9 Best Road Trips To Take In Florida
Florida offers an array of diversity with its natural wonders, wildlife, and attractions. For those looking to get the most out of a road trip in the Sunshine State, follow along to embark on our list of top nine road trips. Whether you're interested in learning the State's history through a day trip to St. Augustine or planning an extended stay driving the Overseas Highway from the Florida Keys to Key West, these road trip routes highlight the best sights Florida has to offer. From sandy beaches to swampy marshlands, we've got you covered with nine of the best and most unique drives across the southeastern beauty. Play your favorite tunes and get your maps out - it's time to explore Florida.
Florida Springs Route
Florida has one of the most productive aquifer systems in the world, spanning nearly 100,000 square miles beneath the state's surface. One plus side of sitting atop an aquifer is the unique landscape it creates in freshwater springs. Springs are natural bodies of water that flow from the pressure of the underground aquifer. The peninsula has more than 1,000 recognized springs, attracting millions of locals and tourists to escape the heat in the cool spring water. While it may be tricky to reach all the springs in a single go, there is a road trip that highlights seven different unique springs.
Begin by heading northwest of Orlando on US Hwy 19 to reach the beloved historical spot of Weeki Wachee. The landmark attraction dates back to 1947 and is known for its mesmerizing underwater live mermaid show. Just 35 minutes north is Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs. Both places are great spots to enjoy the quiet nature or take a dip in the cool spring water. Over the next two hours of your journey, you can stop at springs offering tubing like Rainbow River, Manatee Springs State Park, Ginnie Springs, and Ichetucknee State Park. While this trip only takes three hours to complete, we recommend splitting it up over a few days to make the most out of each spring.
Miami To Key West Route
Embrace the vibrancy of South Florida with a road trip from Miami to Key West. Just over 170 miles and nearing a four-hour drive, an ideal road trip would include at least a weekend stay. Start at the iconic Miami Beach, known for its beachfront vibes and exciting nightlife. Once you're back in mainland Miami, make sure to stop at the Wynwood Wall to admire one of Florida's most talented art neighborhoods.
Head across Overseas Highway (US 1) to see a spectacular view of the tropical islands that make up the Florida Keys. An hour south of Miami is where the Keys begin. Key Largo is a great stop off point to explore the "Diving Capital of the World." Over the next hour and a half, drive through important landmarks like Islamorada, the Seven Mile Bridge, and Bahia Honda State Park. Take a break at Robbie's to feed massive tarpon off a dock. Another hour of driving through the Lower Keys will eventually lead to the final stop on the road trip in Key West. Make the most of your time in the nation's southernmost point by checking out Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the Hemingway House. While the drive can be completed in four hours, it's best to take your time and fully take in what makes each Key unique.
Beach Scenes And History Route To St. Augustine
Go from the modern twists and turns of Central Florida's theme park paradise back in time to the grounds of St. Augustine on this historic day trip. Begin in Orlando, with 18 theme parks and countless entertaining attractions to choose from. Head northeast along I-4 to New Smyrna, where you can make a pit stop at the New Smyrna Sugar Mills Ruins dating back to the 1800s.
Driving on I-95 will take you straight to the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. Considered one of Florida's official scenic highways, the 34-mile loop includes scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, along with protected wildlife among the marshes, dunes, and beaches. Stop for a break to hike, fish, or bicycle in one of the nearby parks like Bulow Creek or Tomaka State Park. Another 50 minutes north of Ormond Beach is the final stop in St. Augustine. Stay at the beach or head into the Historic Downtown, known as the first land found by Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon. Make sure to visit the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest fort in the US!
Space Coast Best Coast Route
A road trip across Florida's east coast is as educational as it is stunning. Dubbed the "Space Coast" due to Florida becoming the home to the national space program, this road trip will take you along AIA from Cocoa Beach to Daytona Beach. The two-and-a-half-hour drive begins just an hour east of Orlando. Cocoa Beach is known for its laid-back beach culture and Ron John Surf Shop, the World's Largest Surf Shop. Slightly north is Cape Canaveral, where you can drive past the Air Force Station and Launch Control Center. It's worth a stop to spend a few hours at Kennedy Space Center. The Visitor Center offers encounters with an astronaut, views of the Rocket Garden, and a bus tour to the restricted space center area.
Drive forty minutes to reach one of Florida's beach gems: Playalinda Beach. The national park located in the Canaveral National Seashore shows off an underdeveloped beach with incredible views and thirteen different beach access points. The last stop on the journey is the famous Daytona Beach. Referred to as the "Spring Break Capital of the World," Daytona is the perfect ending point to explore the boardwalk, watch a NASCAR event, or enjoy food and drinks with the exciting nightlife.
Gulf Course Route To St. Petersburg
There's nothing quite like the pristine beaches and cultural hotspots along Florida's West Coast. Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, the coastal region is known for its blue-green water which is calmer compared to the waves on the Atlantic Ocean. Take a road trip from Tampa to St. Petersburg that lasts under two and a half hours. However, you can add time by making pit stops along the way. Start at the up-and-coming Tampa Bay area and drive 45 minutes northwest until reaching Tarpon Springs. Known as the "Natural Sponge Capital" of the world, the town offers scenic waterfront views, impressive Greek-inspired architecture, and white sand beaches perfect for fishing. Drive 35 minutes south to Clearwater Beach, spanning more than 2.5 miles with soft sand and clear, teal ocean water. It's worth visiting the famous legacy of Winter the Dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Continue your journey south along the west coast to find the ultimate treasure, Treasure Island. Go wildlife spotting with Dolphin Quest tours, find family-friendly activities on the boardwalk, or get active on the Treasure Island Beach Trail. From this location, you're just a short drive from St. Pete Beach and the downtown area of St. Petersburg. Walk along the beach to iconic spots like The Don CeSar or head inland to embrace the buzzing art district and pedestrian-friendly St. Pete neighborhoods with wild nightlife. A final stop in "Florida's Sunshine City" is the perfect end to an incredible road trip.
Tamiami Trail Route From Naples To Miami
Embark on Florida's wildlife sightseeing trip with the Tamiami Trail. The road trip extends from Naples to Miami, with tons of places to stop and gawk at the passing wildlife in between. While a straight-through drive takes three hours to complete, it is highly recommended to take your time. The Everglades themselves can take several days to explore! Taking US 41 is a slower route than other options, but the pace is perfect to take in the State's most mesmerizing natural beauties.
The road trip will guide you through swampy wetlands with alligators and birds unique to Florida. Make extra time to stop at the Miccosukee Indian Village to learn about the unique, native trip that adapted to the Everglades region. Stop to camp or go on a ranger-led swamp tour at Big Cypress National Preserve. Make sure to save time for exploring the Everglades National Park before ending the drive in Miami. If you want to see gators while visiting Florida, this road trip is your best chance.
Panhandle And Emerald Coast Route
A drive through Florida's Scenic Highway 30A captures the beauty of the Panhandle Region. Situated along the Gulf of Mexico and surrounded by Georgia and Alabama, the Emerald Coast hosts a plethora of stunning views and turquoise water. Under four hours, this road trip takes you through the region idealized for its friendly beach towns. Start the journey in Fort Walton, known as a tourist town with year-long fishing.
Continue driving for fifteen minutes to reach the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" in Destin, home to the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. Next up is Panama City Beach, another picture-perfect beach town along the Emerald Coast. Make sure to check out the Panama City Beach Conservation Park for hiking and cycling. The last stop is Port St. Joe, which you can reach through the scenic Highway 30A, the 24-mile stretch of road trip-worthy views of white sand beaches and a perfect ocean view.
North Central Florida's Forest and Spring Route
Make the most of North Central Florida on a road trip that explores forests, wildlife, and natural springs. The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway was established in 2008, expanding more than 120 miles. Start your journey at Silver Springs State Park, just an hour and a half north of Orlando. Take your time traversing America's largest spring, ideally with a glass-bottom boat tour. Right outside of Silver Springs begins Florida's National Scenic Trail, a long distance hiking trail that spans 1,500 miles.
After stopping to hike, it is only a short drive to the Ocala National Forest. What makes this area so unique is the vast difference from the rest of the state. Instead of beaches and palm trees, you'll drive past lush, green trees and more than 600 lakes and rivers. Within the National Forest lies Silver Glen Springs, Salt Springs, and Alexander Springs. Take your pick or visit all three, each with fun activities like canoeing, swimming, scuba diving, and volleyball. The last stop on the road trip is Lake George, where you can witness one of Florida's largest lakes.
Southwestern Gulf Route
With so many incredible spots along Florida's Gulf Coast, it's impossible not to add another West Coast route to the list of best Florida road trips. A drive from Bradenton to Fort Myers is a worthwhile drive to discover charming beach towns with clear ocean views. Start in Bradenton, referred to as "Florida's Friendliest City," so make sure to stop and say hello! It's also worth a visit to the National Memorial Park in honor of De Soto or the Robinson Nature Preserve for wildlife spotting.
A thirty-minute drive south will get you to Sarasota, a charming city dedicated to the arts with galleries, museums, and concerts. After Sarasota is Siesta Key, an 8-mile barrier island home to beloved Siesta Key Beach, voted as one of the best beaches in Florida and the entire world! Continue driving south for another half hour to reach Venice Beach. Check out the 700-foot Venice Pier or go snorkeling to search for buried treasure. Venice is known as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World!" The final stop on the road trip is Fort Myers. Explore the beach or witness the impressive makings of the Edison Ford Museum.
With all the incredible nature, wildlife, and entertaining attractions to choose from, Florida makes for the perfect road trip state. Whether you want to drive solo or bring the entire family along, the Sunshine State has so many idealistic driving routes that you're bound to have a memorable journey. Within 2-4 hours, you can immerse yourself in quaint beachy towns, the thick of the forest, or even deep in the swamps. Make your next road trip the best one with this list of best road trip options around sunny Florida!
