Road trips in Florida: 5 best driving routes

Known as the Sunshine State, Florida is an ideal destination for road trips. Tour the cypress forests on a trek through the Everglades, take in the sights of Orlando on your way to Tampa, or cruise along the Gulf Coast from Sarasota to Crystal River.

These road trips are more than just a drive — they take you through Florida’s small towns, museums, beaches, and historic landmarks. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this guide to the 5 best road trips in Florida showcases the best the state has to offer.

1. Jacksonville to Miami

Best road trip along the Atlantic Coast

Route information

Distance and driving time: 388 miles; 7 hours.

Best time of year for a Jacksonville to Miami road trip: Spring (March–May).

Road types: Highways and coastal roads.

Jacksonville to Miami road trip highlights

Travel down the Atlantic coastline for relaxing beaches, historic landmarks, and the chance to catch a shuttle launch at Cocoa Beach. Highway 95 hugs the coast as you head south out of Jacksonville and make your way to the vibrant party scene in Miami. While you can cover the distance in 7 hours, traveling from Jacksonville to Miami is best done over multiple days to experience the best of Florida’s east coast.

Key stops along the way

Jacksonville: Relax on 22 miles of pristine beaches and explore beachfront parks like Hanna Park for hiking and kayaking.

St. Augustine: Discover the history of the oldest settlements in the U.S. at Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress with waterfront views.

Cocoa Beach: Visit the world’s largest surf shop, or catch an early morning space shuttle launch from nearby Kennedy Space Center.

Palm Beach: Sunbathe on the beach or shop at the luxury boutiques in West Palm Beach.

Ft. Lauderdale: Grab a bite at a trendy restaurant on the Strip, a lively oceanfront boulevard.

2. The Overseas Highway, Key Largo to Key West

Best road trip for panoramic ocean views

Route information

Distance and driving time: 102 miles; 2–3 hours.

Best time of year for an Overseas Highway road trip: Winter (November–February).

Road types: Highways and bridges.

The Overseas Highway road trip highlights

Start your adventure in Key Largo and hit the iconic Overseas Highway, a 113-mile roadway that connects the islands of the Florida Keys. As you head to the southernmost point in Key West, stop at coastal cities for shopping, snorkeling, or just admiring the island views. For an even deeper dive, join a Florida Keys boat tour to explore the 800+ islands that make up this tropical paradise.

Key stops along the way

Key Largo: Snorkel among the sea grass, coral, and roots of mangrove trees at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Rain Barrel Village: See the quirky 40-foot-long Betsy the Lobster sculpture, a local landmark and fun photo opportunity.

Sombrero Beach: Take a refreshing dip in the clear blue waters of Sombrero Beach.

Seven Mile Bridge: Enjoy uninterrupted ocean views as you cross one of the longest segmental bridges in the world.

Key West: Tour the Hemingway Museum to learn more about the life of the legendary author.

3. Daytona Beach to Tampa

Best road trip for family fun

Route information

Distance and driving time: 152 miles; 5 days.

Best time of year for a Daytona Beach to Tampa road trip: Fall (September–November).

Road types: Mostly highways.

Daytona Beach to Tampa road trip highlights

Looking for a five-day road trip in Florida? Start in Daytona Beach, where you can enjoy the warm water beaches, then hop onto Highway 4 to reach the world-renowned theme parks and attractions of Orlando. Consider spending a few days in Orlando to get the most out of your theme park experience. Once you’ve hit the road again, take a breather in Winter Haven before heading to the fun-filled city of Tampa.

Key stops along the way

Daytona Beach: Catch a thrilling car race at the Daytona International Speedway, a world-famous race track that hosts major NASCAR events.

Orlando: Visit popular amusement parks in Florida, like Universal Studios or Aquatica.

Orlando: Explore the Orlando Science Museum for hands-on learning activities like digging up dinosaur fossils and building a rocket.

Winter Haven: Unwind with a picnic at Trailhead Park, featuring walking trails and playgrounds

Tampa: Discover family-friendly spots like bowling and the Glazer Children’s Museum, an interactive and educational space along the Tampa Riverwalk

4. The Everglades, Fort Myers to Flamingo

Best road trip for nature lovers

Route information

Distance and driving time: 206 miles; about 5 hours.

Best time of year for an Everglades road trip: Dry season (December–April).

Road types: Highways, rural roads, and optional gravel roads.

The Everglades road trip highlights

Discover the mangrove forests, marshes, and untouched wilderness of the Everglades on a Florida road trip from the beaches of Fort Myers to the heart of Everglades National Park in Flamingo. After a scenic drive through cypress trees and subtropical wetlands, nature lovers can spend a night (or more) at the Flamingo campgrounds to explore the nearly 2 million acres of this unique wetland ecosystem.

Key stops along the way

Fort Myers: Explore the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and Gardens, where you can tour the homes and gardens of two of America’s most famous inventors.

Naples: Stroll through the 170 acres of the Naples Botanical Gardens, one of the few tropical gardens in the U.S.

Big Cypress National Preserve: Navigate through the marshes and cypress trees on the Loop Road Scenic Drive.

Southern Miami: Take an Everglades airboat tour for an adrenaline-packed adventure through the marshes and see the wildlife up close.

Flamingo Campgrounds: Experience the great outdoors in style in an elevated glamping tent in Everglades National Park.

5. Sarasota to Crystal River

Best road trip for Gulf views along Florida’s west coast

Route information

Distance and driving time: 134 miles; 3 to 4 hours.

Best time of year for a Sarasota to Crystal River road trip: Winter (November–February).

Road types: Highways and smaller roads.

Sarasota to Crystal River road trip highlights

From Sarasota, cross the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge into the sunny city of St. Petersburg, known for its vibrant art scene. Immerse yourself in the surreal world of the legendary artist Salvador Dalí at the Dalí Museum, one of the city’s cultural highlights. Then head north along the Gulf Coast, past beaches and through preserves and state parks, as you journey on to the coastal city of Crystal River.

Key stops along the way

Sarasota: View exhibits created by top Florida artists at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

Clearwater: Take a boat tour in Clearwater to visit off-shore islands like the romantic Honeymoon Island or the mangroves of Caladesi Island.

Spring Hill: Catch a mermaid show in the underwater theatre at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where mermaids have entertained for more than 70 years.

Crystal River: Kayak the wetland labyrinth of the Three Sisters Springs and watch for the annual manatee migration.

FAQs

Generated with the help of AI

Is Florida a good destination for a road trip?

Florida offers a fantastic road trip experience with easy driving conditions and diverse attractions. You can explore stunning beaches, vibrant shopping districts, and exciting theme parks.

What are some top road trips in Florida?

The Florida Panhandle offers beautiful coastal views, while Highway 1 takes you through charming towns. Discover the magic of Walt Disney World and its surroundings, or venture into the wild beauty of the Everglades. For a truly unique experience, drive the Overseas Highway to Key West, where you can enjoy stunning ocean vistas.

What are some must-see stops on a Florida road trip?

A Florida road trip offers diverse attractions, including the Everglades National Park for its unique ecosystem, the vibrant city of Miami with its art deco architecture, and the historic charm of St. Augustine. Don’t miss the stunning beaches of the Gulf Coast, the Space Coast’s Kennedy Space Center, and the springs in Ocala National Forest.

What is the best highway for a road trip in Florida?

The Overseas Highway to Key West is often considered Florida’s most scenic drive. Spanning 113 miles, it connects a series of islands off the southern coast and offers a unique experience. A highlight of this route is the 7-mile segment that runs entirely over water, providing stunning ocean views.

How long does it take to drive through Florida?

Driving from the northern tip to the southern end of Florida typically takes about 13 hours. However, for a more enjoyable experience, consider extending your journey over a week or more. This allows time to explore attractions, enjoy scenic routes, and stay at vacation rentals along the way.