Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Cedar Hill, Texas and Crestview, Florida

Road trips are the most adventurous yet fascinating way to travel for most people. From Cedar Hill, Texas to Crestview, Florida, there are numerous attractions, natural marvels, and historic sites that are worth a visit. Over the course of the 1,177-mile journey, travelers are recommended to stop by Tallulah, LA, a small town full of charm and an ideal halfway point. Here are the five best things to do on a road trip from Cedar Hill to Crestview.

Get Spooked at Myrtles Plantation

Myrtles Plantation is located in the heart of Louisiana’s St. Francisville, which has ranked as one of the most haunted locations in the United States. This historic house is known for its antebellum architecture, lush gardens, and ghost stories that have been circulating for decades. People say that the house contains over 12 spirits that have been seen and felt by visitors. Even if you are not interested in ghost stories, Myrtles Plantation is still a perfect spot for history lovers to enjoy a relaxing and educational visit.

Interesting Fact: One of the Myrtles’ most famous ghosts is Chloe, a former slave who died tragically on the property. Visitors claim to see her ghost in a green turban and dress, often standing in the window or wandering around the surrounding gardens.

Visit the National World War II Museum

Located in New Orleans, the National World War II Museum is the perfect destination for history buffs who want to learn more about this globally significant landmark event. With an extensive collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and first-hand accounts, this museum brings to life the events of World War II. Visitors can explore galleries that cover all aspects of the conflict, from the causes and the conflict’s onset, to the battles and the war’s aftermath. Additionally, the museum has an extensive collection of vintage vehicles, including airplanes, tanks, and ships.

Interesting Fact: The National World War II Museum is home to several exhibits that include artifacts and multimedia installations from the USS Tang, a submarine that was one of the most successful in U.S. naval history.

Indulge in Some Southern Comfort Food

For the best southern comfort food on a road trip, there is no better stop than Vicksburg, Mississippi. This town is famous for its fried chicken, biscuits, gumbo, and other down-to-earth cuisine. One of the best places to sample local delights is at Rusty’s Riverfront Grill, a relaxed restaurant that has a wide variety of classic Southern meals, including catfish, hushpuppies, and cornbread.

Interesting Fact: Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the site of one of the most significant military confrontations of the Civil War and changed hands between the Confederates and the Union during the struggle.

Explore the Caverns at Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park is one of Florida's oldest parks, featuring a vast network of underground caves and stalagmites to explore in guided tours. Visitors can climb down through the park's two dozen-plus cave systems with an experienced guide and witness a beautiful natural subterranean world that is as thrilling as it is unique. Additionally, the park has several outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking trails, picnic spots, and fishing holes.

Interesting Fact: Florida Caverns State Park is one of few places in the state that is entirely rocky, many areas providing protection from air pollution and water contamination, making it the perfect home for various plants and animals.

Get Your Beach Fix at Gulf Islands National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to some of the world's most pristine and beautiful beaches, dunes, and wetlands. This network of barrier islands stretches for 160 miles, extending from Mississippi to Florida with sandy beaches and warm waters the whole way. There are several areas where visitors can fish, swim, enjoy water activities, or simply unwind on the beaches. Spotting dolphins from the shore or taking a sunset sail on the waters are two particularly popular things to do.

Interesting Fact: Gulf Islands National Seashore is also an ideal place for birdwatching, with the park standing as a crucial nesting and migratory stop for dozens of bird species.

Conclusion

There's nothing quite like a road trip, and the 1,177-mile trip from Cedar Hill, Texas, to Crestview, Florida, offers plenty of beautiful natural wonders, engaging museums, and historic landmarks to explore. By stopping at these varied locations, travelers can experience the diversity and beauty of the southern states. The journey can easily take up to 16 hours, depending on stops and sightseeing, but it's guaranteed to create unforgettable memories.