From breathtaking beaches to thrilling theme parks, Florida has it all. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the different road trips this incredible destination offers.
Miami to St. Augustine
Start your trip in Miami Beach, a bustling South Florida city known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and art deco architecture.
Venture west from Miami to take a detour in Everglades National Park, a unique and awe-inspiring ecosystem. Hop on an airboat tour and spot some alligators in the wetlands.
Continue north to Palm Beach and visit the Flagler Museum to delve into the area’s history, or go shopping on famed Worth Avenue.
Next, head to Florida’s Space Coast and visit NASA’s iconic Kennedy Space Center to learn about the history of spaceflight.
Continue along the East Coast to reach Daytona Beach. Stroll along the Daytona Beach Boardwalk or visit the Daytona International Speedway.
Your drive concludes in St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States. Explore the city’s rich Spanish colonial heritage, visit Castillo de San Marcos, drink from the Fountain of Youth or wander through Anastasia State Park.
The drive is about five hours, and there’s a lot to see along the way! The spring and fall months generally offer a pleasant climate and fewer crowds, so consider this when planning your trip.
Tampa to Naples
Begin your adventure in Tampa Bay and wander through the lively downtown area, visit the Tampa Riverwalk and explore the Tampa Bay History Center.
Just west of Tampa lies Clearwater Beach, a coastal gem with white sand and clear waters.
Continue your journey north to Tarpon Springs, a charming town known for its rich Greek heritage and sponge diving industry.
Head south for a stop in Sarasota, a cultural hot spot renowned for its arts scene and stunning beaches.
In Naples, explore Fifth Avenue South or stroll through the Naples Botanical Garden.
This road trip from Tampa to Naples is about four and a half hours. The winter months tend to be busier, as many visitors come to Florida to escape colder climates. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or summer months (outside of major holidays).
Miami to Key West
Start in Miami and explore South Beach or neighboring Fort Lauderdale before heading off on this roughly four-hour trip.
Your first stop is Key Largo, known as the “Diving Capital of the World.” Dive or snorkel in the coral reefs or explore the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Further south is Islamorada, where you can enjoy world-class fishing opportunities or swim with dolphins, sea lions and stingrays.
Next on your journey is Marathon. Don’t miss the Turtle Hospital, where you can learn about rehabilitation efforts.
Make a stop at Bahia Honda State Park and lounge on the sandy shores and snorkel or kayak in the park’s waters.
You’ll eventually reach Key West, home to the southernmost point of the USA. Explore Duval Street or visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
Take a seaplane or ferry trip to Dry Tortugas National Park for an extraordinary experience and incredible snorkeling.
Miami and Key West are tropical climates, and summers can be hot and humid with the possibility of hurricanes and mosquitoes. Winter months offer milder temperatures and lower humidity.
Jacksonville to Tallahassee
Start your road trip on Amelia Island, a charming barrier island known for its beautiful beaches and rich history.
Continue south to arrive at Jacksonville Beach, a coastal city with beautiful sandy shores. Enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming or surfing along the Atlantic Ocean.
Your journey concludes in Tallahassee, Florida’s capital. Explore the grounds of the Florida Capitol and visit the Museum of Florida History to learn about the state’s rich heritage.
The region on this road trip takes about four hours to drive and is known for its lush greenery, rivers and parks. Springtime can offer vibrant foliage and blooming flowers, while fall brings colorful foliage and cooler temperatures.
Orlando to Fort Myers
As you leave Orlando on this five-hour drive across central Florida, don’t miss the chance to visit the Winter Garden Farmers Market. The market showcases local produce, artisanal goods and live entertainment.
Head southwest for a stop in Punta Gorda, a hidden gem along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Walk along the Peace River Walkway, which offers beautiful views and a chance to spot dolphins and manatees.
Continue along the coast to reach Boca Grande, located on Gasparilla Island and known for its unspoiled beaches.
Stop in the colorful and quirky town of Matlacha, a vibrant community famous for its eclectic shops, art galleries and waterfront dining.
Arrive in Fort Myers and explore its vibrant downtown district, visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and relax on some of the best beaches.
Orlando and Fort Myers are popular tourist destinations and tend to be crowded during peak travel seasons, including spring break and summer vacation. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or nonpeak times to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxed road trip.
Crystal River to Vero Beach
Start your journey in Crystal River, known as the “Manatee Capital of the World.” Take a guided tour or rent a kayak to witness these gentle giants. Don’t forget to visit Crystal River Archaeological State Park, which offers insights into the area’s Native American history.
Head southeast to stop at Blue Spring State Park, located along the St. Johns River. This park is a haven for manatees during the winter months.
Further south is Canaveral National Seashore, a stretch of coastline offering a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife.
Finish your five-hour road trip in Vero Beach, a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and natural treasures.
If you’re interested in manatee encounters, visiting Crystal River from November to March can provide the best chances. Plan your road trip during the summer months for the opportunity to witness sea turtles nesting or hatching in Vero Beach.
Tallahassee to Pensacola
Start your trip in Tallahassee and visit the Florida Capitol and the historic district of downtown Tallahassee. Explore the beautiful grounds of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park or take a scenic hike in nearby Apalachicola National Forest.
Head west for a stop in Apalachicola, a historic coastal town with a rich maritime heritage. Don’t miss the fresh oysters, a local delicacy.
Continue westward to reach Panama City Beach, a popular beach destination known for its white sands and emerald-green waters. Visit St. Andrews State Park for opportunities to hike nature trails, go fishing or take a boat tour to Shell Island.
Your five-hour Florida Panhandle adventure concludes in Pensacola, a vibrant city with a mix of history, culture and beautiful beaches. Visit the Pensacola Naval Air Station, home to the National Naval Aviation Museum. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Pensacola Beach, known for its white sand and turquoise waters.
Tallahassee is a large college town, so avoid early fall or late spring if you want to avoid crowds of students and their parents during move-in week and graduation.
Florida road trip FAQ
Looking for more answers about your Floridian experience? Check out this FAQ for all the information you need.
Florida has several scenic drives that showcase the state’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
The Overseas Highway is an iconic road trip route that takes travelers through the Florida Keys. Starting in Key Largo, this 113-mile journey along U.S. Route 1 offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
A1A is a scenic eastern coastal route that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. The drive spans from Fernandina Beach in the North to Key West in the South and covers around 400 miles.
The Tamiami Trail is a scenic highway that cuts through the heart of the Everglades, connecting Tampa on the Gulf Coast to Miami on the Atlantic Coast. You can witness the unique ecosystems of the Everglades, including vast wetlands, sawgrass prairies and diverse wildlife.
Florida offers year-round road trip opportunities due to its generally mild and pleasant climate. However, the best time to take a road trip in Florida may vary.
Winter weather in Florida is mild, so it’s an ideal time to explore outdoor attractions, visit theme parks and enjoy the beaches without the intense heat and humidity.
Spring in Florida is known for festivals and spring break celebrations.
Summer offers opportunities for beach activities, water sports and exploring natural springs and water parks. However, be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, as this is peak hurricane season.
Fall brings fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices than peak seasons, though visitors should still expect heat and occasional rain.
Florida is a fantastic destination for family-friendly adventures, offering a wide array of activities and attractions that cater to all ages.
Here are some exciting options for families to enjoy in the Sunshine State:
– Theme parks. Florida is famous for its world-class theme parks. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is a must-visit for families, with magical parks like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Universal Orlando Resort is another popular choice, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
– Natural attractions. Florida’s natural wonders provide ample opportunities for family exploration. Everglades National Park offers unique adventures like airboat rides, nature walks and wildlife encounters.
– Beaches. Florida boasts some of the best family-friendly beaches along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast, like Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key and Destin.
– Museums and educational experiences. Florida offers a range of educational and interactive museums suitable for families. The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, the Orlando Science Center and the Miami Children’s Museum are just a few examples.
– Wildlife encounters. Families can embark on wildlife adventures in Florida at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the Miami Zoo.
– Water parks. Florida’s water parks are perfect for beating the heat. Walt Disney World’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, Aquatica Orlando, Adventure Island in Tampa and Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach are just a few examples of family-friendly water parks in the state.
Explore the Sunshine State your way
There’s no limit to the number of day trips you can take in the diverse and exciting state of Florida. Make the most of your Sunshine State experience with the convenience of a car rental.
Here are some key points to consider when renting a car:
- Enjoy the flexibility of starting your road trip in one city and dropping the car off in another.
- Lighten the load by adding an extra driver to share driving responsibilities.
- Choose a car that suits your travel style, whether it’s a family-friendly SUV or a luxurious convertible.
- Unexpected change in plans? No worries! Get car rental options with free cancellation for peace of mind if your itinerary needs adjustment.
Ready to embark on an incredible Florida road trip? Find the best deals on car rentals tailored to your preferences with help from Skyscanner. Start planning your adventure now!
