Indianapolis to Daytona Beach Road Trip Guide
Introduction
Indianapolis is the capital of the state of Indiana and is nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, and the White River that flows through central and southern Indiana. The city has pretty much everything covered. From music to racing, from arts to animals, if you are passionate about something, you’ll get a chance to experience it in this city.
The city also happens to be home to the largest children’s museum in the world. Another enlightening and extremely educational spot in the city is the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art.
Indianapolis is close to the ocean yet not close enough. So, if there’s any direction you’re heading off to from Indianapolis, it is in the direction of the beach - and where better for beaches than Florida? Southward on Intersection-65 will take you straight to your destination with some interesting stops in between.
Arriving at Daytona Beach, Florida, may mark the end of your road trip but by no means is it the end of your adventure. The beach city is known for many things, but most importantly it is known for its beaches and its Speedway.
The city hosts events, festivals, and various occasions that keep it lively all-year. Some unmissable attractions in the city include the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, Daytona Boardwalk and Pier, Marine Science Center, and Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory to name a few.
Point of Interest
The Speed Art Museum
You’ll find your first fun-filled and unconventional stop in Louisville, Kentucky. The Speed of Art Museum is perfect for everyone, but especially for those who find museums boring. The Speed of Art Museum has taken “interactive displays” to a whole new level as it allows the visitors to actively participate in arts. You don’t have to be an artist, in fact, you don’t even have to be good at arts to enter the 15 hand-on learning stations.
The stations are classified into three sections: noticing, making, and talking. The first section is all about admiring and learning about exhibits. In the second station, you get to make your own art with a bit of guidance from the experts. In the final section, you can talk about art and dwell on art history if that’s where your passion lies. Do not forget to check out the main attraction of this museum as it features an artistic masterpiece created by the legendary Italian artist, Pompeo Batoni.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest cave system is one of the highlights of Kentucky, and you can simply not leave the city – or drive by it – without spending a few hours here.
The iconic cave system is situated in what is called the “Land of 10,000 Sinks” and has the characteristic marks of karstic features of every kind. It was the Native Americans who first explored the Mammoth caves somewhere between 2000 and 8000 years ago. Since then, 400 miles of these caves and all the interconnected passages have been surveyed.
The Mammoth Cave system is so big that even the second largest cave system in the world falls 100 miles short when compared to it. The national park also boasts 85 miles of trails above the ground, which you can utilize for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park has gorgeous natural features including numerous waterfalls, sinkholes, and bluffs.
Grand Ole Opry
It’s all about entertainment and music when it comes to Nashville, Tennessee. If you have already been to all the usual attractions, we suggest heading off to the Grand Ole Opry House. This world-famous establishment first started as a radio broadcasting station in 1925. Today, it is famous for being the longest-running radio broadcast in the US.
The radio stage rose to popularity after hosting Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, and Ernest Tubb. Even today, the broadcast features rising country artists along with some legendary country music artists. The stage has been shared by the likes of Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Brad Paisley. There are several other attractions in the complex as well, including the paddle-wheel showboat called General Jackson, the convention center, and the enormous Opry Mills Shopping Mall.
Tennessee Aquarium
It’s time you familiarize yourself with the numerous marine species waiting for you in the world’s largest freshwater aquarium in Chattanooga, TN. The Tennessee Aquarium has dedicated itself to freshwater fish. One of the displays called the Ocean Journey will take you straight to the open ocean where you will face the sharks, stingrays, and all the reef fish gliding in and out of the coral formation.
The aquarium is unlike others as it is more focused on aspects of learning about ocean life as opposed to exhibiting marine life. The aquarium’s “River Journey” exhibit allows the visitors to begin from the Appalachian Cove Forest and go all the way to the Tennessee River. Along the way, you’ll meet the residents of each region including the birds, otters, turtles, alligators, and many more. You are also allowed to pet the stingrays on this journey.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, is just as magnificent from the inside as it is from the outside. When the popular stadium isn’t hosting the Super Bowl, it is providing everyone a chance to take a 90-minute tour of the complex and an all-access ticket to the home of the Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons. In this 90-minute tour, you’ll get a chance to get on the Skybridge or visit the locker rooms which it’s likely your favorite stars have used once upon a time. You can also play in the field with your best buddies and enjoy the glory of the place.
In addition to its sports feats, the stadium is also an architectural marvel, with a sizable art collection, and the world’s largest sculpture of a falcon. Even if you are not that much into sports, the stadium will not fail to impress you.
Summary
Daytona Beach, FL, is the place to be if you love amazing weather and splendid beaches. This beach city is perfect for quick getaways and mini-vacations and features something for everyone.
If you don’t prefer tranquility and beach vibes then you can get your fix of adrenaline rush at the Daytona International Speedway. This is the same track that hosts the NASCAR Cup Series every year.
If racing isn't your cup of tea and you are looking for something more relaxing head over to the iconic Daytona Beach area and park your RVs near the sandy beach. You can tan, swim, and partake in plenty of recreational activities for a fun day at the beach.
Apart from the beach and racing vibes the city also has plenty of other attractions. Don’t miss out on dining at the Oyster Pub and hiking the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail to get the full experience of everything Daytona Beach has to offer.
