Top Places to See When Driving From Brandon, Florida to Longview, Texas

Driving from Brandon, Florida to Longview, Texas offers you a diverse experience of the southern part of the United States. You’ll pass through several states, counties, and cities with various attractions that are worth visiting. Whether you’ve been planning to have a long road trip or driving back to your home state, there are plenty of fantastic locations to explore on the way. Here are the top places to see when driving from Brandon, Florida, to Longview, Texas.

Exploring the Best beaches

Start your road trip with a relaxing time spent on Florida’s best beaches. The drive from Brandon to Panama City Beach is around 350 miles and takes approximately six hours. Panama City Beach is a scenic spot that attracts visitors all year round. Here, you can enjoy powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of recreational activities such as kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling, and fishing.

As you continue on your journey, make a stop in Gulf Shores, Alabama. This beautiful town boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the country. You can swim, hunt for seashells, or simply walk along miles of sand while enjoying breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Cultural Artifacts

The southern states have a rich history that's deeply rooted in the legacy of the Civil War. While driving from Brandon to Longview, you’ll have a chance to see many historically significant sites and landmarks.

One of the most iconic sites to visit is the World War II Museum in New Orleans. Established in 2000, it is considered one of the best historical museums in America. The museum is filled with thousands of artifacts related to World War II and the brave men and women who served during that time.

Drive towards Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and visit the Civil Rights Memorial and Museum. This museum stands as a testament to the struggle for civil rights and equality of all Americans. You’ll be able to learn about significant events and people that helped shape the civil rights movement.

Tasty Southern Cuisine

A visit to the southern states would be incomplete without indulging in some delicious southern cuisine. You’ll find plenty of exciting culinary offerings during your road trip from Brandon to Longview.

Starting in Florida, you can't leave without indulging in a timeless favorite: Stone Crab Claws in Miami. These claws are only harvested in specific areas from October to May, making them a true delicacy.

As you approach Louisiana, make a stop in the renowned culinary destination of New Orleans and try some mouth-watering Cajun and Creole food, such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys, and beignets.

Lastly, on your way to Longview, make a stop in Lockhart, Texas, known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas. Here, you’ll find delicious Texas barbecue styles such as brisket, sausage, and ribs that have been smoked to perfection.

Scenic State Parks

If you want to escape the busy cities and explore natural wonders, you’ll have ample opportunities during your drive from Brandon to Longview. You’ll come across a variety of parks and trails that provide breathtaking scenery.

One of the must-see parks is Florida Caverns State Park situated in the panhandle of Florida. The park features stunning limestone caves and a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

As you cross the border into Texas, make a stop at Caddo Lake State Park, which is home to America's most extensive freshwater forest comprised of cypress trees and Spanish moss. Take a relaxing canoe or kayak ride and experience the unique beauty of the park that provides habitat to diverse species of wildlife.

Historic Landmarks

Driving from Brandon to Longview is also an opportunity to learn about the unique architecture and history that defines the southern states.

Firstly, stop in Biloxi, Mississippi, which offers some of America’s most beautiful architecture. You can visit the stunning Beauvoir mansion, the last home of confederate president Jefferson Davis, that is now a National Historic Landmark.

As you near Texas, stop in Shreveport to view its landmark Texas Street Bridge. This bridge was built in 1933 and is one of the oldest bridges in the state, featuring stunning views of the Red River.

Conclusion

Driving from Brandon, Florida, to Longview, Texas provides an exciting opportunity to explore beautiful landscapes, learn about American history and architecture, enjoy delicious southern cuisine, and appreciate some of the most splendid man-made and natural sites. This trip can be done in less than two days, depending on your pace and choice of stops. Therefore, you can customize it to fit your preferences and enjoy every bit of your road trip!