Chicago to Rosemary Beach: Top Five Popular Attractions
Driving from the bustling streets of Chicago to the beautiful beaches of Rosemary Beach can lead you to explore several popular attractions along the way. Here are the top five places to visit during your road trip.
The Halfway Point: Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN, stands at the halfway point between Chicago and Rosemary Beach. Known as "Music City," this vibrant destination will leave you humming a tune as soon as you step into the city. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame or head to the Ryman Auditorium for a live performance. Don't forget to try the local hot chicken or some classic biscuits and gravy. After a night of fun and country music, you'll be ready to hit the road again.
Top Five Places to See List
1. Mammoth Cave National Park - Mammoth Cave, KY
Mammoth Cave National Park has the longest known cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. Take a guided tour to discover the magnificent underground natural wonders and learn about the interesting history of this unique park. The trails and rivers above ground also offer great opportunities for hiking, paddling, and more.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg, TN
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a natural beauty that spans across Tennessee and North Carolina. The park encompasses more than 500,000 acres and is home to diverse wildlife, pristine forests, and stunning waterfalls. Take a scenic drive through the park or hike to high elevation to catch panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
3. Savannah Historic District - Savannah, GA
Savannah, GA's historic district is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States, covering over 2.5 square miles. Walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the city's well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture. The district is also home to numerous parks and squares, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about the city's rich history and culture.
4. Kennedy Space Center - Merritt Island, FL
The Kennedy Space Center is the iconic space center that has made a significant contribution to the human spaceflight program. The center offers interactive exhibits that highlight the past missions, innovative technologies, and ongoing projects. Take a guided bus tour to see launch pads, rockets, and hangars up close, then watch live rockets launch into space.
5. Seaside Beach - Seaside, FL
Seaside Beach is a charming beach town that sits on the Gulf of Mexico and was made famous by the movie "The Truman Show." With its pastel-colored houses, white-sanded beaches, and abundant outdoor facilities, visitors can experience the relaxed Florida beach lifestyle. Admire the magnificent sunset, try some local cuisine, or take a bicycle ride along the beachside.
Best Route for This Road Trip
Starting from Chicago, take I-65 S to Louisville, KY, then follow I-265 E and I-65 S to Bowling Green, KY, where Mammoth Cave is located. Next, take I-65 S and I-40 E to reach Gatlinburg, TN, at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From there, head south toward Savannah, GA, via I-75 S and I-16 E. Finally, take US-84 E from Savannah to reach Rosemary Beach, FL. This route takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery and iconic landmarks in the southeastern U.S. region.
Enjoy exploring these top five attractions on your next road trip between Chicago, Illinois, and Rosemary Beach, Florida!