Tallahassee to Montgomery Road Trip Guide
Introduction
Because Tallahassee is the capital of Florida, you will find quite a few historic attractions in town. One of these, the Florida Historic Capitol Museum has thousands of artifacts, exhibits, and activities to help you and the family learn more about the state. Even if you have lived here all your life, if you have not visited this museum, it is a must-see for everyone. The Tallahassee Museum is also a wonderful place to learn more about the city and enjoy the flora and fauna on their 52-acre property.
Take a trip to Wakulla Springs State Park while you are here for some fun in the world’s deepest and largest freshwater springs. Get up close and personal with the water creatures swimming in the clear blue waters or do some hiking on the nine miles of trails to explore. Wakulla Springs State Park has a lot to keep you all busy for as long as you want to stay.
If you want to get out of the Florida heat for a while, stop into the Fun Station where they have mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts, batting cages, and arcade games. You and the big kids can ride the Sizzler for a spin like you have never encountered, and the little ones can enjoy the Safari Train. There’s also a pizza kitchen where you can grab some grub before heading to your next stop.
Point of Interest
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is just over two hours to the west on FL-20 where you will need to slather on the sunscreen so you can hit the white sandy beach. With St. Andrews Bay on one side and the Gulf on the other, you will have plenty of opportunities for all kinds of water fun. Go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the vibrantly colored creatures under the water or grab a surfboard and try out the waves.
What makes St. Andrews State Park so unique is the five different ecological landscapes in one place. From the beautiful green meadows to the dark and mysterious lagoons, the moss-covered woods, and the saltwater gulfs, you can find your favorite place and spend an hour or two enjoying nature.
The kiddos will love the playgrounds and the interpretive exhibit at the Interpretive Center. You can see dioramas of the ecosystem, seashell collections, and a saltwater aquarium full of aquatic creatures that are native to the area. Before you go, stop in at the concession stands or souvenir shop for some snacks and unique gifts for the folks back home.
Destin
An hour up the coast on US-98, Destin, Florida is known for its translucent green waters on the Gulf of Mexico, golf courses, and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. The water is so beautiful here, they call it the Emerald Coast. Located on a peninsula between the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this popular tourist attraction boasts miles of white sand beach shoreline along the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Be sure to pack your swimsuit and beach toys.
Just up the coast a bit, the Okaloosa Day Use Area is a nice peaceful area for a family picnic, swimming, or paddleboarding. They have a boat launch for small boats as well, so bring the kayak or canoe along. Henderson Beach State Park is also nearby and has 30-foot white sand dunes for a different type of beach fun. Anglers frequent the park due to its abundance of hungry catfish, flounder, redfish, and pompano. Bring your fishing gear and try your luck.
If you would rather swim without the fishes, stop in at Big Kahuna’s Water Park. With nine different slides such as the Hammerhead, Jumanji, and the Honolulu Half Pipe as well as thrill rides like the Cyclone Twister and the Sky Coaster, this place is exciting for everyone! They even have a section for the little thrill-seekers with kiddie slides, fountains, and Buccaneer Cove. After you wear out the kids, get back in the motorhome and head for your final destination.
Summary
Just a few more hours up I-65 and you will be at your final stop of Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. If you need a campground to stay at, there are quite a few nearby. The closest one is the Woods RV Park, just five miles to the south. They have over 100 campsites that can handle rigs up to 80 feet long with full utility hookups, Wi-Fi, a bathhouse, cable TV, and a lake stocked with tiger bass and copper nose bluegill. Also nearby, Gunter Hill Campground has 142 campsites with full utilities for rigs up to 78 feet long. Located on Catoma Creek, the fishing is excellent, floating and paddling is fun, and swimming is encouraged.
Check out some of the many museums while you are in town. You and the family will enjoy learning about the history of the area at the Museum of Alabama, Freedom Rides Museum, and the Rosa Parks Museum. Or you can go see the MOOseum, which is a fun and educational way to learn about the cattle industry. Stop by the Riverfront Park on your way out to see the Gun Island Chute and let the kids cool off in the Splashpad before heading back to the campsite.
