10 Best Road Trips in Florida
Experience the Best of Florida on the Open Road
The best road trips in Florida explore the long stretches of picture-perfect beaches and scenery of the Southeastern USA. Of course, there are numerous theme parks and thrills to be had in the Sunshine State, but on the open road beyond, there are sugar-white sands, verdant woodlands and swampy marshes packed with wildlife.
Take the opportunity to divert from your route and explore nature alongside quaint small towns and dynamic coastal cities. Why not go retro and leave the GPS behind in favour of a map? However you choose to experience these journeys, don’t forget the snacks, the camera and a hunger for adventure. So, fill up the tank and discover the best road trips in Florida.
1. Fort Clinch State Park to Florida Caverns State Park
Where history and nature combine
Ideal para: História, Foto
Roughly 430 km separate 2 of Florida’s best state parks, and the 4-hour drive via I-10 W makes for a memorable trip. Start your journey with a dose of history and explore the impressive fortification at Fort Clinch State Park before hitting the road. Lined with greenery, your relaxing drive will pass national forests and nature spots.
You won’t have any trouble finding rest points to stretch your legs. Stroll along Jacksonville’s paradisical beaches, search for food trucks in Lake City or check out the museum in Florida’s state capital, Tallahassee. Finish at Florida Caverns State Park, home to awe-inspiring cave systems and leafy trails. Arrive early if you’d like a guided tour, as they often sell out.
Fort Clinch State Park to Florida Caverns State Park
2. From Pensacola to Weeki Wachee
For exploring the best of Florida’s natural springs
Ideal para: Famílias, Viagens alternativas
Starting from sunny Pensacola, wind through backwater roads and byways towards the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast to discover northern Florida’s gorgeous natural springs and wildlife refuges. Soak up the sun on a boat tour at St. Andrews State Park, spot wildlife around the gorgeous falls at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park and observe frolicking manatees in crystal-clear water every winter at Three Sisters Springs.
Park up at Weeki Wachi State Park to kayak along the unspoiled waterways and marvel at mermaids. The direct drive along I-10 E and US-19 S/NE US Hwy 19 takes about 6 hours but expect to add a couple of hours to your route with each of these stops.
From Pensacola to Weeki Wachee
3. The Florida Panhandle
A drive along a line of quaint beach towns
Ideal para: História, Casais, Famílias
Spend a wonderful 2 or 3 days exploring the approximately 320-km Florida Panhandle, the northwestern section of the Sunshine State. We recommend starting your epic road trip in Perdido Key, making the most of its jewel-toned waters and idyllic beaches, before heading east on I-10.
Schedule in some time at Destin and take in the gorgeous views from the harbour or from the famous Crab Island. Only 35 minutes off the main route lies Santa Rosa Beach and its plethora of beaches and state parks. Your destination will be the historic capital, Tallahassee, which boasts many museums for a slice of culture and history. Don’t forget that Tallahassee’s time zone is 1 hour ahead of Perdido Key’s.
The Florida Panhandle
4. The Everglades
USA’s largest subtropical wilderness
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
From coastal mangroves to grassy marshes to pine flatwoods, the Everglades’ wetlands are home to a vast array of wildlife. Take I-75, nicknamed Alligator Alley, through the 1.5-million-acre national park if you’re short on time. However, we recommend the longer Tamiami Trail along US 41 if you really want to experience the area’s best scenery.
Activities and pitstops are abundant throughout this route. With kayaking in Flamingo, spotting alligators and turtles on a tram tour in Shark Valley and feasting on fried seafood at Joanie’s Blue Crab Café in Ochopee, you’ll need to plan your itinerary carefully. Your last stop should be Everglades City, to learn about this fascinating area at the volunteer-run Museum of the Everglades.
The Everglades
5. From Miami to Key West
A classic American road trip
Ideal para: Casais, Foto
The 267-km drive between glamorous Miami and Key West is probably one of America’s most famous and most loved road trips. And for good reason. Sure, you could easily cruise the Overseas Highway and reach the U.S.’s southernmost city in 3 to 4 hours, but why would you when the Florida Keys contain some incredible sights?
The marine life John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is simply outstanding, whether you snorkel beneath the waves or embark on a glass-bottomed boat tour. Visit Tavernier’s Blond Giraffe for a slice of what’s considered the best key lime pie in their gorgeous garden. Finally, pull up alongside pretty, pastel-hued buildings in Key West, ready to explore this energetic city.
From Miami to Key West
6. From Vero Beach to Sebring
A journey through a wealth of nature spots
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
An approximately 145-km drive via State Rd 60 W and/or US-98 N, the journey from Vero Beach to Sebring takes you through impressive scenery and abundant wildlife. Passing through Fort Drum Wildlife Management Area, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs along boardwalks traversing verdant wetlands and swamps.
A short detour will bring you to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, an expanse of grasslands home to scores of endangered birds and wildlife. Thanks to the lower levels of light pollution, it’s an ideal spot for stargazing. Touch down in Sebring, a peaceful city known for its tranquil nature spots, variety of museums and lively arts scene. Don’t miss an adrenalin-fuelled event at the Sebring International Raceway.
From Vero Beach to Sebring
7. From Jacksonville to St. Augustine
Beach-hopping at its best
Ideal para: Famílias, Casais
The direct drive from Jacksonville to St. Augustine is 65 km and less than an hour down I-95 W, but where’s the fun in that? Journey east from Jacksonville to Jacksonville Beach, where you can go wild with watersports and embrace the laidback atmosphere. To extend your trip, travel a short distance north to the idyllic locations of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach with their pristine sands and crystal waters.
Continue south and beach-hop your way down the shoreline. Stop off for sun-soaked swims, sandcastle-building and volleyball at Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano Beach, before arriving at St. Augustine. We recommend taking a trolley tour to see the highlights of the oldest town in the USA.
From Jacksonville to St. Augustine
8. From Cedar Key to Crystal River and Homosassa Springs
Nature along the open road
Ideal para: Compras, Foto
Hugging several nature retreats, the drive from Cedar Key to Crystal River and Homosassa Springs is roughly 90 km and would take an hour if you drove without stopping. But stops are a must, especially at Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park and Gulf Hammock Wildlife Management Area. Be sure to explore the gorgeous green trails around the tiny town of Inglis along the way.
The coastal city of Crystal River is a huge tourist destination thanks to its stunning spring-fed rivers and lakes. Dive for a dinner of scallops or wander the streets for inviting boutiques. Further south lies Homosassa Springs, where you can watch manatees playing in the water and Maximus the black bear in his habitat.
From Cedar Key to Crystal River and Homosassa Springs
9. Florida’s Undiscovered Big Bend
A road trip less travelled
Ideal para: Casais, Foto, Aventura
Unofficially named Florida’s Big Bend, the region where the Panhandle transitions to the Peninsula is famous for its expanse of leafy wood and marshlands. Start with Tallahassee’s prestigious culture and dining before heading south to Wakulla Springs. Cool off in the chilly lake before hopping on a guided boat tour to see birds, alligators and turtles.
Afterwards, head to St. Marks, one of the U.S.’s oldest settlements. Enjoy boating and fishing in the beautiful parks before taking the Big Bend Byway, a gorgeous coastal trail lined with small towns, landmarks and plenty of nature. End the approximately 85-km journey at the 13 km of unspoiled shoreline called Alligator Point. Stay to watch the sunset: we promise you won’t regret it.
Florida’s Undiscovered Big Bend
10. The Lee Island Coast
A tour of Old Florida beaches
Ideal para: Casais, Foto, História
The Lee Island Coast consists of around 80 km of incredible beaches and dozens of award-winning parks, making it an ideal option for a summer road trip in Florida. Begin your journey on Sanibel Island, with fantastic nature and beachcombing. Next door is Captiva Island, just as beautiful and teeming with activities.
A 30-minute drive takes you to Fort Myers, a seaside city with a laidback vibe. Shoppers will adore its outlets and cute gift shops, while art lovers will revel in the galleries, museums and theatres. There’s also Fort Myers Beach with its 11-km stretch of white sand and emerald sea, and the lovely, 1,616-acre Lovers Key State Park. There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s certainly worthwhile.
The Lee Island Coast
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