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It thrills me to share Southern family travel ideas with my friends so you can make the most of your family vacations. On some family travel trips in the South, we stumble upon quirky tourist attractions, so I’m spilling the beans on a few fabulous ones that are worth stopping for. Don’t miss my video and favorite travel app below too!
Tourist attractions
When I first began travel writing about the South, I had no idea about these odd little roadside stops. Over the last few years, we’ve stumbled across quite a few of them, and I’m not going to lie… I adore finding these hidden gems!
Georgia
Just off of GA Highway 75 in Cordele, a 98-foot tall ballistic missile stands unexpectantly. You read that right, a missile that was specifically designed as a warhead during the Cold War is handing out there like it’s no big deal. Can you imagine being a resident of this tiny middle Georgia town and using it as a landmark when giving directions?
“Oh just turn right past that tall missile and you’ll be almost there,” some might say. Make no doubt, Cordele residents are very proud of this icon in their town – especially the Veterans. They know that this rocket that’s sandwiched in-between a tiny gas station and a Krystal drive-through traveled many a mile to make its home in Watermelon country.
Read the full story about the Titan missile’s arrival to Georgia in 1968 that made the Los Angeles Times.
Florida
Our recent adventures at a Florida Campground was the first time I’d heard of bat colonies. Apparently, it’s a thing at the University of Florida! There are approximately 300,000 bats that live in two permanent structures in Gainesville Florida that were built for them on campus.
Bats swoop from under their dwellings each evening about 15 minutes after sunset. They are searching for insects, fresh air, and maybe even a sip of water. The UF Bat Colony is definitely something your family needs to see at least once!
South Carolina
South of the Border is a 50-year old landmark that you can’t miss while driving along South Carolina’s Interstate 95. The oversized signs and displays that greet you along the highway (the main one is 97-feet-tall) are themed in tongue-in-cheek, faux Mexican style. You’re probably wondering why it’s called “south of the border?”
The name for this quirky tourist attraction comes from its location just minutes from the border of North and South Carolina. Funny, huh? Known for their hospitality, this isn’t just any rest stop! You’ll find restaurants, shopping, fireworks, accommodations, service stations, arcades, swimming pools, a reptile lagoon, and a campground.
You won’t believe South of the Border until you see it!
Tennessee
The Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, Tennesee has a very accurate slogan. “Get Ready to Take an Unforgettable Adventure! You have never seen, heard, or done anything like this before…”
It’s true. Most folks have never wandered down below the earth to explore a cavern and a hidden, underground lake! This tourist attraction includes a General Store, Ice Cream Parlor, Gem Mine, and Glassblower. There’s also a cafe, the Cavern Kitchen, real pit barbeque, picnic facilities and a nature trail. By far, the most exciting part of The Lost Sea is riding on a glass bottom boat on the World’s largest underground lake.
Alabama
A visit to Alligator Alley in Summerdale, Alabama can be a heart-pounding adventure for all ages of the family. Not only do you get a unique experience of walking up-close-and-personal through habitats of 450 alligators — you can also hold them, cuddle them, and feed them!
On your guided walks through the swamp, you’ll also get a chance to view other wildlife such as turtles, ospreys, owls and bull frogs — only a couple feet away from where you stand. The alligators that call Alligator Alley home are rescue animals. They have all been removed from places that were not in their best interests. Have fun hanging out with the Gators!
Travel app for tourist attractions
One of the ways I’m able to find fun tourist attractions in the South is with my favorite travel app. Roadside America is my new best friend while traveling! It’s so easy to find oddities and attractions ahead of time or as you go. This app also lists normal tourist attractions as well. You’re welcome!
Did I miss any oddball tourist attractions in the South that are worth a stop? Let me know in the comments!
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I’ve lived if fl for 25 years never been to see the bats, will make it a priority.
tfs
Maggie
Author
Wow! That’s awesome Maggie that you are fairly close. Thanks SO much!!!
much love,
shan
I downloaded Roadside America last year and it’s so fun. We use it when we take road trips, so we can see things like a giant spur (we live in Arizona). The Lost Sea Adventure sounds really cool! I would definitely stop to check it out!
Author
Yay, so glad you already have it. It’s so fun, isn’t it?! Glad you enjoyed. Blessings!
much love,
shan
such a cool post!! I didn’t know about any of this. will have to plan a trip sometime! thanks for sharing!
Author
YAY, Elise. You’ll have to let me know how it goes.
much love,
shan
This post is right up my alley! I love roadside tourist attractions! Pinned.
Author
Right?! Fascinating stuff to me too. SO glad you enjoyed!
much love,
shan
The bat attraction in Florida sounds crazy! I live in Florida and I never even knew this existed! Now I need to see what the hype is about 🙂
Author
Makes my day that I could let you know about something close to you! Thanks so much, Carissa.
much love,
shan
I am all about odd little attractions!! I had NO idea the UF had bat colonies. Bats fascinate me!! Will have to check it out sometime!
Author
Me too, Melanie. Just like I love watching that ‘Mysteries at the Museum’ show – full of such odd stuff – check it out if you haven’t seen it. I feel that way about bats too but they also terrify me. lol
much love,
shan
Author
Come on down, Heather. We’d love to have you visit our Southern states! SO much fun.
much love,
shan
I grew up in South Florida, so didn’t know about the bat colonies in Gainesville. We used to drive Alligator Alley across the bottom of the state, through the Everglades, and you can see a bunch of alligators through there too!
Author
That’s awesome, Stephanie! Ahhh, the Everglades – can’t wait to visit those. #bucketlist
much love,
shan
I’ve done 4 road trips from Richmond to Myrtle Beach and nope, there’s no way you can miss the signs for South of the Border! Funny enough, I think we only stopped there once to use the bathroom! Guess we were in a hurry to hit the beach 🙂 You’re right, there are a lot of interesting landmarks in the South!
Author
That’s funny, Caitlin! Yeah, when we have the beach on our mind, there’s no slowing us down either. Thanks SO much!!!
much love,
shan
Love these! I live in Georgia and have never seen that missile! But I have seen the bat house in Gainesville, FL. I went to UF so it was a major attraction for students and visitors.
Author
I’d never heard of the missile. Then one day, we’re driving by it and I’m like, “What in the world is THAT?!?!” HAHA There’s a marker underneath explaining what and when and all – I was SO shocked. Thanks so much.
much love,
shan
Author
Me too, AmberLynn! Thanks SO much!!!
much love,
shan
Author
Can’t miss it, huh?! lol We’ve never spent time at Myrtle Beach. That’s on the bucket list too. Thanks, Bryant!
much love,
shan
Author
Thanks so much! Yes, Florida (and the South in general) has so many amazing destinations that are worth seeing!
Much love,
shan
Oh wow, so many cool atractions!! I would never ever visit a bat colony or an alligator farm but the other ones sound awesome
These are great travel stops. They’re educational and informative. Kids would surely find them interesting.
O yes! We’ve been to South of the Boarder when we drove down to SC from NJ!
So cool! I think we would especially like the Lost Sea Adventure!
You definitely have to make a stop in NOLA as well! We love driving through the south.
we LOVE alligator alley!! such a fun place to visit with the kids
I grew up in South Carolina and South of the Border is seriously so cheesy and fun!
I like the south Carolina landmark best! Such a creative post, Thanks for sharing!
These definitely make me want to visit even though they are super odd.