Make Your Road Trip Better With These 5 Exciting Stops

Split up the drive home from a March break in Florida with family-friendly activities and great barbecue

By Natalie Preddie

Posted: March 01, 2018 11:42 AM ET

Tall palm trees are seen in front of a bright blue sky

Let’s be honest, March break road trips can feel long—and the ride back even longer. Here are five places to stop on your way home from Florida—all just off the highway—that will make the trip fly by.

Get psyched for your drive at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.

When not hosting NASCAR races, the Speedway offers all-access tours of the world’s first motorsport stadium. Budding racing fans can coast along the track, check out the pit stalls and hang out in the media room. Take a picture next to the Daytona 500–winning car before getting back in your own.

Race cars are seen zipping by on the track at the Daytona International Speedway

Grab a snack—and fresh air—at Forsyth Park, Savannah, Ga.

This beautiful park in historic Savannah is a hub of activity and hosts a farmers’ market around its picturesque fountain every Saturday. It’s also home to acres of green grass—perfect for a game of Frisbee and a family picnic.

Happy families stroll under trees beside a gorgeous fountain at Forsyth Park in Savannah

Play I Spy with wildlife at Congaree National Park, Greenville, S.C.

Famous for cypress trees and the biggest loblolly pines east of the Mississippi, Congaree is also home to turtles, birds, spiders, lizards and gators. Lead restless passengers along the four-kilometre boardwalk over a swamp and see what you can spot.

A wooden viewpoint with benches looks at a lush green forested area in Congaree National Park

Fuel up the whole family at Parker’s BBQ, Wilson, N.C.

This no-frills joint has been serving Carolina barbecue to both locals and the road-weary since 1946. Their authentic comfort food comes family style, with huge scoops of delicious greens, stewed potatoes, slaw and a generous side of famous southern charm.

The exterior of Parker's BBQ joint is seen, large signs proclaiming the name of the restaurant

Stop and smell the flowers at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, Va.

Voted one of the nation’s best botanical gardens, this serene spot has more than 50 acres of beautiful plants and flowers, and over a dozen themed gardens. Let kids stretch their legs in the butterfly conservatory or Children’s Garden, or feed the fish in the Asian Valley area.

A lush variety of trees, from evergreens to cherry blossoms are seen in front of a pond at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Looking for more family-friendly road-trip ideas?

Check out these 6 Ontario Parks Where You Need to Camp This Year, take our What Kind of Road Tripper Are You? quiz or browse our Road Trips section.

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Image credit: Daytona International Speedway, Visit Savannah, iStock, Parker's BBQ and Jonah Holland