florida gulf road trip

Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary: beaches, manatees and pristine waters

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: August 4, 2022  - Last updated: February 2, 2024

Since the first time we visited Florida as a family we’ve wanted to see more and more of the Sunshine State.  Florida offers a variety of family road trip options ranging from beach vacations , island hopping in the Keys , to exploring the one-of-a-kind nature on the Gulf Coast.  We love doing the Florida Gulf Coast road trip, and if you haven’t do it, put it on your bucket list.

Since Florida has both an Atlantic Coast and the Gulf, you’re sure to weigh out the options for doing a vacation to either side. The experience is very different and both are beautiful. Here’s how you can rock a Florida Gulf Coast road trip too and fall in love with Florida all over again!

Note : Hurricane Ian was HARD on Naples and Marco Island. Both locations suffered a lot of damage and many businesses were either destroyed or hit hard. While recovery efforts for some have been swift, others didn’t fare as well and it will take time to get back to normal, or to their new normal. Fort Myers was also horribly damaged, with Sanibel and Captiva Islands being left inaccessible. The are now accessible, but recovery is slow (as of Feb 2023).

Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Starting by flying into Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), grab your rental car and head west. If you need to start or end with a few days relaxing at a hotel in South Beach , do it, but don’t let Miami distract you too much from the amazing Florida Gulf Coast road trip you’re planning. We’ve got a great Miami itinerary if you need that…

Florida National Parks to Start Your Road Trip

One of the great things about Florida is the amazing nature and very unusual ecosystems. With three National Park sites just west of Miami, getting into nature is the perfect start to your Florida Gulf Coast road trip. Day one of your drive allows you to experience one or two of the parks, finishing the whole itinerary with whichever park or parks you skip at the start. And there is lots of great kayaking in Florida’s National Parks , so plan for that too. Gosh, Florida is cool!

Visit Biscayne National Park

H ead west from Miami to Biscayne National Park .  From there your adventure begins and the wonders of Florida unfold before your eyes. Being so close to Miami you’d think that Biscayne National Park would be crazy with visitors.  Nope!  This gem of a park is 95% underwater, so the best way to experience it is in a kayak, on a paddleboard or from a small boat, but you can also visit on foot.

The Visitors Center in Homestead, Florida is set next to a marina and shallow launch, so going through the exhibits inside and then heading out to the nature trails makes for a fun activity.  We enjoy the walk out to the end of the jetty where the bird sanctuary is, and you can even take a break to play in the water.

Tip :  check with the National Parks Service regarding boat tours out to the islands and lighthouses; they don’t run every day , and they do tend to sell out quickly.

Check out Biscayne Bay tours here!

Everglades National Park Road Trip Stop

The Everglades are a unique ecosystem that pulls right up to the edge of suburban Miami, so that makes Everglades National Park an ideal stop at the beginning of your Florida Gulf Coast road trip.  Discover iconic Florida wildlife by hiking the boardwalks across the grass marshes out of the west side Flamingo or northern Shark Valley Entrance. No doubt you’ll see egrets and spoonbills, turtles and Florida alligators, and with luck even flamingos.

Check out our Guide to Everglades National Park!

For a visit to the 10,000 islands area of Everglades National Park , the Gulf Coast Visitors Center in Everglades City has ranger led boat tours that’ll take you out into the bay and then through the islands. This is a great tour for bird watching and spotting the occasional manatee or dolphin. I would consider this one of the best places to kayak in South Florida .

If you’d prefer to explore the swamp side of Everglades National Park , the Shark Valley Visitors Center is the hub for catching the Tram Tour.  We did a similar tour in Yosemite National Park and loved the experience of the tram .  This is also a way to get to the heart of the Everglades without doing the 14 mile round trip walk or bike ride.

Tip :  Visit the National Park Service for a list of approved tour operators to explore Everglades National Park on the water.  Hiking, biking, kayaks, airboats or small motorboats offer a variety experiences.

Explore Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress can be done at the start or end of your Florida Gulf Coast road trip. Driving on Route 41, the Tamiami Trail, you’ll pass by several Welcome Centers.  Each has a boardwalk to take you to a viewing area where you’ll no doubt see alligators and more.  The Oasis Welcome Center was our first Big Cypress National Preserve stop and it made a great first impression.

If you want to do some hiking in the Preserve, the Big Bend area is on the south side of the Tamiami Trail (alligators and crocodiles) or head north on Route 29 to the Education Center where you’ll find some of the largest cypress trees in Florida.

Tip :  if you’re able to schedule your time in Big Cypress National Preserve early in the day, the mosquitoes and heat are less and will make for a better visit.

Beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip

You’re now starting the beach portion of your Florida Gulf Coast road trip. As you hit the Gulf Coast at Naples and head northward, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to jump into the warm waters of the gulf. If beach time is your primary goal with your road trip, check out our Guide to Florida Gulf Coast Beache s.

Visiting the Naples Area

After immersing your family in the Everglades and all of the cool things that you’ll find in the swamp, it’s time for the beach!   Naples is a nice stop as we head north on our Florida Gulf Coast road trip.  The area is huge, but if you follow the signs towards the Naples Pier, you’ll find the historic area full of beautiful Florida homes and ample street parking.

Check out our guide for Things to Do in Naples and Marco Island!

Tip : visit Marco Island for even more fun and beautiful things to do with kids! It’s just south of Naples and has both beautiful hotels and several nature preserves.

It’s easy to wander around looking for dinner and loving the Florida vibe, but then it’s also just as easy to hit the beach.  The beaches are very clean and the surf here in Naples is deep enough to swim, unlike the beaches to the north.  Also, if you’re lucky you’ll park close to one of the beach shower sites so you can be clean before getting back in your vehicle.

Note :  the city of Naples has an awesome parking meter system that will send you a text message when your parking is about to expire.  Perfect for helping you relax at the beach.

Quiet Beach Vibes in Fort Myers Beach

Matanzas Pass Preserve, a day use area in Fort Myers Beach , is another refuge for Florida’s famous bird and turtle population.  Hiking through the mangrove forest to an inland bay, the quiet Matanzas Pass Preserve is worth a morning visit in the sunshine, and if you’re up for some kayaking Estero Bay is protected and calm.

Tip :  watch for fiddler crabs scurrying past the boardwalk and through the mangroves at low tide.

Afterwards, cross the street for beachcombing and exploring the sandbar of Fort Myers Beach.  We like the Mango Street beach access to be perfect both for parking and being close to the sand bar that forms with the outgoing tides.  Street parking is readily available in many of the pullouts during a mid-week visit. On the weekend, it is quite a bit busier, so get to the beach early.

Things to Do in Bradenton Beach

We were seeking out the historic side of Florida when we ventured into Bradenton.  It actually turned out to be a great addition to our Florida Gulf Coast road trip itinerary.  We wound through historic downtown Bradenton, which was adorable, until we made it out to the De Soto National Memorial. While it’s not as quaint or old as downtown Saint Augustine where we live, it’s still a nice place to stroll.

 As part of the National Parks System, De Soto is a great place for experiencing living history and reenactments, but also for strolling a beautiful nature trail out to De Soto Point.  And be sure to try on the 16th century Spanish armor… cuz it’s real comfy (not!).

Tip :  living history doesn’t occur every day so check with the Park’s website for reenactment days prior to your visit.

After you get your history on, head out to Bradenton Beach for an awesome beach afternoon.  The shells here are more plentiful than anywhere we’ve been, especially the colorful snail shells.  There are beach showers close to the primary lifeguard stations so you don’t have to bring all of that sand back with you.  Bonus:  designated beach parking in Manatee County (Bradenton) is free! You’ll really appreciate small things like this as you continue on your Florida Gulf Coast road trip.

Fort De Soto County Park

Living in Washington, we used to spend a lot of time at Fort Worden State Park .  Fort De Soto County Park is very similar except for the amazingly warm water, palm trees and presence of manatees.  We started off by exploring the bunkers and bouncing our echoes off the depths of the hill, followed by some much needed swim time.  

Check out our Complete Guide to Fort de Soto

The beach near the 1000-foot fishing pier is well protected and deeper than other Gulf Coast beaches you’ll find.  Oh yeah, and we saw three manatees here!  I almost bumped into one while swimming and then two others swam past.  Such a treat!

For some added fun, walk to the end of the pier and watch for dolphins.  We saw several playing in the surf as well as stealing the fish from the many fishermen on the pier.  The kids were torn between watching the dolphins playing or the manatees swimming below us.  Really amazing!

Camping at Fort De Soto County Park is ideal on your Florida Gulf Coast road trip because it’s close enough to civilization that you can get what you need, but far enough away that you feel completely disconnected.  Also, morning walks at Fort De Soto allow for some great bird watching, including ibises, herons and spoonbills.

Tip:  plan your visit or camping time here to be able to take the foot ferry to  Egmont Key State Park to visit the lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse on the Florida Gulf Coast.

Visit Honeymoon Island State Park

If you want to add an extra beach day after you visiting Fort de Soto, plan to have a morning or full day at Honeymoon Island State Park. It’s one of the best Florida state parks for kayaking that also has a beach. Enjoy several beach areas, lots of mangrove to paddle around, and some of the best beachcombing on your Gulf Coast road trip.

Tip : get there early, because the traffic on and off the island is bad. Also, parking is limited at the main beach areas.

Road Trip Stop in Tarpon Springs: Greek America

Florida has some of the most vibrant towns in America with citizens transplanted from around the country and globe.    So much fun and a great stop between destinations!

I know that may sound ridiculous and like it can’t possibly be that way, but it really is. There genuinely is music an activity everywhere. It’s one of the most unique places to visit on your Florida Gulf Coast road trip.

Why is Tarpon Springs so Greek?

In the early 20th cen tury there was an influx of Greek Americans to the Tarpon Springs area as they relocated to work in the massive sea sponge farming industry.  They settled, made Tarpon Springs their home and today it’s a diverse and thriving community.

While other people from around the world moved in and out of Tarpon Springs, the central town and businesses were all Greek-owned and many families resiliently stayed in town. It’s such a wonderful cultural phenomena in Florida!

Beaches in Tarpon Springs and Northward

This is a unique part of the Florida Gulf Coast road trip as it’s the start of the bend of the state around the Gulf of Mexico. What this means is that the tides are more calm and the rivers meet the Gulf in calm bays and marshes, which makes the beautiful beaches the Gulf Coast is known for fewer and further between.

Starting at Tarpon Springs and heading north and west until you make it to Alligator Point past Wakulla. The geography and geology of the area just doesn’t make the best swimming beach areas, but there is plenty to enjoy besides the sand.

Beaches to visit include Pine Island, Cedar Key, Shired Island and Horseshoe Beach. These beaches are good for getting to the water, but the sand is very fine to a point of making mud in many places. You’ll want to enjoy the nearby springs instead of the beach in this part of the Florida Gulf Coast.

Florida Gulf Coast Springs to Visit

Undoubtedly, the true gems of Florida are the more than 1000 fresh water springs. Some of the best springs for seeing manatees are on the Gulf Coast, so it’s really easy to add them to your road trip plan. I know the beaches are tempting, but just wait until you see the springs!

Homosassa Springs State Park

Experiencing wildlife is never guaranteed, but bringing the family to Homosassa Springs is an almost surefire way to wow them with Florida’s nature.  Homosassa Springs State Park is home to the largest continual congregation of West Indian Manatees.  Of all the sights and activities to captivate young travelers, wildlife offers the most visible education about the natural world, and in Florida’s case, a delicate ecosystem teeming with life.  This State Park is known as one of Florida’s attraction parks as it’s both a natural spring and wildlife habitat as well as a species collection of some of Florida’s unique native creatures.

We rarely refer anybody to a zoo, but Homosassa Springs State Park is more than that.  It isn’t a superfluous collection of exotic pets, but a preserve of Florida’s wildlife gene pool with active programs to teach the public about their local environment.  The discovery center is particularly good for learning about manatees and how they operate throughout Florida’s rivers and coastlines.

Note: you cannot swim at Homosassa Springs State Park, as it’s a protected area for manatees and wildlife viewing. There are other springs to swim at though, so don’t worry.

Manatees at Homosassa Springs

For the best chance of seeing the most manatees possible in a single moment, visiting Homosassa Springs in the winter is the way to go.  From one to one hundred, there is almost always a manatee present in the Homosassa River, which begins here at the springs.  We were here at the beginning of spring and only saw two wild manatees, but earlier in the month there had been shoulder-to-shoulder manatees pooling in the warm, perfectly clear river.

Note :  there are three manatees in captivity at Homosassa Springs as part of the native species preservation.  With their enclosures being joined with the river, it’s a very unique set up.  You can also see the facilities attached to the river where wildlife specialists can treat and study the manatees.

Swim with Manatees at Crystal River and Springs

Slow moving and sparkling in the Florida sun, Crystal River offers a unique opportunity to swim and snorkel in manatee inhabited waters.   Guided tours on the river, including in-water experiences are available for almost all ages.  It’s an unforgettable Florida family road trip option.

Note : never try to touch a manatee no matter how gentle they may seem OR WHAT YOUR GUIDE SAYS. Respecting Florida’s wildlife ensures enjoyment for future generations.

Book a Crystal River Manatee Swim here!

There are several access points to the river, including via the Crystal Springs National Wildlife Refuge where the Crystal River meets the Gulf of Mexico.  Whether walking through the marshes or visiting the beach at Fort Island Beach, you’ll be able to have three drastically different experiences in Crystal River in the same day.

Tip :  we stayed at the Plantation on Crystal River and its central location made for the most stress-free visit to the area.

Book the Plantation on Crystal River here!

Swim in the Springs at Rainbow Springs State Park

There is no place on earth like Florida’s Rainbow Springs State Park .  The blue waters flow slowly towards the Gulf Coast, underwater caverns in the river with lush vegetation make this stop the perfect end to a Florida Gulf Coast road trip.  Within Rainbow Springs State Park you’ll find man-made waterfalls (totally magical setting), a designated swimming area directly at Rainbow Springs themselves, kayak and canoe rentals and a butterfly garden.  It’s really the most beautiful place in the Florida back country

Tip :  easy hiking through the subtropical forest adds a nice change of pace if the family has been in the water constantly.  Head towards the butterfly garden for the trailheads.

If you want to paddle on the Rainbow River, you can either do a guided tour or launch downstream from the state park. There are places for snorkeling in the river and lots of wildlife. Always be cautious of alligators though; they aren’t interested in you, but they will defend themselves if you swim towards them. Such a beautiful place to explore, and a great way to finish your Florida Gulf Coast road trip!

Book a Rainbow River snorkeling trip here!

Gear for a Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip

We camp a lot at home in the Pacific Northwest or in the Rocky Mountains , but this was our first time doing coastal/tropical camping.  We learned a lot so you don’t have to.

Road Trip via Campervan

We knew that we wanted to camp in Florida but weren’t sure how.  There were fears of snakes, panthers and alligators (not our fears, other people) and we didn’t really know how we could assemble our camping essentials before we took off.  We were so excited when we discovered Escape Campervans .  They were able to outfit us with the most stylish van ever complete with a bed, kitchen and rooftop sleeper.

Check Escape Campervans deals here!

Our family of four fit perfectly in our set up and it made it so easy to pack up and go wherever we needed to.  We also faced a brush fire closing part of the highway, which could’ve left us high and dry, but we didn’t have to worry because we had everything with us and it was seamless.

Note : having the Escape Campervan with us made picnicking super easy since it was equipped with kitchen tools, sink, refrigerator and stove.  Totally awesome.

Pickup location : for this Florida Gulf Coast road trip we picked up our Escape Campervan in Miami Beach.  What better place to start an adventure?! The Miami Beach location has moved to Orlando now , which is actually even better for exploring more of Florida.

Prep for Sunshine and Mosquitoes

If you’ve ever put sun block on a kid you know it can be a pain.  The Florida sun is hot and it’s important to be protected.  In addition to keeping our hats readily available, we were sure to use sunblock whenever we were hiking, swimming or just playing at the beach.

Tip :  use environmentally friendly sunblocks whenever you can.  What washes off your body can hurt the ecosystem you’re swimming in.

And bug sprays. Repel Brand has two bug sprays we like: Natural (standard spray) and Plant Based  (made from lemon and eucalyptus oils).  Both are very effective and both taste awful if you get them in your mouth.

Tip :  the mosquitoes in the Everglades are very bold.  It’s a good idea to spray your clothes in addition to exposed skin.

Smart Equipment for Kids

You’re in Florida, right?  A Florida Gulf Coast road trip is going to include beach time so you know you’ll need towels and kid supplies.  If you’ve reserved an Escape Campervan or another sort of RV, know that it usually doesn’t come with towels so pack some or grab some inexpensive ones before you’re at the beach.

Must-have road trip items:

• Water wings/child PFDs
• Li’l Swimmers (for the diapered kids)
• Aquasocks/flipflops
• Flashlights
• Beach umbrellas/mats

Whether you’ve camped the whole way or gone top down in a convertible, the route back to your start is easy, either retracing your tracks or heading down the interstate. If you want, you could even continue the trip around the Gulf enjoying tons of things to do in Tallahassee and then continuing onto Mobile, Alabama . Whichever path you choose, no doubt you’ll already be plotting and planning your next Florida family road trip.  And now how much do you love FL?!

Harmony,Momma To Go

Sunday 21st of May 2017

Wow we’ve spent a lot of time in Naples and ft Myers but haven’t gone too far north!!! Looks like so much to do as you go up the coast

Saturday 29th of April 2017

Cool itinerary! Really liked that part of Florida, though we stayed mostly around the Everglades, Miami, and the Keys. Makes me want to go back :)

Friday 28th of April 2017

You always make road trips seem awesome and travel with young children sheer pleasure. I will keep sending these tips on to my friends.

Obligatory Traveler

I’ve never heard of Rainbow Springs State Park, but it looks amazing. Guess I’ll have to add it to the list. The rest of the Gulf looks great too, especially all of the areas with manatees

Friday 7th of April 2017

What a nice family vacation! I do not know FL has Greek influence and it is nice to get to know more of this southern state through your lens. I was in Everglades at night, saw the alligators and got several bites by mosquito. I always wanted to return there during the day again perhaps take the tram.

The Best Stops Along the Gulf Coast of Florida (Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary)

One of the most iconic road trip experiences you can have in the USA is to hop in your car and explore the best that the west coast of Florida has to offer. From world-class beaches, remote islands, trendy downtowns, lush state parks, mangrove forests and everything in between, this route offers something for everyone.

The overall purview of this route can be defined as a 660 mile stretch of road that starts in Pensacola, way up in the Florida Panhandle, and follows the Gulf coast all the way to Everglades City.

It includes iconic places like Panama City Beach, Crystal River, Tampa, St Petersburg, Sarasota, Fort Myers and so much more.

While it might only take you 9 hours to drive the route straight through, you could spend weeks diving into the best it has to offer. We took 9 days to highlight the best on offer along the St Petersburg to Fort Myers stretch of the drive.

Additionally, this guide will also offer some information on expanding your trip to include the Florida Panhandle, Crystal River, and Everglades City, should you want to add more days to your Florida road trip.

Ultimate West Coast Florida Road Trip Itinerary

Table of Contents

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:  Above you’ll find a map of our highlights in Key West, Florida. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places we mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version.

The map above features all of the things to do, places to stay, and places to eat that are recommended in this guide.

St Petersburg Area

Our west coast Florida road trip started off in St Petersburg , a place that offers a perfect blend of culture, beach, and city life. The bulk of our time was spent digging into the downtown area and enjoying St Pete Beach, rather than traveling further afield.

That said, this area is fascinating and offers a variety of towns that each offer their own flare.

You could spend a week here and only scratch the surface. We’re offering you our highlights as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to venture further afield during your visit.

If you’d like to see video from our visit to the St Petersburg area, click here to watch our St Petersburg Instagram stories

St Pete Highlights & Activities

Fort desoto park.

Located not too far south of St Pete Beach is the largest park within Pinnellas County, Fort Desoto. The park spans more than 1,000 acres and offers 5 interconnected islands to explore.

It offers some spectacular beaches, mangroves, wetlands, and wildlife opportunities, among other natural environments to admire.

Most notably, it offers the chance to tour the decommissioned historic Fort Desoto. Constructed in the late 1800s, this fort has played a key strategic role through many conflicts and occupations of the land it sits on.

Be sure to check out the many cannons and wander to the top of the fort where you’ll be awarded with panoramic views over the ocean and Tampa Bay.

Speed Boat Adventures

One of the coolest ways to get out on the water in St Petersburg is by joining a follow the leader style speed boat tour with Speed Boat Adventures .

You’ll get your own speed boat that can seat up to 3 people, meaning you get to be the captain and are in full control of the boat.

You’ll follow a guide who will take you through several bays, under bridges and past dolphins while narrating the trip through speakers installed in each boat.

We had so much fun speeding around, looking at the beaches, wildlife, and areas around Tampa, Clearwater, and St Petersburg. Being in control of your own boat without having to worry about navigating unfamiliar waters makes this a thrilling adventure.

Don Cesar Day Pass

The Don Cesar is the most iconic hotel in St Petersburg and its commanding presence sits right on a spectacular stretch of powdery white sand on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the perfect place to recharge and relax when traveling down the west coast of Florida.

If you’re not staying there it’s possible to purchase a day pass that will give you access to the pool area and beach. You’ll also be able to book spa appointments and enjoy a few other amenities during your visit. The day pass costs $75 per person and is available for purchase online or at the resort.

If you’d like to stay at the Don Cesar during your time in St Pete, consider booking the Life’s Reward Package. This includes a 2-night stay in a Dan-approved luxury suite with complimentary resort fees, complimentary Lionfish Larry valet parking and all of the Pink Palace perks.

You’ll also enjoy a daily $150 food and beverage credit to spoil yourself with coastal cocktails, beachside eats, fine dining, and a $250 recreation credit to treat yourself at the spa or go jet skiing on the Gulf of Mexico. You can book this package directly with the Don Cesar resort here , using the promo code REWARDS.

Bike Around Pass A Grille

Some of the best stretches of beach in St Petersburg can be found around Pass A Grille and one of the best ways to explore them is by bike.

We rented bikes and cruised from the Don Cesar all the way to the end and back one afternoon. This gave us the freedom to stop whenever we wanted without worrying about parking, which can be a headache.

In doing this we were able to see several different places in the area and enjoy the different boardwalks too. Be sure to pack a beach towel so you can spend some time relaxing and playing in the waves too.

The James Museum

The James Museum is one of those museums that you’re not sure you’ll like and then it totally surprises you. We spent 2 hours here because the art is incredible. Not only is the detail unreal, but each piece tells the story of the people it features.

The work in this museum is mesmerizing, telling stories of the Native Americans and how they used the land across North America. Of course, the art also carries you through history, from before colonial times, during, and after, taking you on an emotional journey.

Personally, if you only have time for one museum when you visit St Petersburg, I’d recommend this one, even though there are others in town.

Dali Museum

The Dali Museum is home to the largest collection of artist Salvador Dali’s work outside of Spain. A surrealist known for his technical skill and bizarre images; his work will take you on a bit of a magic carpet ride.

This museum offers large, tall ceiling galleries with ample room to observe and reflect on the pieces that are on display.

During our visit, we also had the opportunity to experience the temporary Van Gogh Alive exhibit. This display brought many of the works of the famed artist to a larger-than-life-size set to music from the era, as well as narrations from Van Gogh’s journals.

St Pete Pier

New to the St Petersburg landscape is the St Pete Pier. A place where people can come together to enjoy the water and culture of this area. One of the things we loved about the pier was that is mainly pedestrian, so you’re not competing for space with vehicles.

Locals utilize the pier for biking, walking, and rollerblading. It offers a few restaurants, a bar, a beach, and numerous grassy parks. We visited the pier in the evening, intent on exploring in the golden light and watching the sun go down.

Not only did we get a spectacular sunset, but we enjoyed watching dolphins swim in the waters right off the pier, too!

Participate in the Gulp Coast Challenge

If you like craft beer (who doesn’t?), then you’ll want to join in on the Gulp Coast Challenge during your visit to the west coast of Florida. Before you start, stop in at any craft brewery or tourism office to pick up your passport.

This book outlines all of the participating breweries and what you can expect to find there. Each offers a unique spin on beer and an opportunity to connect with local brewers. 

We personally enjoyed the varying atmosphere at each brewery we visited, with each one offering its own form of city oasis to enjoy.

Where to Eat in the St Pete Area

• IL Ritorno – This Italian restaurant features homemade pasta and traditional Italian dishes with a seafood flair. Everything we ordered here was delicious and we highly recommend you eat here during your visit to St Petersburg. It is a busy place, so be sure to make reservations.
• The Society Table – Located at the Don Cesar hotel, this poolside café offers a variety of seafood dishes and sandwiches in a relaxed setting.
• Snapper’s Sea Grill – If you’re looking for fresh-caught seafood, then you’ll want to put this place on your list! Affectionately known as the ‘Gem of St. Pete Beach Restaurants’, you really cannot go wrong.
• Bodega – This place offers traditional Cuban dishes in a street setting and it is wildly popular. We suggest ordering the Cuban and a hibiscus soda Fresca.
• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille – This place is all about the atmosphere as it’s located on the water along St Pete Pier. Serving up some amazing seafood dishes, the signature Yucatan shrimp are to die for, you can order any type of rum-inspired drink, too.

Where to Stay in the St Pete Area

Accommodation options are really endless, from city life spaces to beachside getaways. We opted for a VRBO vacation rental versus a hotel during our stay in St Petersburg and were able to find the perfect balance by staying on St Pete’s Beach. We could walk to the beach and were only a short drive to downtown St Petersburg.

Our vacation rental was a super cute, newly remodeled studio in a complex that offered a great pool and free parking.

Sarasota Area – Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip

If you’re looking for a destination with a lot to do but that also offers diversity, Sarasota is a good one. The area offers a rich history paired with stunning beaches and a very upscale vibe.

Getting out of the city affords the chance to discover smaller communities like Venice, where you can search the beaches for shark teeth, or Englewood, where you can enjoy tasty food and a quieter atmosphere.

We loved that we were able to bounce easily between city life and nature here, which gives a fantastic balance for any road trip. Below you’ll find our highlights from 3 days in the area to get you started on your own planning.

If you’d like to see video from our visit to the Sarasota area, click here to watch our Sarasota Instagram stories

Sarasota Highlights & Activities

The ringling museum.

The first thing we did when we arrived in Sarasota was head straight for the Ringling Museum ! This museum that is dedicated to the history of the circus sits on what was once the massive personal estate of John Ringling.

Give yourself several hours to visit, as the grounds feature the circus museum, personal residence of John Ringling known as the Ca’ d’Zan, a massive art museum, and several acres of lush gardens to explore.

Sunset on Siesta Key

When the sun sets in Sarasota, the place to be is on Siesta Key . It is here that you’ll find miles of gorgeous white sand beaches that set the perfect stage for sunsets that melt into the water.

Sprinkle in some palm trees, colorful lifeguard stations, lapping ocean waves and you have the perfect place to end your day. We recommend getting there early, around 1 hour or more before sunset to ensure that you can find a nice location that is close to the water.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

You don’t have to be a plant aficionado to appreciate all that you can find in the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens . However, you will find yourself in awe at the stunning collection of orchids that it offers. This is the only botanical garden in the world that is dedicated to the display and study of epiphytes.

Being part of the Smithsonian Affiliate Network means this place is popular. If your schedule allows it, head to the gardens in the morning, right when they open. This will give you a chance to stay ahead of the crowds and the heat.

Mangrove Tunnel Kayaking on Lido Key

To put a bit of adventure into your itinerary and get you out on the water, we’d highly recommend that you book a mangrove tunnel kayaking trip with Kayaking SRQ on Lido Key.

We spent 2 hours paddling the calm, protected waters on the Northside of Lido Key where we explored both open water and mangrove forests. The highlight, of course, is being able to paddle along a narrow and shallow channel tunnel within the mangrove trees.

Not only do you get an up-close look at some of the flora and fauna found along the west coast of Florida, but you’ll be led by a local guide that will offer some insight on what you are seeing both in the water and on land.

Search for Shark Teeth on Venice Beach

You cannot take a road trip along Florida’s Gulf coast without stopping in Venice to search for fossilized shark teeth on the beach! Before you head to the waters, start your day by stopping in at Shark Frenzy , a small shop located right in downtown Venice.

Here, you’ll want to rent or purchase a sifter and scoop. To increase your chances of good finds, you’ll need this stuff, trust us. The staff will show you how to use the tools and provide you with some insight on how to find areas that will provide a good opportunity for finding teeth.

Once on the beach, be sure to use sunscreen, wear UPF clothing, and stay hydrated. Looking for shark teeth is addicting, and you’ll find that hours have gone by without you even noticing. It’s easy to get burnt or dehydrated when you’re having so much fun mining teeth from the ocean.

We found more than 50 teeth the day we were in Venice and easily highlight this activity as one of our favorites out of 2 months spent road tripping through Florida.

Sarasota Ghost Tour

If you like to hear tales of ghosts, then we’d recommend you join a ghost tour with Discover Sarasota Tours .

This 90-minute tour cruises around the city sharing all the fables, folklore, and ghost tales that Sarasota has to offer. It also includes complimentary beer or wine before your departure, so get there early!

We thought this tour was really fun as the hostess is very animated and personally connected to some of the stories that are shared about strange encounters in the city. We also liked the history aspect, shedding some light on how Sarasota was established.

Where to Eat in the Sarasota Area

• Duval’s – Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, this restaurant offers high-end seafood dishes with its own twist. Be sure to ask for a table outside to soak in the atmosphere of the city while you dine.
• Blu Kouzina – If you want authentic Greek food, look no further. Eating at this restaurant will transport you to Greece with each bite. Be sure to order a Greek salad, it is to die for!
• Sharky’s on the Pier – Who doesn’t love a beachside restaurant? Tropical drinks and seafood abound with fantastic views of Venice Beach.
• Farlow’s on the Water – This place is a bit of a gem and a total hidden oasis. Located in Englewood, it’s worth the drive from Sarasota. Be sure to ask for a table on the water.

Where to Stay in the Sarasota Area

Location is everything in Sarasota and you’ll have plenty of options from beachside to downtown. We chose to be just outside of the downtown, which was an ideal location for things both in the city and on the islands.

Sticking with our vacation rental theme we opted for another VRBO property and were able to score a super cool studio apartment in a historic Ringling building .

Fort Myers Area – Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip

Have you ever jived with a place even though you have never visited? This was Fort Myers for us. We’ve always known, somehow, that we would love this place and we totally did.

Why? Well, Fort Myers is a place that caters to outdoor and nature lovers. You can spend your time on the water, on remote islands, in state parks, hiking along trails, or paddling ancient waterways.

But not only that, it balances all of that with a social beach town and entertaining downtown area. You really can’t go wrong spending your time in the Fort Myers area.

We spent 4 days here, could easily spend a week or more, and are offering our highlights for you below.

If you’d like to see video from our visit to the Fort Myers area, click here to watch our Fort Myers Instagram stories

Fort Myers Highlights & Activities

Edison and ford winter estates.

The first place we stopped in Fort Myers was the Edison and Ford Winter Estates . Not only is it a lovely estate, but you have the chance to immerse yourself into the lifestyle of the famed inventors.

Thomas Edison purchased the property in 1885, when he decided to start relocating to southwest Florida for the winter. A visit includes the opportunity to tour the grounds, houses, and learn more about the people behind the inventions.

We both found this visit fascinating and insightful; it was an experience that humanized the lightbulb and automobile for us. The property is stunning, including huge gardens that overlook the water. It’s a fantastic place to spend a morning and make sure you don’t miss the museum.

Sunset Wildlife Cruise

One of the best ways to experience Fort Myers is by getting out on the water at sunset. It is at this time that you can see thousands of seabirds flying to the various islands in the area to roost for the night. This makes for good sightings and prime light for photography opportunities.

It’s also a great way to see dolphins, as they frequent the waters close to shore where they hunt for fish.

You have a lot of options for cruises, so choosing one comes down to your preferences. We decided on a pontoon-style boat as it offers more stability and room for photography. This is how we ended up with Adventures in Paradise .

The motorized pontoon offered plenty of space for people that wanted to have drinks and enjoy the view while others focused on photography. 

Jet Ski Dolphin Tour

The morning we spent jet skiing with Wind and Water Sports was some of the most fun we’ve had on the water. Not only did we have the thrill of the jet ski, but this motorized eco-tour allowed us to cover a lot of ground and see a lot of wildlife.

There were times when pods of dolphins not only approached our jet skis but also played behind them while we cruised around. We saw giant rays playing in the water and hundreds of fish and bird species during our tour.

We were also able to access the historical midden area near Lovers Key State Park from the water, which is a challenge to access from land.

Our tour left directly from Fort Myers Beach and lasted 2 hours. David and I shared a jet ski and followed our guide, who had his own jet ski. While we didn’t book a private tour, we got one because nobody else had booked for that morning!

Lovers Key State Park

The 712-acre Lovers Key State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in Florida, offering a wide variety of activities, beaches, trails, and water access. You could easily spend a full day, if not more, exploring all it has to offer. For us, this park was where we were able to exhale and enjoy nature.

If you like to kayak, it’s possible to rent kayaks right in the park and then put in for some paddling on the Great Calusa Blueway. This is a great way to get on the water in a protected area and see Florida’s wildlife up close.

If you have time for nothing else, make a date to be here at sunset. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Florida to walk along the beach and see tall deadwood. Illuminated in the setting sun makes it an otherworldly experience.

Shelling on Sanibel & Captiva

Located just off the coast are the islands of Sanibel and Captiva . If you like to wander the beach looking for ocean treasures, this is the place for you.

With miles and miles of beaches that face the Gulf of Mexico and unique geography that both invites and traps, these islands offer mounds of shells that wash up on its shores every day in the tides.

Of course, you’ll want to get up early to not only beat the crowds but also have a chance for the good finds. Be prepared to pay for parking and bring something to collect shells with. Either a bucket or bag will do fine.

We went early in the morning and drove as far north on Captiva Island as we could. Here we found few people and thousands of shells. As the morning went on, we beach hopped our way back along the Gulf side before heading off to explore other areas of Sanibel Island.

JN Ding Darling Wildlife Drive

If you enjoy spending time in nature and seeing wildlife, as we do, then you’ll want to leave time to visit the 6,400-acre J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge . They offer a one-way drive that allows you to pull off anywhere along the way and observe what you see.

We enjoyed this drive so much we actually did it twice! Both times seeing many species of birds, alligators, and water critters. For the best light and wildlife spotting, go when they first open in the morning or later in the evening, when it’s cooler and the animals are on the move.

Something worth noting, if you have an America the Beautiful Annual Pass, it lets you into this reserve like it would any of the national parks in the USA.

Day Trip to Cayo Costa

Our last morning in Fort Myers we wanted to get a bit off-grid, so we booked a day trip out to Cayo Costa , a place that rests 24 miles from Fort Myers and is only accessible by boat. What an adventure that turned out to be.

Not only was our boat the only one there, but we got to experience the thrill of riding out a Florida storm on a remote island. Shortly after we arrived a decent storm system rolled in that brought high winds and completely soaked us.

Lucky for us, it was fleeting, and we spent the remainder of our time searching for large shells and sand dollars in large waves right off the beach. It was both exhausting and rewarding, we actually found a sand dollar!

Leaving the beaches of Cayo Costa we made our way to North Captiva, where we enjoyed lunch at a small beachfront restaurant before making our way back to Fort Myers.

Day Trip to Everglades

If you find yourself with an extra day in Fort Myers, you may want to consider booking a day trip to Everglades National Park and Everglades City. Personally, this area deserves its own set of 2 to 3 days, but if you don’t have that a day trip can be a great way to dip your toes in.

There is a variety of day trips available from Fort Myers that will offer you transportation and a selection of activities. The main ones offer kayaking, a swamp buggy experience, and/or an airboat ride.

Key West Express

Additionally, if you’re in Fort Myers and have the desire to visit the Florida Keys, it is possible to book transport there on the Key West Express . This catamaran-type ferry will have you in Key West in as little as 3.5 hours.

You will then have the option to stay a few hours before returning, making it a day trip, or you can plan ahead and stay a few days in Key West before returning again to Fort Myers. This is a great option if you want to visit the West Coast of Florida and see a bit of Key West too.

Where to Eat in the Fort Myers Area

• Pinchers – while you can find this locally owned seafood chain in a couple of different Fort Myers locations, we walked over to the location next to the Edison & Ford Museum in the downtown area. They are located on the water, so ask for a patio seat and order the seafood tower!
• Snug Harbor – this little place is located in the marina area of Fort Myers Beach, across the street from the more commercial Nervous Nellie’s. They offer a lot of outdoor seating and some creative dishes with a waterfront view.
• Mr. Tequila – if you’re craving Mexican food in Fort Myers Beach, this is the place to go! They serve authentic Mexican dishes, have a great outdoor patio, and endless chips with salsa.
• Salty Crab – for seafood on the beach, this place is a great option. We loved sitting at the picnic tables with our feet in the sand. They have a great menu, order the fish tacos! And an extensive drink menu to go with it.
• Doc Ford’s Sanibel – after enjoying Doc Ford’s in St Petersburg, we had to try it again in Sanibel and it was just as excellent the second time around. Again, order the Yucatan Shrimp , it’s an amazing dish. We also loved the Cuban sandwich and Caprese salad.

Where to Stay in the Fort Myers Area

If you want to be in the center of it all and within walking distance of things, then we would highly recommend you stay in Fort Meyers Beach. We were able to find a nice vacation rental right on the beach that offered free parking in an onsite lot.

Admittedly, it was loud in the evenings and into the night with people partying and loud music. If you’re a light sleeper, you might want to look at a different area.

It also possible to stay over on Sanibel, the mainland or a bit further down from the main area where all the bars and restaurants are. Depending on how you like to travel, this might be a better choice.

Expanding Your Florida West Coast Road Trip

The places highlighted above make up a small section of the wider west coast road trip route and if you find yourself with more time, you may want to expand on that to include more fabulous Florida vacation destinations.

We’ve personally explored more of the west coast and wanted to highlight a few areas that we really enjoyed, especially if you want to get off the beach and explore more of Florida’s natural side.

Everglades City

If you continue heading south beyond Fort Myers, you’ll pass through Naples and eventually end in the small town of Everglades City. This is the end of the road on the west coast and your only option here is to turn back around and head north or head east towards the Atlantic Ocean.

But don’t let that deter you. We absolutely adored Everglades City, it’s funky and the official gateway to the west side of Everglades National Park. That leaves no shortage of things to do when you visit.

We’d recommend spending 2 to 3 days here, if you can, taking the time for a boat tour around the 10,000 islands, a kayak trip to see alligators up close, an airboat ride, and a swamp buggy adventure into the Big Cyprus National Preserve.

If you’d like to see video from our visit to Everglades City, click here to watch our Everglades City Instagram stories

Florida Panhandle

If you want to start at the furthest north part of this drive before continuing south, you’ll find yourself in the Florida Panhandle.

Starting in Pensacola, this section of the drive also traverses through Destin, Fort Walton, Panama City Beach , and the Forgotten Coast of Florida before taking a sharp turn south.

This area has spectacular beaches and crystal-clear water, but it also offers a completely different vibe than what you’ll find in the beach towns in south Florida. That alone makes it worth exploring, in our opinion.

Crystal River

Between the Forgotten Coast and Tampa is one of the most spectacular natural areas in Florida and the jewel of this area is Crystal River .

It is here that hundreds of manatees seek protection in the warm spring waters during the cold winter weather. It’s the only place in North America that you can swim with manatees .

But that’s not all this area offers, and you’ll find a different side to Florida here. Beautiful springs abound, rich indigenous history and plenty of wildlife make it both interesting and enjoyable.

What you won’t find are beaches. But instead, miles of undisturbed natural coastline offer thick mangrove forests and the ecosystems that come with them.

We fell in love with this area on our last visit and to date, is one of our favorite places in Florida. If you can add only a couple of days to your itinerary, add Crystal River. It fits in well as an addition to the St Petersburg to Fort Myers route we highlighted above.

If you’d like to see video from our visit to the Crystal River area, click here to watch our Crystal River Instagram stories

You might also like:

• Essential Packing List for Florida
• How to Plan A Road Trip in 10 Easy Steps
• Ultimate USA Travel Guide
• 38 Beach Essentials: The Ultimate Beach Packing List
• Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip Planner

Our Florida West Coast road trip was done in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA . All opinions, recommendations, and stories are 100% our own, as always.

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

2 thoughts on “The Best Stops Along the Gulf Coast of Florida (Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary)”

NOTHING from Ft. Myers to Everglades City? Really??!!

I mean, you could go to Naples and Marco Island, but we opted not to. So rather than write about something we haven’t done, we opted to omit it. Cheers!

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Florida Gulf Coast Travel Guide: Road Trip Itinerary

Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast may not be the part of the state that most travelers think about when planning a vacation to Florida, but it’s this fact that makes it one of the state’s most beautiful hidden gems. Between Naples, FL and the Tampa Bay area , travelers can find pristine white sand beaches, barrier islands that boast some of the best sunsets in the world, and plenty of places to wine & dine in true Florida style.

When planning your next Florida vacation, consider Southwest Florida, and check out some of these culinary & cultural spots along the way.

Naples/Marco Island

At the southern end of this Southwest Florida itinerary is Marco Island and the city of Naples, FL. For context, Naples is about an hour and a half drive west across the state from Miami, or a two-and-a-half-hour drive south from Tampa. However, there are airports located in Southwest Florida that you can fly into and stay local to this area such as Naples Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport located closer to Ft. Myers. You can search for flight deals into Florida here .

Naples and Marco Island are both known for beautiful, easily accessible beaches and abundant golf courses, but these aren’t the only draws to this part of the state. The 5th Avenue South neighborhood of Naples is home to plenty of high-end shopping and dining along a sophisticated and lush tropical promenade. With just a casual stroll down 5th Avenue, a wine traveler will notice many cafes, restaurants, and bars to stop for a coffee and gelato, glass of wine, or a delicious meal. Perhaps the best part of the stroll is that it runs into the Gulf of Mexico at Naples’ beach.

Hobnob Kitchen and Bar is a neighborhood favorite with trendy American bistro dishes such as scallop ceviche, octopus appetizers, ample seafood dishes, soups & salads, prime meats, and more! The wine list leans California, but there is something for every dish. It’s a chic but relaxed spot along the Avenue.

If something more casual is what you had in mind, Marco Island south of Naples offers lots of options for waterside dining. CJs on the Bay is a popular sunset-watching cocktail spot. Menu items skew coastal casual with a wide array of options from coconut shrimp to seafood linguini. Check out their daily cocktail specials and leave your wine snob hat at home. It might be more refreshing to sip a Margarita or fruity Daiquiri and enjoy the views at this relaxed waterfront restaurant.

When it comes to lodging , there are many options from glamourous to ticky-tacky depending on your beachy needs. Some of the bigger resorts in the Marco Island area include the luxurious JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort , which is known for its incredible gulf views and several onsite restaurants that include a range of culinary creations from fine dining to tiki hut beachside bars. Alternatively, you can stay at an all-inclusive resort like the The Ritz-Carlton in Naples.

Further north, the Inn on 5th in Naples  is a boutique hotel that sits right on the action of 5th Avenue, close to the picturesque Gulf beaches. Easily walkable to dining and attractions in the South Naples area as well as just a short drive to Southwest Florida’s famous golf courses and other attractions.

Southwest Florida Nature

For nature enthusiasts, there is plenty to do and see within a few miles of the Naples area. Just 30 minutes east of Naples is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Blair Audubon Center * . Stroll a 2.5-mile boardwalk system through natural Everglades and see how Florida’s stunning and sometimes scary flora and fauna exist outside of development. This is a must-see for bird watchers and wild animal enthusiasts.

Just north of Naples is the Everglades Wonder Gardens * in Bonita Springs. A perfect stop for the whole family, the Everglades Wonder Gardens is home to alligators, turtles, Flamingos, parrots, and more. Tours are available, but it’s always best to check the website to see when the park is open.

Ft. Myers/Sanibel & Captiva Islands/Boca Grande

About 45 minutes to an hour north of Naples is the Ft. Myers area, which is also home to the barrier islands of Sanibel, Captiva, Gasparilla Island and many more, recognized as some of the premier island escapes in all of Florida.

Head out to Sanibel and Captiva Islands for prime sunset real estate. If you haven’t experienced a Florida Gulf Coast Sunset, put it on your bucket list! Sanibel and Captiva are both excellent locations for those who love “old Florida” beaches and nature parks. A drive through these islands will take you back to the simple life, and that’s exactly what they offer: an escape from the chaos of the mainland.

RELATED: Romantic Getaway: Wine Tasting & Shell Hunting on Sanibel Island

There are several casual dining spots on the islands with fresh seafood and Key Lime pie being menu staples. Rumrunners are the drink of choice for island dwellers, so don’t expect a fancy wine list at most spots. When life gets too crazy, Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer the perfect excuse to sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace that comes with watching the waves roll on the shore.

If you’re looking for “old Florida” lodging during your stay in the Ft. Myers area, check out Tarpon Lodge in Bookelia, Florida . Tarpon Lodge offers accommodations in their 1926 historic lodge building, as well as a private cottage, boathouse, and the more modern Island House. There’s also a four-star dining experience waiting at the Tarpon Lodge restaurant on site.

For those who really want to get off the beaten path, or who enjoy an escape where there are no beaten paths, visit Cabbage Key , Tarpon Lodge’s sister property, only accessible by boat. There are no paved roads on the island, just tropical landscapes, an inn, cottages, bar, and a restaurant that sees daily boaters who stop by for a refreshment and meal.

Boca Grande is a tiny village located on Gasparilla Island, between Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico, that has been the winter home of many famous folks throughout history. Gasparilla Island is named for the pirate, José Gaspar, who may or may not have been a work of fiction. However, it is undisputed that pirates roamed this area as recently as the 1770s.

This area is known as the tarpon fishing capital of the world, and the history of maritime commerce is fascinating, so be sure to read up on the past while you’re here.

Once in Boca Grande, you must check out or stay at the historic Gasparilla Inn , a beautifully restored hotel that opened in 1913. Dine nearby at The Pink Elephant , a charming restaurant serving guests for over 60 years that has been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 2012. Diners can enjoy a casual lunch downstairs or on the patio with refreshing cocktails, salads, and sandwiches, or make a reservation for dinner upstairs in the more formal dining room. Travelers arriving by boat even have dockage space for easy access to the restaurant by water.

Spending time on these barrier islands is truly an escape to a bygone paradise on Florida’s southwest gulf coast.

Sarasota/Siesta Key/Longboat Key & Anna Maria Island

Welcome to Florida’s Sun Coast and the slice of the state that boasts the best beach in the country! Imagine sinking your toes into baby powder-soft white sand that is always cool to the touch, no matter the time of day or season. Siesta Key is a barrier island off of Sarasota, which is about an hour south of Tampa Bay, and it has been ranked 2020’s #1 Beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™. Siesta Key and the whole Sarasota area is a boating and beach-lover’s paradise. But the fun doesn’t stop at the shoreline! Sarasota and Manatee Counties are home to culinary and cultural delights from Sarasota’s bayside downtown to the several islands that outline the coast from the almost exclusively private Casey Key to Anna Maria Island that jets into Tampa Bay. Let’s dive into a few spots throughout this part of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

If you’re into bike riding, Casey Key is a beautiful spot in the world to explore on two wheels. Large private homes and a stunning coastline that hugs the road makes Casey Key feel more like an island in your dreams, or a picture-perfect page out of a Mediterranean magazine. It’s home to several small motels, but most overnight accommodations are found on the mainland, or further north in Siesta Key. Casey Key is only accessible to the mainland by two bridges, one on the south end of the island near the city of Venice, Florida, and one on the northern end of the island, known as the historic Blackburn Point Bridge , which is a swing bridge that was opened in 1926 and still swings to this day.

All Casey Key visitors should stop for lunch or dinner at the Casey Key Fish House right past the Blackburn Point Bridge. Easy-going and “keysy,” this island seafood restaurant offers fish house classics and a tropical tiki bar for totally casual dining. If you have access to a boat, simply pull it right up to the dock, and hop-off for easy dockside parking.

RELATED: 18 Incredible Places To Have a Glass of Wine in Miami

Siesta Key is Florida at its best. Between the number one ranked beach in the country and the popular Siesta Key Village with shops and restaurants to fit any desire, there is really no need to leave the island once you are there. There are two ways on and off the island, and one main road that runs the length of it, but most of it can be traveled easily either on foot, bike, free ride, or trolly, which picks up in the Village and runs the length of the island with stops along the way.

Most of the coastline along Siesta Key is speckled with low rise hotels, resorts, motels, and rentals. The island is largely seasonal (a winter escape for cold Midwesterners), meaning there may be minimum stay requirements ranging from nights to weeks at many of the rentals. Although, once you’ve settled into your beachy cabin, you may never want to leave anyway.

When it comes to dining on Siesta Key, there are many options from the world-famous SKOB (Siesta Key Oyster Bar) with live music and happy hour specials daily, to the chic Summer House steak and seafood restaurant, and next door, The Cottage , with an unpretentious yet delicious menu of items like Peruvian Ceviche and cheesy gnocchi for locals and visitors, alike.

Winetraveler Tip: Don’t leave Siesta Key without visiting the beachy chic Siesta Key Wine Bar . It’s the perfect resting spot for a boat-tired wine traveler looking for a glass (or bottle) of something red, white, or rosé. Siesta Key Wine Bar offers an international selection of wines, as well as some sweet Florida favorites at retail prices with only an $8 corkage fee to drink on site.

St. Armands/Longboat Key & Anna Maria Island

Follow the islands on the coast north via downtown Sarasota to Lido and St. Armands Key up through Longboat Key & Anna Maria Island. These islands are mostly residential and hospitality-focused. St. Armands Circle is home to many small restaurants and shops and offers an afternoon full of dining and entertainment. As you drive around the circle, you will find island favorites like Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar and the Spanish tapas spot, Columbia restaurant, as well as locally-inspired retail, salons, and sweet shops.

Perhaps the most quintessential coastal dining is at Shore , which has a location in St. Armands Circle and further up the coast on the northern end of Longboat Key. Both Shore locations offer al-fresco dining, specialty cocktails, classic seafood and American dishes, and cool vibes. If coastal chic is your style, then you must visit the store at Shore, where you can find all the trendiest island wear and accessories.

Anna Maria Island is a Florida getaway in itself, named by the explorer, Ponce de Leon, for the queen of his benefactor, Charles II. Follow the road north where you drive by the beach on the west and adorable island bed & breakfasts, motels, and trinket shops on the other side of the road. It’s a coastal paradise where everything is casual and laid-back. Anna Maria Island offers a true remote Florida vibe across much of the island. You can take a look at some accommodation options on Anna Maria Island here.

Winetraveler Tip: If you are a coconut cake fan, don’t miss Hometown Desserts near the pier on Anna Maria Island. Buy by the slice or a whole cake! Coconut and Key Lime cakes are an island must-eat!

Downtown Sarasota

Bringing it back to the mainland, you don’t want to miss a stop in downtown Sarasota. There are many fantastic places to dine around town, you’ll need weeks to get through them all! We recommend staying in one of these upscale hotels so you can explore at a leisurely pace.

For a true rustic Florida dining experience with some of the best fresh fish in town, head over to Owen’s Fish Camp on Burns Court. The restaurant encompasses several dilapidated bungalows, but the vibe is far from ramshackle. You won’t be disappointed by the quality of your dinner, or the uniqueness of the experience. Leave your pretensions at home but order a bottle of wine from the tightly curated “wine snob” bottle list and enjoy your “so Florida” dinner.

Over near Main Street in downtown, try a locally sourced dish from atmospheric Boca , or walk around the corner for an authentic French meal at C’est La Vie . Every Winetraveler needs a local wine bar, and you get just that at Grand Cru Wine Bar right on Main Street. At Grand Cru, choose your wine and pour it yourself with their wine-on-tap system. A large beer selection is available as well with small dishes freshly prepared on-site.

For waterside dining, check out Marina Jack right on the bay, with plenty of dock space for seaside travelers who arrive by boat, or Jack Dusty at the Ritz-Carlton for a more upscale coastal lounge feel.

Winetraveler Tip: Don’t limit your dining to downtown Sarasota! Southside Village is not far from downtown and offers classic dining spots in a range of cuisines. Grab a specialty coffee or glass of wine at Perq Coffee Bar , sushi at Pacific Rim , seasonal favorites at Libby’s, or oysters at Veronica Fish & Oyster . Southside Village offers a walkable small-town feel with several great dining options.

Sarasota Area Cultural Stops*

If you’ve done all the beaching and boating you can handle, check out some of the cultural spots around the Sarasota area. On the south side of the city near downtown, stroll the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , a 15-acre tropical plant sanctuary and museum on the bay including the former home of Marie and William Selby.

“Sarasota Modern” is an architecture style that you’ll notice around town, so it’s only right to explore structural design while you’re in town. Check out the exhibits on display at the Center for Architecture Sarasota in downtown for more on what makes this city so stylish.

Further north is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (“The Ringling”) , which is the official state art museum for Florida. It was established in 1927 and is now run by Florida State University. The museum consists of more than 10,000 items across many exhibits. It is part of the 66-acre Ringling Estate that includes the Ca’d’Zan , which was the Venetian Gothic-style mansion and home of John and Mable Ringling completed in 1926, Mable’s Rose Garden, built in 1913, the Circus Museum, Ringling Art Library, and the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

*Cultural attractions may be closed or running on limited hours due to COVID-19. Check each website for more information on daily changes.

Tampa Bay is a large area that includes several cities and neighborhoods from Tampa on the east side of the bay to St. Petersburg on the peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico accessible by the infamous Sunshine Skyway Bridge , which is worth the drive over to revel in the engineering marvel of it all. The actual Tampa Bay is a shallow estuary that is 400 square miles in size, meaning this is not just one place to see.

For the purposes of this itinerary, we will pick a couple of places to highlight on your Southwest Florida road trip through the Tampa Bay area.

Downtown St. Pete is a great place to park the car and walk around to explore the many shops and restaurants along tree-lined Beach Drive. Perhaps the greatest attraction here is the new St. Pete Pier that opened in the summer of 2020. The pier is home to quite a few different restaurants and attractions that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

There are several restaurants leading up to the pier itself, such as regional favorite, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille , for the rum enthusiast, and Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro for outdoor seating on the water. However, the spots located inside the actual pier are the main attraction.

Teak is a fine dining restaurant with complete views of the pier, St. Pete, and surrounding Tampa Bay. The bar at Teak overlooks the Bay, and visitors who stop for an Aperol Spritz during the hot afternoons can enjoy watching boats coming and going underneath, while small airplanes take off from the nearby airport and circle overhead.

If rooftop views bring you delight, head to the top of the pier and grab a drink at Pier Teaki , a modern take on a casual tiki bar located on the highest level of the pier with unobstructed views of the surrounding area. Pier Teaki is open late night for nighttime revelers.

Winetraveler Tip: Not feeling like dealing with crowds at the pier? Check out Bacchus Wine Bar in downtown St. Pete. Small & quaint with lots of light, this wine bar has a menu with all of your favorite French bites and bottles from around the world. Worth a stop for a glass during your time in St. Pete.

St. Pete Beach

On the west side of the peninsula on the gulf coast is St. Pete Beach. A neighborhood in itself where visitors can stay in one of the many beach resorts ranging from upscale to economical. Lots of places to choose from make this a traveler’s beach paradise.

Downtown Tampa

Just like a lot of cities around the country, Tampa has been growing quite a bit over the last few years and adding numerous cool spots to explore. This growth has allowed for new restaurants and attractions to pop up all over the downtown area. Two main destinations bookend the downtown river boardwalk, and there are several accommodation options not far from the area .

Armature Works is a mixed-use building in the Tampa Heights neighborhood, right on the Hillsborough River. It resembles a food hall, public market, and more! The vibe is industrial chic with dining options for every taste bud.

On-site, you can have a glass of wine from Cru Wine Bar , located on the main level,  or head upstairs to the rooftop bar, M. Bird , for a classy cocktail while you watch the sunset over the Hillsborough River.

Throughout the Armature Works area, there is plenty of outdoor space and seating for people watching and family playtime. It’s a destination worth a day or full evening visit for eating, drinking, and hanging out in Tampa.

Next door to Armature works is Ulele , a “Florida”-style restaurant with a rustic-chic vibe and large menu with many seafood favorites. Great for dates or a special occasion, even if the occasion is a regular Tuesday night.

On the other side of downtown Tampa is Sparkman Wharf , another outdoor dining destination with many options for food, drinks, and entertainment. Sparkman Wharf has a dining garden full of containers of Tampa’s top culinary talent trying new concepts alongside craft brewers. It’s a relaxed place to grab a plate of something new, a craft beer, and hang out by the river.

No trip to Tampa would be complete for Winetravelers without a visit to Bern’s Steakhouse . Bern’s is one of the most famous steakhouses and boasts one of the largest wine collections in the world. Come with an open mind and adventurous palate, and let the sommelier choose bottles for you based on your price range. Don’t skip on dessert, as Bern’s is well-known for its sensual Harry Waugh dessert room, where enjoying a sweet treat is an entire experience in itself.

This itinerary is by no means an exhaustive list. There are many hidden gems along Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast. Start with some of these ideas and run with it! Explore & discover! The options for entertainment, dining, and adventure are endless.

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The Ultimate Gulf Coast Road Trip: An Itinerary From Mississippi to Florida

Are you on the hunt for a unique beach vacation idea? Discover the sights, sounds, and tastes along the Gulf of Mexico with a Gulf Coast Road Trip .

Our ultimate itinerary will take you from the secret coast of Mississippi to the scenic shores of Florida, with plenty of palm trees along the way.

Miles of ocean stretch in one direction while the open road lays ahead during your scenic drive along the coast. Planning is key when crafting the ideal itinerary as the beach towns that line the coast each have their own unique story to tell, local cuisine to sample, and diverse attractions and activities.

This article will go through the planning process of creating the perfect itinerary for your gulf coast adventure and give a sample itinerary.

We want to thank our friends at Coastal Mississippi and Visit Alabama Beaches for sponsoring this post. This post contains affiliate links. 

About the gulf coast.

The United States Gulf Coast is the coastline along the southern portion that borders the Gulf of Mexico. The coastal states that have a shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico are Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, and these are known as the Gulf States.

How long you have allocated for your trip will be the determining factor on where to start. Many choose to start in a major city like New Orleans or Biloxi, then make their way through the Florida panhandle.

Exploring the beach towns along the coast of Texas is a road trip in itself. Starting in South Padre Island, road trippers can creep up the coast to Corpus Christi, ending in Galveston while stopping in small beachside communities along the way.

Planning Your Gulf Coast Road Trip

Determine the length of your trip.

The amount of time you spend will drastically alter how much of the Gulf Coast you will see on your road trip. Here are some tips to keep in mind while determining how many states and cities you would like to see.

• Consider the driving distance between the cities you want to visit. For example, it is roughly 90 minutes from New Orleans to Gulfport, MS. At the same time, it is 2 hours to get from Biloxi to Gulf Shores, AL.
• Give enough time to enjoy and explore each area. We can often not allocate the proper amount of time and have to rush to the next stop without having time to relax.
• Plan a beach day or two or three.
• Research potential stops, attractions, and where to stay ahead of time.
• I would not spend longer than 5 hours driving between destinations.
• Break up long stretches of driving with a fun roadside stop or point of interest.
• Don’t plan out every second. Part of the fun of a road trip to making impromptu stops and living in the moment.

Create A Budget

One essential part of any road trip is developing a budget. The budget will also play a role in determining the length of your trip. Plan out your expenses such as food, gas, lodging, attractions, transportation costs such as flights, rental car, etc.

Road Trip Budget Tips

• Make your own meals if you choose to camp or have accommodations with a kitchen.
• Travel during the shoulder season or low tourist season. For the Gulf Coast, this is October-February.
• Find free activities to help balance out expensive days.
• Check to see if there are City Passes offered through the tourism board. City Passes often let you see the top attractions for a lower price. It is a good value if you are planning on doing those activities.

Consider Your Vehicle

The type of vehicle you take on your road trip will depend on how many people are going, the condition of your vehicle, and if you are traveling via campervan or RV. Suppose your car is not in shape to add any more wear and tear, then consider renting a vehicle upon arrival.

You can even use an RV Rental company to rent an RV for your trip. If this is something you are considering, be sure to consider campsites that will meet the vehicle’s needs and the people. For example, a campervan may not have a shower or toilet.

Vehicle Road Trip Tips

• If you take your car, ensure that scheduled maintenance has been done before leaving on your trip. This includes a tune-up, oil change, tire rotation, etc.
• Keep a roadside emergency kit in the car in case of a breakdown.
• Don’t forget your atlas! While we still use google maps, I love to keep an atlas in the car if the service doesn’t work.

Where Do I Start My Gulf Coast Road Trip

Choosing where to start your trip will depend on how many states you wish to cover and the duration of the trip. A good starting point is New Orleans, Louisana, Pensacola, Florida, or Destin, Florida. These towns have major airports that visitors can fly into and rental cars if needed.

We will be starting in Gulfport, Mississippi, and making our way down the Florida panhandle for this article.

Mississippi

A great place to start your coastal road trip is along the coast of Mississippi. After the devastation Hurricane Katrina wreaked on the coastal towns, they have bounced back and are welcoming tourists with open arms.

The unique coast of Mississippi consists of many small seaside communities, each with its own distinct vibe. Each coastal community offers vacation rentals, boutique hotels, local restaurants, and plenty of fun things to do.

There are 11 distinct Coastal Communities; Waveland, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Ocean Springs, Gautier, Pascagoula, and Moss Point. Many of the towns offer walking city tours and  ghost tours .

My personal preference for a home base during your stop in Mississippi is Gulfport. Gulfport is strategically centered along the coast, making it easy to get to the different beach towns. A charming downtown area is home to local coffee shops, restaurants, and small museums.

Kids will love visiting the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, seeing the sights at the Mississippi Aquarium, and not far is the INFINITY Science Center.

The  Oasis Resort  is a great place for families as it offers tons of family-friendly amenities. Splish, splash, and laugh at the Oasis’s premier water park reserved only for Oasis Resort and Centennial Hotel guestsFloat leisurely around the 950-ft lazy river, race on water slides, or let the kids splash to their heart’s content in their splash zone. 

Check out our  Top Things To Do Along The Mississippi Gulf Coast !

Ocean Springs

Discover the enchanting town of Ocean Springs, a historic coastal town with a delightful main street full of trendy boutiques, eateries, and galleries. The city is known for its arts and festivals, hosting the largest fine arts festival in the state, Peter Anderson Arts & Craft Festival.

Sip on a cold beer at the Lost Spring Brewery, dine alfresco at the Lady May, then stroll to the nearby beach! Ocean Springs does have three districts that allow patrons to leave bars and restaurants with “to-go cups.”

Another great place to stay along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is Biloxi. In addition to the beautiful beaches, visitors come to try their luck at one of Biloxi’s many casinos.

The fishing harbors draw tourists with a multitude of attractions. Hop a boat ride out to the barrier islands, go on a famous Biloxi shrimping trip, then spend time browsing the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum.

Don’t forget to see the Biloxi Lighthouse, tour the Ohr-O-Keefe Museum of Art, and the Mardi Gras Museum.

Mardi Gras On The Coast

Mardi Gras season is a time of celebration, with well-known festivities happening throughout Louisiana. However, there is another spot to celebrate Mardi Gras other than New Orleans; consider visiting downtown Biloxi. 

With family-friendly parades, exciting Mardi Gras events, and plenty of Cajun cuisine, a visit to Coastal Mississippi during Carnival season should be on every family’s bucket list.

There are tons of  family-centered   Mardi Gras parades  happening throughout the Mississippi coast. These parades are kid-focused, with tons of floats throwing stuffed animals, candy, toys, crafts, and playing upbeat music. Get our complete list of  Top Things To Do During Mardi Gras In Coastal Mississippi

The next stop on your Gulf Coast Road Trip is the white sandy beaches of the Alabama coast.

TIP:  It is a short drive from Ocean Springs, MS, to Mobile, Alabama, a little under an hour long. It is an additional hour from Mobile to Gulf Shores.

For a city rich in history, culture, and attractions, plan a stop in Mobile, AL. Historic homes, nature trails, a battleship, and a wide variety of museums attract visitors from all over the world. Kids will love the Exploreum Science Center and hop aboard the USS Alabama, while adults learn how Mobile became the birthplace of Mardi Gras.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

The sugar-white sand beaches and plenty of entertainment options make Gulf Shores a perfect spot for your next stop on your gulf coast road trip.

We dipped our toes in the silky smooth sand and instantly fell in love with this darling beach town. Enjoy live music, a round of mini-golf, or create your own exciting adventure as you explore Alabama’s coast.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are only twenty minutes apart, making either a great place to come home for the next few days.

Where To Stay In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

A perfect place to rent if you are traveling with a family or group is the  Blue Parrot #7 . This newly remodeled 5 BR beach home is only steps from the ocean, ideal for those looking for a complete luxury escape.

Other great options are the condos at  Turquoise Place  or condos at these gorgeous condos at the  Caribe Resort .

Various hotels are available along the coast. Campers can hook up RVs, rent cabins, or tent camp at the scenic Gulf State Park.

Top Things To Do While In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Gulf Shores offers something for everyone, from exploring historic  Fort Morgan  to hitting the water on a fishing charter. Get up close with lemurs at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, take a class from  Sand Castle University  then enjoy an evening of family fun at The Wharf.

The outdoors are calling with  popular outdoor activities  such as paddleboarding through the backwaters, kayaking, and biking along the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail. Families will enjoy grabbing dinner at the Hangout, then hopping aboard a sunset dolphin cruise.

Get our complete list of top  family activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach .

Where to Eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

A vibrant food scene is a foodies dream with fresh seafood, classic diners, and plenty of tasty ice cream spots. The best spots to grab a bite to eat with the family are Lulu’s and the Hangout, each offering family activities to do along with plenty of meal options. Then top the evening off with an epic milkshake from The Yard Milkshake Bar.

Get our complete list of the  best kid-friendly restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach .

Seafood lovers will enjoy waterfront restaurants like the Gulf or create their own by picking up fresh seafood at one of the many seafood markets. Relax at low-key beach bars like Beach House Kitchen and Cocktails, or dine upscale at the Voyagers Restaurant.

I would allocate a minimum of two days in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during your road trip. It is easy to spend an entire week here and still leave with a mile-long bucket list!

Tip:  A must-see place on your way to Florida from Alabama is the Flora-Bama honky-tonk bar in Perdido Key, Florida. It is adjacent to the Alabama-Florida state line.

The drive from Gulf Shores to Pensacola, Florida, is roughly 50 minutes long. Many opt to end their gulf coast road trip here as Pensacola is home to a major airport, while others will continue to Destin and down the gulf coast of Florida.

Note:  For those looking to make a Florida gulf coast road trip, I would recommend starting in Destin, FL, and heading down southwest Florida towards Everglades National Park.

Miles of white-sand beaches await you along Florida’s gulf coast. Pensacola is a beautiful place to stop, a city rich with history, unique shopping, and the famous Blue Angels.

Step back in time with a visit to the Historic Pensacola Village. Their “One Ticket, Seven Days to Explore” ticketing enables you to leisurely visit all of the museums, participate in guided and self-guided tours of historic homes, and interact with period-dressed living history interpreters.

That is only the beginning of all that Pensacola has to offer. 

Endless family attractions include a visit to Fort Pickens (which I hear is one of the best spots to catch a Blue Angels practice), go-karts, and adventure parks.

Located an hour away from Pensacola along Florida’s panhandle, the emerald coast of Destin awaits. With popular Fort Walton Beach, Crab Island, and Harborwalk Village, Destin is the perfect place for a family vacation or a few nights’ stay during your road trip.

We opted to stay on Okaloosa Island, which was serene and slower-paced than Destin. We booked a beautiful beachfront condo by  Southern Vacation Rentals . While there are not many bars and restaurants within walking distance, we enjoyed the quieter side of this popular destination.

A vacation rental allowed us to cook meals and save money by not eating out as much. 

Budget Tip:  We found the same condo we rented on Airbnb for a couple hundred dollars more. Look around and save money by booking directly through the rental company’s site; you are not paying the Airbnb fee.

Visit Crab Island in Destin, FL

First, let me define what exactly Crab Island is. Crab Island is not an island but a wholly submerged sandbar that allows guests to walk around in 1-4ft of water. No land whatsoever. It is the ideal location to pull up a boat and drop anchor.

Many folks rent boats or take a shuttle to the “island .” Bring cash to partake in the food boats, floating restaurants, and other fun activities, such as a floating obstacle course. Booze is allowed. However, vendors can’t sell it at Crab Island, so pack a cooler.

Destin is full of family fun, from underwater bowling at Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl , enjoying the local wildlife at a state park, to taking a pirate cruise out on the open sea. Grab out the complete list of   things to do in Destin, Florida !

Depending on your budget and the time you have to get away, I would recommend ending your gulf coast road trip in Destin, Florida. Depending on where you started, you may have had the opportunity to visit four states in one road trip!

However, if you choose to continue down the west coast of Florida, there are plenty more beautiful cities and small towns to visit.

Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Stops

• Plan a night in Mexico Beach, Florida. It is near Panama City Beach but is more secluded, offering a quieter escape.
• Crystal River is a popular spot to stop because it’s home to Kings Bay. Kings Bay, which is fed by natural springs, is home to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, sheltering manatees year-round.
• Bask in old Florida charm with a stop in  St. Petersburg . Don’t forget to visit the classic roadside attraction, The Sunken Gardens.
• Relax on  Siesta Key Beach , which is frequently voted the top beach in the US.
• Check out all the  unique things to do in Ft. Myers, Florida .
• Stop in Marco Island before venturing to the Everglades!

We hope you enjoyed our article on planning a gulf coast road trip. If you enjoyed this article, check out our related articles.

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Your Ultimate Florida West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

September 24, 2023

This Florida West Coast road trip itinerary brings you soft sand, art and more. Buckle up and enjoy everything from manatees to mint-soaked cocktails. It’s one way to tackle your Florida bucket list.

Table of Contents

Your Two Week Florida West Coast Road Trip Itinerary 

Forget dear old Mickey. Florida’s Gulf Coast offers wildlife of a different kind. Gentle manatees and wild dolphins that skit through sparkling surf. Scorching pink flamingoes and American Bald Eagles.

Mile after mile of soft white sand bordered by mangroves and lifeguards. Just pull up and go for a swim, no organisation required.

Let me walk you through the exact Florida west coast fly drive I did with my husband and young toddler. After that, I’ll share the other things you could add to your Florida road trip.

• Recommended reading: how to plan a road trip by yourself

Who is this Florida itinerary for?

This Florida Gulf Coast road trip itinerary leaves time for you to slow down and enjoy life.

With a toddler, it means there’s time for naps and early bedtimes and not too much time spent in the car. There’s the chance for a run-around or swim (or both) every single day. 

Restaurants are close enough to the hotels to mean that little ones won’t be too late to bed. But none of them are plastic fantastic fare.

That said, if you’re travelling without children , you could pick up the pace. You could probably spend one less night in each of the places if you’re determined to cram things in.

But pace yourself. Part of Florida’s charm involves moving slowly through her landscape, across her water. When trying to see wildlife in the, well, wild, you need time.

Day by Day Florida West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1 – 4: Crystal River

From Orlando Airport, it’s a straightforward if unspectacular drive towards the west coast. And then you get close to  Crystal River, Manatee Capital of  the World.  

The  streets drip with green , as branches fall to the floor to meet a rug of tangled tropical roots. Crystal River sits at the northernmost point of this itinerary and it resembles most people’s ideas of   Louisiana’s Great River Road : all lush vegetation, grand white houses and plenty of alligators. 

Make the most of jet lag by scheduling an early morning swim in the waters of Crystal River in search of manatees .

And then, explore the rest of the land around Crystal River. 

• Homosassa Spring Wildlife State Park , with its flamingoes, manatees and American Bald Eagles. 
• The  Crystal River Archaeological State Park and Museum traces back thousands of years of human activity through steep pyramids of shells that overlook the water.
• And the beaches. Try Hunter Springs Beach or Fort Island Gulf Beach.

Where to stay in Crystal River

The Plantation on Crystal River is a sprawling complex with a grand avenue of live oaks and 232 acres of green. It sits on the edge of King’s Bay and perfectly placed to arrange trips to swim with manatees.

Days 4 – 6: Clearwater

If there’s one place you MUST stop at on this section of the journey, it’s Tarpon Springs. 

TARPON SPRINGS

Laced with kitsch, this tiny fishing village is, wait for it,  the sponge capital of the world.

It’s also home to a proud Greek community and the two are intertwined. Around 100 years ago, when the sponge beds were discovered here, young Greek immigrants had the skills to get them out and sell them. And if you’re really lucky, you can hop on a boat for a demonstration of how this used to be done.

It’s far more daring than it sounds.

From Tarpon Springs, it’s just a quick 20 minute drive to Clearwater.

Clearwater is a fairly built up beach town, but the work from its aquarium inspired a Morgan Freeman film. Dolphin winter lost her tail in an accident and the work from the Clearwater Aquarium resulted in a prosthetic tail to help her swim. Not only did that research fuel the development of technology for humans missing limbs but it also connected with and inspired children with illnesses and disabilities. 

• Top tip: try the grouper sandwiches at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill.

Where to stay in Clearwater

The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Resort & Spa suits family travel with its spacious swimming pool and kitchenettes in rooms. With 287 rooms, it’s far from boutique but staff are friendly and rooms still feel fresh and quiet.

It’s just a short walk to the beach, local restaurants & Pier 60, the public mingling spot as the sun sets.

Days 6 – 8: St Pete

Next up is St Pete, short for St Petersburg, and awash with classy charm.

It’s only a 45 minute drive from Clearwater, making this an easy day on the road, but the characters of Tarpon Springs, Clearwater and St Pete are so different that it pays to spend enough time in each one. 

The Salvador Dali Museum

The razzle-dazzle feature of St Pete is  the Salvador Dali Museum. 

This really is a remarkable museum, with thought provoking tours, stunning architecture and better gazpacho than I had in four years of living in Spain. 

Showcasing more than 100 pieces, the museum made me realise just how much of a genius Salvador Dali was. And the bright airy space made his work feel a lot less creepy: it gave it the space to breathe. 

Stand in front of the Abraham Lincoln piece and see for yourself.

MORE ART IN ST PETE

But Dali isn’t the only big name in town.  The Morean Arts Center  hosts a permanent collection of Chihuly glasswork and lives on a whole avenue dedicated to exploring and understanding the arts. 

Where to stay in St Pete

The Vinoy Renaissance St Petersburg Resort and Golf Club shocks in salmon pink as a fascinating historic hotel with a modern extension. With lavish rooms and a fantastic breakfast service, the Vinoy offers great views across the Marina. You can walk to the Dali Museum if it’s not too hot and you have time on your hands.

• Did you know?  Fresh and funky Paul’s Landing restaurant claims to mark the spot where oranges first reached Florida. 

Days 8 – 10: Bradenton

It’s another short drive (45 minutes) from St Pete to Bradenton but it’s the kind of drive that sums up driving in Florida. Water everywhere. Blue skies everywhere. And concrete bridges sweeping across great swathes of even more blue. 

• Watch out for pelicans swooping as you make it over Highway 275.

Bradenton itself has a very different feel to the other stops on this Gulf Coast Florida itinerary.

Most visitors, I sense, zoom on past to the well-heeled sands of Anna Maria Island, leaving downtown Bradenton with a quieter, more riverside feel. 

From the 1930s historic Hampton Inn & Suites,  you can walk to through Bradenton’s Old Main Street and on to its new, creative Riverwalk, stopping off at Corwin’s for ice cream along the way.

Here splash pads and art installations wait just minutes from the South Florida Museum, home to a planetarium and some rescued manatees. 

Further afield, a car is handy for checking out the quirky Arts Village and for making a stop at two very different foodie stops: the citrus  Mixon’s Fruit Farm , which claims to serve the state’s best Reuben sandwich, and  Farmhouse Donuts,  which serves donuts called Sweet Squealing Pig and Cow Patties amid rustic home decor.

You can also, of course, drive to the coast to soak in the sand of the lovely Anna Maria Island.

When it’s time to drive on to Sarasota, stop off in the intriguing Manatee Village Historical Park en route for a look at how buildings used to look back in the pioneer days. 

Where to stay in Bradenton

The Hampton Inn & Suites Bradenton Downtown Historic District is an historic hotel with plentiful parking and an excellent location for local art, history, culture and the Riverwalk. Breakfast options are pretty simple so it’s a good time to head out for brunch.

Days 10 – 14: Sarasota and Around

It’s the shortest drive to Sarasota, at only 30 minutes or so, but you’re saving yourself for the drive back to Orlando, not to mention all the upcoming day trips.  You’ll find so many unique things to do in Sarasota , making it a place well worth visiting.

But the highlights are these:

• The Ringling Museum – half museum, half Renaissance fantasy. Founded by circus magnates, John and Mable Ringling, expect to find vast art galleries, theatre performances and bayfront gardens and plan to spend the whole day here. 
• The gorgeous  Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the world centre for orchid and epiphyte research with tranquil gardens that overlook the bay mixed in with truly creative floral art.
• The Mote – The Mote Marine Laboratory &  Aquarium on City Island researches endangered species and has a 135,000 gallon shark habitat.
• Get on the water at Sarasota Bay with Sea Life Encounters Cruise with Sarasota Bay Explorers  We saw dolphins, osprey, crabs and snapper fish – and that’s not even the half of it.
• Reserve a day to drive inland to the moss and alligator wetlands of  Myakka River State Park,  stopping off in the Amish holiday enclaves of  Yoder’s  on the way there and  Der Dutchman on the way back for a legendary slice of pie.
• Shopping – St Armand’s l ines up chic eateries and concept surf stores into a compact, walkable circle (it’s another legacy of the Ringlings, through both design and the Italian statues standing on the circle.)
• Lido Beach lives just a short distance from St Armand’s, with white sand and blue water.
• Siesta Beach – ranks as the USA No. 1 beach. Its quartz sand from the Appalachian mountains leave it white and cool underfoot, and the painted lifeguard stations give its horizon an iconic, timeless feel.Beaches run for miles along Siesta Key; parking is pretty easy and access is free. 

See this article on Is Sarasota worth visiting? for more about this great city.

Where to stay in Sarasota

The Hyatt Regency Resort Hotel Sarasota has beautiful views of the marina and easy parking. The swimming pool is great for kids and it’s a good base for day trips into the surrounding area. 

How to end your West Coast Florida Road Trip Itinerary

If you can squeeze in an extra day then drive further south to Venice Beach. 

Otherwise, it’s time to pack up the car and head back to Orlando (leave three hours to be on the safe side if you have an international flight to catch.)

I hope you enjoyed this Florida west coast road trip itinerary. Please share or bookmark and have a great time in the sunshine state!

Ideas for Other West Coast Road Trips

If you have more time available, consider visiting these key spots:

Pine Island

If you want to spend a few days fishing, kayaking, or birdwatching, Pine Island is the best place on Florida’s Gulf Coast for these activities. Its small-town atmosphere, combined with the tropical plants and palms, turns it into a paradise for history lovers who will feel like slipping back in time as they cross the bridge toward the island. Be prepared to be welcomed into a friendly rural community that has been living here for centuries.

Panama City Beach

The alabaster beaches, emerald waters and sunshine make Panama City Beach a popular tourist destination. It offers a bit of everything from sunbathing, fishing, dolphin and bird watching to nature exploration at nearby St. Andrews or Pier Park. Panama City Beach is also famous for its festivals, starting with the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in April and ending with the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in August.

Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers loves its watersports. Tourists come here for kayaking and parasailing and resting on the thick layers of soft sand. The beach gradually slopes into the sea, making it a good fit for families with kids or hesitant swimmers. During the warm season, two major baseball teams occupy a part of the beach along with their fans eager to see them training. Fort Myers Beach also has the historic winter estates of Edison and Ford.

No Florida itinerary is complete without a stop in Ybor City, a picturesque neighbourhood in Tampa, which was once an important hub for the cigar industry. The historic 7th Avenue, with its brick-paved streets and wrought iron balconies reflects the multicultural heritage of the city, where Spanish, Cuban, and Italian influences are still present. Stroll around the neighbourhood to discover the many charming cafes and restaurants and take your time shopping around the local cigar stores for a scent of local history.

Marco Island

Marco Island houses many of the luxury resorts on the Gulf Coast. Treat yourself with a Spa treatment and enjoy the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. From canoeing and fishing to picnic facilities, this place offers you the possibility to relax far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, plus you can visit Collier Seminole State Park.

Captiva Island

Taking time to relax and meditate is an important part of life, and Captiva Island is a great place to do it. It’s a serene place with calm tides and soft sand, as well as golf, kayaking, boating, and taking drives along rows of giant cactuses.

Everglades National Park

Right at the southernmost tip of Florida’s west coast, you’ll find the Everglades. Only a one-hour drive from Miami,the 1.5 million acres of the Everglade National Park is one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. It gathers mangroves, freshwater sloughs, and marl prairies, as well as the Florida panther and American crocodile.

But the main attraction is the West Indian manatee. If you want to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat, then plan your trip during the winter season (November to April) when the population is at its peak.

Keen to travel further afield but unsure where to start? Check out our guide to choosing between Los Angeles and Miami .

Classic Sights for a Florida Road Trip

You won’t find these on the west coast of Florida but they are definitely worth seeing. So, if your Florida road trip has some space on the end, then consider adding these in.

St Augustine

This lively city on the coast of north-eastern Florida is among the oldest settlements established by the Europeans in America and a wonderful place to spend a few days. Every year, the brick-paved streets fill with tourists who come here for its white beaches and stately castles. If you are travelling with your kids, show them the breathtaking nature trails, historical reenactments, and the scary ghost tours that take place every day.

Dry Tortugas National Park

One of the greatest experiences you can have in Florida is spending a day at the Dry Tortugas National Park. An oasis combining the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico with colourful coral reefs, marine life, and tropical birds, it is accessible only by boat or seaplane, so it is usually quieter than other places in the area. Take your time to scuba dive and search for the legendary sunken treasure. And don’t forget to check out the massive coastal fortress of Fort Jefferson, which is said to be composed of over 16 million bricks.

Tamiami Trail

Although today the Tamiami Trail is no longer the fastest way to travel from Tampa to Miami, in the 20th century, when it was built, it was considered a feat of human engineering. However, if you are on vacation, there is no reason to take the faster Alligator Alley trail when you can drive on this historic route that will take you across untainted natural landscapes. Start your trip at Brickell Avenue and keep going along the border of the Everglades National Park. This is the best portion of the trail so take it slow, admire the birds and the blue sky and give yourself time to meditate.

Cape Canaveral

If you want to get as close as possible to the place that served as a launch pad for many of America’s space exploration programs, don’t miss the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. You will learn a lot of interesting things here, like, for example, how the International Space Station was built or how satellites are repaired. You can also meet real astronauts and even attend a launch event. But this is not all. Cape Canaveral is also known for its cruise ship port, fine restaurants and friendly hotels and inns.

Fort Pierce

The nights on Fort Pierce’s historic waterfront are spectacular, as all its restaurants, bars, and hotels start shining under the blueish-black Florida sky. One of the oldest communities on the east coast, the region is still bustling with life, offering excellent shopping opportunities and music events held inside a historic theatre.

Blue Spring State Park

Housing one of the largest springs in Florida, Blue Spring Park functions as a sanctuary for the West Indian manatee which needs warm waters to survive throughout the winter. Unlike in Crystal River, however, you are not allowed to swim with them here. On the other hand, you can practice canoeing or boating. You can even spend the night inside the reservation at one of the air-conditioned cabins or campsites on the premises.

West Palm Beach

If you are looking for a more luxurious location, the upscale shops and restaurants at West Palm Beach should offer the requisite razzle dazzle. Get ready for days spent in the sunshine of Florida’s Atlantic coast, sipping tropical cocktails and swimming in some of the bluest waters in the country. When you get bored of the beach, head to the Norton Museum of Art to see big names like Gaugin, Brancusi, or Rodin.

New Smyrna Beach

With its artistic vibe, New Smyrna Beach is a cosmopolitan town that is a favourite with surfers. It also has a reputation for strong eco-tourism.

Universal Studios

Get ready to take the Hogwarts Express or teleport yourself to Diagon Alley. Universal Studios Florida is ready to entertain. The Transformers studio is also very popular at the moment, and a fight against the Decepticons takes place multiple times a day. Bring the kids and offer them an unforgettable cinematic adventure.

Ocala National Forest

A world-famous natural site for its wonderfully large number of bird and animal species, Ocala National Forest attracts many adventurers every year. Join the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail through scented pine forests or put on your boots and spend half a day hiking. Migratory birds circle the tops of the trees while woodpeckers keep on with their ‘chores’ on this restful, natural place.

Key Largo is all about luxury and relaxation, so be prepared to be dazzled. Scuba diving is a way of life here, and people love to go scavenging for lost treasures in the deep waters. For those less adventurous, an underwater hotel offers the opportunity to spot the dolphins without getting wet.

Travel Tips for the United States

• Leave plenty of time to arrange your visa. Most standard visas can be arranged online for a small fee but you will be checked before you board your flight. 
• Get ready to tip up to 20% for things you never imagined you’d need to tip for. 
• Pack a US two-pronged travel adapter . 
• Pack a lightweight jumper or cardigan. Air conditioning inside can be fierce!
• Watch out for “resort fees” – extra charges from some hotels for using the pool or other facilities. Always ask at check in to get some clarity. 

Miami Beach

If you’ve heard that Miami beach is all about splurging, you’ve got it right. The whole place is upscale, with luxury shopping centres and fine restaurants. Add in the Art Deco architecture and historic landmarks and the place is a dream. For more serious pursuits, check out the Holocaust Memorial and Ancient Spanish Monastery

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is the motorsports beach. Here you can see the annual Daytona 500 racing event and even drive your own car on some portions of the beach if you are willing to pay a fee. If you are up for a special church service, you just need to park your car in front of the Daytona Beach Drive-In Church, turn on your radio, and select the right frequency to hear the pastor.

Fort Lauderdale

The ‘Venice of America’ is famous for the vast structure of waterways and canals that languish over a distance of 165 miles. Fort Lauderdale is a great place to take photos along its signature white wall which extends along the historic waterfront.

• Recommended Reading: How to Plan Your San Francisco to Santa Barbara Road Trip

Amelia Island

On Amelia Island, you can take a guided horse ride along the shore or explore the Atlantic Ocean in search of dolphins and whales. At the end of the day, emjoy a delicious dinner close to the beach at one of the many 5-star restaurants famous for their seafood.

Sick of the beautiful but overcrowded Florida beaches? Check out Vero Beach for its small-town atmosphere and cosy shores, where you have higher chances of seeing turtles hatching and heading to the ocean. This elegant city has plenty of shops and restaurants but none of the towers that dominate Miami Beach.

More on Travel in Florida and the Deep South

• The best road trips for couples in the US
• How to put together the perfect Florida bucket list
• Driving the Great River Road in Louisiana
• Planning a road trip from New Orleans
• The best road trip itinerary through Alabama

Disclosure:  We worked in partnership with some great companies to help put this trip together, while always keeping the right to write what we want, the way we want, of course (it gets a bit pointless otherwise.) If you book through links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

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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10 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take on the Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast of the United States is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. A road trip along the Gulf Coast is ideal for soaking in the region's beauty and experiencing the unique charm of Florida's white sandy beaches or the wildlife in the bayous of Louisiana. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking views and cultural delights that await you on these Gulf Coast road trips.

Highway 30A, Florida: The Emerald Coast Drive

Start your journey from the beautiful beaches of Fort Walton Beach or Destin. You'll then continue on the Emerald Coast of Florida , where Highway 30A meanders for 24 miles through a series of picturesque beach towns. Catch white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a well-balanced blend of architecture and natural beauty as you head towards Panama Beach, stopping by Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, and Seaside.

Take your time, and consider extending the adventure by spending a night in Panama City. For the last part of this journey, continue east, exiting Highway 30a and joining Highway 98 to drive to Port St. Joe. Be sure to visit the antique shops and relax on the pristine beaches of St. George Island.

Lake Village to the Gulf Coast: The Mississippi Run

Buckle up for a two to three-day, approximate 340-mile road trip alongside the great Mississippi River . Start in Lake Village, Arkansas, where you will have a chance to collect yourself in the blissful tranquility of Lake Chicot State Park. Head south and stop at Vicksburg, birthplace of many legendary blues musicians, for some bluesy charm. Continue south on Highway 61 and spend a night at Natchez for stunning river views. Once satisfied, you can follow the flow of the river along Louisiana Highway 15 South towards Baton Rouge, passing by several wildlife refuges.

While at Baton Rouge, be sure to indulge in Louisiana's specialty, Creole cuisine! Fill up on foods like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. Finally, head towards New Orleans and relax on the Gulf Coast, where the Mississippi finishes. Enjoy a thriving music scene and some of the best riverfront walks and views.

New Orleans to Tallahassee

This two to three-day, 387-mile trip will soak your senses with beautiful views of the Gulf Coast, followed by incredible verdant views on the Canopy Roads of Tallahassee. Begin in New Orleans , where you can discover the iconic architecture and historic buildings of the French Quarter. Then, venture east towards Mobile and check out the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. You may also want to stop and smell the flowers at the Mobile Botanical Gardens. Relax with the views of the Gulf Coast before arriving in Tallahassee for its unique Canopy Roads.

Alabama's Coastal Byway Adventure

This 92-mile Gulf Coast road trip will bring you an abundance of coastal charm, beautiful beaches, and activities to keep you entertained! Begin in Destin, Florida , and head towards Pensacola, where you can spend a day exploring Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas. Then, enjoy the beachy views as you drive to Orange Beach, Alabama, where you can stretch your legs and limbs with   watersports and relax with some waterfront dining. Your next destination is Gulf Shores, renowned for its sandy beaches and Gulf State Park. Finally, relish in nature's gifts with birdwatching and nature walks at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

Fort Myers to Port St. Joe:  From Fort to Beach

You can start this three to four-day, 440-mile drive along the Gulf Coast at Fort Myers, Florida , where you can discover its unique history. It is a chance to walk into the winter estates of famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford! Head north towards Tampa and spend a day there, where you can enjoy a diverse dining scene. Whether it is Cuban, Spanish, or Italian that you are craving, there are plenty of options to keep you satisfied. Then, cruise along the Gulf Coast towards Port St. Joe with mesmerizing views of the water, and enjoy night stays at places like Cedar Key Island and Crawfordville.

The Texas Coastal Wildlife Tour

This two to three-day, approximate 221-mile road trip begins at the Padre Island National Seashore . Kicking off this wildlife tour, the Padre Island National Seashore provides 66 miles of protected land. You will then travel to Corpus Christi, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (where you might be lucky enough to catch the last wildlife flock of whooping cranes), and finally finish the journey at Freeport. Be sure to stop by the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge and Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area on the way to Freeport, for more chances to view wildlife!

Davis Mountains to Galveston Coast

Blend an unforgettable mix of mountains, desert, and coastal landscapes on this two to three-day, over 650-mile road trip. After exploring Davis Mountains State Park, known for wonderful hikes and sweeping mountain scenery, head towards San Antonio, where you can rest after a long drive. Along the way, catch the fascinating vistas of stark deserts. Arriving in San Antonio, tour the iconic Alamo fortress, where you can learn about Texas' fight for independence. Continue east towards Houston, where you can interact with NASA's Johnson Space Center. Now, head to Galveston Coast, where you can relax on the blissful beaches of the Galveston Island State Park . After, you can enjoy Texas' stunning coastal views as you head to Port Arthur.

Lafayette to Beaumont

Start this one to two-day, 160-mile trip with a blast of Cajun culture in Lafayette, Louisiana . Then, head along the coast towards Creole, stopping by Avery Island, home of the Tabasco sauce factory. Continue towards Port Arthur and experience the wildlife in the beauty of Sabine Lake, and the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. Finally, return to the city life of Beaumont, Texas, and drop by the Texas Energy Museum or enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Neches Riverwalk.

Big Bend Scenic Byway, Florida

You'll be bending your back trying to catch all the beauty of Florida's Big Bend Scenic Byway during this 207-mile trip along the Gulf Coast. This road one to two-day trip starts in Tallahassee, where you can enjoy the sites of Florida's capital city. Heading south, stop by the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Continue southwards towards Apalachicola, where you can spend the day, visit the John Gorrie Museum State Park, and learn about the inventor of air conditioning and refrigeration. As you continue west towards the pleasant Mexico Beach, soak in the gorgeous beauty of the Gulf Coast before arriving at the final destination, Niceville. Do not miss the crystal-clear waters of the natural springs by Econfina Creek!

Grand Isle to Cameron, Louisiana: The Creole Nature Trail

Your two to three-day, 290-mile road trip takes you to Louisiana's Creole Nature Trail, which begins on Grand Isle and concludes in Cameron. You can spend some days at Houma and Lafayette. Be sure to stop by Lafayette's Vermillionville Historic Village. Allow the Gulf Coast to take your breath away as you make stops at estuaries and extensive wildlife habitats, including Pointe Aux Chenes Wildlife Management Area, Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, and the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. Participate in the unique experiences of birdwatching, alligator-watching, and sunset-watching over the bayous on this special Gulf Coast experience.

The Gulf Coast is a treasure trove of scenic road trip opportunities, each offering its own blend of natural beauty, history, and coastal charm. Given its diverse attractions, it will be hard to run out of things to experience with the pristine beaches, cultural heritage, and wildlife encounters.

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A Florida Road Trip: The Gulf Coast

Last Updated on April 5, 2024

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

By Jim Ferri

A Florida road trip – primarily on the Gulf Coast in the area between Naples and Crystal River, a drive of about 250 miles – is a great road trip any time of year. It’s especially good in the winter, even more so during these pandemic times when we’re all getting cabin fever.

Best yet, Florida’s Gulf Coast is accessible from all over the U.S.

There’s a lot to see on the Gulf Coast, a ribbon of pristine beach that stretches hundreds of miles. Along it, you’ll find fascinating cities with excellent dining in superb restaurants (many offering take-out), good shopping, fun watersports and good fishing, top art museums, and other cultural offerings. You’ll even have the opportunity to observe manatees in the wild.

Due to the pandemic, many attractions and sites you’ll likely want to visit along the way have taken precautions. Most, if not all, require masks and a timed entry for each visitor to ensure safe social distancing. You should also check with them to ascertain if tickets must be bought online in advance. To be on the safe side and make the best use of your time, plan your road trip in advance.

Upscale Naples, a Tiny Post Office, and…

Start your drive in Naples, the city at the western end of Alligator Alley (I75), which is between the Gulf of Mexico and Everglades National Park. It’s a decidedly upscale city. Along a six-block stretch of Fifth Avenue South, you’ll find plenty of fashionable boutiques, galleries, and trendy restaurants interspersed with the offices of investment advisors. Florida Gulf Coast beaches are renown, and some of Naples’ beaches are snuggled up against charming neighborhoods.

When you’re ready to depart Naples on your Florida Gulf Coast road trip, before you begin your drive north towards Tampa and St. Petersburg, you’ll want to drive south. Take U.S. 41 south to Loop Road Scenic Drive, in the Big Cypress National Preserve, to see how Florida looked thousands of years ago. You do not need a ticket to go here.

Halfway to Loop Road – about 45 minutes from Naples – you’ll pass the Ochopee Post Office (38000 Tamiami Trail), the smallest post office in the U.S. 

Stop to read the interesting historical marker out front and, if open, have a chat with the affable postmaster. Be a big spender – buy a postcard and have the postmaster stamp it for you. It’s generally open Monday-Friday 8–10am, 12–4pm, and 10–11:30am Saturday.

…a Primeval Swamp

Continue on another 12½ miles, and you’ll see Loop Road on your right. The road is paved here but will become an unpaved dirt and gravel road a couple of miles further ahead. At that point, you may find it worthwhile to use the toilet facilities you’ll see on the left. There are also hiking trails into the National Preserve that start off at this point.

Back in your car, continue straight ahead through a primeval swamp filled with alligators and other wildlife. It’s best during the winter months when the alligators come out of the cool waters to sun themselves on the banks. For many, this is Florida’s real Alligator Alley . If you do see gators, however, don’t get too close. Remember that a gator can run faster than you from a dead stop.

Continue along, and you’ll meet up with U.S. 41 after 27 miles or so. When you reach it, turn left and head back towards Naples.

The Ringling Masterpieces on Florida’s Gulf Coast

From Naples, let your road trip take you up the Florida Gulf Coast for 129 miles, about a two-hour drive, and you’ll find beautiful Sarasota. To many, it’s the cultural center of Florida. The city’s infusion of culture was launched by John Ringling (of Ringling Circus fame). He poured his millions into the area and attracted other wealthy neighbors to this beautiful area of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Ringling’s most significant legacy is Ca’ d’Zan (“House of John”), his and Mable’s winter home. It’s the type of place you’d expect only see in a Great Gatsby-era movie.

On the shore of Sarasota Bay, it’s an extraordinary Venetian-inspired palatial residence that combines Baroque with French and Italian Renaissance styles. The 66-acre estate spreads across a beautiful park-like setting with manicured lawns and massive oaks dripping with Spanish moss.

Also on the estate is the beautiful John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art . It contains numerous galleries containing late medieval European art, 16th-and 17th-century Italian masterpieces, and 18th-century American works.

It’s an intimate place that gives you the feeling that you’re wandering through someone’s home admiring their private collection. If the Ringling museum were in Europe, travelers would rate it as a “must see.”

The Incredible Ringling Circus Museum

 On this Florida Gulf Coast road trip stop you’ll get a thing to enjoy. Also on the property is the Ringling Circus Museum, which is, in fact, two separate museums .

The first is a nondescript building containing old circus wagons and Ringling’s opulent restored rail car from the original circus. Here you’ll find everything from a ticket booth, the mechanic’s cart that contains everything needed to keep the show going, cars that held the animals for the sideshows, as well as a ton of other memorabilia.

The second part of the museum – and the show’s real star – is the Tibbals Learning Center. The center contains an incredible miniature recreation of a circus called the “Howard Bros. Circus,” but is patterned after Ringling’s extravaganza.

The exhibit’s million pieces are built to exact scale (3/4” to the foot) and have amazing detail. For example, there are 7,000 miniature-folding chairs in the Big Top, and when folded, they fit into the five little wagons, just as they would in the real show. Even more impressive is that one man, Howard Tibbals, created the entire thing over 55 years.

It’s fascinating and shows all aspects of the circus, from the time the train pulls into town to when the big show is over. It covers an area of 3,800 square feet and is about 1½ times the length of a football field.

The Ringling (Museum of Art, Circus Museum and Ca’ d’Zan) 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243 (941) 359-5700 Tickets: $5-25. Visitors should purchase tickets online before arrival. Hands-on activities and docent-led tours are currently unavailable. Opening hours: Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year’s Day

Head North to St. Petersburg on the Gulf Coast

You’ll likely spend the better part of a day with the Ringlings, but at some point, you’ll want to move on and head further north up the Florida Gulf Coast on your road trip.

About 40 miles up the coast, you’ll come to beautiful St. Petersburg and St. Pete’s Beach, the latter aptly named for the miles of beautiful, wide pure-white beach on which it sits.

You can grab some tan time if you like, but you’ll also find many other things in this area of Florida’s Gulf Coast that you’re likely to enjoy as well. One of them is the acclaimed Salvador Dali Museum, the most comprehensive collection of the artist’s work in the world.

It might seem a bit odd to have a Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Still, the site was chosen because it resembles Dali’s hometown of Cadaques, Spain.

To tell you the truth, I’ve never been a Dali fan, but I love this museum. After visiting, I left with a newfound respect for the man and his works.

I f you enjoy art, you’ll likely also want to pay a visit to the city’s Museum of Fine Arts . Its collection includes works by Cézanne, Monet, Rodin, and Georgia O’Keeffe.

If you have children in tow, head for the Great Explorations Children’s Museum, a hands-on museum dedicated to children’s learning that’s also fascinating for many adults. It’s adjacent to Sunken Gardens, a former water-filled Florida sinkhole. Ten feet below street level, it’s now a tropical garden with thousands of plants.

  Salvador Dali Museum 1 Dali Boulevard St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 823-3767 Tickets: $10-25 and can be bought online at  https://thedali.org/visit/buy-tickets/ . Advanced timed-tickets are required for all visitors. Your ticket will indicate the time you will be admitted into the museum. Opening hours: The Dalí is currently open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am-6 pm (until 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays). Starting November 21, 2020, the museum will open daily 10 am-6 pm and until 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays).

St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts 255 Beach Drive NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 896-2667 Tickets: $10-20. All tickets are timed admission and must be purchased in advance. Opening hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 am-5:00 pm; Thursday-Friday 12:00 pm-8:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm: Sunday 12:00 pm-5:00pm; Closed Monday.

Great Explorations Children’s Museum 1925 4th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33704 (727) 821-8992 Tickets: $11-12 Opening hours: The museum has implemented new health policies and procedures and a phased opening. See https://greatex.org/reopening-plan/ for more information.

Sunken Gardens 1825 4th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33704 (727) 551-3102 Tickets: $6-12 Opening hours: Monday–Saturday: 10 am–4:30 pm; Sunday: Noon–4:30 pm. The last admission is at 4 pm daily.

Neighboring Tampa on the Gulf Coast

Across the bay, in Tampa, there is a score of other exciting places, including the Henry R. Plant Museum, a lavish former hotel, and the city’s best-known historic landmark . At the Tampa Museum of Art, you’ll find both ends of the art spectrum : ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan pieces as well as American 20th-century fine art. Obviously, this Florida Gulf Coast road trip stop packs a lot in.

Tampa’s lively neighborhood of Ybor City was once home to the largest cigar factory in the world, employing about 20,000 people. Today it’s a vibrant district with boutiques, clubs, and restaurants that comes alive in the evening.

Scattered about this Florida Gulf Coast city are the Florida Aquarium (focusing on the various habitats of Florida) , the Museum of Science and Industry (lots of interactive displays for adults and children) , and Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park (with the expected variety of animals as well as a center for injured and sick manatees). Outside the city is the famous Busch Gardens, the well-known African-inspired theme park and zoo .

Henry R. Plant Museum 401 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL 33606 (813) 254-1891 Tickets: $5-10. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to facilitate contact-less entry. Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm; closed Monday.

Tampa Museum of Art 120 West Gasparilla Plaza Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 274-8130 Tickets: $5-10 Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am – 5pm; Thursday: 10am – 8pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 5pm

Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 273-4000 Ticket prices vary by date but are generally between $20-30. All tickets must be reserved and bought online without exemption. Opening hours: Monday–Thursday:10:30am – 4pm; Friday: 9:30am – 5:00pm: Saturday: 9:30am – 9:00pm; Sunday: 9:30am – 5:00pm

Museum of Science and Industry 4801 East Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33617 813) 987-6000 Tickets: $7.95 – 12.95 Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park 1101 West Sligh Avenue Tampa, FL 33604 (813) 935-8552 Tickets: $29.95 – 39.95. Discounts are given for advance purchase. Opening hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm daily

Busch Gardens 10165 McKinley Drive Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 884-4386 Tickets: $85.99 (discounted, regularly $110.99). Several combo tickets include dining, visits to a second park, etc. Advance reservations online are required. Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm; closed Wednesday.

Continue North Up the Coast

Head back across the bay to St. Petersburg and continue your Florida Gulf Coast road trip up Rt. 19 north to Tarpon Springs, a town founded by Greek fishermen and sponge divers in the early 20th century. Sponge diving has made a resurgence here, and Greek culture still survives, as you’ll see by visiting the area about the harbor.

The continue another 60 miles up the coast on Rt. 19 to Crystal River, just short of where Florida’s coastline begins to swerve left to form the state’s panhandle. Crystal River is known for its Crystal River State Archaeological Site, the site of six Indian mounds, gravesites of the Native Americans who occupied the area from 200BC to AD1400. You’ll find it two miles west of town.

However, Crystal River is better known for its many manatees, which gather in herds of up to 300. One of the best places to see these gentle “sea cows” is in the Crystal River. The area is famous for kayaking, and in January-March, you can see the manatees that come to bask in the warm springs in the area.

If you’d like a closer encounter, you can observe these endangered animals from the surface while snorkeling – just do not touch or disturb them in any way. They are most active in the early morning.

If you’d rather stay out of the water, head about eight miles south to Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. There a floating observatory gives you good views of the animals underwater.

Crystal River State Archaeological Site 3400 North Museum Point Crystal River, FL 34428 (352) 795-3817 Tickets: $3 per vehicle (up to 8 people); $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. The correct amount is required (honor box). Opening hours: 8 am until sundown, 365 days a year.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park 4150 South Suncoast Boulevard  Homosassa, FL 34446 (352) 628-5343 Parts of the park are closed, but the wildlife walk and above deck area of the underwater observatory are open. Scheduled manatee feedings daily at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Tickets: $5 – 13 Opening hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm daily. Ticket counters close at 4:45 pm.

How To Reach Florida’s Gulf Coast 

Naples has only a small airport that is utilized, for the most part, by private planes, flight schools, and air charter operators.

Most travelers use the area’s larger airports to reach Florida’s Gulf Coast. These include Southwest Florida International Airport (in Ft. Meyers, about one hour north of Naples), Tampa International, and Orlando International (about one hour east of Tampa).

Alternatively, you could also fly into Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, rent a car and drive across the Everglades to the Gulf Coast. From Ft. Lauderdale, the most direct drive would be across US75, Alligator Alley, directly to Naples, about a two-hour drive.

The route from Miami to Naples on the old Tamiami Trail (U.S. Highway 41, the original connection between Miami and Tampa) also would take about two hours. Still, it would allow you to detour onto Loop Road and not have to backtrack from Naples at the start of your Florida Gulf Coast road trip.

August 26, 2023 at 1:12 pm

Hi Jim, Tarpon Springs is worth the visit just for the food, from complete Greek meals to scrumptious desserts; plus there are lots of beautiful old homes along Spring Bayou and the sponge dock area which is lined with restaurants. On January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany takes place at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the traditional throwing of the cross into the bayou attracts thousands of viewers. The young man who retrieves the cross is feted at the cathedral and is the town hero for a year. It’s a fun day for everyone. Cheers – Stan

November 23, 2023 at 7:01 am

You forgot the fantastic airport in Bradenton, SRQ. Small and very efficient, it’s a super airport for access to the Gulf Coast. Puts you right in between Naples and Tampa.

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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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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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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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If so, we would love to keep in touch! We enjoy seeing photos and comments about your experiences in Florida! You can follow us on Instagram and we will repost your photos on our feed and comment too! Just tag us at @floridatrippers and hashtag #floridatrippers. We can’t wait to see your travels!

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!

The Ultimate Road Trip: Gulf Coast

You’ll be taking the  scenic route  via  route 90  and route 98 from  New Orleans , Louisiana all the way to South Walton, Florida.

Day 1: Louisiana

If you have a  few days to spend in New Orleans , have a look at our  city guide  or check out some family-friendly  ideas.  Make a quick stop for breakfast and/or coffee at  Satsuma Café  on your way out of town. Stay in for the  Mexican Breakfast Plate , or take the  Green Breakfast Sandwich to go.  (Or revisit your favorite donut place.)

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - White Castle

Day 2: mississippi and alabama.

Before Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi Gulf Coast was one of the largest casino markets in the US. After the catastrophic  destruction of the water-based casinos in the Hurricane , the  Mississippi Gaming Commission  decided to rebuild the casinos on land.  The Silver Slipper Casino  was the first casino built on the ground in Mississippi, and pays  homage to legacy of the famous Vegas casino of the same name  which closed in the 80s. Make a stop and try your luck at the table games or in the high limit salon.

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Day 3: alabama & florida.

Do you ever think about the connection between athletic competition and artistic expression? Did you even know there was such a thing as “sport art”? In Daphne, Alabama, on the  United States Sports Academy  campus, you can visit the  American Sport Art Museum  and find out all about it.  Their collection has more than 1,000 pieces and is believed to be the  largest collection of sport art  in the US, and possibly the world. Visit the museum any weekday (it’s closed on weekends).  Bonus: it’s free!

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Walton-on-Thames

After three long days of driving, stay the night in  luxury  in the  Watercolor Inn & Resort  at the nearby Santa Rosa Beach, or find more hotel options  here .

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From Florida to Mississippi, the Gulf Coast is not only a beautiful spot for a beach vacation, but an important ecosystem that thousands of sea turtles, seabirds and other wild creatures call home. The Panhandle beaches welcome visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Gulf Coast and learn more about its delicate ecosystem. Set off on a road trip along Route 98 through the region's best state and national parks, and appreciate the wonders of the Gulf Coast.

Tallahassee to Apalachicola 90 miles 2 hours Stay: The Gibson Inn has a spot on the National Historic Register of Historic Places thanks to its storied past as the area's first luxury hotel and the first in the Panhandle to boast steam heat back in 1907. Today, its charming mix of history and modern amenities make it a comfy stop for a few nights while you explore the area.

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Great places to visit on a west coast florida road trip itinerary.

Getting to the Florida Gulf Coast

One Week Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary Summarized

• Day 1: Arrive in Naples
• Day 2: Birdwatching at Pelican Bay in Naples
• Day 3 (day): Walk the Clam Pass Boardwalk in Pelican Bay
• Day 3 (evening): Cocktails at the Blue Martini in Naples
• Day 4: Drive from Naples to the Everglades to experience "Old Florida" and a manatee safari
• Day 5: Drive from Naples to Sanibel Island with stops at Lovers Key State Park and the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
• Day 6 (day): Drive from Sanibel Island to Sarasota with a stop at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
• Day 6 (afternoon/evening): Ringling Bros. Museum and Ca' d'Zan
• Day 7: Drive from Sarasota to St. Petersburg with stops at Weedon Island Preserve and Sawgrass Lake Park
• Day 8: Explore downtown St. Petersburg plus a drive to Tampa

Florida Gulf Coast Travel Destinations: Naples

Birdwatching in pelican bay.

Spiders on the Clam Pass Boardwalk

Funky Cocktails at the Blue Martini in Naples

Drive from Naples to the Everglades for a Day Trip

Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary: From Naples to Sanibel Island

Gopher tortoises at lovers key state park.

Eureka Moments at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

Sanibel Sunsets over the Gulf Coast

Seashells by the Seashore on Sanibel Island

Dolphins on the Beach Along Florida's Gulf Coast

Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary: From Sanibel Island to Sarasota

Sanibel island's j.n. "ding" darling national wildlife refuge.

Sarasota: The Land of Art Deco and Whimsical Flamingos

Running Away to Join the Circus at Ringling Bros. Ca' d'Zan

St. Armands Circle

Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary: From Sarasota to St. Petersburg

St. petersburg's weedon island preserve.

Sawgrass Lake Park

Cuban Food at La Teresita

Out and About in Downtown St. Pete

St. Petersburg Farmers Market

Craft Beer in Downtown St. Pete

Folkfest St. Pete

Fun Street Art

Brew D. Licious

Florida Gulf Coast Travel Destinations: Tampa

Henry b. plant museum in tampa.

Tampa's Ybor City

Best Places to Visit on the West Coast of Florida Road Trip Map

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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.

Ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida

• Post last modified: March 10, 2024

Embark on a Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida to savor a coastal region like no other. From a wild Padre Island, a stone’s throw from Mexico, to the quirky Key West, closer to Cuba than Miami, picking just one favorite stop is an overwhelming task. If you like stunning beaches, incredible nature and towns with character, this unbeatable drive along the Gulf Coast is for you.

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Route from Texas to Florida

• Start: South Padre Island
• Corpus Christi
• Mustang Island
• New Orleans
• Pensacola Beach
• St. George Island
• Clearwater Beach
• Sanibel Island
• Finish: Key West
• Total distance:  1,981 mi / 3,188 km
• Total driving time:  38 h

Why take the Gulf Coast road trip?

It’s hard to imagine a better journey for the beach bum than this ultimate Gulf Coast road trip. As you drive from Texas to Florida, you find more pretty beach towns than you can count.

From the golden beaches of South Padre Island to the white South Florida beaches, it’s one of the most mouth-watering road trips in the US to take.

In particular, you find some of the whitest and most famous beaches in Florida. Pensacola Beach, Clearwater Beach and Sanibel Island are just a few of Florida’s many Gulf Coast beach gems.

But the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip is not solely about beaches. It’s also about the fun towns and cities that you find along the way.

New Orleans is one such unique Gulf Coast city as you drive from Texas to Florida. The Louisiana city, appropriately known as the Big Easy, offers both great sightseeing and eye-catching drinks.

Fewer miles: If you prefer a shorter Gulf Coast road trip, the Orlando to Florida Keys drive also follows that same lovely coastline but starts in the theme park capital.

1. South Padre Island, TX

On the southern tip of Texas, the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip adventure begins. South Padre Island is both an island and the southernmost town along the extensive Texas Gulf Coast.

You can, of course, begin this Gulf of Mexico road trip at any other destination along the way from Texas to Florida. However, if you want to see every mile of the Gulf Coast, you need to include South Padre Island on the itinerary.

Because South Padre Island is a very likable destination, that’s a decision easy to motivate.

When you visit Padre Island, you notice that the island is much more than the popular spring break party hub it has become known as. Texas’ southernmost Gulf Coast destination is a great place for anyone who likes beaches and the outdoors.

Above all, the main attraction on South Padre Island is its beach. With wide dunes and inviting blue Texas water, it’s easy to find peace on the island; as South Padre Island is so big, it’s always possible to get away from the crowds.

To further appreciate the stunning coastal South Texas environment, walk the popular South Padre Island boardwalks. Laguna Madre Nature Trail is perfect for a short stroll, while the adjacent South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center has a longer boardwalk offering a more complete experience.

Many birds migrating across the Mexican Gulf make their crucial first landfall on South Padre Island, creating a paradise for birdwatchers. But as you wander the South Padre Island boardwalks, you on top of a wide range of feathered wildlife also have the chance to spot alligators and tortoises — this is a beautiful introduction to the coastal South Texas area and a superb way to kick off the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida.

Route info: Padre Island is Texas’ longest barrier island, and it stretches out all the way from South Padre Island in the south to Corpus Christi in the north. But as there is no road taking you directly from its south to its north, you need to drive on the mainland to get to the next stop on the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary.

2. Corpus Christi, TX

• Driving distance: 175 mi / 282 km
• Driving time: 3 h

When you reach Corpus Christi, you reach a Gulf Coast city that offers some great Texas attractions. Next to each other in the North Beach area, you find the city’s historic military vessel and an appealing aquarium. It couldn’t be more convenient to tick them both off your Gulf Coast bucket list.

The USS Lexington Museum , on the bay of Corpus Christi, is nothing less than an iconic experience. Stepping aboard the long serving but nowadays retired aircraft carrier of USS Lexington, nicknamed the Blue Ghost, is thrilling and educational. The huge floating museum is in immaculate condition and teaches a good history lesson.

Literally a stone’s throw away, Texas State Aquarium is another popular attraction for the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary. The aquarium works to build a brighter future for the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond. Its exhibits and fascinating creatures are enjoyable for animal lovers of all ages.

But a Corpus Christi visit is also about exploring the wild Texas coastline. Across the JFK causeway, on North Padre Island, you find the always peaceful Padre Island National Seashore . The park protects 66 miles (106 km) of wonderful coastline, boasting an incredibly spacious beach and ideal conditions for wildlife viewing. It’s an exceptional stop to further grasp the vastness and beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast.

3. Mustang Island, TX

• Driving distance: 29 mi / 47 km
• Driving time: 0.5 h

After exploring Corpus Christi and North Padre Island, the Gulf Coast journey continues further north. Only 30 minutes from Downtown Corpus Christi and next to North Padre Island, you find Mustang Island.

Mustang Island has 18 miles (29 km) of shoreline and wide sandy beaches to enjoy. Above all, it’s the perfect Texas destination to unwind as you road trip the Gulf Coast.

At the northern end of Mustang Island, you find the island’s town: Port Aransas. Also known as “Port A”, it’s a classic beach town full of character. In the downtown area of Port Aransas, you have everything you need for a pleasant vacation — including the beach, restaurants and shops — within walking distance.

All over Mustang Island, you find an appreciated slow pace. The locals call it that you’re on island time when you visit Mustang Island.

The further south and away from the liveliness in Port A you go, the more secluded the setting gets until you reach Mustang Island State Park . There you in an untouched state park environment find all the room you need to recharge your batteries before you continue the ultimate road trip along the Mexican Gulf.

Additional stop: Rockport is an idyllic bayside town that’s a pretty addition to the Gulf Coast road trip. Its Rockport Beach is shorter than many other beaches on the itinerary but still appreciated. In addition, you in the area also find the smaller Goose Island State Park and more extensive Aransas National Wildlife Refuge , which both are popular spots for wildlife viewing.

4. Galveston, TX

• Driving distance: 220 mi / 354 km
• Driving time: 4.5 h

Galveston can brag about mile after mile of sandy Gulf Coast beaches to relax on. But that’s just the start of everything that this coastal town brimming with history has to offer to the road trip along the Gulf Coast.

The historic Strand District, or just The Strand, is the heart of the town and island. Facing Galveston Bay, the historic-building-dotted district is recognized as a national historic landmark. In the outstanding setting, you find great potential for everything from daytime sightseeing and shopping to entertaining nightlife.

Not only in and around the Strand but throughout Galveston, there is a rich selection of history and museums to explore. The 1892 Bishop’s Palace is an old Galveston mansion that looks a lot like a castle from the outside. Its inside is full of architectural treasures and a must for history buffs to explore on the Gulf of Mexico road trip.

On the gulf side of Galveston, the historic Galveston Seawall since long protects the town from large waves. Built after the Galveston hurricane of 1900, the seawall is nowadays closely associated with the city. With the sea by your side, the seawall is an excellent stretch to walk, run or bike as you visit the historic Galveston.

Additional stop: Houston is the largest city in the Gulf Coast region and a must stop to include on the Texas to Florida itinerary if you want some big-city fun. Above all, the city is home to the renowned Houston Space Center where you get to learn all about space and space travel.

5. New Orleans, LA

• Driving distance: 382 mi / 615 km
• Driving time: 6 h

If you this deep into the road trip from Texas to Florida still feel any tension, it’s time to finally shake it off. New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, values the easy going and appreciates all the temptations in life.

In the renowned French Quarter, you find a cocktail of historic French, Spanish, Creole and American architecture to admire. The district’s homes, with signature iron balconies, truly showcase the city’s multicultural heritage.

To take it all in, lace up your shoes and walk the heart of New Orleans, guided by street signs in both English and French.

The number one New Orleans street for visitors who want to let loose is Bourbon Street. It’s nothing less than a legendary spot for a cold drink on the Gulf Coast road trip. The neon green Hand Grenade is a popular New Orleans cocktail, but there are less shiny beverages to try too.

Just a few streets away from Bourbon Street, the timeless Mississippi River flows. North America’s second largest river is muddy, but you didn’t come to New Orleans to swim it anyway. Strolling along the riverfront is energizing, or you can take a steamboat cruise to experience the city from the river.

Additional stop: Coastal Mississippi, between Louisiana and Alabama, is a destination off the beaten path. The Mississippi Gulf Coast, including Gulfport and Biloxi, is famous for its casino scene and delicious seafood offerings. But on the Mississippi Sound, you don’t find beaches that can compare to beaches further east on the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary.

Additional stop: On the way to Fairhope, you drive through the Alabama city of Mobile. In Mobile, you find interesting museums, such as Mobile Carnival Museum and the USS Alabama . Either visit Mobile attractions on the way from New Orleans, or take a day trip from the nearby Fairhope.

6. Fairhope, AL

• Driving distance: 161 mi / 259 km
• Driving time: 2.5 h

It’s hard to find a place along the Gulf Coast that’s more pleasant than Fairhope, Alabama. Often mentioned as one of the best small towns in the South, you can’t miss its charm when you stop by on the Texas to Florida Gulf Coast road trip.

Located a short distance from the much bigger Mobile, Fairhope appreciates the simple things in life. Among moss-covered oak trees and on streets surrounded by colorful flowers, it’s easy to enjoy yourself.

Downtown Fairhope is the town’s hub of activity. Here, on Fairhope Avenue, you find an eclectic mix of shops, cafés and restaurants. As you stroll the street, you can feel that warm southern hospitality.

At the end of Fairhope Avenue, a medium walk or a short drive from the downtown area, the landmark Fairhope Pier extends out into Mobile Bay. Watching a sunset from the pier, or anywhere else along Mobile Bay, is the perfect end to a day on your Gulf of Mexico journey.

7. Pensacola Beach, FL

• Driving distance:  67 mi / 108 km
• Driving time:  1.5 h

You know that you have arrived in the Sunshine State when all you see is seemingly endless sugar-white sand. Not far from the Alabama border, Santa Rosa Island welcomes visitors to the quintessential Florida.

Pensacola Beach is the island’s most well-known community. The pristine Gulf Coast destination has everything you need for a beach getaway — from dreamy hotels and quirky shops to yummy restaurants and fun bars — and, of course, lovely beaches.

On the popular Casino Beach, the 1,471 feet (448 m) long Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is located. The pier stretches out into the Gulf of Mexico, offering spectacular views over the ocean and beach.

Although Casino Beach can be rather busy, it’s never hard to find a private spot on the spacious Santa Rosa Island. If you want to escape the crowds, just head either east or west from the island’s centerpiece pier.

To the east, between Pensacola Beach and the neighboring community Navarre Beach, the untouched beaches in Gulf Islands National Seashore appeal. Here, everywhere your eyes go, you find white beaches and the inviting Mexican Gulf.

In the other direction, on the western end of Santa Rosa Island, the historic Fort Pickens magnificently stands. It was completed in 1834, and exploring the fort is a highlight on the Gulf Coast itinerary. To no surprise, white beaches abound in the far west of Santa Rosa Island too.

More info: Where to stay in Pensacola

Additional stop: When you follow the Gulf Coast from Pensacola Beach to St. George Island, the route goes through Panama City Beach. The sublime Northwest Florida destination is a great addition to the itinerary if you crave for some more time on the beach.

8. St. George Island, FL

• Driving distance: 171 mi / 275 km
• Driving time: 4 h

As you reach St. George Island, you find a Northwest Florida destination much different than the more famous Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach. Embrace the so called Forgotten Coast, a tranquil place without the liveliness found elsewhere.

There are no high rises on St. George Island, and you don’t find the endless selection of hotels and off-the-beach distractions that many other Florida destinations pride themselves for — how incredibly refreshing.

St. George Island is a splendid destination for some quiet time before the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary takes you down to South Florida. With its natural appearance still intact and an in general slower pace, the island offers the perfect opportunity to unwind.

On St. George Island, the uncomplicated things to do are the most appreciated ways to spend a day. Hitting the beach, hiking in St. George Island State Park or visiting the iconic St. George Island Lighthouse are highly valued island activities.

Considering the island’s undeniable beauty, it’s hard to imagine that such a gem ever could be forgotten. What St. George offers to the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary is humble but still alluring.

9. Clearwater Beach, FL

• Driving distance: 310 mi / 499 km

After St. George Island, the Texas to Florida road trip takes a real turn as it follows the Gulf Coast down south. In Central and South Florida, more beautiful palm-fringed beaches await.

First out, Clearwater Beach is an all-round beach destination catering to most roadtrippers. Unfold your towel and savor its 2.5 miles (4 km) long shoreline — it’s wide, sugar white and simply gorgeous.

But Clearwater Beach is an active beach town offering more than just a beautiful beach to the Gulf Coast itinerary. The southern part of town (around Pier 60) is lively with plenty of places to grab a bite, bars and shops.

As you find everything you need in Clearwater Beach, you can keep your car parked during your entire stay. However, for a change of scenery, there’s much more to explore in the immediate surroundings.

Directly north of Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island is an untouched island where it’s easy to unwind. A stone’s throw to the south, Sand Key Park is another pristine spot for quiet Gulf Coast days in the sun — escaping the Clearwater crowds couldn’t be any easier.

More info: Best Clearwater hotels

Additional stop: Between Clearwater Beach and Sanibel Island, there are many more pretty destinations to add to the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary. Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key and Gasparilla Island are Island are only a few of the many stunning Florida Islands in the region.

10. Sanibel Island, FL

• Driving distance: 165 mi / 266 km
• Driving time: 3.5 h

Southwest Florida’s Sanibel Island is a real contrast to Clearwater Beach’s lively beach scene. When you cross Sanibel Causeway, the island’s only mainland connection, you go back to the basics.

Life on Sanibel is uncomplicated. Sure, the island is dotted with resorts, but no buildings are permitted to be taller than the tallest palm tree, and nature is everywhere around you.

In particular, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge boasts an untouched Florida environment and superb wildlife viewing opportunities; it’s a haven for tropical birds of different sizes and colors.

There are numerous beaches to enjoy on Sanibel Island too. Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is a popular and scenic spot with a small pier, but the further west you go, the smaller the crowds get.

If you travel all the 11 miles (18 km) across the island to its westernmost point, you reach Blind Pass Bridge. It takes you to the neighboring Captiva Island where the laid-back Southwest Florida island life continues.

More info: Sanibel Island accommodation

Additional stop: Naples is located on the southwestern edge of Florida. The pretty Florida city is known for its white beaches and upscale vibe. It’s one of the US cities with most millionaires per capita, and when you visit on the Gulf Coast road trip, it’s easy to see why.

11. Everglades, FL

• Driving distance: 92 mi / 148 km
• Driving time: 2 h

After Naples, pristine beaches give way for wild and untamed nature. Now, the Texas to Florida road trip reaches its climax for nature and animal lovers.

Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of unique South Florida wilderness.

Make sure to look where you place your feet; it’s a busy park. Most famously, the area is home to the iconic American alligator; other Everglades reptiles include crocodiles, turtles, lizards and snakes.

But that’s just the start when it comes to wildlife viewing. On top of reptiles, a wide range of mammals and birds also thrive in the immense wetland — lucky visitors may spot the Florida panther.

To take full advantage of the setting, join a guided Everglades airboat tour. Numerous airboat companies happily take visitors deep into the exciting depths of the huge wetland.

Young or old, encountering tropical animals in their vast and timeless habitat is an extraordinary experience. Everglades wildlife viewing is a memory for life to bring with you home from the Texas to Florida road trip.

More info: Where to stay when visiting the Everglades

Additional stops: Between Everglades and Key West, there are many fun additional road trip stops to make. The ultimate Miami to Key West road trip itinerary takes you from key to key on the Overseas Highway all the way until the road ends.

12. Key West

• Driving distance: 209 mi / 336 km

When you reach Key West , you have traveled all the way from the southern tip of Texas to the southernmost point of Florida. After an extensive Gulf Coast road trip, Key West is an excellent place to round off the journey.

The southernmost point of Florida is also the southernmost point of the continental United States. So no matter when you take the Gulf Coast drive, it’s likely that you will end the trip with some nice and warm days.

In the depth of winter, the daily average maximum temperature is 75°F (24°C) in Key West. Even at night, the temperature on average in January doesn’t go down below 65°F (18°C) on the island.

That’s pretty manageable, isn’t it?

Still Key West has much more to offer to the Texas to Florida road trip than pleasant weather. Above all, it’s an island where something fun always is going on.

In Old Town, you find tasty restaurants and all the watering holes you could ask for. The area is also home to many popular island attractions including the Hemingway House , Key West Lighthouse and Butterfly Garden .

But the conventional way to end a day in Key West is to gather with other visitors on Mallory Square. There the traditional sunset celebration — in quirky Key West fashion, of course — takes place each evening.

As you admire the golden Mallory sunset, your head points out over the Gulf of Mexico. What a perfect spot to end the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida, which started across the ocean.

• Where to stay in Key West

The Old Town area is the best place to stay in Key West for access to attractions. In the historic district, you have all you need for a good time within walking distance.

• Almond Tree Inn – Peaceful and central.
• Blue Marlin Motel – Affordable lodging.

Gulf Coast itineraries with days

For the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida, we recommend setting aside 3 weeks or more. If you have less time, you can do a pacier road trip or break up the Gulf Coast itinerary and focus on your favorite parts.

Ultimate itinerary (3 weeks)

• Day 1-3: South Padre Island
• Day 3-4: Corpus Christi
• Day 4-6: Mustang Island
• Day 6-8: Galveston
• Day 8-10: New Orleans
• Day 10-11: Fairhope
• Day 11-13: Pensacola Beach
• Day 13-14: St. George Island
• Day 14-16: Clearwater Beach
• Day 16-18: Sanibel Island
• Day 18-19: Everglades
• Day 19-21: Key West

Houston to the Florida Panhandle (1 week)

• Day 1-2: Houston
• Day 2-4: New Orleans
• Day 4-5: Fairhope
• Day 5-7: Pensacola Beach

Road trip along the Gulf Coast FAQ

This ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida is 1,981 miles (3,188 km) long. Driving it takes about 38 hours, not including any stops along the way.

In contrast to the ultimate Texas to Florida road trip, you can also take a much shorter Texas to Florida drive. From Houston to Pensacola Beach, without detours, it’s 533 miles (858 km) and roughly 8 hours by car.

The Texas to Florida Gulf Coast road trip includes 5 states. After Texas, you in order pass Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama before you arrive in Florida.

The main stops included on the ultimate Texas to Florida road trip are South Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Mustang Island, Galveston, New Orleans, Pensacola Beach, St. George Island, Clearwater Beach, Sanibel Island, Everglades and Key West. You also find several appreciated additional destinations along the way.

From the golden beaches of Texas to the white South Florida beaches, a road trip from Texas to Florida is just packed with fun things to do. Along the coastline, you find not only beautiful nature, but also towns and cities with top US attractions.

For the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida, we recommend allowing 3 weeks or more. But if you have less time, you can take a pacier road trip or break the itinerary up to focus on your favorite parts.

More Gulf Coast guides

• Best things to do in Key West
• Top things to do in Clearwater

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7 End-Of-Road Towns In Florida Worth Exploring

• Explore hidden gems like Marco Island, St. George Island, and Cedar Key for a unique Florida experience beyond the tourist clichés.
• These towns offer a blend of history, local culture, and natural beauty perfect for those seeking an unforgettable adventure off the beaten path.
• From museums to fresh seafood to scenic views, these end-of-the-road towns are waiting to surprise visitors with unforgettable memories and experiences.

Florida is famous for its endless beaches , stunning nature, and exciting cities. But beyond the usual tourist spots, there's another side waiting to be discovered. Tucked away at the end of scenic roads, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, are hidden gems called "end-of-the-road towns."

These charming little places offer a unique mix of history, local culture, and untouched natural beauty. They're perfect for anyone who wants to explore beyond the usual tourist trails and experience something special. From the historic streets of Cedar Key, full of fun things to do , to the tropical charm of Anna Maria Island, these 7 hidden towns are waiting to surprise visitors with unforgettable memories.

Marco Island, Florida

Beachy escape, one road in, one road out.

This island boasts stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, and fancy resorts, perfect for those seeking relaxation in style. Marco Island's history goes back to the Calusa Indians, and visitors can even visit the Marco Island Historical Museum to learn more. But most people come for the fun in the sun: swimming, fishing, or watching dolphins in their natural habitat. The island is also a gateway to the enchanting Ten Thousand Islands, with opportunities for up-close wildlife encounters and explorations of the mangrove-lined estuaries. Marco Island offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury, and a touch of history, making it a dream vacation spot.

Visit The Oldest Historical Site In Florida (That's Almost As Old As St. Augustine)

St. george island, florida, secluded paradise, accessible by bridge only.

St. George Island is known for its untouched beauty and relaxed atmosphere. This island has overcome storms and challenges over time, and the people here are passionate about protecting their natural surroundings. Visitors can climb the historic lighthouse for stunning views of the Gulf. There's biking, hiking, and kayaking in crystal-clear waters for outdoor lovers. The beaches here are some of the calmest in Florida, perfect for soaking up the sun. Families can also enjoy St. George Island State Park, with areas for picnicking, swimming, and spotting wildlife. This secluded island, with its clean water and gentle breeze, is ideal for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.

Like many parts of Florida, mosquitoes can be present, especially during certain times of the year. Pack insect repellents to avoid any discomfort.

Chokoloskee Island, Florida

Remote everglades outpost, boat access preferred.

Located on the fringes of the Everglades, Chokoloskee Island serves as a gateway to the wild side of Florida, with a history woven from the stories of the Calusa Indians, early settlers, and daring outlaws. For those seeking adventure, Chokoloskee offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricate waterways of the Everglades . Whether kayaking, fishing, or observing the diverse wildlife, visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of this fascinating ecosystem. This secluded town represents the essence of exploration, showcasing the rugged beauty and enduring spirit of Florida's untamed wilderness.

7 Places To Retire In Florida On The Gulf Coast

Anna maria island, florida, quaint island getaway, limited bridge access.

Anna Maria Island captivates visitors with its pristine shores and the laid-back vibe of its welcoming community. This charming spot has been a favorite vacation place since the early 1900s. Walking along the beach, exploring cute shops, and enjoying fresh seafood at cafés are only some things guests can do on Anna Maria Island . Learn about the island's history at the Anna Maria Historical Museum or fish off the historic piers. Anna Maria Island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and experience the quintessence of Florida's Gulf Coast charm.

While the island boasts charming cafés and restaurants, Anna Maria Island is known for its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Don't expect a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and clubs because everything shuts down around 10 to 11 pm.

Cedar Key, Florida

Time capsule town, reachable by ferry or causeway.

Explore Cedar Key, a charming island town where time seems to slow down. Imagine streets lined with colorful houses, shops selling local crafts, and delicious seafood restaurants. This island's history shines through, from its bustling port days to its peaceful vibe. Visitors come for the island's beauty - kayaking, bird watching, and stunning sunsets over the Gulf. The annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival lets guests taste the island's fresh catch, especially clams, and celebrate its heritage. Cedar Key is the perfect place for guests looking to experience a different pace of life amid the backdrop of Old Florida.

10 Things To Do In Cedar Key: Complete Guide To Florida's Tiny But Mighty Key Island

Steinhatchee, florida, river haven, off-the-beaten-path charm.

Steinhatchee is all about fishing, nature, and a simpler life. This town has a rich history of logging and fishing and even boasts the title of "Scalloping Capital." Every summer, people come from all over to snorkel and scoop fresh scallops from the shallow waters. Beyond the water, Steinhatchee offers stunning river views, perfect for peaceful walks. The town has a natural Old Florida feel, with friendly locals sharing stories about their catches at the marinas. This charming town isn't just about the seasonal scallops; it's about the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to experience the real Florida.

Steinhatchee experiences a surge in visitors during the scalloping season (typically June to August). Be prepared for increased crowds, limited lodging availability, and potentially higher prices during this time.

Pine Island, Florida

Rustic fishing community, surrounded by waterways.

Forget the usual Florida beaches. Pine Island offers something special: natural beauty and a unique culture. Instead of sand, this island boasts lush mangrove forests and working farms. Fishing and farming are a way of life here, and the locals are proud of their heritage. The towns of Matlacha, Bokeelia, and St. James City are full of life, with art galleries, fresh seafood, and cute shops lining the streets. Guests who love the outdoors can explore the calm waters by kayak. They even have a fun" MangoMania " festival to celebrate the island's delicious mangoes. Pine Island is a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter Florida experience, surrounded by nature, fresh produce, and a touch of artistic flair.

Florida's end-of-the-road towns offer a glimpse into a bygone era, stunning natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences. Each of these hidden gems promises a chance to disconnect, unwind, and discover the essence of the Sunshine State in all its diverse glory. Whether one craves historical immersion, outdoor adventure, or a taste of the local flavor, Florida's end-of-the-road towns have something special waiting to be discovered.

Feeling landlocked? Head for five breezy beach bars near Tallahassee

April is when Tallahassee minds turn to the coast. In 45 minutes you can arrive at a sandy spot. When the sun gets too hot, head for a nearby beach bar.

Here's a quick rundown of five of our closest and favorite watering holes near the water.

Dine with a view: Take a coastal dining tour of 14 favorite waterfront restaurants near Tallahassee

Alligator Point Tiki Hut

1648 Alligator Dr., Panacea; 850-570-7797; facebook.com

After a morning at Bald Point State Park, this seaside grill and bar is a welcome haven as the only watering hole on the Point. Perched next to Alligator Point Marina, where sailboats and fishing boats come and go, the Tiki Hut opens in spring and is hopping all summer until it closes in October. The casual eatery specializes in seafood baskets, burgers, wings and sandwiches. There’s live music and new bar stools. Hours are noon-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. The kitchen closes at 8 p.m. and live music is featured on Saturdays.

Angelo's Seafood Restaurant

5 Mashes Sands Road, Panacea; 850-984-5168; open Wednesday-Sunday all year;  angelospanacea.com

Perched on pilings at the edge of Ochlockonee Bay in Panacea, Angelo's has weathered its share of storms. Built and rebuilt, with a major update after Hurricane Dennis in 2005, Angelo's has been serving fresh seafood with a Greek flair since 1945. Sit on the breezy deck with a cold beer or a margarita and watch the water ripple, it's all part of the Panhandle's Forgotten Coast charm. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try the Panacea Pain Killer, a concoction with two kinds of rum or try the Angelo's Bloody Mary. The menu is loaded with winners, including broiled heads-on shrimp, Angelo's oysters, whole char broiled snapper, grouper fingers and more.

Blue Parrot

68 W. Gorrie Dr., St. George Island; 850-927-2987;  blueparrotsgi.com

Tallahassee residents are just 80 miles away from a beachy paradise. You can walk up to the breezy Blue Parrot from the beach, rinse your feet off on the boardwalk and order a margarita from the deck with a front-row view of the Gulf. Specialty drinks include an Island Girl (coconut run, pineapple juice, OJ, served on the rocks with lemon lime soda), St. George Island Breeze (citrus juices with cherry infused vodka on the rocks) or brave The Sand Blaster. It features mango, blackberry, lime and rum and comes with its own danger warning and 151 floater. "I've been Sandblasted" T-shirts are also available.

Order a dozen raw oysters or smoked yellowfin tuna dip and enjoy the salt air. Beachy fare includes conch fritters, shrimp baskets, seafood and fish platters, burgers, and the ever popular grouper sandwich. The restaurant is the host of the annual St. George Island Mullet Toss in June.

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107 Mississippi Ave., Panacea; open 5-9 p.m. Wed-Thurs and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri - Sun​;  trident850.com

The Poseidon theme is fitting at Trident, a sea-to-table restaurant that opened in 2023 on Dickerson Bay in Panacea. Brothers Jesse and Tyler Rice, who own the farm-to-table Backwoods Crossing in Tallahassee, wanted to return to their coastal roots with a vision to showcase southern ingredients in interesting ways.

With a spectacular view of the marshy bay, the restaurants dishes up a splashy brunch with menu items like Seafood Heaven and Indecisive, Hungover, & Starving. Saturday happy hour features $3 Bloody Marys. The Rocks menu features tempting cocktails including the Shore Bird, featuring dark rum, campari, pineapple, peach puree, lime and agave. Selections from the main Rations menu include Crab Stuffed Grouper and Dirty Gator Rice.

Riverside Cafe

69 Riverside Dr, St. Marks, 850-925-5668;  facebook.com/ontheriverstmarks

Watching the boaters glide by on the sparkling St. Marks River as you enjoy a beer or cocktail is the height of Riverside Cafe's coastal charm. The birds may swoop by and sometimes they invite themselves for dinner, but notice the sign: “Please do not feed the birds from inside the restaurant.” Still, it’s part of the relaxed atmosphere, along with the menu including a blackened grouper sandwich, seafood, chicken and burgers. The Riverside has a giant tiki style thatched roof and bands playing on the weekends.