Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charleston, SC to Boynton Beach, FL
Driving from Charleston, South Carolina, to Boynton Beach, Florida is a long and beautiful journey. The trip covers over 600 miles and takes around 10 hours. However, making the trip more interesting is the many interesting places to stop and explore along the way. This article explores five unexpected places to stop during your road trip from Charleston to Boynton Beach.
Halfway Point: St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine is a must-visit destination during your Charleston-Boynton Beach road trip. The city is full of history, culture, and amazing things to do and see. Founded in the 16th century by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is the oldest city in America, filled with beautiful architecture and stunning ocean views. Here are five spots worth visiting in St. Augustine:
1. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish fort located along the Matanzas River in downtown St. Augustine. Visitors can explore the fort's museum and learn about its history, as it played a significant role in early American history. It's a great place to take the whole family and enjoy the stunning views of the river.
Food to try: Enjoy fresh seafood at the restaurant O'Steen's, located a short distance from the fort.
2. Flagler College
Flagler College is a beautiful and historic college located in the heart of St. Augustine. The college was founded in 1888 by Henry Flagler, one of Florida's most famous developers. Visitors can take a guided tour of the campus to learn about its history and stunning architecture.
Food to try: Visit The Hyppo for handmade ice cream made with fresh ingredients.
3. St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
If you love pirates and treasure stories, the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is a must-stop. The museum features over 800 artifacts, including treasure recovered from sunken ships, weapons, and pirate memorabilia. Visitors can learn about the lives of the pirates and their robberies, enjoy interactive displays, and even see a real treasure chest.
Food to try: Visit the Columbia Restaurant for traditional Spanish cuisine.
4. St. George Street
St. George Street is one of the top tourist destinations in St. Augustine. It's located in the downtown historic district and full of unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can explore the area on foot and enjoy street performances, unique architecture, and delicious food.
Food to try: Visit Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille for fresh seafood and Cajun cuisine.
5. Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum is the home of Henry Flagler's Alcazar Hotel. Today it's a museum with a collection of art and artifacts from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the museum's massive collection, including Tiffany glass, paintings, clothing, and Victorian-era artifacts.
Food to try: Visit The Bunnery Bakery and Café for fresh pastries and classic American breakfast.
1. Savannah, GA
Savannah, Georgia, is a charming and quintessential southern city located about two hours from Charleston. The city is known for its beautiful parks, antebellum architecture, and art galleries. Here are three spots worth visiting in Savannah:
Wormsloe Historic Site
The Wormsloe Historic Site is a museum dedicated to the history of the state of Georgia. Visitors can explore the historic ruins, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and learn about Georgia's colonial past.
Food to try: Visit Treylor Park for delicious and unique comfort food.
Bonaventure Cemetery
The Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the United States. Located on the outskirts of Savannah, the cemetery is full of stunning tombs and marble sculptures. Visitors can explore the cemetery on foot and learn about the history of some of Savannah's most prominent figures who are buried there.
Food to try: Don't miss the Scallops Carbonara at The Olde Pink House, a historic restaurant in downtown Savannah.
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is one of Savannah's most beautiful attractions. The park is 30 acres of green space with walking paths, gardens, fountains, and oak trees that are over 200 years old. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields, as well as many special events during the year.
Food to try: Visit Soho South Café for imaginative and delicious brunch options.
2. Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville, Florida's largest city, is located about two hours south of St. Augustine. The city is located on the banks of the St. Johns River and offers visitors a mix of beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks, and excellent dining options. Here are three spots worth visiting in Jacksonville:
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a museum dedicated to the history of Florida's art and gardens. Visitors can explore the museum's permanent collection, which includes over 5,000 works of art, as well as temporary exhibits that rotate throughout the year. The gardens are also beautiful and a great place to relax.
Food to try: Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine at La Cena Ristorante.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is one of Florida's most popular tourist attractions. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, including giraffes, lions, tigers, and primates. Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens, which feature over 1,000 species of plants.
Food to try: Visit Bold Bean Coffee Roasters for delicious coffee and light bites.
Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation is a historic national park located in northeastern Florida. Visitors can tour the plantation's Ruins, explore the slave quarters, and learn about the history of the plantation. The grounds are also beautiful, with lots of trees and stunning views of the water.
Food to try: Visit The Stuffed Beaver for fantastic poutine, or Maple Street Biscuit Company, famous for flaky biscuits and homemade gravy.
3. Tampa, FL
Tampa, Florida, is located on the Gulf of Mexico, and it's known for its beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks, and excellent dining options. Here are two spots worth visiting in Tampa:
Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center is a museum dedicated to the history of Tampa Bay and Florida's west coast. Visitors can explore the museum's collection of artifacts, including photographs, maps, and artifacts from Tampa's past, as well as interactive exhibits.
Food to try: Visit The Refinery for farm-to-table comfort food.
Ybor City
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood located northeast of downtown Tampa. It's a diverse community hosting creative hubs, nightlife spots, and culturally significant events. This neighborhood is famous for its rich history of cigar making and the Cuban influence in its culture and architecture.
Food to try: Visit The Columbia Restaurant for finger-licking Cuban or Spanish-inspired fare.
4. West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach is a beautiful coastal city in Florida, known for its beaches, restaurants, and cultural events. Here's one spot worth visiting in West Palm Beach:
The Norton Museum of Art
The Norton Museum of Art located in West Palm Beach is a museum dedicated to the exhibition of collection artworks by famous artists such as Francis Bacon and Jackson Pollock. It boasts galleries from sculpture to photography. Visitors can also participate in exciting activities and events held on various days of the week.
Food to try: Visit Hullabaloo for inventive cocktails and Italian-American cuisine with a twist.
Conclusion
Exploring the unexpected should be on every traveler's list. During a road trip from Charleston to Boynton Beach, visitors can find incredible treasures in different cities such as St. Augustine's immersive sights, Savannah's beautiful parks, Jacksonville's dynamic, and Tampa's cultural landmarks. Finally, West Palm Beach presents Norton Museum of Art for handpicked masterpieces. Each city guarantees a unique experience filled with culture, great food, and welcoming communities. That said, it's best to bring comfy clothes and cameras for keepsake photos. Enjoy discovering these unexpected places during your next fun-filled road trip from Charleston to Boynton Beach.