Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Bristow, Virginia and Cocoa Beach, Florida

As the summer season rolls in, many people are gearing up for a road trip experience. Among the popular destinations is Cocoa Beach, Florida. And if you are starting your journey from Bristow, Virginia, there are several exciting and engaging activities on the way.

Before embarking on your road trip, it is vital to have a proper plan on the places to stopover. With many spectacular and exciting spots to visit, it is possible to have numerous fun stops, making your journey thrilling. Manning, South Carolina, is one of the highlights of the trip, which is roughly halfway between the start and the end destination.

Top five things to do

Visit the Smithsonian-affiliated National Museum of the Marine Corps

Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the National Museum of the Marine Corps should be on your list of places to visit. It is an iconic museum that tells the rich history, culture, and heritage of Marines. The museum features artifacts, galleries, and interactive exhibits that explore Marine Corps' engagements and contributions to the country's defense. The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.

Interesting Fact: The museum features several galleries, such as the Making Marines Gallery, which shows the journey of recruits to Marines.

Take a break at South of the Border

South of the Border, located in Dillon, South Carolina, is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction that should not be missed. Its unique name comes from its location, which is situated on the South Carolina border with North Carolina. This destination features several gift shops and restaurants, including a reptile exhibit and an observation tower. Visitors can enjoy mouth-watering meals and take a break from driving on the long road trip.

Interesting Fact: The futuristic glass elevator towers over 200 feet above the ground, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Visit Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is a historic site and a fantastic destination. This home is the largest private residence in America. It features world-renowned architecture, beautiful gardens, and vast stretches of land. Visitors will enjoy exploring the estate, walking through gardens, and strolling through vintage architecture. The place is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission varies depending on the season.

Interesting Fact: The estate spans more than 8,000 acres and has remained in the Vanderbilt family for more than a century.

Experience the Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains are a vast mountain range that lies on the Tennessee and North Carolina border. It is one of the most popular attractions in this location due to its gorgeous scenery, stunning weather, and diverse landscape. The mountains offer scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping sites. Visitors will marvel at the beauty of the place and feel their breath taken away by the sheer majesty of nature.

Interesting Fact: The Great Smoky Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their vastness and biodiversity.

Relax at Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long road trip. The beach features soft sand, gentle waves, and beautiful sunsets, which can either be enjoyed while swimming or just kicking back. Visitors can enjoy delectable seafood and coastal dishes at restaurants around the beach. There are also plenty of water activities such as surfing, kayaking, and fishing.

Interesting Fact: Cocoa Beach is home to the Florida Surf Museum, which details the history of surfing and water sports in Florida.

Conclusion

This road trip is a fantastic way to travel from Bristow, Virginia, to Cocoa Beach, Florida. The five highlights we have explored above only scratch the surface of the possibilities on this route. The journey takes approximately 13 hours and covers about 850 miles, but the incredible experiences you encounter and the breathtaking scenery you see will be well-worth the effort.