Points of Interest between Bella Vista, Arkansas to Orlando, Florida

picture of Bella Vista, Arkansas

The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving From Bella Vista, Arkansas to Orlando, Florida

Are you planning a road trip from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Orlando, Florida? Then get ready to explore the best of the South and make unforgettable memories. The journey is approximately 1,200 miles, so it's a long drive, but don't worry—the trip is worth it. You will discover amazing places that offer natural beauty, historic landmarks, and modern attractions. To help you plan your itinerary, we've put together the top places to see when driving from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Orlando, Florida.

Marvelous Places to See When Driving from Bella Vista to Orlando, and How to Get There

  1. Memphis, Tennessee Start your road trip in Memphis, Tennessee, the city of blues and rock-and-roll. Memphis is famous for its historic music scene and delicious cuisine. You can't miss a visit to Graceland, the home of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The tour of the mansion allows you to see Elvis's flamboyant style, collection of cars, and costume memorabilia. Your musical journey can continue by visiting the Blues Hall of Fame or the iconic Sun Studio, where famous musicians like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Roy Orbison recorded their hits. To experience the delicious Southern cuisine, be sure to try the Memphis-style barbecue and the famous peanut butter banana sandwich. From Bella Vista, Memphis is 322 miles away, which takes approximately five hours via I-40 E.

  2. Birmingham, Alabama On your way to Orlando, make a stop at Birmingham, Alabama, the Magic City. The Alabama city is known for its rich history, cultural scene, and outdoor activities. The most notable attraction is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which tells the story of the African-American struggle for equality in the city. Another must-visit place is the 16th Street Baptist Church, which was the site of a deadly bombing in 1963, killing four girls. The city also features the largest cast iron statue in the world, the Vulcan statue, located on the top of Red Mountain. The statue is a tribute to the city's industrial heritage, and you can climb to the top to get breathtaking views of the city. If you're a nature lover, Birmingham is home to several state parks and the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, where you can hike trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy the fresh air. It takes approximately seven hours to reach Birmingham from Bella Vista, covering a distance of 503 miles via I-40 E and I-22 E.

  3. Savannah, Georgia Before reaching Orlando, make a stop at Savannah, Georgia, a charming city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Savannah is considered one of the most romantic cities in the US, with its tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. The must-visit attractions include the Forsyth Park, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and the Mercer Williams House Museum, where you can learn about the city's history. Another unique attraction is the Bonaventure Cemetery, where you can explore the elaborate graves of notable Savannah residents. To experience the city's nightlife, visit River Street, a lively promenade lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. You can also enjoy the Southern cuisine, such as fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and cornbread. From Bella Vista, Savannah is a 920-mile drive or approximately 14 hours via I-40 E and I-26 E.

  4. St. Augustine, Florida As you approach Orlando, visit St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the US, founded by Spanish explorers in 1565. The city is an attractive mix of historic landmarks and modern attractions. You can start your visit at the Castillo de San Marcos, a massive fortress built to defend the city from pirates and enemies. Another must-see attraction is the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where you can climb to the top and take in views of the city and the ocean. Additionally, the city features the Lightner Museum, Flagler College, and the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the US. For outdoor enthusiasts, St. Augustine is home to Anastasia State Park, where you can bike, hike, or go kayaking. The city also offers a wide range of restaurants, serving seafood, Spanish cuisine, and Southern comfort food. St. Augustine is 129 miles (or approximately two hours) away from Orlando via I-4 E and I-95 S.

  5. Orlando, Florida Finally, you've reached your destination: Orlando, Florida, the theme park capital of the world. Orlando is home to several world-famous attractions, including Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and more. You can spend days exploring the theme parks, taking thrilling rides, and meeting your favorite movie characters. Additionally, Orlando features the International Drive, a bustling street with shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues. If you're traveling with kids, visit the Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Museum of Art, or the Gatorland wildlife park. You can also relax at Lake Eola Park or watch an Orlando Magic basketball game at the Amway Center. Orlando has something for everyone, and it's the perfect way to end your road trip. Bella Vista to Orlando takes 16 hours approximately and covers a distance of 1115 miles via I-40 and I-75 S.

Conclusion

A road trip from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Orlando, Florida is an incredible opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of the South. From the lively music scene of Memphis to the charming beaches of St. Augustine, you won't regret exploring these astonishing places. So, pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Happy travels!