9 Reasons You Should Actually Drive From Atlanta, Georgia To Orlando, Florida Instead Of Flying

9 Reasons You Should Actually Drive From Atlanta, Georgia To Orlando, Florida Instead Of Flying

It isn’t too uncommon for people traveling 5+ hours or greater to a destination to consider flying there versus driving. While the ease of flying and having someone else do the work of safely navigating you there is appealing to many, there are many things that one might miss out on by choosing the option to fly instead of driving. If you and your family are planning a trip south, might we recommend packing up the car and road-tripping instead? After you see these 9 cool stops between Atlanta and Orlando, you’ll know exactly why.

Ready to embark on an exciting adventure? Pack your bags and enjoy the journey. This is one route you don’t want to rush through.

There are a few different routes to take to get from Atlanta to Orlando, but we’re partial to taking I-75 south to the Florida Turnpike. It’ll be around 6-8 hours driving time and approximately 440 miles in total. If you want the itinerary of all of the stops below, follow the road trip map.

One of the most fascinating stops you can make on your Atlanta to Orlando drive involves the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robbins. This free aviation museum features over 90 different aircraft and missiles on display — perfect for the aviation lover or history buff in your family.
For more information about this exciting adventure, visit the website for the Museum of Aviation Address: 1942 Heritage Blvd, Robins AFB, GA 31098

What’s better than chowing down on hickory-smoked BBQ and fresh seafood all while dining waterfront in Macon? At Fish n’ Pig Restaurant, you’ll be able to feast on a rewarding meal which will certainly fuel you for the rest of your journey. Plus, with views of Lake Tobesofkee, you might not ever want to leave.
Fish n’ Pig Restaurant definitely belongs on your bucket list. Make sure to order one of their epic combo platters! This gigantic meal will keep you full for the rest of your drive.
Address: 6420 Moseley Dixon Rd, Macon, GA 31220

It wouldn’t be a Georgia road trip without stopping along at a roadside shop selling nuts, right? At We’re Nuts in Vienna you can score some serious treats, from their vast variety of nut options to ice cream and more! Buy a few bags of nuts for the road — they make for an epic road trip snack.
You’d be nuts to skip over this roadside nut shop in Georgia. Don’t feel guilty about indulging — it’s what road trips are all about.
Address: 1315 Tippettville Rd, Vienna, GA 31092

4. Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area – Valdosta, GA

The Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area in Valdosta, Georgia is a beautiful place to get out and stretch your legs. There are miles of boardwalk trails through various terrain, plus an observation tower that you can climb and see for miles in every direction.
To learn more, visit Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area’s website.
Address: 4649 Knight Academy Rd, Valdosta, GA 31605

Just one mile east of White Springs, Florida, off of US 41, you’ll find Big Shoals State Park. The draw of this park is from the fact it is situated right on the Suwannee River and has the biggest whitewater rapids in the entire state! Spend a few hours hiking the area, enjoying the limestone bluffs and roaring river rapids. This place is so gorgeous, you may want to spend the night in the area so you can fully experience it.
Check out Click here for more information about this road trip attraction. Address: 11330 SE Co Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096

A stop at the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville during your drive is about as epic as it gets. This living exhibit inside the Florida Museum of Nature History features hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds all in the most peaceful and beautiful habitat. Enjoy the lush landscape and tropical trees as the butterflies flit about around you.
Trust us, the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville will make you feel like you’ve entered another world. It’s perfect for kids and adults, so bring the whole family along!
Address: 3215 Hull Road SW 34th Street and, Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611

Devil’s Den in Williston, Florida is quite possibly one of the coolest road trip attractions from Atlanta to Orlando. The spring is stunning in and of itself and guests can snorkel in the vast underground cave with an appointment. Also, there is the option to tent camp and RV camp near this pre-historic spring, so you can spend the night before getting back on the road rested and refreshed.
Visit the website for Devil’s Den to plan your adventure.
Address: 5390 NE 180 Ave, Williston, FL 32696

Mojo’s Grill in Ocala is a perfect stop to snag some scrumptious road eats. This locally-owned grub hub has become a community staple with their funky, eclectic vibe and emphasis on hospitality. It also should be mentioned that they’ve been known to have the best spinach dip around…just sayin’…
Taste the delicious meals for yourself at Mojo’s Restaurant in Ocala. No matter what your order, one thing is certain: You won’t go home hungry.
Address: 2015 SW 17th St, Ocala, FL 34471-1276

Last but not least, you can end the trip before reaching Orlando with a stop at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont. This winery opened it’s doors in 1989 and is beautifully sprawling on 127-acres. Enjoy a wine tour or tasting at your leisure as you sit outside and take in the rolling countryside.
You’ll never want to leave Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards — it’s the ultimate reward for all of that driving and navigating!
Address: 19239 US-27, Clermont, FL 34715

So, what do you think about these cool stops between Atlanta and Orlando? Would they be worth choosing to drive over fly? Make sure to let us know in the comments section! Or if you have any other tips for driving from Atlanta to Orlando, make sure to let us know.

For more travel inspiration, check out our full list of the best road trips to take in Georgia. From spooky adventures to waterfall day trips, this article has it all. Know a hidden gem we left off our list? Make sure to nominate it for a chance to be featured.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 1942 Heritage Blvd, Robins AFB, GA 31098, USA

Address: 6420 Moseley Dixon Rd, Macon, GA 31220, USA

Address: 1315 Tippettville Rd, Vienna, GA 31092, USA

Address: 11330 SE Co Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096, USA

Address: 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA

Address: 5390 NE 180 Ave, Williston, FL 32696, USA

A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.