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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

15 Best Florida Road Trips And Scenic Drives

May 15, 2023 //  by  Florida Trippers

Planning the best Florida road trip can be a daunting task, even if you’re a native. Florida is one of the few states where you could drive eight hours and still be in the same state!

Millions of tourists make Florida a hot destination because of the variety of activities. There are just so many things to do in Florida !

Roller-coaster enthusiasts will love the theme parks. Birders and nature junkies will love the best Florida hiking trails . Overworked vacationers will love the beaches in Florida .

Whether you’re a beach bunny, have an adventurous spirit, or want some rest and relaxation, there is something for everyone in Florida.

With that being said, because the state is so large, it’s hard to know where to go first! There’s so much ground to cover. Luckily, we’re here to help.

We’ve mapped out our best Florida road trip ideas to make your vacation memorable!

We’ll take you through the top destinations in the state so you won’t have any problem finding fun and interesting things to do in the Sunshine State.

Let’s go on the best road trip around Florida!

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Miami to Key West

• Downtown Miami
• Coral Castle
• Everglades National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Seven Mile Bridge

The journey from Miami to Key West is one of the most scenic drives in Florida! The drive is lined with greens and blues from the beaches and palm trees.

This is a great Florida road trip with kids!

It will take you through some of the most beautiful attractions the Sunshine State has to offer. It has something for everyone, no matter your interests. It’s easy to pick and choose to tailor the perfect Florida itinerary for you!

Starting in the iconic city of Miami , you’ll breathe in the South Florida culture before heading to some scenic attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.

Paddlers especially will want to make a stop at some of the best kayaking trails in Florida in the Everglades.

You can even see a real castle! Look out for Coral Castle, made completely of stone. As you head further south, you’ll start to breathe in the salty air of the Atlantic as you visit coral reefs and beaches.

When you finally land in Key West, you’ll have access to some of the most beautiful Florida beaches as well as some incredible historical sites. Don’t forget to have a piece of Key lime pie while you’re there!

There really are so many things to do in Key West !

Central Florida Road Trip

• Circle B Bar Reserve
• Celebration
• Rock Springs/Kelly Park

The drive from Tampa to Cocoa Beach will take you directly across the state, allowing you to see the best of Central Florida !

You get nature, theme parks, and even a quaint town owned by Disney! These are some of the best places to stop in Florida!

Starting in Tampa allows you to soak up the emerging city’s culture, restaurants , and nightlife before moving on to more scenic pursuits.

As you approach Lakeland , you’ll be able to walk through the Circle B Bar Reserve and see a lot of wildlife.

Along the drive, you can stop by Bok Tower, a Carillion tower that rings as it’s played like an instrument before you approach Disney World or Universal. Spend a couple of days at the parks while staying at a cozy Airbnb!

Before you approach Cocoa Beach, make a stop at Rock Springs/Kelly Park where you can take a dip or even tube down one of Florida’s prettiest springs near Orlando .

When you make it to your destination of Cocoa Beach, you’ll enjoy the shorelines of one of the best family beaches in Florida !

If you are planning a road trip to Florida, you need to check out these highlights!

Florida East Coast

• Amelia Island
• St. Augustine
• Daytona Beach
• Kennedy Space Center
• McKee Botanical Gardens

Driving the East Coast is the Florida equivalent of driving the Pacific Coast Highway. Start with the best things to do in Amelia Island before moving down to Miami.

You’ll experience a smorgasbord of different Florida attractions!

Amelia Island might just be the prettiest island in Florida , but don’t spend too long there!

St. Augustine just to the south has incredible historic sites and castles. It is also the oldest city in the United States.

If you plan your best Florida road trip just right, you can attend one of the many festivals held in Daytona Beach like Biketoberfest.

After you’ve enjoyed the beach, head down to Merritt Island to visit the Kennedy Space Center!

If you stop in Vero Beach , you must pay a visit to the McKee Botanical Gardens which showcases the best of Florida flora.

Then as you arrive in Miami, relax on South Beach, one of the best beaches in Miami , and soak up the sun as a reward for your journey!

This is a great Florida East Coast road trip the whole family will love!

Haunted Florida Road Trip

• Spanish Military Hospital Museum
• St. Augustine Old Jail
• Cassadaga Hotel
• Tampa Theatre

This road trip is perfect to welcome fall in Florida which is when things start to get spooky! There are over 570 documented haunted sites in Florida.

This Florida road trip for adults and kids alike starts off in Tampa , where the old historic theaters are haunted! Try the Tampa Theatre downtown or the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater.

Ybor City also offers walking ghost tours that take you through the historic buildings.

From there, head to Orlando and visit Lake Eola. It is said a small brown terrier runs along the lake’s east shore before vanishing into thin air.

Afterward, Cassadaga is waiting for you! This is one of the most haunted places in Florida !

A spooky forgotten town full of psychics, check out the Helen Cassadaga Cemetery or the Cassadaga Hotel.

Then head to Daytona Beach to tour the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse! One of the best lighthouses in Florida , it is also haunted!

Finally, head to St. Augustine, the motherlode of haunted cities in Florida.

There are so many St. Augustine ghost tours to take that will leave you feeling spooky like the Old Jail and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum.

Florida Springs Road Trip

• Ginnie Springs
• Devil’s Den
• Rainbow Springs
• Ichetucknee Springs

A road trip to Florida’s natural springs can be perfect for summer or fall! They are the most scenic places in Florida!

The 72-degree waters will cool you down during the hottest summer day. During the winter, manatees migrate to the springs to keep warm.

Start your tour in Weeki Wachee to watch mermaids swim in the spring waters before heading north on US 19 to Crystal River, a spring near Tampa . If you time it right, you can attend their Manatee Festival!

Take US-41 to get to Rainbow Springs State Park , which actually has six waterfalls! Then hop back on US-41 to head north to Devil’s Den, a diver’s haven!

Get back on, you guessed it, US-41, and keep going north and you’ll hit three springs grouped very close together! Take your pick between Gilchrist Blue Springs , Ginnie Springs , or Ichetucknee Springs . Or visit them all!

End your journey by driving north for just another hour and you’ll reach Madison Blue Springs, where you can swim and relax as your final reward!

If you are planning a road trip in Florida, you definitely need to check out some springs!

Tampa to Naples Roadtrip

• Ca D’Zan
• Florida Domes
• Edison & Ford Winter Estates
• Ringling Museum

For a relatively short day trip, make the drive from Tampa to Naples! Along the way, you’ll hit some major Gulf Coast cities, each with its own architectural gems.

This is the best Florida West Coast road trip!

In Tampa, you can take advantage of some of the best museums in Florida , Tampa restaurants , and even the lovely Curtis Hixon Park. If you decide to spend an evening there, there’s even a speakeasy !

When you head south to Sarasota , a treasure trove of attractions awaits you! Skip the traditional beaches and head out to Beer Can Island , a truly secluded spot.

Or check out architectural masterpieces like the Ringling Museum and the Ca D’Zan!

Next up in Fort Myers , you can tour the Edison and Ford Winter Estates! Yes, the Thomas Edison of the lightbulb and the Henry Ford of Ford Motors. You can see their homes, their vintage Ford vehicles, and even their laboratory!

As you pass through Cape Coral , you’ll get to drive through Matlacha, a charming village. The homes are painted with bright neon and pastel colors. It actually feels more like Key West than Cape Coral!

When you land in Naples , you can take advantage of the fabulous Naples beaches , especially on Marco Island .

If you charter a boat, you can make your way to the Florida Domes, the sunken remains of a millionaire’s former home, now a haven for Florida wildlife.

Anyone interested in history will agree this is one of the best driving trips in Florida!

Everglades Road Trip

• Anhinga Trail
• Nine Mile Pond
• Mahogany Hammock Trail
• Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook

The Everglades National Park is a gigantic place to explore. It’s hard to know where to start! Luckily, this road trip through the park will allow you to experience a little bit of everything the park has to offer.

Enter the park from the southernmost entrance off the Ingraham Highway. Here you’ll start your journey at the Coe Visitor Center.

As you start driving, right off the bat, you’ll have your pick between the Anhinga Trail or the Gumbo Limbo Trail, some of the best hikes in Florida.

The road continues through the Pinelands and into the Dwarf Cypress Forest whose leaves actually change during fall in Florida!

After passing Rock Reef Pass, stop at Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook. You’ll have the best views of the enormous sawgrass prairies from the elevated platform.

After another 20 miles, you can see the nation’s largest mahogany tree on Mahogany Hammock Trail!

Unfortunately, it doesn’t make for a great photo op. The tree is 90 feet tall and the shorter trees shroud the mahogany’s height.

Keep on to Nine Mile Pond for canoeing and kayaking!

If you’re driving towards the end of March to early April, stop at Mrazek Pond. During this time, and only this time, it becomes one of the best birding spots in the country.

After passing several optional hiking trails, you’ll arrive at the Flamingo Visitor Center, your final destination. Here, you can book an airboat tour to see the nooks and crannies of the park not visible from the road.

It is clear the Everglades is one of the top places to go on a road trip in Florida!

Waterfall Road Trip

• Falling Waters State Park
• Big Shoals State Park
• Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

There are amazing waterfalls in Florida ! On this Florida road trip, you’ll discover the best sound is a waterfall crashing down in front of you!

Start in Chipley in the Panhandle with a bang. Falling Waters State Park is home to the largest of Florida’s waterfalls at 73 feet high!

From there, head to Bristol to get to Torreya State Park. Consider skipping this waterfall if you’re not a strong hiker.

Afterward, the following three waterfalls are thankfully close together. First, see the “Disappearing” Waterfall at Camp Branch Conservation Area.

Then head to Big Shoals State Park, which also offers river rafting! Just to the south is Falling Creek Falls.

As you head south to Gainesville , you’ll reach Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. Here the waterfall was created by a series of sinkholes. You can even stand inside the sinkhole right next to the waterfall!

Finally, you’ll end your journey with a refreshing reward at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon just outside of Ocala .

Here, you’ll get not one, but six waterfalls! You can also enjoy swimming, tubing, kayaking, snorkeling, and more.

UFO Sighting Tour

• Gulf Breeze
• Fort Walton Beach
• Panama City
• Unidentified Flying Objects?

Did you know that next to California, Florida has the most UFO sightings of any other state? On average over 30 sightings are reported each month in Florida!

If you’re skeptical about whether or not life is out there, it doesn’t matter. This Florida road trip will take you through the best places in the panhandle.

Start in Panama City , where two bright orbs were seen zig-zagging over Tyndall Air Force Base. As you head west, ride the shoreline, as this has been a popular sighting place.

As you approach Fort Walton Beach, look out for a white diamond-shaped craft with a vapor trail as well as saucer disks.

Even if you don’t see anything, you’ll have an enjoyable night walking the beach and looking at the stars through binoculars.

You’ll eventually land in Pensacola where the most sightings have been recorded. Head to the Gulf Breeze neighborhood especially! Keep your eyes peeled!

North Florida Road Trip

• Wakulla Springs State Park
• Castillo de San Marcos
• Big Talbot Island State Park

Begin your journey across the top of the state in the panhandle at Falling Waters State Park, the tallest natural waterfall in Florida!

Then head to Marianna, the only open-air-filled caves in Florida. Outside of the Florida Caverns, you can also hike, bike, or camp on the Chipola River.

Then you’ll head to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, beautiful and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also one of the best springs for camping in Florida .

Next, get a taste of the prehistoric as you travel to Devil’s Den . A natural spring, Devil’s Den is actually a karst window, which means it’s a huge open cave over a river. Divers will love descending the depths!

Next, it’s time for St. Augustine. History buffs will love exploring the oldest city in the United States! Stop at the Castillo de San Marcos to see a real Florida castle!

You’ll end your North Florida Road Trip at Big Talbot Island, one of the best things to do in Jacksonville ! The beaches here are covered with driftwood and dried tree branches, creating the illustrious Boneyard Beach!

Florida Castles Road Trip

• Solomon’s Castle

Did you know that there are real castles in Florida ? Europe has nothing on the Sunshine State!

This Florida road trip takes you from St. Augustine all the way down to the West Palm Beach area to see the best castles in Florida!

When you start in St. Augustine, you’re practically in the castle capital of the state! Here you have Castle Warden which eventually was turned into the first Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

You also can see Villa Zorayada which is a replica of the Alhambra Palace. Don’t forget the historic Castillo de San Marcos, once a Spanish fortress of war. Castle Otttis is also here, but because it’s privately owned, tours are rarely available.

From there, head to St. Pete to see the Don Cesar. Built originally to be a “pink castle,” today it functions as a high-end resort and spa ! You can even take ghost tours of the grounds.

Next up is Solomon’s Castle. The home and art studio of Howard Solomon, the castle is made entirely of aluminum. You can even have lunch at the Boat on the Moat!

Finally, you’ll head down to the mysterious Coral Castle. Made of 1,000 tons of coral rock, the structures have been arranged into elaborate gardens complete with bougainvillea.

Surfing Road Trip

• St. Augustine Beach
• Cocoa Beach
• Boynton Beach

Similar to the East Coast Road Trip, this Florida road trip will take you along the Atlantic coast. This is where all the best waves are!

So if you’re a surfer, load up the car for these can’t-miss surfing spot s in Florida !

Start north at Jacksonville Beach before hitting St. Augustine. From there you can hit Flagler Beach before heading to Daytona Beach.

If you visit Daytona on Christmas Eve, you can even see Santa surfing! This is a great winter in Florida activity.

Then you can hit the waves at New Smyrna Beach before heading down to Cocoa Beach. Don’t forget the Sebastian Inlet, just to the south of Melbourne.

The last leg of your trip will take you to the beautiful beaches of Jupiter, where you can take a break to see the limestone formations!

From there, hit West Palm Beach before concluding your trip to Boynton Beach.

Scenic Hiking Road Trip

• Blowing Rocks
• Big Talbot Island
• Ocala National Forest

This Florida road trip from Jacksonville to Jupiter is designed to take you on some of the most unique hiking trails the state has to offer. You won’t see sights like these anywhere else.

First, start at Big Talbot Island in Jacksonville, where the Black Rock Trail will take you to the beach. You’ll see dried, sun-bleached trees creating Boneyard Beach!

Next in Gainesville, you’ll find the Prairie Paynes Loop Trail. Here bison and wild horses roam free. Hop down to Dade City to attempt the four-day, 39-mile Citrus Hiking Trail!

Head down to Bok Tower outside of Lakeland next. The tower is actually a Carillon bell that can be played like an instrument!

You’ll finish your tour at Blowing Rocks in Jupiter, where waves crash up against limestone as you walk along the beach.

Overall, this is one of the best road trips in Florida for nature lovers!

Brewery Road Trip

• Cigar City Brewing
• 7venth Sun Brewing Company
• Hourglass Brewing
• Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.

Craft beer is having a revival, not only in Florida but across the country! To taste the best that local breweries have to offer, take the Brewery Road Trip!

Start in the Tampa Bay area where you can hit up the highest-rated brewery in Florida, Cigar City Brewing. There are plenty of other breweries in Tampa to check out too.

Likewise, you can visit Cycle Brewing in St. Pete and 7venth Sun Brewing Company in Dunedin.

Next, head to some Orlando breweries ! Grab a Grove IPA or Side Chick Blonde at Deadly Sins Brewing. Try out Hourglass Brewing or Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. as well!

Finally, head to Jacksonville and grab a pint at Green Room Brewing. You can even bring your own food or order from a binder of restaurants that deliver right to the bar!

This is one of the best weekend road trips in Florida for adults!

Florida Keys State Park Road Trip

• Bahia Honda State Park
• Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
• Curry Hammock State Park
• Oleta River State Park

There are beautiful state parks in Florida , rivaling those across the country.

This South Florida road trip will take you from Jupiter all the way to the end of the Florida Keys to enjoy some tropical state parks!

Start to the north of Jupiter at Jonathan Dickinson State Park to walk through pine scrub flatwoods and mangrove forests.

Then head to Fort Lauderdale to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to see native Florida wildlife like butterflies, turtles, and of course, alligators .

Right on Biscayne Bay in North Miami Beach, you’ll head to Oleta River State Park next. Here you can find the greatest concentration of Australian pine trees!

Now you’ll be crossing the bridge to the Keys and traveling west. In Key Largo, stop at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You’ll love snorkeling among the reefs and seeing the tropical fish!

Next up at the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park , you can see fossils frozen in time in the Key Largo limestone.

Then head to Curry Hammock State Park, housing one of the best beaches for shelling .

Finally, at scenic Bahia Honda State Park , you can walk up to the gorgeous, dilapidated bridge.

Since you’re at the end of your journey, sit and relax on the beach and stay for one of the most beautiful sunsets in the state.

Hopefully, this Florida road trip planner helped you plan an epic vacation!

7 best road trips in Florida

Apr 10, 2024 • 6 min read

Florida is well-suited for road-tripping © Philip Lange / Shutterstock

There's no denying Florida's appeal. This narrow peninsula packs in an abundance of hedonistic pleasures, from white-sand beaches to fantasy-fueled amusement parks.

And with historical monuments, natural wonders and roadside attractions sprinkled liberally across the state, Florida is particularly well suited for road-tripping. Here's our pick of the best road trips in the Sunshine State. 

1. North Florida's backwaters and byways 

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

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

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

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

2. The Florida Panhandle

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

The Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast is blessed with beach bliss and southern charm. Start your eastward journey near the Alabama border in Perdido Key , a barrier island with turquoise waters and expansive wetlands.

Eastward, make sure to hop on Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton County. Stops include Rosemary Beach, where  La Crema Tapas & Chocolate  serves up a decadent chocolate fondue; the Alys Beach Nature Trail , which has elevated boardwalks to navigate the 20-acre preserve of coastal forest; and Seaside , which is dotted with pastel-painted houses with picket fences. Fun fact: Seaside is where  The Truman Show  was filmed. End your trip with a visit to Tallahassee, the capital of Florida and home to the  Museum of Florida History .

3. Highway 1 

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

Drive the length of Florida all the way down the coast, and you'll get a sampling of all the highlights of the Sunshine State. You'll find historic towns, family-friendly attractions, the Latin flavor of Miami and miles and miles of beaches right beside you, inviting you to stop as often as you want.

Start your trip on Amelia Island, a glorious barrier island with the moss-draped charm of the Deep South, and continue on down to see-and-be-seen  Miami Beach . Detours worth making include St Augustine , the oldest permanent European settlement in the US; the undeveloped, pristine beaches of  Canaveral National Seashore and the Space Coast  where, if you time it right, you can see a rocket shoot into space.

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

Want to linger in Miami for a few days?  We have the itinerary for you

4. North Florida

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

With nearly one million residents, Jacksonville is Florida's largest city (nearly double the population of Miami). After gawking at giraffes at Jacksonville Zoological Gardens  and being inspired at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville , head southwest to Gainesville, the home of the University of Florida. Very much loaded with students when school is in session, the town is also home to the Florida Museum of Natural History and the stunningly blue Ginnie Springs  nearby.

Cap off your trip with a stop in Ocala, with outdoor adventures aplenty, including the woodsy, lake-loaded Ocala National Forest and, for gear heads, the Don Garlist Museum of Drag Racing , which houses nearly 100 race-tested vehicles.

5. Walt Disney World and beyond

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

This trip links up most of Florida's best family-friendly attractions , including sprawling white-sand beaches and all the sights you can squeeze into your vacation and more.

Begin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center  to wonder at the science and ambition behind 20th- and 21st-century space exploration (and buy some astronaut ice cream, naturally). From there, hop on I-4 westbound toward Central Florida and its more imaginative delights. Let your inner child loose in the  Magic Kingdom  at Walt Disney World ®  but don't stop there; you'll find plenty more to entertain you in dizzying Orlando , including Universal Studios and  Harry P Leu Gardens , for when you crave a short respite from the frenetic pace.

Next, cross the state toward Tampa , turning south when you arrive near the coast. Be sure to check out the historic buildings and wrought-iron balconies of Ybor City and the lovely beaches in Sarasota  before winding up on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Can't get enough of Florida's theme parks? These are the best ones to visit

6. The Everglades 

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

The enticing Everglades  make  South Florida truly unique. This ecological wonderland is the USA's largest subtropical wilderness, flush with endangered and rare species, including its star attraction, the alligator – and there are lots of them. It's not just a wetland, swamp, prairie or grassland – it's all of the above, twisted into a series of soft horizons, long vistas and sunsets that stretch across your entire field of vision.

From the town of Homestead , head for the park's southeastern entrance and get ready to immerse yourself in nature. Be sure to plan pitstops to  kayak in Flamingo , take a tram tour in Shark Valley and search for Bigfoot in Ochopee  before heading on to Everglades City to uncover the region's history at the volunteer-run  Museum of the Everglades .

Detour:  Work in a bonus national park by visiting Biscayne National Park , a boater's paradise 20 minutes east of Homestead.

Add  these experiences  to your Everglades itinerary

7. Overseas Highway to Key West 

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

Short of hopping on a plane, there's no better way to enjoy such an utter feeling of escape from the mainland than driving through the Florida Keys . The motto here seems to be "do whatever the hell you want." 

Pull off the highway for biker bars, seafood grills and blissful beaches wherever and whenever the crazy spirit of these islands moves you. Highlights on this 102-mile route include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park , the USA's first underwater park; historic Indian Key and forested  Lignumvitae Key ; and the marvel of engineering that is the overwater Seven Mile Bridge. 

Planning tip:  Embark on your Overseas Highway adventure as early in the day as possible, as some stretches tend to be congested after 11am, particularly on weekends.

Keep planning your trip to Florida:

Looking for more great experiences? Here are our top picks in Florida Have a smooth trip with these things to know before you go Check out our budget-friendly tips before you book Get in some towel time at  our favorite beaches in Florida

This article was first published Nov 19, 2020 and updated Apr 10, 2024.

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The Ultimate Florida Road Trip: 21 Spectacular Places you Must-See

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Florida might just be my favorite state. It’s definitely my favorite state for vanlife . It’s built for road trips and if you can get past “Florida man” there is loads of nature to explore. But planning our Florida road trip I was disappointed to see every single travel blog recommend the same (crappy) places.

You’re not going to find that here.

This Florida road trip guide is going to focus on nature, scenery, stunning drives, and of course, beaches. No Disneyworld or tourist-trap towns here.

Because Florida, undoubtedly, has some of the coolest natural attractions in the country and unfortunately few travelers know about them.

Let’s take a look at some of the more scenic and lesser known destinations that Florida has to offer.

Why Plan a Florida Road Trip?

There’s 3 reasons Florida makes for such a perfect road trip vacation destination.

1. Florida is huge.

You can drive South for 8 hours and you’ll still be in the same state. While you can blow through multiple states on a typical week-long road trip, Florida takes some time to see right. We spent 2 weeks bouncing around Florida’s beaches and I still felt it wasn’t enough.

2. Beaches.

From the still silky waters of the Gulf Coast to the crashing waves of the Atlantic, Florida has a beach for everyone.

3. Wildlife.

Florida is teeming with wildlife. & unless you’re from the South it can feel as foreign as traveling to the other side of the world. 500 species of birds alone reside in Florida, not to mention alligators, crocodiles, beavers, foxes, panthers, manatees, even a colony of monkeys.

4. The weather.

Vanlife can be really hard sometimes. But it’s a lot less difficult when the weather is good. After all, road trips and sunshine go hand in hand. & if you’re looking to escape the crisp winters of the Northern US, a winter Florida road trip is the perfect getaway.

Tips for Planning Your Florida Road Trip

Here’s a few things you should know before you hit the open road.

Avoid Hurricane Season.

Although Florida has warm balmy weather pretty much year-round, it does get a hurricane or two. Plan your Florida road trip around hurricane season which typically falls from June to November.

Vanlife or RV Rental is the way to go.

Vanlife in Florida is a piece of cake. & if you want to explore the hidden gems on my road trip map below you’re going to have a hard time finding accommodation nearby. I highly recommend exploring Florida via van or RV.

Fortunately, if you’re not converting your own DIY Campervan there are plenty of rental options for you.

RV Share is one of the cheapest options on the market for RV rentals & is available all over the US. Better yet? You’ll be renting from other RV owners & supporting individuals instead of mega-corporations.

Or if Vanlife is more your style you can always check out Jucy or Escape Vans for low-priced converted van rentals.

& if you are building your own campervan then be sure to avoid these pitfalls that made our DIY van build a lot harder.

For more tips be sure to check out our full Florida Van Life blog post on avoiding bugs, where to find free overnight parking, showers & more.

Your Ultimate Florida Road Trip

Now let’s dive into the lagoons and swamps of Florida. There are two essential components when planning a road trip.

The destinations and the roads we use to get there.

I wrote up a whole other blog post focused on the most scenic stretches of Florida backroads for your road trip. Instead, we’re going to focus on the must-see stops you absolutely cannot miss on your Florida road trip.

21 Stops You Absolutely Cannot Miss

Notice you’re not going to find Disneyworld, Miami Beach, or St. Augustine on this list. Because they aren’t the best places to visit in Florida. They are the most touristy places to visit. But that’s not what this list is about.

1. Amelia Island

If tranquillity is what you’re looking for this– is the place to start. Not technically an island in the traditional sense Amelia Island is a lovely serene stretch of Florida coastline & it bodes well for the rest of your journey down the East Coast.

Hot Tip: I recommend driving through Fernandina Beach Town (a quaint alternative to St. Augustine) & then driving down the A1A until you reach a public boardwalk to the sand and enjoy a few hours on the beach.

2. Silver Glen Springs in Ocala National Forest

If I had to pick a favorite place in Florida, this is it. Ocala National Forest is a sprawling wooded area filled with turquoise lagoons and of course, the main attraction, manatees . For $6 a person you get a day pass to Silver Glen Springs. An undeveloped thermal-heated natural lagoon you can swim in, paddleboard, or kayak year-round. Leaping mullet fish, palm trees, and cormorants sunning on the shores give this lagoon an exotic tropical feel.

If you’re interested in the Manatees, visit during the winter months (Nov-Jan) when they leave the cooler open water and head for the warmth of the lagoons. During our visit, a mama & her baby swam within 10 feet of us!!

Hot Tip: Bring a snorkel. The water is crystal clear but you’ll want to get a better peek at the manatees and their underwater world.

3. Blue Spring State Park

More Manatees!

I just couldn’t get enough of these floaty potatoes. If you didn’t see manatees during your visit to Silver Glen Springs you’re almost guaranteed to see them here. During the winter months, hundreds of manatees gather in the protected canals to graze. You can’t swim with them here but you can get a great view of them from the elevated walkways around the water’s edge.

Hot Tip: Rent a kayak & paddle over to the protected manatee area. Manatees are extremely curious and we had a group of 6 come for a visit. They circled around us, poked their noses out of the water, and bumped against our kayak. You’ll probably also see Ibis, Alligators, Great Herons, and tons of other wildlife if you explore further. Best $27 I’ve ever spent.

4. Vero Beach

& now it’s back to the beaches!

I loved Vero beach because it felt undeveloped and isolated. Sure, there are plenty of houses but the beach wasn’t crowded and for the most part bare of mega-hotels.

5. Blind Creek Nude Beach

Floridians love a nude beach. They are everywhere.

Blind Creek Nude Beach was hands down my favorite. People were friendly (not creepy), the beach was huge, the waves were tame, & the sand was soft.

Hot Tip: Don’t visit a nude beach (or any beach) right after a Florida rain. Sand Fleas will be thriving and you’ll be covered in bites in no time.

6. Lake Okeechobee

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This massive freshwater lake is known as Florida’s inland sea. Its placid waters reflect the blue sky & the lake is great for bird watching. There’s also some nice hiking trails to explore for the day.

7. Juno Beach

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What can I say….another great beach stop on the East Coast. Juno is near West Palm Beach so it’s a great slightly less popular alternative for those trying to escape the crowds. The long pier extends way over the bright blue water and on a still day you have the chance to spot some fish in the waves.

Hot Tip: You do have to pay $1 to go on the pier.

8. Haulover Beach

Miami’s most popular ‘naturalist’ beach. & it’s stunningly gorgeous. The Miami skyline shoots out of the sand in the distance and it’s close enough to the city to make an easy getaway after breakfast.

9. Key Biscayne

My favorite part of the Miami area.

This little island connected by a large sea-bridge is gorgeous. We stealth camped in the main town center here so that we could watch the sunrise at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park –famous for its white lighthouse.

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Hot Tip: Be sure to catch the sunset at Crandon Park just across the bridge toward Key Biscayne. Get there early because you definitely won’t be alone.

10. Matheson Hammock Park

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Looking for a more family friendly beach? This breezy man-made atoll is about as idyllic as it gets. & everyone should be fully clothed.

11. Biscayne National Park

Unfortunately, we didn’t actually make it here.

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Jutting off the East Coast of Florida you might confuse it with the Keys. These little islands are not connected via land bridge however. So, you’ll have to hop on a boat. But the most beautiful destinations are often difficult to reach.

World class snorkeling, diving, fishing, and canoeing through the mangroves can keep you busy for weeks. It’s truly one of the best hidden gems of Florida and although difficult to reach on a road trip…so worth it.

12. The Florida Keys

The keys might as well be an entirely different state. Stretching 113 miles off the coast of Florida it’s a long beautiful drive. Key West is a quirky little tourist town with rocky shores and delicious pie. But there is a lot more to the keys than Key West.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Kayak through mangroves looking for sea turtles and manatees, snorkel right off shore above nurse sharks, or join a boat trip to drop you directly on the reef. There is tons to do at this state park.

Hot Tip: Personally, I was underwhelmed by the rocky beach and the water clarity for snorkeling off-shore but it all depends on the time of year you go. I would highly recommend kayaking and taking a snorkel tour if that’s your cup of tea.

Super laid back and undeveloped. Worth a drive through at the very least.

Big Pine Key

Drive around this key to spot Key Deer. A teeny endangered species of deer that can only be found here.

Veterans Memorial Park

If you’re looking for an easily accessible soft sand beach…look no further. The keys aren’t actually renowed for their beaches but this one is quite nice.

Seven-mile Bridge

If you’re road-tripping down to the Florida Keys you’ll cross this bridge. It’s a 7-mile stretch of highway crossing wide-open ocean. It’s a little unsettling but very scenic.

13. Everglades

Did you come to Florida to see some gators?? This is the place to do it.

The wildlife here is incredible. You’ll have the opportunity to spot Crocodiles, Alligators, Roseate Spoonbills, and even Florida Panthers. The Everglades flood after hurricanes or storms throughout the year but if you time your visit right you can explore these trails & viewpoints.

• Anhinga Wildlife Loop.
• Coastal Prairie Trailhead.
• Flamingo Beach.
• Shark Valley Observation Center.

14. Chokoloskee

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Drive out to this tiny little teardrop-shaped island and you won’t find much. But it’s the best place to hire a fan boat to take you out through the marshes. Known as the 10,000 islands region it’s also one of the best places to spot the massive White Pelican.

Hot Tip: No need to hire in advance. Just head to the docks and there will be flyers and boat owners milling about.

15. Bowman’s Beach & Captiva Island

We’ve finally made it to the gulf coast on our Florida road trip. This means warmer waveless water. Even though I preferred the East Coast, most travelers gravitate to the Gulf side. Bowman’s Beach is one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast.

& it’s famous for seashell collecting! Millions of seashells roll up onto the beach and have created a unique landscape perfect for a day in the sand.

Hot Tip: You’ll have to pay for parking and there is no food around so be sure to bring snacks.

16. Sanibel Island

If you’re doing this road trip in an RV or converted van this is the perfect place for some beach camping. You can pull your vehicle right onto the sand at Causeway Islands Park and eat lunch or set up camp just feet from the ocean water.

& if you’re not sick of swimming, snorkeling, and lounging yet…the beaches here are pretty wonderful. I recommend Bailey’s Beach Park .

Hot Tip: If you are stealth camping overnight by the water, be sure to park above the high tide line. Unless you want to wake up with your wheels underwater that is.

17. Stump Pass Beach State Park

Florida has some amazing state parks. In fact, I would say that’s one of the most underrated things to do in Florida.

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This state park happens to be a beach. So, I hope you’re not sick of them quite yet. White sands covered in weird stumps, this secluded beach juts out into the warm gulf waters and is more than a mile-long.

18. Manasota Key

This is the island you’ll find Stump Pass Beach State Park, so you might as well explore it further. It’s got some killer beaches rimmed with tropical foliage and one of the can’t miss drives through Florida.

19. Myakka River State Park

There’s one big reason to visit here. Deep Hole. This huge wetland offers great opportunities to see loads of wildlife life like gators and birds, but this giant deep hole is the real attraction. Following a 2.2 mile hike, you’ll reach a 200 ft wide sinkhole absolutely brimming with alligators. If you’re looking for a good gator photo this is the place to be. The hike is mostly flat and if you’re lucky you might see a wild hog rooting around the prairie landscape

You can also check out the canopy walkway while you’re here.

Hot Tip: They only give out 30 passes to hike Deep Hole per day. It’s free but first come, first serve. So, get to the ranger station by 8 AM.

20. St. Andrews State Park

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Frequently, hailed as one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast we couldn’t miss it. But unfortunately, thanks to the hurricane damage in the area, we had to. This state park boasts white shores, green water, and great kayaking.

21. Gulf Island National Seashore

For the final stop on your Florida road trip, I recommend the Gulf National Seashore. Definitely, at sunset. Overnight if you can. There are plenty of pull-outs great for stealth camping. This strip of soft white beach actually stretches all the way to Mississippi through Alabama if you want to keep chasing the sand.

Florida Road Trip Map

Here’s your Florida road trip map already labeled with all the destinations above.

Florida is hands down one of the best (& most overlooked) destinations for a road trip in the USA. If you’re a wildlife fanatic, a beach bum, hiking enthusiast, or looking for a faux tropical getaway, a Florida road trip is exactly what the doctor ordered.

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Further Reading...

12 Outstanding US National Parks to Visit in Spring

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Planning a trip to florida - tripscholars.

[…] of Florida is unmatched by any state in the continental United States  In a single day, during a Florida road trip, you can drive from the rolling waves of the East Coast to the dense panther-filled jungles in […]

Go Wander Wild

Wow, your pictures of Florida are stunning! They really make us want to pack our bags and go!

Alexa Jordan

Great suggestions. So much about Florida to love besides theme parks.

David Richardson

This was a great list! I agree with Alexa- there are a lot of theme parks that take all the attention. We are taking Red Coach buses around the state (at least these areas: https://www.redcoachusa.com/florida/ ) and have so much to see! I will definitely add your suggestions to our list.

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The Ultimate American Foodie Road Trip (Map Included)

11 amazing guesthouses in sri lanka for budget travelers (2023), beyond_the_bucketlist.

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6 Super Easy Florida Road Trips

• January 17, 2019

From eco-adventures at U.S. National Natural Landmark, Payne’s Prairie in the north to leisurely wine tasting strolls at Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery in the south—we’ll help you start planning endless Florida weekend getaways from top to bottom of the state.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

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Head to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for a visit with manatees, black bears, bobcats and gators. A short drive away is lunch at Riverside Crab House . Continue north to Crystal River with a stop at the quaint Shoppes of Heritage Village . Energy permitting, wrap the day in Cedar Key with a bowl of local clam chowder.

Pensacola Bluffs

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See a piece of Florida that even many natives don’t know exists along the Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway . That’s right, bluffs. Sweeping views of Escambia Bay dot this 11-mile scenic stretch, and a boardwalk zigzags down the 75-foot slope to the shore through a live oak forest at Bay Bluffs Park.

Schnebly Redland’s Winery

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Drive this scenic route through South Florida’s historic farmland, stopping between acres of crops to eat sticky buns at Knaus Berry Farm bakery and buy blooms at R.F. Orchids . Keep going for a taste of fruit wines at Schnebly Redland’s Winery , fresh produce at Robert Is Here fruit stand and everything strawberry at Burr’s Berry Farm .

Shark Valley Tram Tours

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Explore the natural splendor of the Everglades with a drive across the Tamiami Trail between Miami and Naples. Along the way, hike, bike or tram down a paved road that winds through the sawgrass marshes of Shark Valley . Keep your eyes peeled for gators, herons and other untamed locals.

Ocala National Forest

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Canopied highways 19 and 40 cut right through the Ocala National Forest , offering up not only serene views but park gems all along the way. Stop for a dip in the freshwater swimming hole at Alexander Springs , a hike through the tranquil Juniper Prairie Wilderness or a canoe ride on the pristine St. Johns River.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

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Scenic U.S. 441 takes you back in time as you meander along its uninterrupted countryside, rural homesteads and charming southern towns. Start with homemade ice cream at Jersey Creamery in McIntosh, lunch and antiquing on 1st Street in Micanopy, sunset views over Paynes Prairie State Park and end with a stroll in Gainesville.

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Florida Road Trip: 31 Amazing Places You Won’t Want To Miss

Florida is the perfect family road trip destination and a great family vacation idea with relaxation , art and culture , plus family-friendly activities ! We have road tripped the state 4 times and can’t wait to share with you all about the beautiful beaches , theme parks , natural wonders and historic sites .

The state is huge and has so much to offer from white sandy beaches to Disney World to Universal Studios to natural springs . Our Ultimate Florida Road Trip will take you from one end of the state down to island hopping in the Florida Keys and back up to the Florida panhandle.

High level List Of Top Activities To Do

• Orlando CityPass
• The Fury Ultimate Water Adventure
• Little Havana Tour
• Visit the Dry Tortugas

Have you thought about renting an RV for your trip? We highly recommend it!

*Be sure to check out our FREE Ultimate Florida Road Trip With Your Family eBook below!

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Florida Road Trip Map

St. Augustine

There are so many things to do in St Augustine Florida , it’s an amazing way to start your ultimate Florida road trip. We recommend 2 nights, but really you could stay a week. If you are staying 2 days visit:

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

You can spend hours here exploring all the different alligators, feeding them, and watching the shows. Plus for only $5 you can take your picture with a baby alligator!

Fountain of Youth

It seemed like such a tourist trap to us, but really there is more to it than just the fountain. The grounds are beautiful and filled with multiple history lessons – including the Timucuan Village and seeing them fire a cannon! The road to get to the Fountain of Youth is also amazing with a canopy of old oaks covering the street. Needless to say it is worth it to go.

St. George Street

You can end your day by visiting St. George Street. It is filled with restaurants and one of our favorite stops: Hyppo for homemade popsicles! They even had a champagne flavored one.

And yes, those are our dogs. St. Augustine is super dog friendly!

We also recommend checking out Historic Tours of America , they offer great packages and other ideas of things to do in the area. The trolley was an amazing way to get around town and really learn a lot about St. Augustine. It also meant we didn’t have to drive and find parking everywhere we went.

Or you could check out this trolley tour that takes you to three of St. Augustine’s museums: The Old Jail, St. Augustine History Museum and The Oldest Store Museum!

For even more history, consider visiting the Castillo de San Marcos Monument, booking the Old Jail Tour, or visiting the Oldest Store Museum!

Check out more fun activities in St. Augustine! Where to Stay:

Compass RV Resort offers another good location in St. Augustine with only a 15-20 minute drive to get downtown. This campground also has two dog parks!

Another option is Ocean Grove RV Resort that is about 7 miles from the historic district. This campground includes a boat launch, restaurant, golf cart rental, and more!

If you want to rent an RV check out our post on How To Rent An RV and How To Plan An RV Trip .

Hotel:  Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

We did not stay in a hotel when we were there but given where this hotel is located we think it would be a great place to stay. If you stay here you could walk to a lot of the downtown attractions or easily get on the trolley.

You can’t come to Florida and not go to Orlando. Plan on at least 3 days for all of these things to do in Orlando, Florida :

Magic Kingdom

Visit Magic Kingdom for 1 day. We have done it multiple times and really feel you can see the majority of the park in 1 day. Here is a post we wrote about our tips for visiting in 1 day here: 11 Tips For Visiting Magic Kingdom In 1 Day

Here are some tips from Global Munchkins:  Disney World Tips & Tricks and also The Best Disney Family Shirts for your trip!

Plan on heading to Animal Kingdom? Our friends at We3Travel share what the best ride is in Animal Kingdom and all of Disney!

Universal Studios

We had put off going to Universal Studios until our kids were a little older. When our youngest turned 6 we figured it was a good time to go! We had an absolute blast and loved every minute of it. There was plenty to do with younger kids and the older ones could go on almost all of the rides.

We also had a great time going to Volcano Bay and highly recommend if you are going to Universal plan a day at Volcano Bay!

Ideally we would recommend 3 days to explore Universal. 1 day for each park and 1 day for Volcano Bay. There are 2 parks in Universal – Universal Studios VS Islands of Adventure we recommend visiting both and have done both in one day if you are short on time. Great tips from Global Munchkins on visiting Universal: The Best Universal Orlando Tips From A Pro Have teens? Merlot Mommy shares: The Best Rides for Teens at Universal Orlando Resort

Visiting during Halloween? Be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

Go tubing at Kelly Rock Springs and visit Downtown Disney. This has been one of our favorite things. The water is crystal clear and with all the beautiful greenery and perfect water it is a can’t miss destination!

You start from the top of the spring on an inner tube and float all the way down to the beach. AMAZING!

You can learn more about it in our post: Tubing By Orlando The Best Non Disney Experience and for more springs check out: Best Springs In Florida

If your kids are 12 or younger we recommend also making a stop at LEGOLAND Florida for a day. The size of the park is so much easier to manage then Disney World and in a day you can pretty much do every ride and see the shows.

If you are interested in visiting Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando or LEGOLAND Florida, you may want to consider using the Orlando CityPass ! CityPass will allow you to order tickets to any of these locations on one convenient website and give you a great discounted price!

Escape Game

If you haven’t checked out the Escape Game yet, you are missing out! At Escape Game Orlando you can test your teamwork and sleuthing skills by trying to escape from one of eight themed rooms with your team or family in under an hour. It is a ton of fun for the whole family and a great teamwork exercise as well!

You can check out our post about our experience at The Escape Game here!

Orlando Museum of Art

If you are looking to take in some culture or expand your horizons a bit while in Orlando, check out the Museum of Art! Take a look at the museum’s calendar of events and see if there is something exciting happening in the art gallery, or just stop in anytime and take a tour!

You could also plan a trip over to the Kennedy Space Center and maybe catch a launch, or Swim or Snorkel with the Manatees!

Get tickets here for the Kennedy Space Center!

Have older kids? Check out this post on things to do with teens in Orlando .

Where to stay:

Luxury Villa :  If you are looking to kick back with a big group or want to experience a luxury vacation home check out the Luxury Villas! We stayed here for a week with friends and it was AMAZING!!

Orlando RV Resort With our RV we always stay at the Thousand Trails Orlando. Its proximity to all of the things we listed above is great and you are a little ways away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando. If you want a more glamorous place to stay than Disney’s Fort Wilderness is for you. We spent a day there and it was pretty awesome and we know other RVers who call it their FAVORITE place to stay in the whole US.

Camp Margaritaville – For a fun vacation style RV resort stay here!

If you want to stay outside Orlando, Mill Creek RV Resort is in Kissimmee – only about 30 minutes from the Orlando theme parks. Also, all of these sites are on concrete patios!

Another option outside Orlando is in Davenport. Only 25-30 minutes from the Orlando theme parks, Mouse Mountain RV Resort offers a selection of standard and premium sites.

If you want to splurge stay at the Fort Wilderness Resort ! We haven’t stayed here but went and visited once and it was amazing.

Embassy Suites on International Drive If you are looking for a hotel and want to give your kids a special treat then stay at the Legoland Hotel . They have gifts for your kids once they complete a scavenger hunt in your room, all the legos you want to play with in the lobby and some amazing shows.

Then of course there are all the Disney properties. To be honest we always look for ways to cut costs so we can take more trips and do more things. In that mindset we stayed at an Embassy Suites that provide breakfast was close to Disney – so that is always an option too.

Here is a great list of the Best Hotels For Families In Orlando .

If you are a waterpark family check out: Best Water Parks In Orlando. 

From here you could head to our next stop Miami or make a stop in Jupiter. There are a lot of great things to do in Jupiter, Florida and it is a more under the radar location!

Welcome to Miami! Miami has a very cool vibe to it. We recommend doing the following:

Little Havana

Miami has an amazing Cuban presence and vibe to it. Head into Little Havana and grab some ice cream at Azucar and then walk down the street to see if you can hear any cuban music coming from the bar/restaurants and do a little dance in the street.

Next head into Wynwood and check out the amazing artwork on the sides of the building. This is an up and coming area in Miami and has an awesome vibe to it! You can also park and get out and walk around Wynwood Walls to check out the artwork and restaurants in the area.

South Beach

Go to South Beach and see what South Beach is really like! We didn’t get a chance to get out of our car due to how busy it was. But it was cool to drive down A1A and take in everything South Beach has to offer.

Miami Seaquarium

We had a great time exploring the Miami Seaquarium and all the exhibits. Grab your Seaquarium tickets here ! Don’t forget to check out Miami Beach while you are there!

If wildlife is more your thing check out Tropical Botanical Garden & Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary at Flamingo Gardens

Check out our post on: 7 Things To Do with Kids in Miami

Check out these other great activities in Miami!

RV Park: Miami Everglades RV Park 

We stayed at the Encore RV park. We had to drive a ways to get into downtown Miami – but it was still worth it since the RV park was so nice and quiet. Plus they had a great pool, hot tub and mini golf course!

Hotel:  Check out this highly rated family friendly hotel:  InterContinental Miami

VRBO: Check out this Mediterranean-style cottage with private swimming pool!

Luxury Villa : If you are looking to house up to 12 guests in style with an infinity pool, fitness room and home theater, consider this Luxury Villa !

Another idea is to take a cruise when you are in Miami! The Carnival Vista looks amazing!

Florida Keys and Key West

Ever wonder the distance from Miami to Key West ? Well, it’s about 160 miles. Crazy, right?! That 3 hour drive could be a road trip in itself! Well, now you know the distance from Miami to Key West , on your Florida Keys Road Trip , check these amazing stops:

Feed the Tarpons

Stop at Robbie’s and feed the Tarpons. It is a really cool experience. For just a few bucks, you get a bucket of fish that you then feed to the large tarpon that hang out by the pier.

So fun! Just look out for the Pelicans, they’re savage!

Grab lunch at Sunset Grille

This is a cool restaurant on the water that has a pool! It is a great place to stop, eat lunch and take a swim before heading on. Make sure to check out their Key Lime Pie! Once you are done swimming walk up the stairs that go under the bridge and walk out on the famous 7 Mile Bridge.

7 Mile Bridge

You can’t avoid it on your way down to Key West, but I wanted to add it so you can be sure you have your camera ready. I love this bridge and the idea of the water surrounding you on all sides!

While you are on the way to Key West, you might want to check out Long Key State Park! Here is a video of our time there:

Key West – Fort Zachary Taylor

Explore the fort and spend time at the beach enjoying the Atlantic Ocean! The beach doesn’t have soft white sand beaches, most in the Keys don’t due to the reef but that’s OK. The color of the water and the ability to snorkel right off the beach make up for it! There is also a small restaurant here where you can grab lunch and a beer.

Key West – Mallory Square

Then head to Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration. There are a variety of fun shows for the whole family. Yes, some of the comments can be a little crude (they do try really hard to make it family friendly) – but normally will go right over your kids head. We were able to drink from a coconut and enjoy some great food too.

Key West – Fury Ultimate Adventure

The Fury Ultimate Adventure is one of our favorite things we have done! Spend 6 hours on a large catamaran where they feed you all day and provide all you can drink soda plus beer and wine at the end the end of the trip. While you snorkel, parasail, jet ski and play on huge inflatables in the middle of the ocean. Such an amazing time!!

You can learn more at our post: The 4 Best Water Activities With Kids In Key West.

Key West – Dry Tortugas

If you can fit it in, take the boat tour out to the Dry Tortugas. It is an amazing and magical place. Seriously, it is an island 70 miles off of Key West with the bluest water you have ever seen and a beach filled with conch shells. And the fort offers the best photo opportunities.

Get Dramamine and be prepared for the long and bumpy boat ride.

Here is our post on it: Dry Tortugas – One For The Bucket List Or if you have enough time, plan on camping on the Dry Tortugas! We didn’t get a chance to do it but it is on our list to go back and stay for a few nights. Here is a post from a family of 5, Currently Wandering, who spent a few days on the Tortugas (lucky!): Family Camping In Dry Tortugas National Park You can check out: https://www.historictours.com/keywest/index.php for more ideas and discounted packages on things to do in Key West. We really enjoyed the aquarium and the kids loved being able to feed the sharks!

More On The Florida Keys

We spent 2 1/2 months in the Florida Keys. You can check out all of our posts on our time there on our: Florida Keys page .

Check out these post from We3Travel: Family Fun In The Florida Keys and Florida Keys Roadtrip to learn more as well!

You can check out even more activities in Key West here! Check out all the great kayaking options in Florida parks here !

Where To Stay:

RV Park: Boyds Campground We haven’t stayed here but we have heard if you want to be close to Key West this is a great place to stay with your RV.

Another option located a little over an hour from Key West is Pelican RV Resort in Marathon.

If you are looking for a less expensive option and somewhere that is in a quieter location, we recommend Sunshine Key – which is where we stayed. It is a good 90 minute drive into Key West so be prepared for that. Or, if you can get in, the Bahia Honda State Park is amazing – especially if you get right on the water.

Hotel: Casa Marina Resort , in Key West. The property is beautiful and not right in the middle of downtown Key West – which we think is a great fit for being with a family in Key West.

If you can stay in the Keys for longer we also recommend Hawks Cay! The only problem with staying here is you won’t want to leave but will instead want to stay at the hotel and enjoy all the amenities.

For a road trip it would be great for a couple day break but we really recommend it if you are looking for a week long stay in one place.

Everglades National Park

Shark Valley

Make a stop at the Shark Valley Visitor Center in the northern end of the Everglades and take a tram ride (may have to buy tickets well ahead of time for this) or if you have your bikes or want to rent them you can take the 15 mile bike ride into Shark Valley – which we recommend! You don’t need tickets to do the biking.

You can learn more about the tram and about renting bicycles here: Shark Valley Tram Tours

It is one amazing and wild ride as you pedal right past gigantic alligators!!! And depending on the weather you may even be riding through rain puddles with alligators sitting right in them. Once you reach the lookout you can climb to the top and have an amazing view of the Everglades.

At 15 miles round trip it is a long ride, but the path is paved and flat – but like in our case – if it is windy, it can be challenging.

Be prepared when you get to Shark Valley Visitor Center that there may be a line to get into the parking lot. They have a small parking lot and they only let so many people in.

We just sat in our car and waited our turn. It took about 20 minutes or so. A few other people parked on the road outside the entrance.

If you have your bikes I recommend waiting for a spot in the lot since you will be there a while.

You can also tour Everglades National Park by Airboat!

Check out even more things to do in The Everglades here!

Check out our post on Shark Valley here: 7 Things To Do With Kids in Miami .

Where to Stay:

RV Park:  If you are up for National Park Camping we recommend Midway Campground. It is a 21 minute drive from there to Shark Valley. If you don’t mind a 45-minute drive, Riptide RV Resort in Key Largo is another good option.

Hotel:   Best Western Plus Kendall Hotel & Suites We did not stay here but do to its location it would be great for visiting Shark Valley. It is about a 38 minute drive to Shark Valley Visitor Center.

Highlands Hammock State Park

Looking for things to do in central Florida other than Orlando? Stop at the Highland Hammock State Park. It is a beautiful park and we recommend taking at least 1 of the hikes before heading out.

The Cyprus Swamp – Highland Hammock Trail is one of our favorite hikes. A couple of our kids were a little freaked out about it but when it was said and done everyone had fun!

RV Park: Highland Hammock State Park campground. We stayed here and it was great! Lake Josephine RV Park and Buttonwood Bay RV Resort , located in Sebring, are two other great options since they’re only about 20 minutes from the State Park.

Hotel:   The Inn On The Lakes   We did not stay here but due to its location we would recommend it.

Clearwater Beach

Voted one of the best beaches in Florida. Clearwater is a beautiful beach with white sand and aquamarine water and beautiful beach resorts . Just be prepared that it can be very busy.

If you can spend a day hanging out at the beach and then head to the main street to check out the shops and restaurants and grab some food and drinks.

Bring Florida home with you with this awesome hurricane drink recipe!

Dolphin Tale

Visit Hope from the movie Dolphin Tale 2 at the Clearwater Aquarium and be sure to take the free boat ride over to the museum that is dedicated to the movie. And be on the look out for dolphins in the ocean on the ride!

If you are looking for something different to try while in Clearwater, why not try a customizable helicopter tour? Check it out here!

Check out more great activities to do in Clearwater! Plus things to do in Tampa Bay with families ! Or maybe take a road trip to Siesta Key .

RV Park: It is a bit of a drive, but we stayed at Lazy Days and made the 1 hour drive into Clearwater Beach. The Dunedin RV Resort , a closer option, is only a few miles from Clearwater.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort would be a great place to stay due to its proximity to the beach! Check out these three spacious Clearwater Beach resorts perfect for families too.

VRBO: Check out the Clearwater Beach Vacation Rentals .

Luxury Villa: Check out these villas .

Port St Joe Florida in Gulf County

We recently spent a week in Port St Joe, Florida and were so pleasantly surprised with how awesome the forgotten coast is! If you are looking to visit a new place in Florida this is it. 

You can kayak and snorkel in the bay. Take a boat out to look for dolphins. Have a campfire on the beach and find some of the best shells we have ever found! 

Gulf County, Florida is beautiful! The beaches are huge and you can walk for miles up and down them. I am so glad we found this hidden gem in Florida! 

You can learn more about it here: 21 Fun Things To Do In Port St Joe Florida

Finish your trip by stopping in Destin for a day of relaxation. If the weather is going to be warm enough when you go then get a hotel room on the beach and plan on just kicking back and relaxing for your last few days.

If you aren’t ready to relax Destin also offers an amazing pirate boat adventure for the kids, private catamaran tours with Smile N Wave and a dolphin cruise . Plus there is under the sea bowling and a lot of yummy restaurants in the area. We also loved The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park  just outside Destin!

The sunsets are amazing so be sure to catch it each night you are there! And you will want to try the Crab at the Crab Trap !

Here is our post on Destin (we have visited multiple times and we totally miss it when we leave!).

Check out more activities to do while you are in Destin!

RV Park : Camp Gulf on the beach! It is by far one of our favorite RV parks and we highly recommend paying the extra to stay on the beach.

About half an hour from Destin is The Hideaway Retreat in Navarre, FL. With large, beautiful oak and magnolia trees surrounding the sites, this campground on the Santa Rosa Sound offers lots of shade and a true outdoor atmosphere.

About an hour the other direction is Emerald Coast RV Resort in Panama City Beach. With two heated pools, a hot tub, fitness center, and more, this campground offers plenty to do when you aren’t visiting Destin.

Hotel: Hilton Sandestin The hotel is actually pretty close to the RV park. You can walk on the beach to the hotel from the RV park and get a drink at their bar/restaurant. A great way to watch the sunset!

VRBO: Check out this awesome house with a pool and hot tub and only a few blocks from the beach!

Recommended Itinerary for 14 nights

You could replace Clearwater with Port St Joe if you wanted to spend more time on the Panhandle of Florida. 

And if you want to get our free eBook on the Ultimate Florida Road Trip With Your Family click here!

The ebook documents everything in this post, along with an area for notes under each city. You can easily print it and use it for your planning and when you go on your trip.

You’ll see the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast on your trip and enjoy one of the best road trips for families in the United States!

More Florida Travel Ideas

Florida has so much to offer. If you can, we recommend staying for months – we stayed for 6. But if that isn’t an option this road trip could take approximately 2 weeks.

It could be longer or shorter depending on how much time you spend at each location. You will be covering a lot of miles but it is worth it to see all of these amazing places.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Florida, from small towns to big cities. It is impossible to list them all! Here are a few more awesome stops that our blogger friends have written about:

Things To Do In Naples Florida

20+ Things To Do In Florida On The Ultimate Sunshine State Road Trip

Florida Beaches: 25 Best Family Vacation Destinations

Places To Visit In Florida

29 Things to Do in Amelia Island

17 Best Florida Beaches

Things to Do in Tampa Bay in a Day . Don’t forget to check out St. Petes Beach in St. Petersburg while you’re there! You can also visit Cocoa Beach, Blue Springs, Crystal River, Vero Beach and so many more amazing places!

A trip to Florida can be spent doing day trips all over the state. Or you can pick one place to stay for your whole trip. 

You may also want to check out some of the great things to do in Fort Lauderdale. See JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Or check out the Barrier Islands in the Gulf of Mexico.

There are some great scenic drives in Florida to check out too and some awesome Florida Small Towns !

Anna Marie Island is another great place to check out!

More Posts To Check Out

Looking for another Road Trip? Check out these great East Cost Family Vacation Spots !

How about other fun things to do around Florida?! Check out:

Where to see Manatees in Florida

9 Delicious Port St Joe Restaurants You Will Want to Try

25 Exciting and Fun Things To Do In Myrtle Beach, SC

9 Outstanding Places to Visit with Kids in Atlanta, Georgia

7 Amazing Things To Do In Asheville With Kids

29 Brilliant Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama

National Park Road Trip

14 Amazing RV Parks in Destin Florida

East Coast Road Trip 25+ Spots You Don’t Want to Miss!

The Ultimate Guide to The Harry Potter World Rides

8 Things to do in Jupiter Florida

6 Best Springs in Florida

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42 thoughts on “Florida Road Trip: 31 Amazing Places You Won’t Want To Miss”

This seriously has me questioning renting an RV and heading off on a road trip adventure. I never thought of laying out a 14 day itinerary like that. It sounds amazing!!! What a fantastic post!

Finally going to take a few days off this weekend to be with family. Thanks for the list of florida road trip ideas. Really great photos too, especially of Dry Tortugas, wish I could jump right into the photo. Can you tell I really need a break? haha

Thanks! Dry Tortugas is amazing – we can’t wait to get back!!

Good site for those who want to travel here in Florida, one trip I would suggest is instead of heading towards Orlando on route 4, go over to Route 1 after Daytona and take the turn in to the Cape Canaveral Seashore. It has hiking trails, bike trails and you can also go to the beach. For the children continue on to the Space Center and take the tour, we had our grandson and he had a wonderful time there. After that yes on to Disney. Good blog.

Great suggestion! Hoping to visit this area on our next time in the state!

Hi, great itinerary. Any chance of a link to the original google map please?

Unfortunately, no. We plotted the map just to grab the picture of it. Next time, we’ll try to save them. Thanks for the idea!

HI could you confirm the period of year in which you did the trip?

We did this mainly in the fall/winter months, but it could be done pretty much at any time. Parts of Florida can get uncomfortably hot during the summer months, but the coastal areas can still be nice.

What were some of the most Dog friendly places you visited. The reason I ask is I am wanting to do a spontaneous road trip and wanted to make sure my four legged friend could come with me as I will not have anywhere else to put him while I am on the road. Or visiting certain places.

To be honest, there are tons of dog friendly places we’ve visited. It seems more and more businesses are being accommodating to pets. But off the top of my head, St. Augustine, Asheville, San Diego and Denver were all very dog friendly cities. Pretty much all of those cities had water bowls on the side walk, we went to a dog night at a brewery in Asheville (including a special dog-safe brew) and other events that dogs were welcome. Hope that helps!

Hello! We are going on our first ever RV holiday next month – March 2018 – around Florida. We are heading to Destin from Clearwater. Where should stop on that last leg? It’s a bit far for our 2, 7 & 8 yr olds. We managed to get the last beach front spot at Camp Gulf! Thanks, Isabel

We’ve heard great things about Apalachicola National Forest, although we’ve never been there. That may be somewhere to consider.

Certainly you found a bunch of Florida road trips spots. Amelia Island, 30A, and Anna Maria Island are among my Florida favorites.

Thanks! We need to explore Amelia Island and Anna Maria Island!

Sorry you forgot the Space Coast! There are so many fun & interesting things to do, including the Kennedy Space Center which is totally geared for the entire family (and maybe a rocket launch!), wonderful beaches, cruise ships, surfing and fishing possibilities, air boating, eco river tours, Brevard Zoo. Our state has so much to offer. Hope you’ll come again and check out our Space Coast fun!

We’ll definitely be back that way at some point. I didn’t really think of Florida as a big state, but it’s huge! So many places to see, we just ran out of time.

I ytuly enjoyed your honesty and thoughts about this. We are taking a road trip there soon amd have seen much, but not the keys!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!

The Keys are an amazing destination, one of our favorites. Hopefully you can get down there.

If someone asks me about great post for weekend, which probably create a wonderful mood, definitely it would be yours!

What a beautiful post, I am preparing to move to Fl and I am looking forward to it and freaked out at the same time! I will have to take some time and explore the keys for sure. Thank you.

You’re welcome! The Keys are amazing!

Hi, We are coming over from England with our 5 & 7 yr olds and want to do an RV trip but have a couple of concerns; 1) Are RV parks very expensive 2) Are they isolated ie: do you need a car to get to all the places or can you drive your RV to them. Such as staying at Orlando for 3 nights how do you get to all the parks?

Great blog has given us a great guide on what to do thanks.

Thanks, The Jefferson family

Some RV parks can be expensive. If you stick to state parks, it ranges around $40 USD per night. RV parks are usually a bit away from attractions. If you rent a relatively small RV (something like 30′ or less) you can drive that around town to grocery stores, restaurants, etc. and find parking for it. If you plan to visit attractions like Disney, they do have oversize and RV parking. Worst case scenario, in places like Orlando, you can always get an Uber. Best of luck, have a great trip!

You should really add Naples and if you can. It has great beaches and other things like zoos

Thanks for the suggestion! We’ll add that to our list for next time!

South Florida- our old stompin’ grounds! Our first stop when we hit the road was the Keys. We love it so much down there. The camping has really gone crazy in price since then. But we hope to get back down there soon. Key West has so many awesome places to explore and fine- the back streets off Duval are so much fun to explore. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

Frank and Grainne The Roving Foleys

The Keys are amazing, and yes, a bit pricier than other places! We hope to get back down there again soon too!

Thank you for your suggestions. You hit the tourists spots, do you have a blog that maybe hits the places in between that are more off the path and less tourist oriented?

We don’t at the moment, but pass along some good spots if you find them.

I think If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best , you will always find home!) No matter what!

Great advice!

I’ve enjoyed exploring your blog. So many great places – so little time : ). We just got back from camping in Florida over Christmas break and enjoyed St Augustine, too. We spent two nights but could easily have spent more, but Sanibel used up most of our time. If you get a chance, try kayaking at Blue Spring State Park – the manatees swam right under us! Perhaps next winter we can make it to the Everglades and Keys and try out some of your ideas. Best, Gwen

We definitely want to check out Blue Spring State Park. We’ve heard great things about it! Glad you had a fun trip!

I have lived in Florida for 49 yrs and have never taken a road trip here to see what all I have been missing. The keys is our first stop. We live in High Springs Florida right across the road from Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs and Blue Springs. We will start in Pensacola and travel the beaches down to Naples and cut over to Miami and head down to the keys, back up and hug the coast all the way up to St Augustine. Our next trip will be inland and discover all the things we have missed.

• Pingback: 12 RV Parks In Florida That You Will Want To Visit

This is a great list. Florida has so many fun things to do.

Thanks! Yes it does!

Thanks “Bryanna” for sharing a great recommended list. I really love Florida and make a vacation with road trip. I’ve been visited Maximum’s places on your list. I mostly like Shark Valley, Clearwater Beach, Mallory Square, 7 Mile Bridge. But you can also add Disney world to your list.

We tried to give some options other than the usual things people do in Florida.

Comments are closed.

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Home » North America » Florida

Epic Florida Road Trip Guide for 2024

Going on a  Florida road trip  is hands-down the best way to experience this state! With endless beaches, hidden springs, tons of food, and lots of attractions, you’re going to need a flexible mode of transportation.

Having your own car or campervan is absolutely the best way to visit all of the best places in Florida as you’ll be able to go wherever you want!

Florida is a big and beautiful place but, more importantly, it can also be a pricey one. Everyone who wants to visit Florida wants to lay on the beach and so you’ll have to compete not only with crowds but inflated prices.

In this Florida road trip guide, we’ll cover several topics concerning the Sunshine State. You’ll learn to avoid overpriced hotels and how to camp like a pro, find the state’s hidden gems, navigate the roads, and explore the best that Florida has to offer!

So grab ur’ flip-flops, boardshorts, and a cooler full of cold beer because we’re off to warm beaches and eternal sun of glorious Florida!

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Florida USA Road Trips Costs

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There are loads of road trips opportunities in the USA , some of them a bit more affordable than the other. Florida is by no means a cheap place to go on holiday. Everyone and their grandma wants to come here either to vacation or retire, and so, as a consequence, Florida can be expensive.

At The Broke Backpacker, we are never scared of inflated prices! We’re constantly looking for new ways to cut travel costs and have a whole repertoire of useful tips to share with you. Even if we are unable to travel for $10/day like in our favorite countries, we can at least help you minimize expenses.

The average daily budget for a Florida road trip is between $150-$200 (ouch…) – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry fees.

• Lodging will be one of your largest expenses on your road trip. Real estate here is very expensive and hotels will take a chunk of change from your budget. Be sure to stay in hostels and camps to save money. Another great option is to stay at one of the epic Airbnbs in Florida .
• Gas is relatively cheap in Florida but can still end up costing you quite a bit due to distances. It’s very difficult to gauge how much gas you will actually need, so it’s very important to be flexible with this expense. Try and stick to a budget by following planned road trips.
• Food and drinks  in Florida are, thankfully, much less intimidating. You can eat cheaply by cooking your own food and eating at food carts. If you wanted to, you could still eat and drink like a king one night and spend a small fortune in the process.

Below is a breakdown of the average costs associated with traveling to Florida.

Average Costs of Florida Road Trips

Rental car:  $30-$100

RV rental:  $100-$300

Gallon of gas:  $2.85

Average AirBnB:  $120

Hotel room:  $140

Hostel:  $25-$35

Campground:  $5-$20 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich:  $6-$8

Beer at a bar:  $4-$8

Coffee:  $2-$4

Bottle of Whiskey from market:  $18

Dinner for two:  $30-$60

Below is a list I created of sample road trips through Florida. Varying from 4 days to 14 days in length, they cover many of Florida’s top attractions. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some solid Florida road trip ideas.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

4 Day Florida Itinerary: Road Trip to the Florida Keys and Everglades

4 Days: Road Trip to the Florida Keys and Everglades

Day 1: Everglades

4 Days in Florida isn’t a lot. So if you’re expecting to see everything that the state has to offer, you’ll be disappointed. However, you can fit in the most important hotspots without a problem or stress. Start your first day in Miami. Organize your rental car and head to the first destination on your road trip, the Everglades National Park . Once you’ve found a lodge or camping ground to stay at, check out the epic walks and hiking opportunities. These are our favorite ones:

• Anhinga Trail
• Shark Valley Trail
• Long Pine Key Trail

Day 2: Everglades

Day 2 is going to consist of more exploration and adventures. Go on a full-day water safari with an airboat or check out the Ten Thousand Islands area. This national park in Florida is HUGE. You’ll have plenty of ground to explore.

Once you’ve had enough exploring, return to your lodge or your Everglades camping site to prepare to move on tomorrow. Do make sure not to leave any waste behind!

Day 3: Florida Keys

Enough nature – we’re going back to civilization! You’ll head to the Florida Keys for your 3rd day. Make sure to depart early so you’ll have more of the day. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the Florida Keys Scenic Byway. These are our favorite stop-overs on the way:

• Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery
• Theater of the Sea
• Turtle Hospital
• Ernest Hemmingway’s House

If you’re a passionate Scuba diver, you’ll love Key Largo and Biscayne Bay . The water is crystal clear! Once you arrive in Key West , it’s time to sort your lodge once again. Luckily, there are quite a few awesome Airbnbs in Florida Keys .

Day 4: Florida Keys

On the last day of your Florida road trip, you should explore Key West further. Bar hopping is especially popular and you can be sure to meet loads of nice people from all over the world. If you miss socializing, this is your go-to for the day. If you’re more of an adventurer, check out the Dry Tortugas National Park (this is more like a day trip though). At the end of the day, it’s time to pack your bags again for the next morning departure. And if you do decide to stay a bit longer, Islamorada is the perfect central location in the Florida Keys.

7 Day Florida Itinerary: A1A Florida Road Trip

7 Days: A1A Florida Road Trip

Day 1: Key West

Don’t waste any time on your first day! Arrive in Miami, sort your rental car/campervan and head to the Florida Keys straight away. There are a couple of cool keys on the way which we covered in the 4-Day-Road-Trip above – be sure to check them out. Once you arrive in Key West, make sure to find the perfect lodge and check in. Now it’s time to explore the area. If you’re not exhausted from the car ride, head out to the bars for a couple of drinks.

Day 2: Fort Lauderdale

For Day 2, you’ll depart early in the morning and head to Fort Lauderdale. You can stop in Biscane Bay for diving or in Miami for lunch and a bit of a beach tanning session. Once you arrive in Fort Lauderdale, check into your lodge. Now it’s time for some lounging on the beach, chilling in the sun and do some people watching. To end the day right, explore Las Olas nightlife.

Day 3: Cocoa Beach

Day 3 is going to be a bit of driving but mainly surfing and relaxing. Depart from Fort Lauderdale and head North to Cocoa Beach. It’s an epic place to fresh up your surf skills, learn new tricks or find you balance on a board for the first time. The beach is beautiful as well – perfect to step up your tanning game!

Day 4: St Augustine

You’re going to continue the Florida road trip on A1A Northbound. On the way, check out the Kennedy Space Center and stop by Datona Beach for lunch and lounging. You’ll arrive in St. Augustine, where you can explore the area if there’s enough time left of the day or simply relax. St Augustine makes for a great place to stay as a rest stop.

Day 5: Jacksonville/Amelia Island

Day 5 will be an early rise. Visit Castillo de San Marcos early in the morning and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Once you feel like it, depart St. Augustine and head to Jacksonville. This is where you’ll stay for the night unless you have more time on your hands – then you should head to Amelia Island.

Day 6: Vero Beach/Miami

You’re going to be leaving Jacksonville (or Amelia Island) early in the morning and head back south. Make sure to stop over in the quiet Vero Beach – it’s a real treat! You can also drive further (6-7 hours) to Miami, sort your accommodation (we higly recommend Miami’s Airbnbs ) and spend the night there.

Day 7: Miami

If you stayed in Vero Beach, it’s time to depart for Miami. If you’re already there – even better, you can take your time enjoying and exploring the lively city. Our favorite hotspots are:

• Little Havana
• Coral Gables
• Design District

14 Day Florida Itinerary: Ultimate Florida Road Trip

14 Days: Ultimate Florida Road Trip

Day 1-6: Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale, Cocoa Beach, St. Augsutine, Jacksonville, Amelia Island *

For this ultimate 14-day Florida road trip, you’ll spend the first 6 days like we already described in 7-day itinerary above. The only difference is that you won’t head down to Miami on the last day.

Day 7: Emerald Coast

Depending on where you stayed on Day 6, you’ll either depart from Jacksonville or Amerlia Island. From there, head west on I-10. You can stop over in Tallahassee for lunch (or even spend the night here). If you decide to travel further, head to the Emerald Coast and check in at your preferred lodge. If there’s some time left of the day, you can spend it on the beach – you deserve a rest after all that driving!

Day 8: Emerald Coast

There are so many beaches on the Emerald Coast and they’re all worth exploring. So this is exactly what you’ll be doing on Day 8 of your road trip. To make sure you’ll check out the absolute best, have a look at these:

• Miramar Beach
• Fort Walton
• Grayton Beach
• Perdido Key

Consider visiting the Forgotten Coast, which is one of the weirder Florida attractions, but definitely a cool spot to explore.

Day 9: Tampa Bay

Say goodbye to the Emerald Coast and head for Tampa via the I-10 and I-75. You can stop in Gainesville for a recharge on coffee, gas and snacks. Once you arrive in Tampa, check into your lodge and spend the afternoon exploring the city and maybe even St. Petersburg. We’d recommend visiting these cool attractions:

• The Dali Museum in St Pete
• Museum of Art in Tampa
• The Fine Arts Museum in St Pete

Spend the night out in Ybor City or stay in St Petersburg.

Day 10: Tampa Bay

Day 10 is for exploring the beaches of Clearwater and relaxing to the absolute max. These are the best beaches:

• Caladesi Island
• Honeymoon Islands
• Clearwater Beach

If you’re not into relaxing, consider making the trip to Siesta Key in Sarasota, which has some of the whitest sand in the world and some amazing places to stay . There are also some incredible vacation rentals in Sarasota for an affordable price.

Day 11-12: Everglades *

These two days are for adventures and a bit of physical activity in the Everglades. Depart Tampa and check into your new lodge or set up to camp. You can spend the rest of day 11 by exploring the area. There are many famous hikes in the Everglades but these are the best:

On day 12, you’ll explore the area in more detail. You could also go on a full day safari with an airboat. If you’ve got the time, explore the Ten Thousand Islands area as well. Once the day comes to an end, head back to your cap or lodge and chill out.

Day 13: Miami

Depart the Everglades and head to Miami. Depending on when you’ve left, you can have a look at Miami’s cool neighborhoods:

• Little Haiti

Go out for a drink at night in Miami’s best bars, pubs and clubs.

Day 14: Miami

Depending on how hungover you are, you can either spend the day chilling on the beach or go diving in Biscayne Bay – both very cool activities. You can also check out South Beach, Bal Harbor or Surfside. Since this is the last day, why not get fucked up again? You’ve earned it! But make sure your bags are packed.

*Indicates that this day was copied from a previous itinerary

Backpacking the USA has some amazing places to offer. And Florida hosts loads of them! Below is a list of the best Florida road trip stops. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most.

Road Trip to Miami

Ah yes, backpacking Miami! Home to beautiful people, some of the best beaches in Florida, and a nightlife that doesn’t quit.

Miami is one of the richest and wealthiest cities in the USA. Its glittering city center, which hosts the tallest skyline in America, is home to many prosperous banks and institutions. Miami receives more tourists than any other American city and is undoubtedly the best city to visit in Florida.

It’s also one of the most culturally unique cities in the USA thanks in part to its enormous immigrant population. More than 70% of the population is non-White Hispanic and more people speak Spanish as a first language, rather than English. For this reason, Miami is jokingly referred to as being the “Capital of South America.” Some people assume that Miami is a dangerous melting pot , but we can assure you that this isn’t the case, unless you’re looking for trouble.

Miami’s Latin residents really give the city the flair that it’s known for. Walking around the interesting neighborhoods of Little Havana and Little Haiti  will offer insight not only into the local cultures but also afford you chances to try their amazing cuisines. Just keep your head on a swivel as some parts of these districts are more dangerous than others, especially at night.

Being the chic destination that is though, Miami is not short of elegant, affluent districts. The Design District , Brickell , Coconut District , and Coral Gables are among the trendiest neighborhoods in town and offer visitors lots in the way of splurging.

Those looking for hipper, more downtempo areas to hang out in should check out Wynwood , Midtown , and Upper Eastside .

Of course, most people make a road trip to Miami for the beaches, which are amazing. Most are located on the separate island city of Miami Beach . Be sure to visit South Beach , Aventura , Surfside , and Bal Harbor for the best beaches in Miami. South Beach, in particular, is very famous for its art, food, and fashion scenes. If you want to step your vacation up a notch, you can rent a boat in Aventura for the day and explore the sub-tropical Floridian waters.

Best Hostels in Miami

Epic Places to Visit in Miami

Miami Itinerary

Where to Stay in Miami

Road Trip to Fort Lauderdale

Just north of Miami is the notorious Fort Lauderdale , famous for once being the spring break capital of America. If you ever watched MTV in the 80s and 90s, then your impression of this city will be wasted college kids who cause utter mayhem.

These days, Fort Lauderdale is much more laidback, having done the best it could to shake the worst of the spring breakers. The city is, in fact, very beautiful and is often called the “Venice of America” due in part to the many canals that run through it.

With some of the best artificial diving in Florida just off the coast and plenty of amazing beaches, Fort Lauderdale is filled to the rim with amazing things to do.

Las Olas is the main strip in Fort Lauderdale and hosts most of the city’s art galleries, museums, and shops. It’s a very clean and pretty part of town, lined with boutique stores and billowing trees. If you’re looking to explore a bit of Fort Lauderdale, this is the place to start.

Of course, most people visit Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, which are, expectedly, very good. The main “Strip” of beaches starts at Las Olas Blvd and ends around Sunrise Blvd . If you’re wondering where to stay in Fort Lauderdale , this would be your go-to area!

Between these two streets are the most popular stretches of sand as well as the busiest cafes, restaurants, and bars in the city. You’ll find loads of awesome Fort Lauderdale hotels here as well.

In reality, the beach continues much further though – all the way into Boca Raton and even beyond. Those looking for a quieter beach shouldn’t have a problem.

Be sure to visit the Bonnet House and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park . The latter offers good hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Road Trip to the Florida Keys

No road trip to Florida is complete without visiting the Florida Keys. Located southwest of Miami in the Caribbean Sea , these are among the most beautiful places in Florida.

More impressive though – they are connected to the mainland via Highway 1A1 , which has to be one of the most stunning roads in the world.

A road trip through the Florida Keys is definitely one of the best things to do in the state! While driving on this route, you will be surrounded on all sides by the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. The views are amazing and it feels like you are gliding above the water.

Most people make a road trip to the Florida Keys while on holiday to visit the many beaches, go diving, and sample some local delicacies like key lime pie.

Though the road through the Florida Keys is long, the Keys themselves are not large by any means. Admittedly, most attractions are small here – the beaches are certainly compact – and are fairly limited actually.

There are a few things to do in the Florida Keys that are noteworthy. Strewn throughout the keys are several excellent parks that offer quintessential Caribbean scenery. Bahia Honda Beach is one of the best places to play in the ocean for sure.

Key West has a thriving nightlife as well as Ernest Hemingway’s former home, which is now a museum. Diving is perhaps the most popular activity in the Keys as it’s excellent here, especially near Key Largo .

The westernmost portion of the Keys is Dry Tortugas National Park. The Florida 1A1 does not go this far into the ocean – it ends at Key West – so the park is only accessible by boat.

Dry Tortugas hosts Fort Jefferson , the largest brick masonry project in the Western Hemisphere, and the Tortugas Islands . Set amongst the shoals of Caribbean coral, the fort itself is extremely impressive if not for its scope then for its gorgeous natural surroundings.

Road Trip to the Everglades

The Everglades are the most visited national park in Florida and arguably one of the most important natural sanctuaries in the USA.

Among the shallow waters, the labyrinthian cypress groves, and the towering pines are some of the most precarious wildlife species in the South, including the Florida panther, manatees, and the American crocodile, to name a few.

The Everglades are an extremely vital part of the surrounding ecosystems and provide crucial support the wildlife and humans as well. The habitability of much of Southern Florida depends on the Everglades so much so that it became a protected national park and the source of great rehabilitation.

A road trip through the Everglades will be a very enlightening if not exhilarating experience. The landscape here is powerful and exploring it is certainly one of the most unique things to do in Florida.

There is are two roads that enter the Everglades: the first is Florida 1A1 running along the eastern edge of the park, and the second is  Highway 9336 , which penetrates deeper into the park. Be aware there is only one gas pump at the very end of 9336. Though many of the park’s attractions are accessible by vehicle, the best parts of the Everglades require a watercraft.

The Everglades are most often experienced via an airboat – those weird looking watercrafts with giant propellers. Booking a tour with one of these will grant you plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.

The Everglades also hosts a number of hiking and bike trails. The dry season is the best time to do both as the trails will be clear and the water will be low enough to spot local wildlife. Some popular trails include Anhinga , Shark Valley , and Long Pine Key Trail .

Road Trip to Tampa Bay

In a state where every city feels either like a resort or an amusement park, Tampa Bay may be the only place that actually feels like a city. Tampa Bay is one of the most important economic sectors in the state, being a crucial center for technology, shipping, research, and manufacturing.

Tampa Bay is arguably grittier if not more authentic city than Miami or Fort Lauderdale, which can feel somewhat simulated at times. That being said, Tampa Bay is still a Floridian city, which means that the sun keeps on shining (statistically more than Miami, actually) and the beaches are never too far away. For these reasons, Tampa Bay is one of the best cities to visit in Florida.

Tampa Bay is a huge metropolitan area composed of several smaller cities. The three largest cities in Tampa Bay area are  Tampa , St. Petersburg , and Clearwater . Tampa is considered the hub of the three. As a whole, the Tampa Bay area is one of the best and cheapest places to visit in Florida as well.

Tampa has several districts worth visiting. The Downtown area has most of the city’s cultural centers including the Museum of Art , the Henry B Plant Museum , the Aquarium , and the Children’s Museum .

Most fun to visit is Ybor City , which is the historic immigrant quarter. Here you’ll find theremnants of Tampa’s once-prosperous cigar business, not to mention the best bars and restaurants in the city.

Across the bay is St. Petersburg, which is like a smaller version of Tampa. Like Tampa, there are several fascinating museums in St. Petersburg like the Dali Museum , Florida Holocaust Museum , and Fine Arts Museum .

St. Pete has a thriving nightlife! Be sure to go out to Central Av on the first Friday of every month for a big block party.

Finally, Clearwater has the best beaches in the area. Staying in Clearwater Beach is considered a must since it’s the best city beach but local state parks like Sand Key , Caladesi Island , and Honeymoon Islands are fierce competitors.

Road Trip to Orlando

Referred to as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando hosts some of the largest and most notorious amusement parks in the entire world.

Orlando is great! Here you’ll find Meccas of amusement like Disney World , Universal Resorts , and LegoLand , all of which attract more than 70 million visitors per year. These complexes are absolutely enormous and are practically self-contained cities unto themselves, complete with private lodgings, restaurants, and public transport.

While you’re more than welcome to visit these places, you won’t find any suggestions for the themeparks in this guide.

Outside of the amusement parks, Orlando itself is a garden-city that hosts some of the most impressive botanic gardens and parks in the state. Places like Harry P. Leu Gardens , Mead Botanical Garden , and the Historic Bok Sanctuary offer an impressive variety of flowers and flora from all over the world.

Orlando is also surrounded by countless lakes. Lake Eola , near the center of Orlando, is one of the centerpieces of the city. This lake hosts the majority of the city’s public events and festivals as well.

Lake Tohopekaliga and Lake Kissimmee are also very bucolic places that offer good wildlife viewing opportunities – in particular, bald eagles are commonly spotted.

North of Orlando, there are several freshwater springs. These springs often have crystal-clear water – a phenomenon that Central Florida is famous for – and are great places for swimming.

Rock Springs , the Ocala National Forest , and Rainbow Springs are all worth checking out. In the cooler winter months, Blue Springs sometimes receives visiting manatees as well. (Rainbow Springs is a bit further west and is actually a great road trip from Tampa as well.)

Best Airbnbs in Orlando

Best Places to Visit in Orlando

Best Things to Do in Orlando

Where to Stay in Orlando

Road Trip on the Atlantic Coast

We’re returning to the Atlantic Coast of Florida and starting a long journey north all the way to the border of Georgia. Along the way, you’ll be seeing more of the best of Florida, including some of its most famous attractions. The best surfing in Florida is also found on this part of the coast.

Directly east of Orlando on the Atlantic Coast is the Kennedy Space Center , which has been the primary launching pad for NASA’s spacecrafts for the last 30 years. Rockets are still launched at Kennedy but, these days, mostly carry cargo. You can visit the Kennedy Space Center in person, and check for upcoming launches here.

On to the beaches though! South of Kennedy are the quieter coastal communities of Cocoa Beach and Vero Beach . Cocoa Beach and the nearby Sebastian’s Inlet are two excellent places to go surfing in Florida.

Directly north of Kennedy is the Canaveral National Seashore , which is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped beach in Florida. Beyond this is Daytona Beach , home to the Daytona 500 Races. The beach suburbs of Flagler , Ormond , and Smyrna are where you’ll find the best waves for surfing.

Moving on north we arrive in St. Augustine , which is most notable for its Spanish heritage. This anachronistic town is a relic from Spanish colonialism and is full historical architecture. The Castillo de San Marcos is the most impressive colonial site.

Finally, we arrive in the largest city on the Atlantic Coast of Florida: Jacksonville . Jacksonville is a sprawling metropolis but still slightly smaller than Miami in terms of population. The city does have a number of museums and historical landmarks, but most people visit for the beach (what else?).

There are a ton of attractions in Jacksonville , but most visit for Jacksonville Beach , a lovely city beach but pales in comparison to the nearby Amelia Island , which is one of the most desirable vacation spots in the USA.

Road Trip to the Florida Panhandle

The Panhandle is Florida’s best-kept secret. Aside from hosting the state’s capital, Tallahassee , this region also has some of the best beaches in Florida. Best of all, you can find some very affordable lodges here, making it one of the best cheap places to visit in Florida too.

The most developed part of the Florida Panhandle is the Emerald Coast aka the Miracle Strip aka the Redneck Riviera .

This area includes the larger coastal cities of Pensacola , Panama City , and Destin . Between these cities are some absolutely spectacular beaches that are relatively untouched compared to overrun coastline around Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

The Emerald Coast attracts families from all over the South, who want to make their own road trip to Florida. For this reason, this area receives far less international tourists, which is probably why it feels less hectic and also probably the reason why people call it the “Redneck Riviera.”

Those who really want to go into the Heart of Darkness that is Florida should head to the Forgotten Coast . The local towns found here are among the least visited communities in Florida.

Though the Forgotten Coast has its fair share of beaches, it’s much more rugged (in a Floridia kind of way) and has a more coastal forest. Consider going on an adventure here if the rest of the state feels boring to you.

The interior of the Florida Panhandle is where you’ll find the state capital of Tallahassee. As the administrative center of the state, Tallahassee has lots of activities to offer . One of the highlights are the several historical museums that exhibit everything from colonization to WWII to natural phenomenon.

Aside from being the capital, Tallahassee is also a college town, hosting the immensely popular Florida State University , which means that this town can get pretty wild on weekends and game days.

Check out our list of the  Best Places to Visit in the USA  for inspiration on this entire country!

Off the Beaten Path Florida Road Trip Destinations

Want to take a less-traveled road trip route in Florida? Then check out these off the beaten path locations for a chance to see something different!

• Sarasot: An eclectic town that has some absolutely stunning beaches and cultural landmarks. Most importantly, Sarasota has the Siesta Key, which has been called the cleanest/whitest beach in the world. If we’re being honest, Sarasota isn’t really unknown and really isn’t off the beaten path (it’s a short road trip from Tampa) but, regardless, it is still worth mentioning.
• Gainesville: This city hosts one of Florida’s most popular higher-learning institutions – the University of Florida. The university is arguably the best and home to the most active student population in the state, though with parties happening all the time. Several freshwater springs are very close to Gainesville as well, which make for good day trips.
• Naples: A very quiet town that has some of the best beaches in Florida (we heavily emphasis on the “quiet” part). Not much exciting happens in Naples, probably because most of the population is in their golden years. Visit here if you need a good place to cure a massive hangover from Miami and need some quality beach time. It’s pretty close to Sanibel Island as well, which is definitely worth a visit.
• Big Cypress National Preserve: This is the northern portion of the Everglades that features more swampy scenery. It is much less visited than the national park and a great alternative. Hunting, camping, and hiking are all popular here. The 1000-mile-long Florida Trail also starts in Big Cypress and runs all the way to the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Roadside Attractions in Florida

Looking for weird Florida attractions? Nothing gets stranger than the state’s roadside attractions! These odd yet iconic landmarks are often found out in the middle of nowhere and have become some of the most popular road trips in Florida.

If you need to take a break from a long drive, try stopping by one of these 5 Florida roadside attractions for a moment.

• The Fountain of Youth (St. Augustine): Geriatrics may have been seeking a way to turn back time when they fled to Florida but this Fountain of Youth is, unfortunately, only a museum. Juan Ponce de Leon famously arrived here and declared the legendary fountain existed at a local spring. Nowadays, the spring water is sold to visitors, wondering if they will actually become younger from drinking it.
• Weeki Wachee Mermaids (Weeki Wachee): One of the most culturally significant roadside attractions in Florida, this place features mermaids – trained performers – swimming around a freshwater pool and doing stunts for attendees. It has since become a state park.
• Flamingo Gardens (Davie): A real-life Garden of Eden that features hundreds of plant and animal species. The animals are often brought to the park to be rehabilitated following an accident- some are released while others remain due to serious injury.
• Goofy Golf (Panama City): One of the most extravagant and kitschy golf courses that you’ll ever see. 18 holes with giant, strange, and, most of all, artistic obstacles.
• Skunk Ape Research Headquarters (Ochopee): Been to Colorado and Oregon and still can’t find the elusive Bigfoot? Florida has its own version of the monster, Skunk Ape, who terrorizes locals with his horrible smell. See the evidence here.

Florida Scenic Drives

Looking for more Florida road trip ideas? Check out any one of these scenic routes below, which feature some of the best places to visit on a Florida road trip.

• Florida Keys (Florida 1A1): Arguably the most well-known and beautiful road in Florida, you can travel overseas via this impressive landbridge to the Florida Keys. On this route, you’ll pass by the occasional atoll and mangrove forest but mostly you’ll just be surrounded by the cerulean waters of the Caribbean Sea.
• Big Bend (Florida 98, 329, 65): A remote road in Northwestern Florida that features lots of wetlands, old growth forest, and animal habitats. This is one of the most unique places in Florida with some of the most interesting wildlife in the state including carnivorous plants, several avians, and Florida bobcat. There is beautiful Gulf-scenery as well.
• The Grade (Florida 714): A soft-used road that connects Stuart and Okeechobee Lake. Features pastoral Floridian scenery and giant trees that form a canopy over the road.
• Lemon Bay/Myakka Trail (Florida 776): A very quiet and secluded part of Southern Florida that features old-Floridian settlements and hidden beaches. Great area to explore in Florida if you want to get away from the tourist masses and areinterested in history. There are good walking trails in the area as well.
• Florida Black Bear National Byway (Florida 19, 40): A series of roads that wind through the Ocala National Forest, which is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. Inside the forest are sand dunes, secret glades, and a series of stunning crystalline pools. This is one of the coolest places to explore in Florida.
• The Ridge (Florida 17): This route affords views of quintessential Central Florida, including citrus plantations, dusty roads, and inland lakes. Along the way is the Bok Tower, a giant structure in the middle of nowhere that “sings,” which has to be one of the coolest things in Florida.

Best Diving in Florida

Being at the nexus of the gorgeous Caribbean Sea and the highly nutritious Gulf of Mexico, Florida has some of the most spectacular underwater worlds in North America! With myriads of reefs and underwater wrecks, there is no end to the diving opportunities in Florida.

Refer below for a list of some of the best diving in Florida.

• Tenneco Towers – A sunken oil rig turned into the largest man-made reef in Florida. Swimming in this behemoth structure and watching the ocean life takeover is definitely one of the cooler things to do in Florida.
• Blue Heron Bridge – A very convenient dive site located just north of West Palm Beach . The bridge shelters lots of amazing marine life like octopuses, seahorses, angelfish, and rays. Good for snorkelers and divers.
• Biscayne National Park – Located in the Eastern Florida Keys. Good mix of wrecks and natural reefs that is more preserved thanks to the “national park” title. Popular dive sites include Elkhorn Reef, the Alicia wreck, and Ajax barrier reef.
• Key Largo – Features some of the most impressive shipwrecks and artificial reefs in North America, and is one of the best areas in the Florida Keys. Spiegel Grove is the largest wreck and attracts the most attention. Bibb and Duane wrecks, as well as the Molasses Reef, are also worth seeing. Also hosts a giant underwater Jesus.
• Devil’s Den & Blue Grotto – The best cave diving in Florida. These grottos, located near Williston in Central Florida, have some clearest water in the state and preserve many strange objects; from fossils to the remains of a drowned man.
• Crystal River – The best place to go swimming with manatees ! Only snorkeling is allowed in the areas where the manatees frequent but divers will find plenty of interesting sites nearby. Non-manatee sites feature underwater springs and schools of grouper, snapper, and largemouth bass.

Florida, being the tourist behemoth that it is, has a vast array of hotels to choose from. Lodging in Florida runs the gamut from swanky resorts to charming bungalows to cheap motels . Between these many options, you’re sure to find the right one for you. For a unique experience, check out these epic treehouses in Florida . You may only visit Florida once so why not make it a memorable stay!

Make no mistake though – lodging in Florida ain’t cheap.

If you’re on a budget road trip in Florida and need a hotel, you’ll have to stick to the cheaper motels and roadhouses. These lodges can be pretty basic, sometimes offering no more than a few walls and a roof over your head. Expect to pay no less than $80 for budget hotels in Florida.

Airbnbs are sometimes more preferable to hotels as they can be cheaper and more interesting. There are some pretty wild vacation rentals in Florida – I’ve seen tree houses, houseboats, man caves, and even a whole private island! There are many awesome vacation rentals in Miami that make for an excellent starting point for your road trip.

If you like the homely comforts but don’t fancy self-catering, consider checking out a bed and breakfast in Florida which at least provides you with a hearty breakfast before a days exploring.

There are many hostels in Florida and these are usually the most affordable lodging options, especially for solo travelers. Florida hostels offer just as good if not better quality of amenities than conventional hotels. Be aware that hostels located near vacations areas like Fort Lauderdale can be overly loud and raucous.

If you’re feeling lucky you could try your hand at Couchsurfing, but the competition for hosts is quite high.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Best Budget Accommodation for a Florida Road Trip

Camping in Florida

Camping is one of the best ways to go on a budget Florida road trip! There are all kinds of campgrounds in Florida that offer a wide range of amenities and rates. Generally speaking, there are four types: private , public , dispersed , and backcountry/primitive . Below is a brief explanation of each.

• Private – Larger campgrounds that offer the most amenities including communal kitchens, showers, and maybe onsite restaurants. Most appropriate for demanding campers. Most expensive as well. Payment is made through the office of the owners.
• Public – More basic campgrounds that offer limited but crucial amenities. Running water, electricity, and bathrooms should be (but are not always) present. Good prices. Payment is made to a public organization either online or via a dropbox at the camp.
• Dispersed – aka wild camping, primitive camping . Camping in an area that is not an official campground but is still legal. Little to no amenities. Almost always free.
• Backcountry/Primitive – Camps located in the wilderness areas. Almost always require a hike to reach. Often no facilities so campers must bring food, cooking gear, camp supplies, etc. Permits are usually required and can be arranged at a nearby ranger station.

A lot of campgrounds, especially those at the national parks, can fill up very quickly. Consider booking a campground ahead of time to ensure that you have a spot.

If there are no campgrounds left at a specific place, there may be walk-up sites available, which you’ll need to arrive early to claim. If you strike-out on the walk-up sites as well, there may be overflow camping nearby.

The best places to find free camping in Florida are the Water Management Areas . Similar to the West Coast’s BLM, conventional campers will find camping in the FWMA very straightforward – RVs campers may have difficulty finding a larger space. For a larger compendium of free camping in Florida, refer to this website.

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Best Time to Visit Florida

Florida is subject to a semi-tropical climate. This means that Florida only has two distinct seasons – a hot, humid summer and a cool, dry winter.

The winter months (November-April) are generally considered the best months to visit Florida. Temperatures are pleasant, rain is sporadic, and the air is usually crisp.

This time of year also sees the greatest amount of tourists, which means that prices will be at their highest levels. Granted, prices shouldn’t be so high as to dissuade those looking for a budget road trip in Florida but these people may want to take advantage of the campgrounds during this time.

Summers in Florida (May-October) are the rainy seasons, which means storms, high winds, and a shit ton of rain. Thankfully, rain usually falls in the late afternoons – those who want to visit the beach can still do so in the mornings. Prices are usually lower during this time.

Oddly enough, the summer does see some sporadic spikes in prices due in part to families going on vacation during the holidays. Since most families only visit certain destinations in Florida, like Disneyworld (Orlando) and the Keys, you can usually avoid the hordes with the right planning.

Hurricane season is officially from June-November and peaks between August-September. Hurricanes are not to be taken lightly as these natural disasters cause huge amounts of damage to property and lives.

Hurricanes generally do the most damage in the South of Florida in the Gulf and on Caribbean shores but have been known to travel as far north as the Atlantic coast. Be very aware of the weather alerts when on a summer road trip in Florida.

Why Visit this Part of the World

There’s a reason why working Americans dream of settling in Florida and celebrities consistently visit this state. Florida has some of the best beaches, best parties, best weather, best food, best vacation spots, and a whole lot more superlatives in the entire United States.

Florida represents a lot of Americans’ idea of paradise (just ask Ash from Evil Dead) and, for this reason, many retire here.

Florida is a unique state with its mixture of culture, beauty, tourism, and political charge. Nowhere else in the country will you find such a strong immigrant population, which is so prevalent, mind you, that many portions of the state don’t even feel like the USA at all.

Miami is the centerpiece of the state and one of the most desirable cities in the world, right up there with San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City. It is a supremely glamorous place with glittering towers and shining residents who exude confidence. With some of the most beautiful city beaches ever and a host of world-class restaurants, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place more satiating to hedonistic desires.

If you get tired of Miami’s exuberance and Latin culture, there’s the whole other part to the state as well! You can hang out in hip Tampa Bay, eat barbecue in Jacksonville, and swim in Central Florida’s turquoise pools. Better yet, there are still more and more beaches – more than you could possibly visit in a lifetime! If you really want to experience the best of Tampa Bay, you can charter your own yacht at an affordable price.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers and Road Trippers

Below is a list of Florida road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel efficient so you’ll save on fuel. Use apps like ViaMichelin to find cheap gas, which, seriously, always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.
• Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking.  If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free activities in Florida! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in Florida.
• Buy an America the Beautiful Pass : Seriously, if you’re visiting more than two national parks, you’d be a fool not to buy this.
• Pack a travel water bottle : It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Camping in Florida – Gear Checklist

Camping is a very enjoyable activity in Florida. You could sleep in your car or an RV while on a road trip to Florida but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Packing for Florida is just as important as planning your trip. So here are the absolute essentials:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Books to Read during your Florida Road Trip

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Florida. Read one or two and you may have some great road trips ideas for Florida…

• To Have and To Have Not – A family man gets involved with the drug smuggling business in the Key West and ends up in a strange affair. Written by the great Ernest Hemingway.
• Back to Blood – Explores one of the culturally distinct and independent cities in the USA through the eyes of Miami cop, Nestor Camacho. An exploration of the Cuban and Latin communities by the highly respected Tom Wolfe.
• The Yearling – A young Florida boy living in the backwoods finds a wounded faun and nurses her back to health. He must struggle to keep it safe from predators and the harshities of life.
• Their Eyes Were Watching God – One of the most important and culturally uplifting novels for the African-American community. Told through a series of flashbacks, which occur in mostly in Slave-era Florida.
• Rum Punch – The crime novel that inspired Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown . A low-level flight attendant and secret smuggler, Jackie Burke, get caught between the law and her devious employer.
• The Orchid Thief – A man becomes obsessed with acquiring an extremely rare flower and goes on an epic quest to Florida to obtain it.
• Lonely Planet: Florida – It’s sometimes worth traveling with a guidebook.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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Make Money Online whilst Traveling in Florida

Want to stay in the USA longer? Worried that you don’t have enough cash for a longer Florida road trip? One idea is to make money while traveling!

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills!

It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start  teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around Florida. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices from individual companies. We personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

Renting an RV in Florida is also a great option. Although it might come out as a bit more expensive, because of gas and higher prices at campgrounds, it allows you to not worry so much about your camping gear and makes for some pretty epic road trips!

We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads in Florida are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of the state’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the swamps, will the roads be so bad that you need 4×4 or at least high clearance.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

• We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like immova and Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Food in Florida

Floridian food is a mix of Southern American and Caribbean cooking. In the north, you’ll find more Southern fare like barbecue, fried snacks, and other comfort foods. Miami and the southern tip of Florida are definitely more influenced by the state’s Caribbean communities – Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, Dominican, etc are all very common styles and are served very authentic.

Florida and its chefs benefit from a very productive agriculture sector that is active near year-round. Florida grows an amazing variety of fruits and these are featured heavily in local dishes.

Expect to see lots of citrus, mango, papaya, and even strawberries. Key lime pie, a Florida creation, is another example of fruity Florida cooking at its finest.

Fish is also a staple of the Florida diet due in part to the ocean’s sheer presence. Grouper is the most common type of fish and is found on just about any menu. Shark, snapper, tarpon, and oysters are also common catches in Florida. Seafood is usually prepared fresh in the southern parts of the state – i.e. grilled or as ceviche  – while the northern part tends to fry it.

You will have many opportunities to sample the local food while on a road trip through Florida.

Restaurants and diners are, of course, ubiquitous throughout the state but do tend to be expensive. You can visit a local market for fresh fruit and fish and then cook it yourself or you can take the fish to a restaurant have them cook it, often for a discounted rate.

To save the most on dining, take advantage of the local food carts and taco trucks. These mobile kitchens are staples of good American cooking and are usually very affordable. I’ve had the best chicken, Mexican, barbecue, hell, the best everything at food carts.

Get your Buzz On

Unless you haven’t heard from the news already, shit gets weird in Florida, real quick. Florida has some of the craziest and wildest parties in the USA, and there seems to be no end to the ways you can cut loose either! If you can think of a way to have fun, Florida probably does it already.

Miami hosts the most amount of parties in Florida. Here, you can go to a local sports bar, dance at a Latin jazz bar, relax at a beachside cantina or attempt to get into a super ritzy nightclub.

Clubbing in Miami is very serious business. People invest a lot of time and money to make sure that they appear absolutely perfect in public while at the club. For this reason, going to a club in Miami requires a lot of effort.

If you want to go clubbing in Miami, you need to dress very appropriately – dresses, skirts, high heels, collars, pants, close-toed, etc – and conduct yourself properly.

You will have to stand in line for quite a while to get into the club; men, in particular, will have a hard time getting in. To maximize your chances of getting in a club in Miami, try to get on “the list” and avoid pissing off the bouncer.

Most of the younger crowds party in the college towns – Tallahassee and Gainesville – or at certain beach locations – Daytona Beach and South Beach.

If you’re on a spring road trip in Florida be very aware, ney terrified, of the Spring Break crowds. They will descend onto the beaches and cause a ruckus for a week straight.

Note that a few counties in North Florida are dry i.e. do not permit the consumption of alcohol. They are Lafayette , Liberty , and Washington . If you’re in one of these counties, you will not be able to buy or drink booze.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Florida

Remember to be a respectful and responsible backpacker on your Florida road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour and follow leave no trace principles.

Furthermore, don’t be like the Spring Breakers and trash peoples homes and beaches.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a GRAYL GEOPRESS . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Colleen Kinsey

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• Roadside Attractions
• Small Towns
• Hall Of Fames
• National Parks
• Theme Parks
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Located just outside of Atlanta, Covington is a super cool small town that’s made big waves lately as a hub for T.V. and film production. It definitely makes our list as one of the best road trips from Jacksonville! The town square has a great variety of restaurants and shopping – including some places that might look familiar if you’ve watched Vampire Diaries, In The Heat of the Night, Dukes of Hazard, or any number of popular shows or movies. You can even stay inside the mansion that inspired Gone With The Wind! The home that Margaret Mitchell spotted in a magazine is located in Covington and you can spend the night there.

317 miles / 5h 5m

2. Aiken, South Carolina

If you love horses and small town charm – Aiken is a wonderful place for a getaway! Watch polo matches, visit a horse racing Hall of Fame, and stroll along the town’s historic Main Street for shopping and dining. The locals are super friendly and you’ll enjoy the historic homes and beautiful live oak trees that line the streets.

258 miles / 4h 15m

3. Greenville, South Carolina

One of the friendliest cities in the south and such beautiful scenery in every direction! Add Greenville to your list of road trips from Jacksonville and check out the ever popular Falls Park downtown. Explore the many cool stores and restaurants within walking distance of the waterfall. For some outdoor recreation, be sure to take a bike ride on the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail that extends out to nearby Travelers Rest.

You can read all about my experience on the trail in this previous article on Bill On The Road.

372 miles / 5h 27m

4. St. Simons Island, Georgia

Only about 90 minutes north of Jacksonville, St. Simons Island is beautiful and peaceful getaway with an abundance of live oaks and a charming downtown vibe. The St. Simons Island lighthouse is a focal point and you can go all the way up to the top for awesome views 360 degree views of the town! The golf courses are fantastic with the town hosting a PGA tournament every fall.

80 miles / 1h 18m

5. Blue Springs State Park / Orange City

This is one of my favorite road trips from Jacksonville! Blue Springs State Park is always beautiful to visit but it’s especially amazing in the winter months when the manatees find some warmth in the spring water. Get there early as the line gets quite long as the park opens for the day!

116 miles / 1h 27m

6. Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is always one of the fun options for road trips from Jacksonville! Stroll along historic Las Olas for fine dining and upscale shops. Visit the beaches or hop on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi to bounce around some of the area’s popular attractions. Be sure to pop down to nearby Hollywood and see the massive Hard Rock Cafe and check out some of cool murals around town.

326 miles / 4h 30m

7. Daytona Beach

Daytona is one of the great weekend road trips from Jacksonville – with so many things to do including the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the tallest in the state. Other fun activities in Daytona Beach include dolphin cruises, fishing trips, and a tour of John Rockefeller’s winter mansion.

88 miles / 1h 25m

8. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte makes our list of great road trips from Jacksonville, as it’s become a hip city full of fun things to see and do. From a bustling downtown scene with plenty of nightlife, to unique attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Museum. (Which is SO much fun, even if you don’t know anything about racing!

384 miles / 5h 30m

9. Atlanta, Georgia

From World of Coca Cola to the incredible Georgia Aquarium – there is so much to do in Atlanta! Check out the College Football Hall of Fame, see the Martin Luther King Jr historic sites, or visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. That’s just the tip of the iceburg! Check out a CityPASS to save a few bucks if you’re going to spend a few days there. It’ll be worth the discounts!

346 miles / 5h

10. St. Augustine

I love St. Augustine! Sure, it’s not one of the longer road trips from Jacksonville but there’s so much to do and check out – that it makes for an awesome getaway if you haven’t been down for a visit recently. See some of the oldest buildings in the U.S., take a ghost tour, or see the Castillo de San Marcos – a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress.

40 miles / 45m

11. Macon, Georgia

If you’re a fan of great southern food and music, you have to visit Macon ! See where greats like Otis Redding and Little Richard got their start, as well as the house where the Allman Brothers lived and wrote most of their hit songs. Stop into Capricorn Studio to see where some of the best in southern rock was recorded back in the day! Macon is one of the easier road trips from Jacksonville, at just under four hours!

270 miles / 3h 45m

12. Amelia Island

Also an easy road trip for a weekend or even a day trip – Amelia Island has plenty to keep you entertained – and full! There are so many great places to eat and fun spots to shop. Check out Fort Clinch State Park and the Florida House Inn where famous guests have stayed for decades including past presidents!

39 miles / 40m

13. Gainesville

Check out the amazing Butterfly Rainforest and the Florida Museum of Natural History. Don’t miss the University of Florida Bat House,filled with about 100,000 Brazilian Free-tailed Bats explodes at dusk with bats as they fill the sky. And for music lovers, swing by Tom Petty’s childhood home. (It’s a private residence, so be respectful.) He grew up and lived in Gainesville!

164 miles / 2h 25m

14. Montgomery, Alabama

Come see where Hank Williams started his historic career! The music legend spent most of his life here and is buried not too far from the state Capitol building. You can visit the spot where Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat, and tour the house where Martin Luther King, Jr lived when he was a pastor in Montgomery.

372 miles / 5h 45m

15. Mobile, Alabama

Did you know that Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras parades? You can learn about the history at the Mobile Carnival Museum. Also be sure to take a tour of the historic World War II battleship, the U.S.S. Alabama. It’s docked in Mobile and open to the public.

404 miles / 5h 41m

16. Gulf Shores, Alabama

You may have heard it referred to as the “redneck riviera” – but the truth is, Gulf Shores is a fantastic vacation getaway! Enjoy perfect white sand beaches, fresh seafood, outdoor recreation at Gulf State Park, and so many family friendly activities!

391 miles / 5h 50m

17. Everglades National Park

The Everglades is one of the most fascinating places on Earth. The National Park is a 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve, made up of coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes and pine flatwoods that are home to hundreds of animal species. Fun activities include an airboat tour to see wildlife and exotic plants.

• Road Trip Lists

Things To See

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The Perfect 1-Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary (Stops & Activities)

Looking for ideas to plan the perfect 1-week Florida road trip itinerary?

Well, you’ve come to the right place! I’m here to be your virtual travel guide, sharing all the best details and must-see spots for an unforgettable week-long trip.

From vibrant cities like Miami to pristine beaches like Siesta Beach and everything in between, Florida has a variety of landscapes and adventures. And hey, why listen to me? Well, I’ve explored lots of places in this beautiful state as a former resident and can offer some insider tips and hidden gems. 

Ready? Let’s dive into this 7 day Florida road trip itinerary through the Sunshine State!

Table of Contents

Florida Road Trip 1 Week Itinerary

While it’s (surprisingly) difficult to plan a Florida road trip 1 week itinerary, I’ll do my best to give you some great ideas to help you plan and find what’s best for you. You’ll be starting out in Miami, heading to the Gulf Coast, central Florida and then back to Miami. 

Note: This itinerary assumes you’ll be flying into Miami International Airport (MIA) and that you’ll be driving from there. (As an alternative, you can also reach Miami by bus .)

Day 1 – Miami

Welcome to the vibrant city of Miami, where the sun always shines and the energy is contagious! Your road trip is about to kick off with a bang as we dive headfirst into the captivating charms of the Magic City. 

Explore Miami Beach

Miami Beach is a must-visit destination in Miami. Start your day right with an incredible breakfast at The Front Porch Café, known for its mouth watering pancakes and cozy beachfront vibes. 

The Miami Beach area is famous for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and Art Deco architecture. Take a stroll along Ocean Drive and admire the colorful buildings, or rent a bike and explore the area on two wheels. You can also rent a beach chair and umbrella and soak up some sun on the beach.

Explore Little Havana

Make sure to swing by Little Havana, a vibrant neighborhood that exudes the spirit of Cuba. Stroll along Calle Ocho, inhale the aroma of freshly rolled cigars, and savor a strong cup of Cuban coffee. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of salsa music and witness the passionate art of salsa dancing. It’s a sensory experience you won’t want to miss!

For a delicious lunch, head over to Versailles, an iconic Cuban restaurant in Little Havana, where you can savor authentic dishes like Ropa Vieja and mouth watering Medianoche sandwiches. 

Check out Wynwood Walls

Wynwood Walls is an outdoor art gallery that features colorful murals and graffiti art. The area is home to many art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Take a stroll around the area and admire the vibrant street art. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks in the area (if you haven’t eaten already).

Enjoy the Nightlife

When dinner time rolls around, make your way to Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami restaurant famous for its heavenly seafood and lively atmosphere.

Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife. Head to South Beach and party the night away or enjoy a night out at one of the many clubs or bars. You could also check out a rooftop bar in downtown Miami and enjoy a drink with a view (or even a view from a boat ).

That’s it for day one in Miami! Get some rest and get ready for another exciting day on your Florida road trip.

Day 2 – The Everglades

You wake up early on Day 2 of your Florida road trip excited because you’re going to explore the Everglades! The park is located just a short drive from Miami, making it an easy trip.

It’s time to trade the cityscape for a little bit of untamed wilderness. You’ll be driving along the Tamiami Trail since you’ll head to Naples later today while stopping off to explore parts of the Everglades.

Note: You won’t have a chance to see all of the amazing things in this National Park, but you’ll still have a chance to see quite a bit. However, if you’re up for a 2+ hour detour to head to the official Park, I’d say do it! Otherwise, follow this itinerary for a more direct route.

Take an Airboat Tour

Your day will kick off with an adrenaline-pumping airboat tour through the heart of the Everglades. You’ll zip across the shimmering sawgrass prairies on the lookout for alligators lurking beneath the surface and colorful birds soaring above. Get ready for a wild ride that will leave you with plenty of memories.

Pro-Tip: Morning or dusk is a great time to look for alligators.

Your airboat tour should take about an hour or so and afterwards it’s time to grab some lunch. Coopertown Airboat tour not only has a great tour of the Everglades but also a restaurant where you can try anything from alligator bites to frog legs!

Shark Valley Visitor Center

After lunch and your airboat tour, head to Shark Valley to see the park’s famous observation tower . The tower offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and you might even spot a few alligators out sunbathing below.

While at Shark Valley, there’s a 15 mile trail to explore via bikes or by a tram tour. This trail offers great views of the Everglades and park’s diverse habitats, including sawgrass marshes, cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks.

Drive Scenic Loop Road

Get ready for a scenic and adventurous drive along Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve—it’s an absolute gem for this itinerary! This scenic route (Route 94) will take you deep into the heart of the Everglades. 

You’ll navigate the winding road and catch plenty of alligators sunbathing near the roadside. With every twist and turn, you’ll find new landscapes—vast sawgrass marshes, towering cypress trees, and, of course, plenty of wildlife. 

Quick note: this is a dirt road so make sure your car is up for this!

Drive to Naples & Watch the Sunset

As the day draws to a close, it’s time to make your way to the charming coastal city of Naples. You’ll continue to take the Tamiami Trail until you get to Naples. From there, you can either check in to your hotel or head out to the famous Naples Pier to catch the sunset and a quick dinner.

Day 3 – Naples

On day three of your 1 week Florida road trip, you’ll be exploring the beautiful Gulf Coast city of Naples. Naples is known for its beaches, high end shopping, and world class golf courses, so get ready for an exciting day!

Enjoy your morning in the sun

Kickstart your day with a quick breakfast or a coffee pick-me-up. Then, hit the beach (Vanderbilt Beach is a nice spot) for some sunshine or, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a more active way to spend the morning. Go swimming, take a stroll along the shore, go paddle boarding or kayaking to explore the waters nearby.

Visit the Highlights in Naples

After your morning in the sun, grab some lunch and then explore one of Naples’ highlights – either the Naples Botanical Garden or the Naples Zoo.

The Naples Botanical Garden is a truly stunning place to visit with plenty of walking trails and wildlife, plus plenty of tropical plants and beautiful blooms to enjoy. If you opt for the zoo, you’ll find a variety of different animals (giraffes are a big hit!) and it’s a great family friendly activity for the afternoon.

Nearby Marco Island is also a great place to explore if you have the time. There are two beautiful public beaches there. Plus, it’s a beautiful island with plenty of great shelling opportunities if you want to hunt for treasures like sand dollars or starfish.

Explore Fifth Avenue South

Head to the popular Fifth Avenue South , about a mile in distance, that has a great selection of shops, bars, and restaurants to explore. This area is the picture of classy and Old World charm. Plus, it’s Naples’ top shopping spot. 

A popular spot for dinner and drinks in Naples is Bar Tulia 5th Ave. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with an incredible cocktail and pair it with some of the best food, like the Truffle pizza or pasta dishes.

Depending on when you go to dinner, you might have a chance to catch the sunset again. Head to a spot for drinks on the patio to watch the sunset (a popular spot is the Sand Bar in the Ritz Carlton) or head back to the Naples Pier to catch one more incredible sunset here.

After a full day out in the sun and then spending the evening eating incredible food in Naples, it’s time for some much needed rest. Start prepping for Day 4 in Siesta Key as you continue your road trip adventure!

Day 4 – Siesta Key

Good morning, beach lovers! Today, we’re off to stunning Siesta Key—one of Florida’s most breathtaking coastal destinations. 

The ride from Naples to Siesta Key is just under two hours. You’ll take Golden Gate Parkway east and then 75N most of the way till you get to Route 72 or Clark Rd, where you’ll take that west to Siesta Key. You’ll cross over the Stickney Point Bascule Bridge, and then you’ll have arrived! 

Head to the Beach!

Kick off the day with a solid breakfast at Sun Garden Café for mouthwatering eggs benedict, chicken and waffles, omelets, and plenty more.

From here, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your swimsuits on, because it’s time to hit the beach. Siesta Key Beach is often rated the #1 Beach in the USA! And you’ll see why when you’re there. Imagine incredibly soft, white sand and crystal-clear blue turquoise waters. You’ll definitely want to make sure you don’t miss this one, so make sure to get there early for parking! 

This beach is the perfect place to start your day whether it’s a stroll along the shore, swimming in the easy waves or soaking up the sun from the sand. With concession stands, restrooms and all the best kinds of amenities, you can easily spend the morning into the afternoon here. 

Explore Siesta Key Village

Now it’s time to explore the vibrant Siesta Key Village. This charming area is packed with a little bit of everything from boutiques and local shops to cozy cafés just begging to be explored. Hunt for unique treasures or souvenirs. When hunger strikes, Siesta Key Oyster Bar is a great place to stop and offers fresh seafood, sandwiches, and of course, oysters!

If you’re not into shopping, you could also use the afternoon to explore the Point of Rocks—a hidden gem that is absolutely perfect for snorkeling. Head into those clear waters and you’ll be amazed by the colorful marine life and mesmerizing underwater scenery.

Dinner, Drinks & Fun

As the sun begins to set, it’s time to find yourself a cozy spot on the beach (if you didn’t head to the Village yet) to relax and witness the incredible sunset.

After the sunset, or if you’re already in the Village area, you’ll gear up for an evening filled with a casual dinner and live music. Treat yourself to incredible seafood at The Hub Baja Grill or sip on tropical drinks at Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar. And hey, don’t forget to let loose and dance to some awesome live music at the Beach Club.

That’s a wrap for the day in Siesta Key! Sadly, you don’t have enough time to visit one of my other favorites nearby, Anna Maria Island , but you can add that one in for the next time you visit. You’ll be headed to the St. Pete and Tampa area on Day 5 so rest up and get excited to explore the Tampa Bay area!

Day 5 – Tampa & St. Pete

On the fifth day of your Florida road trip, you will explore the vibrant cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg. These two cities are located just a short drive away from each other, making it easy enough to explore both in one day.

From Siesta Key you’ll leave over the Siesta Key North Bridge, take State Highway 758 east until you get to 75N. You’ll be on 75N for a little under an hour and you’ll take exit 8 for the Selmon Expressway that leads to Tampa. The drive is a little over an hour total.

Breakfast & The Riverwalk

Start your day in Tampa by grabbing breakfast at Oxford Exchange, one of my favorite places in Tampa . This is a restaurant, gift store, coffee shop, and much more all in one! It’s a great way to start the day, and it’s about a 10-ish minute walk from the Tampa RiverWalk area. 

After breakfast you’ll head to the Riverwalk, a scenic trail that runs along the Hillsborough River. You can choose to walk this path or rent bikes, whatever you’re feeling up to. There’s lots to see here along the way with plenty of great views. Walk to Armature Works which is along the northern end of the Riverwalk. This is a great place to grab drinks or food before you head to St. Pete.

Explore the St. Pete Area

After exploring Tampa, head to St. Pete, which is known for its beautiful beaches and lively arts scene. Visit the Salvador Dali Museum, which houses the largest collection of Dali’s work outside of Spain. The museum is located in downtown St. Petersburg and is a must-see for art lovers.

You can also walk along the St. Pete Pier, a scenic boardwalk that offers stunning views from the water with plenty of places to eat and drink and explore.

Dinner & Drinks by the Water

In the evening, head about 20 minutes west to the St. Pete Beach area on the main road, Gulf Blvd. This area is known for its restaurants and nightlife. Grab dinner and drinks at Bongos Beach Bar & Grille, a great spot where you can sit outside in the sand with your dinner and watch the sunset on the beach. 

Day 5 has officially wrapped up, and you’ll be on your way to Orlando tomorrow so prepare for another long but exciting day ahead! 

Day 6 – Orlando

Visiting a theme park in Orlando on the sixth day of your Florida road trip is an exciting way to cap off the second to last day of your journey! I highly recommend waking up as early as possible for today since you’ll be trying to cram a lot into one day.

From Tampa to Orlando, you’ll take I-275 N to I-4 E which you’ll be on for most of the way there. The trip should take you about an hour and a half, but that’s without traffic. 

To make the most of your one day in Orlando, consider purchasing an early entry pass or a pass for the shorter lines. I also only recommend choosing only one park to explore as that will be more than enough for the day (and then some!) Make a list of the must-ride or must-see places for the day, since it’ll go by quickly.

Head to a Theme Park

I would suggest grabbing a quick breakfast and coffee at your hotel before you head out (it’s cheaper that way before you head to the parks!). 

From there, I’d recommend heading to and spending the day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, or Islands of Adventure.

Magic Kingdom is probably the most popular of all of the Disney Parks, Universal Studios is a great option if you’re traveling with kids, and Islands of Adventure is a great option for adults (it’s actually my favorite!)

Lunch & Final Rides

In the afternoon, you’ll grab lunch at whichever park you chose for the day. Make sure you’re referencing your list of must-rides or must-sees. Time flies in a theme park with the long lines and constant walking from one place to another. Prioritize any rides you haven’t yet gotten to since you’re in the final stretch of the day.

Dinner nearby the Park

Depending on which park you chose for the day, closing time might be looming around the corner. This is a great time to head to a spot nearby for dinner. Depending on when your flight is the next day, this could actually be your final dinner of the trip!

If you explored Disney, head to Disney Springs and check out Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant or STK Orlando. If you went to Universal, head to CityWalk and try out VIVO Italian Kitchen or Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food.

Both of these spots have great restaurants, shops and plenty of other things to do, so take your time and enjoy your night.

That’s a wrap for Orlando. It went by pretty quickly, didn’t it? It’s time to check into your hotel and rest up for your next and final day of your 1 week road trip in Florida.

Day 7 – Space Coast & Drive back to Miami

On your last day of the road trip, you’ll be visiting the Space Coast and then heading back to Miami. It’ll be a full day, so I recommend waking up early for it. 

From Orlando, you’ll take 408 E to 50 E, and then 405 to cross the NASA Causeway Bridge to the Kennedy Space Center.

Explore the Kennedy Space Center

Start the day early with a quick breakfast before getting on the road. Check out Easy Luck Coffee & Bodega or Moma’s Cafe, both of which you can’t go wrong with!

Your first stop will be the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Florida, which is almost an hour away from Orlando by car.

The Space Center opens around 9am, and you’ll want to get there as early as possible to avoid crowds. You’ll spend the morning into the afternoon exploring the Kennedy Space Center . There’s lots to do here so you’ll want to make a list of your top 3 or 4 things to do upfront. A few examples to get you started include the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Rocket Garden, and the Apollo 8 firing room. 

Cocoa Beach & Drive Back to Miami

Grab lunch at the Orbit Cafe, which offers a decent variety of options or the Rocket Garden Cafe that overlooks the Rocket Garden.

After a few hours at the Space Center, it’s time to get back on the road and head to nearby Cocoa Beach. It won’t be a long visit, but you can spend some time relaxing on the beach, swimming, or walking around at this world-famous beach. You can even swap out lunch at the Kennedy Space Center for lunch here on the Cocoa Beach Pier (better & cheaper food, in my opinion).

It’s an almost 4 hour trip back to Miami (without traffic) so you’ll want to make sure you leave enough time for the drive back, whether checking into your hotel or heading to the airport! Make sure you factor that into your plans for the afternoon. You unfortunately won’t have a lot of time to make stops on your drive back to Miami.

You’ll take A1A S and FL-404 W to I-95 S, and from there, you’ll be on I-95 S for most of the way back to Miami.

Final Night in Miami or the Airport

Once you’re back in Miami, check into your hotel for the night or head to the rental car drop off and the airport for your flight.

If you’re staying for the night, you might be exhausted from the week and want to grab takeout or order in for dinner at the hotel. Totally understandable. If you’re still up for a dinner out on your last night, I’d recommend checking out the Taco Stand in Wynwood or the Lobster Shack in Miami Beach for a casual dinner.

As you wind down for the night, it’s time to reflect on such an incredible 1 week road trip through Florida. You’ve covered a lot of ground from Miami to the Gulf Coast to Orlando and then back again. You’ve also managed to see some of the best sites in Florida all in one road trip!

More Road Trips Ideas in Florida

Naturally, only having a week for a road trip in Florida isn’t exactly a lot of time. You might have an extra day or so to explore some other areas, and there’s plenty to explore! Here are some additional destinations for your Florida road trip itinerary that we didn’t cover but would make a great stop on your trip:

• St. Augustine
• Daytona Beach
• West Palm Beach
• Anna Maria Island

Florida Road Trip Map 

Need a visual of all of the towns we covered on this trip? Here’s a great map of this epic 1-week Florida road trip itinerary. 

You might have a few lingering questions about your road trip in Florida. Here are some common questions and answers for you to help plan your trip.

How many days are needed for a Florida road trip?

It all depends on what you want to do and see. Some people can be satisfied with a week-long experience visiting cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. Others prefer to take their time and explore different parts of the state, like the Everglades or the Florida Keys. A two week road trip would give you enough time to explore and enjoy several areas of Florida.

How to plan a road trip to Florida?

Planning a road trip in Florida can be both exciting and overwhelming. Start by making a list of destinations that you want to see and then research different routes that work those places in. It’s best to book hotels and any attractions ahead of time as places fill up quickly! Plus, it’ll be helpful to budget the cost of your trip. 

Final Thoughts: Florida Road Trip 1 Week Itinerary

I hope this 1-week Florida road trip itinerary has been helpful in planning your next vacation. From the vibrant cityscape of Miami to the thrilling theme parks of Orlando and everything in between, we’ve covered a lot of ground!

It can be a lot to plan a road trip, but hopefully I’ve done some of the leg work for you with laying out places to visit. Feel free to change up this itinerary if you’re looking for something a little different, or keep it as is if it sounds like a good fit! Oh, and make sure you book your hotels and buy passes for attractions ahead of time!

So grab a map (or your phone, let’s be real) and get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning landscapes, exciting experiences, and plenty of memories to be made!

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75+ Fantastic Florida Road Trips From Tampa

Road trips – one of our favorite activities as Americans. Just jump in the car and see where the road takes you. As a destination state, Florida road trips are among the most popular vacations. It seems nearly every corner of Florida has something neat to see. Tampa’s location in the middle of the state makes it an ideal base, and this list shows there are a lot of road trips from Tampa to indulge in.

For these road trips, I used oalley.net to calculate a distance of 2 hours driving time from downtown Tampa, then I used Google Maps and my own knowledge of the area to find fun road trips.

The idea is to be able to make it to a destination, and using road trip travel hacks , enjoy it, and get back to Tampa in one day. No overnighters required here! Though, of course, if you want to make a weekend out of some these locations, that’s 100% doable, too. Here’s my Oalley map:

As you can see, it has a strange shape, and that’s because the more rural parts of the state or those with an expressway will enable us to drive faster and further. I then divided the map into three sections to group those activities together. I’ve also included all the state parks and nature preserves because those are favorite locations of mine, and they really show off Florida’s history and natural resources.

If you’re headed to Florida…or if you live here…take a road trip! I was so surprised to come up with this many places to visit, and now I need to start taking more road trips from Tampa myself to see some of these places. Road trips are also a great way to spend a day (or weekend) with the kids, especially with this survival guide for road tripping with kids, or with teens igniting meaningful conversations which will bring everyone closer together as a family.

Road Trips East from Tampa

The East Third area includes Orlando, Kissimmee, and Lakeland. This area provides a huge range of road trip options – theme parks, state parks, freshwater springs, and several outdoor adventures like airboat tours and a wilderness ranch.

Ride an Airboat

We normally think of airboat tours happening in the Everglades; however, the area around Kissimmee is filled with lakes perfect for airboat rides. Several outfitters offer airboat adventures, such as Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures , Wild Florida Airboat Tours & Gator Park , and Kissimmee Swamp Tours .

Find the Beauty at Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is one of Florida’s first attractions. With 250 acres of gardensand a 205-foot tall singing tower, visitors have stopped here since 1929. The gardens also include a 20 room Mediterranean-style mansion and 2.5 acre childrens’ garden. The grounds are part of the Great Florida Birding Trail as well as home to the endangered gopher tortoise and indigo snake.

Celebrate in Celebration

The town of Celebration, Florida is what happens when Disney creates a town IRL. In the 1990s, Disney started development on 4,900 acres outside of Walt Disney World. Residential development occurred in two phases, and in 2001 the town earned the title “New Community of the Year” by the Urban Land Institute. So, why visit? To see what Disney developers were able to accomplish. They collaborated with leaders in education, technology, health, planning, and architecture to develop a town worthy of Walt Disney’s vision for a prototype community of tomorrow. The town is a favorite for the downtown’s small town vibe and many shops and restaurants.

“Awesome Awaits” at Legoland

Legoland Florida builds an entire theme park around legos. It’s the perfect theme park for families who have lego-crazy kids. The theme park includes more than 50 rides, building and creation zones, a botanical garden (formerly Cypress Gardens), Ninjago training camp, shows in the 4D theater, and a water park. Though it’s easy to make a day trip of Legoland from either Tampa or Orlando (it’s only an hour from each of those cities), visitors who choose to play here for more than a day have the option of staying in one of Legoland Florida’s themed hotels.

Find Your Inner Child at Magic Kingdom

Florida’s favorite theme park lies less than two hours from Tampa. If you’re in Tampa to visit family or the beaches and want to add on a theme park, you can’t go wrong with Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The “most magical place on Earth” has rides, character encounters, shows, fireworks, dining, shopping, and so much more. We don’t visit often but always have a great time when we do. The park is divided into sections such as Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Fantasyland. End each evening with a parade and fireworks.

Go Antiquing in Mount Dora

Mount Dora exudes small town charm, and it you love that vibe paired with cute boutiques and antiques, consider this road trip from Tampa. This small central Florida town finds itself on many “best small town” lists often. Spend a day antiquing and eat lunch in one of the quaint cafes. Or plan a longer trip with an overnight in one of the bed & breakfast houses, such as Lakeside Inn or Farnsworth House .

Find Fossils in the Peace River

Though you can go fossil hunting at any place along the Peace River where you find public access, if you’re new to it, taking a guided tour might be the way to go for you. Fossil hunting involves getting in the river, preferably when water levels are low, with a floating screen that filters out the larger items from the river bottom, such as medalodon teeth and other fossils. Several outfitters near the river between Arcadia and Wauchulla offer their services for this uniquely Florida activity.

Take a Safari at Safari Wilderness Ranch

Safari Wilderness Ranch near Lakeland, Florida offers one of the more unique adventures in Florida – a safari…by ATV, vehicle, camel, or kayak. Located on 260 acres surrounded by the Green Swamp Wilderness area, the Ranch houses exotic animals such as eland, zebra, and watusi. It is a working game ranch so daily visitors are limited.

Be Wowed at Solomon’s Castle

Howard Solomon had a dream – create a castle and give his family a kingdom. He did both with Solomon’s Castle. The aluminum castle filled with Solomon’s art welcomes the public to the home, workshop, and galleries. Spend the day exploring all of the unique artwork and grounds and stop for a bite to eat in the on-site restaurant. It’s guaranteed to be a Florida road trip like no other.

Road Trips North From Tampa

When you head out to the North Third, you’ll find towns such as Crystal River, Leesburg, and Spring Hill. Much of this area is less densely populated and less well-known to visitors. What you will find in this part of Florida are the fabulous freshwater springs, manatees, and lots of beautiful, natural Florida.

Paddle Alexander Springs

Paddle…as in go kayaking or canoeing. Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest is one of Florida’s most natural and beautiful spring runs. It’s a favorite among kayak enthusiasts as are most of the other springs in the Ocala National Forest. These are places deep in the heart of Florida, where you can still encounter wild alligators, otters, snakes, bear, and deer. Most of the time, though, if you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone and present a wonderful (far away) photo op.

Paddle the Chassahowitzka River

Over on the Gulf Coast, you can also enjoy a good paddle in a kayak or canoe. The Chassahowitzka River – or the Chaz, as locals call it – is a 5-mile long spring-fed river. Popular for recreational kayaking and boating, it’s possible to kayak to the Gulf of Mexico; however, you’ll then have to paddle back upstream to the outfitter or boat ramp. Most people stay in the upper third of the river where the water runs clear and cool thanks to the freshwater springs which feed it.

See America’s Best Beach – Clearwater Beach

TripAdvisor named Clearwater Beach the #1 beach in the United States for a second year in a row in 2019. It’s no secret why this is one of the most popular beaches in the Tampa Bay area – wide, white sandy beach stretching for miles, gentle surf perfect for swimming or soaking in, and lots of great restaurants and bars nearby to drink, eat, and be merry. Clearwater Beach provides more than sun, sand, sea, and refreshments. Take a pirate cruise, a dinner cruise, or a dolphin cruise. Stroll the broad sidewalks and shop in any of a number of beachy boutiques. Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see the star dolphins, Hope and Winter. With so much to do, you might even decide to spend more than a day at the beach.

Play with Giraffes at Giraffe Ranch

Similar to Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland, Giraffe Ranch offers a more intimate experience on 47 acres. Visitors can opt to take a tour by camel, segway, or on a shaded 4×4 with stadium seating. Upclose encounters include feeding a giraffe and petting a camel. Giraffe Ranch is a working game ranch with two breeding herds of giraffes and one of Florida’s largest herds of Irish dexter cattle.

Stroll through Historic Leesburg

One of the oldest towns in Florida , Leesburg features a number of historic buildings which will delight the history buff in you. While in Leesburg, stroll the streets of the Historic District featuring many architectural styles such as Florida Vernacular, Gothic Revival, and Queen Anne; walk through Dade Battlefield State Historic Site where General Dade and his soldiers were ambushed by Seminole warriors; and tour the exhibits at the Leesburg Heritage Society and Historical Museum.

Confront Your Fear at Scream-A-Geddon

If you visit Tampa mid-September through the first week in November, and if you love horror movies and anything scary, plan to visit Scream-A-Geddon. Their website says it’s a “haunted house experience…a Halloween horror park event like no other.” Scream-A-Geddon has seven attractions, a beer garden, and a midway with food, drinks, monsters, and games. Attractions include zombie paintball, a haunted trail, and an interactive attraction during which you “may be grabbed, held back, sent into hidden rooms, removed from their group or even forced to remain…”

Explore Florida’s Original Attraction at Silver Springs

Silver Springs has been an attraction since the 1870s, making it Florida’s oldest attraction. Prior to that point, river boats vied for passengers to transport to the headwaters of the Silver River, a first magnitude spring called Silver Springs. In the 1870s, two men made the first glass-bottom boat, and a century long enterprise was born – glass bottom boat tours.

In 2013, the Florida State Park system took over Silver Springs Park, merged it with Silver River Park, and created Silver Springs State Park. Visit the park to take a glass bottom boat tour, see the Silver River Museum and Cracker Village, hike the trails, and see wildlife such as monkeys and manatees.

Go Greek in Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs makes an easy and enjoyable day trip from Tampa. It’s located in the greater Tampa Bay area, less than an hour’s drive from downtown Tampa. A day in Tarpon Springs puts you in the middle of the largest Greek community in the Florida. While exploring this small town, be sure to take a sunset cruise to Anclote Key State Park , take a sponge diving tour on one of the sponge boats, try Greek cuisine at one of the restaurants lining the sponge docks, and browse the locally-owned boutiques filled with natural sponges and handmade soaps. If time permits, head south a mile to the revitalized downtown section and see more of the history of Tarpon Springs at the history museum and in the many older buildings that line Tarpon Avenue.

Swim with Manatees at Three Sisters Springs

The Three Sisters Springs area in Crystal River remains one of the most popular places to experience Florida’s freshwater springs and see manatees. In the winter when water temperatures dip into the 60s, manatees follow the warmer water into King’s Bay. In the places where sand boils, freshwater vents, and springs flow into the river, the water maintains a constant temperature in the 70s. Three Sisters Springs showcases some of the best of natural Florida – clear waters, sandy river bottom, trees overhanging the banks. The springs are part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge so will be protected for future generations to appreciate. If you don’t have a kayak or don’t want to rent one, you can view the springs from the boardwalk as well as enjoy nature on the walking trails.

Paddle the Weeki Wachee River

Like the Chaz, the Weeki Wachee River provides an amazing opportunity to paddle a kayak or canoe down one of Florida’s clearest rivers. The Weeki starts as a freshwater spring, now contained within the bounds of the Weeki Wachee State Park. The river flows just over 5 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, twisting and turning through natural Florida habitats that include palms, oaks, and sand-loving shrubs. An outfitter provides kayaks or canoes if you get there early enough. Or bring your own and pay to have the outfitter haul your kayaks back to the parking lot. Along the paddle, take your time. Stop at any number of sandy spots to enjoy the cool water. Pull up on a sandy bar to eat lunch. And be sure to take in all of the spectacular scenery. From time to time, manatees swim up the river and delight the people on the river.

Road Trips South From Tampa

Headed south from Tampa, you’ll find lots of beaches and beach towns. These are the places known for the best shelling in Florida as well as finding shark teeth. These are also the parts first explored by the Spaniards in the early 1500s. Here you’ll find towns such as Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice.

Enjoy the Beach at Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf coast and an easy drive from Tampa. The main feature of the island, and what draws visitors weekend after weekend, is 7 miles of wide and sandy beaches. The town resembles a storybook image of a beach town – laid back, relaxed, colorful, and quirky. Two-lane roads lead north-south and east-west, past one and two story buildings painted in pastel hues. Palm trees, sea grapes, and flowered bushes punctuate yards, and sand collects along roadways. If you’re looking for a more affordable, more laid back beach experience than Clearwater Beach, give Anna Maria Island a try. You might even want to spend a day or two here enjoying the beach life.

Contribute to Conservation at Big Cat Habitat

Have you seen Tiger King on Netflix? I tried. I couldn’t get past the first episode. That’s just a whole lot of white trash in one TV show. #sorrynotsorry

This is NOT that Big Cat organization. Not to be confused with Big Cat Rescue north of Tampa, Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary houses more than 150 exotic and domestic animals. The facility currently opens only four hours a day Friday through Sunday. Their animal ambassadors perform twice a day to help raise awareness for these animals. If you’re looking for a decent tiger organization to support, take a look at this one.

Explore History at Desoto National Park

Desoto National Memorial in Bradenton marks the landing of Hernando de Soto’s 1539 expedition. Most historians believe de Soto made landfall in south Tampa Bay or perhaps further south in Charlotte Harbor. The park covers 26 acres and 3,000 feet of coastline where the Manatee River empties into Tampa Bay. Visitors to the park can enjoy a living history camp (December through April only), a visitor center with historic artifacts, nature trails, bird watching, and fishing. Along the nature trail, you’ll see tabby house ruins, natural Florida habitat, and one of the most visible memorials, the Memorial Cross. This cross was erected to commemorate all priests in Florida, and in particular, the 12 priests and friars who made landfall with de Soto. The Memorial Cross and Holy Eucharist Memorial can be found beside Desoto National Park.

Learn More History at Fort de Soto Park

Across Tampa Bay from Desoto National Park, explore a Pinellas County park with a similar name, Fort de Soto Park. This one encompasses more than 1,000 acres making it the largest park in Pinellas County. The acreage covers five islands and a lot of wetlands and water between the islands. If you plan to visit Fort de Soto Park, it’s a good idea to plan to spend the entire day there. It’ll take that long to see it all!

Fort de Soto Park includes more than 7 miles of multi-use trails, more than 2 miles of unpaved nature trails, and more than 2 miles of canoe trails. In addition, the park has three beaches and an 800 foot long fishing pier. The highlight of the park, however, is the fort which was built in the late 1800s to protect Tampa Bay during the Spanish American War. Historic features include the fort, two wells, several artillery guns, and the foundations of the wooden buildings which once stood on one of the islands. A small museum houses many artifacts found around the islands.

To make a perfect road trip from Tampa, pack a lunch and all of your beach essentials. Walk through the fort and along the historic buildings trail, play in the surf at one of the beaches, enjoy lunch in the shade near one of the nature trails, then walk off lunch on the nature trails. Finally take a drive to the far end of the park for a great view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the United States. Finish off the day with a bit more beach time, or perhaps grab the ferry over to Egmont Key and explore over there for a few hours. Whichever way you choose to spend your day, it’ll be a long one filled with lots of memories at Fort de Soto Park.

Relax with the Famous Lipizzan Stallions

The rare and famous Lipizzan horses spend winter at a 25 acre farm near Myakka City and perform Saturday mornings for visitors to the farm. The performances often include younger horses and explains how the horses are trained. Stay after the training session to stroll around the farm, explore the barn, and feed carrots to the horses. The riders and owner answer questions and present photo opportunities. It’s a great activity for families with horse-loving kids. Or for horse-loving adults.

Smell the Flowers at Marie Selby Gardens

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens covers 15 acres at the former home of Marie and William Selby in Sarasota. Beyond being a botanical garden, The Gardens is a working research facility with more than 150 expeditions contributing to the Gardens collections. Since opening in 1973, Selby botanists have discovered or described more than 2,000 plant species previously unknown to science. The Gardens’ main focus is one epiphytes, plants that grow in trees, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. When you visit Marie Selby Gardens, be sure to spend time in each of the featured areas – the Children’s Rainforest Garden, designed to foster a love and appreciate for rainforest flora in children; the Tropical Conservatory; the Towering Bamboo Garden; the Banyan Groves; the Mangrove Bay Walk; the Fern Garden; and the Koi Pond.

Keep the Conservation Going at Mote Marine Lab

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a non-profit organization made up of scientists, explorers, and stewards of the seas. Located in Sarasota with satellite locations in Boca Grande and the Florida Keys, Mote combines scientific research with public education. Visitors explore the wonders of marine life through high-tech interactive displays, touch pools, and working labs which can be observed. The aquarium houses sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and over 100 other marine species. Some of the research programs undertaken by Mote scientists include marine mammal hospitals, coral reef health and monitoring, marine stranding investigations, and fisheries ecology.

See the State Art Museum in Sarasota

Many people associate the name Ringling with the circus. Would it surprise you to know that John Ringling also helped create what would become the official State Art Museum of Florida? The Ringling Museum of Art took shape from Ringling’s sizable estate and art collection which he bequeathed to the residents of Florida upon his death in 1936.

Florida State University now manages the museum. It is part of the Caples-Ringling Historic district in Sarasota, and combined with the FSU Center for the Performing Arts is one of the largest university art complexes in the United States. Exhibits at the Ringling Museum of Art include special and permanent exhibits as well as the Ringling’s mansion, Ca’ d’Zan, and the Circus Museum. There are also virtual exhibits available online.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Sarasota Jungle Gardens boasts the distinction of being one of Florida’s oldest attractions. Opened in 1939 and family-owned and operated since then, this family-friendly spot in Sarasota has over 200 native and exotic animals. Three daily shows educate the young and young-at-heart about the different animals to foster a love and appreciation for them. The early owners lived on the premises in what is now the Flamingo Cafe and the current koi pond was once the family’s swimming pool! Besides animal shows, visitors can enjoy the Jungle Trails, feed flamingos, and delight kids with animals encounters.

Sunbathe on Siesta Key

Siesta Key Beach is the #1 beach in America and #11 beach in the world in 2020 according to TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards. It’s also been named #1 beach by Dr. Beach in 2017 and in 2011. It was also the TripAdvisor #1 beach in America in 2017 (Clearwater Beach won in 2018 and 2019). The most unique thing about this beach is it’s composition. Unlike most beaches around the world which are made up of pulverized rock and coral, Siesta Key Beach is 99% quartz, most of which originated the Appalachian Mountains. Over the course of hundreds of thousands of years, the quartz washed down rivers and into the Gulf of Mexico where it eventually accumulated on Florida’s Gulf coast beaches. The quartz also makes the sand cool to the touch rather than hot like beaches up north. So you won’t have to wear shoes to get to the water, even when it’s blisteringly hot outside.

Tour Art Galleries and Museums in St. Pete

St. Petersburg, the largest city in Pinellas County, has seven art districts. Yes, seven. That’s a lot of art in a town of 265,000 people! If art is your thing – modern art, fine art, glass art, performing arts – you’ll love spending a day or two in St. Petersburg. Just across Tampa Bay, St. Pete is close enough to Tampa to go back if you don’t see it all in one day. Or just spend the night in St. Pete and enjoy the vibrant downtown area.

The seven art districts are:

• Waterfront Museum District , anchored by the Salvador Dali Museum, The Mahaffey Theater, and the Fine Arts Museum.
• Central Arts District includes the Morean Arts Center, Morean Glass Studio, and Studio 620.
• Grand Central District , home to antique shops as well as Imagine Museum and host to many large events and parades.
• The Edge District is an award-winning Main Street district and is where you’ll find numerous small, independent art studios, microbreweries, and shops.
• Warehouse District , once the location of many warehouses and light manufacturing businesses, now welcomes any artists who require a large space for their larger pieces or heavy equipment. Many of the studios are open to visitors.
• Deuces Live District is one of the newer districts and pays homage to St. Pete’s African-American heritage. Visit the Woodson Museum and try lunch at one of the local cafes, such as Chief’s Creole Cafe.
• M.L. King North District , another emerging arts district, features locally-owned shops, eateries, and studios such as Bloom Art Center and Heart Gallery.

Challenge Yourself at TreeUmph! Obstacle Course

Get outside and play like a kid again! Climb, swing, and zip on over 100 challenging obstacles. Guests conquer five obstacle courses, each progressively higher and harder than the last. You make it through all five. Or make it as far as you can. Best of all, you can share the experience with family and friends who don’t want to challenge themselves. It’s free to park and watch at TreeUmph! It’s also free to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it on their beautiful grounds.

Find Sharks Teeth in Venice

Many visitors come to Florida beaches to find shark teeth; however, not all beaches deliver them. Caspersen Beach in Venice is known for the abundance of shark teeth found on it’s sandy shores. There are many techniques for finding shark teeth. Stroll at the water line and look for the shiny black teeth. Sit by a large cache of shells and sift through them. Wade out a few feet, scoop up sand from the one foot drop off, and sift through that. Or charter a dive trip to deeper water where you might find larger teeth. Whatever method you choose, if you look for shark teeth in Venice, you’ll probably find some.

Recharge at Warm Mineral Springs

Warm Mineral Springs Park features Florida’s only warm water spring. In actuality, the lake is an ancient sinkhole which has filled with water from a spring vent far below ground. While Florida’s other freshwater springs maintain a water temperature between 72 and 74 degrees (perfect on hot summer days!), Warm Mineral Springs’ water checks in at a constant 85 degree. The waters purportedly have healing qualities from more than 51 minerals found dissolved in those waters. The lake has been a revered spot as far back as prehistoric times about 10,000 years ago when the native people used it as a burial ground. Archaeologists have found the fossilized bones of saber-toothed tigers, sloths, humans, and even tools. Divers can explore the deeper parts of the spring with a permit from the city of North Port.

State Parks

The Florida State Park system includes 175 parks and 9 state trails protecting more than 800,000 acres. There are also 35 state forests covering more than 1,000,000 acres though these are managed by the Forest Service. Florida State Parks are the only 4 time National Gold Medal winner in the country. Most of these parks were formed to protect an historic site, an environmentally sensitive site, or both. They truly are the jewels of the state, showcasing the natural beauty of Florida.

Note: Activities such as bicycling, mountain biking, and horseback riding require that you bring your own bike or horses. For paddling, many parks rent kayaks or canoes; however, please check with the park first.

Road Trips from Tampa to State Parks East

Alafia river state park.

• Special features: former phosphate mine along the south prong of the Alafia River
• Day activities: mountain biking, birding, fishing, geo-seeking, hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, boating

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park

• Special features: rare scrub habitat on the Lake Wales Ridge
• Day activities: hiking, horseback riding, fishing, geoseeking, wildlife viewing

Highlands Hammock State Park

• Special features: more rare and endemic species than any other Florida state park
• Day activities: birding, geo-seeking, hiking, mountain biking, tram tours, wildlife viewing, Civilian Conservation Corps Museum

Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park

• Special features: Lake June and rare scrub habitat which contains the highest concentration of rare plants and animals in North America
• Day activities: birding, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing

Lake Kissimmee State Park

• Special features: 1876 Cow Camp and frontage on 3 lakes
• Day activities: birding, fishing, geo-seeking, hiking, mountain biking

Lake Louisa State Park

• Special features: 3 lakes and 11 distinct natural plant communities
• Day activities: birding, fishing, geo-seeking, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, swimming, wildlife viewing, boating, horseback riding

Lake Manatee State Park

• Special features: 3 miles of lake frontage
• Day activities: bicycling, boating, fishing, geo-seeking, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, swimming

Payne’s Creek Historic State Park

• Special features: Fort Chokonikla site, Captain George S. Payne and Dempsey Whiddon Monument, and the Kennedy-Darling Trading Store site; access to the Peace River
• Day activities: museum, historic site with monuments, birding, paddling, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing

Seminole State Forest

• Special features: Blackwater Creek and Wekiva River, 20 miles of multi-use trails and 34 miles of hiking trails
• Day activities: hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, fishing, paddling

South Fork State Park

• Special features: bisected by the south fork of the Little Manatee River
• Day activities: hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, nature photography

Wekiwa Springs State Park

• Special features: Freshwater spring which is the headwaters for Wekiwa River
• Day activities: swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, paddling, geoseeking, snorkeling

Wingate Creek State Park

• Special features: 2 creeks; human occupation on these lands for thousands of years
• Day activities: hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, nature study

Road Trips from Tampa to State Parks North

Anclote key state park.

• Special features: accessible by boat only; historic lighthouse; shelling
• Day activities: swimming, shelling, hiking, fishing, boating

Caladesi /Honeymoon Islands State Parks

• Special features: These are two separate state parks; access Caladesi Island by taking the ferry from Honeymoon Island or rent kayaks and paddle there. Top 10 Best Beaches in the US.
• Day activities: paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, birding, wildlife viewing, boating

Colt Creek State Park

• Special features: 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitats
• Day activities: birding, hiking, fishing, geoseeking, paddling, wildlife viewing

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

• Special features: burial and temple mounds
• Day activities: hiking, fishing, geoseeking, history study

Crystal River Preserve State Park

• Special features: biologically diverse estuary
• Day activities: bicycling, boat tours, fishing, hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing

Fort Cooper State Park

• Special features: Seminole Heritage Trail
• Day activities: hiking, fishing, paddling, birding, geoseeking, swimming

Hillsborough River State Park

• Special features: Hillsborough River, class II rapids, Fort Foster
• Day activities: hiking, fishing, swimming, paddling, history study, birding, geoseeking, wildlife viewing

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

• Special features: mermaids, waterpark, freshwater spring which is the headwaters for Weeki Wachee River
• Day activities: swimming, tubing, hiking, boat tours, snorkeling

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park

• Special features: salt springs and historic salt works
• Day activities: hiking, paddling, fishing, birding, wildlife viewing, history study

Read about our Saturday morning hike through Werner-Boyce.

Withlacoochee State Forest

• Special features: Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River, Jumper Creek, and 2600 acres of off-road facilities for ATVs
• Day activities: hiking, fishing, nature study, birding, wildlife viewing, horseback riding

Road Trips From Tampa to State Parks South

Charlotte harbor preserve state park.

• Special features: 100 miles of coastline with more than 45,000 acres
• Day activities: bicycling, birding, boating, hiking, fishing, geoseeking, paddling

Egmont Key State Park

• Special features: secluded island accessible only by boat; historic fort
• Day activities: swimming, snorkeling, birding, hiking, boating, fishing, shelling, history study

Gamble Plantation Historic State Park

• Special features: antebellum plantation home
• Day activities: geoseeking, tours

Little Manatee River State Park

• Special features: 4.5 miles of Little Manatee River, Cypress Creek
• Day activities: hiking, birding, fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, bicycling

Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site

• Special features: Native American mounds
• Day activities: history study, walking

Myakka River State Park

• Special features: Myakka River, Florida’s first designated scenic river
• Day activities: fishing, paddling, hiking, birding, bicycling, geoseeking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding

Myakka State Forest

• Special features: Over 8,000 acres of forest, 2.5 miles on the Myakka River
• Day activities: hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, horseback riding

Oscar Scherer State Park

• Special features: Nature oasis within urban sprawl, South Creek, 15 miles of trails
• Day activities: hiking, birding, paddling, bicycling, fishing, geoseeking, swimming, snorkeling, tram tours, wildlife viewing

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

• Special features: Fishing piers created from the original Skyway Bridge
• Day activities: fishing

Stump Pass Beach State Park

• Special features: Beach
• Day activities: swimming, sunbathing, shelling, hiking, fishing, paddling, snorkeling, wildlife viewing

Terra Ceia State Park

• Special features: 2,000 acres of land, freshwater wetlands, and saltwater waterways
• Day activities: hiking, fishing, paddling

Nature Preserves

Preserves, Reserves, and Refuges all amount to the same thing – large swaths of land that have been set aside to conserve local fauna and flora. The following nature preserves/reserves/refuges are close to Tampa and offer a nature respite from the busy urban sprawl found in the Tampa Bay area.

Babcock Ranch Preserve

• Special features: protects regionally important water resources, diverse natural habitats, scenic landscapes and historic and cultural resources in the rapidly developing southwest Florida corridor.
• Day activities: hiking, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, bicycling, horseback riding

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

• Special features: former botanical garden, aviary, raptor center, nature camps
• Day activities: hiking, bicycling, paddling, nature programs

Circle B Bar Reserve

• Special features: former ranch, a favorite with local photographers, lots of alligators
• Day activities: hiking, photography, painting

Connor Preserve

• Special features: model airplane flying field
• Day activities: hiking, horseback riding, bicycling

Deer Prairie Creek Preserve

• Special features: Myakka River, over 70 miles of hiking trails
• Day activities: hiking, horseback riding, paddling, bicycling, fishing, birding

Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve

• Special features: 1,100,000 acres; headwaters for four major rivers – Ocklawaha, Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, and Peace
• Day activities: birding, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, paddling, boating, hunting

Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge

• Special features: rare scrub habitat; created to protect 23 endangered plant species
• Day activities: not open to the public

Robinson Preserve

• Special features: Valentine House, beach, observation tower
• Day activities: paddling, hiking, fishing, swimming, bicycling, wildlife viewing

Rock Springs Run State Reserve

• Special features: primitive campsites accessible by canoe only, horse rentals and trail rides
• Day Activities: hiking, paddling, horseback riding, bicycling, wildlife viewing

RV Griffin Reserve

• Special features: water reservoir
• Day activities: hiking, bicycling, horseback riding

Upper and Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserves

• Special features: one of the largest continuous recreation areas in Hillsborough county
• Day activities: birding, bicycling, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, boating, hunting

Weedon Island Preserve

• Special features: prehistoric canoe, Native American site, former airport
• Day activities: hiking, history study, fishing, boating, paddling,

So…what next? Get your printable/downloadable checklist below and start making plans! Be sure to pack all of the road trip essentials you’re going to need to make it a great trip. Then get out there and start exploring! There is so much to do near Tampa! You could stay busy every weekend for a couple of years.

Get your printable checklist below!

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Hi there! I'm Cristina, and I'm the creative mind behind Wander Florida. I'm a native Floridian (a real one, not an "I've been here so long I might as well be a native"). I was born in Miami and except for a short time as a young child when we lived in North Carolina, I've always lived in Florida.

I'm an introverted book-lover who generally prefers nature and animals to people so you won't often find me at theme parks or crowded beaches. And that's why I don't write about those things. Instead, I share hiking adventures, kayaking adventures, Florida history and historic sites, and small towns. And because we could all use a luxurious place to rest, I plan to share more upscale hotels, spas, and wellness resorts in the future.

Right now, we live in Dunedin, Florida which is in the Tampa Bay area. I take almost all of my own photographs and videos. You'll find those here and on my YouTube channel of the same name. Most of our travel is currently centered around day trips from the Tampa Bay area because we have senior, special-needs animals, and they deserve our time and love while they're here.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. I appreciate your time and am grateful you've chosen to give Wander Florida a bit of your day.

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What a comprehensive list! I live in Jacksonville and some of these would be road tripable for me! THanks for all this research!

This list is a lot of my favorite places in one! Even though I feel like I’ve seen everything in Tampa, your list just proved I have so much more to do on the weekends (once the Pandemic is over). Anna Maria is my go to favorite beach but now that we live in North Tampa, we’ve been going to Clearwater and Sand Key more often. They’re all great in their own way. Amazing guide, thank you for sharing!!

I thought I’d done a lot of things in Tampa, too, and now have so many things to keep me busy! Glad you found the list useful.

Aww these are all such fun road trips! Florida is such a fun place for vacations!

Thanks, Charlene! We love living here, too!

Wow! I am officially overwhelmed with all the places that I can visit the next time I’m in Florida. This will now be my go to guide. You did an amazing job laying out the land. Thank you!

Thank so much, Vee!

Very informative post with lots of details and ideas, thank you for sharing! We love road trips, and the last drive was from Texas to Florida Disney World in Dec 19. Can’t wait to start our trips, hope this is all over soon.

Yes, me too! Though there are still lots of people out and about, even traveling from state to state.

Wow this brings back so many good memories for me and helped me learn new insights as well. I’ve gone to Florida all my life and somehow never heard of Siesta key. Will go there someday thanks to this amazing work!!! Thanks!

Thanks, Britt. I hope you can visit again soon!

This is a fantastic list of trip ideas. Will take these into account when I go to Florida next!

This is such a comprehensive list! I need to explore more of Florida – I’ve only been around Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. I’ll definitely be adding a bunch of these road trips to my bucket list!

This is an awesome list! There is just so much to do in Florida. We have thought about doing abroad trip down there quite a few times, Mote Labs is a place I’ve always wanted to visit. I will definitely refer to this list when we are finally able to book that trip!

Oh my gosh. You have just officially added to many things to my Florida bucket list! I really want to visit the giraffe ranch especially!!

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Amazing American Road Trips You Can Do In 48 Hours

Posted: November 13, 2023 | Last updated: November 13, 2023

Easy getaways

Road trips don’t need to be stretched over a fortnight to be epic and vacations needn’t last forever (much as we’d like them to). You can pack plenty of fun into a long weekend, making the most of national holidays or just making your annual leave work extra hard. There are endless possibilities for mini-breaks and twin-center vacations across the US, but we’ve picked out a few favorites to get you started. 

Scottsdale to Yuma, Arizona

This probably isn’t one for the height of summer (no amount of air con will quell that burning southern Arizona heat). But the drive between these two cities, both of which ooze their own version of Wild West charm, is perfect in spring and fall, and still balmy in winter. Scottsdale ’s downtown streets, lined with olive trees, are home to steak restaurants and art galleries (check the opening status of individual outlets before visiting). There's also  Taliesin West , former home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Phoenix and the cacti-filled  Desert Botanical Garden  (advance reservations required) are on the way to Yuma , one of the sunniest places on Earth. There’s more to this Sonoran Desert city than the weather though. It's packed with railroad history and is home to the fascinating Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park , a 19th-century prison that’s now a museum.

Wilmington to Yadkin Valley, North Carolina

College town Wilmington blends old-fashioned Southern charm with dramatic coastal beauty – it's laced with beaches, marshes and barrier islands. Visitors can catch the sunrise over Wrightsville Beach, where lilac, orange and pink swirls cast dramatic light on the pale sand, before heading inland on a trip that routes through some of the state’s most beguiling destinations.

Potential stops include Raleigh (known for its restaurants and craft breweries), garden-filled Chapel Hill and historic Winston-Salem. But the main event is the wine. There's  JOLO , whose award-winning reds include vintages made with native grapes, or Divine Llama Vineyards , which really is home to llamas. In fact, there are three dozen or so wineries in the Yadkin Valley , surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Tampa to Crystal River, Florida

There isn’t too much driving on this trip, though it packs in more urban and natural attractions than many longer journeys. It begins in Tampa, whose downtown is a refreshing blend of local-centric bars, diverse dining, art galleries and cool souvenir shops – check the tourist board website for attraction updates. The Riverwalk, a raised walkway along the Hillsborough River, is a nice spot for sunset, then there's a free streetcar to Ybor City, founded by cigar magnates in 1885 and still steeped in Cuban culture. 

Read our guide to Tampa

The drive up to Crystal River takes around two hours on the coast-hugging scenic route, passing mangroves, swamps and wildlife preserves like Chassahowitzka . It’s all leading up to the best natural attraction of all: swimming with manatees. Crystal River is the only place in the US where visitors can swim with the mammals in the wild and snorkeling in the presence of these gentle, seagrass-munching giants is a humbling, surprisingly peaceful experience.

Boston to Provincetown, Massachusetts

It's possible to hop on a ferry to reach P-Town (as locals, and anyone cool enough to pull it off, call Provincetown) – but a road trip is much more rewarding. The longer route combines the history and modern charms of Boston with coast-skimming roads and broad, burnished beaches.

How to have the best time in Boston

Cape Cod curls around the bay like a flexed arm, and pretty much anywhere is a good place to stop. Favored spots include the LeCount Hollow Beach (at its best come sunset) and the cranberry bogs and pine trees of the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Funky, dune-backed P-Town has plenty of delicious food to sample too, from lobster mac ‘n’ cheese at  The Canteen  to charcuterie and cocktails at  Strangers & Saints . 

Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi

This is the ultimate escape for music lovers – or anyone who likes their road trips to come with equal doses of culture and fun. Memphis is home to  Beale Street – with its fizzing neon signs, blues bars, BBQ joints and record stores – and  Graceland , former house of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Elvis’ mansion lives up to the hype thanks to a stylish tour that takes visitors past the Jungle Room and to the singer’s grave.

The music pilgrimage continues on the road – on Route 61, or the "Blues Highway", to be specific. The road wiggles down through Mississippi to Clarksdale, where Morgan Freeman co-owns Ground Zero Blues Club  (check the website for updates) next door to the small yet sweeping Delta Blues Museum  (open with reduced capacity). It then continues on to Jackson, home to blues clubs and juke joints like Blue Front Cafe , just outside the city – check the Facebook page for events.

Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon, Utah

There's truly gorgeous scenery striking out in all directions from Salt Lake City. This is Utah, after all. Visitors can breathe in the hip, high-perched city’s crisp air and take in the mountain views – so perfect they look like stage backdrops – before motoring south.

The road passes peaks and hiking trails, and those who take the slower, scenic route through Manti-La Sal National Forest  can stop to explore aspen groves, sandstone canyons and mountain lakes. It’s a good way to build up for setting eyes on Bryce Canyon  – this jagged sprawl of red and apricot hoodoos, towering above stretches of alpine forest, is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Now discover the best place to stay in every state with your motorhome

Santa Fe to Taos, New Mexico

Galleries, markets and Pueblo revival architecture fill New Mexico’s enchanting state capital , where centuries-old plazas and chapels sit comfortably alongside contemporary art installations and murals. Next,  the aptly named High Road  winds and curls through thick forest that opens up to views of the red-and-gray Jemez Mountains.

The road continues to the traditional weaving village of Chimayó and El Santuario de Chimayó, a church dating back to 1816 whose “miraculous dirt” is believed by some to have healing properties.  Taos Pueblo , with its still-occupied 1,000-year-old adobe buildings, is temporarily closed, but check for updates. Finally, visitors can return to Santa Fe via a different route: the Low Road loops back from Taos and unveils entirely different landscapes, weaving down to the banks of the Rio Grande and ducking through a narrow canyon.

New York City to Cayuga Lake, New York

The excitement of New York City’s buzzing streets and the wide-open, natural beauty of the Finger Lakes are a classic combination. Visitors can gaze at Manhattan’s gleaming skyline, and pound streets lined with brownstones and boutiques, before swapping it all for a landscape of skinny, jagged lakes, wineries and wildlife. The NYC GO website has info on citywide attractions and protocols. 

What to see and do in New York City

The traffic thins out and life slows to a leisurely pace at Cayuga Lake, one of 11 spindly stretches of water that make up the Finger Lakes . They’re all beautiful but Cayuga ’s two dozen wineries – some of which can be accessed via boat or kayak – make it stand out (check with individual outposts for their opening status). An 86-mile (138km) road skims the lake’s edge and passes parks, villages with art studios and Montezuma Wildlife Refuge , home to bald eagles and waterfowl. 

Austin to San Antonio, Texas

It's easy to motor between these two Texas Hill County cities in just over an hour. And, from Austin’s hip nightlife, music scene and beloved BBQ joints to the restaurants and art that flank San Antonio’s Riverwalk, there’s plenty to keep visitors occupied. But adding in Fredericksburg really completes the triangle.

The German-settled town  of Fredericksburg, surrounded by wineries, combines proud heritage with modern twists on its past, from food to art. Visitors can also take a detour to hike up the huge granite boulders of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area  (reservations required for weekends and holidays), before looping down to San Antonio, where disused brewery  Pearl  is the place to hang out. The micro-district, just off the Riverwalk, has boutiques, a food hall, restaurants and a hotel in buildings once dedicated to brewing beer. 

Chicago, Illinois to Ann Arbor, Michigan

Cities don’t come much more stylish than Chicago . Public art installations, including the famous Cloud Gate sculpture or "The Bean”, have become as integral to the landscape as the Art Deco skyscrapers, water views and deep-dish pizza.

This route loops around a corner of vast Lake Michigan, en route to Ann Arbor, which has been stealing some of the limelight from Detroit recently. The University of Michigan Museum of Art  (check the website for updates) has a collection covering everything from African architecture to Picasso, while – like many university cities – Ann Arbor's food scene is drawing attention too. There's everything from trendy brunch spots to classics like Zingerman’s Deli , which typically also runs food tours. 

Savannah to Jekyll Island, Georgia

Savannah wears its Southern charm like its majestic oak trees wear soft Spanish moss – with pure, old-fashioned elegance. Georgian mansions line the streets, brewpubs and art galleries take up old cotton warehouses by the waterfront, and cemeteries are filled with sculptures, tall mausoleums and yet more oaks.

Jekyll Island , an easy, scenic drive along a coastline laced with beaches, marshes and barrier islands, packs up the same charm and elegance and takes it to the seaside. One of Georgia’s Golden Isles, it’s accessible by car but feels cut off from the rest of the world. Windswept oaks and tangles of driftwood form a backdrop to soft-sand beaches, while trails wind into the woods. 

Now discover more of America's most charming seaside towns

Miami to Key West, Florida

From beautiful people strutting on South Beach to free-range cockerels strutting on Duval Street, Miami  and Key West are both the same – and eons apart. Both cities share a free spirit and a strong sense of fun but, while Miami wears its character like a slick designer jacket, Key West wears just whatever it feels like at any particular moment. In other words, it’s weird and proud of it.

Driving on the Overseas Highway, which soars over the water, is alone worth the trip. Visitors can stop at Islamorada , Bahia Honda State Park  and Marathon’s adorable and thought-provoking Turtle Hospital before arriving in quirky Key West. Here, there's a colorful buoy which marks the southernmost point in the continental US.

Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

The George Parks Highway, or Parks Highway, joins Anchorage and Fairbanks, slicing through 323 miles (520km) of wilderness, rivers and lakes, with sightings of North America’s tallest peak, Denali, along the way. Anchorage is the glorious starting point, with its galleries, museums and live music scene. 

The highway follows the eastern edge of Denali National Park before cutting across a corner of the vast wilderness, which sprawls over six million acres. The park’s alpine forest and mountain slopes are home to curly-horned Dall’s sheep, wolves, grizzlies and black bears. Fairbanks’ forested riverbanks and downtown offer further adventure. Visit in summer for the midnight sun, or from August to April for a chance to see the sky swirl with the Northern Lights. 

Portland to Ogunquit, Maine

There are only around 40 miles (64km) between these two coastal beauties, but most visitors choose to take their time, meandering down roads that skim past bays, beaches and breakwaters. Portland itself is wonderfully walkable, with a lovely stretch of bars and restaurants tucked along the cobbled streets of the Old Port by the waterfront. There's also a rich art scene, including works by Warhol and Monet at the Portland Museum of Art  (check the website for opening times). 

Drivers can stop at Cape Elizabeth to see the lighthouse and walk out onto the craggy rocks, stroll on the sandy beaches of Kennebunkport, and hike around the salt marshes of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge . In Ogunquit, the lobstermen of Perkin’s Cove pull in their catch, then deliver sweet seafood to the town’s shacks and waterside restaurants.

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Best Road Trips From Tampa

Top road trip destinations from tampa.

🚗 460 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

Key West is renowned for its beaches, watersports, historic attractions, vibrant nightlife and pastel conch-style architecture. The smallest of the Florida Keys, Key West is a fantastic destination to unwind and have fun.

This drive to Key West will take you past the most beautiful coastal towns on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean such as Vero Beach , West Palm Beach and Miami .

🚗 590 miles ⏱️ 11 hours, 30 minutes

Some of the world's best beaches await you on this trip, along with city stops at Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale. Amazing nightlife, food, art, and culture are on offer in Miami, not to forget the iconic South Beach.

Get ready to visit the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral and work on your tan at Cocoa Beach and Palm Bay en route.

🚗 85 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 40 minutes

Explore the excitement of Orlando, a bustling city known for its theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Beyond the parks, discover a vibrant arts scene and numerous outdoor activities.

This inland drive to Tampa will take you past Dinosaur World , and Polk Museum of Art and Barnett Family Park in Lakeland .

St Petersburg

🚗 25 miles ⏱️ 30 minutes

St Petersburg is a short drive that's perfect for an afternoon outing, and you can enjoy dinner on the way back. One of Florida's sparkling gems, this beachside destination has sandy beaches and fun attractions for the entire family.

After you travel across Old Tampa Bay, make sure to visit Sawgrass Lake Park and Tampa Bay Automobile Museum before you reach St Petersburg.

🚗 20 miles ⏱️ 40 minutes

Clearwater is arguably one of the best swimming locations in the state. White beaches, warm waters, and frolicking dolphins can be combined with a visit to Pier 60 and beautiful Caladesi Island nearby.

Tampa and Clearwater are only separated by the bay, so you will arrive at your destination without stopping by other cities.

Everglades National Park

🚗 205 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 5 minutes

The Everglades is an official World Heritage Site, home to several rare species and an important location for research on biodiversity. You can take guided tours with volunteers and participate in science workshops to learn more.

Before you reconnect with nature in the Everglades, you can visit beautiful coastal towns such as Sarasota , Fort Myers and Naples en route.

Jacksonville

🚗 200 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

Jacksonville is known for its entertainment on the water, with a bonus helping of a bustling cosmopolitan culture. The craft beers and buzzing food scene of Jacksonville, by themselves, are a good enough reason to come here.

From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic shores, this drive will take you past Lake Panasoffkee , Ocala and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlins Historic State Park .

St Augustine

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 20 minutes

St Augustine offers a historic snapshot of Spanish colonial architecture. The rich history awaiting you in St Augustine is complemented nicely by the luxurious golf courses and sandy coastlines along the way such as Palm Coast.

En route to St Augustine, you can make stops at Ocala , Lochloosa Lake Park and Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka .

🚗 410 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 50 minutes

Rather fittingly, Destin is also known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." Around Destin Harbor, you can find a wide range of waterfront dining, stores, paragliding, dolphin tours, fishing vessels, and even monthly fireworks.

Traveling on the coastline of Gulf of Mexico, you can visit Weeki Wachi Springs State Park , Panama City Beach and beautiful Santa Rosa Beach en route.

🚗 335 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 10 minutes

Savannah has a lengthy history and is well-known for its stunning coastal scenery and well-preserved architecture. Here, you can enjoy ghost tours, scenic boat rides and explore intriguing museums.

If you have some extra time on your hands, you can also visit Ocala , make a detour to Jacksonville , and spend an afternoon in Brunswick on the way.

🚗 435 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 50 minutes

Charleston is known for its rich history, beautiful and old architecture, and world-class restaurants. Explore the historic downtown, visit the old plantations, and immerse yourself in the charm of the Old South.

This is a sizeable road trip, so you can plan to make extra stops on your way to Charleston, such as Dade Battlefield Historic State Park and detour to Jacksonville or Savannah .

Myrtle Beach

🚗 560 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 50 minutes

A beautiful coastal getaway, Myrtle Beach is home to a magnificent 60-mile stretch of beaches called the Grand Strand. Several of the most stunning state parks and gardens on the Eastern seaboard are located in Myrtle Beach.

A few of the amazing places you can visit on this drive steeped in history include Marjorie Kinnan Rawlins Historic State Park , Savannah and Lake Marion .

Honeymoon Island

🚗 30 miles ⏱️ 45 minutes

One of Florida's calmer oceanside locations, Honeymoon Island is the perfect setting to relax amidst natural beauty. Honeymoon Island also has one of the country's best pet-friendly beaches, alongside hiking and nature trails.

To make the best of your road trip to this beautiful island, we recommend visiting Clearwater , Dunedin and Palm Harbor on the way.

Fort Myers and Cape Coral

🚗 140 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 20 minutes

Another one of Florida's coastal paradises, the Fort Myers and Cape Coral area is known particularly for its golfing. Lush green golf courses await you here, along with white sandy beaches and deep-sea fishing.

On this drive south, you can admire some of Florida's beautiful natural areas, including Nathan Benderson Park and Myakka River State Park .

Cape Canaveral

🚗 130 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 20 minutes

The site of the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral remains one of the most significant landmarks to the scientific progress of mankind. Cape Canaveral is also a short distance from the beautiful Cocoa Beach.

While the direst route we have highlighted here does not go through Orlando , we highly recommend making this detour, especially if you want to visit the one and only Walt Disney World Resort .

Tarpon Springs

🚗 35 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

Tarpon Springs is a coastal town with a twist of Greek culture, boasting with fascinating handmade goods and gift shops. Another highlight of Tarpon is its beautiful lake, surrounded by parks.

On your way to this small slice of Europe in Florida, you can visit Clearwater , East Lake and Brooker Creek Preserve en route.

🚗 60 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 5 minutes

Sarasota is one of Florida's best locations if you are looking for a beach-centered vacation. Alongside a raft of beaches within spitting distance and splendid warm weather, the city is also home to the Ringling Museum of Art.

If you'd like to add more beautiful places to your itinerary on the way, you can visit Little Manatee River State Park and Nathan Benderson Park .

Marco Island

🚗 180 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 50 minutes

Marco Island, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is a slice of paradise with soft white sand beaches and beautiful sunsets. It is ideal for a relaxing getaway and offers opportunities for fishing and boating.

Outdoor lovers and urban adventurers will love this route, which will take you past Myakka River State Park , Fort Myers , Naples and Picayune Strand State Forest .

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

🚗 55 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

This park is a water-filled paradise where you can spot exotic animals and hike beautiful trails. With waterslides, peacocks and even mermaids, Weeki Wachee Springs is a State Park unlike any other.

On your way to Weeki Wachee Springs, you can elevate your back-to-nature adventure by spending some time at Crews Lake Wilderness Park .

Crystal River

🚗 80 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 20 minutes

The warm waters in Crystal River are fed by natural springs and are home to amazing outdoor activities. Here you can also enjoy the company of Florida's world-famous resident manatees and even swim with them.

You will be straying off the coast on this drive to visit Crews Lake Wilderness Park , Spring Hill and beautiful Weeki Wachi Springs State Park .

🚗 95 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ocala is known as the horse capital of the world, and its beautiful natural springs and national forest complement its greenery. Nearby you will find Silver Springs, one of the area's most popular artesian lakes.

En route, take some extra time to visit the Boyett's Grove & Citrus Attraction and Dade Battlefield Historic State Park .

Gainesville

🚗 130 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Discover miles and miles of natural hiking trails in Gainesville. Live music, world-renowned museums, and performing arts are among Gainesville's highlights, amidst acres of greenery in multiple state parks.

There are plenty of great places to visit on the way to Gainesville, including Lake Panasoffkee , Ocala and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park .

Lake Okeechobee

🚗 145 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Explore Lake Okeechobee, Florida's inland sea and a haven for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The surrounding wetlands offer scenic trails and a glimpse into Florida's diverse ecosystems.

On your way to this beautiful lake, you can also visit Lakeland , Bok Tower Gardens in L ake Wales and Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park .

Blue Springs State Park

🚗 120 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 15 minutes

Blue Springs State Park, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, is a designated Manatee Refuge. Winter is the perfect time to view the manatee population, and the park also offers swimming, snorkeling, and scenic riverboat tours.

This route passes through the theme park capital of Orlando , and we recommend visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Wizarding World of Harry Potter .

Longer road trips from Tampa

New Orleans

🚗 670 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 30 minutes

New Orleans is well known worldwide for its unique music, Creole food and the abundance of festivities and events, most notably the famous Mardi Gras celebration.

🚗 705 miles ⏱️ 10 hours, 10 minutes

In addition to being the music capital of the US, Nashville is brimming with historical sites, outdoor activities, and delicious BBQ food.

🚗 1,130 miles ⏱️ 16 hours, 45 minutes

New York is an amazing place for some retail therapy and is home to some of world class museums like MoMA and the Met.

I took a FlixBus from Miami to Naples for $50. Despite small drawbacks, it was a great way to see Florida's Paradise Coast.

• I took a FlixBus from Miami to Naples and back for $50. The ride was under two hours each way.
• The price of the ticket seemed fair and the ride took about as long as driving would've. 
• My seat was comfy and I had a great experience taking the bus — I'd do it again for a day trip. 

Florida's public-transit situation isn't great, even though it's home to tourist hotspots like Orlando and congested cities like Miami.

Some say Tampa Bay has some of the worst public-transit systems in the US, and rail systems with limited runs and delayed buses have failed many in Orlando .

Attempts to improve these problems have also been derailed— in December, Florida's Department of Transportation declined $320 million of dollars in federal funding for transportation projects because it was tied to climate-change initiatives that state officials deemed too political.

Fortunately, private companies like FlixBus and Brightline have routes in Florida, making mass transit more accessible throughout the state.

Although I, like many in South Florida, have my own car, I don't always want to get behind the wheel for a day trip. So, I decided to try riding with FlixBus for my day trip from Miami to Naples.

Here's how it went.

My round-trip FlixBus ticket from Miami to Naples was only $50.

FlixBus has been around for over a decade and the company has over 400,000 routes around the globe — including a bunch throughout Florida.

The round-trip ticket for my day trip from Miami to Naples and back cost less than $50, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to book.

I've traveled by Greyhound buses before, and I've always found its booking site to be a little glitchy. But FlixBus, which actually acquired Greyhound in 2021 , had an easy-to-navigate site.

FlixBuses were going from Miami to Naples a few times each day —with some departures as early as 6:20 a.m. — so I had options.

Ultimately, I was able to reserve my tickets in a matter of minutes.

The ticket prices made sense.

I thought the FlixBus fares were reasonable — about $25 each way — especially considering how much gas would cost for traveling about 100 miles for each route.

Plus, I could bring a carry-on bag and stored bag for free if I wanted, and passengers have the option to pay extra to bring large or excess baggage.

I also could've payed $2 extra to choose my seat or about $10.50 to make sure the seat next to me was empty, but I'm glad I didn't. My FlixBus was nearly empty, so I had the row to myself anyway.

Golden Glades was a great station to leave from.

I love traveling, but sometimes, I don't want to deal with the uncertainty that comes with it. Because of this, I was super glad the Golden Glades station in Miami, where my bus would be departing from, was so easy to navigate.

I was able to park for free in the garage next to the bus platforms, which was an added bonus. Plus, the station had a clean-looking restroom and waiting area.

Overall, getting around the station was peaceful.

Finding the bus was easy.

FlixBuses are bright green, so I was able to see it as soon as it pulled into the station.

My bus was right on time, and I was able to track its arrival from the FlixBus app.

Leaving Miami was stress-free.

Driving in Miami can be nerve-wracking, so I'd book this trip again just for the convenience of having someone else drive me out of Dade.

A highlight of the trip, too, was our bus driver. He saw me taking photos of the bus before I boarded, and he jokingly hopped into one. After that, he even gave me permission to take his picture behind the wheel while the bus was parked.

He also offered helpful travel tips during our journey to Fort Lauderdale and then Naples. I appreciated his kindness throughout the ride.

I had a row all to myself.

The route from Miami to Naples wasn't crowded.

I sat in my assigned seat at the back of the bus, and there wasn't anyone in my row or near me.

Having this extra space made the ride even more enjoyable.

The seats were comfortable enough, too.

The seats were comfortable enough for such a short ride and they could recline slightly.

Although I didn't use either during my trip, FlixBuses advertise free Wi-Fi and outlets, too.

First, we stopped at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

We had a brief stop in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport about 20 minutes after we left Golden Glades.

Even when the new passengers joined during the stop, the ride was relatively empty.

Then, we stopped in Alligator Alley.

About halfway through the trip, the driver stopped in Alligator Alley, a stretch of highway connecting Naples and Fort Lauderdale..

This gave passengers time to use the restroom and get back on the bus before heading to Naples.

The trip took less than an hour and a half.

I left Miami at 7:25 a.m and made it to Naples around the scheduled time of 9:40 a.m. — the standard travel time for the distance.

Even with the two stops, the ride didn't take much longer than driving.

A big downside, though, is the Naples bus stop isn't actually in Naples. The Naples FlixBus stop is at a McDonald's in Golden Gate, which was a 20-minute ride from Naples Beach.

I had to pay for a Lyft to and from my destinations in Naples, which slightly added expenses to my trip.

The ride home had hiccups, but I had a great experience with FlixBus overall.

I enjoyed my day in Naples , then headed back to the Naples bus stop to head home.

My bus was late, which wasn't a huge deal, but I wish I'd gotten more communication from FlixBus about when it would arrive. Still, once the bus did arrive, I made it back to Miami without a hitch.

Overall, I had a good experience with FlixBus and thought this was a convenient, fun way to visit Naples for the day.

Even with the surprise Lyft costs and delays on the way home, I'd totally take this ride again instead of driving.

• Main content

Rays wrap up miserable road trip with another quiet loss to Brewers

• Marc Topkin Times staff

MILWAUKEE — Debuting the City Connect uniforms on Friday should work out well for the Rays.

Because they way they’re playing, they could use a new identity.

Wednesday’s 7-1 loss to the Brewers capped a miserable 1-5 road trip in which they were swept by a White Sox team that started the series with a majors-low three wins and then lost two of three to the Brewers, scoring four runs total.

“Pretty rough,” said 10th-year manager Kevin Cash. “Maybe one of the rougher ones that I can recall. We just didn’t do many things very well. We didn’t necessarily beat ourselves. We just got beat — outplayed, outperformed in really every aspect.”

The Rays have lost eight of their last 10 games and headed home in last place in the American League East with a 14-18 record. It is the first time they’ve been four or more games under .500 since the 2018 season.

“Since I’ve been here, I don’t think we’ve been (on) such a negative streak like we have,” Yandy Diaz, a Ray since 2019, said via team interpreter Manny Navarro. “We’re trying to do things better, but it doesn’t seem like things are coming our way. Little by little, hopefully.”

As has been the case during much of their rough opening month, the Rays struggled to produce much offense.

Wednesday was among their low points, an eighth-inning, run-scoring wild pitch the only thing that kept them from being shut out for the first time.

“It’s tough,” said outfielder Richie Palacios, one of the few Rays who is hitting right now. “We’ve just got to play better baseball, all facets of the game. We’ve just got to come together and produce. I know we’re trying hard, obviously. Some times we try too hard. But we try to go out there and play a better brand of baseball as a total.”

They didn’t make much contact, and most of what they did was soft, with only four balls, all outs, clocked in excess of 100 mph. Their five hits were all singles — two of which didn’t leave the infield — and they got only four runners past second base. They were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left nine on.

“We’re just not getting it done,” Cash said. “We’ve got to do a little bit better job of that. Some good at-bats early, but that big hit is really tough to come by right now to put some runs on the board and keep us in games.”

In the three games against the Brewers — a 1-0 win and losses of 8-2 and 7-1 — 15 of their 16 hits were singles. (The other was Jose Siri’s homer Tuesday that eventually led to a brawl and multiple suspensions .)

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“You’ve got to find ways to put a ball in the gap, knock it out of the ballpark. Got to get some walks,” Cash said. “These guys, they’re wearing it right now. They feel it. And they’re frustrated by it. We’ve just got to stay at it.”

While Cash said the Brewers pitchers deserve some credit, “there’s no denying our approaches are not very good right now, not solid. We’ve got to kind of put our heads together to collectively make an adjustment as an offense, as as a team right now. We’ve just got to do a better job.”

There are some things they could try, such as shuffling a lineup that still includes .211-hitting Diaz and .139-hitting Randy Arozarena in the top four. But their options are somewhat limited until they start (maybe by next week) getting back some of their injured players, such as Josh Lowe, Jonathan Aranda and Jonny DeLuca.

“Potentially, we’re thinking through those things all the time,” Cash said. “You can mix up the lineup. You still in theory want your best hitters to get as many at-bats as possible. So, that’s why you rush them to the front of the lineup.”

Zach Eflin gave the Rays a solid start, allowing three runs (including a solo homer by ex-Ray Willy Adames) while working into the sixth. But as bad as the offense has been, there is not much room for error. The Brewers added four, including a three-run blast by Adames, off reliever Erasmo Ramirez.

“It’s been a difficult month, I’d say, on all sides of the ball,” Eflin said. “I wouldn’t single (the hitters) out by any means. We’ve just got to do a better job of playing together.”

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Marc Topkin is a sports reporter covering the Tampa Bay Rays. Reach him at [email protected].

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Pope Francis visits Venice, says his work isn't easy

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• Pope makes flying visit to Venice, first trip of 2024
• Meets prisoners, youngsters and artists
• Three more Italy trips planned before major Asia tour

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'Show solidarity': Pro-Palestinian protesters camp across Australian universities

Hundreds of people protesting Israel's war in Gaza rallied at one of Australia's top universities on Friday demanding it divest from companies with ties to Israel, in a movement inspired by the student occupations sweeping U.S. campuses.