Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Bon Air, Virginia and West Palm Beach, Florida
Overview
Embarking on a road trip from Bon Air, Virginia to West Palm Beach, Florida promises to be an exciting experience. With a distance of approximately 960 miles, the journey is long but eventful, as it offers a unique blend of natural, cultural, and historical attractions. The halfway destination at Hardeeville, SC makes the trip even better. From breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities to museums and cultural sites, the trip has something for everyone.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
The Great Dismal Swamp is one of the largest intact and untouched swamps in the country, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can go hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and even take a guided boat tour of the swamp. The swamp is home to various flora and fauna, including black bears, bobcats, and over 200 species of birds.
Fact: The Great Dismal Swamp was once a stop on the Underground Railroad, and enslaved people used it as a hiding place as they escaped to freedom.
2. Explore the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a 3-mile long boardwalk that boasts numerous entertainment options for visitors. Some of the top attractions include carnival rides, live music performances, and an endless supply of local shops and restaurants. The Oceanfront stage features free performances all year round, which include music, dance, and magic shows.
Fact: The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is one of the oldest boardwalks in the country. It was built in 1888 and has since become a popular tourist destination.
3. Visit the South Carolina Aquarium
Located in Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium offers visitors an unforgettable experience. The aquarium has various exhibits that showcase marine life species from the East Coast and includes a sea turtle hospital that focuses on rehabilitating and releasing injured sea turtles. Visitors can also participate in interactive programs such as the behind-the-scenes tour and feeding the animals.
Fact: The South Carolina Aquarium is home to the albino American alligator, an extremely rare species found in the wild, making it a unique attraction.
4. Explore the Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center provides a hands-on learning experience that is both educational and fun for visitors of all ages. The center's exhibits cover a wide range of themes, including physics, nature, technology, and more. Visitors can participate in interactive activities such as conducting experiments, building robots, and exploring outer space in the planetarium.
Fact: The Orlando Science Center has a live animal exhibit that features critters such as iguanas, snakes, and even a sloth.
5. Marvel at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a stunning and unique European-inspired villa that was built in the early 1900s by agricultural industrialist James Deering. The villa boasts over 34 rooms, and it's surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens spanning over 10 acres. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the property and enjoy a picnic in the garden while taking in the breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay.
Fact: The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens were used as the set location for several movies and TV shows, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Miami Vice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the road trip from Bon Air, Virginia to West Palm Beach, Florida is full of exciting and memorable experiences. From the natural beauty of the Great Dismal Swamp to the entertainment options at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and the educational exhibits at the Orlando Science Center, the possibilities are endless. The journey should take approximately 14-15 hours, depending on stops and traffic, making it a perfect weekend getaway. Don't forget to make a stop and enjoy the midway point in Hardeeville, SC, and explore some of the best things the town has to offer.