Fall is months away, but it’s not too early to start planning football-filled weekends. Right in the thick of SEC country, Destin is a great place to be if you love football. If this sounds like you, here are three SEC road trip ideas to consider.
University of Alabama
City: Tuscaloosa
Distance From Destin: 270 miles (about 5 hours)
This one’s the granddaddy of all SEC road trips. Catching a game involving what is widely considered the most storied program in NCAA history definitely belongs atop your bucket list. There’s nothing quite like Bryant-Denny Stadium when it’s packed with 100,000 crazy fans. Tuscaloosa is a charming place to visit, too. Stroll the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Crimson Tide football at the Paul W. Bryant Museum. Party like a college student on The Strip. It’s all part of the Tuscaloosa experience.
Louisiana State University
City: Baton Rouge
Distance From Destin: 313 miles (about 5 hours)
Another of the top football schools in all the land, LSU is another must-visit SEC school. Join the purple and gold-clad masses at Tiger Stadium, which regularly features crowds of 100,000-plus. When game day is done, Baton Rouge offers all sorts of sights to explore, including the Old Louisiana State Capitol, mesmerizing 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and the Mississippi River. And be sure to hit up downtown’s epic nightlife.
University of Florida
City: Gainesville
Distance From Destin: 303 miles (about 4 hours and 30 minutes)
Florida football hasn’t been quite the same since the days of Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow, but “The Swamp” (aka Ben Hill Griffin Stadium) is worth a visit nonetheless. It remains one of the top atmospheres in college sports. The Swamp is quite the sight when packed with 88,000 fans doing the Gators’ patented chomp. You’ll have plenty to do in Gainesville, too. From its impressive museum scene to its seemingly endless supply of freshwater springs waiting to be explored, this north-central Florida city is worth a visit – football or no football.
Stay tuned to the Olympus Emerald Coast blog for the full scoop on all things Destin, Florida.