road trip from nyc to florida

• EAST COAST USA , FLORIDA , NEW YORK , ROAD TRIP
• USA , VANLIFE

New York to Florida Road Trip – 20 Best Places to Stop

• January 23, 2024

If you’re planning a New York to Florida road trip, you’ve come to the right place! After several epic road trips and living in 4 states on the East Coast, I know all the best places to stop when driving from NYC to Florida allowing you to experience a variety of landscapes and activities. 

This road trip will take you down the coast for an unforgettable journey through these states: New York , Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina , South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida . I’ll be sharing the best places to stop on the drive to Florida from New York , as well as noteworthy activities and sites, East Coast hidden gems , and other helpful tips.

What’s impressive about the United States’ Eastern Coast is that each state is special in its own way. Whether you’re driving from New York to Florida with friends, your partner, or solo, you’re in for quite the adventure. Get ready for stunning mountain views, breathtaking beaches, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife.  

And, one of my favourite parts of this NYC to Florida drive is finding secret spots along the way, which you’ll certainly come across as you make your way to each of these destinations!

Save this article as your New York to Florida road trip guide, but feel free to get creative with it, adding and removing places of your choice. And, if you’re doing this drive in reverse, road tripping from Florida to New York, you can start at the bottom of this guide and make your way up. 

So let’s get to it; here’s the ultimate road-tripping guide for driving from New York to Florida and the best places to stop. 

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Tips for a New York to Florida Road Trip

As you drive from NYC to Florida, these tips will help you out along the way in terms of travel time, how many days you need, and where to stay.

• Book accommodation with booking.com  here .
• Stay connected with a  portable wifi hotspot  or a  local E-sim .
• Explore deeper with a best-selling tour with  Get Your Guide .
• Don’t forget travel insurance!

New York to Florida Road Trip Map

How far is the drive from New York to Florida?

The drive straight through from New York City, New York to Miami, Florida is about 1,300 miles and 20 hours. But, of course, you want to make stops along the way to explore.

This guide shares the best driving route from New York to Florida, with  18 cities  or areas to stop in. Each destination is within a one to five-hour drive to the other. 

Since the drives are shorter, you could stop at half of them on your way down and the other half on your way back up. Alternatively, you could do a slow drive one way and a quicker drive the other way. 

Of course, this will all depend on your travel style and timeline. If you’re not planning on making any stop-offs you might consider taking a bus from NYC to Orlando instead. 

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How long is the drive from New York to Florida?

While I recommend taking  one to three months to make the most of your New York to Florida road trip, many people don’t have this much time, which is totally understandable! 

If you’re on a shorter timeline, driving from NYC to Florida and back  can  be done in  two to three weeks .  

As you read, you’ll see that I recommend how long to spend in each place – usually around three days. But since the stops I recommend are so close to one another, you can easily skip some or just make a quick stop if you’d prefer.

Best Time for a New York to Florida Road Trip

There is no right or wrong time to attempt this road trip from NYC to Florida. It depends on your preference and what you aim to achieve during your trip.

I suggest avoiding the winter months, however. It’s common for the East Coast to see snow during this time which could make for treacherous driving conditions.

The peak of Summer may also be less favourable – not only because of soaring temperatures (which isn’t fun when road-tripping) but also due to the holiday crowds.

Ideally, the months of June or September would be ideal for driving from New York to Florida.

Where to Stay on Route?

Whether you’re a camping kind of road tripper or you prefer resting at hotels or vacation rentals, most of these stops offer both options. 

I mostly camped in my camper van on my East Coast road trip. Although, there aren’t too many free camping spots since there isn’t Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land on this side of the country.

However, I did find the odd free park up, mostly in national forests, using vanlife apps like iOverlander and the Free Campsites  website. There are also plenty of paid campsites at state parks and other campgrounds, along with the Hipcamp app.

If you prefer hotels or staying in vacation rentals, this is easy to find along the coast. I always use booking.com to find the best deals.

Road Trip from New York to Florida - The Best Places to Stop

Now, let’s get to the fun part and check out the best places to stop on your New York to Florida road trip! 

Of course, as you begin your New York to Miami road trip, you’re going to want to spend some time in the  ‘Empire State’ . Famous for its cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and bustling economy, there’s so much to see and do in New York.

My favourite 2 places are  New York City  and the  Finger Lakes region . This gives you the perfect mix of nature, city life, and fantastic food and drinks.

Related Read

1. New York City

You can’t go wrong starting your New York to Florida road trip in NYC. The ‘Big Apple’  is a melting pot appreciated for its vibrant culture, architectural variety, and incredible cuisine. It’s no wonder that it’s considered one of the most iconic cities in the world.

While you’ll have your road trip vehicle with you, I recommend leaving it parked while you explore the city. It’s easy to wander around on foot, and the public transportation system is fantastic. 

If you need some ideas on what to see and do this comprehensive 4-Day New York itinerary is packed with useful tips and advice.

Aside from walking, the MTA NYC Transit is the most affordable way to get around. There are also tons of taxis available if needed. 

You can also check out  accommodation options in New York here .

Things to do in NYC

Whether you’re looking to spend just one night or a few, here are some recommended activities to do while you’re in NYC:

• Manhattan:  Visit Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building.
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt – an immersive, multi-sensory art experience with 360-degree views of the city
• Chelsea Market : A lively marketplace with endless food.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art:  The largest art museum in the US.
• Chinatown : An area filled with Chinese and Asian cuisine and shops. 
• Brooklyn:  Check out street art, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, have a waterfront dinner at Time Out Market. 

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2. Finger Lakes

NYC to Cayuga Lake (Finger Lakes), 245 miles, 4.5 hours

The Finger Lakes region just might be my favourite hidden gem on the east coast . This 9,000 square-mile area of natural beauty is in west-central New York, where you can find eleven long, narrow lakes. While it’s a little off the path from NYC, it’s well worth a visit. 

Each lake is roughly half an hour from one to the other. I recommend taking your time to explore as many lakes as you can, where you can find wineries, waterfalls, and state parks. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, dining, or fishing, there’s something for everyone!

Each lake area offers so much to do. You can find accommodations, including hotels, campsites, inns, and private vacation rentals. You can make this part of your adventure as short or long as you’d like. 

You can also check out accommodation options in Finger Lakes here . 

Things to do in Finger Lakes

Here are some top spots to check out around the Finger Lakes:

• Cayuga Lake:  Downtown Ithaca, Stewart Park, Taughannock Falls State Park.
• Seneca Lake : Watkins Glen State Park, Zugibe Vineyards, Grist Iron Brewing.
• Keuka Lake:  The Keuka Outlet Trail, Keuka Lake State Park, Champlin Beach.
• Check out these thrilling hiking trails in the Finger Lakes
• Visit the best Finger Lakes Waterfalls .

Pennsylvania

Next up is a quick stop in Pennsylvania to explore the uber-cool city of  Philadelphia . While there are great places to stop between the Finger Lakes and here, I prefer to make a beeline for Philadelphia before continuing south. Of course, you can go ahead and add other stops to your journey as you see fit! 

3. Philadelphia

Keuka Lake (Finger Lakes) to Philadelphia, 286 miles, 4.75 hours 

Philadelphia is a must-visit on your New York to Florida road trip – especially if you enjoy history, nature, and food.

It’s also one of the best places on this itinerary where you can make a quick stop. One to three days in Philly is plenty for you to experience what the city has to offer.

To get around Philadelphia, it’s best to use public transportation. There’s also a lot to explore within walking distance of the downtown area known as Center City. 

Below are some of the top things to see and do in Center City. For a full day downtown, you can visit each area in this order stopping at or skipping whatever you’d like! 

The walk from Rittenhouse Square to Old City is only about half an hour but offers many points of interest along the way. Many visitors enjoy staying in the Old City, where you can find many hotels, restaurants and bars. 

You can also check out accommodation options in Philadelphia here . 

Things to do in Philadelphia Center City

• Rittenhouse Square:   Town square and urban park to relax, shop, and dine.
• Midtown Village:  Historical monuments like Independence Mall, several performing arts venues, and a thriving LGBTQ+ community.
• South Street in Society Hill:  Shops, galleries, and restaurants.
• Independence National Historical Park:  20 blocks filled with museums, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall.
• Old City:  Nightlife galore with restaurants, cafes, and bars

Next up on your New York to Florida road trip, we have Maryland.

It’s the national anthem’s birthplace and home to the highest number of blue crabs on the East coast. It, therefore, goes without saying that Maryland is a hotspot for delicious seafood. 

As you journey through Maryland, the best stops to visit include Baltimore ,  Washington D.C. , and the  Assateague Island National Seashore. 

4. Baltimore

Philadelphia to Baltimore, 105 miles, 2 hours 

While Baltimore is a must-see, the experiences that make it unique can easily be explored in a day or two.

Again, like other northern US cities, getting around Baltimore is best on foot or via public transportation. So, feel free to leave your road-tripping vehicle parked up so you can go off and explore.

I recommend the below activities while you’re in Baltimore.

You can also check out  accommodation options in Baltimore here . 

Things to do in Baltimore

• The National Aquarium:  The most visited attraction in Baltimore.
• Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail : Walking Trail with picturesque views of the city and harbour.
• Try blue crabs and other seafood.

5. Washington D.C.

Baltimore to Washington, 38 miles, 1 hour

On the border of Maryland and Virginia is Washington D.C. (District of Columbia). If you haven’t been to the United States’ capital, this drive from NYC to Florida is the perfect time to check it out. 

You can easily make a quick stop here on your way to the next destination or spend a few days. It all depends on how big of a history buff you are.

Aside from the iconic sites in Washington like the White House and Capitol Hill, below are some other noteworthy spots and hidden gems.

You can also check out accommodation options in Washington D.C here . 

Things to do in Washington D.C.

• Constitution Gardens:  A 50-acre park that’s beautiful day and night.
• The Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens:  A decorative arts museum.
• Culture House:  An old neighbourhood church turned vibrant arts collective.

6. Assateague Island National Seashore

Washington D.C. to Assateague Island National Seashore, 147 miles, 3 hours 

Although you’ll be on the border of Virginia when you stop in Washington, nature enthusiast’s will want to drive 3 hours east to Assateague Island National Seashore.

Assateague Island is a protected area off the coast of Maryland with beaches, trails, and wildlife.

Every road tripper needs a few days off to relax, and Assateague is the perfect place for it. Enjoy relaxing on the beach, watersports, and even horseback riding alongside the ocean.

If beachside camping is your thing, you’re going to love Assateague. You can find several campgrounds on and around the beach, including private spots in the Maryland State Park. There are also hotels. 

Note: If you have pets, you may only visit the Maryland side of Assateague Island National Seashore. Pets aren’t allowed on the Virginia portion of the island.

As you make your way south, your next stop is the East Coasts historical and beautiful state of Virginia.

Many road trippers know Virginia as the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic route that runs from VA to NC.

Since this New York to Florida road trip itinerary takes us closer to the coast, we won’t hit the Blue Ridge Parkway just yet. But, don’t worry, we will come back to it later on. 

For now, I suggest stopping in  Virginia Beach ,  Richmond , and  Roanoke .

7. Virginia Beach

Assateague Island National Seashore to Virginia Beach, 106 miles, 2 hours

Virginia Beach is a lively coastal town with a vibrant culture and tons of activities to enjoy. It’s especially ideal for those looking to relax on a beautiful and unique beach.

There are many places for road trippers to stay in Virginia Beach, including hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. 

Aside from hanging out on the coast, these Virginia attractions and hidden gems are worth checking out. 

You can also check out accommodation options in Virginia Beach here . 

Things to do in Virginia Beach

• Cape Henry Lighthouse:  Worth the climb up the lighthouse for picture-perfect views.
• Mount Trashmore Park:  The largest park in VA beach with an incredible (and   Instagrammable ) colourful staircase.
• Beach Street USA:  A beachfront street lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, live performers, and events.
• False Cape State Park: Unspoiled beaches off the beaten track; only accessible by foot or bicycle (cool place to tent camp!) 

8. Richmond

Virginia Beach to Richmond, 107 miles, 1.75 hours

After the beach, head to Virginia’s eclectic capital city of Richmond.

There’s something for everyone in Richmond, from unique architecture and outdoor adventures to craft beer galore and endless dining experiences.

You can easily spend a week here getting round all there is to see. But no matter how much time you have, I’d highly suggest stopping for as long as possible! 

Here are some of my top recommendations in Richmond below:

You can also check out  accommodation options in Virginia Beach here . 

Things to do in Richmond

• Virginia Holocaust Museum:  Offers a fascinating learning experience.
• Belle Isle:  A small island on the James River where you can hike, swim, or kayak.
• Brewery hop:  Richmond has more than 30 craft breweries, most of which are well worth checking out. 
• Downtown Richmond:  Wander around the riverfront, where you can find shops, murals, historical landmarks, bars, and more.

Richmond to Roanoke, 189 miles, 3 hours 

While Roanoke isn’t always a top spot in Virginia, in my opinion, it’s worth checking out. Particularly if you’re a hiker – if you’re a hiker, Roanoke is a must-visit  when making the drive from New York to Florida! 

Roanoke is home to several outdoor adventures and quirky attractions. It also leads you towards the Blue Ridge Parkway for the next part of your journey.

Stop for a day or spend a couple of nights and check out the following unique activities and sites: 

Things to do in Roanoke

• Mill Mountain Park and the Roanoke Star:  Various hiking trails in a beautiful park with an iconic massive star (excellent photo-op!).
• Smith Mountain Lake:  A gorgeous place to hang out on the water with camping opportunities available.
• Carvins Cove Natural Reserve: Located on the Appalachian Trail, it features a stunning panorama. 

North Carolina

Now it’s time to make your way over to the Blue Ridge Parkway. With breathtaking mountain views and an exhilarating ride, a NYC to Florida road trip isn’t complete without spending some time on this stretch. 

You’ll probably want to  have your camera ready  and plan in extra time for stop-offs, as there are many jaw-dropping lookout points. 

When you leave Roanoke, you’ll head south and slightly west to the Blue Ridge Parkway, then continue down to  Little Switzerland  and  Asheville . Get ready for an awesome road trip of North Carolina

10. Little Switzerland

Roanoke to Blue Ridge Parkway to Little Switzerland, 254 miles, 4.5 hours 

Now that the Blue Ridge Parkway has gotten you geared up for the incredible North Carolina mountains be ready for Little Switzerland to blow your mind! 

This unique, unincorporated community sits over 3,000 feet above sea level. Between its charm and mountain views, there’s a good chance you’ll never want to leave Little Switzerland. 

You can also check out many other accommodation options in Little Switzerland here . 

Things to do in Little Switzerland

Here are some noteworthy things to see and do in Little Switzerland :

• Grassy Creek Falls:  Nature trails leading to a 25-foot waterfall.
• Books & Beans:  Massive shop selling books, crafts, treats, and coffee.
• DiamondBack 226A:  A curvy highway with unmatched views – perfect for adventurous road trippers. 

11. Asheville

Little Switzerland to Asheville, 52 miles, about 1 hour

Head over to Asheville via the Blue Ridge Parkway for more mountainous beauty.

You’ll drive through Black Mountain, which is well worth stopping in for a mountainside hike and checking out the quaint downtown area.

Again, many of the best Asheville adventures are the gems you’ll find on your drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This area is teeming with waterfalls , trails, and views.

I recommend spending around 3 days in Asheville , as there’s plenty to see and do. Here are my top recommendations:

You can also check out  accommodation options in Asheville here . 

Things to do in Asheville

• Downtown Asheville:  Vibrant area with fun restaurants, cafes, breweries, and bars.
• Pisgah National Forest:   Forested area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and campsites.
• French Broad River:  Relax on a raft and float down the river. 

12. Charlotte

Charlotte, known for award-winning cuisine and beer, diverse culture, and fun activities is one of my favourite places to visit on the New York to Florida drive.

The tagline “Charlotte’s got a lot” couldn’t be more accurate. Charlotte is filled with a ton of exciting experiences, and there’s something for all kinds of travellers to enjoy. 

Even if you’re like me and don’t usually opt for visiting big cities, look to spend two or 3 days in Charlotte during your NYC to Florida road trip. I promise you won’t regret it! 

You can also check out accommodation options in Charlotte here . 

Top Things to do in Charlotte

• Spend time in Uptown Charlotte : First Ward Park, Harvey B. Gantt Center, NASCAR Hall of Fame, The Green Park, Truist Field for baseball, and Mint Museum.
• Charlotte Segway Tour : A unique and fun way to discover Uptown.
• Visit Lake Norman : A large lake with water recreation and a local state park.
• Explore the NoDa neighbourhood : Mac Tabby Cat Cafe, Pura Vida Worldly Art, NoDa Easy Art Walk, Optimist Hall, Divine Barrel Brewing, and The Evening Muse.

South Carolina

As you continue on your New York to Florida road trip, you’ll make your way through the mountains back towards the ocean.

South Carolina is known for delicious southern fare, friendly people, beautiful weather, and some of the best family beaches on the East Coast . 

Let’s visit Greenville  and  Charleston , easily two of South Carolina’s absolute best cities.

13. Greenville

Asheville to Greenville, 63 miles, about 1 hour 

Greenville is an up-and-coming city with a growing diverse culture, an award-winning downtown area, and ample natural beauty. It’s got something to offer all kinds of road trippers. 

Accommodations are endless, and it’s easy to spend a day or a week here, depending on your timeline and interests! Here are some must-do Greenville adventures: 

You can also check out accommodation options in Greenville here . 

Things to do in Greenville

• Downtown Greenville:  Shops, restaurants, cafes, and live entertainment.
• Falls Park:  Huge picturesque green space on the river with hiking trails, benches, art pieces, and gardens.
• Paris Mountain State Park:  Massive park on Lake Placid where you can enjoy hiking, water activities, and camping.

14. Charleston

Greenville to Charleston, 212 miles, 3.25 hours

Charleston is a charming, historic city that’s been named the  ‘best small city’  for 11 consecutive years. But don’t let the term ‘ small’  fool you. 

Charleston itself grows by the year, offering endless things to see and do. And there are tons of other towns that lie just outside of Charleston, which you may find you want to explore.

I recommend staying for a long weekend in Charleston . The city really comes to life Friday through to Sunday while 3 days allows you plenty of time to explore all that there is to see. 

You can also check out accommodation options in Charleston here . 

Things to do in Charleston

• Folly Beach:  Laid-back beach with a lively downtown area.
• Sullivan’s Island Beach:  More upscale beach with great restaurants and bars nearby. 
• Downtown Charleston:  Shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and historical sites (I highly recommend taking a day to bike around downtown – lots of bike rentals available!)
• Shem Creek:  There are various bars and seafood restaurants on the water with amazing views. 

As your New York to Florida drive continues, you’ll hit Georgia. A lot like South Carolina, you’ll find friendly locals, nice weather, and delicious food.

The two beautiful and quirky areas I like to explore in Georgia are  Savannah  and  Jekyll Island . 

15. Savannah

Charleston to Savannah, 110 miles, 2 hours

Located just a couple of hours south of Charleston, Savannah is another exciting city with lots to offer.

That said, it does offer a very similar experience to Charleston. So if you’re crunched for time, it’s a stop I’d say you can afford to miss.  

However, if you do decide to stop here, you won’t be disappointed. While Charleston offers beautiful beach life, Savannah has a more laid-back vibe. You feel a sense of unmatched serenity here.

Things to do in Savannah

Here are some of my favourite  things to see and do in Savannah : 

• Downtown Savannah : Stroll, shop, eat and drink.
• Forsyth Park: Large city park in Savannah’s historic district.  

16. Jekyll Island

Savannah to Jekyll Island, 94 miles, 1.5 hours

Just south of Savannah, directly on the ocean, is the beautiful Jekyll Island. If you need some downtime and tranquillity, your prayers will be answered at this stop!

Jekyll Island is the perfect place to lay on the beach and relax or enjoy activities. In line with the laid-back beach vibe, there are tons of bike trails around the island, so I love hopping on a bike to explore the area.  

As you explore Jekyll Island, check out these experiences: 

You can also check out accommodation options in Jekyll Island here . 

Things to do in Jekyll Island

• Jekyll Island Historic District:  Large site with over 30 historic structures.
• 4H Tidelands Nature Centers:  Kayak tours, nature walks, and a wildlife exhibit.
• Horton Pond: The ideal place to relax or take a hike. 

Note: If you don’t have your own bike with you, you can find plenty of places where you can rent them. 

And, just like that, you’ve made it to Florida – the last state on your New York to Florida Road Trip. But do not fear; the fun is far from over. 

Here in the sunshine state, it’s all about relaxation and beach life, as well as a little bit of nightlife if that’s your style. There is no best time to visit Florida since it has a subtropical climate all year round.  

On your drive through Florida, the best places to visit are  Fernandina Beach (& Amelia Island) ,  Orlando , Miami and Key West . 

17. Fernandina Beach & Amelia Island

Jekyll Island to Fernandina Beach, 65 miles, 1.25 hours

The historic city of Fernandina Beach is where you’ll find the beautiful Amelia Island. Both areas are well worth spending some time hanging out in. 

Beach adventures are at the top of most visitors’ bucket lists, and rightfully so. The beaches here are unmatched. But, here are some other things to do when you’re visiting Fernandina Beach. 

You can also check out accommodation options in Fernandina here . 

Things to do Fernandina Beach

• Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach: Trendy shops, restaurants, and bars. 
• Fort Clinch State Park:  Historical park with trails, beaches, and campsites. 

18. Orlando

Fernandina Beach to Orlando, 178 miles, 2.75 hours

If you’ve never been to Orlando, this one’s a must-visit on your NYC to Florida road trip!

While it’s known for its iconic theme parks, Orlando also offers amazing food, shopping, nature, and nightlife opportunities. 

While you’re in Orlando, I’m sure you’ll want to check out a theme park or two (get your tickets in advance here). But, here are some other things to do in the ‘City Beautiful.

You can also check out accommodation options in Orlando here . 

Things to do in Orlando

• Disney Springs:  A huge district that features shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Universal CityWalk:  Similar to Disney Springs but found near Universal Studios.
• Wekiwa Springs State Park:  Lush park for exploring nature and camping.

Orlando to Miami, 235 miles, 3.75 hours

And, there you have it. You’ve made it to the penultimate stop on your New York to Miami Road Trip!

Miami is a hub for all things fun – beaches, art, food, and nightlife. 

While it’s easy to spend a month in Miami getting around all there is to see, here are a few activities and sites you won’t want to miss.

You can also check out accommodation options in Miami here . 

Things to do in Miami

• Wynwood Walls:  An outdoor museum with vibrant street art.
• Ocean Drive:  Iconic art-deco street where you can find restaurants, bars, and beach access.
• Time Out Market:  A massive market with local fare and beverages.
• Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park:  Park, beach, nature trails, and  picture-perfect  scenery.

20. Key West

Key West is one of Florida’s most lively and beautiful vacation destinations. In fact, if you ask me, no NY to Florida road trip is complete without visiting.

Known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, energetic nightlife scene, and picture-perfect scenery, Key West has it all.

What better way to end your road trip (or start it if you’re driving Florida to NYC)? Spend at least 3 days in Key West , enjoying epic watersports, delicious dining experiences, cool bars and much more.

You can also check out accommodation options in Key West here . 

Things to do in Key West

• Hang out on the beach: Smathers Beach, Rest Beach, Higgs Memorial Beach, and Zachary Taylor State Park.
• Go on a sunset boat cruise .
• Hop on a ferry for a tour of Dry Tortugas National Park.
• Bar hop on Duval Street.

Enjoy Your New York to Florida Road Trip!

There you have it – the best places to stop when driving from New York to Florida.

Whether you have a few weeks or a couple of months, a road trip from NYC to Florida will take you on an unforgettable journey!

Have I missed anything that you think deserves to be on the list? Do you have any other questions or feedback?   Let us know in the comments section!  We love hearing from you. 

Stay adventurous and happy travels.

Check out the rest of our awesome East Coast articles in our  East Coast USA Series  to help you with your travel planning.

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Driving from New York to Florida, East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary + Guide

Driving from New York to Florida, East Coast Road Trip Itinerary + Guide

Table of Contents

Have you ever driven from New York to Florida? I’ve actually been the passenger for this drive countless times as a kid. I can remember sitting in the backseat of a mini van for the long drive because my parents didn’t want to pay for 7 people to fly. However, I’m also no stranger to a good ol’ East Coast Road Trip as an adult!

I’ve driven from New York to Florida,  NYC to LA, done a New England road trip as well as a New York State and a Western USA  Road Trip, so you could say road trips are definitely my preferred method of travel. I just love the freedom it gives you and how much more you’re able to see.

New York to Florida Drive, How long is the Trip?

Fastest route.

• Quickest time : 16 hours – 2 days
• Distance from NYC to Jacksonville, FL is just under 1000 miles.
• Distance from NYC to Miami is about 1300 miles.

Road Trip Route

• Make it as long as you want!
• Distance from New York to Florida on my suggest Road Trip Itinerary comes to about 2200 miles.

Coastal Vs. Inland

You can stick to the coast most of the way or dip in to see some mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway is an epic road to drive, even if you only do a small section, but it will add on time and mileage.

Is there a good Halfway Stop?

It depends where in Florida is your final destination, but a good place to stop is either Charleston or Savannah. They’re a little further than halfway, but both are beautiful, walkable cities with plenty to do.

Fort Clinch State Park

How do I plan an East Coast Road Trip?

First, decide on your priorities :.

• How much time do you have?
• Are you looking to take the scenic route or the most efficient route?  
• Are there certain locations you absolutely need to see?
• Are you looking to camp or stay in hotels?
• Do you want to do a one way drive or round trip? (take into account car rental one way fees)
• Is trying the local cuisine/restaurants a top priority?
• Do you want to spend most of your time on the beach?

Decide on your budget and make adjustments.

• Do you really want to see Charleston and Savannah, but don’t think you can afford both cities? These two Southern cities have quite a few similarities, but Charleston is definitely the more expensive one. Cutting it out could be your best option.
• Factor in for tolls, gas, food and drinks, activities, accommodation.
• Deciding how much you want to spend per day and week is a good way to keep to a budget. Obviously, you will spend alot more in NYC than you will in Savannah.

Choose your road trip companions wisely.

I did my East Coast road trip with my husband Si, one of his friends and my best friend from high school. We had all hung as a group a couple times before, but it was a bit of a leap to decide to do almost 4 weeks of traveling together. Luckily it worked out pretty well. Si’s friend happens to be a chef and cooked us wonderful meals in our AirBnbs, my friend had a car so we didn’t have to rent one and she also preferred driving which meant I hardly had to!

That being said, being in close proximity with people, even your closest friends, can put pressure on the relationship, so make sure everyone is up for the challenge.

If you can manage to find 3 people you’re willing to share a room with, your costs will be cut tremendously!

Map out your route and make an Itinerary.

I’d suggest making a Google Doc with your companions so everyone can add things they want to do and see. Make sure each of you are clear about your absolute must-dos, but be ready to compromise.

New York to Florida East Coast Road Trip Tips

• Don’t plan in too many 1 night stints, unless you’re tight for time. In my opinion, it’s better to visit less places so you can actually fully see that place then try to fit in too many stops.
• Have a plan, but leave room for spontaneity. Booking into too much will leave you tired and overwhelmed.
• Never leave yourself with too little gas. On some stretches of road the rest stops are few and far between.
• Have your vehicle checked beforehand.
• Have all car documents with you.
• Download Roadtrippers app.

Where Can I rent a Car, Campervan or RV from in New York City?

• Rentalcars.com
• Escape Campervans – I used this company on my cross country road trip a few years ago. It was so convenient having a mini kitchen and bed on the road! We mainly slept at RV campgrounds or state parks on that trip. Their office is located in New Jersey, which you can get to on the train from Manhattan.
• Wayward Campers
• El Monte RV Rentals
• VroomVroomVroom

When is the best time to do an East Coast Road Trip?

In my opinion the best month to do an East coast road trip or to drive from New York to Florida is in June . Since summer solstice is between June 20 and 22 you’ll end up getting the maximum amount of day light which allows you to fit much more into each day.

The weather will be pleasant when you start in New York (highs around 80 and lows around 65) and will heat up the further south you get. Since you’re likely to be stopping at various beach destinations you can cool off by the water!

Overall Trip Budget Breakdown

This will vastly depend on current gas prices. When I drove from New York to Florida gas was around $2 per gallon. I’ve also done road trips when gas was closer to $4 per gallon and it makes a big difference.

Make sure to have cash on you for tolls unless you have EZpass which will work up until South Carolina.

3. Accommodation

• Camp Grounds $
• RV Parks $$
• Resorts $$$

4. Food + Drink

Keep costs low for food and drink by having a cooler in your car with cold drinks and some snacks. Restaurants and eating out can add up very quickly, so if you’re on a budget it may be worth getting an AIRbnb and cooking a good portion of your meals there.

5. Activities

You can’t do everything everything everywhere. Do some research and do what you want! Don’t force yourself to go to a museum if you don’t like museums just because it’s on the top things to do list.

• Water sports

New York to Florida Road Trip Stops Map

4 Week East Coast Road Trip Itinerary Stops

These are my top recommended stops for an East Coast Road Trip that starts in New York and ends in Florida.  If you make all of these stops you will only drive more than 5 hours at a time once, which I feel breaks up the trip perfectly. This itinerary is designed as a one way trip, but you can certainly curtail it to meet your requirements.

• NYC (4 nights)
•   Montauk / The Hamptons? (2)
• Asbury Park, NJ (2) – Cape May Ferry
• Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (2)
• Norfolk/VB, Virginia (1)
• Blue Ridge Parkway/Asheville, NC (3)
• Hilton Head, South Carolina (2)
• Charleston , SC (3)
• Savannah, Georgia (2)
• Amelia Island , Florida (3)
• Miami, FL (3)
• Florida Keys (4)

New York to Florida Road Trip Itinerary

Stop 1.  new york city (3-4 nights).

New York City is where you can start off on the adventure. It’s where my family is originally from and where I now live. This will be the the most expensive location on your trip as well as one of the most interesting and diverse!

You don’t need a car in New York so if you are renting one, wait until you’re on your way out.

While you’re in NYC you’ll want to to try Pizza (Artichoke, Prince St., Joe’s), Bagels ( Ess-a-bagel, Russ+Daughters), and Burgers ( Emmy Squared, Raoul’s, Shake Shack), and Pastrami ( Katz Deli.

I’ve created a quick itinerary below, but you can also read my full guide to 4 days in New York .

Day 1 Uptown + Times Square 

• Central Park – Loeb Boat House, Bethsheda Fountain, Bow Bridge,  Alice + Wonderland. Enter on East 72nd St. (Limited Food options)
• The Met, Natural History Museum 
• Times Square + Broadway Show

Day 2 Midtown Manhattan

• Walking Tour 
• Radio City/ Rockefeller Center/Grand Central/ Empire State Building/ Madison Square Park
• Sports Game

Day 3 Lower Manhattan

• Financial District – Oculus, 9/11 Memorial, One World Trade Center, Wall Street
• Statue of Liberty ferry from Battery park
• Seaport District – shopping, food, experiences 
• Happy Hour Drinks – Stone Street, Dead Rabbit

Day 4 Downtown + Brooklyn 

• Chelsea – Chelsea Market + Highline
• West Village/ Soho / Chinatown
• Brooklyn Bridge – Walk to BK take 1 hr.
• Dumbo – Time Out Market, Washington St., Skyline View
• Williamsburg – Hipster neighborhood, vintage shopping, trendy restaurants

Unique Hotels in NYC:

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
• Williamsburg Hotel

Stop 2. Montauk, NY (2 nights)

Montauk is on the South Fork of Long island and  is often referred to as “The End.”  It’s located at the very tip of Long Island peninsula in the Hamptons.  Long Island lies east of NYC and is essentially an extension of the same land mass that the burrows of Queens and Brooklyn are on.

Montauk is an old surfing and fishing town turned trendy by New Yorkers flocking here in the Summer months. It’s a good place to chill out after a crazy few days in NYC, while still getting that fun vibe.

TOP TIP – It’s usually 10 degrees cooler out in Montauk than it is in NYC!

Top Things to Do

• Visit the Montauk Lighthouse
• Walk around Montauk’s Village.
• Hike at Camp Hero State Park.
• Sunbathe at Kirk Park Beach.
• Go for a surf.
• Go to Gurney’s for lunch then head down to the beach club.

Hotels in Montauk:

• Daunt’s Albatross Motel
• Breaker’s Montauk
• Gurney’s Resort

Stop 3. Asbury Park, NJ (2 nights) 

Asbury Park is a quirky, retro beach town with a cool boardwalk and a long history in the music scene . It’s a known hub for rock and roll musicians, artists and surfers alike.

Things to Do

• See a show at the legendary Stone Pony venue.
• Watch the surfers at the beach.
• Walk on the Asbury Park Boardwalk.
• Play games while you drink at Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits.
• Embrace the art scene and check out the Wooden Walls mural project.

Hotels in Asbury Park

• Asbury Ocean Club

Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Book a spot ahead on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to get you from New Jersey to Delaware . You can sit back and relax as you enjoy the water view. There’s even a bar on the top floor if some of the passengers want to drink!

Stop 4. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (2 nights)

Rehoboth Beach has been known as a vacation destination historically for people coming from Washington D.C. The retro beach town now hosts visitors originating from various locations across the country primarily from Baltimore, Philly, NYC and D.C.

The town of Rehoboth is known for being an  iconic beach vacation town , having a welcoming community and large LGBT population. Poodle Beach is one of the most famous gay beaches in the U.S. Neighboring town of Dewey Beach is a bit of party scene and so much fun for a night out!

• Visit the Delaware Seashore State Park.
• Shop at the Tanger Outlets tax free!
• Rent a Bike and peddle around town.
• Have a beach day.
• Walk the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk.
• Watch live music and have drinks in Dewey Beach.

Hotels in Rehoboth Beach

• Bellmoor Inn and Spa
• Ocean Glass Inn
• Beach View Hotel

Stop 5. Norfolk/Virginia Beach (1 night)

Norfolk is located south of the Chesapeake Bay and is a naval hub.  It just so happens to be the world’s largest naval base and the location of the North American Headquarters for NATO.

Virginia Beach and Norfolk are only a 20 minute drive apart, so it’s easy to see both. Though I wasn’t too impressed with Virginia Beach there were a few good spots worth checking out.

Best Things to Do

• Take a tour of the Naval Base.
• Eat an incredible farm-to-table brunch at Commune.
• Have a cocktail at the 5 star Cavalier Hotel.
• Grab drinks at the The Shack, an outdoor oasis steps from the beach.

Hotels in Virginia Beach

• The Cavalier

Stop 6. Blue Ridge Parkway/Asheville (3 nights)

Asheville is a funky city with a hippy vibe in the Mountains of North Carolina. It sits amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains and is only 70 miles from the Smokey Mountains.

There are so many incredible outdoor activities and nature spots in this area, you could spend a lot more time here than 3 days. If you are an outdoor enthusiast you absolutely can not miss this stop!

• Admire Looking Glass Falls.
• Slide down Sliding Rock Falls.
• Tour the many breweries in Asheville.
• See a show at the Orange Peel.
• Hike Rough Ridge Trail.

Asheville Hotels

• Haywood Park Hotel
• Foundry Hotel

Stop 7. Hilton Head, South Carolina (2 nights)

Hilton Head is a top East Coast vacation destination . The resort town is 12 miles by 5 miles and many people like to get around by biking. Renting massive houses on the beach is what many vacationers do here, but there are other options available. We stayed at the Palerma Inn and Suites which was pretty affordable at the time.

Things to D0

• Rent bikes and enjoy the trails.
• Have a night out at Barmuda.
• Enjoy Hilton’s Head top beaches, Coligny Beach, Bradley Beach and Folly Field Beach

Hotels in Hilton Head Island

• Sonesta Resort
• Palmera Inn and Suites

Stop 8. Charleston, SC (3 nights)

Charleston is one of the most desired cities in the U.S. right now. It frequently gets attention for its historic downtown with cobblestone streets, vibrant food scene and gorgeous nearby beaches .

• Cool off at the Pineapple Fountain
• Walk down Rainbow Row
• Take a Sunset Boat Cruise.
• Have a beach day at Folly’s Beach or Sullivan’s Island.
• Enjoy a tasty brunch.

Hotels in Charleston

• Francis Marion Hotel
• Market Pavilion
• Palmer’s Pinckney Inn

Stop 9. Savannah, Georgia (2 nights)

Savannah is just a 45 minute drive form Hilton Head.  It’s  a stunning low country city with incredible history and culture . In the historic district open containers are allowed, which gives the Savannah a unique vibe. We had such a blast here! I actually think I might prefer it to Charleston…

• Visit Forsyth Park.
• Spend an evening listening to music on the Riverfront.
• Eat outside at Cha Bella.
• Go on a ghost tour or river cruise.
• Have brunch at Collins Quarter.

Hotels in Savannah

• Hampton Inn and Suites (Historic District)
• Perry Lane Hotel
• Kimpton Brice

Forsyth Park, Savannah

Stop 10. Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, Florida (3 nights)

Amelia is known for having relatively uncrowded and pristine beaches and is located just over the Florida Georgia state line. It’s a low key family friendly destination with not too much going on (in a good way). A great location for a no frills family beach vacation, but with the option for exploring nature, learning some history or just listening to the waves.

The island was named after Princess Amelia, daughter of King George II of England and has a long standing European background. The island has has been under the reign of 8 different flags!

Amelia Island has a mix of second homes and full time residents with many of the homeowners hailing from Georgia and Florida.

• Sit back and relax on a river cruise and learn about the island’s pirate history.
• Enjoy the white sandy beaches.
• Visit Fort Clinch State Park.
• Ride horses on the beach.
• Drink at the oldest continuously running drinking establishment in Florida, The Palace Saloon!
• Try out old school games at Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum.

Hotels in Amelia Island

• Florida House Inn
• Elizabeth Point Lodge
• Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

Stop 11. Miami, FL (3 nights)

Everyone needs to go to Miami at least once, right?! I feel like Miami is one of those places people either love or hate… and I’m one of the lovers! The beaches are gorgeous, the nightlife is buzzing and you’ve never seen anywhere so glamorous as South Beach!

• Visit Little Havana and see Domino Park.
• Take pictures at the murals in Wynwood.
• Stroll the gorgeous Vizcaya Museums and Gardens.
• Find the colorful lifeguard stands on South Beach.
• Window shop in the Design District.

Hotels in Miami

• Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove
• Freehand Miami
• The Plymouth South Beach

Stop 12. The Florida Keys (5 nights)

There are many things I loved about Key West and the other Keys. In addition to the obvious; blue water, delicious seafood and amazing resorts, it’s just got that vibe!

• Drive over the Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon Key
• Spend the Day in Downtown Key West.
• Go on a Sunset Sail.
• Snorkel over coral reefs.
• Sunbathe at Bahia Honda State Park.
• Eat plenty of seafood.
• Explore Dry Tortugas National Park.
• Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Hotels in the Florida Keys

• Ocean’s Edge Resort and Marina  (Key West)
• Gardens Hotel  (Key West)
• Sunset Keys Cottages  (Sunset Key)
• Cheeca Lodge & Spa  (Islamorada)

What to Pack for your Road Trip

Here is a quick list of some items you’ll want to have with you on your East Coast Road Trip. Full road trip packing guide coming soon!

• Packing Cubes
• Charging devices + portable charger
• Antibacterial wipes
• Reusable water bottle
• Trunk organizer
• Travel Neck Pillow + blanket
• First Aid Kit
• A good playlist

Other Ways to Get to Florida

If you want to cut to the chase and get to Florida from New York ASAP, you could fly or take the train instead!

• Time :  The train actually takes around the same amount of time as driving straight through would with only some mini breaks, but will less effort on your part!  (20 hours)
• Price : $130  depending on the time of year and when you buy your ticket.
• Time : About 3 hours
• Price : $250 depending on the time of year and when you buy your ticket.

Thinking about adding New England to your itinerary?

New England consists of six states, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Here are some of the highlights for each. The best time to travel New England is in the fall as the leaves began to change colors and you’ll find all things autumn! But, it’s also beautiful in the summer months which will consist of beach going, hiking and eating outside at seafood shacks.

• Acadia National Park
• Portland Head Lighthouse
• Cadillac Mountain
• Smuggler’s Notch
• Lake Champlain

Massachusetts

•  Mayflower II and Plimoth Plantation
• Whale Watching

Rhode Island

• Newport Cliffs
• Newport Mansions

New Hampshire

• Mount Washington
• Flume Gorge
• Franconia Notch State Park

Connecticut

• Mystic Seaport
• Yale University

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About the author: lauren mcgill.

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This road trip looks so cool! I would love to do it myself! I love all the places you shared on the way down!

I visited Newyork & covered plenty of places, but there are a few places that I wasn’t aware of. I guess I will have to make another trip to check those places. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks so much for reading and hopefully you make it back soon!

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2 Week New York to Florida Family Road Trip Itinerary

Have you and your family dreamed about taking an East Coast road trip, but it hasn’t been possible until now?  

The journey from New York to Florida is filled with fascinating stops along the way, where people of all ages can find something to enjoy. In addition, cities like Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Petersburg, Virginia, hold many cultural, natural, and historical wonders. 

Florida also offers a delightful mix of entertainment, national and state parks , and pristine family beaches.  

It’s time to pull out your calendar app or planner, as we’ll walk you through how to plan your road trip from New York to Orlando, complete with the best attractions and stopping points along your route for this epic US road trip route.  

Distance From NYC to Orlando   

Driving distances calculator new york to florida, best time of year to drive from nyc to florida , new york city, new york (2-3 nights)  , washington, d.c. (2 nights)  , petersburg, va (1 night)  , charleston, sc (3 nights)  , jacksonville, fl (2 nights)  , orlando, fl (3-4 nights)  , adding more of florida to your itinerary, more tips for road tripping from new york to florida .

The shortest distance from New York City to Orlando, Florida, is 1,077 miles, and you make the drive straight through in about 16 hours. So with stops, it’s possible to drive from New York to Orlando in two days (depending on your children, of course!).  

You’ll spend most of your East Coast road trip on I-95 S if you avoid stopping along the way, but we encourage you to make plenty of stops to make the most of your journey to the southeast.  

Stopping regularly along your route allows you and your fellow travelers to go sightseeing, stretch your legs, and avoid too many rounds of “Are we there yet?” We think it’s a winning scenario for everyone! 

How Long Do I Need Driving From NYC To Orlando, Florida?  

You can easily customize your road trip from NYC to Orlando to fit your schedule and allowable days. Take a few weeks to stop along all of the recommended places, or only stop once or twice along the route and spend the bulk of your time in Florida.  

As we mentioned, driving direct in one hit will take about 16 hours – a tough call for any driver to stay awake this long – so we suggest breaking the journey up with several interesting city stops along the way.

2-3 weeks would be an ideal amount of time, splitting your time between NYC, the middle of the route, and key points in Florida to experience everything on offer. 

To help you plot out your route, here are some helpful driving distances between key destinations on the east coast where you could reasonably break up your journey. We’ve also included how long you’ll need to add further destinations in Florida, beyond Orlando:

The weather in Florida is warm year-round due to its subtropical climate. Summer highs range from 75 to 90 degrees. January is the coldest month, but it still averages 74 degrees!  

Winters in New York are another story, so we recommend driving from New York to Florida in the winter, spring, or early summer . You can escape the frigid NYC temperatures, the bulk of the tourist season, and the worst of the summer heat.  

If you do decide to travel during the summer, aim for June. The summer solstice occurs in the third week of June. This means the days will be longer, and you can fit activities – or lounging around – into each of them!  

We will warn you that Florida’s hurricane season is from June to November and peaks from late August to October. You can still visit during this time, but you will likely experience a more humid climate and extra rain showers.  

Our best recommendation for family road trippers traveling to Florida during hurricane season is to keep well-informed. Hurricanes generally don’t just pop up “out of the blue,” so you should be able to get advance warning of whether or not you’ll need to evacuate your location.  

Best Stops On An NYC To Florida Road Trip 

There are so many breathtaking places to see along your road trip from NYC to Florida. New York City itself is a treasure trove of museums, sightseeing opportunities, and must-try restaurants. In addition, the east coast offers countless beaches, million-dollar views, and numerous other roadside stops.  

Then there’s Florida itself – a paradise for nature lovers and those who are just looking for some rest and relaxation in the sun. Of course, you could easily spend most of your days in Orlando, especially if Disney World is your end destination. But we’ll leave that up to you!  

Our goal is for you to use this guide to recommend the best stops on the east coast from New York City to Orlando so that you and your family can make the most out of this fun and exciting adventure.  

Before you begin your drive from New York to Florida, we recommend spending a few nights in New York City. You can spend as much or as little time in the Big Apple as you’d like. This, of course, depends on your finances and the number/ages of your travelers.  

If you’re planning on staying a few nights in the city, we have a few family-friendly hotel options to suggest. The Belvedere Hotel is one of the most affordable and is close to Times Square, Broadway, and many restaurants. The New Yorker by Wyndham is another option with friendly staff and bicycle rentals nearby.  

You could easily spend a month exploring NYC, as it’s such a vast and fascinating city! However, we suggest choosing a few more popular sightseeing opportunities for your brief stay instead of cramming too much into each day.  

A brief NYC itinerary you could take a stroll through Central Park , marvel at the wonders of the Natural History Museum , or enjoy a Broadway show. Of course, visiting the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan is a must, and everyone needs a ferry boat ride from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty.  

• Check out our guide to all the best FREE things you can do with the kids in NYC !

Now its time to grab your wheels as we hit the road heading south on the I-95 for our east coast road trip adventure!

NB – if you’re flying in and starting your east coast trip from NYC, don’t grab your rental car until you’re ready to head south! Use public transport, taxis or ride-share apps to get around in NYC

Distance from NYC to Washington, DC: 4 hours/229 miles  

Your first stop after New York City is Washington, DC , and there are so many exciting places for families to explore. Kids will love the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute , and Beauvoir Outdoors Playground is an excellent area for young children to burn off some pent-up energy.  

There are many museums to explore as well, such as the International Spy Museum . This museum is filled with special spy equipment, and your kids can learn all about the fascinating spies throughout history. There are also special programs for kids under 10, where they can complete their own secret mission!  

We can’t leave out favorites like the National Museum of American History and the United States Botanic Garden . And, of course, glimpsing the White House and the US Capitol are in amongst the best things to do in D.C.! We recommend making a list with your kids and letting each person choose their favorite – this may help narrow down your options.  

Hotel stays in DC are a little on the expensive side, but we’ve found that the Embassy Suites by Hilton , Hampton Inn , and Holiday Inn are more reasonably priced chain options in good locations.

For restaurants, you must try 2 Amys if you’re craving a slice of authentic Neopolitan pizza. Are your kids up for catching grilled pieces of steak with their mouths? Then Sakura Japanese Steak Seafood House may be just the ticket.  

• With a longer itinerary you could also squeeze in a stop for a night or two in Philadelphia -packed full of history and plenty of free attractions, Independence Hall and seeing the Liberty Bell are a right of must for any American child!

Distance from Washington, DC to Petersburg, VA: 2 hours 15minutes/229 miles  

The shorter drive from Washington, DC, to Petersburg gives you a bit of a breather towards the middle of your New York to Florida drive. This also allows you to spend a bit more time in the area, as there are many fun family activities to experience! 

Petersburg is just an hour’s drive from Colonial Williamsburg , one of the most fascinating historical attractions in the United States. However, deciding where to go in Williamsburg can be overwhelming, so we suggest choosing an interest-based itinerary on their website, such as “family fun” or “first-timers.”  

Check out the Petersburg National Battlefield Park if you’d like to stay closer to Petersburg. This historical site marks where the Siege of Petersburg took place, and the area has many well-maintained trails to explore. If you’re traveling by car, there’s also a 33-mile scenic driving tour in Virginia where you can visit 13 different historical sites.  

History lovers will also love Petersburg’s National Museum of the Civil War , a 25,000 square feet facility known as one of the best Civil War Museums in the United States. Filled with interactive exhibits, it’s a great place where visitors can learn what life was like for a Civil War soldier.  

• If time in your itinerary allows, you could add an overnight stop in North Carolina too. Rayleigh is a great family-friendly city stop, or try Fayetteville, we love the fascinating Airborne and Special Operations Museum , or stroll the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Beach lovers could take the scenic route and add a night or two in Wilmington or Myrtle Beach if you take the coastal road route through the Carolinas

Distance from Petersburg, VA to Charleston, SC: 6 hours/402 miles  

Charleston is up next on our New York to Florida road trip itinerary, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s a beautiful city with a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and natural sites to get out and explore.  

• Extend your road trip through South Carolina with these ideas

Children of all ages will love the South Carolina Aquarium , which allows visitors to get up close and personal with thousands of creatures. You could easily spend a full day enjoying hundreds of species of birds, sharks, turtles, and alligators.

There are also several educational programs, and children can feel different sea animals in the Touch Tank and even feed stingrays! Families with young children should also check out the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry , which is essentially a giant interactive playground!  

If you’re searching for outdoor activities, visiting the Angel Oak on John’s Island is a must. This magical-looking tree is over 400 years old and is the largest living organism east of the Mississippi River. It’s truly a sight to behold.

History buffs will love Magnolia Plantation and Gardens , one of America’s oldest and most eye-catching public gardens. There’s even a petting zoo and Nature Train!  

• Another itinerary option to add here is an overnight stay or rest stop in Savannah, Georgia

Distance from Charleston, SC to Jacksonville, FL: 3 hours 40 minutes/238 miles  

Congratulate yourselves! You’ve made it from New York to the state of Florida –  not an easy thing to do with kids! Spend the first night in Jacksonville, a fun city with tons of water activities, shopping options, and outdoor entertainment.  

Your children will definitely want to cool off in the water, and Jacksonville has 22 miles of beaches, rivers, and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Spend a few hours fishing and swimming at Jacksonville Beach, or take the whole family to the Adventure Landing Waterpark . Most areas are pet-friendly and have fresh seafood restaurants and local boutiques nearby.  

Jacksonville has several other fun family attractions besides its beaches and water parks. It also has several top museums, art, history, and cultural tours, and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events , where you can drive high-speed Go Karts and even try axe throwing!  

Jacksonville also has many family-friendly restaurants, such as the Bearded Pig . This mouthwatering BBQ joint offers an extensive kid-friendly menu while the adults get to savor their own selection. There’s also Clark’s Fish Camp , which houses America’s largest private taxidermy collection and a tank full of live alligators!  

• Take your time heading down the Florida coast; Amelia Island is another favorite first-stop in Florida, and a stop in at the historic city of St. Augustine is a must!

Distance from Jacksonville, FL to Orlando, FL: 2 hours, 14 minutes/140 miles  

If Orlando is your final destination, congrats! If not, keep right on exploring. It’s wise to spend at least three days in Orlando, as many family-friendly activities are available. This is also the final leg of your trip before returning home, so you want to make the most of it!  

Without a doubt, the largest family attractions in Orlando are the giant theme parks Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando . You could easily spend your entire time at one or the other, especially with all the shows, events, and rides on offer. Of course, this entirely depends on your preferences, finances, and patience!  

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium is also a popular family-friendly activity in Orlando with youngsters. You could also spend a few hours with crocodiles and alligators at Gatorland , where the largest collection of white leucistic alligators live. There’s also a zipline, aviary, and petting zoo on the grounds, so it’s perfect for kids of all ages.  

Another must-see attraction is Madame Tussauds Wax Museum , a tourist favorite. Take selfies next to your favorite wax personality, and you can enjoy the entire experience in about an hour. After a long day of sightseeing, cool off in the tranquil blue waters of Kelly Park . It’s a popular place to camp, swim, or go inner tubing.  

Accommodation options in Orlando are almost endless! For a longer stay your could try a VRBO property in Orlando, whilst for short theme park visits, it can make sense financially to bundle your accommodation and tickets and stay at an on-site hotel.

• Do be aware of exorbitant parking costs in Orlando, everywhere! If you are tackling this road trip as a one way journey, ditch the car once you get to Orlando; you’ll find using shuttles or ride share like Uber or Lyft cheaper than daily rental + parking fees.

Whilst Orlando is often the end destination for many Florida road trips, there’s plenty more to explore around the state. If time will allow and you can head further around FL, why not check out next:

• The drive from Miami to Key West along the Florida Keys is truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world you need to try once in your life! Some great stops include Everglades National Park and Key Largo.
• More to Florida than just the A1A! Check out all these incredible scenic drives in Florida to explore the beauty and diversity of the Sunshine State.
• An easy side trip to Orlando is a day out at Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center – you may even be able to catch a live launch!
• Combine a trip to Orlando with a Florida beach vacation – these are the best beaches in Florida close to Disney & Orlando that will make an easy addition to this east coast road trip.
• Are you visiting during the Florida sunflower season (its very different to NY!)? Why not add one of these colorful sunflower farms near Miami to your itinerary
• Pack as much of your own food, snacks , and bottled water as possible for your drive. That way, you’re not spending much besides stopping for gas and coffee.  
• Road-tripping with toddlers and young children can be rough! Pack games and activities to keep them as happy and occupied as possible.  
• Whether driving your regular vehicle, renting one, or taking an RV or camper, make sure you check everything mechanically before starting your NYC to Florida road trip.  
• As there are several major cities on our list, we highly recommend you avoid rush hour as this will add significantly to your journey times; It’s a good idea to set out super early each day or wait until morning peak hour has passed and try arrive at your next destination before the evening rush.
• Bugs are a part of life in the southern states, especially the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. So take plenty of bug spray and bite treatment with you. 
• Use a tool like Google Maps to plan out your itinerary and plan for tolls – many of them along the east coast only accept cash.  
• Never forget an important road trip item again! Use our Ultimate Family Road Trip checklist to prepare for your journey. 

© Family Road Trip

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Driving from New York to Florida – The Perfect USA East Coast Road Trip

Table of Contents

Going on family road trips is an awesome way to connect with loved ones and experience unseen locations and stunning nature to the fullest. How awesome would it be if you get to take such a road trip across two of the giant metropolitan wonders of cities in the current world, surpassing some of the greatest sceneries and sights of the world held in between them?

Well, when you are driving from New York to Florida you will experience that unique road trip of a lifetime!

Well then, suit up! We are about to go on a road trip starting from New York to Florida, guaranteed to leave you with a bunch of mesmerizing memories and give you a time totally worth the ride.

Ps. If you are interested in traveling west or north, make sure to check out this New York road trip itinerary from Kelly at Travel New York Now!

Renting a car in New York

A good preparation is half the battle. Therefore, I recommend you book your RV or Motorhome here   and receive the best road trip vehicle with a great discount. They allow you to easily book your rental RV and Motorhome by comparing 100s of international rental companies so you can get the best deal possible!

USA East Coast Road Trip – The Route

A road trip from the Big Apple to the city of Florida will be a rather long ride of approximately 2000 km (1250 miles). It will pass some of the most iconic cities of the Unites States of America, such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Petersburg, Jacksonville, Orlando till you eventually reach your final destination at Florida.

Naturally, you will encounter heavy traffic at certain parts of the trip. Especially at highway exits, traffic lights and due to town speed limits at major cities. My suggestion would be to rise early and to hit the road before the heavy traffic starts.

While the rest of the world sleeps, you will be enjoying a smoothing ride through some of the most the wonderful sceneries. This will save you a lot of frustration, trust me!

Things to do in New York | Day 1

Let’s start our road trip from the modern-day wonder city, the world-famous glamorous New York City. Well it goes without saying that it is a must you enjoy the extravagant culture of the New York city. And what better way is there to experience that than going out in the city to visit some of its iconic standpoints. Yes, it is time to go full-tourist mode on this one and check out some great things to do in New York City!

Traveling on a budget?

No worries – our friends at Beyond My Door wrote an excellent blog post on free things to do in New York City ! Go check it out! 🙂

Iconic landmarks of New York

While it is nearly impossible to cover this city in just a matter of days, I would suggest you to spend at least 5 days in the city to actually visit its places and have a wonderful time. Few mandatory landmarks that you have got to cover are;

The Empire State Building

Welcome to the world-famous Empire State Building. Located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, our 86th and 102nd floor observatories provide unforgettable 360° views of New York City and beyond. Whether you’re in town for a week or a day, no visit to NYC is complete without experiencing the top of the Empire State Building.

Opening times Empire State Building :

8 Am to 2 AM

Price of tickets:

To visit the top-deck adults pay $37 and children pay $31

The National 9/11 Memorial Site & Museum

Through commemoration, exhibitions and educational programs, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a nonprofit in New York City, remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks.

Openingtimes National 9/11 Memorial Site & Museum:

Memorial:  Open Daily 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Museum:  Open Daily Sunday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (6 p.m. last entry)

Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (7 p.m. last entry)

adults pay $24 and children pay $15

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The  Metropolitan Museum  of Art is one of the world’s largest and finest art  museums . Its collection includes more than two million works of art spanning five thousand years of world culture, from prehistory to the present and from every part of the globe.

Openingtimes Metropolitan Museum of Art:

10 AM – 9PM

General admission is $25 for adults; $17 for seniors; $12 for students; and free for Members, Patrons, and children under 12.

Statue of Liberty

The  Statue of Liberty   was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.Experience the beauty and splendor of New York City aboard the Statue of Liberty ferry. Tour the grounds of Liberty Island and take the perfect photo of Lady Liberty.

25$ for adults and for children 16$

Once you cover these iconic landmarks, let’s begin the road trip.

What to see in Philadelphia | Day

The first major city you will come across on your journey to Florida from NY, would be Philadelphia. It is the largest city of Pennsylvania and known for its rich history. Make sure you visit the iconic sites famed based on the American Revolutionary fights such as the Liberty bell and the Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. Further to those, make sure you get a good peak at Philadelphia Museum of Arts and get a stunning view at the Fairmount Park. If not, you may even visit the Barnes Foundation, if you’re into French paintings from the 19 th and 20 th centuries.

The Zoo and the Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, captivating with the mosaic arts, are never to be missed sites as well. Rocky steps is a must go too.

Places to visit in Baltimore | Day

Your stop for the day would be at Baltimore. Should you have time on the day 1 to dedicate to Baltimore, make sure you start with the Maryland Science Center , given you are every bit of a science nerd like myself. 😉

The museum is located in the Baltimore Harbor which is an excellent location as the marina offers some of the best places to eat in Baltimore. Here you can find the Top 10 Best Restaurants of Baltimore Harbour .

If you do not have time on the day 1, please make sure to rise early on the second day, to make the most out of it. National Aquarium Of Baltimore , Fort McHenry , The Maryland Zoo,  Walters Art Museum are a few such sites, which may be categorized as must see items and added to you bucket list.

48 hours in Washington | Day

Make sure to check out the National Mall and the most iconic of towers, the Washington Monument which is an absolute must. The White House , the Smithsonian Institution , memorials such as the one for Korean War heroes and the one for Martin Luther King Jr. are sites you need to check out and enjoy as well. Spend time in Washington, take a walk in the busy city and get yourself accustomed to this great city.

While it will be rather impossible for you to cover all these in one day, make sure you plan and prioritize the things you would actually want to see depending on your likenesses. And how knows? You might run into the president himself!

Interested in more local road trips? Check out this fantastic blog post about mini road trips from DC !

Till Rocky Mount | Day

After departure from Washington, you will get through Richmond and Petersburg. You will get to deviate a bit more from the typical city lifestyle as you move towards Petersburg and immerse in its traditional village environment. You may enjoy the Blandford Church and the Pamplin Historical Park. Not to mention, this is a perfect hideout if you choose to cut yourself off from all the chaos in the modern world. Stop by Rocky Mount, which will again sum up the end of a perfect day, with an evening by the Sunset Park, overlooking the city lake.

Via Jacksonville to Florida | Day

Back on the road, Jacksonville will present you with another interesting set of items to explore as well. Big Talbot Island State Park will be a wonderful sight for the eyes, which I can personally attest to, having seeing its scenic beauty, with sandy beaches and clear waters for a perfect camping night.

You will also have to check out the Little Talbot Island which will also present sights to remember. This is in addition to the Catty Chack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Once you are passing Orlando, on your way to Florida, ensure to stop by Disney Theme parks Complex, truly a marvel where you can possibly reconnect with your inner child.

If you have time for a small detour – You might even want to do a helicopter tour in Miami !

Check out this Top 20 things to do with kids in Florida article for more information

Finally, you will reach Florida. Your options of things to try out in Florida will be a huge list, which will surely need some narrowing down, based on your preferences and selections, as the list of activities will vary from theme parks, to visiting the Kennedy Space Center, to inshore fishing to even famous helicopter rides.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed this blog post :  Driving from New York to Florida – The Perfect USA East Coast Road Trip.

If you have any questions or remarks please leave a comment below and if you enjoyed this article you can also subscribe to our amazing road trip newsletter.

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4 thoughts on “ Driving from New York to Florida – The Perfect USA East Coast Road Trip ”

Thank you for this review. My friends and I are going to go on a trip to our rental car in the summer, and it would be useful for us to know about such places. Good luck

You are most welcome, Dylan. Have fun. 🙂

It seems very adventure and we also going there next week. But we tried to book a bike but not available right now. so we all about to go with private car. Hope everything would be ok and according to our needs. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! Yes, renting a car would be best! 🙂

Comments are closed.

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What’s the best driving route from New York to Florida?

Road trip from New York to Florida

If you’re driving from New York to Florida, you’re in for a treat! The east coast of the United States is packed full of history, scenic routes and breath-taking Atlantic Ocean views. Whether you’re planning an east coast road trip or moving from north to south, you’ll want to make the most of your drive. We’ve mapped out the best route for you to take to experience all the sights and activities a drive from New York to Florida has to offer.

Which route should I take?​

We think the best way to drive to Florida from New York is by taking  Interstate 95 South , and here’s why:

• It’s the most direct route to central and southern Florida
• It passes through nine states and these major historic cities: Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Williamsburg, Charleston and Savannah
• It has beautiful ocean views near coastal towns like Jacksonville and Daytona Beach

Driving from NY to FL

What’s the distance​.

While the distance will depend on your exact location and destination, you can get a pretty good idea of how far you’ll drive by using a major city as a point of reference. Here's time and travel info if you’re coming from New York City:

• To Daytona Beach, approximately 1,070 miles, or a little over 2 days
• To Destin, approximately 1,261 miles, or almost 2.5 days
• To Fort Lauderdale, approximately 1,263, miles or almost 2.5 days
• To Jacksonville, approximately 937 miles, or almost 2 days
• To Key West, approximately 1,440 miles, or almost 3 days
• To Miami, approximately 1,283 miles, or more than 2.5 days
• To Orlando, approximately 1,078 miles, or a little over 2 days
• To Panama City Beach, approximately 1,206 miles, or almost 2.5 days
• To Pensacola, approximately 1,238 miles, or almost 2.5 days
• To Petersburg, approximately 1,157 miles, or a little over 2 days
• To Tallahassee, approximately 1,098 miles, or a little over 2 days
• To Tampa, approximately 1,133 miles, or almost 2.5 days

Note:  One day equals 8 hours of driving.

If you want to take time for sightseeing, add a few more days to your trip. Here are some route ideas to help you plan:

Itinerary 1: Going to Disney!

Disney World is the perfect vacation spot for children of all ages. Explore the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom Park for the ultimate Disney experience. Purchase some souvenirs at World of Disney to remember this trip for years to come.

You’ll probably want to take the fastest route to Florida — your favorite characters are waiting to meet you! Here’s the quickest way to get to Orlando from New York:

• Travel from NYC to Rocky Mount, NC
• Spend the night in Rocky Mount (night 1)
• Travel to Orlando, FL the next day (this might be a little longer drive than 8 hours)

Total travel time: 2 days, 1 night

Itinerary 2: Visiting The Big Guava (Tampa’s nickname)

Heading toward Tampa? It’s an animal lover’s paradise. Check out the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center, Big Cat Rescue, and Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo to see Florida’s marine life and wildlife up close. Here’s the best route to take from New York:

• Leave from NYC
• Spend the night in Rocky Mount, NC (night 1)
• Travel to Jacksonville, FL and stay overnight (night 2)
• Go through Starke, past Ocala on I-75, or stay on I-95 and go through Orlando, past Lakeland

Total travel time: 3 days, 2 nights

Itinerary 3: American History excursion

If you’re a history buff, take this route on your way to Florida:

• Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island before leaving NYC
• Stop by Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
• Spend the night in Philadelphia (night 1)
• See Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore
• Spend the night just outside of Washington D.C. in Greenbelt, MD (night 2)
• Spend a couple of days in Washington D.C. and visit sites like the U.S. Capitol, The White House, Arlington National Cemetery, the Library of Congress, Lincoln Memorial, the National Museum of American History, the National Mall, Washington Monument, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial (night 3 and 4)
• Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate in Mount Vernon, VA
• Stop in Williamsburg to experience the Jamestown Settlement Museum, Yorktown Victory Center and Colonial Williamsburg (night 5)
• Travel to Fayetteville, NC, and tour the Airborne and Special Operations Museum (night 6)
• Drive to Savannah, GA and stroll through the historic district to see mansions, monuments and other sites from the Civil War and Revolutionary eras
• Spend the night in Savannah, then travel to your final destination in Florida (night 7)

Total travel time: 8 days, 7 nights

Alternative driving routes

While we think I-95 is the best route, here are a few other ways to travel from New York to Florida.

Tour the Florida panhandle

If your final destination is Destin, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Tallahassee or somewhere else within the Florida panhandle, you can take I-81 out of New York. You’ll travel through Harrisburg, PA, Roanoke, VA, Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA. Here are some places to stop if you’re panhandle-bound:

• Travel to Roanoke, VA
• Spend the night in Roanoke (night 1)
• Stop in Newnan, GA and spend the night (night 2)
• Travel to your destination in the panhandle

Ocean views all the way

You can drive the entire coastline and catch gorgeous ocean views from NYC all the way to Key West via I-95 and Route 1. Towns you’ll pass through or near include: Atlantic City, Virginia Beach, Kitty Hawk, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Miami and Key Largo.

Big city bypass

To avoid big city traffic in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C., swing west and travel through Allentown, Harrisburg, Roanoke and Charlotte. And then meet back up with I-95 northwest of Charleston, SC.  

Historic route

Want to go off the beaten path? Travel through Historic Route 1 to your Floridian destination. It’s the oldest highway serving the entire east coast, stretching from Maine to Florida. The states and cities you’ll pass through are:

• New York:  Port Chester, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Union City
• New Jersey:  Linden, North Brunswick Township, Trenton
• Pennsylvania:  Langhorne Manor, Upper Darby, Oxford
• Maryland:  Baltimore, Laurel, College Park
• Washington D.C.
• Virginia:  Alexandria, Mt. Vernon, Fredericksburg, Doswell, Richmond, Dinwiddie, South Hill
• North Carolina:  Henderson, Raleigh, Sanford, Rockingham
• South Carolina:  Columbia, Aiken
• Georgia:  Augusta, Swainsboro, Waycross, Folkston
• Florida:  Callahan, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Key Largo, Key West

Map your own route

If none of these  alternative routes spark your interest, map your own! Whether you choose to take the most direct route or do a little wandering,  Google Maps  and  Roadtrippers.com  are great resources to help you plan.

And to help you stay organized while traveling, check out our  guide on how to plan a road trip during your move .

Other attractions along the way

No matter which route you take, there are plenty of things to do on the way to Florida! Be sure to check out these attractions along  I-95 :

• Hadrosauraus Park in Haddonfield, NJ
• Delaware Memorial Bridge in New Castle, DE
• Huge Doctor Bag in Newark, DE
• NASA Goddard Visitor Center in Greenbelt, MD
• National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA
• Kings Dominion and Planet Snoopy in Doswell, VA
• Largest Tire in the World in North Blandboro, NC
• Mars Bluff Atomic Bomb Crater in Mars Bluff, SC
• UFO Welcome Center in Bowman, SC
• Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum in Tybee Island, GA
• Museum of Science and Space History in Jacksonville, FL
• Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL
• Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, FL

And for  I-81  travelers, check out these cool tourist locations:

• Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, PA
• National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA
• Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, VA
• Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, VA
• Dinosaur Land in White Post, VA
• The Crockett Tavern Museum In Morristown, TN

What’s the best time of year to drive from New York to Florida?

Driving from New York to Florida is a great trip year-round. Just be sure to consider the weather during the season you plan to travel. The east coast experiences hurricanes during the summer and into fall, snow storms during the winter and severe storms throughout the spring. We recommend using the  National Weather Service  map and the  National Hurricane Center  activity map as resources when planning your trip.

How much should I budget for gas?

Gas expenses depend on the vehicle you’re driving and how long you’re on the road. You can use the  My Trip Calculator  from fueleconomy.gov to estimate the cost.

Do I need money for road tolls?

This depends on the route you take. If your route takes you through New Jersey, Delaware or Maryland, be sure to have spare change or some extra cash in the car.

What are the best places to eat at along the way?

The east coast is packed full of great places to eat, and you can bet that fresh seafood is always available. If the road you’re traveling is near these iconic eats, be sure to stop by:

• A cheesesteak in Philadelphia
• Crab cakes in Baltimore
• Half smokes in Washington D.C. (a sausage that’s half pork and half beef)
• Southern comfort fare in Savannah
• Stone crab legs in Miami

Where should we sleep?

After a full day of driving and exploring, you’ll be ready for a good night’s rest. Try to find a hotel on the outskirts of a big city for cheaper rates. And, if possible, plan your stays in advance so you aren’t without a room at the end of the day. If hotels aren’t your style, try a bed and breakfast or sleep under the stars at a  local campground .  

Moving from New York to Florida?

If your trip from the Empire State to the Sunshine State involves a move, try  U-Pack ® ! As a self-moving service, we’ll help make your long distance move easy and affordable.

We’re here to help — just leave a comment below. Happy travels!

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• Travel Destinations
• United States

Where Should I Stop On A Road Trip From New York To Florida?

Published: November 26, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Binni Martino

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Embarking on a road trip from New York to Florida is an exciting adventure that offers a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re driving alone, with friends, or with family, this journey allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of the eastern United States. From iconic cities to charming small towns, there are countless stops along the way that will make your road trip an unforgettable experience.

As you hit the open road, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful states of Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and finally, the Sunshine State of Florida. Each state has its own unique attractions, landmarks, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or food enthusiast, there’s something for everyone on this epic road trip route. So buckle up, roll the windows down, and let’s dive into the must-see destinations on your journey from the Big Apple to the Sunshine State.

Popular Stops in Pennsylvania

As you start your road trip from New York, your first stop in Pennsylvania will be a treat for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. One of the most iconic destinations in the state is Gettysburg, known for the historic Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. Take a guided tour of the battlefield, visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, and gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.

Another must-visit spot in Pennsylvania is Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence. Explore the historic district, home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and walk in the footsteps of the founding fathers. Don’t miss the opportunity to devour a classic Philly cheesesteak at one of the city’s renowned cheesesteak joints.

If you’re looking to escape the city and connect with nature, head to the stunning Pocono Mountains. Here you can indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing, depending on the season. Enjoy the breathtaking views, serene lakes, and charming small towns nestled in the mountains.

For those seeking a dose of artistic inspiration, a visit to Pittsburgh is a must. Known as the Steel City, Pittsburgh has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods, visit the Andy Warhol Museum, and catch a show at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts.

Before you leave Pennsylvania, make a stop in Hershey, the sweetest place on earth. Immerse yourself in the chocolate lover’s paradise by visiting Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and indulge in some delicious Hershey’s chocolate treats.

Whether you’re delving into history, exploring nature, or satisfying your sweet tooth, Pennsylvania offers a variety of popular stops that will enrich your road trip experience.

Must-See Attractions in Washington, D.C.

As you make your way from Pennsylvania to the next stop on your road trip, the nation’s capital awaits you with its rich history and iconic landmarks. Washington, D.C., is a city brimming with cultural and historical significance, offering visitors a plethora of must-see attractions.

No trip to Washington, D.C., would be complete without a visit to the National Mall, a vast green space that stretches from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Stroll along the mall and explore the numerous Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Another essential stop is the Washington Monument, an impressive obelisk that stands as a symbol of the nation’s capital. Take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of the cityscape, or enjoy a picnic in the surrounding grounds.

A visit to the White House, the official residence of the President of the United States, is a must-see. While public access to the building’s interior is limited, the iconic view of the White House from outside is still awe-inspiring. Snap a photo in front of the iron fence and imagine the historic events that have unfolded within those walls.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the United States Capitol Building, where Congress meets. Take a guided tour and explore the stunning architecture, historic chambers, and the iconic Rotunda.

For art enthusiasts, a visit to the National Gallery of Art is a must. This world-class art museum houses an extensive collection of masterpieces, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and many others.

As you explore the city, make sure to visit the iconic memorials dedicated to great leaders and historical moments. Reflect at the Lincoln Memorial, pay tribute to veterans at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and honor the sacrifices made at the World War II Memorial.

Washington, D.C., offers a wealth of landmarks and attractions that showcase the nation’s history and culture. Take your time to absorb the significance of these sites and make lasting memories on your road trip.

Exploring the Charm of Virginia

As you continue driving south on your road trip from New York to Florida, you’ll enter the picturesque state of Virginia, known for its stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and rich history. Virginia offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and culinary experiences that will captivate any traveler.

If you’re a fan of history, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg is a must. Step back in time to the colonial era and explore the living history museum, where costumed interpreters reenact life in 18th-century Virginia. Don’t miss the chance to visit Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Battlefield to complete your journey through early American history.

For a taste of natural beauty, Shenandoah National Park is a gem worth exploring. Drive along the scenic Skyline Drive, hike the numerous trails that wind through the park, and be sure to stop at picturesque viewpoints to marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Virginia is also home to some vibrant cities. One such city is Richmond, the state capital, which houses an impressive array of historic sites, including the Virginia State Capitol and St. John’s Church. Take a stroll along the vibrant Carytown district, known for its eclectic shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

Head to Norfolk, a coastal city with a vibrant art scene and a rich naval history. Explore the Nauticus museum, take a harbor cruise, and visit the Battleship Wisconsin, a retired naval battleship that now serves as a museum.

If you’re a wine lover, a visit to the vineyards and wineries of Virginia’s wine country is a must. The rolling hills of the Virginia countryside are dotted with award-winning wineries that offer tastings, tours, and breathtaking views.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Virginia Beach, a popular coastal destination known for its pristine beaches and vibrant boardwalk. Relax on the sandy shores, indulge in delicious seafood, and soak up the sun as you unwind from your road trip adventures.

Virginia truly encompasses the charm of the South, with its blend of history, nature, and hospitality. Take your time to explore this beautiful state and create lasting memories on your New York to Florida road trip.

Experiencing the Carolinas

As you journey further south on your road trip from New York to Florida, you’ll have the pleasure of exploring the captivating Carolinas. North Carolina and South Carolina offer a blend of stunning coastal scenery, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.

One iconic destination in North Carolina is the Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands renowned for their beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and charming coastal towns. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, where the first powered flight took place, and explore the impressive Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Another must-see in North Carolina is Asheville, a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its artistic community and stunning architecture, Asheville offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. Visit the Biltmore Estate, a grand mansion with beautiful gardens, or explore the vibrant downtown area with its lively arts scene and diverse culinary offerings.

As you cross into South Carolina, make a stop in Charleston, often regarded as one of the most charming cities in the United States. Walk along the historic cobblestone streets, admire the colorful antebellum mansions, and experience the city’s rich history on a guided tour. Don’t miss the chance to savor some authentic Southern cuisine while enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.

If you’re a nature lover, a trip to Congaree National Park is a must. Located in South Carolina, this national park is home to one of the largest expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States. Explore the trails, paddle along the Congaree River, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this unique natural wonder.

The Carolinas are also known for their picturesque coastal towns. Beaufort, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina, are both worth a visit. Stroll along the waterfront, admire the well-preserved architecture, and learn about the rich maritime history of these charming towns.

Whether you’re exploring the stunning beaches, connecting with history, or indulging in Southern hospitality, the Carolinas offer a delightful mix of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. Take your time to explore and immerse yourself in the charm of these unforgettable states.

Historic Landmarks in Georgia

As you venture further south on your road trip from New York to Florida, the enchanting state of Georgia awaits with its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Georgia is home to a plethora of historic landmarks that offer a glimpse into the past and showcase the state’s significance in American history.

One of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Georgia is the historic city of Savannah. Take a leisurely stroll through the Savannah Historic District, known for its beautifully preserved architecture and picturesque squares. Immerse yourself in Southern charm as you explore the cobblestone streets, visit historic homes, and revel in the vibrant atmosphere.

Another must-visit destination in Georgia is the city of Atlanta. Dive into the Civil Rights Movement at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which includes the civil rights leader’s childhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Explore the Atlanta History Center to learn about the city’s rich past, including the Civil War and the birth of the Coca-Cola Company.

No visit to Georgia would be complete without a trip to Stone Mountain, a massive quartz monolith in Stone Mountain Park. Marvel at the intricate carvings on the mountainside, depicting Confederate Civil War heroes, and take the Summit Skyride for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

For lovers of American literature, a visit to the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home in Savannah is a must. This museum dedicated to the celebrated Southern author allows visitors to learn about O’Connor’s life and works in the house where she spent her childhood.

As you travel through Georgia, make a stop in Augusta, home to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. Take a boat tour along the historic canal and learn about its role in the region’s industrial development. Don’t forget to visit the Augusta Museum of History to delve further into the city’s past.

Lastly, head to the coastal city of Saint Simons Island. Explore the historic district, visit the stunning St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Georgia is a treasure trove of historic landmarks that will transport you to different eras of American history. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Savannah or diving into civil rights history in Atlanta, the state offers an immersive and educational experience for all history enthusiasts.

Sunshine State: Florida’s Top Destinations

As you near the end of your road trip from New York to Florida, prepare to bask in the sunshine and explore the incredible destinations that Florida has to offer. Known as the Sunshine State, Florida is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and a wide array of attractions that cater to every traveler’s interests.

Start your Florida adventure in Miami, a bustling metropolis that offers a vibrant mix of cultures, beautiful beaches, and a thriving nightlife scene. Visit the iconic South Beach, stroll along the Art Deco Historic District, and indulge in the diverse culinary scene that Miami is renowned for.

Next, venture into the vibrant city of Orlando, which offers a perfect blend of theme parks, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Spend a day at Walt Disney World Resort, explore Universal Orlando Resort, or visit SeaWorld Orlando for an unforgettable day of fun and adventure.

If you’re a nature lover, head to the Everglades National Park, a unique and diverse ecosystem that is home to an abundance of wildlife. Take an airboat tour through the swamps, spot alligators, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As you make your way to the Gulf Coast, stop by Tampa Bay. Explore the historic Ybor City, visit the renowned Salvador Dali Museum, and enjoy the stunning waterfront views along the Tampa Riverwalk.

Continue your journey to the Gulf of Mexico and discover the beauty of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches, soak up the sunshine, and take a sunset cruise along the coast.

One of Florida’s most iconic destinations is the Florida Keys. Drive along the scenic Overseas Highway, explore the unique coral reefs through snorkeling or scuba diving, and experience the laid-back island vibes that can only be found in this tropical paradise.

The last stop on your Florida road trip should be the vibrant city of Miami, where you can explore the colorful neighborhoods of Little Havana and Wynwood, visit world-class museums like the Pérez Art Museum Miami, and enjoy the energetic nightlife that the city is famous for.

Florida offers a diverse range of experiences, from thrilling theme parks to serene coastal getaways. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the Sunshine State has something for everyone to enjoy.

Congratulations! You’ve just completed an exciting road trip from New York to Florida, exploring the diverse and captivating destinations along the way. From historic landmarks to stunning landscapes, this journey has allowed you to immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty of the eastern United States.

Starting from the historic landmarks of Pennsylvania and the must-see attractions in Washington, D.C., to experiencing the charm of Virginia and exploring the Carolinas, each stop has added its own unique flavor to your road trip adventure. Georgia’s historic landmarks have left a lasting impression, while the Sunshine State of Florida has provided a perfect ending with its top destinations and sun-drenched beaches.

Throughout the trip, you’ve experienced the thriving cities, marveled at iconic landmarks, soaked up the beauty of national parks, and indulged in the delicious cuisine that each state has to offer. From the bustling streets of Miami to the tranquil natural landscapes, each destination has offered a new and exciting experience.

Whether you’ve been captivated by the rich history of Gettysburg, delighted by the cultural scene in Washington, D.C., charmed by the southern hospitality in Georgia, mesmerized by the beauty of the Carolinas, or enchanted by the sunny shores of Florida, this road trip has provided a truly unforgettable adventure.

As you reflect on the memories made during this incredible journey, you can now appreciate the diverse landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities that make up the eastern part of the United States. Each destination has added its own unique character and has allowed you to deepen your understanding of the rich history and culture of this region.

So, whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking unforgettable experiences, this road trip from New York to Florida has offered a diverse range of attractions and destinations to satisfy every traveler’s interests. Cherish the memories made, and remember, there are always more adventures waiting to be discovered on the open road.

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Best Tips for your New York to Florida Drive

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Every once in a while, I get some crazy idea that actually comes to fruition. I mean I always have crazy ideas floating around in my head, but sometimes they actually turn into a fun adventure! Like when I decided we do that New York to Florida drive. And back of course!

Because, why not? Right.

No seriously, this trip was super fun and an awesome adventure! And we saved a ton of money by driving. I know many families do this road trip – from New York or the Northeast down to Disney , Universal Orlando or other parts of Florida. So, I am so excited to share my guide to help you plan your New York to Florida drive!

Best Tips for Your New York to Florida Drive

JUNE 2020 UPDATE : Considering driving from New York (or the tri-state area) to Florida in the time of COVID-19? We just did it – and here is my post all about road tripping during the coronavirus pandemic , and what crossing into Florida looked like (spoiler – there was no checkpoint looking for random NY’ers on our drive down).

Why do the New York to Florida Drive?

Driving to Florida is long. From our house on Long Island, to my parent’s condo in North Naples, it is exactly 1,285 miles. Google maps predicts around 20 hours if you drive straight through.

Of course you could totally take your time! A 21-day road trip from New York to Orlando sounds divine!

I have done this drive two other times, in my pre-kid days. This winter’s voyage was the first time we did the drive as a family and the longest road trip my kids (age 6 & 9) have been on. In the end it was so worth it as we arrived in our favorite spot in Florida – Naples has the best beaches , great outdoor dining and so many unique things to do.

I will start by saying, we did have a great time. The kids were super well behaved on the drive and it honestly went better than I expected. I should also preface this article by saying I love to drive. I am fairly convinced I missed my calling as a long-haul truck driver. And I am the only driver in my family.

Yes, the entire 2,600-mile round trip drive was done completely by me.

Which I probably wouldn’t have any other way. Hubby does not drive, and he only rode with us on the way down. Because he had to return to work, he flew back home from Ft. Myers , and we stayed another week in Florida and then four days in North Carolina .

Now I do love driving, but this trip, especially with one driver, takes time. Let’s be honest, you can fly from New York to Florida in under three hours! So, driving down is not something I plan on doing every time we head south. But for this particular trip, driving made a lot of sense.

CHECK OUT MY BEST TIPS FOR SURVIVING LONG HAUL FLIGHTS

My kids had off from school for President’s week, which most schools in the Northeast do. We always use this February break to head to Naples , to get some sun and visit my parents. We stay with them so we don’t have to worry about expensive, peak season accommodations.

Unfortunately, since all the schools in the area are off during this holiday week, the airlines JACK up the prices to fly out of the New York area! It’s really criminal what they charge to get away during the school break.

To travel from New York to Florida, and not have kids miss school, you are looking at airfare of $600-$800 a ticket. It’s really insane.

Plus, a rental car since my parent’s sedan does not fit 6 people!

On top of all that, we had a family reunion in North Carolina the weekend after the break. For this trip, it made sense to do the New York to Florida drive – allowing us to stay in Florida for a week, with a four day stop in North Carolina on the way home.

NY To Florida Drive: Itinerary

Planning your perfect New York to Florida road trip takes some planning.  I did some initial research and put some thought into how the drive was going to go. Since I have done both this drive before, and have road-tripped from New York to North Carolina with small children, I knew I did not want to over plan. I knew it would be best to be flexible depending on how things were going and how I was feeling.

The plan was to leave New York after school on Friday, the last day before vacation and arrive in Orlando by Saturday night. That would allow us to visit with my cousin for two whole days. There is so much to do in Orlando and we could spend time with her elementary age kids that Sunday and holiday Monday – since they did not have the whole week off.

The plan was to then head to Naples on Tuesday morning, with a stop for the day at Siesta Key beach.  We would then have a week to spend in Southwest Florida .

Driving to Florida from NY

Long Island to Petersburg, VA (386 miles)

I am such a careful planner. I think and overthink many aspects of a trip – and this was no exception! I’m usually great at thinking through all the angles, BUT one big mistake I made was waiting until 3pm on a Friday afternoon to the hit the road. Let me re-phrase that – leaving at 3PM ON A FRIDAY – BEFORE A LONG WEEKEND – WHEN ITS RAINING .

In retrospect, I should have pulled the kids out of school an hour earlier, but since they were missing so many days for this two-week trip I waited until afterschool to leave. Once we hit the highway all ready to go, we sat in bumper to bumper traffic for two hours.

Which really put us behind where I thought we would stop for the night.

So, my first tip is – don’t leave the New York City area during rush hour. Especially on a Friday!

But luckily, after that first two hours (where we drove about 30 miles) the rest of the trip – literally, was traffic free!

The plan for the first night was to drive as far as possible, with a target stopping time of around midnight. We told the kids that dinner would be at a rest-stop and quicker than other meals on the road.

NOTE: We had a cooler with drinks and snacks, but we stopped for meals. With only one driver, it would have been too much to try to eat meals in the car.

That night, we stopped for dinner at the Chesapeake House in Maryland. The stretch of I-95 between Staten Island and Washington, DC is littered with rest areas. These are super convenient for gas, food, snacks and restrooms. Not always the healthiest food choices (fast food, food court set up) they do make for an easy road-side stop.

At the Chesapeake house, baby girl and hubby had Wendy’s and little man and I opted for Pizza Hut. Clean restrooms, a variety of food choices and one gas fill-up later, we were then on our way to drive as far as possible before stopping for the night.

The plan was to drive for 7-8 hours, building in a 1-2 hour buffer for dinner and traffic, making midnight a realistic stopping time. However, I did not want to pre-book a hotel because I wanted the flexibility to stop if I was tired, or keep going if we were making good time.

We do both Marriott and Hilton points, so we wanted to stop at either a Residence Inn Marriott or at a Hampton Inn. I wanted the hotel we stopped at to provide a complimentary breakfast so would not have to drive around looking for food in the morning. So before leaving home, I went on google maps and mapped out hotels South of Richmond, VA. I noted the names, addresses, and phone numbers of hotels on a 200-mile stretch of I-95. In this region they were all Hampton Inn’s which is part of the Hilton Honors rewards network.

I had hoped to make it to Roanoke Rapids, NC but with the delays due to traffic we only made it to Petersburg, Virginia.

If you have ever driven down I-95 on the east coast, there are blue signs at every exit noting what gas stations, food options and hotel accommodations are available. A few years back, we were driving from Sesame Place in Pennsylvania to Raleigh, North Carolina and were prepared to stop for the night just south of Washington, DC. We saw a sign for a hotel and pulled off the highway. It was full (it was the summer and around midnight). We then pulled into another hotel and they did not have any more cribs available! So, on we pressed, now tired and annoyed until we found a hotel at the next exit – which if I remember, was like 10 more miles down the highway!

Lesson learned, and this time, when we realized that Petersburg, Virginia was going to be our stopping point for the night, hubby used the notes I had gathered to call the hotel to confirm room availability and the rate for the night. That way, when we rolled up to the lobby, it was just shy of midnight, we were able to head right to our room!

ROAD TRIP PRO-TIP: If you are road tripping, and its late and call ahead to the hotel and ask the front desk to send someone to make-up the pull-out couch or to set up a pack and play (If you will be using one). We have done this before. Makes it much easier to transition a sleepy kid from the car, and into the hotel if there isn’t a pause to make up a bed!

PACKING PRO-TIP : If you are stopping for one night as part of a longer road trip, pack one bag for what you will need to bring into the hotel with you. For each family member, pack PJs, clothes for the next day, toiletries, phone chargers and medications. Don’t forget your nightlight and sound machine ! For us, all this fit nicely in our Vera Bradley duffle . We also brought our computers, iPads and headphones into the hotel with us.

Petersburg, VA to Orlando, FL (735 miles)

The first night in the hotel I realized it was hard for me to go from being so alert and driving, to laying down and falling asleep. I had trouble settling in, so I did not get the best night of sleep. We had about 10 hours of driving ahead, so I tried to balance sleeping in and taking it easy in the morning, with having to get up and get rolling. I decided to have a long, hot shower followed by breakfast, by myself, in the hotel lobby.

We stayed at the Petersburg Hampton Inn where they offer complimentary breakfast. After eating, we packed up the car and hit the road. We left the hotel around 9:45am with the goal of not stopping until we hit the best of the tourist attractions on the drive from New York to Florida –   South of the Border !

South of the Border is a fun I-95 roadside attraction located at the border of North Carolina and South Carolina. SOTB is a glorified rest stop with food, bathrooms, gas stations and little trinket stores. At SOTB you can also find a hotel, RV camping ground, an aquarium and mini-golf!

FUN FACT: This picture, which I use for my profile pic across my social media channels was taken at the Waffle House at South of the Border. My sister took this pic when we drove to Florida in January 2008.

As you drive south along I-95, for over 100 miles before you reach SOTB you will see the goofiest signs advertising the stop! Honestly, it’s a great place to stretch, use the facilities, and buy stuff you never knew you wanted!

Driving from New York to Florida where to stop is up to you, but SOTB is one not to miss. After heading south past SOTB, you hit a stretch of highway with not much. At this point in the day, we wanted to take a pause from the car and have a sit-down lunch. We stopped for about an hour at a Ruby Tuesday in South Carolina. This gave me a chance to re-caffeinate (yeah for unsweetened southern tea) and hit the salad bar for something healthy!

As you drive down this part of I-95 from Virginia to Florida, most of the “rest-stops” include just restrooms and vending machines. At each exit, you will see the blue signs advertising which gas/hotel/food options are available. After this trip, I was listening to this episode of the Vacation Mavens podcast where they talk about apps you can use to check out what is available at each exit! Wish I would have known about this sooner.

After lunch, we kept heading south through South Carolina and Georgia. We crossed the Florida State line as the sun was setting! It was so cool to see the temperature gauge in the car rise with each passing stretch of road!

We were super excited to have entered Florida, however, if you look at the map, Florida is a really long state! From the FL/GA line, it’s still 3 hours to Orlando! But of course, crossing into Florida felt like a big milestone!

We were poised to get to Orlando pretty late, so for dinner that night, we stopped at a Cracker Barrel in St. Augustine, Florida. We don’t have Cracker Barrel in New York so it’s such a road trip staple for us! And Cracker Barrel has something for everyone – you can get breakfast anytime and there is the fun store to shop in. A good incentive for the kids to behave in the restaurant and eat their meal – the promise of being able to pick out a candy in the Cracker Barrel store!

After dinner, we hit the road for the last stretch to Orlando. For this part of the ride, I recommend that you have some change or small bills with you. There are several tolls in the Orlando area – and unlike all the other tolls on the New York to Florida drive, these DO NOT TAKE EZ PASS (Just the Florida sunpass).

Last year, while driving from Naples to Orlando I got stuck without 75 cents in exact change at one of the unmanned toll booths! I had to take an envelope and send in a check for SEVENTY-FIVE cents to pay the fare!

Luckily all tolls were paid, and in the Daytona area, we left I-95 behind to cut across the state. After a long day of driving, we rolled into my cousin’s South Orlando condo at 11pm!

Orlando, FL to Naples, FL (189 miles)

Orlando was not our final destination in Florida. After two days of fun with family – lots of time by the pool and a trip to Wild Florida , we had three more hours to drive to our final destination of North Naples.

We had originally planned to leave Orlando on a Tuesday morning, stopping for the day at Siesta Key – a place I have been desperately wanting to visit! However, on Monday little man came down with that awful stomach bug that had been going around this winter. He missed Wild Florida and once he got back up and running, we decided to spend that day in Orlando instead of at the beach.

That night, we felt okay with taking him in the car for the ride. I think he ended up sleeping most of the way.

I’ve done the Orlando-Naples drive MANY times, and google maps usually recommends you go down Route 17 instead of on the interstate. I have to say, for the few extra miles you will drive, I highly recommend taking I-75 – especially if you are driving at night. Last year I drove those backroads after a long day at LEGOLAND Florida – and it was a little unnerving to be in the middle of nowhere. Also, the restrooms, gas and restaurants were few and far between if you take Route 17.

The drive from Orlando to Naples was pretty uneventful. We went at night and arrived in SW Florida around 10pm. The kids were excited to see their grandparents and even though I LOVE being on the road, it was nice to be able to stay in one place for week and unpack our car and bags.

As a family, the New York to Florida drive was a fun adventure. You should definitely check out my post about the best road-trip gear , but for most of the ride, the kids watched this DVD player with these headphones , while I listened to hours upon hours of podcasts! I was proud of myself for getting us all there and I was so proud of my little ones for mostly behaving on the ride and embracing the adventure! Sometimes the journey really is as fun as the destination!

Driving from NY to Florida is not something I want to do everyday, but we did save a ton of money by driving to Florida.

Click here to read more about Walt Disney World with a Baby

Heading to Florida – Then check out:

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How to get a day pass to the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

Edgewater Beach Hotel Review

The Ultimate Guide to New Smyrna Beach

Getting Back Home: Driving from Florida to New York

Oh and in case you are wondering, we did a great job on the reverse – driving from Florida to New York! We left Naples early on a Thursday morning. But not too early. I knew it would be a long haul from to drive from Naples to North Carolina (12 hours), so we made a reservation to stay the night at a Hampton Inn in South Carolina.

The next day we had four hours left to go to Raleigh, North Carolina . We had a wonderful family reunion and then heading home in one shot on a Sunday morning. Of course we hit traffic when we arrived back in the New York City area, but that is to be expected!

Driving from New York to Florida in One Day

January 2020 UPDATE : Last January, my aunt and I drove from New York to Orlando in one day. We left Long Island at 4am and arrive at her condo in Southeast Orlando at 11:45PM. The trip total is 1,127 miles and google maps puts the travel time at 16 hours, 11 minutes.

Leaving Long Island at 4am was great in that we got out of the New York area way before any traffic began to build. But, when we hit the Baltimore /DC area, we did hit all their rush hour traffic ( around 7:30AM). This was a weekday, and really unavoidable.

The MD/DC traffic was the only traffic we hit the entire way. The rest of the drive was smooth sailing, just long. We tried to minimize the stops, but we were driving in a small Jeep SUV with a 12-gallon gas tank, so we stopped for gas way more than I would have though.

Otherwise, we took about a 45 minute Cracker Barrel lunch break in southern North Carolina, with the rest of the food and snack stops being just fast food. We did have two drivers, and no kids with us, so most of the drive was pretty painless.

The worst part was the last three hours. After a long day of driving, we crossed into Florida around 8PM. I was so excited – we were finally in FLORIDA! But… if you are heading to Orlando, its still another THREE HOURS to Orlando! This was a mental drain after a long day, but we made it to Orlando safe and sound right before midnight!

Have you done the road trip from NY to Florida? Another long road trip ? Leave me a comment and tell me your best tips for driving to Florida!

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Things to do in venice with kids, icon of the seas review: is the new royal caribbean ship worth the hype, sandals grande st. lucian review, 69 comments to “best tips for your new york to florida drive”.

I love road trips! I always say I am going to go to Florida before my husband but then I get nervous to drive by myself the entire way. I think I could do it now that I read this!

honestly, the kids were almost better with one driver – they know mom is driving and they really can’t be asking for stuff every 5 minutes.

Sounds like a successful road trip… once you got past that initial rush hour traffic anyways! And to do ALL of the driving yourself? I am super impressed! I learned a ton from your Pro Tips. I never would have thought to call ahead to a hotel and ask them to make up the extra bed or set up a pack-and-play.

yes, I love to drive!!!!

I love that you posted this! We are actually going to try a FL to NY road trip soon!

We leave Saturday for a Georgia to Maine road trip! While not exactly the same route, much of it will be the same. We’re taking two weeks, so I’m excited about what we’re going to have time to see 🙂

that is awesome! How long is that ride?

I lived in Upstate Ny and used to do that trip about three times a year. However, now that we are emptynesters we fly all the time. These bones can’t take it like they used to. The best times of our lives was when we would travel together. Great conversations, but that was also before cell phones to. We always loved SOTB too! Time goes by so fast enjoy all the memories you can make!

Road Trips can be great fun – or not, depending on how well you plan. I love that you have got some really practical tips and tricks to make the trip easy and manageable. You are a machine driving that distance!

Wow, you are a super mom! I do not think I could do that long of a drive with children. We just did a 13-hour drive to North Carolina from Michigan. That was plenty enough for me and I did not have children, just my husband. I am so glad you survived 🙂 with a safe and happy trip!

Wow, you drove 2600 miles!!!! Amazing. I can never do that you are superwoman. None the less I love to go for long distance travel by road. I liked some of your tips like calling the hotel in advance.

I have done quite a lot of road trips, but usually leave in time to stop along the way for sights and experiences. One thing is certain though, it always takes longer than planned, haha!

yeah this wasn’t really that type of trip Since it was February, I wanted to get down to Florida as quick as possible!

Sometimes making the drive just makes much more sense. We did the drive to Florida when I lived in North Carolina when we went to Disney. So much better of an experience!

yeah from NC its not that bad!

Wow, that’s awesome that you did all the driving! I would definitely get irritated and need to swap after a while haha! But seriously, this sounds like a really fun road trip. I always read about Route 66 or a trip up the West coast so this makes for a nice change 🙂

We used to do a similar drive from Michigan to Florida almost every year. My mom doesn’t like long-distance drives, so my dad would do almost the whole 20 hours behind the wheel. And we drove straight through only stopping to use the bathroom and eat! I don’t know how he managed.

I could not do that. I know I would get tired. And/or the first few day of vacation I’d be shot. Plus by driving you save so much money over flying (4 people + a rental car) so I think one night in a not-so-expensive hotel you still come out ahead.

Oh, my goodness. This is a drive that I don’t know if I’m up for. How awesome for you all!!

That is a long trip! Well done! I really like the pack and go idea. We’ve recently adopted this idea and it has helped so much. Why bring every single item AND sleepy kids into a hotel when we really only need pajamas and our toiletries?

I know, I don’t LOVE leaving a ton of stuff in the car – but we take in valuables, but I try to park in a well-lit part of the parking lot etc.

Long drives are always fun! Loved reading your travelogue.

Wow, that’s one long road trip from NY to Florida but you made it look quite effortless! Well done!

What a well organized trip you did! This is awesome. That would be a super fun road trip to take, lots of great stops, and nice work with planning for the kiddos. That’s always my ammo….key stops and plenty of healthyish snacks!

South of the Border is so much fun! Definitely, a must stop! Your tip on packing fruit is perfect. Great way to make sure you are getting fruit which can be tough when in a time crunch and wanting to make it to a destination by a certain time.

Podcasts are a road trip must!!!! Sounds like you all had a ton of fun. I’m about to head out for my summer adventures, and this time I’m packing grapes because they look delicious in your photo.

I cant stand tolls!!!I avoid them like the plague, but a pitstop to any car dealer gets you a free toll pass for future reference.

Sounds like a beautiful drive! I’ve done the drive from Ohio to Florida before. But Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia? Beautiful states!

They are – I kinda wish I spent more time in SC – like savannah or Charleston, but I was worried about the weather being iffy and we wanted to get right to the warm, Florida weather.

Sometimes the trip driving is so much more fun than flying! Your trip sounds just like that! I bet the kids enjoyed it too ✌️

We are heading to Disney in about two weeks, and after reading this, I’m ready to pack up my van! We’ve never flown to Disney. In fact, my eight-year-old has never flown. What can I say; we’re road trip kind of people. I look forward to all the unique things along the journey.

My husband does 99% of the driving because he likes to. We try to stop for the night in time for a sit-down dinner and a hotel swim for the kid. We also like chain hotels with decent breakfasts like Hampton Inns. Holiday Inn Express is another favorite.

It’s cool that you stopped at Cracker Barrel. That is usually our first lunch stop on any road trip. We love stretching our legs while looking around. We’ve also thrown in stops at Walmart or Target just for a break.

This is a great post! I’m even more excited to get going now!

Have a great trip!!!!!!!

We’ve had to mail in a check at a toll road before! Since then I carry rolls of coins!! We are headed out this weekend for a long road trip. I should check out that app for the Exits!!

I know! I wish I had know – we just went off the blue signs. Along I-95 MOST exits have amenities.

This sounds so fun. It made me think back to the road trips we took as kids. At the time, the drive seemed awful, but in retrospect, we created such great memories!

This is so detailed, I love it! And oh my how the mini bag of immediate necessities has saved me before – there’s nothing worse than arriving tired and realising everything you need is buried under everything else 😂

All great info – thanks for sharing! I’m from Long Island, too, and currently live in MD, so I do that drive frequently and I totally feel your pain about all that NY traffic!

oh wow! yeah the NY -> DC part of the trip is the worst!

Oh my, you are brave! To drive all this without a co-pilot to switch if needed… You go girl! This sounds like a very nice road trip though. Too bad I only visit the States for a week or so and can’t really enjoy much road tripping around the country, as flying most of the times is such a time-saver

I’d say you might be crazy, but maybe more like a crazy genius! It’s a beautiful lesson to teach your kids that the journey is part of the adventure!!

I don’t know how you managed…the four hour drive from Charleston to my hometown is too much for me. But a serious road trip is on my travel list.

I am impressed with all that driving! I love doing road trips. Since I am American and my husband is British, I drive when we are in places where they drive on the right and he drives when we go to places they drive on the left. We usually try to do a maximum of 6 hours driving per day. We know we can do that so we can feel comfortable booking a place to stay in advance. I would be nervous that knowing my luck nothing would be available.

My husband and I have been dreaming of a road trip in the Us for a while now. And yeah, we would start it in New York and go South to Florida. Saving this post!

I love road trips and would love to see Florida and NYC – thanks for the helpful guide 🙂

How I miss road trips after growing up taking them. My parents were meanderers. If something caught their attention it was pull over and everyone out. Your details make me want to tackle this drive but I’m a west coast gal. It sounds like getting out of the metro NY area is as harrowing as getting through Los Angeles too.

yes! we did San Fran to anaheim last year and yes, LA traffic was BAD!

Makes me want to go on a road trip!

Now that we live up here, we may have to drive down to FL to visit family instead of flying… You broke the drive up pretty well.

its long, but the price is right!

We have driven from Canada to Florida a few times and many think we are crazy, but we love it. Wow for you doing all the driving yourself! We split in and it can still be tough. Great post!

Really useful, given that we do about half of this drive but use a similar route for family holidays.

But my favorite part? “This picture, which I use for my profile pic across my social media channels was taken at the Waffle House at South of the Border.” Epic!

I am literally LOL = yes, I love this pic. it was a special trip with my sister. Thanks for checking out my post!

How funny that I came across your story. I too, am from the Long Island area and am planning on driving down with my two kids (aged 12 and 9) during President’s Day week. My husband is unable to get out of work, but I too love to drive and love long road trips, so I thought this would be a great little adventure for us.

do it! It will be great! Such an adventure! And such a money saver for sure!

Thanks for sharing. nice road trip really inspired me.

Hi, what is the best route to take from Long Island to Orlando, but avoiding Washington completely? Thanks!

hmmm – could take 495 AROUND DC – we have done this also. Lately the GPS has been taking me through DC on Baltimore Wash Parkway to 395 – def traffic if you hit it at the wrong time as we have when going to NC last month. Otherwise, going to the west maybe smaller roads, but it looks like staying on the highway you would be very out of the way ( would probably off-set the time you would save by avoiding traffic!)

Wonderful tips. I will be taking many of your suggestions for our future Disney trip from Carmel, NY!

FYI: There is a Cracker Barrel in Fishkill, NY, a few minutes from our home in Carmel. For perspective, Carmel is only about 1 hour from the Bronx and 1.15 hours from Manhattan. We are a lake town filled with city commuters! So if you ever want to come to Splashdown beach Water Park in Fishkill (instead of Slplish Splash in Long Islsnd), you can have dinner at Cracker Barrel! 🙂

okay this is crazy because I was just talking about wanting to come down to splash down one day this summer! Yay for cracker barrel!

Thanks for these helpful tips! Road is an art form, a challenge, and adventure!Promising tips! I must try. I purposely under pack.

Thanx for share such informative article, It’s really awesome.

Thanks planning a nearly identical trip with two kids this February. Will pull them out of school early Friday before Presidents Day after reading this!

Please reach out if you have any questions. We are looking at plane tickets and its ugly out there – good luck!

Your article was so helpful! We are contemplating a trip from Long Island to see family in Fort Lauderdale. Love the rest stop, hotel, and restaurant suggestions!

oh thank you! Good luck! I just did this trip again early Jan 2020, I need to update my article!

The blog is really well written with all information given in great detail.This article will be really helpful for all who want to explore new places in US via road.Thanks for sharing this!

I stumbled across this blog while looking up information for our road trip (NYC to Orlando). With 3 adults (2 drivers) and 4 children, i’m looking to be practical as possible.

four kids is tough but with two drivers, should be great!

I am about to take this trip with my 4 year old niece and a 2 year old labradoodle. Pray for me.

no worries! You got this!!!!!

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14 Best Stops on a New York to Miami Road Trip

Planning a New York to Miami road trip? Here’s all the advice you could need on routes, where to stop, distances, and timings.

If you’re planning a road trip from New York to Miami, you should pack your bags for a few days extra than what you planned. This is because there are so many cool places to stop along the way on a New York to Miami road trip – you wouldn’t want to miss them!

Map of the New York to Florida road trip

How far is New York from Miami?

If you road trip straight from NY to Miami, it would be a 19-hour trip covering 1286 miles. However, I’d recommend taking about 2 weeks for this New York to Florida road trip, so you can stay for 1-2 days on each spot along the way. 

A New York to Miami road trip covers some diverse places, cool drives, great cities and impressive parks too.

Here’s a list of the best stops you’d love on a road trip from New York to Miami.

Road trip from NYC to Miami

Everything you need to know to do a New York to Miami road trip.

And if you want to do the Miami to New York drive – the other way round – then just start from the bottom! 

1. New York

Obviously you need to spend some time in New York before the drive to Miami begins. I love New York. One summer I worked at a summer camp nearby, I once went for a few days at Christmas , and when I was 18 I saved up all my money to go for a week. It was just incredible.

There’s so much to do in New York, check out this 4 day NYC itinerary for some inspiration. While you’re there, check out the Bronx Zoo – it’s one of the biggest zoos in the world ! Top of the Rock is one of the most popular things to do in NYC. Here are some great ideas for non-touristy things to do in NYC if you’re looking for something a little different.

Make sure to pick up some great souvenirs from New York while you’re there too.

WHERE TO STAY IN NEW YORK

MOXY NYC Times Square features free WiFi and a fitness centre. Macy’s is 200 metres from the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and a rooftop bar. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and air purification systems.

Each room has a private bathroom. Extras include free toiletries, a hairdryer, pen pegboard closet with foldaway hanging desk, luggage rack, bench and chair. There is a 24-hour front desk and a shared lounge. Guests can enjoy an evening drink at the roof-deck bar on the 18th floor with views of the Empire State Building – amazing!

2. Philadelphia

Distance: 94.6 miles Time: 1hr 35 mins

Next stop on your road trip from NYC to Florida is Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the largest city of Pennsylvania and is host to some of the most delicious food, and rich culture. Some of the must-see attractions are The Liberty Bell and the Independence Hall – you can both on the Philadelphia hop on hop off tour , or this walking tour of Philadelphia if you want the exercise.

The Liberty Bell is a historical bell that weighs around 2000 pounds and was used to mark some of the most significant events here. The Independence Hall is where the Declaration of the Independence and American Constitution was signed.

You might also want to run the steps of Philadelphia Museum of Art and relive the moments of Rocky movies as a stop off on your New York Miami road trip. The Museum also has some famous work by Van Gogh, Picasso and many others, if you want to go inside. Or if you want to see more of the hot spots from the Rocky films, then do this half day Rocky movie locations tour from GetYourGuide.

The Philadelphia City Pass is a great shot if you’re planning on seeing a lot of the city. It can help you save money, and time, on the attractions there.

Once you’re in Philadelphia, visit the Reading Market Place that has over 80 different kinds of food. YUM! You can find out more about the incredible Philadelphia cuisine on this Philly Food Tour, which I’d strongly recommend.

The 1-95 route can take you to some of the best places en-route from NY to Miami on your road trip.

Let’s crack on with that road trip to Miami!

3. Baltimore, Maryland

Distance: 97.4 miles Time: 1hr 40 mins 

Next on your NYC to Miami drive is Baltimore. This city is known for its colourful frames, scenic harbour and the famous crab market. Once here, you cannot miss out on the USS Constellation, National Aquarium and Maryland Science Centre .

The National Aquarium is home to about 20,000 animals including an open pool with different kinds of fish, a rainforest replica and a huge shark tank. You can also check out the 15 epic Maritime Museums belonging to the Civil War era.

Also, if you can get yourself to the top of the Federal Hill, it will give you an impressive view of Inner Harbour and Baltimore Skyline. This is a great spot for you to take stock and think about how far you’ve already come on your New York Miami road trip.

Or, how about a 15-minute helicopter tour over Baltimore for a real bird’s eye view?

There are a few parks and museums that you can visit while you are there such as Baltimore Museum of Art, American Visionary Art Museum, Fort McHenry National Monument, Edgar Allen Poe House & Museum. 

Definitely one of the more cultural stops on a road trip from New York to Miami!

You can also get a bus from New York to Baltimore, if you want to start your road trip a little later, and not worry about New York traffic.

WHERE TO STAY IN BALTIMORE

This Welcoming Townhouse With Rooftop Deck Next to Patterson Park is a great choice for somewhere to stay in Baltimore on your NYC to Miami road trip.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Baltimore, this newly refurbished apartment offers modern amenities including complimentary WiFi and convenient on-site parking. This eco-friendly residence is conveniently positioned just 1.9 kilometers from the Korean War Memorial and 2.9 kilometers from Fell’s Point.

4. Washington D.C.

Distance: 97.6 miles Time: 1hr 45 mins

While on a New York to Miami drive, you won’t want to miss visiting the capital of United States. Washington is home to many iconic places like the White House, the Washington Monument and the Capitol.

Being the capital, it also has numerous war museums, iconic centres and also performing arts centre such as Kennedy Centre. The Washington Monument is the tallest obelisk that is about 555 feet tall. There’s a museum with a particular wall dedicated to epic news events it the history of US. Apart from this, you can also visit the The Martin Luther King Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial.

Plan a trip during April if you want to catch the beauty of cherry blossoms. There’s also the National Zoo and the Washington National Cathedral to visit among other places.

If you’re short on time and want to see all the highlights of Washington DC in a nutshell, then book onto this half-day tour of all the Washington must sees.

READ MORE on road trips

• How to Drive from LA to San Francisco
• My Top Road Trip Essentials
• And don’t forget your tourist visa if you’re coming into the US from abroad.

5. Richmond, Virginia

Distance: 109 miles Time: 1hr 50 mins

Being one of the oldest cities, Richmond in Virginia also has a lot of relics of the civil war. There are not huge things to see, but you can spend a few hours wandering around while you take some time off the wheels on your drive to Miami.

While in Richmond, head off to the Church Hill District and take a walk to St. Johns Church. Also, check out the great marble statue of Thomas Jefferson and dine at the Jefferson Hotel. Want to know more? Book onto this private Richmond Tour to find out more about the area, and all the key spots to know and see.

Enjoy a relaxed stop off on a road trip from New York to Miami by stopping off in Richmond.

WHERE TO STAY IN RICHMOND, virginia

The Virginia Crossings Hotel is spread across 20 acres on the site of the Civil War’s Battle of the Yellow Tavern, and is the perfect spot for anyone doing a road trip via Virginia.

This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and on-site golf course. Downtown Richmond is just 12 miles away.

6. Charlotte, North Carolina

Distance: 293 miles Time: 4 hrs

While on the New York to Miami drive you can take the I-85 route and head on to one of the most vibrant cities – Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte is also known as the birth place of NASCAR and harbours the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum, the Mint Museum, and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

This is an ideal place for a spot of shopping. Some of the best places are KK Bloom, Doll A Boutique and just hanging out at the South Park Mall.

Another delightful stop on the road trip from New York to Miami!

WHERE TO STAY IN CHARLOTTE

LE MERIDIEN Charlotte is a great shout for somewhere to stay in Charlotte. Modern, cool, with a great swimming pool and in a good location – it’s got everything you need.

7. Savannah, Georgia

Distance: 253 miles Time: 3 hrs 41 mins

Savannah is one of the oldest cities in Georgia but aside from the museums and parks, the one place that is an absolute must see is a drive way through the Oak Tree lane.

It’s a natural wonder with oak trees lined up on both sides and dripping with Spanish Moss. Makes for some great photos, especially of you on this Segway tour !

Drive slow and enjoy the view and once you park, you can hop out to walk through one of the scenic trails.

In fact, Forsyth Park has a 300 year old Candler Oak Tree that is a huge attraction here. Other than this, you may like walking through the cobblestone streets and the rustic mansions. Visit the Paris Market and Brocante, and the Wormsloe Historic Site too. 

8. Amelia Island

Distance: 20 miles from Miami Time: 1 hr 

If you’re looking for some peace, the pristine beaches of Amelia Island are a perfect spot for you. Not too crowded and beautiful, they are a great getaway destination for family and friends. In fact the island has a long European history and was named after the daughter of King George II of England. 

You can just sit back on the beaches and listen to historical stories of the island while you see the waves hitting or the sky at night.

Enjoy some leisure time riding horses at the white beach or playing some games at Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum. This is a wonderfully peaceful stop on the Miami to New York road trip.

9. St.Augustine, Florida 

Distance: 305 miles Time: 5 hrs

St Augustine is great year round, but is even more of a special holiday destination in winter . Millions of lights light up St. Augustine and the city ghost tour is even scarier. Guides will take you across the city from the old jail to old drugstore regaling ghostly tales.

If you visit in the Spring, there are a number of culinary events lined up – Florida’s Birding and Photo fest and St. Augustine’s Lions and Seafood Festival to name two.

There are some very good places to grab food in St Augustine on your Miami New York road trip, and it’s particularly famous for its nightlife.

10. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is one of the most epic spots to stop on a New York to Miami drive, and definitely one of the most well known. It’s home to Universal Studios , Disney World Resort (get your Disney tickets here! ) and GatorLand .

Also, the Daytona Speedway is here.

The Kennedy Space Centre is just an hour’s drive from Orlando. It’s the primary launch centre for NASA human powered fights since 1968.

If you’re planning on covering a few attractions while you’re here I’d recommend you look at the Orlando City Pass to save a few dollars.

You can also check out the Canaveral National Seashore and catch some turtle nesting in Florida. There are some stunning beaches here – if you want a suntan, you’ve come to the right spot.

11. Blowing Rocks Preserve , Hobe Sound, FL

Distance: 97 miles Time: 2 hrs

Hobe Sound is another ideal stop on a New York to Miami drive or the other way, Miami to New York drive. Hobe Sound is a really cool artistic town, just off the I-95 in Florida.

I’ve listed some of the best things to do in Hobe Sound here, but it’s most well known for its blowing rocks.

The name comes from the behaviour of rocks and waves during a rough tide. Water spurts out from the holes of the limestone and may go up to 50ft high. Always fun to stand there and get blown away from the full brunt of the earth’s power.

The limestone shore makes it look like you’re in Maine or Hawaii.

12. Worth Avenue Palm Beach , FL

Distance: 75 miles Time: 2 hrs

Worth Avenue Palm Beach is where the rich kids hang out – and a great stop on a New York to Miami drive. You can check out the whitewashed Mediterranean alleys and courtyards and take time out for some shopping too.

Do you have a favourite road trip quote? Click for the best long drive quotes to inspir e your next adventure!

13. Fort Lauderdale , FL

Distance: 32 miles from Miami Time: 1 hr 30 mins

In Fort Lauderdale you can find navigable waterways of about 160 miles. Secure a front seat on the yachts that take you across the city. If you aren’t up for boating then you could take a walk down the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk or the red brick road and check out landscaped park and Art and Entertainment Sections.

Fort Lauderdale is an absolute must on a New York to Miami road trip, there’s so much to do there.

You have the Fort Lauderdale Beach to the east and Hollywood’s Broadwalk to the North. The best part however, is the boat ride at the everglades.

You’ve made it!

Your New York to Miami drive is over – hope you’ve had a great time!

If your car is a rental keep it to drive round Miami, it’s a large city and it’ll make things easier.

While you are at Miami, you must check out Miami Zoo which has a huge collection of exotic animals of the world. There is the Miami Museum of Science and the Fairchild Botanical Garden. After the entire day, you have to head to Miami Beach to peacefully watch the sunset.

The FontaineBleau Resort has become an iconic place for so many celebrities. You can indulge yourself in the history over a dinner or lunch plan here.

I’d definitely recommend you stay a few days in Miami. If you want to check out some of the great things to do in Miami , look at this list. The Little Havana Tour was a definite highlight of the last time I was there. You can book your place on the Little Havana Tour here.

WHERE TO STAY IN MIAMI

When I visited Miami I stayed in this super cool hotel, called The Lennox Miami Beach . You can read all about my experience there, or just click to check out the hotel on Booking.com here.

It’s in such a great location for Miami Beach, and for getting around Miami too.

WHERE TO GO NEXT

If you want to keep the road trip dreaming alive, then check out this road trip to Key West from Miami . And then when you get to Key West – here’s how to spend the day. And read this for the best places to eat in the Florida Keys too.

See, I’ve got you sorted.

Your New York to Miami road trip

This is one of the best road trips to Miami you can do. If you want to do a Florida road trip then this is one of the best. And remember, if you want a Florida to New York road trip, just flip the itinerary and work from the bottom.

And I think you’re all set!

PIN THIS NEW YORK TO MIAMI ROAD TRIP FOR LATER

Related Posts:

• Road Trip Around the USA: How Much Does the Dream Cost?
• Planning a Road Trip in the USA: 13 Best Routes!
• 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Road Trip Budget
• The Little Havana Food Tour & Lennox Hotel Miami…
• 44 Absolute Road Trip Essentials: What to Pack for a…
• 25+ Top Tips for a Solo Road Trip You NEED To Know

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

very useful, thank you!

Amelia Island is near Jacksonville, on the north end of the Florida Atlantic Coast, nowhere near Miami. Otherwise, sounds like a nice road trip.

Ah yes, ordered it wrong. Thanks for pointing it out!

Lots of great spots! Amelia Island is further north near the Florida/Georgia border, though.

Thanks for alerting me to that. Not sure how the order got jumbled but it’s sorted now 🙂

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Driving to florida: the road trip is half the fun.

If you’re driving to Florida, getting there can be a trip in itself.

But treat yourself; make some stops along the way.

You can use these road trip itineraries not only to explore your ultimate destination, but to stop and experience more of the Sunshine State while enroute.

Whether you’re heading to Florida from New York, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, or other points of departure, these road trip guides can double your vacation enjoyment.

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Florida Road Trips

Atlanta to Destin

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The Best Road Trip Stops From Florida to New York

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If you’re ready to hit the road for the ultimate adventure on a Florida to New York road trip, you’re in for a treat. This East Coast road trip uncovers hidden gems and picturesque stops that make this long drive an unforgettable experience. From charming small towns and iconic landmarks to breathtaking views along the Atlantic Ocean, this post is full of the best places to see along a Florida to New York drive. Get ready to hit the scenic route and explore the beauty that unfolds!

Of course, it depends on traffic and your starting and ending points, but in general, the most direct route from South Florida to New York City is along I-95, taking about 21 hours (1,307 miles) from Miami, the start of I-95. From Orlando, home to some of the world’s most recognizable theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, the drive takes about 16.5 hours (1,129 miles). 

The longest North-South road in the United States is US 1. It runs 2,370 miles (3,810 km) from Key West, FL, to Fort Kent, Maine, paralleling I-95 most of the way. Near Jacksonville, FL, US 1 heads more inland, and 95 hugs the coast. Both roads meet up again near Petersburg, VA, and continue into Maine. US 1 to 95 is the most popular route when making a Florida to New York road trip, and one I’ve done multiple times.

Most people drive the direct route in 2-3 days. If you want to take in the views, visit some amazing historic cities and unique museums, and make a real road trip out of it, I recommend two weeks (14 days) to complete the drive from Florida to New York. This will give you enough time to visit some of the country’s most iconic East Coast landmarks.

Have you heard of the Amtrak Auto Train? Amtrak hosts a rail train from Sanford, FL (right outside of Orlando, FL) to Lorton, VA (right outside Washington, DC). It takes about 17 hours and leaves Sanford around 5 pm daily, arriving in Lorton around 10 am.

In this post, I will unveil some of my favorite stops and the best sights to see along the coast and recommend another Florida to New York route that is perfect during fall. This inland route takes you through the gorgeous Finger Lakes Region, many historic sites, stunning state parks, a few National Parks, and the amazing natural phenomena, Linville Caverns. This route is perfect for anyone who loves outdoor activities, natural beauty, and vibrant fall colors. 

Table of Contents: Jump to

Florida to New York via US 1 / I-95 

The Atlantic Coast route starts in vibrant Miami or Key West, Florida. It passes through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington D.C, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey before reaching New York City. Some major areas along this route include New York City, Atlantic City, the National Mall in D.C, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, Charleston, Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Dayton Beach, Miami, and Key West.

Florida Keys

Don’t sleep on the enchanting Florida Keys, a string of coral cays and barrier islands wrapped in a unique blend of tropical paradise, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere.

Picture scenic drives across the iconic Overseas Highway, connecting the islands with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. With each key offering its own charm, visitors can savor vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling, fishing, nightlife, and the tranquility of secluded beaches. 

Highlights include the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, the sport fishing capital of the world; Islamorada, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon; and the charming streets of Key West, known for its colorful architecture, lively Duval Street, and historic sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Don’t miss the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square or a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. 

One of the most fascinating attractions in the Florida Keys, is Tarpon feeding at Robbie’s on Islamorada -if you are lucky, you’ll leave with your hand!

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a must-see on a Florida road trip, offering an immersive journey into one of the world’s most diverse and fragile ecosystems. This expansive wetland, often called the “River of Grass,” boasts an array of extraordinary experiences. Visitors can take a thrilling airboat tour through the sawgrass prairies, hoping to encounter the park’s iconic inhabitants, such as alligators, manatees, and various bird species. The wildlife trails, scenic drives, and boardwalks offer panoramic views of the vast landscapes and natural habitats, perfect for anyone craving a peaceful and reflective experience.

Miami, Florida

Four hours north of Key West, is Miami, a vibrant city with a mix of culture, arts, and attitude. From the Art Deco era of South Beach to high-end shopping in the Design District to Cuba’s little cousin, Little Havana, and everything in between, Miami is a powerhouse when it comes to things to do.  Enjoy the lavish yachts cruising through the bay, bougie rooftops, electric nightlife, and Michelin Star Restaurants, or chill with the locals in artsy Wynwood or, better yet, enjoy live Cuban-salsa music at the iconic Ball & Chain (one of my personal favorites). 

Central Florida Beaches

Central Florida’s East Coast beaches offer an array of attractions and iconic landmarks, making some of them an essential stop on any East Coast road trip. 

Head to Cape Canaveral, home to the Kennedy Space Center, where visitors can explore the fascinating world of space exploration through exhibits, interactive displays, and even witness rocket launches. Just a hop away is Cocoa Beach, a laid-back surf town with a vibrant atmosphere, where you can catch some waves or simply unwind by the shore. Make sure to visit the legendary Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop at over 52,000 square feet, offering everything from surf gear to beachwear.

Head further north to Daytona Beach, known for Daytona Bike Week and the iconic Daytona International Speedway. Both events draw quite the crowd (which may or may not be your kind of crowd). Whether or not you want to avoid Daytona altogether, Central Florida’s East Coast beaches deliver a memorable and diverse experience, adding a splash of excitement to your road trip adventure!

Orlando, FL

If you are a theme park lover, you may want to take the one-hour detour from the coast to head inland. Orlando, Florida, is renowned for being a hub of world-class amusement parks, offering a variety of thrilling attractions and entertainment for visitors of all ages. From dining, shopping, countless restaurants, and unique entertainment, Orlando makes a perfect detour for anyone seeking an unforgettable mix of fantasy, adventure, and entertainment. The most talked about theme parks include Walt Disney World Parks (Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom), Sea World, Lego Land, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. 

St. Augustine

I love this coastal city with its oak tree-lined streets and historic downtown charm. St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the United States, exuding with Spanish colonial influence. Here, you’ll be able to meander along the cobblestone streets and admire centuries-old architecture with an unmistakable sense of the past. A stop at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth is a must-do, just to say you drank the water at the mythical spring. Next door is the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, a historical chapel with a gift shop and mission museum marked by a 208-foot cross. Finally, don’t forget to drive down one of the most beautiful streets in America, Magnolia Avenue. 

Amelia Island, FL

Nestled along Florida’s northeast coast, Amelia Island is a captivating seaside town attracting vacationers with its rich history, 13 miles of pristine beaches, and charming Southern hospitality. Enjoy shelling, bird watching, and water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle board right from the beach. Some of the top sights include Fort Clinch State Park which houses a well-preserved 19th-century fort, hiking trails, fishing spots, and a beautiful beach known for its shark teeth. Climb the tower at Florida’s oldest lighthouse, Amelia Island Lighthouse. Its tower dates back to 1838 and offers panoramic views of the island and Atlantic Ocean. If you love shopping and historic architecture, Amelia’s Island Historic District in Downtown Fernandina Beach is lined with colorful Victorian houses, art galleries, boutique shops, and a range of dining options, perfect for stretching your legs on a long drive from Florida to New York.

Savannah, GA

One of the most iconic southern cities, Savannah, is beloved for its stunning coastal landscapes, well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, oak-tree-lined streets and vibrant cultural atmosphere. The city is a haven for food enthusiasts with a delectable fusion of Southern traditions and innovative flavors that reflect the city’s rich history. Wander through the historic district’s cobblestone streets, visit famous Forsyth Park, and explore an array of historic sites, including the Mercer-Williams House and the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. If you love the water, enjoy a scenic waterfront walk or boat excursion along the scenic Savannah River. You could easily spend a full weekend in Savannah soaking up its iconic southern hospitality!

Charleston, SC

Similar to Savannah, Charleston is an iconic southern town known for its antebellum architecture, oak-lined, cobblestone streets, and renowned culinary scene featuring fresh seafood and iconic dishes like shrimp and grits and fried chicken and waffles. The city’s waterfront, including the Battery Promenade and Waterfront Park, allows roadtrippers to relax by the harbor and soak in stunning coastal views. With unique attractions, miles of coastline, a vibrant nightlife, and a welcoming atmosphere, Charleston exudes southern hospitality, making it a fun pit stop for your Florida to New York trip itinerary.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Family-friendly Myrtle Beach is known for its lively boardwalk lined with amusement parks, arcades, festive entertainment venues, shops, and restaurants.

Golf enthusiasts can indulge in the city’s numerous world-class golf courses, while seafood lovers can savor the fresh catches at waterfront restaurants. Whether it’s a leisurely beach day, a thrilling waterpark adventure, or a night out on the town, Myrtle Beach offers a diverse range of experiences, perfect for anyone looking for an active beach experience. 

Washington D.C

As the capital of the United States, Washington DC is home to iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol, which symbolize the nation’s history and values. The National Mall, with its museums, monuments, and memorials, offers a powerful narrative of American achievements and struggles. Beyond its political and historical significance, Washington, D.C. boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with world-class museums (many are free), galleries, and performing arts venues.

The city’s diverse neighborhoods contribute to a rich tapestry of experiences, from the bustling streets of Georgetown to the intellectual ambiance of Dupont Circle and the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Full of  interesting things to see and do , DC is one of the best major cities to visit on your Florida to New York road trip.

Baltimore, MD

This major seaport town is a fun and electric destination on your Florida to New York road trip. The city’s Inner Harbor serves as a focal point, with Fort McHenry (the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem) and plenty of waterfront activities. Explore the historic Civil War–era warship, USS Constellation, and enjoy the lively atmosphere at Harborplace.

With its diverse neighborhoods, such as Fells Point and Hampden, renowned seafood cuisine, and cultural institutions like the National Aquarium and the Baltimore Museum of Art, the city provides a multifaceted experience that caters to history enthusiasts, food lovers, and art aficionados, making it a must-see destination along the country’s east coast. 

Atlantic City, NJ

A side trip might be in order if you are into gambling, shopping, live entertainment, and world-class shows. Glitzy Atlantic City, renowned for its vibrant casino scene, with iconic establishments such as Caesars, Borgata, and Harrah’s, draws visitors from around the globe. It’s the Vegas of the East Coast but with sandy beaches and the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk, complete with stunning ocean views, and the iconic Steel Pier, a 1,000-foot-long amusement park. You may need three days to see it all, with additional attractions like the Absecon Lighthouse, the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, and the Atlantic City Aquarium, but even a day in Atlantic City makes a fun pit stop.

Philadelphia, PA 

Known as the birthplace of American independence, the city proudly showcases iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the nation’s founding history. The cobblestone streets of Old City add a charming backdrop to the city’s rich history and historical sites. Beyond its revolutionary roots, Philadelphia boasts a dynamic arts and food scene, with world-class museums, galleries, and a diverse array of culinary experiences. Ascend the iconic “Rocky Steps” at the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art and explore one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the country.

With its lively neighborhoods, passionate sports culture, and the famous Reading Terminal Market offering a culinary journey, Philadelphia makes a memorable and fulfilling road trip experience for history buffs, families, and anyone looking for an enriching cultural experience.

Your next stop, and possibly final stop of the road trip, is just 2.5 hours from Philadelphia, in colorful New York City. This bustling metropolis is accentuated by its iconic landmarks, including the esteemed Statue of Liberty, the towering Empire State Building, the sprawling greenery of Central Park, and the timeless elegance of the Brooklyn Bridge. The High Line, a unique elevated park built on an old railway track, and the Vessel, a 150-foot-high sculpture in the shape of an inverted beehive, adds a modern twist to the city’s historical significance while offering a serene escape and panoramic urban vistas. 

With over 1,300 miles of road behind you, you have traversed the country and seen a lot of great sights along the way. Your final destination may take you further into New York, and if you have time, I recommend visiting the  Finger Lakes Region  or the  1,000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River. Two areas I visit often and never get tired of!

Florida to New York (inland stops)

For the past few years, I’ve journeyed from Miami, Florida, to Redwood in upstate New York during early summer and headed back south during fall, my favorite time of year! On this road trip, I always head inland to take advantage of the beautiful forests and mountains that transform into vibrant leaves full of Fruity Pebbles colors. I recommend the inland route for anyone who loves scenic drives, foliage hikes, and mountain views.

Some of the best stops on this fall foliage road trip are the Finger Lakes region, Harper’s Ferry, Gettysburg, Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Asheville, with optional adds in Tennessee.

I easily spend 3-4 weeks on this route, but I recommend at least 10- 12 days. This epic road trip can be driven directly in 20-ish hours, but of course, you’ll want extra time to soak in that quintessential New England charm. This route works best heading south from New York to Florida.

Finger Lakes Region, NY

The Finger Lakes region is no stranger to breathtaking landscapes, world-class wineries, and a wealth of outdoor activities. Its 11 glacier-fed lakes offer plenty of water sports and outdoor recreation, from boating, fishing, and kayaking. The region is known for its award-winning Rieslings and world-renowned wineries. Hundreds of wineries find their home along the shores of the Finger Lakes offering picturesque vineyards, stunning lake views and a delicious farm to table food scene. The area’s  charming small towns , cultural attractions, and a variety of recreational opportunities from hiking  and  waterfall chasing  to exploring charming villages, add to the region’s allure, especially when complimented by the beautiful shades of autumn. The Finger Lakes are ideal for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and relaxation.

Leonard Harrison State Park, PA

Leonard Harrison State Park, located in Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon region, offers a mesmerizing natural panorama with its expansive vistas of Pine Creek Gorge, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.” The park features well-maintained trails and overlooks, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the lush greenery and the winding creek below.

Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg is steeped in historical significance and is known for the pivotal Civil War battle fought on its grounds in 1863. The town preserves the essence of that era with its well-preserved battlefield, historic sites, and museums, offering a profound and educational experience for history enthusiasts.

Harpers Ferry, WV

Harper’s Ferry in West Virginia is a picturesque and historic town at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Known for its charming 19th-century architecture, the town offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Visitors can explore the well-preserved historic district, hike through the surrounding national park, and immerse themselves in the rich Civil War history that unfolded in this scenic location.

Shenandoah National Park, VA

Take a detour for breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking trails, and the scenic Skyline Drive. This park is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers and offers multiple campsites and trails to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. If you want to use the trails in the Old Rag area (Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access), you’ll need a day-use ticket from March through November. The best time to visit Shenandoah for fall colors, is usually mid to late October (the 3rd-4th week), but higher elevations can see first signs of color starting in late September to early October. 

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA and NC

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It provides a picturesque journey with numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and opportunities to appreciate the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature, enjoy stunning vistas, and experience the cultural heritage of the Appalachian region. One of my favorite sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway is from Blowing Rock to Linville, where you can visit Blowing Rock State Park, the Mile High Swing Bridge at Grandfather Mountains, and the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct, a scenic spot overlooking a winding road surrounded in foliage. There are a lot of great fall towns along the parkway, including Boone, Banner Elk, and Ashville, all perfect for an overnight stay. 

Linville Caverns, VA

Linville Caverns is a fascinating underground attraction in Marion, North Carolina, just south of Linville. The limestone caverns offer visitors a chance to explore an intricate network of subterranean chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique geological formations. Guided tours take visitors through well-lit pathways, providing insights into the geological history of the caverns and the fascinating formations that have developed over thousands of years.

The caverns are open year-round and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Guided tours last 35-40 minutes and are the only way to enter the caverns. 

One of the best small towns nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina is Ashville, a vibrant city known for its eclectic culture, arts scene, and natural beauty. The downtown area is filled with unique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options, creating a lively atmosphere.

Visitors to Asheville can explore the historic Biltmore Estate, enjoy the thriving music and craft beer scene, or discover the numerous artist studios and galleries showcasing a variety of art forms in the River Arts District. Enjoy hiking trails and outdoor adventures in the nearby Appalachian Trail and Pisgah National Forest while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. 

Optional Add-Ons

Your road trip isn’t over yet! From Asheville, you have many more options to continue enjoying the southern U.S. states with a visit to Tennessee and the world-renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited National Park in the country.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Smoky Mountains is a breathtaking natural haven straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Renowned for its mist-covered peaks, the park is part of the Appalachian Mountain range and is characterized by lush forests, diverse plant and animal life, and cascading waterfalls.

Visitors can explore over 800 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, revel in scenic drives like the Cades Cove Loop, and appreciate the preserved historic structures that offer a glimpse into the region’s past. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also the most visited national park in the United States, attracting over 14 million nature enthusiasts annually.

Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, is known for its exciting family attractions like the iconic Space Needle and the Sky Bridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The bridge offers an exhilarating stroll with spectacular mountain vistas, made more beautiful in the heart of fall. It is an exciting experience, with a partial glass walkway making you feel like you are walking on air!

Pigeon Forge, TN

Nearby Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, a fun amusement park perfect for visitors of all ages. The park combines thrilling rides with a celebration of Appalachian culture and music, featuring roller coasters, live entertainment shows, themed areas, and a water park called Dollywood’s Splash Country.

While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are fun, inviting cities for families, their proximity to the Smoky Mountains makes them very touristy and busy, especially in the fall, so plan accordingly.

When you are ready to head back east, pick up the coastal trail in vibrant Charleston, about a 4-hour drive from Gatlinburg. You can also stay inland, go through Chattanooga and Atlanta, and eventually back to Florida along I-75.

No matter your route, a road trip from the Sunshine State to the Empire States is a one-of-a-kind drive, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant East Coast culture with many exciting stops along the way!

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Meet Sam, a fearless wanderer and avid solo traveler who has made the world her home. Through cross country road trips, car camping in her SUV and solo adventures to far corners of the globe, she has become an expert in crafting itineraries that balance adventure and self-discovery. Through her insightful tales and practical tips, Sam inspires others to embrace the unknown, break free from conventional boundaries, and embrace the beauty of solo exploration.

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Driving from Florida to New York: Top Routes & Top 10 Stops Along the Way

Are you ready for a road trip that will take you from a tropical climate to the largest city in the US? Driving from Florida to New York is surprisingly easy, regardless of whether you want a fast route or a more scenic drive. And there are countless stops you can make along the way, either while driving through the southern states or historic cities further north, like Washington D.C. and Philadelphia . All the while you can soak in the scenery and use some of our tips to make your trip from Florida to New York as smooth as possible .

The Fastest Route

The most scenic route, top 10 stops along the way, 1. st. augustine, fl, 2. the biltmore estate, 3. savannah, ga, 4. george washington’s mount vernon.

• 5. Jersey Shore

6. Jacksonville, FL

7. washington, d.c., 8. nasa goddard space flight center, 9. raleigh, nc, 10. george washington & jefferson national forests, top road trip tips, road trip tips.

Our route starts in the middle of Florida , around Orlando , so if you are coming from somewhere in the south, like Miami , you will need to add at least an hour to the drive. But if you don’t care about the scenery and just want to get from Point A to Point B, this route that almost exclusively follows Interstate 95 North could not be easier. It takes you along the coast of Georgia , through North Carolina and South Carolina, Virginia , Washington, D.C. and Maryland, and small portions of Delaware and New Jersey before you end up in Lower Manhattan . Although you will cover more than 1,400 miles of road in more than 17 hours , the changing landscape should keep you interested during the drive.

Now that we know the fastest way to drive up the East Coast, what about a more scenic version of the drive if the view out the window is more important than time? There is no shortage of charming towns and lush scenery along the way if you venture off of I-95 . The route that we layout below mostly follows the Eastern seaboard and is only one of several possibilities. Use this as a starting point and plot your own journey from Florida to New York!

• Take I-95 north through Florida
• Just after Savannah, GA , take US-17 through Charleston, SC
• Continue to follow US-17 through the Francis Marion National Forest to Myrtle Beach, SC
• Stay on the highway through Jacksonville, NC and then skirt the edge of the Croatan National Forest
• At New Bern, NC you will veer north on Highway 43 to Greenville, NC
• Continue north through North Carolina on highways 13 and 11
• Enter Virginia and drive north until you hit Highway 58 at Suffolk
• Drive through Norfolk, VA and then you get to go over the water on Highway 13 to the southern tip of another part of Virginia
• You’ll continue on the same highway as you pass through a small portion of Maryland including the Pokomoke State Forest
• Drive north through Delaware
• Then take I-95 the remainder of the way through New Jersey and reach your final destination: New York!

10 Places to Stop Along the Way

Depending on what your interests are, the drive south from Florida north to New York can include beaches , old plantations , mountains and forests for hiking and camping, scenic towns and major cities , and everything in between. Not all the stops are along the routes we have laid out in this article, but if one of them appeals to you it can help you craft your own route.

This town on the northern Atlantic coast of Florida lays claim to being the oldest city in the US. St. Augustine is worth a stop for the beaches, Spanish-style colonial architecture and the Castillo de San Marcos , a fortress dating to the 17th century.

What to see: Take in the history of Spanish settlement in St. Augustine by walking down St. George Street and touring Castillo de San Marcos.

Do you like ridiculously opulent mansions? The Biltmore Estate , located just south of Asheville, NC, was finished in 1895 and is the largest privately-owned house in the US . And the craziest part is that it was built as a summer home!

What to see: Check out the tours you can book at the Biltmore Estate, including a behind-the-scenes look and tasting at the winery.

If you happen to be near Savannah , it’s well worth at least a few hours of your time. In addition to finding some Grade A southern cooking here, you will also delight in Forsyth Park , with its trees draped in Spanish moss, and the historic district with its antebellum architecture.

What to see: Walk down River Street that runs along the Savannah River and check out the shops and restaurants before stopping by the Georgia Queen paddlewheel boat.

If you decide to take the route through Washington, D.C., you can stop at Mount Vernon . The plantation owned by America’s first president, George Washington, is located about 30 minutes south of D.C. and is easily accessible from I-95 by taking US Highway 1.

What to see: If you want to see the inside of the former home of George and Martha Washington, be sure to book a mansion tour. Then save some time to try some Virginia favorites at the restaurant.

5. The Jersey Shore

Yes, the beaches of New Jersey might not have the same cool factor as those further south, but you will still find plenty of entertainment and some nice ocean air before you reach your final destination. Cape May , Atlantic City and Asbury Park are all worthy of your time.

What to see: If you’ve had enough of the beach, head to Jenkinson’t Aquarium at Point Pleasant Beach to see all kinds of marine life plus creatures like alligators and penguins.

This city in northern Florida is the largest in the state and worth a stop as you make your way to New York. While there is Jacksonville Beach to enjoy, the city has more to offer including museums like the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Clara White Mission. Jacksonville also has the largest urban park system in the country, so you can stop and stretch your legs while enjoying nature and keeping an eye out for local wildlife.

What to see: Enjoy some fresh air during your drive with a stop at Little Talbot Island State Park. You can hike and camp in this undeveloped park on a barrier island, or simply stroll on the pristine beaches.

If you are taking the direct route up I-95 N, you will pass through the outskirts of Washington, D.C., so why not stop? There are so many things to see and do in the U.S. capital city, that you will have a hard time narrowing down your sightseeing stops. You can book a tour of the White House, then walk over to the National Mall to visit some of the Smithsonian museums and see the multiple monuments there.

What to see: The great thing about visiting Washington, D.C. is that most of the popular attractions are free. Check out the Smithsonian museums like the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, walk around the Lincoln Memorial and Tidal Basin and wonder at the National Gallery of Art.

Just outside Washington, D.C., the Goddard Space Flight Center is a great place to stop if you or your fellow travelers have any interest in NASA or space travel in general. There are exhibits, a solarium and insights into how space telescopes work. And the best part of visiting is that entry to Goddard is free.

What to see: Learn about the James Webb Space Telescope through displays at Goddard, or take a virtual field trip.

The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh, is part of the “Research Triangle” along with neighboring Chapel Hill and Durham. There are tons of things to do there, both educational and not so much. Visit Pullen Park, which has one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, plus a lake you can paddle on. On the educational side, if you want to learn a bit about local Black history, stop at the Pope House Museum, home to one of the city’s most prominent African American citizens, Dr. Manessa Thomas Pope.

What to see: Get out of the car and stretch your legs at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Its outdoor park has works of art, or you can head inside to see Egyptian artifacts, paintings and more.

If you want to take a bit of detour (depending on what route you choose), bring your hiking and camping gear to spend some time in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in northwestern Virginia, stretching into West Virginia and Kentucky. Situated along the Appalachian Mountains, there are lots of recreational activities to do here including hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding and camping. Just keep in mind that you need a permit do some activities, so you might want to plan ahead.

What to see: Hike the 325-mile portion of the Appalachian Trail that’s within the forests, or go even further!

Whether you are traveling with children, a group of friends or solo, we have some ways to make your road trip a success.

Play Games Early: The boredom can set in quickly after hitting the road. That is why it’s a good idea to play games with kids – whether it’s a card game like Go Fish or the license plate game – to start the day before they get tired and lose focus.

Download Maps of Your Route: If you decide to take a more scenic route that goes through forested or mountainous areas, it’s a good idea to have the maps available offline. That way if you lose cell service, you can still find where you need to go.

Pack an Overnight Bag: On a long road trip, you’ll likely have a lot of luggage with you that you don’t want to haul into a hotel every night. The easiest solution is to pack an overnight bag with pajamas, toiletries and a couple of changes of clothes, plus any valuables you don’t want to leave in a vehicle overnight.

Preplan Where You Will Sleep: If you know how much time you want to spend getting from Florida to New York, it is worth planning good places to spend the night. That way you won’t be stuck driving further than you want to if you get tired while driving and can’t find a hotel room.

One-Way Car Rental

Renting a car one way gives you the comfort of driving a new-model vehicle coupled with choosing what kind of car you will drive. Need lots of cargo space? Choose an SUV or minivan . Or ride in the lap of luxury by booking a luxury car from BMW or Mercedes-Benz. With our one-way car rentals , you can choose from optional add-ons like additional drivers, express toll unlimited and GPS guaranteed. Whatever your reason for needing a one-way car rental is, whether it’s a relocation for work, a canceled flight or simply a road trip, book with SIXT for affordable rates, whether it’s for one week or 28 days or more .

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Florida to New York City drive

Florida to new york city road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Florida to New York City. If you're planning a road trip to New York City, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start at Florida drive for about 1.5 hours

10:29 am   Orlando stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:29 pm drive for about 2 hours

4:34 pm   Jacksonville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:34 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 5.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Savannah drive for about 3 hours

12:52 pm   Bishopville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:52 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

4:25 pm   Raleigh stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:25 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

8:00 am  leave from The Jefferson Hotel drive for about 2 hours

9:55 am   Washington, DC stay for about 4 hours and leave at 1:55 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

4:24 pm   Philadelphia stay for about 3 hours and leave at 7:24 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

9:05 pm  arrive in New York City stay at The Standard New York

day 3 driving ≈ 6 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Orlando   (185 answers)     The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter   (16 mentions)     Universal CityWalk   (8 mentions)     Universal's Islands of Adventure   (7 mentions)     Universal Studios Islands of Adventure   (5 mentions)     Orlando Premium Outlets - International Dr   (5 mentions)     restaurants around Orlando:         Cafe Tu Tu Tango         Emeril's Orlando         SeaWorld         Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville         Hard Rock Cafe     questions about Orlando:         5 days in orlando not Disney         How many days for Disney + universal?         What to do during one day in Orlando that's not Disney World         Top golf courses in Orlando?         Fine dining for client meeting in Orlando Jacksonville   (38 answers)     questions about Jacksonville:         What's the best neighborhood in Jacksonville for a first time visitor?         Great places to stop with kids! Savannah   (126 answers)     Forsyth Park   (9 mentions)     Bonaventure Cemetery   (5 mentions)     Savannah's Historic District   (3 mentions)     The Pirates House Savannah GA   (3 mentions)     River Street   (3 mentions)     restaurants around Savannah:         Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room         Crystal Beer Parlor         The Olde Pink House         Gryphon Tea Room         Clary's Cafe     questions about Savannah:         What is your favorite under rated attraction in Savannah?         Leisurely trip to Savannah         What are fun things to do in Savannah on a budget?         Little Ones in Savannah         Restaurant and live music suggestions? Bishopville   (2 answers)     questions about Bishopville:         Sightseeing locations in Bishopville Raleigh   (24 answers)     North Carolina Museum of Art   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Raleigh:         The Pit         Poole's         Bida Manda     questions about Raleigh:         What is your favorite restaurant in Raleigh?         What's the best neighborhood in Raleigh for a first time visitor?         Best Non-Chain Restaurants for Families Richmond   (22 answers)     Carytown   (4 mentions)     Virginia Museum of Fine Arts   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Richmond:         Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue     hotels around Richmond:         The Jefferson Hotel     questions about Richmond:         What is your favorite restaurant in Richmond?         What is there to do in Richmond?         Nightlife in Richmond & hotels? Washington, DC   (199 answers)     National Mall   (30 mentions)     National Air and Space Museum   (29 mentions)     Washington Monument   (25 mentions)     Museum of Natural History   (23 mentions)     Lincoln Memorial   (22 mentions)     National Gallery of Art   (19 mentions)     restaurants around Washington, DC:         Mitsitam Cafe         Founding Farmers         Rose's Luxury         Pavilion Café     questions about Washington, DC:         Best hotel near museums         Best free things to do in Washington, DC?         Fun free things to do in D.C.?         Getting from Union Station to National Mall?         How to make the most of three days in DC Philadelphia   (135 answers)     Philadelphia Museum of Art   (16 mentions)     The Liberty Bell   (12 mentions)     Eastern State Penitentiary   (8 mentions)     Spruce Street Harbor Park   (8 mentions)     Independence Mall   (7 mentions)     restaurants around Philadelphia:         Reading Terminal Market         Jim's Steaks         Pat's King of Steaks         Geno's Steaks         Zahav     questions about Philadelphia:         What is your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia?         What is there to do in Philly besides eat cheese steaks?         Pat's or Geno's: Which has the better cheesesteak?         Anybody know of great gems in the city I can dine at during my stay?         Eating out on a budget.

Where's the best place to stay in New York City?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in New York City .

You can also see most people recommend as the best amount of time to visit. Find out how many days in New York City to stay.

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out The Standard New York , which was mentioned 15 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in New York City? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in New York City?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Katz's Delicatessen , which was mentioned 37 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in New York City? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in New York City?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about New York City. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to New York City.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a New York City to Florida drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Florida to New York City . Or get a full Florida to New York City flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Florida well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Florida!

More info on this route:

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flattest route

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9 of the best road trips in the USA

US road trips remain ever-present on travel bucket lists the world over.

A true pillar of American folklore, their routes are steeped in history and paint a picture of the USA through the ages, from the Gold Rush to the Cold War.

In the modern day, these routes remain on the travel lists of Americans and tourists alike, all longing to head out on the open road to discover vibrant cities, desert plains, attractive coastlines and enormous mountain ranges.

In a nation that stretches over 3,000 miles from east to west, there are hundreds of routes to take you across the country, whether you want to follow the coast north from California or take a more remote route in Alaska.

Lesser known odysseys such as Route 101 or the Lincoln Highway quickly capture the imagination, while famed highways such as Route 66 dominate the dreams of would-be road trippers. To help you decide which route suits you, we’ve rounded up a list of the best trips across the country.

Chicago to Santa Monica

The USA’s most famous route has been immortalised via a combination of pop culture and nostalgia, despite no longer officially being classified as highway. Today, it remains the holy grail of US road trips.

Stretching for around 2,500 miles from Chicago to the beachfront of Santa Monica (just next to Los Angeles), it provides a taste of times gone by in the US, from kitsch gas stations to the Wild West-like emptiness of the Arizona and New Mexico desert.

This retro feeling is lost at either end of the ‘Mother Road’, especially when arriving into LA, but the marked contrast means that those travelling the route get to experience a quintessential slice of the States, including beautiful desert landscapes, the vintage Americana of Texas and two of the country’s foremost modern cities.

Read more on North America travel :

• The best time to visit Hawaii for a holiday – and how to avoid the rain
• Affordable New York: How to do the notoriously expensive city on a budget
• Canada travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

The Great River Road

Minnesota to louisiana.

This winding route follows the equally serpentine Mississippi River for a total of over 2,300 miles through 10 states. It starts (or ends) in Louisiana, near the Gulf of Mexico, before coursing through Mississippi, Tennessee and ending up in Minnesota, near the Canadian border.

At its start, the route takes travellers across two of of the US’s most famous cities. It begins in New Orleans , the centre of Cajun and Creole culture, and shortly after passes through the capital of blues, soul and rock’n’roll: Memphis , Tennessee.

The rest of the route is renowned for showcasing an abundance of different natural landscapes that only a country as geographically diverse as the US could provide. The wetlands and bayous of Mississipi and Louisiana, including the Atchafalaya Basin, will be the most alien environment to many visitors, with a distinctly eerie, almost rainforest-like feel.

Following along the Mississippi, drivers will see flat plains, mountains and extensive woodland as the route crosses Arkansas, Kentucky, Iowa and Wisconsin, before finishing in Minnesota, “the Land of 10,000 Lakes”.

Lincoln Highway

New york to san francisco.

Though no longer in existence as a single route, a little research will help you take on a section – or all – of the 3,389-mile long transcontinental route that was originally conceived in the 1910s. The route started in New York City and extended all the way to Lincoln Park in San Francisco , taking in 14 states including Ohio, Illinois, Nebraska, Utah and Nevada. Today, much of the road is now Route 30, from Pennsylvania to Wyoming – avoid the freeways of the I-80 for a trip with less motorway and more character.

Today, driving the route is easier in some states than others due to different standards in maintaining the route’s heritage, but this highway will take you across roughly 700 cities and towns, from small-time American settlements to big-hitters like Chicago and Pittsburgh. Along the way, you can learn about the history of both the highway and early America, visit 19th-century mining towns and see some delightful nature, including parts of Lake Tahoe and the Utah desert.

Los Angeles to Olympia, Washington

Route 101 traces the US’s Pacific Coast from California up into Washington, offering some of the best coastal views in the country. Though it technically starts in Los Angeles , you can begin the route from near the Mexican border, close to San Diego, all the way up to the border with Canada.

The route is split into different sections of road in each state. The first section is California State Route 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, which offers the first uninterrupted sightings of the turquoise waters of the Pacific. It carries on through San Francisco and across the Golden Gate Bridge, passing through the famous wine regions of the Napa Valley and Sonoma County, before picking up the Oregon 101.

Oregon’s coast is home to raw natural beauty, captured in the rugged, unspoilt coastline of areas like Cannon Beach and the valleys of the Columbia River. You continue along the river as you enter Washington, eventually circling the Olympic Peninsula and its mountains before finishing near Olympia’s State Capitol Building.

Richardson Highway

Valdez to fairbanks.

Shorter than many US trips, but certainly no less scenic, the Richardson Highway extends for “just” 364 miles between the cities of Valdez and Fairbank. Alaska offers some of the wildest natural landscapes in America, perhaps best compared to parts of Iceland when viewing its large glaciers, towering peaks, dramatic gorges, steep waterfalls and the Valdez glacier lake.

Various locations offer a host of activities such as white water rafting, hiking, fishing and even ice climbing (as well as views of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline). Both Valdez and Fairbanks have a range of things to keep you busy too, from lake cruises and whale watching to skiing and Northern Lights spotting.

The Atlantic Coast

New york to florida keys.

Another road trip that gets to roughly 2,000 miles but can easily be split up into manageable sections, a trip down the Atlantic Coast is a worthy alternative to its Pacific counterpart. There is no defined route, with some beginning as far north as Bar Harbor in Maine, and others starting in NYC . If you do start in Maine, you’ll have the option to explore Boston, Rhode Island and the Hamptons, as well as the Big Apple.

Continuing south towards Miami , you can travel through Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Atlantic City, the East’s answer to Las Vegas. If you stick to the coast rather than heading to the capital, you’ll go through Delaware before crossing a tiny section of the Atlantic over into Virginia Beach.

Carrying on through North and South Carolina, you’ll eventually reach Florida , first via Jacksonville and then Orlando if you fancy a small detour. From Miami you’re on the home stretch, but not before you cross arguably the highlight of the entire trip – the 113-mile Overseas Highway, which extends over the Atlantic between Miami and Key West, the final stop.

Road to Hana

Hana to kahului.

Hawaii may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of road trips, with the Polynesian-influenced State home to a fascinating local culture, laid-back towns and coastline so picturesque it’s scarcely believable. But one small route stands out on Maui that’s as beautiful as those famed beaches – the Hana Highway, which links the towns of Hana and Kahului.

Running for just 64 miles, this coastal route usually takes around three hours to drive due to speed limitations and around 600 bends, winding through dense jungle and passing over imposing cliffs while tantalisingly close to the emerald waters of the Pacific.

Western Highlights

San francisco to las vegas.

This trip takes in some of the US’s most famous landmarks and cities, passing through California , Nevada and Arizona.

Begin in charming San Francisco, where innovation, forward-thinking and counterculture have combined to form a bohemian city backed by national landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. The first stop on your route will be Yosemite National Park, a land of surreal landscapes including giant sequoias, the 914-metre vertical rock face of El Capitan and North America’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls.

Continue on a slightly longer drive southeast towards Los Angeles, where you’ll need a few days to take in the sights of Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu and the rest, before continuing on to the Grand Canyon via the I-10 or I-40 freeways.

Red rock hills and desert plains will quickly come into sight before you reach what is undeniably one of America’s most famous, and impressive, natural sites. Explore, hike and marvel at the vast sandstone cliffs and winding waterways, before spending the night in a rustic mountain cabin. This grandiose trip finishes in equally extravagant Las Vegas , the US’s undisputed home of hedonism.

Read our reviews of the best USA hotels

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One-Way RV Road-Trips

With  Cruise America RV rental , you never have to worry about returning your RV to its original location. Instead, you can book a  one-way RV rental  from any of our 132 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP WITH A ONE-WAY RV RENTAL

When you’re planning an RV road trip across the country or down the coast, one-way RV rental is the way to go. See all the sights you want while you hit the road, and never have to worry about driving back home – just catch a cheap flight at your drop-off point, and you’ve got an easy and inexpensive vacation.

If you’re planning to take one of our RV rentals one way, try one of these fun ideas for vacation routes:

Cross-Country National Parks

Some of the most beautiful sights in the country can be seen in our national parks, and what better way to tour them than by RV? Start off in California with a trip through Yosemite , then head east to the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde. From there, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is your destination – after which it’s up to you: Florida’s Everglades or Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave. Either way, it’s sure to be a great trip.

Pacific Coastline

Start out in Vancouver, Seattle or Portland and travel south down the coast to San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego. Watch as the scenery shifts from the rocky cliffs and historic lighthouses of the Pacific Northwest to the sunny beaches and towering palms of Southern California.

Eastern Seaboard

Pick up your one-way RV rental in Boston, New York City or Washington, D.C. and travel south toward the Florida sunshine. Take a stop in Atlantic City, New Jersey for some gaming fun, or relax for a day along the beautiful historic beaches of South Carolina.

TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF CROSS-COUNTRY MOVES WITH ONE-WAY RENTAL MOVING

Sometimes a one-way RV rental is good for more than a vacation – like when you’re planning to make a cross-country move. With RV rentals, one-way trips from your old home to your new home are relaxing and fun – not harried and stressful. Plus, you’ll save on hotels and other expenses during your trip. You can even pack some of your household items into your RV. View our article on cross-country moving for more tips and advice.

Want to book a round-trip RV vacation instead of a one-way RV rental? That’s easy, too! Simply visit our online booking page to  rent your RV , and you’ll be on your way in no time. Cruise America even offers  RV sales  at sales centers located across the U.S. and Canada, so you can live the RVing life anytime you want.

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Road Trip from Orlando, Florida to New York

A road trip from Orlando To New York is a truly epic adventure. Exploring much of the eastern seaboard, you'll get to check out the world-famous sites of the nation's capital, visit some of America's most significant landmarks, sunbathe at breathtaking beaches, and even take off into space!

The most direct route from Orlando, Florida to New York takes 18 hours to cover 1130 miles, passing Savannah, Charleston, Washington DC, Baltimore and Atlantic City on the way. Alternatively, you can detour to Shenandoah or the Delaware and New Jersey coasts.

This fantastic trip will take you on a journey through time too, from plantations and Presidential mansions in the historic South to the towering modern monuments of New York City.

With so much to choose from on the way, read on so that you can be sure to take your pick of the sights and attractions this route has to offer.

How far is New York from Orlando, Florida and how long will the road trip take?

The trip from Orlando to New York is a relatively straightforward drive which follows the eastern seaboard for some 1,130 miles, passing through 8 states. The Direct Route will take around 18 hours to drive.

You also have the option of taking a detour along a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This adds a significant 5 hours and 250 miles to the Direct Route, so although it's a stunning route which takes in exceptional mountain scenery, it might not fit well with every itinerary.

We've also suggested a less-traveled route that takes you to Delaware and Cape May. This route covers almost the exact same distance as the Direct Route, but will take you at least two hours 30 minutes longer.

Whichever route you take, it's possible to complete this drive in a couple of days, especially if you have a second driver to share the load.

However, you'll be passing through areas of exceptional natural beauty and massive historical and cultural significance, so it's definitely a route that merits a little more time to explore.

Add to this the opportunities to swim, hike, surf, kayak or climb, and we'd recommend setting aside at least a week if you want to fill your road trip with memorable experiences.

Best road trip route from Orlando, Florida to New York

The Interstate-95 is the quickest and most popular way to drive from Orlando, Florida to New York - one straight road which would take you about 18 hours to complete if you drove non-stop.

The Direct Route follows the I-95 almost all the way, leaving the Interstate a couple of times to make sure you don't miss gems like Charleston and Myrtle Beach. It's a straightforward drive, and outside the cities the roads are likely to be fairly quiet, especially further south.

For a more adventurous trip that lets you explore more of the eastern seaboard, consider taking the Delaware and Cape May Route, which comes complete with an 85-minute ferry ride across Delaware Bay.

This route skips some of the major cities that you would see on the Direct Route, so it's perfect if you have a little more time to meander through the small towns and barrier islands of Cape Charles and the Maryland and Delaware shores.

Whether you're flying into Orlando, Florida, or you simply don't have your own transport in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from Orlando, Florida to New York, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

The Direct Route

After leaving Orlando on Route 50 then joining Route 405, you'll find yourself at the Kennedy Space Center, which makes for a unique first stop on this route before you start the long drive north.

Admire spacecraft that have been launched into orbit and ride in a simulator that replicates the space shuttle's ascent, before returning along Route 405 and turning onto Interstate 95.

The route takes you towards Daytona Beach, with its quaint boardwalk and pier, and Jacksonville, where you can visit the excellent Museum of Science and History or the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Both cities also showcase sensational beaches.

Continuing along the I-95 into Georgia, you'll be able to visit the charming city of Savannah, with its rich cultural history and beautifully preserved architecture.

After Coosawhatchie, you'll leave the I-95 for a short stretch along Route 17. This takes you to the beautiful city of Charleston, with historic Fort Sumter and the delightful Charleston Harbor.

Carrying on along this road, the spectacular beachside city of Myrtle Beach is waiting to be explored, before you leave town along Highway 501 and rejoin the I-95 to continue north.

Nascar fans will appreciate a detour along the I-74 to Charlotte, North Carolina, which is where the Nascar Hall of Fame is based. Alternatively, head into Raleigh and Durham to visit the beautiful Botanic Gardens or the excellent Museum of Natural Sciences.

Continuing on, the I-95 will take you to Washington DC where you will be able to check out all of the world famous landmarks of the nation's capital.

The I-395 and I-695 will take you across the city, then follow route 295 to join the Baltimore-Washington Parkway which takes you up towards Baltimore in Maryland, known for its uber-cool hipster culture and many wonderful museums.

You'll pick up the I-95 again as you leave Baltimore, following it through Philadelphia, the 'City of Brotherly Love', then on to New York where you'll complete your journey.

Blue Ridge Parkway Detour

If you're taking the Direct Route and want to explore the stunning natural scenery of the Appalachian Way, there's also the option to take a short detour along a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This 250 mile detour adds an extra 5 hours to the route as it winds its way through Shenandoah National Park, plus some time to leave the car and take one or more hikes as you travel through the park.

Exit the I-95 onto the I-64 at Richmond, heading towards Charlottesville. President Jefferson's home at Monticello is worth a visit as you pass.

Continue along the I-64 before turning onto the Skyline Drive, which follows the Blue Ridge Parkway through Shenandoah. There are many places to stop and hike in the park but only a few options for food and drink, so make sure to plan this in advance.

After Front Royal make your way to I-66 heading towards Washington DC, where you can rejoin the Direct Route once you've finished enjoying the many sights of the nation's capital.

The Delaware and Cape May Route

If you have a little extra time, or if you want to experience something a little different on your trip, the Delaware and Cape May Route makes a great alternative route.

Follow the Direct Route as far as the state border between North Carolina and Virginia, then exit the I-95 onto Highway 58 at Emporia.

Join the I-264 then I-64 to take you through Norfolk, then turn onto Highway 13 to take you through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. When you emerge, carry on along Highway 13 across Cape Charles.

Take Highway 113 as far as Millsboro, then drive through the town and turn left onto Hollyville Road. After passing through the village of Hollyville, turn left onto Beaver Dam Road towards Lewes, where you'll find the ferry for your crossing to Cape May.

The ferry journey across Delaware Bay takes around 85 minutes, plus some time to load and disembark, and we'd recommend booking your crossing in advance to avoid delays.

Arriving in New Jersey, follow Route 9 - the Garden State Parkway - which runs parallel to the ocean, giving you more opportunities to pause and enjoy a beach or two as you make your way north.

You'll also pass the turn off for Atlantic City. Blow off some steam in its nightclubs and casinos here, or carry on a little further to cross over to the barrier islands of Long Beach and Island Beach.

From here it's just a short drive across New Jersey to join up with the I-95, which leads you right to the heart of Manhattan.

Best places to stop between Orlando, Florida to New York

During your road trip from Orlando to New York there are a number of places you can choose to stay overnight.

We've picked out some of our favorites to get you started. Once you have decided on your pitstops, you can also check our detailed guide below to learn more about the areas in New York City to help you plan where to stay once you reach your destination:

READ MORE - Our Area-by-Area Guide to NYC

Enjoy the charms of Charleston

Charleston is a gorgeous city full of southern charm, which you'll pass whether you're going the whole way along the Direct Route (around six hours in) or turning onto the Delaware and Cape May Route later.

It's perfectly placed to stop on the first or second night of your trip, depending on how much time you want to spend in the cities you'll pass earlier in the trip.

Boasting cobblestone streets, a world-class dining scene and a plethora of historic sites, it's a wonderful destination to choose for a short stay.

Situated in a historic building right in the heart of the city, The Indigo Inn makes a great accommodation option which really gives you a feel for the city . It has elegant bedrooms and a charming courtyard, as well as on site parking which is essential for a road trip like this.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a touch of luxury on your trip, Hotel Bennett Charleston provides 5 star accommodation which you will really appreciate after a long day of driving and sightseeing. Its terrific outdoor swimming pool area provides a lovely place to unwind.

If you want to visit some of the local sites, Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor and the South Carolina Aquarium are all within easy walking distance of both hotels, as are most of the city's best bars, clubs and restaurants.

Or if you're interested in finding out more about the plantations that originally brought wealth to the south - and the enslaved laborers who worked on them - Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation are both a short drive out of the city.

Experience the delights of Washington DC

Washington DC is a must-visit destination if you're taking the Direct Route. Located around four hours' drive from New York (not accounting for traffic), this could make an ideal penultimate stop on your trip.

Blessed with so many wonderful sights and attractions you'll definitely want to spend some time exploring the city's major landmarks, museums, attractions and notable sights.

If you do stop here, The Hamilton Hotel - Washington DC would serve as a great base to check them all out . From the moment you enter the stunning lobby you won't fail to be impressed.

Located in the heart of the city, just around the corner from the White House, the property is in walking distance of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Or if you'd rather hop on the metro, the nearest station is only a couple of minutes away.

Get away from the crowds at Cape Charles

If you're taking the Delaware and Cape May Route, you'll probably want to spend a night near the coast at Cape Charles, which is just over halfway into your journey. It's a great place to meander through small towns and quiet bays, as well as watching the sun rise and set across the water.

Head over to the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge to explore a unique coastal landscape, or join a boat tour around the bay to see the cape from a different perspective.

If you're looking to stay here, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Exmore-Eastern Shore has everything you'll need on a road trip - comfortable rooms, on-site parking, and a pool in case you want to unwind.

Situated off the main road through the peninsula a few miles up from Cape Charles, it's a great jumping off point for whatever activity you want to enjoy while you're here.

Things to see on a road trip from Orlando, Florida to New York

There are so many places to see on a road trip from Orlando to New York that really you need a good month or so to do them justice.

But if you don't have that much time available to you, try and prioritize the following for a visit.

Both routes:

• Kennedy Space Center - NASA's fascinating, interactive visitor center showcases fantastic displays and exhibits including actual space rockets and debris. Be sure to tour the launching pads and experience take off in the space shuttle simulator.
• Daytona Beach - Enjoy 23 miles of pristine, flat, wide beach. Also check out the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, the quaint boardwalk and pier, and its world renowned speedway track.
• Jacksonville - Explore over 850 square miles of wonderful beaches, visit the Jacksonville Zoo and get your culture fix at The Museum of Science and History and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
• Savannah - Charming city known for its magnificent coastal landscape, stunning architecture and rich cultural history. Also home to the First African Baptist, which is the oldest black church in the USA, having been constituted in 1777.
• The Golden Isles -A series of beautiful barrier islands on the Georgia coast south of Savannah, which combine stretches of pristine wetland habitats, wide sandy beaches, and luxury golf resorts.
• Beaufort -A beautiful waterfront town a short hop off the Interstate between Savannah and Charleston.
• Charleston - Delightful city renowned for its cobblestone streets, beautiful parks and historic Civil War related landmarks like Fort Sumter and the Charleston Harbor.
• Myrtle Beach - Gorgeous beachside resort city situated on South Carolina's Atlantic coast that incorporates over 60 miles of fantastic white sandy beach. It hosts a number of celebrity designed courses, as well as a stunning boardwalk which includes the tallest Ferris wheel in the USA.
• Nascar Hall of Fame - Based in Charlotte, the Nascar Hall of Fame celebrates the history, achievements and legacy of this particular motorsport.
• Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh -Learn about local and international science and nature at this large and impressive museum.
• Durham Botanical Gardens -Take a break from the road and stroll around these pristine gardens.

The Direct Route only:

• Monticello - Take a tour of President Jefferson's private residence and learn more about the history of the 3rd President of the United States. You'll pass Monticello on the Blue Ridge Parkway Detour, but it's also just a short drive off the I-95 if you're taking the Direct Route.
• Shenandoah National Park - If you're taking the Blue Ridge Parkway Detour, don't miss the chance to take one or more hikes through this stunning wild area, or simply stop to admire the scenery from the many ridgetop viewpoints along the road. You will need an Old Rag Day-Use Ticket if you are planning to visit the Old Rag Mountain. Please check the national park's website for details.
• Washington D.C. - The nation's capital city is a must visit destination. Boasting a number of iconic neoclassical monuments, landmarks and buildings including The White House, The Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, The Supreme Court and Capitol Hill. For culture lovers, it also has a prestigious collection of museums, art galleries, and performing-arts venues.
• Baltimore - This bustling waterfront city, known as the birthplace of 'The Star-Spangled Banner', has a hipster culture, as well as several very good museums and the impressive National Aquarium.
• Philadelphia - Consequential city, that is home to the historic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (the venue where both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed).

The Delaware and Cape May Route only:

• Norfolk - Picturesque waterfront city in south east Virginia that houses a collection of interesting museums and the fabulous Virginia Zoo.
• Cape Charles - Walk among historic buildings, relax on wide, sandy beaches or explore Chesapeake Bay by kayak.
• Cape May - One of the original vacation resorts, you'll still see 19th century architecture here, and of course the beaches and dunes that attracted the first visitors from the city are still just as beautiful.
• Atlantic City - Flashy resort city in New Jersey which is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, glitzy casinos, spectacular beaches and marvelous boardwalk.

Best time to go on a road trip from Orlando, Florida To New York

You can start a road trip from Orlando to New York pretty much all year round.

Many people make this journey in the summer, but with temperatures in the south regularly tipping into the high 80s Fahrenheit and bringing humid conditions with them, you might find spring or early autumn are more comfortable times to travel.

Just be aware that spring arrives later in Washington DC and New York - May or early June would be our recommendation to see the route as a whole at its best.

On the other hand, in the winter the weather won't be as warm, but you will be able to secure cheaper hotel rates and endure far less in the way of queues. You could also time your trip to see the festive sights of New York, or to catch Central Park in the snow, a real contrast to the winter sun of Florida only a few days before.

As a general rule, traffic will be busier the nearer you get to the cities. Especially during the school holidays, weekends and summer months.

Other than that you can start your trip whenever the mood takes you. This is sure to be a memorable trip regardless of the season!

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New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays How To Watch, Listen, Stream

The New York Yankees head back to Yankee Stadium after a two-city road trip to play American League East foe Tampa Bay.   

• Author: Matthew Postins

In this story:

The New York Yankees return to Yankee Stadium to begin a seven-game homestand, beginning with a three-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays , which starts on Friday.

The Yankees (13-6) are back after a 3-3 road trip that saw them take two out of three against the Cleveland Guardians one out of three against the Toronto Blue Jays . The Yankees lost three straight before they took the finale against the Blue Jays on Wednesday at Rogers Centre.

New York enters the weekend with a half-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles . The rest of the division is three games back — the Rays, the Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox .

Opportunity beckons after that, as the Yankees host the Oakland Athletics for four games at Yankee Stadium. After that, they head to Milwaukee for a three-game set and then to Baltimore to face the defending AL East champion Orioles. Baltimore is the most likely candidate to keep New York from returning to the top of the division.

On the sidelines, DL LeMahieu is starting a rehab assignment as he seeks to return from injury. Pitcher Gerrit Cole continues to ramp up slowly from his injury.

Here is the preview for the game, with probable pitchers, how to watch and listen, injury updates and more.

How to Watch, Listen to Yankees vs. Rays

Where: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y.

Friday’s Game

Time: 7:05 p.m. ET

Television: YES. Radio: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280. Watch on fubo.tv.

Probable pitchers

New York Yankees: RHP Clarke Schmidt (1-0, 3.68)

Tampa Bay Rays: TBA

Saturday’s Game

Time: 1:05 p.m. ET

Television: YES, MLB Network (out-of-market only). Radio: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280.

New York Yankees: LHP Nestor Cortes (1-1, 4.50)

Tampa Bay Rays: RHP Zach Elfin (1-2, 4.63)

Sunday’s Game

Time: 1:35 p.m. ET

New York Yankees: RHP Luis Gil (0-1, 3.86)

Tampa Bay Rays: RHP Aaron Civale (2-1, 2.74)

Next Two Series

April 22-25: vs. Oakland Athletics

April 26-28: at Milwaukee Brewers

Scores | Schedule | Injuries | Transactions | Standings | Odds | Futures

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