Traveling from Chicago, Illinois to Destin, Florida is a road trip with plenty of amazing destinations. Along the way, you'll get a taste of what the heartland and south have to offer. Driving is the best way to discover the numerous hidden gems that can't be found on a map or in a guidebook. You can stop whenever and wherever you want, making the journey itself a centerpiece of the trip.
Halfway between these two destinations is the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. This is Music City, USA, the capital of Tennessee, and home to plenty of attractions that will keep you busy for days. The skyline of Nashville is dominated by the AT&T towers, linking it to Silicon Valley to the west and the country music industry to the east. It's a city that never sleeps, where live music fills the air from the Honkytonks on Broadway to the smaller clubs in the surrounding neighborhoods. Make sure to stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which is home to artifacts and exhibits tracing the history of country music over the last century.
- Mammoth Cave National Park
Located in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is the world's longest known cave system, with over 400 miles explored so far. The park's main attraction is the cave tours, which take you deep into the earth to see amazing formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. There are over 10 different tours, each with its own degree of difficulty. The Historic Tour is perfect for families and beginners, while the Wild Cave Tour is for experienced adventurers. The park also has hiking trails, horseback riding, camping, and even zip-lining tours.
- Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a charming and vibrant city in the western part of North Carolina, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's known for its eclectic mix of cultures, arts, and outdoor activities. Make sure to visit the Biltmore, the largest private estate in America. You can tour the house and gardens, sample the estate's wines, and even stay overnight at the onsite hotel. Asheville's downtown is filled with restaurants, shops, and of course, breweries. They don't call it "Beer City" for nothing, with more breweries per capita than any other city in the US.
- Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a city that exudes Southern charm, history, and hospitality. It's a walking city, with tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and historic homes dating back to the 18th century. The city's historic district is a must-visit, with its cobblestone streets, charming squares, and wrought-iron balconies. Make sure to check out the famous Forsyth Park Fountain, which is surrounded by 30 acres of green space. Take a walking tour or a trolley tour to learn about the city's rich history, which includes being the birthplace of the Girl Scouts and the setting for the book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
- St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the US, founded by the Spanish in 1565. The city's history is evident in its architecture, from the Castillo de San Marcos, an old Spanish fort, to the 17th-century Spanish colonial houses in the historic district. The city also has plenty of modern attractions, like the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, where you can see hundreds of alligators, crocodiles, and other animals. The city's beaches are also a draw, with miles of soft sand and warm waters.
- Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is a popular vacation spot, known for its sugar-white sands and emerald green waters. The beach is over 27 miles long, with plenty of activities to keep you busy, like jet skiing, parasailing, and even diving. The city also has a bustling nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs. Families will enjoy the beachfront amusement park, featuring rides, games, and a zip line.
In conclusion, the route from Chicago to Destin is a perfect mix of city and nature, with plenty of natural beauty and history to explore. Along the way, make sure to visit the top 5 places: Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, Asheville, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, St. Augustine, Florida, and Panama City Beach, Florida. These destinations will offer a unique taste of what the south has to offer. Happy travels!