Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Orlando, Florida
A road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Orlando, Florida, covers approximately 600 miles and takes about 9 hours. It is a trip filled with plenty of opportunities to create memories and explore new places. The route takes you through stunning natural landscapes, charming towns, and popular tourist destinations. A halfway point of Ashburn, GA, offers a pitstop for some refreshments and rest before you embark on the final leg of your journey.
Rock City Gardens
One of the top attractions on this route is the Rock City Gardens, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This iconic site offers a blend of natural beauty and human-made structures, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Situated atop a mountain, visitors enjoy thrilling views of the surrounding area from high above while taking a leisurely stroll through the walking trails. As you wind your way along the trails, you'll marvel at the unusual rock formations, diverse plant life, and quirky garden gnomes.
Interesting fact: The Rock City Gardens have been around since the 1930s and are named after the "rock city" concept, a marketing ploy common in the early 20th century.
The Lost Sea Adventure
The Lost Sea Adventure, located in Sweetwater, Tennessee, is the perfect destination for those who enjoy a good adventure. This fascinating attraction is situated in a cave, which has the distinction of being the largest underground lake in America. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave and lake, which offers awe-inspiring views of stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear water. A glass-bottom boat ride across the underground lake offers breathtaking views of the cave's inhabitants, such as fish, crawfish, and even blind crayfish.
Interesting fact: The Lost Sea Adventure was used as a hideout for the legendary outlaw Jesse James and his accomplices during the American Civil War.
Cherohala Skyway
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile scenic drive that passes through beautiful Appalachian mountains, national forests, and waterfalls. This breathtaking route offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery and showcases the region's natural beauty. Visitors often stop at overlooks along the road to take in the picturesque views or to take a hike on one of the many nature trails.
Interesting fact: The Cherohala Skyway's construction cost $100 million and took over 34 years to complete.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island, located in Georgia, offers an Nautical-themed excursion highlighting the state's history. With miles of pristine beaches and charming historical landmarks, this stunning island provides visitors with an escape from reality. Visitors can relive American history at the Historic District, explore the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, or learn about the state's maritime history at the Jekyll Island Museum.
Interesting fact: Some of America's wealthiest families, including the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, had homes and vacationed on Jekyll Island in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine, located in Florida, is a charming town that boasts Spanish influences combined with more than 400 years of history. Visitors can explore historic sites, such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, or take a scenic stroll through the charming streets. If visitors step into the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, they can witness how education has developed over the years.
Interesting fact: St. Augustine was founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565, which makes it the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in the United States.
Conclusion
A road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Orlando, Florida, provides a dynamic journey and excitement at every stop. In roughly nine hours, one can travel a distance of 600 miles, and the halfway point of Ashburn, GA, offers an optimal rest station. From exploring the natural beauty of Rock City Gardens to experiencing history on Jekyll Island, a road trip on this route is a bucket list adventure every traveler should embark on.