Best Road Trips in Florida

There’s no denying Florida’s appeal. This narrow peninsula packs in an abundance of hedonistic pleasures, from white-sand beaches to fantasy-fueled amusement parks. With historical monuments, natural wonders, and roadside attractions sprinkled liberally across the state, Florida is particularly well-suited for road-tripping. Here’s our pick of the best road trips in the Sunshine State.

1. North Florida’s Backwaters and Byways

Best road trip for springs, manatees, and mermaids
Pensacola–Weeki Wachee; 510 miles; 5–7 days

Kick off your trip in Pensacola and delve into the city’s past at Historic Pensacola Village. Then cruise towards the alluring white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast, meandering back roads and byways to discover northern Florida’s hidden treasures along the way.

Experience crystal-clear springs, including the Spanish-moss-lined Wakulla Springs, where you can take a tour in a glass-bottomed boat, and Ichetucknee Springs, which you can enjoy from the relaxed comfort of an inner tube. See manatees (between November and March) from the viewing platforms at Blue Spring State Park and round off your trip with a classic roadside attraction starring the performing “mermaids” of Weeki Wachee.

• Planning tip: Florida’s springs are significantly colder than its oceans. Consider packing or renting a wetsuit, particularly during visits in the winter months.

2. The Florida Panhandle

Best road trip for a taste of Florida’s western edge
Perdido Key–Tallahassee; 254 miles; 3–4 days

The Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast is blessed with beach bliss and southern charm. Start your eastward journey near the Alabama border in Perdido Key, a barrier island with turquoise waters and expansive wetlands. Make sure to hop on Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton County.

Stops include Rosemary Beach, where you can indulge in a decadent chocolate fondue, the Alys Beach Nature Trail with elevated boardwalks, and the quaint town of Seaside, which is dotted with pastel-painted houses. End your trip with a visit to Tallahassee, the capital of Florida and home to the Museum of Florida History.

3. Highway 1

Best road trip for tracing the Atlantic Coast
Amelia Island–Miami Beach; 475 miles; 6 days

Drive the length of Florida all the way down the coast, and you’ll get a sampling of all the highlights of the Sunshine State. You’ll encounter historic towns, family-friendly attractions, the Latin flavor of Miami, and miles of inviting beaches.

Start on Amelia Island, a glorious barrier island, and continue down to see-and-be-seen Miami Beach. Worthwhile detours include St. Augustine, the oldest permanent European settlement in the US, and the undeveloped, pristine beaches of Canaveral National Seashore.

Planning tip: November through March is peak “snowbird season” in Florida, making driving along Highway 1 and other major coastal routes a bit more congested as US holidaymakers travel south for some winter sunshine.

4. North Florida

Best road trip for exploring the central heart of Florida
Jacksonville–Ocala; 112 miles; 3–4 days

With nearly one million residents, Jacksonville is Florida’s largest city. After exploring the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, head southwest to Gainesville, home of the University of Florida.

Cap off your trip with a stop in Ocala, where outdoor adventures abound in the Ocala National Forest and the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, which showcases nearly 100 race-tested vehicles.

5. Walt Disney World and Beyond

Best road trip for the whole family
Kennedy Space Center–Sanibel & Captiva Islands; 288 miles; 6–10 days

This trip connects many of Florida’s best family-friendly attractions, including sprawling white-sand beaches. Begin at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to marvel at space exploration.

Next, hop on I-4 westbound toward Central Florida and immerse yourself in the delights of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Continue your adventure towards Tampa before winding up on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

6. The Everglades

Best road trip for seeing wildlife
Homestead–Everglades City; 170 miles; 2–3 days

The Everglades make South Florida truly unique. This ecological wonderland is the USA’s largest subtropical wilderness, rich with endangered and rare species, including its iconic alligators.

From Homestead, head to the park’s southeastern entrance and immerse yourself in nature. Be sure to plan pit stops to kayak in Flamingo, take a tram tour in Shark Valley, and visit Everglades City to explore its historical museum.

7. Overseas Highway to Key West

Best road trip for island hopping
John Pennekamp State Park–Key West; 102 miles; 3–5 days

Driving through the Florida Keys delivers a unique experience of escape from the mainland. Enjoy biker bars, seafood grills, and picturesque beaches along this route.

Embrace the highlights along this 102-mile highway, including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Seven Mile Bridge. Planning tip: start your adventure early in the day to avoid congestion!

This article was last updated on April 10, 2024.