DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
To Florida and Beyond
Texas - Florida
Stops on this Route:
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Sam Houston National Forest
- Space Center Houston
- Creole Nature Trail All-American Road
- French Quarter, New Orleans
- Orange Beach & Gulf Shores
- Grayton Beach State Park
- Apalachicola National Forest
- The Sheik Sandwiches and Subs
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
- Universal Studios Florida
- Jungle Island
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
What to drive:
Make the most of your US road trip with something from our American Collection:
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 1: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza 1/13
Step inside the Texas School Book Depository, an innocent-looking storage building overlooking Dealey Plaza in Dallas. Here from a sixth-floor window, Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed President Kennedy as an official motorcade drove past in November 1963. The Depository is now a fascinating museum and visitors can learn the full story of the assassination - including all the conspiracy theories - although it’s the sniper’s view from the upstairs window that provides the most memorable sight.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 2: Sam Houston National Forest 2/13
This vast protected forest area has become a popular playground for anyone interested in the great Texas outdoors. Hikers can tackle sections of the well-marked 128-mile Lone Star Trail, while anglers and boaters have the luxury of two enormous lakes. There are excellent facilities for hunting, horse-riding, dirt-biking and camping too. And while you’re there, look out for the classic American sight of bald eagles soaring above the lakes and tree-tops.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 3: Space Center Houston 3/13
With amazing sights like an awe-inspiring collection of spacecraft and the largest display of moon rocks in the world, it’s no surprise that the Space Center is Houston’s top tourist attraction. Families can clamber inside a space shuttle, get up close to the Saturn V rocket and step into the famous Mission Control where many memorable US space missions were overseen, including the histroic Apollo 11 trip to the Moon. With everything from train rides to film shows, the Space Center is an enthralling mix of education, entertainment and science theme park.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 4: Creole Nature Trail All-American Road 4/13
Deep in the outback territory of southwest Louisiana there are large areas of ‘bayous’ (ponds and lakes) to explore along this varied and well-constructed trail. Explore the undeveloped ‘Cajun Riviera’ sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and try to spot alligators at the Pintail Wildlife Drive Boardwalk. Take an airboat tour among the marshes, spotting exotic wading birds, or take the ‘observation drive’ around Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, home to 800,000 ducks and geese.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 5: French Quarter, New Orleans 5/13
Find this world-famous old quarter in the heart of the huge city. The French Quarter spreads along the north bank of the Mississippi as it winds towards the sea, so it’s a good spot to catch a period steamboat cruise. It’s fun to wander around historic landmarks, like the 18th-century St Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square or the non-stop restaurants of Decatur Street. But it’s the indulgent liberal atmosphere, quirky shops, live music and ornate balconied old buildings that really make ‘The Quarter’ feel unique.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 6: Orange Beach & Gulf Shores 6/13
With milies of soft white sand beaches nestled among the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Orange Beach & Gulf Shores is the ideal destination for some fun in the sun. Set sail on a Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise from Orange Beach, or stay on the mainland and explore the rides and amusements at Adventure Island.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 7: Grayton Beach State Park 7/13
Regularly judged one of the States’ best beaches, Grayton is now carefully preserved as a state park. The white sands and rolling dunes are pristine and there’s little commercialization along the seashore. Take a kayak round the lake, walk trails in salt marches behind the beach or stroll round the small galleries and quiet restaurants in the nearby sleepy seaside town, Santa Rosa Beach.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 8: Apalachicola National Forest 8/13
Florida’s largest forest is full of thrilling potential adventures among streams, rivers, lakes and natural springs. Visit the strange sinkholes in the woods at Leon Sinks or drive round the wide-open landscapes of the Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway, looking out for alligators and black bears. Wander through colorful magnolia and cypress groves of oaks or spend a relaxing day fishing at a deep, quiet pool in the woods. Trails through the forest are also brilliant for mountain biking and horse-riding.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 9: The Sheik Sandwiches and Subs 9/13
There’s only one place to get a ‘Camel Rider’ in Jacksonville. Or more accurately, there are only eight places. That’s because there are now eight outlets of the city’s booming Sheik sandwich shop. Since 1972, this family-owned Middle-eastern themed takeaway has become an institution in a city crazy about Arabic food. Sample the popular Camel Rider: cold meat smeared with Italian dressing in pita bread. Other unlikely Sheik pita stuffings include hot dogs and burgers. (Image credit: Cari Sanchez-Potter)
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 10: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 10/13
Experience one of the strangest state parks in the country. Weeki Wachee Springs is a ‘mermaid park’ that was established in natural freshwater springs in 1947. Women dressed as mermaids swim underwater, watched by a captive underground audience through aquarium-like windows. There’s also a small waterpark, sandy beach and riverboat tours at the nearby Buccaneer Bay,- which has been run by Florida state authorities since 2008.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 11: Universal Studios Florida 11/13
Universal is one of the biggest attractions in central Florida’s theme park capital, Orlando. The huge park features attractions and amusements linked to films and TV shows ranging from Harry Potter to King Kong. Visitors have a choice between different rides and rollercoasters. The Universal complex is also home to Islands of Adventure, with even more rides and entertainment – including the Incredible Hulk coaster and the CityWalk food court area fast food and shopping area.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 12: Jungle Island 12/13
They call Jungle Island an “interactive zoo”. This means that visitors get the chance to see animals up-close. This includes everything from lemur and sloth encounters to the fantastically flamboyant flamingo experience. There are also talks, demonstrations and live feedings around the zoo, Children can even touch the safer animals, including kangaroos and lemurs,, in the special petting area.
To Florida and Beyond
Stop 13: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 13/13
The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, was previously known as Villia Vizcaya, and was the former estate of businessman James Deering. His former opulent antique-filled home and beautiful garden is are now open to the public to explore and enjoy.
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