Florida has the perfect combination of landscapes, attractions and cities that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Travel in Florida can be done on a group tour or individually. For those that prefer a more unique experience for getting to know the Sunshine State, a road trip style is a safe and fun way to travel around the state.
In Florida, you can easily get around by car and explore different regions from cities to beaches, from camping to national parks. Regardless of whether it takes a few days or an entire week, the routes to travel by car are inspiring and full of attractions along the way.
Take a look at these 5 suggestions of itineraries for road trips around Florida. Heck, even if you are not a tourist, this may be the perfect way to get a vacation in without breaking the bank.
5 Routes for a Car Trip Around Florida
1. Florida Keys Highway
This is probably the most famous road in Florida and one of the most beautiful in the United States. On this route you can discover the most turquoise beaches and incredible natural beauty, leaving Miami and going to Key West on the US -1S.
Florida Keys Highway has 161 miles of extension and it passes through Miami, Key Largo, Islamorada, Big Pine Key and Key West. On the way down to the keys you can stop at any number of beaches, you can fish, snorkel, dive, check out the famous Coral Castle and enjoy any number of sunset cruises. This may not be a long road trip but there is no lack of things to do along the way, and that doesn’t even count what there is to do in Key West!
2. Highway 30A
For a short but incredible drive, Highway 30A is perfect for multiple stops in small towns, with beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico from Grayton Beach to Rosemary Beach.
Highway 30A has 11 miles in length and its route includes Grayton Beach, Water Color, Seaside, Seagrove, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.
3. A1A Highway
For a route overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, A1A is great for being extremely close to the ocean during the entire trip. That makes it a great option for visiting the beaches and historic cities in the region, including the oldest city in the United States, Saint Augustine.
The route has almost 250 miles of road. Palm Beach, Jupiter, South Beach, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Palm Coast and Saint Augustine are just a few of the places you’ll pass through as you travel up Florida’s A1A highway.
4. Highway I-10E
If you’d like to see the north of the state, you can choose to go from West to East Florida via Highway I-10E. On this route, you can visit charming rural towns and the interior of the state while passing through two large cities, from the Florida capital, Tallahassee, to the most populous city in the state, Jacksonville.
This route is 165 miles length and covers Tallahassee, Monticello, Live Oak (where you can visit Suwannee River State Park), Lake City and Jacksonville.
5. Tamiami Trail
The famous Tamiami Highway, officially called US 41, connects some of Florida’s most relaxing cities with historic communities and delightful landscapes. This route is one of the most interesting to reach the Everglades, including other cities in your travel itinerary. You can choose between taking the complete Tamiami route (which runs from Miami to Tampa) or exploring just a few stretches of the road, such as from Sarasota to Naples.
It has 155 miles of extension that goes through Sarasota, Venice, Cape Coral, Sanibel Island to Naples and The Everglades.
Florida Beyond South
Florida has sunshine, great weather and tons of attractions. A great way to see them, whether you are a tourist or a local, is to hop on to one of the State’s, long and expansive highways and enjoy a road trip. So grab a map (ok, a GPS is fine) pick a route, follow it and let the beauty of Florida unfold on the road before you.
