Points of Interest between Charleston, West Virginia to Pembroke Pines, Florida

picture of Charleston, West Virginia

Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charleston, West Virginia and Pembroke Pines, Florida

Charleston, West Virginia, and Pembroke Pines, Florida, might seem like two disconnected dots on the American map, but traveling between these two cities can result in an amazing adventure. This road trip, spanning across 906 miles, takes 13 hours to complete, making Savannah, Georgia, the perfect midpoint stop. Along the way, travelers can explore the hidden gems of the East Coast, from the rolling hills of West Virginia to the sandy beaches of Florida. Here are the must-visit spots that will make this road trip an unforgettable experience.

1. The Greenbrier Resort (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia)

The Greenbrier Resort, located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, boasts more than 11,000 acres of breathtaking views and lavish accommodations. The resort is also home to America's only Cold War bunker, which was built to house the United States Congress in case of a nuclear fallout. The bunker, now open for public tours, showcases the behind-the-scenes operations of a disaster-proof government facility.

2. Gatlinburg (Tennessee)

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a charming town that offers a myriad of activities for every age group. The town is filled with restaurants, shops, and museums, but what sets this town apart are the numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Hiking, skiing, and zip-lining are just a few of the activities available to visitors.

3. The Wormsloe Historic Site (Savannah, Georgia)

The Wormsloe Historic Site is a sprawling estate that features live oak trees leading to a grand entrance to the main house. The historic home, built in 1756, showcases the traditional Southern style of living in the Georgian era. Visitors can walk through the trails, take guided tours, and learn about the history of the property.

4. St. Augustine (Florida)

St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and art. Founded in 1565, the city features a blend of Spanish colonial-style buildings and modern structures. Visitors can tour the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort and national monument, or take a stroll through the city's main shopping district, St. George Street.

5. South Beach (Miami, Florida)

South Beach is the quintessential Miami experience, filled with pastel-colored Art Deco buildings, neon lights, and white sandy beaches. The beach is popular for people-watching, sunbathing, and swimming in the warm, turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the area's famous promenade, Ocean Drive, visitors can find plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs that never seem to close.

  • The Greenbrier Resort was used by both the Confederates and the Union armies during the Civil War.
  • Gatlinburg is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in America.
  • The Wormsloe Historic Site was used as a filming location for the movies "Forrest Gump" and "The Legend of Bagger Vance."
  • St. Augustine's oldest wooden schoolhouse, dating back to the 18th century, is now a museum that offers a glimpse into the life of early settlers in Florida.
  • South Beach is the place where the hit TV series "Miami Vice" was filmed in the 1980s.

In conclusion, a road trip between Charleston, West Virginia, and Pembroke Pines, Florida, should be on every traveler's bucket list. A combination of natural beauty, history, and modernity awaits those who embark on this journey. Whether stopping to explore Tennessee's mountains or Florida's beaches, there are endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories. Finally, completing the 13-hour drive highlights the East Coast's diversity and magical landscapes, making this road trip one for the books.