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If you live near or around Atlanta, Georgia, and have been thinking about a summer vacation, consider planning a road trip to Destin, Florida.
Destin, Florida, is a 5-hour drive from Atlanta, Ga.
Riding through the southwest of Georgia, then riding through Alabama for about three and a half hours, and finally, Florida until you arrive at your destination in Destin.
You’ll even go through time as time goes back one hour in Alabama.
Since I enjoyed experiencing a road trip to Florida, I want to share some stops to see along the way.
On the road trip, there is so much scenery, landmarks, history, and places to visit, so bring your camera to catch some memories.
Road Trip Pit Stops in Alabama.
Traveling through Georgia and Alabama was an actual historical event.
I saw plantations, cotton fields, and beautiful scenery and talked to a few locals with strong Southern accents.
Being from Philadelphia, PA, and hearing the accents of others in the South is an experience.
My first encounter with a broad southern accent was in Alabama, and my first rest stop was out of Georgia.
Check out my other block where I talk about family fun things to do in Georgia.
Rest Stops and Scenic Views in Alabama.
Road trip pit stop at the Welcome Center in Chambers County.
Make a pit stop at the welcome center on I-85, which is on the border of Georgia and Alabama.
Take a picture with the Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama sign.
Get some information about Alabama, and maybe pick up a souvenir or two to say that you were there, even if you’re passing through Alabama.
It’s a great place to bring out your travel bag with your food and have a seat by the picnic area.
Plus, it’s a great place to stretch your legs, walk around, and enjoy the scenery before hitting the road again.
Road trip pit stops to Buc’ees shopping center, gas station, and rest stop.
If you’ve ever been to a Wawa’s Food Market with the gas station pumps, Buc-ee’s in Alabama is that times three.
There are about 100 gas pumps outside a big Buc’ee shopping center off of I-85, where you can get food, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, shirts, books, and more.
Their employees are even there chopping up fresh meat for people who love to eat meat so they can get back on the road and enjoy the rest of their trip—the perfect stop for family travelers with RVs, Vans, SUVs, and cars.
Road Trip View of History and Cotton Fileds.
This one right here was a heartful, overwhelming experience. I couldn’t believe this was still a thing and that it was modern to help with the earth.
However, I saw something else in my mind while riding past it: history and our ancestors.
Experience History and View Cotton Fields Along I-65.
You’ll find sprawling cotton fields as you drive south through Alabama, mainly south of Montgomery.
A short stop to admire the beautiful white bolls against the blue sky can be a great photo opportunity, especially when cotton harvests in the fall.
Experience a feeling of history and amazement as you stop and view or pass by.
Just be sure you’re not transpassing in the area.
You should see signs around the property, so be respectful and safe.
Road Trip to Destin, Florida. When in Florida..
Plan the Stay, Activities, Dine, and Shop in Destin, FL.
Book a vacation home or hotel, condo, or apartment.
Once you’re in Florida, you should have your hotel vacation home booked and ready.
Once you check in, get back out, see Destin, Florida, and enjoy your time there.
There are so many beautiful vacation homes in Destiny.
Some areas in Destin have a vacation home community area with some local residences.
One of the vacation homes I got to stay at had a guest home in the back of the main house.
Between homes are a lighted pool, a Jacuzzi, a hammock to rest, and a bar with a grill area in a screen closed-in patio.
Prefer to Stay at Hotels
If you prefer to stay at a beautiful beachfront hotel, there are plenty to choose from.
Go to this booking site to view rates and book your stay.
Things to do in Destin.
Once you settle in and unpacked, it’s time to get out and enjoy some activities in Destin.
Be sure to plan your days and activities so you’re not rushing through your vacation with the family.
Time to Hit the Beach.
Destin has beautiful white sandy beaches and emerald-green waters.
Spend a day at Destin Harbor for a relaxed atmosphere on the beach for a few hours of the first half of your day, then hit the boardwalk.
Walk, shop and eat at Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
Stroll along the boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood, watch the boats come and go, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Plan for Fun with some Water Activities.
Plan for fun with water sports such as paddleboarding, jet skiing, or parasailing for you and the family.
Destin is also famous for deep-sea fishing, so plan to book a charter for some exciting fishing trips.
Plan to do some Spending at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
This unique village has something to do for the whole family.
Shopping, dining, entertainment, seasonal events, live music, and festivals here annually.
Plan to be a Kid at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park.
If you love water parks, then add Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park to the travel planner, and it’s in Destin.
The park is packed with slides, pools, and lazy rivers. The kids will have a blast, and so will you.
The park will not be open until Friday, April 12th. Buy the tickets early online, or wait until you get to Destin and add them to the day.
Shop and Dine in Destin Commons.
Enjoy the outdoor shopping center experience with various stores and places to eat.
It’s a lovely spot for those who love to shop and enjoy the outdoor mall experience.
For the foodies in the family, there’s so much to enjoy. Have a quick bite, dine with the family, or get some sweet treats.
Family and You will Enjoy Destin, Fl.
It’s time to plan a great road trip for you and the family. Make it a four-day weekend Spring Break vacation or a summer week-long vacation.
Whenever you decide to plan your days for a break, this is the ultimate historical road trip followed by a fun beach vacation that is great for the whole family.
Use a travel planner to help you plan your road trip vacation and book your stay early for the best rates and availability; also, view activities, times, and days as a place can be fully booked when you arrive.
Stay In Georgia.
Do you want to stay with the family in Georgia and plan fun activities near Atlanta?
Then check out my other blog on family-friendly things to do and places to stay in Georgia.
Your Free Road Trip Planner Starts Here
Planning a road trip soon? Don’t leave it to chance. Grab my FREE Road Trip Planner for Families and Couples Travel and take the stress out of planning from start to finish.
This simple, family-friendly digital guide helps you organize routes, packing lists, budgets, meals, and daily plans, so you can focus on making memories instead of managing chaos.
Click the link to download your free road trip planner and plan your next adventure smarter, easier, and with way less stress.
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Author
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Hi, I’m Lexie G, a wife and mom of two based in Atlanta. I created Lexie On The Go to share helpful travel tips, road trip ideas, hotel advice, and easy getaway inspiration for couples and families.
With a background in the hotel industry, experience booking travel, and years of planning trips for my own family, I love helping others travel with more confidence and less stress.
View more about Lexie On The Go here.
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