Southeastern National Parks

After your time in bustling Atlanta, get some much needed relaxation Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though it is the most visited national park in the country, it will not be hard to find calm and tranquility in the half-million acres that constitute the park. Backpacking and camping are popular here, but the 850 miles of trails – which includes 70 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail – make for excellent day hikes as well. Also, there are a number of waterfalls in the park and a rich regional history including rum-runners and Indigenous heritage.

The next segment of the journey takes you through two of North Carolina’s more popular urban areas, the small and very hip Asheville and the booming and busy Charlotte. These days, Asheville is often compared to towns like Portland, Oregon, and Austin, Texas, as a casual, food-centric town with a vibrant cultural scene. The astounding number of breweries, art galleries, and live music offerings keep culture hounds happy. Alternatively, Charlotte is the major city in the state and has plenty of attractions like shopping and entertainment to keep travelers happy.

Next, head to Columbia, the capital and largest city in the state of South Carolina. Grab lunch in town and hit the road for nearby Congaree National Park. This southeastern national park was designated in 2003, making it one of the newest national parks in the country. The swampy environment is home to the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.

A few hours southeast of Columbia is Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia and also one of the most pleasant places anywhere in the country. Situated near the ocean, the city has long been home to a thriving shipping industry and today is appreciated as a charming town teeming with American history. Savannah is famous for its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, which make for excellent aimless strolling. There is plenty of shopping and eating to be done, too, so savor your time here.

Next, drive down the length of Florida, with Daytona Beach as your destination. On your way, stop in St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. You might even want to spend a night in this charming, historic city. Further down the coast is Daytona Beach, known as both “The World’s Most Famous Beach” and “The Spring Break Capital of the World.” The beach itself has attracted tourists and college students for decades. Expect big crowds in the summer, but the people watching here is part of the appeal, too. Bring a towel, a good book and prepare to soak in some sunshine.

No visit to Florida would be complete without a visit to Orlando and Disney World. With this metropolitan area being one of the largest in the state, the city is not at all limited to the Magic Kindgom. There are cultural attractions, dining and shopping that have nothing to do with Walt Disney’s creations. Yet, the city’s nickname, “The Theme Park Capital of the World”, lives up to its reputation. If you’re not into Disney, you could also spend the day at Universal Studios, LegoLand, or any of the other various theme parks in the region. Although, Disney World is a rite of passage that should be experienced at least once in your life, regardless of whether or not you have kids in tow. Spend a full day there and head back into nature afterwards. We suggest checking out one of the many natural springs that can be found throughout Florida. They’re great for canoeing, kayaking and cooling off in the sunshine state.

When you’ve had your fill of Disney, head back east to check out Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The site is home to many firsts in American space exploration, from the first U.S. Earth satellite to the first U.S. astronaut to the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury. Spend the afternoon touring around and absorbing these important history lessons. Next, you will cross the state and hit Tampa, one of the largest cities in the state. There are many tourist activities in the city, from the Big Cat Rescue to the Electric Manatee Viewing Center, the Lowry Zoo to the Florida Aquarium. There is also plenty of shopping, dining and culture to be found everywhere.

Your next stop is Sanibel Island, a small, scenic barrier island off Florida’s gulf coast. It’s a popular tourist destination, known for seashell hunting and wildlife refuges, which make up more than half of the island. The largest of these is J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts one of the country’s largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems. Understandably, the island a great place for anything from a romantic getaway to a family vacation.

Your next stop is the incredible Everglades National Park, unlike anywhere else in the country. It is the third largest of the national parks in the U.S. (after Death Valley and Yellowstone), the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Furthermore, it is one of only three places in the entire world to be designated an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site and a Wetland of International Importance. Of all the southeastern national parks, the Everglades will wow you. Hiking, boating, birdwatching, camping and fishing are all popular in the park, as well as bicycling thanks to the flat terrain.

On your penultimate leg of this trip, you will drive all the way down to Key West, only a few hours south of Miami. En route, visit Biscayne National Park, which preserves Biscayne Bay and its offshore barrier reefs. Ninety-five percent of the park is water, which makes for incredible ocean views and undisturbed underwater ecosystems. Additionally, Elliott Key is the largest island in the park and the first of the Florida Keys. Next, begin your drive down through the rest of the Florida Keys, with the southernmost Key West as your end point. You’ll pass through a number of small communities, so you can do this drive at your leisure. Plan on spending a few days in Key West and dedicate one of those days to visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. This corner of the Caribbean is only accessible by boat or seaplane from Key West. The journey is an adventure alone. Also, at Dry Tortugas you can explore Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. With so much to offer, this is arguable one of the most fascinating southeastern national parks.

Lastly, end your epic southeastern national parks road trip in Miami. Home to more than 5 million people, Miami is considered one of the most vibrant cities in the country and is the center for finance, culture and media in the state. The city is nicknamed the “Capital of Latin America” due to the large Cuban-American population, which represents roughly one third of Miami’s demographic spread. With its mix of Cuban, West Indian and other cultures, Miami truly feels like an international locale. As with all cities this size, there is plenty to occupy one’s time here.

 

Best place for a stroll:

VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS

Best outdoor art:

THE WYNWOOD WALLS

Can’t miss it:

LITTLE HAVANA

Best place to explore urban Miami:

MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT

Best place for a stroll:

SOUTH BEACH

Best place for dinner:

VERSAILLES CUBAN RESTAURANT