From Asheville, North Carolina to Kissimmee, Florida: Top Places to See

Nothing beats a good road trip. This time, you’re going all the way from Asheville, North Carolina to Kissimmee, Florida. This trip will take you through some of the most scenic and diverse terrains on the East Coast. Luckily, there are plenty of attractions and landmarks along the way to break up the long drive. Here are the top places to check out:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Your first stop should be at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At over 500,000 acres, it’s one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States. This park spans Tennessee and North Carolina, with a wide range of elevation from 875 to 6,643 feet. There are 16 mountains in the park that are at least 6,000 feet tall, with Clingman’s Dome standing at 6,657 feet above sea level. A drive through the park offers panoramic views, waterfalls, and plenty of hiking trails.

2. Atlanta, GA

As you head closer to Florida, a visit to the capital city of Georgia is a must. Atlanta has something for everyone: from the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. to the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the SkyView Ferris Wheel. Atlanta’s downtown skyline is also breathtakingly beautiful, with the tallest building being the Bank of America Plaza.

3. Okefenokee Swamp Park

As intimidating as it may seem, the Okefenokee Swamp Park is actually quite beautiful and unique. This 401,000-acre preserve is located between Georgia and Florida, and it contains lush vegetation, wildlife, and a series of canoe trails that you can explore. The park is teeming with alligators, which can be observed safely on an elevated platform.

4. Saint Augustine, FL

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the continental United States. Its charm lies in the city’s well-preserved Spanish Colonial architecture, narrow streets, and various museums and historic sites like the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Lightner Museum. St. Augustine was also home to Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth, after which a park and discovery center have been named.

5. Walt Disney World Resort

No trip to Kissimmee, Florida would be complete without a visit to Walt Disney World Resort. This complex is made up of four theme parks—Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park—as well as two water parks, 27 themed resort hotels, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues. There's so much to see and experience that you'll need several days to get through it all.

Conclusion

If you take your time and savor each stop on this drive, you could easily turn it into a week-long adventure. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains, take a break in Atlanta, see alligators at Okefenokee Swamp Park, marvel at St. Augustine’s architecture, and be a kid again at Walt Disney World Resort. These are just a few of the many options you have when driving from Asheville, North Carolina to Kissimmee, Florida. Get out there and explore!