Florida’s unique combination of ideal year-round weather, easy driving roads, and unique attractions means that it offers a long list of epic road trips. Starting from the Panhandle and venturing down to the southernmost point of the continental United States, you can make this road trip as short or as long as you’d like, as there are plenty of exciting Florida sights and attractions along the way.
Adventure outside of Florida’s most famous theme park attractions and you’ll discover an abundance of stunning coastlines, white-sand beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultures. Pack your bags, fill up the tank and grab your favorite snacks before taking this ultimate Florida road trip.
Pensacola
Start your adventure in the Panhandle and epicenter of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Pensacola. This historic city has plenty of things to do aside from exploring its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. Take a stroll on the beach or head to the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier for an up-close peek at the fishermen reeling in their daily catch. Explore the historic Fort Pickens or visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, as this area offers endless family-friendly attractions. Come evening, and you can capture a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors at sunset or join the nightly stargazing gatherings at the beach to soak in the otherworldly views of the stars.
Destin
Just a little over an hour from Pensacola and you’ll be in Destin, a family-friendly city known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Located on Florida’s pristine Emerald Coast, Destin is a hotspot for fishing enthusiasts. Destin has grown in popularity, but fortunately still maintains its charming small-town vibes where its sugary white sand beaches and blue waters reign supreme. Surrounded by three unique bodies of water, whether you cast a line from the pier, indulge in top-notch seafood from a waterfront restaurant or work on your summer tan, you’re guaranteed to capture some breathtaking Florida views.
St. Augustine
Next head to St. Augustine, America’s oldest city and one of Florida’s most charming destinations. A family-friendly area that is perfect for history enthusiasts, here you can explore the colonial-era Castillo de San Marcos fort, watch historical re-enactments at the Colonial Quarter or climb the Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the city. St. Augustine’s 450-year-old cobblestone streets are lined with quaint cafes and architectural treasures that are also perfect for a spooky night out on one of the city’s famous walking ghost tours.
Daytona Beach
In just over an hour from St. Augustine, you’ll find Daytona Beach, a beach town famed for its picturesque coastline and enthusiastic race fans that flock here every year. Home of the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, here visitors will discover activities for the entire family to enjoy. Head to the action-packed Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, try your hand in one of the many exciting water sports like surfing and paddleboarding or indulge in the city’s variety of nightlife opportunities.
Orlando
Next head to Central Florida for a city brimming with family-friendly fun and theme park action. Orlando needs no introduction, as it is known worldwide as being home to “The Happiest Place in the World”. The city has an abundance of attractions that will appeal to travelers of all ages, from thrilling theme park rides at Disney World and Universal to an endless combination of world-class museums, and an abundance of shopping opportunities and top restaurants. Head to the action-packed International Drive for a ride on the Orlando Eye, visit the kid-friendly LEGOLAND and get up close and personal with Florida’s fiercest at Gatorland.
Tampa
Head west to Tampa, one of Florida’s most popular cities with a long list of attractions to choose from. While many only visit Tampa for its roller coaster rides at Busch Gardens and award-winning beaches in nearby Clearwater Beach, the city has so much more to offer. Art enthusiasts can visit the world-renown Dali Museum, while animal lovers can explore the Lowry Park Zoo or try their luck in spotting a manatee at the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. Sports fans are also in luck with a variety of local sports teams to cheer on like the Buccaneers, while those who want to test their luck can head to the famous Hard Rock Casino.
Sarasota
Just an hour south of Tampa is Sarasota, one of Florida’s most picturesque vacation destinations. Boasting a string of eight stunning islands tucked into the Gulf Coast of Florida, Sarasota has an endless amount of attractions for those who want to soak in Florida’s natural beauty. Outside of its powder-white Siesta Key Beach and popular Myakka River State Park, visitors will find unique cultural attractions where you can explore vibrant artwork at the Ringling Museum of Art and Mediterranean Ca d’Zan Mansion or stroll through the colorful displays of exotic plants at Marie Selby Botanical Garden.
Fort Myers
Further south from Sarasota is Fort Myers, a charming vacation getaway destination with family-friendly beaches and historical landmarks. Here you’ll discover a fascinating mix of wildlife and nature, where in addition to its beautiful coastline, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is its top attraction. Situated on 8,000 acres of land near the shelling mecca that is Sanibel Island, the refuge is home to a diverse mangrove with a variety of diverse wildlife such as herons, ospreys, and alligators.
Miami
Head next to visit one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Miami. Mixing big city vibes with pristine beaches and high-end luxury, Miami is a vacation destination that offers endless activities for all types of travelers, even families with kids. From its top restaurants to its high-energy clubs and action-packed South Beach, party-goers will be in vacation heaven, while the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens boasts top-notch artwork and Miracle Mile plenty of opportunities to indulge in retail therapy. For those looking for activities centered around nature, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park just a short drive away.
Key West
The drive to Key West is the most spectacular, giving you a chance to drive over the famous Seven Mile Bridge. The southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West packs a lot of punch for its small size and combines laid-back vibes and colorful history to offer visitors a variety of bucket list-worthy Florida attractions. Aside from the main tourist strip on Duval Street and popular sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, visitors can snorkel through vibrant coral reefs at the Dry Tortugas National Park, explore the Ernest Hemingway home or charter a boat and observe dolphins in the idyllic blue waters. Just don’t forget to grab a slice of the city’s famous key lime pie before you go.
