Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Bend, OR to Apopka, FL
Bend, OR, and Apopka, FL, are two picturesque destinations miles apart, but the journey between them is nothing short of breathtaking. Covering a distance of approximately 3,500 miles, the road trip offers a perfect opportunity to explore some of the hidden gems sprinkled along the way. The route features some of the country's most iconic attractions, such as Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains. The route travels through Syracuse, NE, which marks the halfway point of the trip. Here are some of the must-visit destinations along the way:
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, SD
A visit to Mount Rushmore should be on everyone's bucket list, especially if you are taking a road trip from Bend to Apopka. Not only is it a tribute to some of America's most visionary leaders, but it also offers a spectacular sightseeing opportunity. The 60-foot-high faces are carved onto the Black Hills granite and capture the spirit of freedom that the US stands for. The memorial is open year-round, giving you a chance to enjoy it in any season.
Interesting Fact:
Do you know that the design for the sculptures was originally planned to show the presidents' faces down to their waists, but it was later changed due to lack of funding?
2. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Encompassing 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands, the Grand Canyon National Park is the ultimate outdoor adventure. The park features several lookout points with awe-inspiring views of the canyon, making it a paradise for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. You can take a mule ride along the trails or fly over the canyon for an unforgettable experience.
Interesting Fact:
The park's landscape exposes nearly two billion years of geologic history describing the earth's formation.
3. Beale Street Historic District, Memphis, TN
Beale Street Historic District is a melting pot of music, dining, and entertainment that has become synonymous with the city of Memphis. The street has fondly been referred to as the "Home of the Blues" and dates back to the 19th century. You can catch live performances daily at any of the numerous establishments that line the street, and it is a must-visit for anyone who loves music.
Interesting Fact:
B.B. King, who was one of the most famous blues musicians, once quoted that Beale Street is "where it all started, and where I will never leave."
4. White House, Washington D.C.
The White House is a symbol of power and prestige, and one of the country's most recognizable landmarks. A tour of the building gives you an opportunity to learn about the history of the country's leadership and see where decisions that have shaped the country were made. You can take a self-guided tour of the public rooms of the White House at no cost.
Interesting Fact:
The White House has 132 rooms with 35 bathrooms, 412 doors, and 147 windows.
5. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Cape Canaveral, FL
A trip to the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex affords an opportunity to see history in the making. The center, which is one of the country's premier attractions, features displays of NASA's space program and launches of various space missions. You can tour the center to get a sneak peek into a day in the life of the astronauts.
Interesting Fact:
The Space Center Launch Complex 39 is where all launches of manned spaceflights take off, including the Apollo Moon landing missions and numerous Space-Shuttle launches.
After a 49-hour journey, you will arrive in Apopka, Florida, from Bend, Oregon. The route provides breathtaking scenery and a lifetime of memories that are sure to last forever. From mountain vistas to coastal beaches, it has something for everyone. A road trip across America is a must-try, and the journey from Bend to Apopka is one you do not want to miss.
Note: Syracuse, NE, is known as the home of the invention of Kool-Aid.