Outside the mine there is a historical mining town set up for visitors to walk through. Indian Temple Mound Museum at The Heritage Park & Cultural Center With the assistance of Colonel Hermann and his father, General George Patton saved this rare breed of horses from the Russian advances of WWII, a story recounted in the 1963 Walt Disney movie “Miracle of the White Stallions.” Now, you can see the original white Lipizzans of Austria perform the rare and beautiful “Airs Above Ground.” These horses are known for their distinctive leaping and “flying.”. All material © 2001-2020 by VISIT FLORIDA®, all rights reserved. Fishing fanatics: Not only will you find everything you need for a day of fishing, but you’ll be wowed by the collection of thousands of old fishing lures and paraphernalia. If you’re more the outdoorsy type consider driving another 90 minutes down the interstate and camping at Camp Creek State Park just off exit 20 in West Virginia. Here they are from east to west: Florida; Alabama; Mississippi; Louisiana; Texas; New Mexico; Arizona; California; I-10 Major Cities. Learn more about the inn and restaurant, as well as the surrounding areas, in this video about the Forgotten Coast of Florida. (850) 452-3604 or (850) 452-3606, www.naval-air.org and www.blueangels.navy.mil Check out Trekaroo’s Things to Do in Richmond with Kids. Fort Mosé Historic State Park Monticello Opera House 4000 Morikami Park Road and 16700 AOS Lane (321) 268-5000, www.dixiecrossroads.com The museum is home to a miniature White House replicated in exact detail. SW 34th Street at Hull Road 1 Seafood Restaurant by “Southern Living” readers. This off-beat landmark has been featured on “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” and “The Today Show,” but is no longer in use today. My kids enjoyed playing hide and seek in a lovely wooden treehouse, walking around the conservatory, and smelling the roses. Recent additions include a Chihuly glass collection. Fees vary. President’s Hall of Fame Woods Bay State Park in Olanta off of exit 141 has a nature trail that circles a pond. (850) 973-3629, www.otoolesherbfarm.com Rod & Gun Club 804 E. Atlantic Ave. The Indian Temple Mound Museum in Fort Walton Beach reflects 12,000 years of spiritual, technological and artistic achievements of Florida's native peoples. (863) 676-1408, www.boksanctuary.org The Old Spanish Sugar Mill is a unique restaurant located within DeLeon Springs State Park. Back to top. Twenty-four miles southeast of Pensacola Pass, the USS Oriskany is the latest "must dive" and the world's largest artificial reef (experienced divers only). 3345 Caverns Road 23-acre waterfront park, featuring biking, observation tower, full-moon kayaking tours, boat launch, eco-walk nature trail, picnic tables, freshwater fishing. Everyone’s got to take a break from driving to sleep at some point, right? Sometimes the Florida Keys' hidden treasures and colorful locales can be eclipsed by better-known spots. (863) 696-1112, www.floridastateparks.org/park/Lake-Kissimmee Located on the Suwannee River, this inviting source of cool, clear water has attracted people for thousands of years. Crystal River and Homosassa Springs (239) 283-2062, www.flmnh.ufl.edu/rrc Who says you can’t have fun for free? Choose exit 68 to dine like royalty at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Show or choose unusual sandwich options at Earl of Sandwich. TECO Line Streetcar System It even has restrooms, so it is the perfect pit-stop on your drive to Orlando. 19200 SW 344th Street, (305) 246-1592, www.robertishere.com. 52388 Tamiami Trail Big Shoals State Park, County Road 135 Walkers, runners, bicyclists and rollerbladers set their own pace on this path, which is bordered by seven miles of Hollywood’s famous coastline, vocational apartments and resorts, charming shops, cafés and places to eat facing the ocean. Feel free to bring Fido—Chattaway is dog -friendly. (239) 695-2101, www.evergladesrodandgun.com Patapsco Valley State Park is a great choice for families looking for kid-friendly stops along I-95. (904) 471-1111 or (888) 279-9194, www.marineland.net Map to recommended offbeat attractions, and road trip sights -- museums, monuments, tourist traps, folk art, pet cemeteries. A throwback to the early pioneer days in Florida, this is a must-see quirky roadside attraction. The Suwannee River is one of the wildest, most unspoiled rivers in America. Located in the former home of the late Solomon D. Spady, the most prominent African American educator and community leader in Delray Beach from 1922 to 1957, it is the only African American cultural heritage museum of its kind in Palm Beach County. Air Force Armament Museum There are trails for walking and bird-watching along the pond and through a garden featuring native plants open daily during daylight hours. Trekaroo recommends a stop at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine just 5-10 minutes off of I-95 after exiting the tunnel (exit 55.). If you like old-time diners with old-time prices, Angel’s is it. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens Park attractions include a butterfly garden, a two-acre) tropical stream garden, bamboo and palm gardens, and a house museum dating to the 1880's. It is one of the most beautiful capitals out of all fifty states, with its gilded dome and marble interiors. Covering nearly one-half of a city block, the museum includes restored cigar workers’ houses and a garden. Halfway between Naples and Miami on the Tamiami Trail is the home, gallery and studio of famed black-and-white nature photographer, Clyde Butcher. Bok Tower Gardens The town itself is reported to have a population of 11. Looking for a quick stop in Baltimore on your Orlando family road trip? Watch VISIT FLORIDA’s video about the museum to get a preview of the works. (727) 943-2164, www.spongeorama.com State Highway 77, Washington County Chamber of Commerce From December to April, Florida's temperature can typically range from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit although this depends on which part of the state you're in. It also served as a lookout for enemy submarines in WWI. (352) 463-3420 and (352) 463-0355, www.floridastateparks.org/park/Fanning-Springs The gardens feature six different time periods and Japanese styles. His spirit guide instructed him to establish a spiritualist community in the south. Historic Redland Tropical Trail Tours of the mine are offered frequently and take about 45 minutes. The pioneer history area includes a museum with artifacts from the late 1870s to the early 1900s, a working blacksmith shop, a working sugar cane mill, and a restored 1892 Cracker house. Historic sailboat trips daily. Saved by the Historical Society of Martin County in 1955, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and provides a look at life as the area entered the 20th century. Out-of-the-Way Attractions Enrich Keys Visits. Glide across the grassy water while looking for wildlife like alligators, fish, turtles and wading birds in their natural habitat. Capt. Classes are designed with all skill levels in mind. Don’t forget to pack a kite, as the ocean breeze at both beaches is ideal for kite flying! One World Golf Place and 455 South Legacy Trail Visit the only reconstructed Spanish mission site in Florida. From supporting the cultural attractions in Sarasota to learning about the eco-philosophy of Anna Maria Island, these sun-drenched Florida cities are ripe for discovery. Everything underwater – sea grass, fish and even your hand – takes on a ghostly glowing dimension. Visit a Florida cow camp from the year 1876, where you’ll find a cow hunter who is more than willing to talk about his life and times in a living history demonstration. Children love to explore the nooks and crannies of this famous fort so it is also a great place to burn off some kid energy. Monkey Island Homosassa Head to Florida’s Western coast, on the Homosassa River, and you will find Monkey Island. The half-a-mile long Cypress Swamp Nature Trail is perfect for families. Built by an eccentric heartbroken man, entirely by hand, Coral Castle is full of mystery and wonder, and it's definitely an essential roadside attraction just off I-95. Andrew Davis Building, 1112 Stevens Street Desert Inn Restaurant Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. (352) 846-2000, www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies 1. From tips on packing, best routes to follow, and games to keep “are we there yet?” to a minimum, explore our family-friendly road trip guide. Weddings on Water is America’s first floating wedding chapel. The opinions expressed in the getaway ideas, Floridians' Favorites and readers' comments do not necessarily represent those of VISIT FLORIDA. A family road trip to Disney World or other spots near Orlando, Florida is a vacation highlight for millions of people every year. Check out Trekaroo’s recommendations for Spending a Day in Charleston, West Virginia Capital City. Make the most out of this Halloween Season by braving some seriously spooky haunted attractions. Gulfstream Park For example, did you know Key … US Highway 41 Big Cat Rescue is a 45-acre wildlife sanctuary and home to 140 wild cats representing 16 species. Planning on driving through Orlando and heading toward Tampa? Elmer’s Genealogy 2117 E. 7th Ave. 751 Sheridan St. An annual festival in October marks this natural event and offers fun and educational activities for visitors. (386) 397-4331, www.floridastateparks.org/park/Big-Shoals Keeping with the ocean theme, SeaWorld is divided into different areas called “seas.” (386) 497-2511, www.floridastateparks.org/park/Ichetucknee-Springs Here is the site of the first recorded birth of a black child in Florida. The Nation’s Smallest Post Office (800) 226-3542 and (904) 251-2320, www.ameliaisland.org and www.floridastateparks.org/park/Amelia-Island 5705 East Irlo Bronson Hwy. A beautiful, fully restored Victorian inn with all the charm of its era. Colleton County State Park; Georgia . Elgin Air Force Base Ichetucknee Springs State Park The only way to experience the scenic Florida Keys is behind the wheel of a convertible Jeep Wrangler like Always so much to do…including sipping on a few beers at the beach! Weddings on Water The park features opportunities to view marine wildlife in naturalistic tanks and habitats. With three restaurants, a reptile lagoon, a small amusement park, and even a motel, South of the Border is easy to spot: look for the Sombrero Tower at exit 1 in North Carolina. West Lake Park Canoe Marina But “Dive with the Sharks” at the Florida Aquarium provides certified SCUBA divers, age 15 and older, the chance to come face-to-face with live ones. Naturally, your first question here is: … Adventures Unlimited       Looking for a place to stop for the night on your road trip to Disney World? This unusual monument pays tribute to the lowly possum (or opossum, as Northerners seem to prefer). Report inappropriate content . Life- size wax statues of the presidents and an extensive collection of political artifacts are only part of the fun. At 165 feet tall, there are 219 steps to the observation deck. (727) 938-3711, www.tarponsprings.com There’s lots to do in this Southern city that sits right on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina. 993 E. Oakland Park Blvd. (386) 228-2880, www.cassadaga.org Bring a camera. This house of refuge, built in 1876, is the only one remaining of 10 commissioned by the U.S. Treasury Department as havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers along the barren east coast of Florida. (904) 829-0745, www.staugustinelighthouse.com If you have at least a few hours considering touring one of the historic homes and gardens of Wilmington’s Du Pont family. Back to top. 12802 Easy Street Offering fresh catfish, cooter (freshwater turtle), frogs’ legs, and gator along the banks of Lake Okeechobee. World Golf Hall of Fame of Fame (850) 833-9595, www.destin- fwb.com Murals in the Caladium Capital of the World Georgia is the home of peaches and pecans, and there’s no problem finding either, as nearly every exit in Georgia has peach stands! The semi-circle of 25 tabby cabins (originally 32) just south of the house provides one of the most intact examples of slave life in the state. With epitaphs like “I Told You I was Sick,” “Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias” and others, the cemetery is as Key West as you can get—in a cemetery, of course. See our Terms of Use for details. They love to research! Your excursion will carry you through unspoiled pinewoods, fresh water marsh and sections of the Cypress Telegraph Swamp on swamp buggies. Offshore Pensacola Walk through the eight-foot tall English oak doors of the Blue Anchor Pub and you'll take a step back to 19th century London. 14248 Camp Mack Road Road Trips - ROAD TRIP!! Located in the “Phosphate Capital of the World,” this museum includes fossil exhibits and showcases the history of phosphate mining in Florida. 250 W. Hickpoochee Ave. Former Key West residents determined to have the last quirky word can be found in this historic cemetery. Some of the original shops and restaurants remain today, owned by the same families that started them in the 1920s. Apalachicola Maritime Museum  Three rental pavilions available. North Carolina; South Carolina . Located on Jupiter Island, Blowing Rocks is so named because of the way, during extreme high tides and after winter storms, the seas crash against the Anastasia limestone and force plumes of saltwater through holes in the rocks up to 50 feet in the sky. You’ll find these lakes in only four other places in the world: New Zealand, Australia, Africa and the U.S. Pacific Northwestern. Sponge-o-rama (904) 356-6857, www.cummer.org The fish camp atmosphere includes decorating with stuffed—as in, by a taxidermist—animals everywhere. Darien has an old-school look and feel, and self-guided tours give a good reason to stretch out those legs. About Us Press FAQ Privacy Policy Terms of Use Contact Us. 9600 Ocean Shore Boulevard Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Re-enactments held on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 1 through May 1 or by appointment the rest of the year. The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is dedicated to discovering, collecting and sharing the African American history and heritage of Florida. Looking for the things to do in Florida? Moved to higher ground after the 1847 hurricane disinterred bodies from the first burial ground near the Southernmost Point, the whitewashed above-ground tombs and statues are fascinating and funny. www.florida- everglades.com/postoffice.htm The Desert Inn Motel & Restaurant became part of history during the late 1880s when it was a mid-way stop for cowmen along the Cross Florida Cattle Trail. Learn more in our Cookie Notice and our Privacy Policy. Don’t forget to grab some southern barbecue before you leave South Carolina! (561) 279-8883, www.spadymuseum.com (561) 272-7272, www.theblueanchor.com University of West Florida Archaeology Institute SeaWorld Orlando is a theme park and marine attraction in Orlando. Billie Swamp Safari offers packages that include an overnight stay in a native chickee hut, day and evening swamp tours and old-time campfire stories about the history and legends of the unconquered Seminoles. Today, you can see rockets and the Space Shuttle Atlantis, meet an astronaut, and learn about missions to space. 900 N. Birch Road Discover 272 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Florida from Dry Tortugas to Lewis Spring House. Looking to spend the night in Baltimore on your road trip to Disney World? The Apalachicola Maritime Museum encompasses the heritage of the Apalachicola waterfront and the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint river system. 350 US Highway 1 Fish, dive, explore or relax with just the sounds of nature. As the oldest continually settled city in the U.S., St. Augustine is also, not surprisingly, among the most haunted. Families looking for a pit-stop in Northern Virginia should consider the National Museum of the Marine Corps just outside of Quantico (exit 150A.) (863) 763-4276 (315) 736-7529 or (800) 874-1234, www.floridapanhandledivetrail.com/oriskany.html 954-926-2480, www.VisitHollywoodFL.org 1 Thing to know is that we are driving in Mid November. 510 Dodecanese Blvd. South Florida’s most unique arts and entertainment attraction is now offering glass blowing and metal working classes and demonstrations for people of all ages. State Road 29 in Everglades National Park Through exhibits, artifacts and displays, visitors learn about this important aspect of Florida’s history and culture. Brave a bite from dishes such as Snake ‘n Bake or Swirl of Squirrel from the “Road Grill Menu,” or more traditional dishes from the regular menu. Ghost orchids at Fakahatchee Strand State Park After you’ve explored the Rawlings homestead, drive up the road to The Yearling Restaurant. Hundreds of exotic, vibrant butterflies flutter all around you in this screened vivarium housing subtropical and tropical plants and trees. If you have more time, consider a stop at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the National Aquarium. These kid-friendly stops on I-95 and I-77 will help you start planning the driving portion of your family’s Disney World vacation. (863) 494-6077, www.solomonscastle.com 89, 11000 University Parkway Babcock Wilderness Tours at Babcock Ranch ], 10 Best Things to do in Scottsdale with Kids, 8 Awesome Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas, Snow Tubing for Toddlers and Kids on the East Coast. (954) 454-7000 or (800) 771-TURF, www.gulfstreampark.com Hit the road with the app when you're ready. Go for a half-day, a full day or more and see how good you get at spotting those shark teeth. (850) 653-2500, http://www.apalachicolabay.org/business/apalachicola-maritime-museum/ Visit the world’s first oceanarium where Nellie, the oldest dolphin in human care, resides. Blowing Rocks Preserve Known as The Sunshine State, Florida is heavily focused on the tourist trade. Check out Trekaroo’s Top Things to Do in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk Rentals daily. This may well be Florida’s most quirky roadside attraction: the possum monument. 305 Artemesia Trail Catch a glimpse of playful monkeys, majestic swans, wading birds, foxes and the occasional manatee. (863) 675-0623, www.gatorama.com Panthers and cattle and turkeys – if you want to experience such motley wildlife, Babcock Wilderness Tours is for you. 701 Pauline St, http://www.friendsofthekeywestcemetery.com/ Florida’s oldest restaurant is named after the ballad “Columbia, Gem of the Ocean.” First opened on 7th Ave. in 1905, today the Columbia continues to be run by the fourth generation of its founder, Casimiro Hernandez Sr. Tampa’s palace of Spanish cuisine is the largest Spanish restaurant in the nation, seating over 1,200 diners. It can even be seen from quite a distance away. Robert is Here Fruit Stand The collection is compliments of  founder Ernest Warther’s love of trains. Nearby, The American Orchid Society features a three-acre botanical orchid garden filled with thousands of native and exotic orchids. After exploring the Hall of Fame, head over to the Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant, owned by Bill Murray and his five brothers, where your personal “caddie” will make sure you “eat, drink and be Murray.”, Swim with manatees       The beaches are a great place to take a few days rest on your road trip to Walt Disney World. Lightsey’s Seafood House And don’t forget to snap a photo of the giant Yeehaw sign along the road. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of places to stop so the kids could play or if anyone knows of a good app that could help us find this kind of stuff along the way? The inn itself offers a ghost tour; you just might glimpse the property’s friendly female ghost. Take exit 44 in Beckley to stop make a stop at the town’s Exhibition Coal Mine. Save a few bucks on the big theme parks and discover this vintage Florida roadside attraction, where visitors get up-close and personal with gators. Fun Places to Stop on Your Road Trip to Florida Along I-95 in the Carolinas and Georgia . (813) 241-8838, www.ybor.org and (813) 247-1434, www.ybormuseum.org You can dive, snorkel or swim at one of the springs, but tubing the river is the best way to go. Access to the Cross Florida Greenway Land Bridge for hiking or biking (no motorized vehicles) is via the Land Bridge Trailhead. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and all along the South Walton area beaches Chattaway Restaurant A tropical fruit pavilion, butterfly garden and “rainforest” are just a few of the lush landmarks at Farichild Tropical Botanical Garden. During the early days of WWII, Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis wrote letters to every governor and to president Franklin D. Roosevelt to request contributions of local rocks. (904) 823-2232, www.floridastateparks.org/park/Fort-Mose 18700 County Road 325 South and 14531 County Road 325 E Some people can’t imagine life outside the city, but others think living out in the countryside or in a small town is worth giving up a few conveniences. 813area.com/tampa/channelside It is a working farm providing venom for use worldwide in medicine and herpetological research. The easiest is to make a detour over to Raleigh on Interstate 85. Monticello is a beautiful small town in North Central Florida with loads of Southern charm by day... and ghostly spirits by night. Chicken and waffles, a southern favorite, is a perfect choice. Also, I would like to know what are some things that I should see and do on the way to Florida. Spady Cultural Heritage Museum (407) 436-1054, www.desertinnrestaurant.com Located alongside beautiful DeLeon Springs – great for swimming. Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce, 18 N. Oak Street 14805 SW 216 Street, (305) 235-1611, www.monkeyjungle.com. Monument of States One of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, the museum houses an actual Auschwitz rail car. (850) 697-3734, www.fl- dof.com/state_forests/tates_hell.html Scenic beachfront parks and trails. Learn more about history in Tallahassee and get a view of the Mission in this informative video about the area. The extensive collection of Morse’s Tiffany holdings range from his famed leaded-glass windows to examples of his pottery, jewelry, mosaics, watercolors, lamps, furniture and scores of his Favrile blown glass. 445 North Park Ave. (850) 267-0299, www.floridastateparks.org/topsailhill and www.visitsouthwalton.com Located in the Indian River Lagoon between Sebastian and Wabasso on the east coast of central Florida Float down the crystalline Ichetucknee River in an innertube through shaded hammocks and Florida wildlife. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt established Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife Refuge in the United States. Along with a colorful (and haunted) history, the opera house has modern-day activities including operas, a community chorus and a theatre group. (386) 325-3927 Coral Castle 300 E. Monument Ave. If the weather is not quite right for a stroll around the gardens, take a look inside the extensive West Virginia State Museum. The bar has a unique wrap-around mural of the Florida Everglades, which you’ll promptly ignore when you make a few new best friends. Visitors to the Randell Research Center can tour the Calusa Heritage Trail, a 3,700-foot interpretive walkway that winds through the mounds, canals and other features of the Pineland archaeological site. Pineland-Randell Research Center A Community Center provides a centralized recreational location near the historic paddleball courts. (305) 667-1651, www.fairchildgarden.org If you ever had the desire to create new skills or advance your efforts in these areas, classes are available at all levels from beginner to advanced. A couple of Jack the Ripper's victims are said to have spent their last night alive drinking with a gentleman at The Blue Anchor in 1888, and the pub is reported to be haunted by various spirits. Here you can also experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony once monthly. Truth be told, my favorite part about driving in Georgia on a road trip to Disney World are the peach stands. 1750 Radford Blvd. Posted on April 30, 2014 . McKee Botanical Garden is an 18-acre subtropical jungle hammock featuring the Bamboo Pavilion, the first permitted, structurally engineered bamboo structure in the United States with a roof thatched by Seminole Indians. Nearby, families watch from the shaded seats surrounding the plaza. There are a couple of state parks in South Carolina worth a stop for families on a road trip to Disney World. Among the artifacts on display are a 300-year-old cannon from Presidio Santa Maria de Galve and the 450-year-old anchor from the Emmanuel Point shipwreck. On site, you’ll also want to visit the Spanish fort and the Franciscan Mission Church. Save money on a hotel room in Charleston, West Virginia! The Myakka Canopy Walk allows visitors to view the treetops of the prairie hammock by ascending a 74-foot tower and crossing an 84-foot suspension bridge. Tour a sugar cane farm and to chop and chew some fresh sugar cane. Dive with the sharks at The Florida Aquarium The Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, where the environmental education center is located, is one of only a handful of urban wildlife areas in the country. Woods Bay State Park; 3. 550 Wakulla Park Drive O’Toole’s Herb Farm Go ahead, defy the laws of gravity. Miller’s Suwannee Houseboats Check out Trekaroo’s tips for Exploring Historic New Bern with Kids. Things to Do in Florida, United States: See Tripadvisor's 2,939,964 traveler reviews and photos of Florida tourist attractions. This makes the perfect pit-stop on your drive to Orlando because entry to the DuPont Environmental Education Center is completely free! View Florida scrub cattle, originally brought here by the Spanish in the 1500s. The Storter family home became the Rod & Gun Club in 1925, an historic gathering place for hunting and fishing enthusiasts – many of them famous, including Ernest Hemingway and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Gatorama also is the perfect place to purchase all things ‘gator: wallets, belts, hides and more. Declared “one of the top five weirdest restaurants in the country” by Al Roker, this funky restaurant is located in a mobile home park. Florida Craftsmen Gallery Tubing the Ichetucknee is a rite of passage for many Floridians. I-77 is your highway! 5540 South Kenansville Road Still visible today are giant mounds of oyster shells left by the Timucua Indians and their ancestors. Ron’s Tackle Box and Angler’s Antique Gallery (772) 794-0601, www.mckeegarden.org Prince William County – National Museum of the Marine Corps, 2. Cabbage Key is accessible only by boat, helicopter or seaplane (regularly scheduled boats run everyday from Pine Island, Captiva Island and Punta Gorda). This LaBelle institution offers good, old-fashioned grub, but is best known for its sky-high pies. While there are plenty of rest areas and bathroom breaks along I-95, your family will have a lot more fun if you get off the interstate to enjoy the cities and attractions on your road trip to Disney World. I-75 Exit #49 then drive north 19 miles to park entrance Richmond is a fun place to stop just for a couple hours or even to spend the night on your drive to Orlando. Chocolate lovers will want to keep exit 65 in mind for one reason: Chocolate Kingdom. Visit the “Child of the Sun” Visitors Center, featuring drawings, photographs and furniture. The Visitor Center in Centro Ybor is a great first stop to plan your exploration of Ybor City. More than 1,100 tons of coral were hand carved and sculpted by Edward Leedskainin as a tribute to his lost love. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum At Spook Hill, you can experience the optical illusion of the family car rolling uphill while in neutral. A boardwalk and visitors center guide visitors through this historic American site. Fresh stone crab claws are brought in each afternoon and served for dockside dining or takeout, along with other local seafood specialties. Download the App. Arthur McBride, the original curator of Marineland, was the first to hypothesize that dolphins use echolocation. The USS Oriskany Electric streetcars are back in Tampa, serving downtown, Channelside (a popular shopping, dining and entertainment area) and Ybor City. View our privacy policy. Planning to check out the coastal highlights of South Carolina and Georgia on your road trip to Disney World? (561) 495-0233, www.morikami.org and (561) 404-2000, www.aos.org The DuPont Environmental Education Center is just about 5 minutes off the Rte 4/ Martin Luther King blvd exit in Wilmington (exit 6 on I-95.). 1. (407) 892-6905, www.theotherorlando.com/contents/chapters/15/repti le.html The magical fountain beckons a group of giggling children into its cool burst of heat-beating spray. (850) 653-2191, https://www.gibsoninn.com/ An on-site museum houses one of the finest collections of restored Fresnel lenses in the world. 954-921-3404, www.VisitHollywoodFL.org Closed in July and August. Anderson’s Marina, you can also catch a boat for a dolphin cruise or a charter for a day of fishing. This small town will make you feel as though you’ve been dropped in the middle of “The Andy Griffith Show!” One stroll down Main Street and you’ll think you’ve been transported to Mayberry. The Kingsley Plantation sits on the northern end of the island, overlooking the Fort George River. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse The Bonsai Collection includes more than 50 trees from six inches to more than four feet. The Elliott Museum and House of Refuge What began as a 60-piece collection in 1961 has evolved into the largest fine arts collection in Northeast Florida. Circa 1876 Cow Camp at Lake Kissimmee State Park Bonus cool quotient: a vintage military aircraft including the fastest plane ever built, the SR-71 Blackbird. Float down the crystalline Ichetucknee River in an innertube through shaded hammocks and Florida wildlife. It was even the one-time summer vacation home of President Jimmy Carter. Wakulla Springs State Park You won’t want to miss Annie’s Playground (off exit 74) in between Wilmington and Baltimore. It stands 112 feet high and is in active use, sending out a flashing light to boaters every six seconds. (941) 361-6511, www.floridastateparks.org/park/Myakka-River The Gibson Inn and Avenue Sea Other fun facts: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ husband, Charles Rawlings, ran the rocking boat bar and restaurant, The Porpoise, where Ernest Hemingway was known to frequent and was the inspiration of the novel “The Old Man and the Sea.”. 10430 Highway 78 West There just aren’t many options for kid-friendly stops along I-95 in North Carolina on a drive to Orlando. Reptile World is more than snake displays. Kids will enjoy the fossil dig and life-size dinos while adults will adore the serene environment. Stan Goldman Memorial Park Looking for the fast track from Cleveland, OH to Columbia, SC? Florida Southern College is home to the largest single- site collection of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings in the world.

attractions on the way to florida

Is Electrical Engineering Hard, How To Store Raw Chicken After Opening, According To The Taylor Rule, 18v Makita Trimmer, Swiss National Bank, Are Zebras Smart, Noble House Kumasi Contact Number, Nurse Resume Writing Services, Philips Fidelio X2 Vs Beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro,
attractions on the way to florida 2020