Spring break on the East Coast offers families an incredible spectrum of experiences, from the sun-soaked beaches of Florida to the awakening mountain landscapes of New England. As winter’s grip loosens, the coast comes alive with vibrant spring festivals, blooming gardens, and perfect temperatures for outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re seeking warm beach days, cultural experiences, or nature’s spring awakening, the Eastern Seaboard provides the perfect blend of activities for families looking to break free from winter’s monotony. The region’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and family-friendly attractions make it an ideal destination for spring break memories that will last a lifetime.

Spring Weather Guide: What to Expect

Spring weather along the East Coast varies dramatically from north to south.

• In New England, March and April temperatures typically range from 35-55°F (2-13°C), with occasional snow still possible in March.
• The Mid-Atlantic region enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures between 45-65°F (7-18°C) and beautiful cherry blossoms in full display.
• The Carolinas warm up nicely to 60-75°F (16-24°C), perfect for outdoor activities. Florida basks in summer-like warmth, with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F (24-29°C).
• Pack layers and check local forecasts, as spring weather can be unpredictable, especially in the northern regions.

15 Must-Visit Spring Break Destinations

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1. St. Augustine, Florida

• Average Spring Temperature: 75°F (24°C)

Florida’s historic city transforms into a perfect family playground in spring, offering exciting attractions without summer’s intense heat. Kids will love the St. Augustine Alligator Farm’s thrilling zipline course over hundreds of alligators, while the Pirate & Treasure Museum lets them fire cannons and hunt for real pirate gold. St. Augustine Beach provides calm waters and soft sand perfect for families, with volleyball courts and a splash pad at the pier.

The chocolate factory tour at Whetstone’s keeps kids engaged with generous samples, and the Old Town Trolley makes getting between attractions fun with entertaining conductors. Stay at family-friendly resorts along St. Augustine Beach or Anastasia Island – the Embassy Suites offers free breakfast and evening receptions, while the Guy Harvey Resort features a kids’ pool and beach activities program.

Top Tip: Purchase combination tickets for multiple attractions to save money, and visit the Alligator Farm early in the morning when reptiles are most active.

2. Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia

• Average Spring Temperature: 55°F (13°C)

Spring transforms this mountain paradise as melting snow creates spectacular waterfalls and opens up family hiking opportunities. The park’s namesake falls reach peak flow, creating a thunderous display viewable from several easy-access overlooks. Kids love the Balanced Rock Trail (1.2 miles), which feels like a natural treasure hunt, while the park’s adventure center rents mountain bikes sized for all ages.

Spring break programs include wildlife tracking workshops and stream ecology activities where kids can wade in shallow waters to discover aquatic insects. Stay at the park’s lodge with its indoor pool and family-friendly restaurant, or choose the nearby town of Davis (10 minutes away), where the Purple Fiddle offers family suites and is famous for its homemade ice cream and live music, suitable for all ages.

Top Tip: Pack water shoes for stream exploration and bring layers – mountain weather can change quickly in spring.

3. Orlando and Central Florida Adventures

• Average Spring Temperature: 78°F (26°C)

Central Florida’s spring weather creates perfect conditions for combining theme parks with natural wonders. While Disney World and Universal Studios draw crowds, consider starting your trip at less crowded LEGOLAND Florida or fun-sized Fun Spot America.

Break up park days with visits to crystal-clear springs – Blue Spring State Park offers manatee viewing and swimming in 72°F waters, while Wekiwa Springs State Park provides kayaking and hiking just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando. Kelly Park’s Rock Springs Run thrills kids with natural lazy river tubing, and the WILD Florida airboat tours get you up close to alligators and native birds without the tourist crowds.

The Orlando Science Center offers four floors of hands-on exhibits for rainy days or theme park breaks. For accommodation, consider staying in Winter Park or Lake Mary for easy access to both parks and springs – many hotels offer shuttle service to major attractions while keeping you close to natural adventures. Spring brings perfect temperatures for mixing high-energy park days with relaxing nature exploration.

Top Tip: Purchase theme park tickets online in advance for best rates, and arrive at springs before 10 AM – they often reach capacity by mid-morning.

4. Outer Banks, North Carolina

• Average Spring Temperature: 68°F (24°C)

Spring brings ideal conditions to these barrier islands before summer crowds arrive. The Wright Brothers National Memorial captivates kids with flight simulators and kite-making workshops, while Jockey’s Ridge State Park offers sandboarding lessons on the East Coast’s highest living sand dunes. Book a beginner’s surfing lesson – spring’s smaller waves are perfect for learning, and water temperatures are comfortable with a rental wetsuit.

Wild horse tours in Corolla offer better viewing opportunities as horses become more active, and many companies run kids-ride-free promotions during spring break. Stay in oceanfront vacation homes perfect for extended families, or choose affordable hotels in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, where spring rates can be 30% lower than summer prices.

Top Tip: Plan evening ghost crab hunts during your stay – kids love searching for these nocturnal creatures with flashlights on the beach.

5. Acadia National Park, Maine

• Average Spring Temperature: 45°F (7°C)

Early spring in Acadia offers families a unique opportunity to experience Maine’s coastal beauty without summer crowds. Lower elevation paths like Ocean Path are usually clear and perfect for family hiking, while the park’s carriage roads provide excellent surfaces for family biking, with rentals available, including trail-a-bikes and child seats.

Thunder Hole creates dramatic wave displays in spring, and whale-watching tours begin as marine mammals return to the Gulf of Maine. Watch for active beavers building dams and returning spring wildlife through ranger-led programs. Stay in Bar Harbor at the family-friendly Bar Harbor Grand Hotel with its indoor pool, or try Hadley’s Point Campground’s heated camping cabins for a unique spring adventure.

Top Tip: Download the Junior Ranger booklet before your visit and book any boat tours at least a month ahead.

6. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

• Average Spring Temperature: 60°F (16°C)

The Shenandoah Valley bursts into life in spring with wildflower-carpeted meadows and waterfalls at peak flow. Drive the scenic Skyline Drive, stopping at easily accessible overlooks to spot emerging wildlife and take short, family-friendly hikes. Luray Caverns maintains a constant, comfortable temperature and amazes kids with its Mirror Pool and “stalacpipe” organ that plays music on ancient formations.

The nearby Luray Zoo—Rescue offers up-close encounters with rescued exotic animals. For indoor backup plans, the Explore More Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg provides hands-on science exhibits perfect for rainy days. Stay in Luray at Hotels like the Mimslyn Inn, which has a seasonal outdoor pool, or choose family-friendly cabins at Shenandoah River State Park for direct trail access.

Top Tip: Purchase the Shenandoah Valley Kids Trail Pass online for discounted admission to multiple attractions.

7. Block Island, Rhode Island

• Average Spring Temperature: 52°F (11°C)

This charming island becomes a family adventure paradise in spring before the summer crowds arrive. Rent bikes to explore the island’s 17 miles of trails and beaches – many rental shops offer kid carriers and trail-a-bikes. The 1661 Farm & Garden features friendly llamas, camels, and kangaroos that kids can feed.

Spring brings perfect conditions for family-friendly clay cliff hikes and beach treasure hunting at Mansion Beach. The historic lighthouses offer fascinating climbs with sweeping ocean views. Stay at the family-friendly Spring House Hotel with its huge lawn for kids to play, or rent a vacation home in New Harbor for easy beach access. Most restaurants reopen by mid-April, with some offering early-season discounts.

Top Tip: Book ferry tickets well in advance and bring bikes from the mainland to save on rental fees.

8. Washington DC

• Average Spring Temperature: 60°F (16°C)

The National Mall transforms into a pink paradise during cherry blossom season, typically peaking in late March or early April. Kids love paddling boats around the Tidal Basin under canopies of blooms. At the same time, the nearby National Air and Space Museum and Natural History Museum offer free admission and special spring break programming.

The National Zoo comes alive in spring as animals become more active, and the seasonal carousel on the National Mall starts operating. Evening monument tours are especially magical when lit up beneath flowering trees. Stay in Crystal City for affordable hotels with easy Metro access, or splurge on Georgetown locations within walking distance of the cherry blossoms. Many hotels offer cherry blossom packages, including Metro passes and bike rentals.

Top Tip: Book accommodations for peak bloom dates months in advance, and use the National Park Service’s bloom tracker to time your visit perfectly.

9. Hershey, Pennsylvania

• Average Spring Temperature: 60°F (16°C)

Hersheypark awakens in spring with shorter ride lines and special seasonal events. Create your own candy bar at Hershey’s Chocolate World, take the chocolate tour ride, and enjoy early-season thrills on roller coasters without summer’s long waits. The admission to ZooAmerica includes getting close to North American wildlife, with special spring break feeding demonstrations and keeper talks.

The Hershey Gardens offers a tropical butterfly atrium perfect for cooler days, while The Hershey Story Museum includes hands-on chocolate lab experiences. Stay at the official Hershey Lodge for free shuttle service, early park access, and an indoor pool complex with water slides and spray features.

Top Tip: Book the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience in advance, and visit the park on Friday for the smallest crowds.

10. White Mountains, New Hampshire

• Average Spring Temperature: 50°F (10°C)

Spring in the White Mountains offers a unique mix of late-season skiing at Bretton Woods and emerging hiking opportunities at lower elevations. The Mount Washington Cog Railway thrills kids with its steep climb up the Northeast’s highest peak, offering spectacular views of snowy summits and green valleys.

Visit Chutters in Littleton, home to the world’s longest candy counter, then explore the Ice Castles attraction (typically open through early March) with its slides and tunnels. Clark’s Trading Post reopens in spring with trained bear shows and a steam train ride through the mountains.

Stay in Lincoln for easy access to attractions and indoor pools – the RiverWalk Resort offers indoor and outdoor heated pools and an on-site ice cream shop.

11. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• Average Spring Temperature: 70°F (24°C)

Spring brings perfect beach weather without summer’s intense crowds and humidity. WonderWorks’ indoor adventure park entertains kids with over 100 hands-on exhibits, while Ripley’s Aquarium offers mermaid shows and shark tunnel adventures. Broadway at the Beach features multiple attractions, including Dave & Buster’s and a mirror maze.

The beach temperature is perfect for learning to surf, building sandcastles, or paddleboarding in the calm morning waters. Visit the Family Kingdom Amusement Park for oceanfront rides and South Carolina’s largest Ferris wheel. Stay at oceanfront resorts like Dunes Village with giant indoor water parks or Captain’s Quarters featuring bowling alleys and kids’ water features.

Top Tip: Book a resort north of 29th Avenue for quieter beaches while still being close to attractions.

12. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

• Average Spring Temperature: 65°F (18°C)

Spring brings perfect temperatures for exploring “America’s Favorite Drive” without summer traffic. Kids love Grandfather Mountain’s Mile-High Swinging Bridge and wildlife habitats with bears, otters, and eagles. Stop at Linville Caverns for underground adventures where guides point out cave-dwelling creatures.

The Tweetsie Railroad theme park typically opens weekends in spring with its Wild West shows and train rides. Mining attractions like Emerald Village let kids pan for gems and explore real mines.

Base yourself in Boone or Blowing Rock for easy access to attractions—the Holiday Inn Express Boone offers an indoor pool, while mountainside cabins provide more space for families to spread out.

Top Tip: Download the Blue Ridge Parkway travel planner app to find kid-friendly stops and real-time road closures.

13. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

• Average Spring Temperature: 65°F (24°C)

Spring showcases the Smokies’ famous wildflowers and waterfalls without summer’s crowds and humidity. The Sugarlands Visitor Center offers excellent kid-focused ranger programs and an easy nature trail where wildlife sightings are common. Cades Cove’s 11-mile loop opens to cyclists only on Wednesday mornings – rent bikes in nearby Townsend for a car-free adventure.

The Roaring Fork Motor Trail features easily accessible waterfalls and historic buildings that kids can explore. Stay in Gatlinburg for easy park access, plus attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and the Aerial Tramway, or choose Townsend for a quieter base with great tubing opportunities on the Little River.

Top Tip: Don’t forget your parking tag when you visit the Smokies

14. Jekyll Island, Georgia

• Average Spring Temperature: 72°F (21°C)

This family-friendly barrier island offers endless outdoor adventures in perfect spring temperatures. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides hands-on education about sea turtle rehabilitation, while Driftwood Beach creates a natural playground of twisted trees perfect for climbing photos.

Rent bikes to explore 20+ miles of flat, paved trails through maritime forests and past beaches. The Summer Waves Water Park typically opens weekends in spring with shorter lines than peak season. Join guided nature walks to spot nesting shore birds and alligators warming themselves in the sun. Stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort with its family packages and pools, or choose the Holiday Inn Resort for beachfront rooms and kids’ activities programs.

Top Tip: Book guided sea turtle walks well in advance for unique nighttime wildlife viewing opportunities.

15. Everglades National Park, Florida

• Average Spring Temperature: 80°F (27°C)

Spring brings perfect weather to explore America’s largest subtropical wilderness before summer’s heat and mosquitoes arrive. Take an airboat tour from Everglades City to spot alligators, manatees, and dolphins – many operators offer kids-ride-free promotions in spring.

The Shark Valley Visitor Center’s tram tour provides close-up wildlife viewing with naturalist guides who know how to engage young visitors. Rent bikes to explore the 15-mile paved loop, or take short boardwalk trails at Royal Palm to spot wildlife.

The Gulf Coast Visitor Center offers ranger-led boat tours perfect for families. Stay in nearby Naples for beach access and family-friendly amenities, or choose Everglades City for an authentic small-town experience close to key attractions.

Top Tip: Book early morning tours for best wildlife viewing and bring plenty of water – even spring temperatures can get quite warm.

Forget the frigid winds of New England—this Halloween, let the warm Southern breeze carry you to a world of moss-draped mystery and genteel hauntings. With its rich tapestry of history, folklore, and hospitality, the South offers a unique and enchanting backdrop for your spooky season adventures.

From the gas-lit streets of New Orleans to the mist-shrouded swamps of Louisiana, Southern spirits are stirring, ready to share their tales with brave visitors.

But it’s not all serious scares down here. The South knows how to throw a party, and Halloween is no exception. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly frights or bone-chilling encounters, our list of Southern spooky spots has something for everyone.

So grab your courage (and maybe a mint julep), and join us as we explore eight haunting destinations where the charm of the Old South meets the thrills of All Hallows’ Eve. Y’all ready for a frightfully good time?

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans, Louisiana

Established in 1789, this historic cemetery is the oldest in New Orleans and is known for its hauntingly beautiful above-ground tombs. The final resting place of many notable figures, including the infamous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, it’s steeped in local lore and supernatural tales. Visitors report seeing ghostly apparitions and feeling unexplained cold spots.

The cemetery’s maze-like layout and crumbling tombs create an eerie atmosphere, especially in the misty mornings. During October, guided tours often focus on the cemetery’s most chilling stories and alleged paranormal activities.

Some tours combine visits to the cemetery with explorations of the French Quarter’s haunted locations. For a family-friendly experience, daytime historical tours offer insights into New Orleans’ unique burial practices and the lives of its most colorful inhabitants, both past and present.

The Bell Witch Cave, Adams, Tennessee

The Bell Witch legend, one of America’s most well-known ghost stories, centers around the Bell family’s torment by a malevolent entity in the early 19th century. The cave on the former Bell property is said to be a focal point of paranormal activity.

In October, visitors can take guided tours of the cave and the replica of the Bell cabin and hear the chilling tale of the Bell Witch. The annual Bell Witch Fall Festival features reenactments, storytelling sessions, and hayrides through the supposedly haunted land.

For a family-friendly experience, daytime tours focus more on the legend’s historical aspects and the cave system’s natural beauty. The nearby town of Adams often hosts Halloween events themed around the Bell Witch legend, including pumpkin carving contests and costume parades.

The Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Known as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” the Crescent Hotel has a dark history dating back to its time as a “cancer-curing” hospital run by a notorious charlatan. Today, it operates as a hotel where guests can stay in allegedly haunted rooms. The hotel offers nightly ghost tours that take visitors through its most active paranormal hotspots, including the morgue in the basement.

The hotel hosts extended ghost tours, séances, and a Halloween extravaganza in October. For families, there are less intense daytime tours that focus on the hotel’s architecture and history. The surrounding town of Eureka Springs also gets into the Halloween spirit with fall festivals, costume contests, and ghost-themed theatrical performances suitable for all ages.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

While not traditionally “spooky,” this family-friendly event offers a magical Halloween experience. The Magic Kingdom transforms with Halloween decorations, special lighting, and music. Guests can trick-or-treat throughout the park, enjoy Halloween-themed rides, and watch the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade featuring Disney characters and spooky floats.

The “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” show stars the Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus” alongside other Disney villains. Special Halloween fireworks and projection shows light up the night. Character meet-and-greets feature Disney characters in Halloween costumes.

This event strikes a perfect balance between festive Halloween fun and a level of spookiness suitable for younger visitors, making it an ideal family destination for October (please stay aware, though, of the tail end of hurricane season in Florida).

Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is a premier Halloween event for those seeking more intense scares, better suited to families with teens. The park transforms into a horror-filled playground with elaborately themed haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows. Many attractions are based on popular horror movies and TV shows.

While too intense for young children (their recommended age limit is 13+), it’s popular with teens and adults. In addition to the scares, visitors can enjoy the park’s regular attractions with shorter wait times.

For those wanting a behind-the-scenes look, daytime tours of the haunted houses are available. These tours offer insights into the creation of the scares without the intense nighttime atmosphere. Universal also offers family-friendly Halloween activities throughout October, allowing you to enjoy the Halloween spirit without the extreme scares of the nighttime event.

The event runs this year on selected nights between August 29 and November 2, 2025.

Manchac Swamp, Louisiana

Known as the “Ghost Swamp,” Manchac Swamp is steeped in eerie legends and Cajun folklore. The swamp’s spooky reputation centers around Julia Brown, a 19th-century practitioner of voodoo who allegedly cursed the town of Frenier on her deathbed. Legend has it that on the day of her funeral in 1915, a hurricane devastated the area, fulfilling her curse.

Today, visitors can take boat tours through the murky waters and twisted cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. October brings special “haunted” swamp tours, where guides share ghostly tales and local legends. Some claim to hear Julia’s ghost singing on quiet nights.

For a family-friendly experience, daytime eco-tours focus on the swamp’s unique ecosystem and wildlife, including alligators and diverse bird species. The nearby town of LaPlace often hosts fall festivals featuring Cajun food, music, and storytelling events that explore the swamp’s spooky history in a way that’s light enough for all ages.

Grab more of our intriguing Louisiana road trip ideas here

We hope this guide has filled you with some spine-tingling ideas for a fun October road trip into the Deep South! You may also enjoy our guide to the most haunted places in New England & the Northeast.

Looking for More Southern Adventures?

Whatever time of year you want to tackle a southern road trip, you may also be interested to read:

Our favorite multi-day road trips in the South
Get these incredible scenic drives through Georgia onto your itinerary!

1. Scenic Drives in Georgia: Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway

• Distance: 41 miles
• Time Needed: 1 Day

The Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway takes you through Blairsville, GA, where you will drive on a winding road through the Chattahoochee National Forest within the southern Appalachian mountains. 

Along the drive, you will be engulfed in the beautiful nature around you, including trees and plant life in the forest, breathtaking waterfalls, and many other beautiful landscapes. As you make the drive, you can take the time to pull over and hike among the trails of the mountains or enjoy other outdoor activities.

The most notable highlight of this drive is the stop at Brasstown Bald Overlook, the highest point in the state of Georgia. Make a stop at the visitor center to learn more about the history of the area and take the shuttle to the top of Brasstown Bald.

There are plenty of beautiful picnic spots to enjoy a scenic meal with your family, so don’t forget to pack a meal! (Note: Admission to the visitor center is $8.00 per person, this includes entrance and your shuttle ride)

When to go: While this would be a beautiful drive at any point of the year, it is a particularly special experience to watch the beautiful leaves change colors from the top of Brasstown Bald during the Fall season.

2. Scenic Drives in Georgia: Coastal Highway U.S. 17

• Distance: 124
• Time Needed: 2-3 Days

If you are a beach lover, this is the drive for you! A long drive down Coastal Highway U.S. 17 will take you through a number of cities offering several beach stops with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

During your drive, you will have the chance to stop at four different islands, including Butler Island, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and finally Jekyll Island. Each island offers its own set of amenities, including golf courses, water parks, delicious restaurants, and more, making any of these stops the perfect choice for a weekend getaway.

In addition to the many islands that you will enjoy along the way, another can’t-miss stop includes the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can see and enjoy a number of wildlife species. 

When to go: Due to the time you will likely spend on the beach during this drive, it will likely be best to visit during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. 

3. Scenic Drives in Georgia: Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway

• Distance: 56 miles
• Time Needed: 1-2 days

This drive is another that will take you through the Chattahoochee National Forest, but you will see a different side of the forest, and you will also have the chance to travel through several other towns with many interesting stops along the way. 

The Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway takes you from Cohutta, Georgia, all the way to Ellijay, George, and in just a 56-mile span, you would be surprised at the number of can’t-miss stops and experiences along the way.

Popular stops include the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery, where visitors can take a deep dive into the education behind fish and other wildlife while even participating in fishing events throughout the year.

Prater’s Mill Historic Site is a 19th-century gristmill and cotton gin where you can enjoy fishing, walking the trails, and even make a visit to the general store. Finally, stop at Fort Mountain State Park, where visitors can take in the beautiful nature around them with outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and lounging on the lakeside beach.

When to go: This trail is best taken during the Summer months of the year. This allows for the most benefits in enjoying the outdoor activities offered at the stops along the trail. 

4. Scenic Drives in Georgia: Meriwether-Pike Scenic Byway

• Distance: 55 miles
• Time Needed: 1 Day

The Meriwether-Pike Scenic Byway is named due to the two counties that you will pass through on your drive. The area that is considered the byway is a 55-mile loop that was established in 2005 by the Georgia Department of Transportation and is also known as the Cove. 

This byway is probably most well known for the legacy of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt that it represents. Your drive will start at Warm Springs, where Roosevelt was known to frequent and even built a home that is known today as The Little White House. The Little White House stands today as a National Historic Landmark where visitors can take guided tours, enjoy a nice picnic, and take in the nature and sights around them.

In addition, Roosevelt’s Little White House, another highlight worth making a pitstop for, is located in Woodbury, and it is the Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge. The Bridge attracts hundreds of visitors annually and is the oldest and longest-covered wooden bridge in Georgia. 

When to go: Weather does not play a role in the ability to enjoy any of the activities along this drive, making it the perfect drive to take at any point during the year. 

5. Scenic Drives in Georgia: Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway

• Distance: 51 miles
• Time Needed: 1-2 Days 

As we mentioned above, Georgia offers a variety of terrain, and driving along the Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway will allow you to enjoy the beautiful mountain land of Georgia. The drive will take you through rural towns, where you will see beautiful farmland and scenic views.

While you can certainly make the drive in just one day, don’t hesitate to take a couple of days to camp and enjoy the nature around you. 

Along the way, there are a number of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, fishing, camping, and more. Noteworthy stops include Keown Falls Scenic Area, where travelers will enjoy a number of walking trails that are suitable for the whole family, and the John’s Mountain Overlook and Wildlife Management Area, a nearly 25,000-acre property offering nearly any outdoor activity that you can imagine including hiking trails, hunting opportunities, and more. 

When to go: While you can take this drive at any time, you may want to note that some trails close during the winter months, which may limit your opportunities. 

6. Scenic Drives in Georgia: Woodpecker Trail

• Distance: 204 miles
• Time Needed: 2-3 Days

The Woodpecker Trail makes history as it is one of the oldest planned tourist routes not only in the state of Georgia but throughout the entire United States. This trail will take you down Georgia State Route 121 and got its name from the abundance of woodpeckers that live in the area. 

The drive is long, and there are a number of stops along the way that will be sure to enhance your trip.

Some noteworthy stops include the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors have the chance to see a variety of unique species, including woodpeckers, robins, hawks, and the mascot of the United States, bald eagles, and Guido Gardens, the perfect for a spot to enjoy the calm and tranquility of your surroundings.

Guido Gardens is open 24 hours a day and offers its visitors a meditation garden, a prayer chapel, and beautiful views of waterfalls. (Bonus fact: The garden is absolutely INCREDIBLE during Christmas, decorated with almost 2,000,000 Christmas lights and other holiday decorations).

When to go: This trip makes for an excellent choice at any point during the year, but as we mentioned above, the chance to see Guido Gardens during the holiday season makes for a pretty convincing reason to wait until Winter.  

Fun fact: The Woodpecker Trail’s official mascot is none other than the famous cartoon character Woody Woodpecker.