BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS - Planning a road trip from Belleville, Illinois to Orlando, Florida is a great way to explore the beautiful sights and scenes of the United States. This article will detail the top activities and attractions to experience along the way, with a special mention of the midway point - Cartersville, GA.
Starting in Belleville, the drive to Orlando will take approximately 16 hours covering almost 1000 miles. Some highlights of the trip include the stunning skyline of Atlanta, the incredible beaches in Panama City, and the unlimited entertainment options of Orlando. Don't forget to stop midway at the charming town of Cartersville, GA to break up the journey.
Here are the top five must-visit locations along the way:
1. Six Flags Over Georgia - Atlanta, GA
Located in Austell, Georgia, Six Flags Over Georgia is one of the most thrilling amusement parks in the country. Featuring over 40 rides, including 12 roller coasters, this park is a perfect stop for groups or families looking for a day of adventure. One of the most popular rides in the park is the "Goliath" roller coaster, where riders can experience speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
Interesting fact: Six Flags Over Georgia was originally built as a theme park for the 1964 World's Fair in New York City.
2. Panama City Beach - Panama City, FL
Panama City Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico. With its stunning turquoise waters and soft white sand, the area is a popular destination for tourists across America. Visitors can enjoy some of the best beach activities, including swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and sunbathing. The beach is also home to an array of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Interesting fact: Panama City Beach is known for its annual "Spring Break" when thousands of college students from across the country flock to the area for parties and events.
3. Kennedy Space Center - Cape Canaveral, FL
Located on the east coast of Florida, the Kennedy Space Center is a National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) facility and a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can explore several exhibits, including the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which houses the largest rocket ever flown. The center also features a space shuttle Atlantis exhibit, where visitors can learn all about the space program and see a real-life shuttle.
Interesting fact: The Kennedy Space Center is the site of every human space flight launched by the United States and is still active to this day.
4. Universal Studios - Orlando, FL
Universal Studios Florida is an entertainment park with themed areas based on popular movies and TV shows. With rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the Transformers: The Ride-3D, visitors can experience their favorite movies in real life. Additionally, the park features live shows, character meet-and-greets, and delicious dining options.
Interesting fact: Universal Studios opened in 1990 and is now a part of the Universal Orlando Resort, with two parks, several hotels, and a shopping district.
5. Walt Disney World - Orlando, FL
Walt Disney World is the most popular theme park in the world, with over 58 million visitors every year. The park is divided into four main areas: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. With a wide variety of shows, attractions, and rides, visitors can experience the magic and wonder of Disney. There are also several hotels, dining options, and shopping areas located within the park.
Interesting fact: The Magic Kingdom is the most popular theme park within Walt Disney World, with over 20 million visitors each year.
In conclusion, a road trip from Belleville, Illinois, to Orlando, Florida, offers a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. From thrilling amusement parks to stunning beaches and world-renowned theme parks, there's something for everyone along the route. Don't forget to add midway stop Cartersville, GA, into your itinerary. The entire trip takes approximately 16 hours, but with these fantastic destinations to stop and explore, the trip is undoubtedly worth the drive.