Fun Things To Do In Pigeon Forge

BY  Sibashree Apr 22, 2025

With Tennessee tourism recording a visitor spending of $30.6 billion in 2023, the state is anticipating robust growth in the tourism sector.  However, what Tennessee lacks is a beautiful ocean beach. Being a landlocked state, the state misses out on the perks of beach tourism.  So, during our stay in Chattanooga, we did not know where to go for an outdoor swim and all the beach fun.  We all loved the Chattanooga Choo Choo rides, Lookout Mountain, and Ruby Falls. But we were craving a beach visit really badly.  Thanks to our hotel owner, we got to know about Chester Frost Park, the closest beach to Chattanooga. It took us less than half an hour to reach Chester Frost Park from Chattanooga.  However, Chester Frost Park, with Chickamauga Lake, has a lake beach. If you want to see an ocean beach, you need to at least travel to Tybee Island or Panama City Beach. In this Tour and Travel blog, I will primarily focus on my experience at Chester Frost Park. However, I have also talked about the best time to plan a trip and shared brief accounts of Panama City Beach and Tybee Island.  What Is The Best Time To Visit The Closest Beach To Chattanooga? Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Chattanooga and the nearby beaches.  The months of March, April, and May are the spring season in Chattanooga. The temperature in these months ranges between 7 to 26 degrees Celsius.  Again, September to November or the fall season in Chattanooga is beautiful with the foliage changing its color and a nip in the air.  Also, during the fall season, it rains only 5 days a month, and the temperature hovers around 8 to 28 degrees Celsius. What Is The Closest Beach To Chattanooga? Inside The Chester Frost Park Location: 7872 Causeway Road, Hixson, TN 37343 Contact Number: 423-209-6894 Entry and Beach Activities: Free (Charges applicable for camping and pavilion, and shelter rentals) Beach Area Hours: Daylight to Dark With Chickamauga Lake, Chester Frost Park is your happy space if you are looking for the closest beach to Chattanooga.  This place is also historically significant as it has the Jackson Chapel Cemetery, the oldest in Hamilton County, and Dallas Hill, which has been the original county seat since 1822.  We enjoyed our swimming sessions in the Chickamauga Lake. The waves were calm, and the soft sand on the shores made a delightful sight.  Once we were done after the first round of swimming, we had great fun catching bass and crappie.  Also, we were lucky enough to spot herons, river otters, and egrets in Chester Frost Park.  Other beach activities in Chester Frost Park are: 1. Camping Along with tents and camping options, Chester Frost Park also has 188 RV sites. These sites have electrical hookups.  2. Hiking Chester Frost Park has some easy trails. Also, the park allows leashed pets, except in the beach areas.  So, you can enjoy a family walk along these trails and spend some time in nature.  3. Boating And Other Water Sports You will love paddling, kayaking, or a ride in the powerboats during your time at the Chester Frost Park. 4. Picnic Chester Frost Park has many picnic shelters. You can enjoy a laid-back time, having your favorite snack and drink while enjoying the best views of the lake. What Is The Closest Beach To Chattanooga By The Ocean? Tybee Island is the closest beach to Chattanooga by car if you want to hit a beach by the ocean. The distance from Chattanooga to Tybee Island is 383 miles.  You need to travel around 6 hours from Chattanooga to reach Tybee Island.  Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Tybee Island in Georgia is also the closest ocean beach to Chattanooga.  A proud member of the Best Islands in the United States club in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, Tybee Island has beautiful, pristine beaches, and its historic landmarks, such as the Lighthouse and Fort Pulaski National Monument, make it a popular tourist attraction.  The pristine beaches here are North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach, and Back River Beach. Also, you must not miss a visit to Little Tybee Island, the twin of Tybee Island.  Moreover, Savannah, the historical epicenter of Georgia and the entire USA is less than 30 minutes away from Tybee Island.  Recently, Tybee Island has been the center of attraction with the just concluded Orange Crush fun on 19th April 2025. Is Panama City Beach Close To Chattanooga? No, Panama City Beach is not located near Chattanooga. The distance from Panama City Beach to Chattanooga is around 630 km.  The most affordable and convenient way to travel from Chattanooga to Panama City Beach is by car. However, if budget is not a constraint for you, you can take a flight from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to Orlando.  Also, flights to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) are available from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). Delta and American Airlines run these flights.  Why Will I Visit Panama City Beach From Chattanooga? A part of the Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach is a crown jewel in the growing beach tourism or ocean-based tourism industry in Florida.  It has white sandy beaches, and the water with the shades of blue and green creates the most picturesque frame.  Also, ideal for a fun break in the Sun, Panama City Beach is also famous as “The Spring Break Capital of the World.” Having said that, the beautiful Panama City Beach is now affected by the obvious impacts of overtourism. So, the Florida Authorities want to restrict tourism activities to this beautiful beach.  In fact, the city authority is now planning to transform Panama Beach into a family destination to avoid violence, shootings, and unpleasant activities. "Since the wild days of 2015, when spring break chaos pushed us to rethink our path, we've made tremendous strides and have seen some setbacks. That year's violence, shootings, a beach assault, and rampant disorder spurred tough ordinances, like our March alcohol ban, and a unified effort to shift Panama City Beach from an unsafe spring break haven to a welcoming family destination.”Post Shared On Meta on 13th April 2025 by Tommy Ford, Bay County Sheriff What Is The Closest Beach To Tennessee? The closest beach to Tennessee will depend on the part of the state you are in. For example, Dauphin Island in Alabama and Pensacola in Florida are some of the closest beaches to Nashville.  You need to make a journey of around 7 hours to reach any of these beaches.  However, Sullivan’s Island and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina are the closest beaches to Knoxville.  Again, as I have already mentioned in the blog, the closest ocean beaches near Chattanooga are Panama City Beach or Tybee Island.  Tennessee, anyway, is a landlocked state. Yes, there are lakes such as Norris Lake, Center Hill Lake, Chickamauga Lake, and Cherokee Reservoir.  However, if you need an ocean beach experience, you need to travel at least to Panama City Beach, Tybee Island, or states like South Carolina and Florida.

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 18, 2024

Washington, aptly dubbed the Evergreen State, is awash in pristine nature, breathtaking scenery, and striking landscapes. It has world-class cities, museums, and tourist attractions in addition to stunning mountains, forests, beaches, and volcanoes. Situated in the Pacific Northwest, this rough terrain has the Cascade Mountains all around it. Canada, Idaho, Oregon, and the ocean surrounds it. Many of Puget Sound's biggest and most significant settlements are located around Puget Sound, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. With its historic sites and bustling markets, Washington State offers a plethora of activities. But what appeals most to many people are Washington's countless wild places, islands, and national parks. This is because you can fully immerse yourself in the natural world and explore its breathtaking scenery while hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping all in one region. Here are the best things to do in Washington state. Things To Do in Washington State If you are looking for some of the most unique things to do in Washington State, then here are your top choices. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest The expansive Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, located two hours east of Seattle, is another beautiful place to visit in nature. Its nearly infinite forests and valleys cover the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This makes it a very untamed and isolated area for the most part. Glistening lakes, rivers, and glaciers pierce its greenery as it stretches from Canada to Mount Rainier, covering a vast expanse. You can hike, ride a bike, go horseback riding, or ski and snowboard down the slopes of the magnificent Mount Baker. Moreover, all of them are set against a breathtaking backdrop. Due to the presence of bald eagles, grizzly bears, and deer on the mountain slopes, wildlife viewing is also highly satisfying. The national forest is a fantastic place to explore. It offers a plethora of opportunities for exploration, such as waterfalls, impressive viewpoints, and rock formations. Fort Worden State Park The wonderful Fort Worden State Park is located directly at the Puget Sound entrance. It is conveniently located north of Port Townsend. It offers a plethora of amazing outdoor activities amidst beautiful scenery, wildlife, and views. Owing to its strategic significance, there are three robust forts near the inlet's entrance in the late 1880s. Visitors can now explore the deteriorating batteries, fortifications, and buildings of the "Triangle of Fire." However, they never fired a single shot. They permit tours of the castle and museum of the former military installation. Visitors can bike, hike, and camp in the immaculate park. Many choose to swim and boat in its waters. Moreover, it features some of the best views from its beaches and coastal bluffs. Museum of Pop Culture Another one of the top things to do in Washington State is see the Museum of Pop Culture. It is located right next to the Space Needle. In addition to housing a plethora of iconic artifacts and hosting exhibitions that have won awards, it offers visitors a ton of enjoyable, interactive experiences. Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, founded the company in 2000. Its shiny exterior, as well as eye-catching shapes and colors, make it instantly recognizable. Its collection and galleries are in devotion to modern popular culture. They feature everything from music, television, and video games to literature and film. Alongside historical photos, costumes, and film clips, guests can see instruments used by Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, amongst others. Once you've explored its interactive exhibits and Hall of Fame, you can snap pictures of its movie memorabilia or try your DJing skills in the Sound Lab. This option is also one of the free things to do in Washington state. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Colorful Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the biggest, most beautiful events in the Pacific Northwest. Its flower-filled fields and exquisite display gardens are scattered throughout the large valley of the same name, and it takes place every April. Bulbs were first planted in the rich soils of the Puget Sound region as early as the 1890s, but growers were forced to relocate south to Skagit County due to a string of freezes. Even though the festival wasn't founded until 1984, people had been visiting the tulip farms for several decades before then. Tulip Town and Roozengaarde are great places to visit. They both have expansive flower-filled fields and gardens that make for picturesque photos. Sporting events, art exhibits, and lively street fairs are all regularly held throughout the month. This one should easily get a space on your list of fun things to do in Washington state. Lake Chelan There's no better place to de-stress, enjoy the great outdoors, and engage in outdoor activities than the picturesque Lake Chelan. The lengthy lake, which is tucked away amid stunning mountains and forests in north-central Washington, is sure to please nature enthusiasts. Its glittering surface is just over fifty miles long overall, with state parks, private beaches, and coves all along its edge. Therefore, those who enjoy the great outdoors can swim, fish, and hike along the trails. There are also several wineries, campsites, and water sports available, and everywhere you look, there are guaranteed to be breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Most of the surrounding area is wonderfully unspoiled and untouched, except for the small communities of Manson, Chelan, and Stehekin. There are quiet lakeside lodges, quaint stores, eateries, and marinas where you can rent kayaks, jet skis, and boats at each of these. Mount St. Helens Ever since the state's famous and massive eruption in 1980, Mount St. Helens has practically become synonymous with it. Outdoor enthusiasts can now hike up to its lava-scarred site to enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding desolate yet stunning landscapes. Until the avalanche and explosion, the mighty mount was the fifth-highest peak in the country. Following the remarkable event, the summit of 9,677 feet was lowered by more than a thousand feet, leaving behind the large, horseshoe-shaped crater that is still visible today. In addition to hiking up to Windy Ridge's notable peak, you can take pictures of the slowly regaining flora and fauna as well as get a peek inside the caldera. You can find out everything there is to know about the deadliest and most destructive volcanic event in US history at the visitor center and Johnston Ridge Observatory. Wrapping Up The list of things to do in Washington state is endless, but hopefully, this has given you some inspiration to begin prepping for the ideal getaway. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Weekend Escapades: Things To Do In Chattanooga Historic City, Timeless Charm: Exploring The Best Things To Do In Bath

BY  Mashum Apr 26, 2022

Hey Dude!!! Don’t you feel sad, but I am going to attack you with a few words! Do you remember the last time you went on a family trip?   Okay, don’t make a gloomy face now! It happens. In this highly competitive world, people have started mostly thinking of work and money. As a result, working adults rarely get quality family time. Even passionate travelers rarely get a chance to get out and explore a place with their families. Well, then there are a few who break all rules for a couple of days. If you are one of them, this article is for you. Here, you can go through the facts about the best beaches in Florida for families. So, you can easily plan for a vacation in the ‘Sunshine City’ of the US this summer. For now, you can go through all the entries in this list and choose the correct destination according to your wish. You can stay also in the marathon florida rental homes and hotels for enjoying your whole beach vacation.   Top Ten Family-Friendly Beaches In Florida You Should Know About Due to the massive length of the Florida coastline, there are numerous beaches in the state. Now, each of them is obviously not suitable for a family getaway. So, here I am with a solution. All the beaches given here are the best for a family vacation. So, spare some time and read about them now.  1. Fort De Soto Park Overview Fort De Soto Park Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for families. You can reach here for a family vacation and stay for an entire day. There are some simple activities that you can do at this place. However, later, everything can turn into sweet memories for life. No matter whether you stay near or far from FL, I would always suggest you experience a road trip while visiting Fort De Soto. You can drive through the trail of the beach enjoying the vibrant blues and the sugary sand.   As per the location, the beach road falls on the Pinellas Bayway/Hwy 678. So, you can easily drive up to the place.  Family Activities You can experience an outstanding beach drive. Kayaking is also possible at Fort De Soto Park Beach.  You can also swim and kite surf at Fort De Soto Park.  Notable Hotels To Stay The Dolphin Beach Resort, Sirata Beach Resort, TradeWinds Island Grand Resort What To Eat Picnic supplies, burgers, Bar be queued meat 2. Sanibel And Captiva Islands Overview If you are about to plan a beach vacation with your children, the Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches can be the best. As both are island beaches, there are hardly any big waves hitting the shore. So, you can consider it safe.  Even you can get to the beach while having no knowledge of swimming. You can consider this as one of the best beaches in Florida for families due to this.  The presence of the Blind Pass Bridge makes both the places accessible. You just need to drive through the Sanibel and Captiva Road to reach the beach.    Family Activities Indulge in the ‘Sanibel Stoop’. Visit the J.N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on a bike. Do not forget to go swimming with the children.  Ride the Catamaran Cruise.  Notable Hotels To Stay Sanibel Island Beach Resort, Sundial Beach Resort What To Eat Seafood, Tropical dishes  3. Marco Island Beach Overview Marco Island Beach is one of the best family beaches in Florida gulf coast. It is basically a barrier island where you can find a lot of picturesque beaches. However, you  can stick to Marco Island beach as it is one of the best beaches in Florida for families. Apart from sitting and relaxing by the vibrant blue water, you can take a cruise ride in the sea to spot corals and dolphins. You can witness the sea turtles in this area. However, avoid going on the cruise if you have infants and elderlies with you. Family Activities Sit back at the beach and rejuvenate.  Enjoy some watersports like banana boat riding and parasailing.  Explore the entire marina with a car (optional) Notable Hotels To Stay Marco Beach Ocean Resort, JW Marriot Marco Island Beach Resort, Marriott's Crystal Shores   What To Eat Homemade Pasta and Pizza, Seafood and Cocktails ( a must-have drink) 4. Clearwater Beach Overview As per numerous beachgoers in the US, Clearwater Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for families. This is yet another seashore situated in the famous gulf of Florida. You can reach here with your family for a vacation for a day or two.  There are many things to explore and indulge in while you visit. So, you should have good energy while visiting this place. Expect to have a good time with your children too. You can go swimming with them and even play some beach volleyball or futsal.  So, if you are up for making a list- ‘what are the best family beaches in Florida’, make sure to keep Clearwater Beach at a good rank.   Family Activities Enjoy a bright sunny day at the beach.  Play different beach sports with the family. Witness a marvellous sunset at the beach. Listen to the live musicians performing at the beach. Go for scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and jet-skiing.  Notable Hotels To Stay Opal Sands Resort, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Hilton Clearwater Beach  What To Eat Seafood, Salty Crab Roast, Mainland dishes  5. St. Augustine Beach Overview Are you looking for the best beaches in Florida for families with just a couple of days' vacation in your hand? Well, don’t worry, and expect St. Augustine Beach to welcome you with a whole heart. It is a calm beach located in the gulf and is near a turtle breeding zone.  If you are out with your spouse and children and want them to play around, St. Augustine can be an appropriate destination. You can reach the entry point of the beach with a car but might have to walk to the picnic grounds.  So, it will be best to park your car at the official parking lot.  If your children are eager to make a sandcastle at the beach, you can blindly take them to St. Augustine Beach. Here, the sand is a bit clayey and they can easily make castles on it.  Family Activities Organize a little picnic lunch on the grounds by the beach.  Take a beach walk through the sea-line on either side.  Take a tour at Ocean Hammock Park, Florida from this beach.  Notable Hotels To Stay Guy Harvey Resort, Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites by Hilton What To Eat The Beachside Diner, Viola’s Pizza, Sushi Zento 6. St. George Island Beach Overview If you are looking for the best beaches in Florida for a family vacation, the St. George island beach can be an outstanding destination. It is again a barrier island beach and you can witness the vibrancy of nature along with the beach at that place.  You can consider it one of the best beaches in Florida for families as you can see a lot of underdeveloped beaches. Well, these are treated to the eyes as the coarse sand flies with every gust of wind. Finally, you can expect to enjoy the shades of the sky changing with the beach. So, relaxing and rejuvenating by the seashore can be bliss. You can even take photographs of the birds coming to the seashore.  Family Activities Relax and rejuvenate at the beach for hours.  Indulge in sunbathing. Go for a car ride on the trail. Take a ride on the sunset cruise.  Notable Hotels To Stay St. George Inn, Island Suites, Hard Rock Hotel, Daytona Beach What To Eat Salads, Shrimp dishes, Steaks 7. Deerfield Beach Overview According to many older adults and elderlies, Deerfield Beach is one of the best family beaches in Florida. Well, you can rely on this place as it is quite clean and hygienic. As the place is situated at an isolated end, there is not much crowd at any place.  Now, as a traveler, you can understand how uniqueness turns a place the best. Well, you can consider Deerfield Beach as one of the best beaches in Florida for families as you can spot the local deers here.   So, the best you can do is take a couple of days off and set out for a beach vacay now. Remember, it is the summertime and you can get the best vibe while visiting the beaches. Moreover, the alluring Florida sunshine can always be there to welcome you.  Family Activities Spend a good time enjoying the sea vibe.  Go for a short beach walk.  Spot the local deers in the beach. Notable Hotels To Stay Embassy Suites by Hilton, DoubleTree Hilton Hotel What To Eat Italian dishes, Seafood 8. Cocoa Beach Overview Do you have kids who are crazy about beaches? Do you observe an interest in surfing? Well, then take them to Cocoa Beach for a trip. This is one of the best beaches in Florida for families where surf classes are held on a daily basis.  Moreover, you can be safe with your children as the beach has shallow waters. You can even go kayaking on the beach. The best you can do is have a little picnic session and take a dip on the pristine beach. You can even get the views of the Kennedy Space Center as it lies very near to Cocoa Beach. You can go for a short and formal trip to the KSC. Expect to learn a lot of things about space during your visit. Yet another spot that you should not miss is Lori Wilson Park.   This park attracts a lot of birds and you can get outstanding photographs. So, do not forget to take your camera with a pair of tele lenses.  Family Activities Go surfing and swimming with your kids.  Visit the Kennedy Space Center from the beach.  Spend some good time taking photos in Lori Wilson Park.  Notable Hotels To Stay Westgate Resort, Hilton Cocoa Beach OceanFront. What To Eat Crab dishes,  Lobster dishes, Grilled Shrimp 9. Fernandina Beach Overview Fernandina Beach can come in the list of the best beaches in Florida for families. The main reason is the clear blue water you get here. Moreover, it gives the visitors a chance to visit the Fort Clinch State Park. Here you can check out some good art galleries. Yet another point where you can spend time is Egan’s Green Creekway. However, this is a protected place but you can still take a walk by the place. Even wildlife experts can approach you and tell you a lot of things about the place.  Family Activities Do not forget to swim in the seawater when you are at Fernandina Beach. Visit the Egan’s Green Creekway without failing. Take part in the interactive programs conducted by the wildlife experts. Notable Hotels To Stay The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, The Courtyard Hotel by Marriot What To Eat Crab delicacies, Shrimp dishes, Steaks   10. New Smyrna Beach Overview If you are out for a few days with your family for a beach trip, the New Smyrna Beach can be the place for you. It is located in a historic district and you would love to explore it with your family. As per the locations nearby, you can get a lighthouse, a museum, and a lot of sand dunes in this place. Here you can also witness some outdoor programs. Finally, you should remember that New Smyrna Beach is also a surf-friendly beach. So, you can anytime enjoy the shallow waves. Family Activities Explore all the nearby locations from the New Smyrna Beach. Enjoy surfing but with precautions. Do not forget to visit Smyrna Dunes Park. Notable Hotels To Stay Black Dolphin Inn, Islander Beach Resort What To Eat French Bakery items, Pork Osso Bucco, Seafish delicacies. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. What Is The Most Family-Friendly Beach In Florida? Clearwater Beach is the most family-friendly beach in the USA.  2. What Is The Number 1 Beach In Florida? Panama City Beach is the Number 1 beach in Florida.   3. What's The Prettiest Beach In Florida? Cocoa Beach is the prettiest beach in Florida.  4. Which Side Of Florida Has The Best Beaches? The Gulf side of Florida has the prettiest beaches. Final Words There are many states in the US that have coastlines with the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. However, you can consider Florida to be the best state to visit for a beach vacation. You can get into the state by regular flights or just following the highway. choose a destination from the best beaches in Florida for families. The best time to visit Florida is during the summer or the fall. So, you can consider visiting the state during the months of April, May, September, and October. Then, what are you waiting for? Plan for a family beach vacation to Florida NOW! Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Sites For Tour In 2022 Expedia.Com – Best Review By Users In 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In July – Travel Guide 2022