Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Atlanta, Georgia and Tyler, Texas

A road trip is an excellent way to explore the beautiful landscapes of the United States. This trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Tyler, Texas covers around 870 miles, and it takes about 14 hours to drive non-stop. Along the way, there are many attractions to explore, from parks and hiking trails to museums and historic landmarks. A halfway point of the road trip is Morton, MS, with many restaurants and motels for halfway pit stops. This article covers the top five things to do on this road trip.

Rock City Gardens – Lookout Mountain, Georgia

Rock City Gardens is a unique blend of natural beauty and man-made wonders, set atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia. The gardens have hiking trails, waterfalls, rock formations, and gardens, making it an ideal place to explore. Visitors can walk through a 140-foot-long cave, where they will see various stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated with LED lights.

Interesting fact: From some vantage points, visitors can see seven U.S. states at once from elevation in Lookout Mountain, Georgia.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Tuscaloosa is a city with a rich history and culture, nestled on the banks of the Black Warrior River in Alabama. Visitors can explore the various restaurants, shops, and museums available in the city. The University of Alabama's campus is home to many museums and galleries, including the Alabama Museum of Natural History and the Paul R. Jones Museum.

Interesting fact: The University of Alabama is home to the only archaeology museum in the state of Alabama.

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches is a charming southern city that has maintained its French colonial heritage. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Cane River Lake, explore the historic downtown district, or take a tour of the various plantation homes that populate the area. Natchitoches is famous for meat pies, great food, lively music and surprises like Louisiana’s largest fern, the cinnamon fern.

Interesting fact: Steel Magnolias filmed many scenes in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and tourists can still visit the filming locations.

Austin, Texas

Austin is the capital of Texas and a city buzzing with culture, music, and history. Visitors can explore the University of Texas campus, the State Capitol building, and various museums, including the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Music lovers will enjoy the city's vibrant music scene, including the famous South by Southwest music festival.

Interesting fact: Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Every night, over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take to the sky.

Space Center Houston – Houston, Texas

Space Center Houston is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of space exploration. Visitors can see mock-ups of the space shuttle and the International Space Station, view moon rocks, and catch a glimpse of a real-life astronaut. The center is home to several interactive exhibits, including virtual reality space missions and a replica of the Mercury Mission Control room.

Interesting fact: Space Center Houston helped restore the Apollo Mission Control Center, and it is now open for visitors.

Conclusion

This road trip from Atlanta, Georgia, to Tyler, Texas, covers many interesting destinations. The trip is around 870 miles long, and it takes about 14 hours to drive non-stop. The top five things to do on this road trip include Rock City Gardens in Georgia, Tuscaloosa in Alabama, Natchitoches in Louisiana, Austin in Texas, and Space Center Houston in Houston, Texas. Each destination offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural experiences that visitors will not forget.