Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Buford, Georgia and Naples, Florida
A road trip from Buford, Georgia to Naples, Florida is an adventure that mixes the beauty of nature with the excitement of the big city. The 712-mile journey is filled with breathtaking views, historical sites, outdoor activities, and delicious food. Driving down the coast of Florida, one will encounter the halfway point, Lake City, FL, a charming town that offers a glimpse of old Florida.
1. Hit the Beaches in Naples
Naples is a vibrant city with luxurious beaches that lure tourists from all over the world. The pristine, white sand beaches of Naples are known for their clear turquoise waters, soft sand, and picture-perfect sunsets. Naples Pier is a popular spot for fishing, dolphin watching, and admiring the Gulf of Mexico. If you're looking for a charming beach area, then Fifth Avenue South is the perfect destination. Here you'll find shops, restaurants, and cafes located by the beach and a beautiful promenade to walk.
Interesting Fact: Naples beach is home to the rarest and most expensive seashells in the world, the Junonia.
2. Enjoy the Shops and Restaurants in Buford Dam
Buford Dam is a scenic area that is home to a unique variety of restaurants, shops, and bars. Here you will enjoy delicious southern-style food such as fried chicken, bbq pork, and sweet potato pie. There are many local shops that offer handmade artisanal goods of all kinds. Buford Dam is an excellent place to relax while experiencing some of the best of southern culture.
Interesting Fact: Buford Dam was once used as a hydroelectric source and was completed in 1957.
3. Visit the Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is one of the largest national parks in the United States and is known for its vast wetlands, pristine wilderness, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can take an airboat ride and observe alligators, birds, and other wildlife from up close. Hiking the trails, biking, and walking in the park, one can see one of the last remaining natural ecosystems in the US complete with swamps and unique river systems.
Interesting Fact: The Everglades National Park is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist.
4. Go on a Historical Tour of St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a charming historical city where visitors can explore world-class museums and historical sites. The city was founded in 1565 and was the first Spanish settlement in the US. Take a tour of the oldest schoolhouse, the Fountain of Youth, and the Lightner Museum, which showcases artifacts from the early 1900s. St. George Street is also an excellent place for shopping and dining amongst beautifully restored 18th-century buildings.
Interesting Fact: Ponce de Leon's supposed Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine is the only well in the world that has been continuously pouring fresh water for over 500 years.
5. Visit the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a vast wilderness ecosystem that holds some of the most mysterious and beautiful natural charms one can discover in the US. One can paddle a canoe through swampy trails and observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the marshes. Be sure to check out the Chesser Island Homestead, a historic farmstead that offers an exhibition on the history of the region and the farming practices that have been used.
Interesting Fact: The Okefenokee Swamp's name means "land of the trembling earth", which is due to the delicate balance between water levels and shifting land masses.
In conclusion, the trip from Buford, GA to Naples, FL is a fantastic way to explore the diversity of landscapes and culture that the Southeast has to offer. The trip is perfect for families, couples, and anyone that loves exploring new places. The journey consists of 712 scenic miles and can be completed in about twelve hours. However, we recommend taking your time to visit all the unique places in between Buford and Naples, making the drive a part of the experience.