florida panhandle road trip

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Things to do in florida panhandle - 4 days road to trip parks, caverns & more.

By Gary McKechnie

A two-day circle tour in the rural parts of the Florida Panhandle is a low-key road trip. Taking you across six counties and two time zones, much of what you’ll find may be new to you, yet the simple pleasures of Old Florida provide this tour with a comforting sense of familiarity as you discover all the fun things to do in Florida's Panhandle.

Day One: Antiques, Woods, and Water

Just 16 miles northwest of Tallahassee is Havana . About 20 years ago this small town got some big ideas and dozens of vintage homes and brick buildings were repurposed into antique shops, furniture stores, art galleries, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Even a spacious railroad depot and cavernous produce warehouse were renovated and are now filled with antiques, upscale accent pieces, and jewelry. This active district can’t shake its agricultural roots, however. Come here on a Saturday and stock up on certified naturally grown produce at the farmer’s market.

From here, SR 12 leads southwest to Quincy where grandiose and stately Victorian homes line street after street. Why are they here? Well, around the time of the Great Depression, a local banker advised his depositors to invest in a small but popular soft drink and soon Quincy was known for its “Coca-Cola Millionaires.” Legend has it that, for a time at least, little Quincy held the distinction of having more millionaires per capita than any other place in America. FYI: A single original share from 1930, reinvested, would be worth around $10 million today. (Read all about it at ‘Coke Millionaires.)

Highway 267 slips south from Quincy and, just nine miles later, brings you to the Bear Creek Educational Forest at Lake Talquin State Forest. The beauty of Bear Creek is found in a dozen educational programs and in its nearly 500 acres, much of it accessible via three well-marked trails. The shortest is the paved half-mile Living Forest Trail that links into the 1.5-mile Ravine Trail that encircles a picturesque lake and includes some gentle ascents, gradual drops, and a few turns around the rim of a deep ravine. At 2.2 miles, the Bear Creek Trail leads deep into the forest and out of earshot from the neighboring highway. Surrounded by nothing but nature, at Bear Creek you can do something unusual: Relax.

Back on 267, about four miles south of Bear Creek, just past the town of Wetumpka, Cooks Landing Road appears on your left. Turn here and drive until it reaches the shores of Lake Talquin (a contraction of Tallahassee and Quincy ) where you’ll find one of Florida’s most out-of-the-way restaurants. At the Whippoorwill Sportsman’s Lodge, ‘The Whip’ is a place that is seriously authentic. Guests arriving by land and by water are here either for the bait and tackle shop or, just as likely, to sit on the deck at a waterfront table or inside the dining area, which is loosely decorated with outboard engines, dollar bills, antlers, farm tools, and neon signs. Steaks, seafood, hamburgers are a constant, but the joint really jumps during Friday evening’s low country shrimp boil.

From here, it’s an easy 55 miles between The Whip and Marianna via I-10 (longer if you prefer back roads). You’ll want to be up at first light in order to start your day in the dark.

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna allows visitors to see inside the dry cave system.

- Gary McKechnie for VISIT FLORIDA

A sign at Florida Caverns State Park leads the way.

Day Two: From Caverns to the Coast

You’ll have to take the tour to get the full impact of the must-see Florida Caverns State Park , but for now here are several reasons to put this on your agenda. First, this is Florida’s only show cavern. Rangers will tell you when the caverns were discovered, how CCC workers transformed it into an attraction during the Great Depression, and then they’ll toss in a little science as well (the high and low temperatures of the area determine the caverns’ constant temperature — 65 degrees, give or take).

You’ll learn about geology and the glacial pace that make this wondrous cavern a testament to nature. As ranger Kevin Pankau shared, it takes roughly a century for just one cubic inch of limestone to be created through steady drops of water. In other words, filling a space the size of a TV remote could take 1,000 years — a fact that makes it hard to fathom the exquisite intricacy of formations that include stalactites, stalagmites, “soda straws,” columns, flowstones, and even terraced pools. Pankau and his fellow rangers love sharing facts like these, and you’ll be even more thrilled when they remind you where you are. Turning off the lights for a moment, you know you’re far underground. In the complete and total blackness, the hollow and steady rhythm of droplets informs you how these caverns were created over millions and millions of years. For an even bigger thrill, camp out in the park and return for a flashlight tour of the cavern. First rate.

As you roll into town, on your left you will see a historic steam locomotive.

The museum is made up of 18 historic structures.

One of the buildings visitors can see at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement.

The simple pleasures of Old Florida provide this tour with a comforting sense of familiarity.

Highway 71 leads south to Blountstown. As you roll into town, on your left you’ll see a steam locomotive that once ran on the M&B railroad between 1909 and 1972. A historic marker details its impressive past and should pique your interest for history in abundance at the nearby Panhandle Pioneer Settlement.

Few things have delighted me as much as this place, primarily because the “museum” is made up of 18  historic structures ranging from an 1820 cabin to a 1942 gymnasium; all disassembled and moved to this location from across Calhoun County so visitors could look at – and walk into – a home and a blacksmith shop and a church and a jail. Incredibly, this was largely the work of just two people: Willard and Linda Smith. They decided Blountstown needed something like the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement — and so they created it. Thanks to the Smiths and a team of docents and caretakers, over the past 25 years these old buildings have been given a new life as educational institutions and serve double duty at weddings, special events, and field trips. You can’t live in the past, but this is truly the next best thing.

Now here’s an easy way to wrap up the day: Take a road trip to northwest Florida. First, head east on Highway 20 to the town of Hosford. From here, you can enjoy a pleasing ride south on Highway 65, straight through the Apalachicola National Forest. There is really nothing to do here aside from looking down the straight-as-pines road, gliding through places like Wilma, Sumatra, Beverly, and Creels before the flat waters of the Gulf of Mexico appear before you. Take a left and Highway 98 reminds you why it is one of Florida’s most pleasing drives. It skirts along the water’s edge to provide mile after mile of spectacular scenery.

End the day in Carrabelle , dining on fresh seafood (really – it was probably caught in the Gulf a few hours ago). Watch the sun fire up the evening as it fizzles into the water … with little to do aside from enjoying your surroundings, take a moment and look at a map.

All around you are roads less traveled, each and every one of them ready to take you to new destinations with plenty of things to do in the Florida Panhandle.

For this and other Florida travel ideas , go to VISIT FLORIDA's official travelers guide.

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Florida Panhandle Road Trip- Best Stops

The Florida Panhandle stretches 200 miles along the Gulf coast of northwest Florida. There are countless towns to stop at on a Florida Pandhandle road trip making it a great drive and the perfect place to plan a road trip. For my road trip, I focused on scenic highways, delicious food, beach towns, and adventure. Let this be your guide to planning your Florida Panhandle Road Trip.

Adventure on the Florida Panhandle

The best adventures along the Gulf coast are out on the water and Panama City Beach offers no shortage of options. You can kayak at night , rent pontoon boats, or jet ski out to see dolphins on the Gulf. The choice is yours but my highlight was visiting Shell Island . Shell Island is a local hangout and only accessible by boat. It’s a great place to set up for a beach day and explore another unique part of Panama City Beach.

In north Gulf County, Florida you can explore the Dead Lakes of Wewahitchka . This 6,700-acre network of waterways is for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Captain Matt, of  Off the Map Expeditions , offers detailed tours of the Dead Lakes tours. I highly recommend this as a nice change of pace from a day at the beach.

Eating and Drinking Along the Florida Panhandle

No road trip is complete without good food and drinks and the Florida Panhandle offers amazing options along the coast. Once you make your way to Apalachicola head to Indian Pass Raw Bar . It is only a short 20-minute drive from Apalachicola and one of my favorite meals from the road trip. They offer raw oysters, baked oysters, stuffed shrimp, and an on-your-honor tap beer list. Don’t skip this place on your Florida Panhandle road trip.

When you make your way back to Apalachicola head to the local brewery for a tasty beer flight. Oyster City Brewing has a great selection of beers and my personal favorite was the Apalach IPA. It’s right in the center of town and the perfect place to end the day.

Favorite Photo Spots on the Florida Panhandle

The beach cities offer no shortage of amazing sunrises and sunsets. You will be rewarded for a sunrise view of the pier in Panama City Beach or along the water in Apalachicola. However, my favorite on the drive was Cape San Blas. It is a beautiful spot to get on the water, go for a hike, and eat at a local restaurant. It is between Port St. Joe and Apalichola and an easy drive no matter the route you take on your road trip.

The Cape San Blas lighthouse in Port St. Joe is another great photo spot. It’s located right in town and you can even climb it for a better view of the city.

Making the Most of Your Florida Panhandle Road Trip

Driving the Florida Panhandle is a laid-back adventure with cities and towns to fit anyone’s style. Hit the beach one day and explore small towns along the coast the next. The wide variety of experiences in a short 200-mile drive makes this a really unique part of Florida to explore. I can’t wait to return and see more of what northwest Florida has to offer.

Clint Johnston

I have been traveling to over 100 countries by using the methods I share on this site. My goal is to maximize every trip and make the most of my adventures. Join me on Instagram.

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Exploring the Hidden Gems of Florida's Panhandle: A Scenic Road Trip Guide

Combining Florida's Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast, the Florida Panhandle is filled with unspoiled natural beauty found nowhere else in the state. The combination of inviting white sand beaches, emerald waters and tranquil barrier islands allows visitors to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Panhandle's small fishing villages and quaint coastal towns. For a truly extravagant beach vacation away from the crowds, head to one of these stunning places on Florida's northwest gulf coast.

Here is a one-week itinerary to discover these little-known and exotic places of Florida for yourself!

We started our road trip from Cocoa Beach and drove for 5 days all over the Florida Panhandle.

Road trip through the Florida Panhandle | Travel Itinerary - 5 days

Day 1: big lagoon state park, gulf islands national seashore, pensacola and sunset at navarre beach, destin, night at destin, big lagoon state park.

The first night was at this State Park. On this trip we have combined nights in State Parks and nights in hotels. This experience was incredible, the truth is that the State Parks are great to stay overnight, we did it in our car. We bought an inflatable mattress and a kitchen kit for the camping days. The State Parks have very clean bathrooms and showers. Also when you reserve your site you also have a table and the possibility to make a campfire (sometimes they sell you the firewood directly in the park but sometimes you have to bring it yourself).

Camping fees: $20 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. (Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.)

Gulf Islands National Seashore (Florida)

Florida's coastal district features offshore barrier islands with brilliant white sandy beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications and nature trails.

It's a rural destination, so don't expect to find exclusive bars or cafes; if you plan to make a day of it, you'll need to bring your own food and drinks.

Admission to Gulf Islands National Seashore is paid per vehicle ($25 per vehicle). Those arriving by foot or bicycle will also pay a nominal fee, but with such stunning scenery and varied outdoor activities at their fingertips, they'll probably think it was money well spent. *If you have the Annual Pass for the National Parks it is included.

Located at the epicenter of Florida's Gulf Coast Panhandle, a beautiful beach resort that doesn't have as many crowds as its South Florida counterparts. It is the oldest settlement in America, founded by Spaniards in 1559. A historic town with shimmering emerald green waters, most visitors who come here just want to enjoy its sugar-white sands and laid-back atmosphere. With a variety of attractions, visitors can fish, swim or explore historic Fort Pickens.

Fort Pickens

A must-do if you are in Pensacola. Built in 1834 to defend Pensacola Bay and its naval dockyard, Fort Pickens was one of four southern forts never occupied by Confederate forces during the Civil War. Sitting at the end of a long stretch of beach in Pensacola is the U.S. military fort, where you'll find a 19th century landmark rich in history. Take a stroll through the officers' and prisoners' quarters, mine chambers and interior gun rooms. Climb the canyon and admire the old brick walls and low arches.

Entrance fee: $15 dollars per person or included if you have the Annual Pass for the National Parks.

The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.

Address: 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Navarre Beach

Explore the canoe capital of Florida and admire the beauty of the Gulf Islands National Seashore to witness its rich history. This compact beachfront community features 12 miles of luxury waterfront that is ideal for those seeking to disconnect from the big cities.

We came down to Navarre Beach to see the sunset. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. Being closed to the Pier made it also very special. If you want to enter the pier it's $1 per person (to park the car it's free).

We then drove to our next hotel destination in Destin.

Day 2: Destin, Grayton Beach State Park, Seaside and Panama City Beach

We spent the night in a beautiful hotel on Destin Harbor, so we woke up in this beautiful place in where we could see the sunset from our room.

Destin is known as the "luckiest fishing village in the world," with plenty of fishing opportunities and hungry underwater populations. Emerald waters, white sands and fresh seafood make Destin an increasingly popular vacation destination. Nature lovers will appreciate nearby Henderson State Park for its 6,000 feet of natural shoreline, warm crystal clear waters and pristine Miramar Beach for peace and quiet.

Grayton Beach & State Park

Grayton Beach is a trendy neighborhood with Hemingway-style log homes set on narrow streets paved with oyster shells. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the United States, you can't beat its famous mile-long coastline with crystal-clear emerald waters.

Colorful homes are nestled among local boutiques and art galleries, and the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the United States, visit Grayton Beach State Park and enjoy 400 acres of granulated sugar beaches, nature trails and a magnificent coastal lake.

To enter the State Park: $5 per vehicle

A small community with skinny streets and white picket fences, movie enthusiasts will enjoy taking a day trip to the former set of “The Truman Show” movie. A pedestrian-friendly area with pastel-colored houses, this quaint area is a great place for families to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

For this night we then drove to Panama City Beach where we had our next accommodation.

Day 3: Panama City Beach, Cape San Blas Lighthouse, St Joseph Peninsula State Park

Panama city beach.

Known as the "Wreck Diving Capital" of the South, Panama City Beach is full of dive sites and artificial reefs. It is one of the best diving destinations in the United States and one of the only cities with dozens of sunken ships and bridges. These are my recommendations on what to do in Panama City Beach:

Pier Park, a fun-filled entertainment center with stores, restaurants and entertainment activities. Best of all, it is located right on the shores of Panama City Beach.

Russel-Fields Pier

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Cape San Blas Lighthouse

The Pensacola Lighthouse is perhaps the best of the bunch, standing 150 feet tall with 177 steps, next to a maritime museum. In the town of Port St. Joe, you'll find the Cape San Blas Lighthouse, unique for its supported structure that looks more like an oil rig. Further east, there is a 92-step climb to the top of the St. George Island lighthouse, built in 1852. The on-site museum tells the story of this white tower, including when it had to be shut down during the Civil War to avoid aiding Yankee ships.

St Joseph Peninsula State Park

Boasting 9.5 miles of snow-white sand beach, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is considered by many to be one of the best beaches in the country. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, visitors can explore the Wilderness Preserve, set up a picnic, hike along the bay shore and meander through the nature trails to spot diverse wildlife.

Day 4: St George Island State Park and Tallahassee

St george island state park.

St. George's Island, home to St. George's Island State Park, is what many consider a slice of paradise. Located in the Florida Panhandle, this barrier island is surrounded by the picturesque waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay, offers 17 miles of paved bike paths and is one of the best beaches in the state. You'll feel alone on this undefended barrier island, where it's hard to leave its soft, sweet sands.

We stayed here for the night and it was an incredible experience.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is an excellent place to come if you are looking for everything in one city. Florida is popular primarily for its divine scenery, and you obviously won't be disappointed in Tallahassee thanks to its extensive flora and fauna, plus it has the best public parks, wildlife reserves and animal sanctuary areas. Home to Florida State University and Florida A&M, the city has a youthful atmosphere.

Florida Caverns State Park

Just a bit more than an hour you'll find Marianna’s biggest attraction: Florida Cavers State Park:

This is one of the few State Parks with caves, and is the only State Park in Florida where visitors can enter the caves.

The caves have formations of dazzling limestone stalactites and stalagmites that form a kind of curtains of different colors.

Guided tours of the caves are offered Thursday through Monday, except Thanksgiving and Christmas (no cave tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The tour lasts 35-40 minutes.

Cavern tour tickets : $15 per person. They are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased in person at the Florida Caverns Gift Shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of arrival.

State Park fee: $5 per vehicle - we stayed the night in the state park so this fee was included in the camping price. Highly recommended to stay one night in this state park, but book in advance cause the spots fill up fast.

You’ll have your own space to camp your tent or your car, a wood table and a bonfire 🔥! The toilets are clean and showers work good. $20 dollars to camp.

The State Park is located two miles north of Marianna on State Highway 166. 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, FL 32446.

Day 5: Cedar Key

Enveloped in small-town charm, Cedar Key is an old Florida gem nestled on the edge of nature with a population of less than 700. Just an hour southwest of Gainesville, you'll be greeted with a rustic atmosphere and a slower pace of life. Its beauty is undeniable, with plenty of stores and fishing boats. Things to visit in Cedar Key:

Cedar Key Fishing Pier

Walk through 1st, 2nd and 3rd street and enter inside the local shops.

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NORTHWEST FLORIDA ROAD TRIPS AND SCENIC DRIVES

By   Mike Miller   Updated February 24, 2022

The Northwest Florida road trips and scenic drives recommended on this website will take you into one of the most rural parts of Florida.  This region sometimes seems to be as much like Alabama as it is the rest of the Sunshine State.

I-10 is the major east-west interstate in this region. It crosses the state of Florida from Pensacola to Jacksonville, and leads on to Pensacola's neighbors Mobile and New Orleans to the west.

Like everywhere else in our country, the interstate highway exits are crowded with gas stations, fast food restaurants and motels. You can travel the state quickly and easily on this highway (unless you get caught in an accident), but not see as much scenery or real towns as on our recommended day trips.

The towns that you see mentioned on the exit signs are usually several miles away.  Your fun and adventure begins when get off the busy interstate and take your leisurely drive on the less traveled roads.

There are many state and county highways off the interstate that offer better scenery and a look at real towns. In Florida, many of the back roads are even four-laned because a few years ago they were main highways that succumbed to Florida's tremendous growth.

The maps below show a few Northwest Florida day trips that I recommend.

If you are more interested in places to visit than driving routes, see  Pensacola Florida Day Trips.

Northwest Florida Road Trips and Scenic Drives with Highway Maps

Road Trip 1: Pensacola to DeFuniak Springs on US-90

US-90 from Pensacola to DeFuniak Springs through Milton and Crestview. Pretty country and nice little towns. Enjoy the Red Bluffs area as you go through Pensacola with beautiful views of Escambia Bay. While in Pensacola, you can enjoy the National Naval Aviation Museum . It is a spectacular display, and admission is free.

DeFuniak Springs was the southern headquarters of the Chautauqua movement more than 100 years ago. Many old Victorian buildings from that era still decorate this quaint little town.

Another great spot to visit in DeFuniak Springs is Chautauqua Vineyards . This quaint place offers some great wine tasting sessions and wine gift baskets in Florida themes.

This trip is about 80 miles .

Road Trip 2:  DeFuniak Springs to Seaside

Take Circle Drive around the lake in downtown DeFuniak Springs to enjoy looking at the old Victorian houses. The town used to be the headquarters of the New York Chatauqua assemblies back in the day, so there is a lot of old charm in this town. After enjoying the sights, take US-331 south out of town to US-98 near Grayton Beach and Seaside. Northwest Florida wooded wilderness, peaceful and quiet. Not much to see, but that's the charm of this stretch of road.

This trip is about 30 miles .

Road Trip 3:  Pensacola to Seaside on US-98

US-98 from Grayton Beach to Pensacola through Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Gulf Breeze. Beautiful white sand beaches and blue green Gulf of Mexico views. Spend some time exploring the towns along County Road 30 and 30A. They parallel US-98 and are loaded with great scenery. Don't forget to visit Seaside when you are exploring.

Seaside is one of the country's leading examples of New Urbanism. This charming village is only 30 years old or so, but is designed for walkability. Once you are there, you don't even need a car. The beach is magnificent at Seaside. Seaside can be the starting point of many of your Northwest Florida day trips.

Take a look at some more beautiful beaches at Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

This trip, not including the wandering around you will want to do, is about 70 miles .

Road Trip 4:  Pensacola to Perdido Key

County Road 292 from Pensacola to Perdido Key State Park. Lonely road and beautiful beaches. No camping, but good picnics and beach walks. This is one of the most scenic Northwest Florida day trips.

The trip from downtown Pensacola is about 18 miles .

Road Trip 5:  Panama City Beach to Grayton Beach on 30A

Turn left off US-98 onto County Road 30A from just west of Panama City Beach.  Drive through Rosemary Beach, Watersound, Seacrest, Seagrove, Seaside, and Grayton Beach and back to US-98.  The most beautiful beaches you will ever see.

The trip is about 20 slow miles.  Slowest in season (summer) and not quite so slow in winter.

Road Trip 6:  Chattahoochee Loop through Sneads and Marianna

This trip takes you within 2 miles of the Alabama border, and directly on the Georgia border when you are in Chattahoochee. Start on US-90 in Chattahoochee and go west about 4 miles to River Road (CR-271) in Sneads. Turn right and go north along the west shore of Lake Seminole, Three Rivers State Park and the Chattahoochee River to CR 2, then left and west to Malone.  Take CR-71 from Malone south to US-90 on the east side of Marianna.  Follow US-90 back to Chattahoochee.  Wooded rural and farmland scenery, close to Two Egg if you want to say you've been there.  One of the most rurual northwest Florida day trips.

The trip is about 60 miles.

Road Trip 7:  Big Bend Scenic Byway from Apalachicola to St. Marks

An official Florida Scenic Highway, the Big Bend Scenic Byway begins on the west at Apalachicola and extends along the coast to St Marks at its eastern limit.  The route meanders through Franklin, Liberty, Wakulla, and Leon Counties as shown on the official route map above.

The trip is about 220 miles.

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Tallahassee And The Emerald Coast: 10 Scenic Road Trips Through Florida's Panhandle

Be it the breathtaking skyscrapers of Tallahassee or the pristine beaches lined along the Emerald Coast, Florida’s Panhandle has a lot to offer.

Popular for its pristine beaches characterized by white sand and emerald waters, the Florida Panhandle is an enchanting paradise that every adventure lover should explore. From Pensacola to Cedar Key, there are plenty of wonderful attractions and hidden gems along the Gulf of Mexico that are worth checking.

If that sounds like a great way to spend a vacation, then what better way to do that than going on a road trip? Apart from the dazzling beaches, there’s wildlife and beautiful lush forests to admire on the tours. For an exhilarating outdoor adventure, scroll down for a list of 10 scenic road trips through Florida’s Panhandle.

10 Pensacola To Seaside

There’s no better way to spend a vacation than discovering new places and meeting new people. That’s what adventurers get to experience when they take a road trip from Pensacola to Seaside. Following the US-98 E, it can be a thrilling 71.7-mi (115.4-km) drive with plenty to see, such as the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach.

Art enthusiasts can make a brief stop at Ginger Leigh Designs on Santa Rosa Island. On arrival at Seaside, travelers can grab something to eat at Seaside Farmers Market.

• Distance from Pensacola to Seaside: 71.7 mi via US-98 E
• Scenic stops: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Ginger Leigh Designs, Top Sail Hill Preserve State Park

9 Panama City Beach To Grayton Beach

For tourists staying in Panama City Beach and wishing to visit Grayton Beach, the US-98 W route is the perfect option. It is one of the most scenic drives in the US for those looking to enjoy a road trip to remember . The route has a lot to offer the discerning soul, including sparkling beaches such as Laguna Beach and Rosemary Beach which are like slices of paradise on earth.

• Distance from Panama City Beach to Grayton Beach: 28.9 mi (46.5 km) via US-98 W
• Scenic spots: Gulf World Marine Park, Camp Helen State Park

8 Pensacola To Perdido Key

Filled with a wide range of must-see things, a road trip from Pensacola to Perdido Key is not one to miss. Tourists can make a stop at Gulf Breeze Zoo for a chance to view and interact with wildlife such as giraffes, hippos, gorillas, and orangutans. Travelers can start their adventure at Avalon Landing RV Park/ Pensacola East, which is about 23 minutes after departure. Before completing the journey, tourists can check out NAS Pensacola Visitors Center.

• Distance from Pensacola to Perdido Key: 16.9 mi (27.2 km) via FL-292 W
• Scenic stops: Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola, Palafox PI, Pensacola Naval Air Station

RELATED: A Road Trip To Remember: The 10 Most Scenic Drives For Your Spring Vacation In The U.S.

7 Apalachicola To St. Marks

Looking for the most scenic roads on the East Coast that are perfect for globetrotters yearning to hit the road? Nothing beats a drive on the Big Bend Scenic Byway, especially when driving from Apalachicola to St. Marks. It’s a 65.3-mi (105.1-km) trip that can leave travelers with unforgettable memories. This route promises a memorable ride with plenty of wildlife to see and gorgeous forests to admire.

• Distance from Apalachicola to St. Marks: 65.3 mi via the Big Bend Scenic Byway and US-98 E
• Scenic stops: Ho-Hum RV Park, Sopchoppy, Wildwood Golf and RV Resort

6 Tallahassee To Cedar Key

Whether it's interacting with nature or enjoying a live performance, a trip from Tallahassee to Cedar Key is sure to leave adventure-seekers in awe. After more than half an hour of driving, globetrotters can make a stop at Monticello for a live show at the Monticello Opera House or dine at Jackie’s BrickHouse Eatery. Travelers can also check out the Chiefland Farmers Flea Market in Chiefland before ending their trip at Cedar Key.

• Distance from Tallahassee to Cedar Key: 152 mi (244.62 km)
• Scenic stops: Monticello Opera House, Jackie's BrickHouse Eatery, Chiefland Farmers Flea Market

5 Apalachicola To Destin

Those who wish to explore Panama City or Port St. Joe and live in Apalachicola can take a road trip to Destin. It’s 2 hours 40 minutes journey via US-98 W that is dotted with an array of spectacular attractions. Vagabonds can stop can soak up scenic views at Cape San Blas Lighthouse in Port St. Joe. On arrival at Panama City, they can indulge in swimming and boating at St. Andrews State Park or check out exotic and endangered animals at ZooWorld Zoological Park.

• Distance from Apalachicola to Destin: 114.8 mi (184.8 km) via US-98 W
• Scenic stops: Cape San Blas Lighthouse, St. Andrews State Park, ZooWorld Zoological Park

RELATED: Blue Ridge Parkway Vs. Skyline Drive: Which Is More Scenic?

4 Marianna To Port St. Joe

When traveling from Marianna to Port St. Joe, tourers always take FL-71 N and FL-73 N, which are some of the most scenic highways in the US, perfect for a road trip . After about 12 minutes of driving, tourists can stop and take a tour of the Dove Rest RV & Mobile Home campground. Travelers can partake in exhilarating water activities at Dead Lakes Park Boat Ramp for an hour or so before proceeding with their adventure.

• Distance between Marianna and Port St. Joe: 79.8 mi (128.4 km) via FL-71 N
• Scenic stops: Dove Rest RV & Mobile Home, Dead Lakes Park Boat Ramp

3 Port St. Joe To Pensacola

For those who can’t seem to travel without their four-legged friends and wish to go on a road trip to explore the best of America’s natural beauty , then this itinerary offers a great adventure. The route features some pet-friendly parks, such as Zollie Young Dog Park in Panama City and Alaqua Unleashed Dog Park in Seaside, where furry friends can go for a walk or play. The entire journey is about 3 hours and 5 minutes without stopping.

• Distance from Port St. Joe to Pensacola: 175.5 mi (282.4 km) via I-10 W
• Scenic stops: Zollie Young Dog Park, Alaqua Unleashed Dog Park

2 Fort Walton Beach To Marianna

Fort Walton Beach to Marianna is one of Florida’s best road trips that globetrotters and adventure lovers can’t afford to miss. It can take roughly about 1 hour and 44 minutes of driving to complete the journey, but this is more than just a drive-through. Travelers can grab something to eat at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, which is a short drive from Fort Walton Beach. They can then head to Chipley where they can buy souvenirs at T & B Hidden Treasures before proceeding to Marianna.

• Distance from Fort Walton Beach to Marianna: 101 mi (162.5 km) via I-10 E
• Scenic stops: Nick's Seafood Restaurant, T & B Hidden Treasures

RELATED: 10 Oceanside Road Trips You Need To Take In The Summer

1 Rosemary Beach To Mexico Beach

Beach aficionados can enjoy an unforgettable coastal road trip from the sugary sand of Rosemary Beach to the white sands of Mexico Beach. The most scenic route to follow is the US-98 E which takes you across places such as Panama City and Tyndall AFB. All travelers need to bring is a good camera to capture the views and beach gear for a fun experience.

• Distance from Rosemary Beach to Mexico Beach: 48.1 mi (77.4 km) via US-98 E
• Scenic stop: Mexico Beach

36 Hours in the Florida Panhandle

By Shannon Sims Updated Jul. 6, 2023

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Running 24 miles through a stretch of the Panhandle of northwestern Florida, roughly between Destin and Panama City Beach, is State Road 30A. It spurs off U.S. Route 98 and passes a series of small towns of differing character, all with beautiful beaches. This area has long been a beloved vacation spot for Southerners who drive each summer to swim in clear turquoise waters, play in powder-white sand and then slap a 30A bumper sticker on their cars. The appeal for many visitors is the pick-your-paradise aspect, with communities with scruffy charm like Grayton Beach just down the road from perfectly polished Seaside. This guide takes you on a short, summery road trip that heads east along a section of 30A, and also highlights free beach access points , as an increasing number of beaches in the region are private or require payment for entry.

Recommendations

• Grayton Beach State Park offers birdwatching, hiking through a forest and stand-up paddle boarding on one of the world’s only coastal dune lakes.
• Seaside , a meticulously planned town and the setting for the film “The Truman Show,” is a great place to explore by bike.
• 30A Farmers Market offers artisan goods and fresh produce at different places throughout the week, including Rosemary Beach’s North Barrett Square on Sundays.
• Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a vast public park at the westernmost edge of 30A.
• Beach SandSculptures offer lessons in sandcastle building at various locations.
• Yoga on the Seaside Pavilion has outdoor classes every morning during the warmer months.
• Camp Helen State Park is a unique area where freshwater meets the ocean.
• Goatfeathers is a nostalgic restaurant and fish market that families have been visiting for generations.
• Pecan Jacks is a small Panhandle-area ice cream and praline chain with a Santa Rosa Beach parlor.
• Black Bear Bread Co. is a regional chain with its original location in Grayton Beach, serving Stumptown coffee and fresh pastries.
• Chiringo is a two-level Grayton Beach restaurant with a slice of ocean view and veggie bowls.
• Frost Bites sells shaved ice and custard treats from an Airstream trailer in Seaside.
• The Daytrader Tiki Bar and Restaurant is a new Seaside cocktail bar with inventive, tongue-in-cheek drinks and a small food menu.
• Bud & Alley’s is the classic sunset destination for Seaside crowds enjoying smoked tuna dip with a view.
• Great Southern Cafe is a popular brunch spot that draws lines of hungry patrons thanks to its central location in Seaside.
• Havana Beach Bar & Grill offers upscale dining in a setting that recalls Old Havana’s legendary bar El Floridita.
• Duckies Shop of Fun is the go-to toy store on Seaside’s main square.
• Modica Market is Seaside’s version of a convenience store, where you can pick up essentials like sunscreen and non-essentials like Champagne.
• The Seaside Style is the town’s official brand shop which sells clothing and accessories emblazoned with the Seaside logo.
• Sundog Books is a longtime hub for book lovers.
• The Pearl , in the center of town in Rosemary Beach, has many rooms featuring balconies overlooking either the Gulf of Mexico or the stylish adults-only pool area. Beach chairs and umbrellas on the hotel's beach area are included. Summer rates start around $500 a night.
• WaterColor Inn , overlooking the beach dunes and ocean in its namesake community, was revamped during the pandemic and now boasts three pools, including one for adults only, a deck bar and an on-site restaurant. Summer rates start around $450 a night.
• With relaxed, shaggy-dog vibes and shaded backyard balconies, Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse in Grayton Beach (where the town motto is “nice dogs, strange people”) may be as close to an Old Florida feel as many visitors can get. Summer rates start around $200 a night.
• Short-term rentals are available through Airbnb, VRBO, or agencies like Cottage Rental Agency , Rent 30A or 360 Blue . Higher-end rentals are especially concentrated in Seaside, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, while more mid-range options appear in Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach and Seagrove Beach. Bigger towns like Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Panama City Beach have a much greater number of hotels and short-term rentals.
• Traveling from one end of 30A to the other lends itself to a car . Ubers and Lyfts are also available.
• Many communities and resorts offer a free shuttle to and from the beach. Beach cruiser bikes are available for rent in almost every community (around $25 a day), as are golf carts (around $120 a day for four passengers). One newcomer to the area is Get a Goober , a family-owned company that operates like Uber, except for golf carts. Several of the state parks mentioned offer extensive options for mobility-impaired visitors, including ramps to the sand and beach wheelchairs .

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My 9 Favorite Stops On Florida’s Panhandle

• Destinations
• United States

As a travel writer, I sometimes housesit as a means to explore a new area while saving some money. Recently, I found myself staying on a mini farm near Florida’s panhandle and exploring from the western tip of Gulf Shores National Seashore to the eastern panhandle’s imaginary border. Here are my favorite stops, plus a few delicious ice cream shops to visit along the way.

1. Gulf Island National Seashore

Driving through bustling cities and congested highways, I was simply stunned when reaching the bridge from Pensacola to the island, giving me a view of snow-white sand beaches bordering an emerald sea that blended into a baby blue sky. Soon, I was on the famous Gulf Island National Seashore , a barrier island bordering the panhandle coastline.

Rising and falling sand dunes speckled with long strands of leathery grass flowed on both sides of the road. The most remarkable feature was the smell of the sea and the taste of salt from the sultry air. The 25-mph speed limit was too fast and I must have stopped a million times to watch a bird, take a photo, or just stare at the pristine ocean scene.

Pro Tip: Allow plenty of time since it will take an hour to drive the entire route at the speed limit, but it’s worth every minute. I took the journey three times and never got tired of it.

2. Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens , located at the western tip of the island, is one of four military forts built in the 1800s to protect important waterways and seaports, especially Pensacola Bay. Designated a historic landmark and managed by the National Park Service, the grounds display ruins almost overtaken by the wind-swept dunes. 

A short hike to the top of the gunnery is a popular spot to watch the sunset. A ranger-guided tour is available of the ruin’s interior sections of sleeping quarters, dining areas, escape tunnels, and where canons stood ready for action.

A nearby campground offers access to hiking trails, a fishing pier, and Langdon Beach. Swimming is allowed and accessible beach mats and wheelchairs are available at the Ranger Station.  

Pro Tip: Stop at TJ’s Chilling Treats in Navarre, an off-the-beaten-path secret that is popular with families. Their creative flavors with fun names, such as my smurf cone with blueberry and raspberry ice cream mixed, make decisions difficult.

3. The Boardwalk On Okaloosa Island

Between swimming and sunning on the beaches as we moseyed along Highway 98, we stopped at the Boardwalk located on Okaloosa Island beach for lunch one day. An official county park serving as a public beach, the Boardwalk is a fun and lively shopping mall serving thousands of people with places to dine and listen to live bands. Shops there don’t mind sandy feet.

After checking out their pier and beach and dodging children making sandcastles, we went shopping for food. There were many places with mouthwatering menus, but we finally chose the Crab Trap Seafood and Oyster Bar on the second floor with a view of the beach from a shaded deck. Delicious and inspiring.

Pro Tip: Around the corner of the Crab Trap is the Pino Gelato Café , a nice little Italian ice cream shop offering very interesting flavors. 

4. Henderson Beach State Park

Once a private ranch donated to the state by the Henderson Family, this exceptionally beautiful strip of coastline near Destin was our choice to hit the beach for a whole morning. We were almost the first person on the beach and had a serene hour before people started lining up along the shore.

The area is an important royal tern nesting site with a fence surrounding a small area about 60 feet from the ocean. We soon discovered little chicks right behind our beach chairs and watched terns dive in front of us into the churning ocean catching breakfast and then flying over our heads to feed their young. It was a magical morning. I never imagined I would be this close to such a heartwarming scene.

Pro Tip: Arrive early as they limit the number of people on the beach to lessen harm to the terns.

Early the next morning, my friend headed back to Louisiana and I continued east on Highway 98. Of all the beach towns I had driven through, Destin seemed to be the least crowded. There are five beachfront properties with twelve access points all with ample parking along the way, which is a major hurdle to overcome when visiting Florida.

I drove by the Dunes Rolled Ice Cream Shop that advertised coffee and realized I had not had breakfast yet! They hand mix fresh fruit (strawberries for me, please) with a secret recipe of rich cream spread on a very cold slab. When frozen, the ice cream is sliced into strips that are rolled resembling a sushi roll. Topped with more strawberries, the treat was a delicious and picture-perfect beach breakfast.

6. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Still smacking my lips, I stopped at the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park mainly to see turtles. Take a detour on Highway 30A to Santa Rosa Beach to this wonderful park with five rare coastal dune lakes that can be reached through hiking trails. Vehicles go no further than a large parking lot and visitors hop on a tram to the beach. Well-maintained bicycle trails lead to the beach with ample bike parking at tram stations. Nearby is a long wooden accessible boardwalk leading to the beach.

This park is a major site in the U.S. for restoring sea turtle habitats for 3.25 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. Four nesting sea turtle species are protected at Topsail, in addition to shorebirds such as plovers and terns. For this reason, some areas are off-limits to humans. Dogs are rarely allowed on Florida beaches.

Pro Tip: Further on Highway 98 is Panama City, a good place for lunch and of course, ice cream. Two places for interesting twists on a cone are the Riviera Creamery (their mango is made with natural fruit) and Monkey Licks Sweet Shoppe (just as fun as it sounds). Both shops are located on Front Beach Road.

7. The Big Bend Scenic Byway

Catching the Big Bend Scenic Byway through the Apalachicola National Forest, I saw an unexpected site in Florida stretching for 220 miles along U.S. Highway 98. I took the Coastal Trail route where I saw a unique wiregrass ecosystem of longleaf pine trees blended with deciduous oaks thriving beside freshwater rivers and ponds. Deer cross the road instead of alligators in this serene forest. Numerous rare plants and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker live here. They are protected under the Florida Wildlife Legacy Initiative.

8. St. George Island

Take a slight detour off the Big Bend Scenic Byway via a very long bridge to St. George Island (a 22-mile barrier island). The main attraction is the Cape St. George Lighthouse which is open to the public. Collapsing in 2005 during a terrible hurricane season, the lighthouse pieces were saved and used to rebuild the lighthouse using original blueprints. I climbed all 84 steps to the top for a view well worth the effort. The island has one of the few pet-friendly beaches in Florida. 

Pro Tip: This quaint fishing village offers many excellent eateries and ice cream joints. Residing in a yellow and blue house, Aunt Ebby’s Ice Cream gave me the largest scoop I’ve ever seen.

9. St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge

My last stop before reaching my house-sitting destination was the St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge mainly to see “Pinky.” Designated as a “Globally Important Bird Area” with over 300 species of birds recorded, migrating flamingos from Mexico stop here after their long journey across the ocean. However, a few years ago when the time came to migrate back to Mexico, one lone flamingo stayed behind and has never left.

The St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge also has a remarkable lighthouse with an intriguing history of survival. Built in 1830, the lighthouse has survived hurricanes, shelling during the Civil War, and water cracks. There was no road to the lighthouse until 1930. Soon afterward, the lighthouse was modernized with electricity. In 2000, the lights were turned off and a solar-powered light now blinks every 4 seconds.

Pro Tip: The lighthouse hours vary according to available volunteers. Even if not open, the lighthouse bay is perfect for a picnic and a good place to launch small fishing boats or kayaks.

For more information on traveling to Florida, check out these articles:

• 6 Charming Small Towns To Visit On Florida’s Gulf Coast
• 11 Gorgeous Uncrowded Beaches To Visit In Florida
• My 9 Favorite Restaurants You’ll Love Near Port St. Joe, Florida

Her past articles can be found within the following publications: Family RVing (FMCA membership magazine); Inspired 55+ (Canada), EastWestNews Service; Lifestyles Magazine, InMagazine, The Tyler Loop, Texas Living, The City Paper Bogota and Bird Watcher’s Digest. Her articles are usually found in the travel, art, history, or cultural sections.

Florida Panhandle Road Trip: Off The Beaten Path Florida

Collette and Scott are a traveling twosome and 2019 Visit California Travel Writing Eureka! Award Winners dedicated to experiencing luxurious and adventurous travel destinations. In 2015, they decided to quit their jobs as corporate desk jockeys and redefine the American Dream. Since then, they have been traveling the world full-time, exploring off the beaten path locations and inspiring others through their active vagabond lifestyle. Throwing caution to the wind with an end goal of viewing the world and all its wonders, this dynamic duo, also know as Roamaroo, made the Panama City area a must-do on their impressive travel list!

Watch and take note as Collette and Scott uncover the hidden and not-so-hidden treasures waiting for you in Panama City!

https://www.roamaroo.com/florida-panhandle-road-trip-off-the-beaten-path-florida/

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Save big by shopping small in panama city, there’s no place like panama city for the holidays, downtown after dark featuring jj grey & mofro.

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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!

7 best road trips in Florida

Apr 10, 2024 • 6 min read

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

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

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

1. North Florida's backwaters and byways 

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

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

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

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

2. The Florida Panhandle

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

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

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

3. Highway 1 

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

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

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

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

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

4. North Florida

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

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

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

5. Walt Disney World and beyond

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

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

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

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

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

6. The Everglades 

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

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

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

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

Add  these experiences  to your Everglades itinerary

7. Overseas Highway to Key West 

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

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

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

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

Keep planning your trip to Florida:

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

This article was first published November 2020 and updated April 2024

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Explore Scenic Highway 30A on the Florida Panhandle

• Art Galleries & Museums , Beaches , Florida Panhandle , Food & Drink , Hotels & Resorts , Luxury , Panhandle , Shopping

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Come along as we take a leisurely drive down the Florida Panhandle’s Scenic Highway 30A, bordered by Santa Rosa Beach and Destin to the West and Panama City to the East. This picturesque two-lane road stretches 24 miles along the unspoiled beaches and charming towns of the Emerald Coast.

Dune Allen is nestled in Santa Rosa Beach at the far-western reach of Scenic Highway 30A. This historic haven is home to unique coastal dune lakes including Lake Allen and Oyster Lake. These are just a couple of the rare dune lakes, the only in North America, that make South Walton County so special.

Dune Allen Dining & Entertainment

For lunch or dinner check out Stinky’s Bait Shack (5960 West County Highway 30A). This casual hot spot offers fresh local seafood, tacos, and New Orleans-inspired dishes. Stinky’s is also known for its live music and waterfront location.

Dune Allen Beach Access

Access the beach from the Dune Allen Regional Beach Access ( 5999 W Highway 30A ) just off Highway 393 then right on Scenic 30A. This newer beach access point is ADA accessible. It offers parking, restrooms, and picnic areas just steps from the shore.

Stay or Live in Dune Allen

Dune Allen has a small residential area off of the Allen Loop. If you blink, you’ll miss it! However, the homes range in size from humble to huge! The Golf Club Drive neighborhood features homes with easy access to the links.

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Gulf Place is a 25-acre planned community just blocks from the Gulf shore ( Corner of Highway 30A and 393 ). Stroll the palm-lined sidewalks and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this charming, colorful town. Keep an eye out for Gulf Place’s resident “turtles” created by local artists.

Gulf Place Shopping

Take a break from the sun and sand to indulge in some retail therapy. The shops at Gulf Place have something for everyone from resort wear to bikes and paddleboards (for rent or sale). There’s even a dedicated 30A Store where you can stock up on souvenirs relating to the famed roadway or enjoy a cold 30A brand beer!  Or you can relax the day away with a treatment from the nail salon or day spa.

Gulf Place Dining & Entertainment

When it’s time to eat, Gulf Place doesn’t disappoint. With offerings like Pizza by the Sea, La Playa Coastal Cantina (featuring a Caribbean Twist and a Gulf View), or The Perfect Pig Gourmet Market , there’s something for everyone at this bustling center.

Enjoy sweet treats from Sunrise Coffee or Sunrise Ice Cream, Candy, and Arcade . Don’t miss the monthly “Wine Walk” every third Thursday 5:00. 

Follow the music to the Gulley Amphitheater . This outdoor venue, at the heart of Gulf Place, features a variety of local and national music acts for music lovers of all varieties. The space also hosts family-friendly events, or in the off-season makes a great spot to lounge or even start-up a game of frisbee or kickball!

Gulf Place Beach Access

Just opposite Gulf Place is one of 30A’s largest public beach access points. The Ed Walline Regional Beach Access ( 4447 West Highway 30A ) is ADA accessible. You’ll find ample parking, picnic areas, covered pavilions, rest rooms, and seasonal lifeguards here.

Stay or Live in Gulf Place

Enjoy all the amenities of private beach living without the commitment. South Walton County is home to a number of rental condos such as Gulf Place Caribbean . Find your permanent place at BellaMar . This gated sub-division on Seawinds Drive provides access to the community’s private beach. Golfers will enjoy the Santa Rosa Beach and Golf Club. Plan for the future with your own custom home along the Gulf at the future Gulf Place Residences and condos.

Blue Mountain Beach

This beautiful town is nestled between Grayton Beach to the east and Santa Rosa to the west. This beautiful town gets its name from the majestic view of the dunes from the Gulf.

Blue Mountain Beach Dining & Entertainment

Stop by Sally’s by the Sea Store ( 2320 Highway30A ) for all of your beach provisions including lunch from the grill. After the beach stop by Johnny McTighes Irish Pub ( 2298 West Highway 30A ) for a cool beverage and a snack. Local favorites include their beer-battered onion rings and hand-made soft pretzels with your choice of dipping sauce.

Switch-things-up with healthy eats at For the Health of It ( 2217 Highway 30A ).This one stop health emporium, grocery, and juice bar has everything you need to recharge. The offer organic foods, supplements, and smoothies. You can even get a massage therapy session (by appointment)!

Enjoy a change of pace with fresh local flavors fused with Asian fare, including sushi, at Basmati’s Asian Cuisine ( 3295 Highway 30A ).

Blue Mountain Shopping

Indulge your artistic senses at the Justin Gaffrey Art Studio ( 21 Blue Gulf Drive ). The gallery features one-of-a-kind works by this self-taught fine artist.

Blue Mountain Beach Access

Head just past the intersection of Highways 83 and 30A you’ll find Blue Mountain Beach Access ( 2365 South Scenic Highway 83 ). This location offers parking, restrooms, a dune crossover, and outdoor showers. Lifeguards are on duty at peak times.

Blue Mountain Activities

Blue Mountain is home to three coastal dune lakes which offer fishing and kayaking. Take a break from the sand and surf and head just a few blocks from the public beach to Point Washington State Forest.

Stay or Live in Blue Mountain Beach

Take a quiet break from your travels at the Inn at Blue Mountain , Sunseekers or at Thirty Blu . These rental condo units offer beach access and serene views. Considering your own condo in paradise? check out Adagio at Village of White Cliff for breathtaking Gulf and Dune views.

There’s nothing scary about the community of Seahaunts . Cruise down Spooky Lane and become enchanted by the beachfront views and beautiful waterfront homes.

Seek out your own sanctuary at one of two gated communities, Sanctuary Redfish and Sanctuary by the Sea . Boaters will love these waterfront communities for their access to the rare dune lakes and the emerald Gulf waters.

Grayton Beach

Go back in time to Old Florida as you stroll the tree-lined oyster-shell roads of historic Grayton Beach. This cozy oasis nestled between the Gulf and Point Washington State Forest retains the charm of yesteryear but doesn’t skimp on modern features. 

Grayton Beach Dining & Entertainment

Start the day with breakfast at Crackings ( 51 Uptown Grayton Circle ). Indulge in a variety of gourmet grits and maybe even a mimosa or two.

As the day winds-down head to The Red Ba r ( 70 Hotz Avenue ). This local institution set inside an old general store offers an eclectic vibe, live music, a full bar, and good food.  

Grayton Beach Activities

Book a true Gulf adventure with a charter fishing or sightseeing trip with one of the many boats of the local “Mosquito Fleet.”

Grayton Beach Access

Access Grayton’s public beach via the new a new pavilion with restrooms and showers ( 10 Whitesands Drive ). The ADA accessible boardwalk extends to the nearby state park.

Grayton Beach State Park ( 357 Main Park Rd ) provides a unique beach experience. In addition to the sugary-white sand and emerald water don’t be surprised to see some uncommon additions to the seascape. Walton County residents can obtain permits to bring their vehicles and their canine family members on the beach here! It’s also a great park to explore. There are over four miles of hiking trails throughout the 2,000-acres. Adventurous visitors can enjoy the paddling and fishing options from the park’s Western Lake.

Stay or Live in Grayton Beach

Relax among nature at Grayton Beach State Park’s Campground . Choose from 30 cabins or 61 campsites (RV or tent options) at this 2,000-acre oasis. Sites are located next to one of the regions famed dune lakes.

Settle in to the Hibiscus Coffee & Guest House for an old Florida vibe with all modern amenities. The property offers updated cottages and even a rooms in a converted barn! Or check out The Great Escape by Real Joy Homes. This vacation home has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and both a patio and balcony with sea views.

Find your forever home as you stroll the unique architecture of historic Defuniak Street. Or imagine your new dream home on one of the generous-sized lots along Garfield Street and the Gulf.

Click here for additional Grayton Beach vacation home listings.

Experience the ultimate in luxury in the charming community of WaterColor. This resort town brings world-class experiences for residents and visitors alike.

WaterColor Dining & Entertainment

WaterColor’s bustling Town Center surrounds Scenic 30A. The Center has something for the whole family including art shows, free concerts, and wine tastings. Check out the event schedule here .

Enjoy outdoor entertainment at WaterColor Marina Park ( 238 WaterColor Boulevard ). This lively outdoor oasis along Western Lake hosts live music, plays, and movies. It’s also a departure point for boat rentals.

Relax at the waterfront FOOW (formerly Fish out of Water) at the WaterColor Inn ( 34 Goldenrod Circle ). This upscale eatery features southern-inspired fresh seafood and amazing views of the Gulf.

Wind-down at Wine World ( 1735 County Highway 30A ). Their outstanding wine selection and gourmet menu make for a memorable meal amidst wonderful ambience.

WaterColor Beach Access

For public parking and beach access head to the north side of Highway 30A ( at Western Lake Drive ).  Insider tip : This is also a good spot to park if you’re heading to town for events, shopping, or dining.

Stay or Live in WaterColor

Relax the day away at the WaterColor Inn ( 34 Goldenrod Circle ). This upscale beachfront resort offers direct beach access for their guests. Indulge in one of their fine dining eateries or a day at the spa.

Seeking a home of your own? Take a picture perfect stroll along residential Western Lake Drive near Viridian Park. Enjoy the best of both worlds from homes along the Gulf and along the Western Lake Park waterfront.

This charming community was planned as a “New Urban” town with pedestrians and bicyclists in mind.  This beautiful coastal town a small-town America vibe. If things look familiar Seaside’s unique design earned it a leading role in the hit 1997 film “The Truman Show!”

Seaside Dining & Entertainment

Mingle with the locals at Bud & Alleys Waterfront Restaurant & Bar ( 2236 E W Highway 30A ). This iconic venue has been serving lunch and dinner for nearly 30 years. Enjoy a meal overlooking the Gulf from the dining room or a cool beverage and the spectacular view from the rooftop deck.

Indulge in new-fashioned southern fare at Great Southern Café ( 83 Central Square ). This hot spot has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 20 years. Don’t miss the house-made corned beef hash or “The Carson” sandwich.

Seaside Shopping

Stroll north from Central Square to Ruskin Place . This lovely park is surrounded by art galleries, Sundog Books ( 89 Central Square ), and charming boutiques. On the north side of the Plaza you’ll find the Fairy Forest – look closely for fairies made out of clay and stashed in the trees by local kiddos!

Seaside Activities

Enjoy the arts with a performance at the Repertory Theatre Company . This regional, professional theater has been entertaining audiences for 19 years. They offer a variety of performances in various locations. Check the schedule here .

Learn about design, art, and sustainable communities at the Seaside Institute ( 168 Smolian Circle ). This education center was founded in 1982 by the developers of Seaside to educate designers and the general public about healthy, environmentally conscious ways of building and living. The Institute hosts art shows, concerts, lectures, and other cultural events.

Seaside Beach Access

Dune walkovers and pavilions are at the end of each street. Arriving by car? Park at the Van Ness Butler, Jr. Regional Beach Access ( 1931 East Highway 30A ). This access point is ADA accessible, and has seasonal lifeguards.

Stay or Live in Seaside

Seaside is a true Floridian dream. While rentals in-town are limited, it’s an ideal place to call home. This well-planned and appointed community has something for everyone. Tennis anyone? Western Lake Drive offers ten courts for residents of Seaside’s Camp WaterColor community.

Seagrove Beach

Seagrove Beach has been beckoning generations of vacationing families since the 1940s. The community’s blend of historic homes and modern cottages make for a one-of-a-kind laid back, yet well-appointed, experience.

Seagrove Dining & Entertainment

Swing by the Cowgirl Kitchen Market & Café ( 3005 East Highway 30A ) for grab-n-go gourmet treats or linger over lunch on the patio with a Bloody Mary.

Head over to 723 Whisky Bravo ( 3031 E Highway 30A ) for the ultra-modern, sleek vibe and coastal inspired fare. Head up to the roof for the spectacular view and delicious craft cocktails.

Take in the scenery of Eastern Lake while you enjoy a memorable meal at the Old Florida Fish House ( 33 Heron’s Watch Way ). Favorites at this family-friendly spot include crab bisque and fresh grouper. Don’t forget to save room for the deep dish key lime pie.

Seagrove Beach Access

Seagrove Beach offers more public access beachfront than any other 30A community. Head to the Santa Clara Regional Beach Access ( 3468 East Highway 30A ) for parking and ADA accessible restrooms. This beach also has seasonal lifeguards.

Explore the rare coastal dune lake at Deer Lake State Park ( 6350 East Highwway 30A ). This pristine 1,920-acre state park also has a walking trail that leads to a pedestrian beach access point. There is ample parking, restrooms, and picnic pavilions here .

Stay or Live in Seagrove Beach

Relax in comfort at Lisbeth’s Bed and Breakfast ( 3501 East Highway 30A ) just steps from the beach. Enjoy Gulf views from your veranda.

Enjoy the quaint old Florida feel of the Beachfront 2 Condos . This friendly community is just 200 yards from the beach. Nearby Beachfront 1 townhome development offers views of the Gulf.

Click here for additional Seagrove Beach vacation home listings.

Step back to a simpler time at WaterSound. This charming modern community takes its inspiration from historic U.S. coastal towns. Enjoy the quiet relaxation of this unique Gulf enclave knowing that every amenity is close at hand. 

WaterSound Dining & Entertainment

There’s plenty to do and eat at the aptly named The Hub in the center of town ( 24 Hub Lane ). Regular events and activities include big screen sports broadcasts, family-friendly movies, DJ dance parties, and live music. Check out the schedule here .

When it’s time to eat there are a variety of restaurants to choose from. Head over to Macho Taco for Mexican street fare such as tacos and Frito Pie. Meat lovers will enjoy Local Smoke for a variety of delicious barbecue offerings including sandwiches and platters.

Think outside the box with Bruno’s Pizza ( 6652 East Highway 30A ). This casual spot at the WaterSound Inn offers classic pizzas and sandwiches and a pizza lunch buffet on weekdays.

Walk-off your pizza with a round of family-friendly golf at Puttering Park in the WaterSound community.

Stay or Live in WaterSound

Explore the new WaterSound developments including Compass Point Way. Residents of this coastal community can enjoy the benefits of the WaterSound DuneSider Community Pool overlooking the Gulf.

Seacrest is a picturesque community situated on the Gulf just after the big bend of Scenic Highway 30A. East and West Seacrest border Alys Beach. These relaxing havens are all at once welcoming and upscale.

Seacrest Dining & Entertainment

Sip your cares away at Beach and Brew ( 10343 E Highway 30A ). This local brewery serves-up local craft beer, wine, and soft drinks. Everyone is welcome including the kiddos and well behaved leashed canine pals.

Relax and unwind at La Cocina ( 10343 East Highway 30A ). This local hot spot features Latin fare, fresh seafood, and delicious margaritas that will wash your cares away.

Seacrest Activities

Recreation is at the heart of every Seacrest experience. Whether you enjoy sticking your toes in the warm Gulf sands or you prefer avoiding the sand traps of the Camp Creek Golf Club Seacrest has something for you.

Get going on a beach cruiser from Peddler’s Pavilion ( 10343 East Highway 30A ). Rent a ride for the day, or even a kayak, and explore the beauty of Seacrest from every angle!

Seacrest Beach Access

Walk or ride your bike to the beautiful neighborhood beach ( 8514 East Highway 30A ). You’ll find bike racks and a freshwater shower. There’s no parking at Seacrest Beach, so leave the car behind.

Stay or Live in Seacrest

After a day of fun in the sun relax at the Sand Cliff Condos ( 9064 East Highway 30A ). Enjoy amenities of this gated community including two tennis courts, and a Gulf-front pool.

Considering making Seacrest your own? Check out the unique architecture of the condos at Andante ( 8334 East Highway 30A ). This exclusive ten unit property even offers underground parking. The Villages of South Walton ( 10343 East Highway 30A ) offer two community pools and beach access.

Old world charm meets the 21 st Century at Alys Beach. Explore this delightful blend of nature and unique architecture with a laid-back vibe.

Alys Beach Dining & Entertainment

Enter Caliza Restaurant (23 Nonesuch Way) and experience a feast for the senses. The al fresco poolside setting is ideal for happy hour (at the outdoor bar) or a memorable meal. The menu features fresh seasonal and local American fare with an upscale twist.

Stroll over to George’s ( 30 Castle Harbor Drive ) for lunch or dinner al fresco on the patio. This upscale, casual eatery offers global flavors and coastal favorites. George’s does not accept reservations, but they make the wait worthwhile. Enjoy a drink from the lounge on their upstairs viewing deck.

Unwind with sips from the NEAT Tasting Room ( 11 North Castle Harbour Drive ). Enjoy daily happy hour featuring beverage specials and live music. This upscale tasting room also offers a seasonal full dinner menu.  

Alys Beach Activities

Head to the Alys Beach Amphitheater ( Somerset Street ) for live music, outdoor movies, and other community events. The town also hosts several annual events including a 5K Fun Run and the Highway 30A Alys Beach Wine Festival each February. Get all the details including the event calendar here .

Check out the beautiful views of the Gulf and the Town Center skyline from Kelly Green. This park is the largest open space south of Highway 30A. It’s a great spot for unwinding with friends. It’s also a popular spot for tying-the-knot, as weddings are frequently held in this picture-perfect green space.

Kids of all ages, including the young-at-heart, will enjoy the Alys Beach Playground ( 147 West la Garza Lane ). Grab a shady spot on the patio while the kiddos explore the rock wall, tunnels, and sea serpent sculptures. Enjoy a healthy treat or fresh-squeezed juice from the park’s Raw & Juicy Snack Bar.

Stay or Live in Alys Beach

Indulge your senses a Santulan the Kaiya Beach Resort’s newest retreat property. These well-appointed designer homes offer large loggias, some overlooking Lake Marilyn.

Rosemary Beach

Explore the quaint, narrow streets of Rosemary Beach on foot or by bike. Wander among the charming Dutch West Indies-inspired architecture and Caribbean features of this friendly community.

Rosemary Beach Dining & Entertainment

Start your day with a cup of locally-roasted java at family-owned Amavida Coffee ( 104 N. Barrett Square ). Get yours to go or enjoy the scenery and people watching from their open-air patio.

For homey comfort food with an upscale twist visit the Summer Kitchen Café ( 78 Main Street ). This eatery has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner for over 20 years. After lunch service the vibe turns to fine dining with a unique and seasonally-changing menu. 

Indulge in the spectacular views and award-winning New American fare of Havana Beach Bar & Grill ( 63 Main Street). This rooftop veranda lounge atop the Pearl Hotel offers stunning Gulf views, small bites, and a full liquor bar. Head downstairs to the Havana Grill for their full menu offering Caribbean-influenced dishes. This relaxing, upscale restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Rosemary Beach Activities

Rosemary Beach offers lovely public green spaces including a playground park and an interactive children’s fountain at St. Augustine Park ( North Barrett Square ). Residents and their guests can enjoy four community swimming pools. Each features unique architectural features, changing rooms, and shade areas for lounging.

Visit the seasonal weekend 30A Farmers Market (28 North Barrett Square) with local vendors and artisans.

Stay or live in Rosemary Beach

Find a gem of lodging at The Pearl Hotel (63 Main Street). This boutique property offers upscale amenities, including access to a private beach, golf, and tennis.  

Stroll along charming Water Street. Enjoy the green spaces and swaying palms. Imagine coming home to Gulf views and amenities like luxurious community pools.

Click here for a listing of vacation homes in Rosemary Beach.

Inlet Beach

The town of Inlet Beach has been welcoming visitors since 1920. The friendly community offers a glimpse into the charm of old Florida with all the modern amenities residents and visitors can dream of.

Inlet Beach Shopping & Entertainment

For one stop shopping, dining, entertainment, and more visit 30Avenue ( 12805 Highway 98E ). Check out the boutiques, housewares, and dining options of this pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment district. Take a look at their event and entertainment calendar here .

Get artsy at The Blue Giraffe (13121 E. Emerald Coast Pkwy) for locally crafted artwork and gift items. You can even get creative yourself at one of their art classes .

Inlet Beach Access

Inlet beach is the largest public access beach in Walton County with over 13 acres ( 438 South Orange Street ). There is ample parking and three dune walkways. The center walkway is ADA accessible.

This beach is a favorite of scuba divers and snorkelers who come to explore the artificial reef just off-shore. It’s also a popular photo shoot location. Don’t be surprised to see a bride or two getting their wedding portraits taken along this picture-perfect beach!

Inlet Beach Dining

After a day of exploring 30A enjoy the delights of Shaka Sushi and Noodle Bar ( 13625 US Highway 98 East ). Favorites here include sake cocktails and the “surfing soldier” ramen. Don’t forget to save room for one of their creative desserts.

Head to Shades Bar & Grill ( 10952 East Highway 30A ) to catch a game on one of their 17 TVs. This family-friendly spot serves up bar food classics along with crab cakes, and creative salads.  The full liquor bar features local beers on tap.

Wrap-up your Highway 30A adventures with a sweet treat from the Donut Hole ( 12983 US98 East, Rosemary Beach ). This restaurant and bakery has been serving delicious home-cooking and desserts to locals for generations. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week so there’s no excuse to not indulge!

Stay or Live in Inlet Beach

Embrace the luxury of the new designer homes at the Grand Inlet community. Thoughtfully planned exclusive properties offer views of the Gulf and access to any amenity you can imagine.

Enjoy the Ride

Embrace the slower pace and easy vibe of Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A. No matter where you stop along the way, you’re sure to encounter great experiences and create wonderful new memories.

And if you’re looking to purchase a vacation home along Highway 30A or in the Santa Rosa Beach region, reach out to our preferred LGBTQ-friendly Florida Panhandle realtor, Brandon Jordan .

Also make sure to check out our Gay Florida Panhandle Road Trip Guide and our Panhandle Regional Travel Page .

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful). Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

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Educational

Entertainment

Pride Event

Amelia Island

Central Florida

Fernandina Beach

Florida Keys

Fort Lauderdale

Gainesville

Jacksonville

North Central

Northeast Florida

Panama City

South Florida

Southwest Florida

Space Coast

St. Augustine

St. Petersburg

Tallahassee

Treasure Coast

Event Location

(Online) Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library

100 Coronado Dr

1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

1111 Lincoln Road

2010 Republica de Cuba

2200 & 2300 Blocks of Central Ave St Pete

2320 East Mallory Street Pensacola

3 Daughters Brewery

301 E. Las Olas Blvd.

47th Street in Downtown Cape Coral

5100 Leesway Circle, Pensacola, FL 32504

600 Central Avenue

646 48th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33703

7th Avenue, Ybor City

7th Son Brewery

7venth Sun Brewery

81Bay Brewing Company

Aaron Bessant Park

Ace Cafe Orlando

Achieva Headquarters

Acropolis Greek Taverna – St. Petersburg

AHF – Fort Lauderdale Downtown

AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Center

Al Lang Stadium

Al Lopez Park

Albert "Ray" Massey (Westside) Playground

Albert Whitted Park

Alewife Craft Beer Bottle Shop & Tasting Room

Alexander's Guesthouse Key West

Alfred “Al” Barnes Jr. Park

Allendale UMC

Aloft Orlando Downtown

Alpha Pizza House

Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

AMC Sundial 20

America's Backyard

American Legion Post 40

Amway Center

Apollo Beach south basin

Arcade Monsters – Lido Beach St Armands Circle

Arlo Wynwood

Armature Works

Art Center Sarasota

Art Deco Museum

Art Outfitters USA

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

Artisan Alley

Artisan's Table

Arts Garage

Aspirations Winery

Avalon Event Center

Avanti Palms Resort

Awakening Into Wellness

AxelBeach Hotel Miami

B Resort & Spa at Disney Springs

Bahama Breeze Oakland Park

Ballroom City Sarasota

Bamboo Room

Bambu Eco Salon

Bambusa Bar & Grill

Barley Republic Public House

Barry University Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Performing Arts Center

Bass Pro Shops

Batch New Southern Kitchen and Tap: Fort Lauderdale

Bayboro Brewing Co.

Baycare Ballpark

Bayfront of Naples

Bayfront Park Miami

Bayshore Boulevard Tampa

BBX Capital

Beacon Hill Fellowship

Bella Cucina Italian Restaurant

Berkshire Hathaway Florida Properties Group

Bicentennial Park

Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation

Bilmar Beach Resort

Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables

Black Box Media Miami

Blackwater Sound

Blitz Event Center

Blue Iguanas Bar & Grill

Blur Nightclub

Blush All Inclusive Event Center

Bo Diddley Plaza

Bobby Jones Golf Club

Bobby Jones Golf Course

Boca Ciega Bay near Gulfport Pier

Born Free Pub & Grill

Botanical Brewing Taproom

Bourbon Street Pub

Bowlero Gulf Gate

Boynton Harbor Marina

Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Downtown Riverwalk

Bradenton Riverwalk

Brandon Hamburger Mary's

Brannon Center

Brew Bus Brewing

Brewlands Bar & Billiards

Broward Art Guild

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Bryan Glazer Family JCC

Bryant Park

Bryant Park @ Lake Worth Lagoon

Busch Gardens

Caddy’s Treasure Island

Caddy's Gulfport

Caddy's Indian Shores

Caddy's On The Beach

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention

Cady Way Park

Cafe DaVinci

Calvary Orlando

Cambiar Park

Cambier Park

Cambria Park

Camping World Stadium

Campo Felice Living

CAN Community Health Ybor City

Canal Street Historic District

Canvas Event Venue

Cape Coral Entertainment District

Cape Coral Yacht Club

Capt'n Fun Beach Club

Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce

Carrollwood Cultural Center

Carrollwood Players

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Catherine Hickman Theater

Cavo Lounge

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens

Celebration Gardens

Celebration Park Naples

Centennial Park Station

Centennial Park Venice

Center for Spiritual Living Fort Lauderdale

Central Avenue

Central Florida Fair

Central Panhandle Fairgrounds Bay County

Central Park

Central Park Fernandina Beach

Central Park Palm Coast

Central Park Winter Park

Centre Club

CerealHolic Cafe and Bar

Chihuly Collection

Chipley Park

Christmas Lane

Church of the Trinity MCC

City Side Lounge

Clearwater Garden Club

Clevelander South Beach Hotel and Bar

Close 104th Avenue & Gulf Boulevard

Club Colette

Club Colette on Palm Beach

CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key

Coachman Park Clearwater

Coastal Creative

Cocktail St Pete

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Riverfront Park

Coconuts On the Beach

CocoWalk Miami

Coffee Butler Amphitheater

Community Cafe

Community Roots Collective

Compass Community Center

Congregation B'nai Israel

Cooters Restaurant and Bar

Copperpoint Brewery

Coquina Coast Brewing Co.

Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ

Coral Gables Museum

Cordova Square in East Hill

Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach

Costas Restaurant

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

Cowboy Up Saloon

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

Cranes Roost Park

Creative Loafing Space

Creative Soul Studio

Credo Conduit Coworking Space

Crooked River Lighthouse

Crowne Plaza

Crowne Plaza Fort Myers

Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown, an IHG Hotel

Cruiser's Lounge – Cape Coral

Cruisers Cape Coral

Crystal Bay Hotel St. Petersburg

Cucu's Nest Lounge

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

Curtis Hixon Park

DAER Nightclub at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Dania Beach

Dart Bar & Games

Days Inn St. Petersburg North

Deering Estate

Deland Chisholm Center

DeLand Social

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Demen's Landing

Depot Pavilion

Design Center of the Americas

Destin Commons

Destination Panama City Visitors Center

Dezerland Park Miami

Disney World

District Tavern

Domain Home Accessories & Gallery

Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano

Donnelly Park

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld

Doubletree by Hilton SeaWorld

Downtown Avalon Park

Downtown City of Oakland Park

Downtown Crystal River

Downtown Dunedin

Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Downtown Gulfport Florida

Downtown Hollywood

Downtown Improvement Board

Downtown Jacksonville

Downtown Lakewood Ranch

Downtown Melbourne

Downtown Pensacola

Downtown Punta Gorda

Downtown St. Pete Waterfront Area

Downtown Tarpon Springs

Downtown Waterfront Area

Dr. Michael Wasylik’s office

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Dr. Phillips Splash Pad & Park

Dream South Beach

Duncan McClellan Theater

DUNE by Laurent Tourondel

Dunedin City Hall

Dunedin Lanes

Dunedin Marina

Duran Golf Course

East Naples Community Park

Eastside Branch Library

Eckerd College – Fox Hall 4200

Eden Downtown Tampa

Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel

Eden, A Show Bar

EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge

Edgewater Park Dunedin

Edward B. Knight Pier, Key West

El Prado Park

Element Tampa Midtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa

Emerald Bar

Emerson's Bar and Grill

Empath Partners in Care

Enander's Winter Wonderland

Enchanted Place

England Brothers Park

Enoch D Davis Center

EPIC St. Petersburg Campus

Epic Theatres

Epicurean Theatre

Euclid Oval

EVE Orlando

EverBank Stadium

Everglades City Hall

Exchange Miami Club

Eyz Wide Shut Nightclub

Fairgrounds St. Pete

FAU Living Room Theatre

Felicitous (on 42nd)

Fenway Hotel

Fergs Sports Bar

Ferguson Hall

Ferguson Plumbing Supply

Fernandina Beach Pride Parade &Festival at Central Park

Festival Park

First Baptist Church of Apopka

First Baptist Fort Lauderdale

First Love Brewing

First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches

First Unity Spiritual Campus

Fisherman's Village

FIU Biscayne Bay Campus

FIU Campus Recreation

Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Resort

Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar

Florida Botanical Gardens

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

Florida Strawberry Festival

Florida Studio Theatre

Flounder's Chowder House

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

FORT LAUDERDALE / WILTON MANORS, FL

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

Fort Meyers

Founders Park Islamorada

Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library

Francis Field

Frank Brown Sport Complex

Frankin Manor

freeFall Theater

Fringe Theater Key West

Front Street Park Melbourne

FSU Dunlap Champions Club

Ft. Myers Regional Library

FunDimension

Funky Rooster Coffee & Wine Bar

Gadsden Park

Gainesville Woman's Club

Galaxy Skateway & Play Zone

Galleria Fort Lauderdale

Gasparilla Knight Parade

Gasparilla Music Foundation

Gatsby's

Gay Street St Pete House

GayStPete House

Gem Station

General Provision Downtown

George C. McGough Nature Park

Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar

Gigi's Music Cafe

Gilbert Park Mt Dora

Give Kids The World Village

Glenridge Performing Arts Center

Grand Central Brewhouse

Grand Central District

Grand Prix of Gulfport

Grantham Pointe (Light House)

Graphi-ko Gallery/Jewelry

Grassroots Kava House

Greater Ft. Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center

Green Bench Brewing Company

Green Light Cinema

Greenlight Cinemas

Grimes Family Agricultural Center

Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar

Gulf Coast LGBTQ Center, Inc.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom

Gulfport Historical Society

Gulfport Nutrition

Gulfport Public Library

Gulfport Public Library & The James Museum

Gulfport Senior Center

Gulfport Veterans Park

Gulfport Yacht Club

Gulfstream Park Village

Hagen Park Community Center & Pavilion

Haiku Tampa

Haile Village Center

Halifax River Yacht Club

Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater

Hamburger Mary’s Orlando

Hamburger Mary's Wilton Manors

Harbor Park

HarborWalk Village

Hard Rock Cafe Key West

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

Hard Rock Live Hollywood FL

Harriett Coleman Center for the Arts, Lake Highland Preparatory School

Harriett's Orlando Ballet Centre

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Hart Memorial Central Library

Hart's Landing

Haulover Canal

Havana Cabana Key West

HAVANNA CAFE

Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe

HCC Mainstage Theatre

HCC Ybor Campus

HCC Ybor City Performing Arts Building

Henry B. Plant Museum

Henry’s depot

Heritage Park

Hertz Arena, Everblades Parkway

Herzog & de Meuron Parking Garage

Hialeah Park

Hialeah Park Ballroom

Hideaway Cafe

Higgs Beach Dog Park

Hillsborough River State Park

Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway

Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa

Hilton Tampa Downtown

Historic 8th Ave – Passagrille

Historic Dubsdread Ballroom

Historic Gulfport Casino Waterfront

Historic Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation

Historic Kenwood, St Pete

Historic Palm Cottage

Historic Roser Park Neighborhood

Historic Thomas Center Gardens

History Fort Lauderdale

HoB Brewing Co

Holden Heights Community Center

Holiday Inn Celebration SW

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples Downtown

Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Ctr, an IHG Hotel

Hollander Hotel

Holy Cross Hospital Women’s Health Center

Homestead-Miami Speedway

Honeymoon Island State Park

Hope CommUnity Center

Hôtel Gaythering

Hotel Melby

Hotel Melby Downtown Melbourne, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Sheldon

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

House of Henry

House of Jason

Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors

Hurley Park

Hurricane Seafood Restaurant

Hyatt Place Downtown St Pete

Hyatt Regency Orlando,

Hyatt Regency Orlando, Windermere Ballroom 9801 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819

Hyde Park United Methodist Church

Hyde Park Village

Iberian Rooster

ICE HOUSE – Chalk Festival '3D Illusion Museum'

ICEBAR Orlando

Illusions the Drag Queen Brunch Key West

Immokalee First Street Plaza – Zocalo

inclusivitea

Independent Bar

Independent Bar and Cafe

International Market World

International Polo Club Palm Beach

Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Coast, Florida

Intuition Ale Works

Iron Oak Post

Island City Cultural Center

Island City Park Preserve

Island City Stage

Island Vibes Kava Bar

Italian American Club-Naples

Italian Club

Italian Club Tampa

Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company

J. D. Hamel Park

Jaeb Theater

Jannus Live

JD Hamel Park

Joe Chillura Courthouse Square

John Ringling Bridge

John's Pass Sandbar

Joy Metropolitan Community Church

Juan Pablo Duarte Park

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park

Jungle Island

Jupiter Beach

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

Kane Center

Karma Hollywood

Kava Culture Clearwater

Kava Social Club

Kennedy Space Center

Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel

Key West Theater

Kiki’s Sandbar

Kilted Mermaid

Kimpton EPIC Hotel

Kimpton Hotel Zamora

Kimpton Palomar Rooftop Pool

King of Peace MCC

Kissimmee Civic Center

Kleeman Plaza

Kleman Plaza

Kozuba & Sons Distillery

Kozuba and Sons Distillery

Kress Contemporary

L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center

La Empanada Loca

La Herencia De Ybor

La La's Sangria Bar

Laishley Park

Lake Dora Waterfront

Lake Eola Amphitheater

Lake Eola Park

Lake Ivanhoe Boat Dock Orlando

Lake Park Black Box Center for the Arts @ The Kelsey Theater

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

Lakes Regional Library

Lakewood Center (In the Education Building)

Land O' Lakes Heritage Park

Largo Central Nature Perserve

Largo Central Park

Las Olas Oceanside Park

Las Olas Promenade Park

Le Bone Temps

Le Rouge Miami – Night Club

Lee County, FL Library (Fort Myers Regional Downtown)

Legacy Ale Works

Leon County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller

LGBT Visitor Center on Miami Beach

LGBT Welcome Center

Lgbt+ Center

LGBT+ Center Orlando

LGBT+ Center Orlando – The Center

LGBTQ Center of Bay County Inc.

LGBTQ Resource Center Gulfport Public Library: Catherine Hickman Theater

Lido Key Beach

Lightner Museum

Lincolnville Community Garden

Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center

Linda Pedersen Park

Little Havana/ Calle Ocho

Little Red House

Living Room at W FORT LAUDERDALE

Los Cocos Bar Restaurant

Lucky's Market Naples

Lummus Park

Mad Beach Boatstock

Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Tea Bar

Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach Recreation Complex

Maggiano's (Tampa)

Mahaffey Theater

Main Beach Park Amelia Island

Main St. Sarasota

Main Street Food Park

Manatees on the Bay

Mangoes Restaurant

Margaritaville Resort Orlando

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown

Marina Jack

Marina Jack Boat Cruise

Markham Park

Mary's Pub House

Maximo Presbyterian Church

McKenzie Park

Mellow Mushroom Sarasota

Metro Inclusive Health

Metro Inclusive Health (Tampa, FL)

Metro LGBT Community Center

Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center

Metro Tampa

METRO Tampa Youth Center

Metro's Ybor Location

Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa (MCC Tampa)

Metropolitan Park

Miami Beach Bandshell

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Miami Beach City Hall

Miami Beach Convention Center

Miami Beach Regional Library

Miami Shores Country Club

Miami South Beach

Michael's on East

Mickee Faust Club

Mickel Park

Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub

MIDFLORIDA Event Center

Millennial Brewing

Miramar Regional Park

MIZE Gallery

Molly’s Pub

Moonflower Essentials by May Reign

Moxy South Beach Hotel

Muddy Water Kava & Tea

Museum of Discovery and Science

Museum of Discovery and Science Fort Lauderdale

Museum of Fine Arts

Museum of Fine Arts of St. Pete

Myth Nightclub

Naples Botanical Garden

Naples City Dock

Naples Price Center

Naples Pride Center

Naples Women's Club

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

National Polo Center

Nauti Parrot Oasis

Nauti-Nancy's

New River and Inttacoastal Waterways

New River Fine Art

New River Inn

New World Center

Nights of Lights

North Beach Miami

North Collier Regional Park – Athletics

North Lido Beach

North Palm Beach

North Port City Center Front Green

North Straub Park

Nova Southeastern University – Orlando Campus

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

O'Maddy's Bar & Grille

Oasis Restaurant

Oasis Restaurant & Bar Sarasota

Oasis Wynwood

Ocala Downtown Historic Square

Ocean Blue Galleries

Ocean Drive Miami Beach

Okeeheelee Park

Old Key West Bar & Grill St. Petersburg

Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX UK

Olympia London, London, UK.

One Magical Weekend

Online Facebook Event @ DTSP:Saved by Streaming

OptiView – Immersive Art Museum

Orange Blossom Miami

Orange County Convention Center – North Hall B

Orlando City Hall

Orlando Family Stage (Orlando Repertory Theatre)

Orlando Fringe ArtSpace

Orlando Jewelers

Orlando Museum of Art

Orlando Repertory Theatre

Orlando Science Center

Osceola Arts

Osceola Arts Theatre

Osceola Street Cafe

Osteria Morini Miami Beach

Out of the Closet

Out-n-About Bar

OUTshine Film Festival

Overseas Highway Key Largo

Oxford Exchange

Painting with a Twist

Palm Beach Dramaworks

Palm Beach International Boat Show

Palm Coast Waterfront Park

Palmer Park South Miami

Panama City Beach

Panera Bread

Paper Crane

Paradigm Cinemas: Gateway Fort Lauderdale

Paradise Coast Sports Complex (PCSC)

Park & Rec DTSP

Parliament House Orlando

Parrot Lounge Fort Lauderdale

Patrick’s 1481

Pegasus Lounge & Niteclub

Pelican Beach Park

Pensacola Beach – Park East

Pensacola Beach Boardwalk

Penthouse at Riverside Wharf

Pepperz Night Club

Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar

Pesky Pelican

Pharaoh’s Event Venue

Phillippi Mansion

Pier Park, Aaron Bessant Park

Pilar's Loft

pin Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

Pin Chasers Midtown

pin Island Flavors And Tings

pin Reitz Union Rion Ballroom

pin Show Map Hideaway Cafe

pin The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro

pin Vanbarry's Public House

pin Ybor City Chamber of Commerce

Pinecrest Gardens

Pinellas Ale Works Brewery

Pinellas Arts Village

Pioneer Park

Pirate Water Taxi

Playalinda Beach/Holiday Inn Titusville-Kennedy Space

Plaza de la Constitución St. Augustine

Poinciana Golf Club

Polk Theatre

Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier

Port Tampa Bay

Postcard Inn

Postcard Inn on the Beach

Powerstories Theatre

Prairie Creek Lodge

Pride Cape Coral

Pride Park Miami

Promenade at Sunset Walk

Prudential Building

Punky's Bar and Grill

Push Push Hair Salon

Quench Lounge

Quinteassence

R House Wynwood

Railroad Square Art District

Rainbow Crosswalk on Duval Street

Rainbow Room at the Nauti Parrot Dock Bar

Rapp Brewing Company

Raymond James Stadium

Raymond James Theatre

RC Cola Plant

Rebellion Wine Bar

Rec Room Lakeland

Red Mesa Cantina

Regal South Beach ScreenX, IMAX & VIP

Renningers Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center

Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano

Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve

Ride’em Cowboy

Ringling Blvd & Legacy Trl

Ringling College of Art and Design

Riverfront Park Apalachicola

Riverfront Plaza

Riverside Park

Riverside Park Jacksonville

Riverside Park New Smyrna Beach

Riverview High School Performing Arts Center

Riverview Park & Civic Center

Robert Saunders Public Library

Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach

Roots Shoppe

Rosemary District Boulevard of the Arts

Rosemary District Sarasota

Rosen Event Center on the Rosen JCC Campus

Ruka Winewood

Rusty Anchor Mount Dora

Ruth Eckerd Hall

S/V Argo Navis

Sabal Palm Bank

Saint Johns County Fairgrounds

Saint Petersburg

Sally's Ice Cream

Salty Paws Dunedin

Salty Sam's Marina

Salty Shamrock

Salty's

Sand Point Park

Sandhill Crane Park Port St Lucie

Sandrell Rivers Theater

Sands of South Beach at 10th Street

Sanibel Harbor Resort

Santa Barbara Lake

Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus

Sarasota Bayfront Park

Sarasota Gay Beach

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium

Sarasota Opera House

Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria

Savant on Second

Savor Cinema

Savoy Orlando

Sawmill Campground

Schooner Wharf Bar

Scott Galvin Community Center

Scottish American Society of Dunedin

SE 47th Terrace

Sea Dog’s Cantina

Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center

Selby Five Points Park

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Seminole Park

Seminole Park St. Petersburg

Senior Friendship Center Sarasota

Seven Sisters Campground

Seville Quarter

Shaded Keg Pub

Sharky's On the Pier

Shephard's Beach Resort

Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort

Sheraton Orlando North

Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk

Shops at Merrick Park

Sidecar Home Market and Bar

Sidney & Berne David Art Center

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

Siesta Key Beach

Silverspot Cinema

Silverspot Cinema – Downtown Miami

Sims Park New Port Richey

Sip Shop Hooray

Sirata Beach Resort

Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery

Skate World Lakeland

Skaters Choice

SkateWorld Tampa

SkateworldTampa

Skipper's Smokehouse

Sloppy Joe's on the Beach

Sloppy Joe's Restaurant on the Beach

Sombrero Beach

South Beach

South Cape Entertainment District

South Straub Park

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion – Marion County, FL

Southern Nights

Southernmost Beach Resort

Space Coast Lightfest

Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar

Spanish Marie Brewery

Sparkman Wharf

SPC- Allstate Center

SPCA Brevard

SPEKTRUM Health – Melbourne

Spellbound Cafe

Spitfire Theatre

Splash Bar Florida

SpringHill Suites By Marriott Amelia Island

St Mark’s Episcopal Church

St Pete Hamburger Mary's

St Pete LGBTQ+ Community Center

St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

St Petersburg Yacht Club

St. Armands Circle

St. Lucie Cultural Alliance Gallery

St. Matthew's Tavern at the Orlando Beer Garden

St. Pete Beach

St. Pete City Hall

St. Pete Pier

St. Petersburg College Allstate Center

St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater

Stadium, Arena & Sports Venue

Stafford House

Stageworks Theater

Stageworks Theatre

Stardust Lounge

State Theater St. Petersburg

Station House

Staybridge Suites

Steinmetz Hall

Step Out Tampa Bay

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Stetson Mansion

Stetson University College of Law

Stillwaters Tavern

Stonewall Bar

Stonewall Beach

Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Studio Flava

Studio Grand Central

Studios at 5663

SubCentral at Iberian Rooster

Suncoast Cathedral Church

SunCoast MCC

Sunken Gardens

Sunrise Civic Center Theatre

Sunset Beach Pavillion

Sunset Green Event Lawn at The Keys Collection

Sunset Green Lawn

Sunset Pier

Sunshine Cathedral | SunServe Youth

Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts

Sunshine Senior Center

Supernatural Haus

SWFL LGBTQ+ Community Center

Swingers Patio Bar & Grill

Tahitian Resort

Tampa Bay Downs

Tampa Bay History Center

Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Convention Center

Tampa Convention Center (PWT Stop #7)

Tampa Funnybone (formerly The Tampa Improv)

Tampa Garden Glub

Tampa Improv

Tampa Museum of Art

Tampa Pride Cuban Club Main Stage

Tampa Riverwalk

Tampa Sailing Squadron

Tampa Theatre

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

TD Ballpark

Temple Israel of Greater Miami

Ten Pin Lanes

TENN Nightclub

Tennessee Williams Theatre

Tennessee Williams Theatre at the College of the Florida Keys

Tequila's

Thanksgiving Art & Crafts Festival Tarpon Springs

The 808 Island Pub

The 808 Orlando

The Addison

The Alliance for The Arts

The Angeles

The Apopka Amphitheater

The Art Institute of Tampa

The Art Lofts of St. Petersburg

The Art Village Courtyard

The Attic Cafe

The Avenue Eat + Drink

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

The Ben Hotel

The Birchwood

The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater

The Brass Tap

The Bread & Board Downtown

The Brown Boxer South Beach

The Cabaret

The Casino @ Dania Beach

The Casino at Dania Beach

The Chattaway

The Cider Press Cafe & the Emerald Bar

The Circus Arts Conservatory

The Club at Treasure Island

The Coliseum

The Colony Hotel

The Conmy Center

The Cottage on Lake Fairview

The Create Space

The Cuban Club

The Dali Museum

The deck on 13

The Don CeSar

The Dreka Theater

The Dunbar Wine Bar

The Dunes Cocoa Beach

The Easton Rooftop Pool & Lounge

The Esplanade

The Event Space at Bulge

The Factory St. Pete

The Fenway Hotel

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Capitol

The Floridian Social

The Foundry

The Foundry Theater

The Franklin Manor

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

The Garage On Central Avenue

The Garden Club of DeLand

The Geek Easy

The Getaway

The Gin Joint

The Golden Host Resort

The Grand Orlando Resort

The Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration

The Harvest Sarasota

The Hillsborough County Fair

The Island Resort – Aruba Ballroom

The Jacked Up Bean

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

The Joinery

The Laboratory Theater of Florida

The Lady's Room

The Mahaffey Theater

The Manor Complex

The MAR St. Pete

The Movement Sanctuary

The Naples Players

The Neapolitan Pizza Company

The Norris Center

The OneBlood Bloodmobile

The Out-of-Door Academy

The Out-of-Door Academy – Middle & Upper School – Lakewood Ranch

The Palladium Theater

The Palmetto Club

The Parched Oak

The Park at JM Family Enterprises

The Parker (Parker Playhouse)

The Players Centre for Performing Arts

The Plaza Live

The Portico

The Potion Portal

The Pride Center

The Pride Center at Equality Park

The Pulse Interim Memorial

The Queens Head

The Reserve Retreat

The Reserve SRQ

The Revue Cinema

The Ritz Ybor

The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburon

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Rusty Pelican

The Salty Hobo

The Sanctuary Church

The Seaside Succulent

The Skull Dogs r.c.

The Social NPR

The Sound Clearwater

The Spice & Tea Exchange (St Petersburg)

The Spring of Tampa Bay

The St. Petersburg Coliseum

The Standard Restaurant Downtown

The Studio Public House

The Studio@620

The Studios of Key West – Helmerich Theater

The Veranda

The Village Courtyard

The Village of Baytowne Wharf

The Vinoy® Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

The Warrior on the River

The Werk Gallery

The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

The Wharf Fort Lauderdale

The Wharf Miami

The Woodshed Orlando

The Wreck Bar

The ZOO Studios & Event Space-Us Artists Group,LLC

Third Street South

Thistle & Thorne

Thistle & Thorne lounge

Thomas Jefferson High School

Thornton Park

Thornton Park District

Tin Roof Orlando

Tioga Town Center

Titusville Playhouse

Tom Brown Park Tallahassee

Tombolo Books

Topgolf Lake Mary

TopSecret Resort of Orlando

Tower Club Fort Lauderdale

TPepin Hospitality Centre

Tradewinds Park North

Treasure Bay

Treasure Bay Golf, Tennis & Recreation Center

Treasure Bay Recreation Facility

Treasure Island Beach

Treehouse Miami

Treehouse West Palm Beach

Tri-Rail’s Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Station

Tribeca Color Salon

Trinity Lutheran Church

Tropicana Field

Truman Waterfront Park Key West

Trustco Bank

Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar

Tulua Bistro

Tuscawilla Park

Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa

Twin Brooks Golf Course

Twisted Rooster Bar

UCC – Ft Lauderdale

UCF Downtown

UF IFAS Extension Orange County

UNF Albert W. Herbert University Center

Union Kitchen & Bar

Unitarian Universalist Church of Clearwater

Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota

United Church of Christ

United Skates of America

Unity of the Keys Spiritual Center

Universal Flight Training

University of Miami Shalala Student Center

University of North Florida

University Student Center of USF

University Town Center Sarasota

Urban Comfort Restaurant & Brewery

USF Multicultural Affairs

USF St. Pete

Valencia College East Campus

Velvet Lounge & Cafe

Venice Airport Festival Grounds

Venice Intercoastal Waterways

Venice Theatre

Venice Wine and Coffee Company

Venue on 6th

Vertical Ventures

Veteran's Park

Village of the Arts Bradenton

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

W Miami Downtown

Wadeview Park

Walt Disney World

Walton Rocks Dog Beach

Washington & 19th Street, Miami

Washington and 19th Street in Miami

Water Street Tampa

Water Works Park

Waterfront Commons

Waterfront Park on St. Pete Pier

Waterfront Playhouse

Waterworks Park

Waves at Bilmar

Weddings on the Bay at Tampa Bay Watch

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Wena's Nightclub and Show Bar

West Boynton Park and Recreation Center

West End Trading Company

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Lake Pavilion

Westfield Brandon

Weston Town Center

Whiskey Exchange

Wickham Park

Williams Park

Wilton Drive

Wilton Manors City Hall Parking Lot

Wine Bar at Stirling

Wine Madonna

Winter Park Library

WJCT Soundstage

Woodfield Fine Art

Wooten Park In Tavares

Wooton Park

World Fusion

Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive

Wynwood Marketplace

Xtreme Action Sports

yatt Regency Sarasota

Ybor City Saturday Market

YES Institute

Your Turn – A Board Game Cafe

Yrbor Historic District

Zipperz Bar

Zoies on Central

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

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Florida Panhandle Adventures!

12 of the coolest spots to check out on your next Panhandle road trip.

By: Erin McGrady + Save to a List

Hey y'all! My name is Erin McGrady and I’m a writer and photographer who has, for the last couple of years, been traveling the country with my wife, Caroline looking for safe and fun spaces for the LGBTQ community as well as the BIPOC community. We're based in Asheville, North Carolina, but we’ve spent a good amount of time in Florida opting to trade the mountains for the Sunshine State's warmer weather, any chance we get. We recently revisited the panhandle in an effort to dig a little deeper and share out about some of our favorite spots to adventure. One of the things we’ve always loved about the panhandle is how it has access to both the coast as well as some inland gems (springs, long trails, cool state parks, and, who knew it, an area where you can see more stars than you've probably ever seen before.) 

Want to know more? Keep reading to see some of our top picks for you next Florida panhandle road trip!

Blackwater River State Park

Our first stop in the panhandle is Blackwater River State Park. It's located on the western side of the panhandle and is surrounded by Blackwater River State Forest. The northern edge of the park has some fun dirt/sand roads that are fun to drive on. Though we did the trip in our 2WD van, 4WD is not a bad idea, especially if you want to explore some of the side roads that are made of soft sand. If you’re not in a hurry, take Camp Henderson Road, then Davis Road, and Mason West Road. It’s off the beaten path (we didn’t see another vehicle the entire time we were in there). Definitely make sure to bring a map as cell reception is limited in this part of the park. Also be sure to check out the equestrian trails, stables, and pastures at Coldwater Recreation Area. I grew up with two rescued horses and what I would have given to be able to bring them to this park. You can actually board your horse here, camp overnight, and then ride the trails! Note: bikes are not allowed on the horse trails. Camping at the Blackwater River State Park is a 10/10. The sites are big and roomy, flat, tucked into the pines, and have easy access to the trails. Unlike many campsites, this one feels super private in that you have quite a distance between you and your neighbor. 

Good for: anyone who loves horses and those seeking solitude at camp.

Spend anywhere from a day floating the river to a weekend or an entire week.

Ponce De Leon Springs State Park

There’s no doubt that Florida is known for its beaches. However, one of the coolest things we’ve experienced in our travels are the springs! Ponce De Leon Springs is east of Blackwater River State Park and makes for an unforgettable day trip. Entry into the park is $4 per vehicle or $2 per person if you’re on foot or on bike. The main feature of the park is the spring itself which, when we visited, was 68 degrees. Even though we visited in the winter, it was refreshing. I couldn’t stop staring at the crystal blue and green water and enjoyed watching the fish dart in and around my ankles (yeah, the water is that clear). This is freshwater, so you won’t float as easily as you would in saltwater. Be prepared to do a little treading and swimming. That said, I was able to stand up with my head above the water (I'm 5'4).

After drying off, we ate lunch at one of the picnic tables near the spring and then took a hike along the Spring Run Trail. The trail is short and winds along a river flood plain, so wear your boots and be prepared to get a little dirty. The hike is cool though and worth the time, say 30 minutes, because it takes you along the blue spring run until it meets up with Sandy Creek where you can see the two waters meet up; the spring, obviously, clear and blue, and the creek, brown and black.

Great for those in need of a little rejuvenation.

Spend anywhere from a half a day here to a full day.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Next up in our panhandle adventure? Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. We camped overnight here for one night and it was great! The camp store has beach cruisers, kayaks, and SUP’s for rent. While the campsite is nice, make sure you leave home base and explore. There’s a network of trails nearby which are totally worth exploring. If you’ve got bikes, head towards the beach along the paved path and look for a sand trail that leads to No Name Lake. Though it's cool to check out any time of day, the best time to do so is in the morning as the sun will come up on the other side of the lake and, if the conditions are right, will be misting which makes for an amazing photo. Continue on after stopping at the lake and head to the beach. The sand is super fine, almost like granulated sugar. We ran a few miles up there and stopped every so often to look at seashells, starfish, and other little critters that had washed up ashore. 

Best for those looking for a place to safely ride bikes and hike without worrying about cars.

Spend anywhere from a half a day here to a weekend or a week.

Black Bear Bread Co.  in Santa Rosa Beach

If you know me, you know I’m always thinking at least one meal ahead. I was looking forward to eating at Black Bear Bread Co. before we even got on our bikes at Topsail, and I was even more excited after riding around for a couple of hours. Black Bear is located in one of the cutest little beach bungalows we’ve ever seen. And the food is as tasty as the storefront makes it look. I ordered the smoked salmon tartine (the pickled onion was delicious!) and my wife had the kale sandwich. Both of them were made with fresh ingredients and they completely hit the spot. Oh, and they get bonus points for an easy curbside-to-go system.

Williford Spring

Ok, full disclosure: we never meant to stop at Williford Spring. Instead, I’d planned on taking us to visit Pitt and Sylvan Springs. But, when we got a little ways down the trail to the spring, it was closed. We headed back to the parking lot, found a sign that suggested Williford Springs, and five minutes later we were headed down the trail to go see it. Turns out, it was our lucky day: we were the only ones there! There are a couple of rocks that stick out of the water that made for a neat photo-op but the best part is that you can, when you dive under, literally see a circular, crystal blue hole. The water was, cool, clear, refreshing, and it was a total treat to have it all to ourselves. Williford Spring I’d later find out was part of the larger Northwest Flordia Water Management System, all of which is completely free.

Best for the water lover.

Spend anywhere from a half-hour to all day here.

Wright Lake Campground

I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I booked the campground at Wright Lake. It was hard to leave the coast and the beautiful springs. But something about it beckoned... I think it was the fact that it is located in Apalachicola National Forest and from the aerial view on Google maps, it looked desolate. And I’m so glad we went because not only was the drive out there one of the best sunsets I’ve seen in a long time (trees silhouetted against a pink and orange sky with just an eyelash of a moon in the background) but the stars out there, oh my, they were incredible. It’s one of the darkest places we’ve found this side east of the Mississippi River. There was so little light pollution that it made for some incredible astrophotography. If you’re a photographer who’s been wanting to get some awesome night shots, this is your camp. Note: there is no cell reception out here so make sure you know where you're going before you set out.

Best for all skill levels of photographers.

Spend at least one night here.

Big Bend Scenic Byway

A small parking lot with a fishing dock might not seem like a lot, but this spot is part of the Big Bend Scenic Byway which is 220 miles long and it's also a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail . (There are 510 wildlife viewing sites on the GFBT and can be quite an achievement to check off a visit to each one.)

Best for the bird-lover and wildlife watcher.

Spend anywhere from 15 minutes to half a day at one of the pull-offs. Spend a long weekend driving the entire route.

Dr. Julian G Bruce St. George Island

The thin wisp of land that is Dr. Julian G Bruce St. George Island State Park is one of my favorite spots on the panhandle. It’s easy to love because it’s soooo beautiful. But beyond its photographic dunes and blue waters, there is also a boat ramp, miles of white powdered sugar sand for walking or lounging, large shells that wash up at high tide, a campground, and my favorite... lots of wide-open spaces to go for a run. Note: visitors are welcome to observe and photograph the dunes but please do not walk on them.

Best for a perfect day at the beach.

Spend at least a night here, if not an entire weekend or week.

The Beach Pit  on St. George Island

Look for the salmon-colored building as you roll out of the state park (it’ll be a right-hand turn). Put your blinker on as soon as you see it and find a spot to park because you don’t want to miss the shrimp po’ boy or the grouper sandwich. Their genius lies in their simplicity: excellent ingredients, seasoned well, and prepared just right. Their fries are pretty darn good, too. I’m not typically one to mull over a meal unless it was incredible but I’ve been thinking about this sandwich for days. And apparently, I’m not the only one as they’ve been in business for over 25 years with no signs of stopping.

Carrabelle Beach

This is one of those beaches that’ll make you wish you lived in Florida. (It did for me, anyway.) It’s got cool looking 1970’s style picnic shelters, easy parking, and a soft sand beach with a water view that is great for just hanging out with a friend and getting some sun or going for a walk to clear your head. Though it’s part of Florida’s Forgotten Coast , it’s a spot that visitors won’t soon forget. Oh, and it gets bonus points for its outdoor showers and public drinking fountains.

Best for another great day at the beach.

Spend an hour eating lunch or stay all day.

Ochlockonee River State Park

If I had to pick a favorite campground in the panhandle, this one would come close to the top every single time. It’s fairly small, the sites sit under a canopy of older trees, they’re level, there’s a fire pit at each one, and there are a couple of cool trails that leave directly from camp. We went for a couple of great bike rides and walks and runs and could have easily spent a weekend here just relaxing, hiking, sitting around camp, and maybe putting a kayak or canoe in at the boat launch. My favorite part about the park, though, was the fact that it offered a scenic drive that cut through the forest. I loved it because it meant you could do it with anyone and everyone in your family regardless of age or physical mobility. I wish more places had things like this.

Best for those wanting to camp with family, including grandparents.

Spend at least a night, if not two.

Florida Trail

The Florida Trail is aptly named as it is nearly 1,500 miles long and goes all the way from  Gulf Islands National Seashore  (North) to  Big Cypress National Preserve  (South). It is also one of 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States. Though there are numerous jumping on and off points for accessing this trail, we like this one, southwest of Medart near the intersection of Dragon Wood Circle and Carraway Cutoff. 

Best for anyone wanting to experience a slice of Florida on foot.

Spend anywhere from an hour to several weeks thru-hiking the trail.

Florida Panhandle Recap

Winter is a great time to visit the panhandle (no bugs and plenty of sunshine) but honestly, this is a year-round destination. I love that it has not only remote outdoor adventures but also cool, local spots to grab a bite, and of course, the easy beach access. If you're thinking of an adventure in Florida, skip the usual destination and point your vehicle towards the panhandle and what might just be your favorite adventure in Florida.

Notes: We did the above route and went west to east. To recreate this adventure, give yourself at least one week.

Cell reception is limited in a lot of these spots so be sure to have a map and be able to navigate without your phone's GPS. Hooray for remote wilderness experiences!

Book campsites online ahead of time no matter the time of year.

Do not bring firewood from out of state. Most of the state parks sell firewood so plan on arriving before the ranger's office closes and getting some if you'd like to have a campfire.

A snorkel and mask or goggles are recommended for the springs so that you can see below! 

Want to know more? Check out www.visitflorida.com #LoveFL | #EveryoneOutside #TheOutbound

Photos by Caroline Whatley and Erin McGrady

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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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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A Picturesque Road Trip Along Florida's Panhandle and Beyond

Find inland lakes and natural springs, serene state parks and pristine beaches.

Terry Ward,

Miami's glitzy beaches and Orlando's theme parks hog the spotlight and draw big crowds in Florida. But the Sunshine State will surprise you with plenty of less-visited draws that also make pandemic-era social distancing easy. This road trip takes you from the Panhandle to the state's crook and then south and inland — with fun excursions on land and in the water all along the way. Oh, and be ready to chow down on fresh, delicious Florida seafood, too.

Day 1: South Walton County — Miramar Beach to Santa Rosa Beach (20 miles)

Start your road trip in the Panhandle in Miramar Beach for easy access to South Walton County's coastal dune lakes. Freshwater oases that exist in only a few places in the world, dune lakes are created when wind redistributes sand and creates shallow pools. You'll find Western Lake, one of Florida's prettiest, at Grayton Beach State Park , 15 miles east of Miramar Beach along scenic Highway 30A. Rent a kayak from the park ranger station to explore the backwaters of this 100-acre lake surrounded by wetlands. Then, switching gears to saltwater, see for yourself why Dr. Beach named the park's stretch of powdery perfection America's No. 1 beach in 2020. Come lunchtime, head to nearby Grayton Beer Brewpub for a shrimp po'boy and one of its 15 local beers (try the 30A IPA, with bright citrus and tropical notes) on its outdoor patio.

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After lunch, make a short five-mile trek northeast to Eden Gardens State Park , on Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach. Here, Spanish moss-draped oak trees frame the Wesley House, a stately 1897 mansion with tall white columns, a wraparound porch and an antiques-filled interior. The park has temporarily paused mansion tours due to the pandemic, but you can walk right up to the porch and peek inside the windows, as well as ramble around the lovely, sprawling grounds. In this serene setting, spend a quiet afternoon fishing for crappie off Tucker Bayou's dock, but bring your own gear and a Florida fishing license ( available for purchase online ).

Where to stay:  Near Grayton Beach State Park, one-bedroom apartments at the Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse come with kitchenettes or full kitchens and private balconies overlooking tidy gardens. Or pitch a tent or park your RV at Grayton Beach State Park Campground, a shady spot near Western Lake.

Day 2: Grayton Beach State Park to Apalachicola (97 miles)

Continuing east on 30A toward Apalachicola , stop about 34 miles down the road at St. Andrews State Park , near Panama City, for more beach time. Although it's a popular park, you'll have plenty of room to chill on its 1 1/2-mile stretch of pristine sand. Fish from a pier that extends 500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico or cycle along the park's flat roads (an onsite general store rents bikes).

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Make sure to arrive in Apalachicola, about 70 miles on, in time for dinner. You don't want to miss the local oysters at the Station Raw Bar, an erstwhile service station. The kitchen bakes the bivalves and gives them an extra flavor boost with toppings such as bacon, crabmeat, garlic butter and Parmesan. Outdoor seating available.

Where to stay:  Southern Living called the Gibson Inn “the coolest place to stay in the Panhandle.” The sumptuous marble bathroom in your one-bedroom suite should win you over, and the suite's exterior entrance will help you keep your distance from staffers and other guests.

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Day 3: Apalachicola to Steinhatchee (142 miles)

Florida's Forgotten Coast — a string of less-developed beaches, blink-and-miss-them gulf-front fishing towns and quiet barrier islands — stretches from Apalachicola east about 50 miles to Alligator Point. A morning walk around Apalachicola's well-preserved downtown, along the Apalachicola River, will give you a good feel for what a quintessential Florida fishing town looks like. Duck into Tin Shed Nautical and Antiques, a fascinating store with antique maritime wheels, vintage brass ship lamps and the like.

Moving on, make your way east on U.S. Route 98 for 22 miles to Carrabelle for lunch at Carrabelle Junction, where the cheerful 1950s décor will have you waxing nostalgic. Its blue-plate specials (perhaps a roast beef Philly sandwich or French dip) aren't as cheap as meals in that bygone I Love Lucy era, but they're a bargain today — about $10 for a sandwich, chips, salad, dessert and drink. If you need a pick-me-up, order one of the barista-brewed espresso drinks.

Now, backtrack 2 1/2 miles to Tate's Hell State Forest for a stroll along its boardwalk to see centuries-old dwarf cypress trees that stand just 15 feet high. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the black bears and gopher tortoises that live in this forest.

Back on 98, count on a two-hour drive around the Big Bend (the crook where Florida turns south) and down to Steinhatchee , another Old Florida outpost where you should arrive in time for sunset and a seafood dinner alfresco. At Roy's Restaurant, a longtime favorite on the Steinhatchee River, order the sweet bay scallops, broiled or fried. Tinier than Atlantic sea scallops, Florida scallops are irresistibly sweet and extra tender. Note: Roy's offers curbside pickup if you don't want to sit and dine there.

Where to stay:  At Steinhatchee Landing Resort, oak and pine trees surround one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages ideal for overnight accommodations with no shared elevators or a hotel lobby.

Day 4: Steinhatchee to Mount Dora (144 miles)

Begin your day early, scalloping in the grassy shallows of Deadman Bay (from mid-June to early September). From Sea Hag Marina, Captain Kyle Skipper takes out up to six people aboard the Marker One to forage for the tasty mollusks. The captain will clean and bag your haul if you want to stash the scallops in a cooler in your car to prepare later, or just leave them for the crew.

Next stop: Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, 97 miles southeast — first on 98 and then U.S. Route 27 — for an inland freshwater experience. On a half-hour tour aboard a glass-bottom boat, peer down into the crystalline water of one of the country's largest natural springs. You can also rent kayaks to explore on your own, or just enjoy the views from the shore.

Driving another 50 miles south along County Road 452 takes you to the pretty Central Florida lakeside town of Mount Dora in time for another Florida sunset, this one with views over Lake Dora from an outdoor table at Pisces Rising restaurant. Menu standouts: peel-and-eat shrimp, pan-seared grouper and smoked ribs.

Where to stay:  From the four-room Mount Dora Historic Inn, walk to downtown shops, restaurants and parks. Or book one of its roomy vacation cottages scattered around town.

Day 5: Mount Dora to Sebring (150 miles)

Wake up early with the birds again for a stroll around Palm Island Park, an in-town nature preserve on Lake Dora with a pathway and boardwalk that wind for about a mile through ancient live oaks, cabbage palms and other native plants. You'll likely see alligators, cormorants, herons and other wading birds. After your walk, sink your teeth into jumbo Belgian waffles at the nearby Highland Street Cafe, which should fortify you for a morning of serious antique shopping, Mount Dora's specialty. You just might come across some vintage finds you've got to have at Renninger's Antique Center or the Village Antique Mall.

When you tire of antiquing, set out for Sebring , via several county roads and then 27 and 98 again. About 75 miles into your drive (on 27), take a break at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales and wander through renowned gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr.

Lakes and parks surround Sebring, your final stop, a hideaway slice of interior Florida where you'll want to explore the virgin hardwood forest at Highlands Hammock State Park . It has more rare and endemic plant and animal species than any other Florida state park. As you meander along the elevated boardwalk through the cypress swamp, look for alligators and deer.

If you're a golfer, make time for twilight golf at one of Sebring's many courses along the Citrus Golf Trail. Then go for margaritas, guacamole and ceviche on the patio at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant to toast a final Florida sunset over Lake Jackson.

Where to stay:  Relish the water views at the 155-room Inn on the Lakes, which sits between Little Lake Jackson and Lake Jackson. Or camp in your tent or RV at Highlands Hammock State Park (book through Reserve America).

Enjoy some music along the route with this road trip playlist compiled for AARP by Jeff Nolan, a Florida-based musicologist and the Hard Rock Café’s music consultant.

Terry Ward is a Florida-based travel journalist who lives in Tampa, loves to scuba dive and is a contributing writer who covers food, drink and travel. Her work has appeared in  National Geographic Traveler  and  The Washington Post  and on CNN.com.

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Giant Adventure: Road Trip to The Florida Panhandle

MARIANNA, Fla. — The Florida Panhandle offers the perfect weekend getaway packed full of outdoor adventure.

Journey underground at Florida Caverns State Park to explore the otherworldly depths of the limestone caves of North Florida.

Enjoy mystifying stalagmites and illuminated rocks as you journey through time to see formations that have grown slowly over thousands of years.

While moving between the large underground rooms, you can observe the many chisel marks made by 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps workers.

These hard-working men enlarged the cave passageways by hand so visitors could stand upright during the guided tours.

When entering the caverns, it will take a few moments to become acclimated to the dimly lit environment and year-round 65-degree temperature. The tour moves at a leisurely pace through a dozen cave rooms where visitors learn about the cave's history, early uses, and interesting geological formations.

Cave tours are available Friday through Monday, leaving from the visitor center beginning at 9 a.m. Central time. To ensure the safety of the guests, tour groups are limited to 10 visitors and face masks are required.

Click here for more information on cave tours. The park is located at 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446.

Things to remember:

• Cave tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and tickets can be purchased the day of.
• Parking is limited.
• Arrive early; cave tickets can sell out in advance, especially on weekends.
• For information about group tour reservations, please contact the Florida Caverns Gift Shop, Monday through Friday at 850-526-2650.
• Children 2 and under: No fee
• Ages 3 to 12: $5 per person
• Ages 13 and up: $10.75 per person
• Park admission is $5 per vehicle

Falling Waters State Park

Only 30 minutes away, Falling Waters State Park provides travelers with a quiet, serene stop on their journey.

This park features Florida's highest waterfall, which flows into a 100-foot-deep sinkhole. It's certainly a great spot for a photo opportunity.

Falling Waters State Park is located at ADDRESS. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Admission is $5 per vehicle.

Click here for more information on Falling Waters State Park. It's located at 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428.

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Florida panhandle: a foodie road trip

I n the 1930s, Florida turpentine workers described a place called Diddy-Wah-Diddy. It's a land of leisure where day-to-day worries disappear. If a traveller there is hungry, all they have to do is sit down and, before long, dinner comes running up with a knife and fork, yelling: "Eat me! Eat me!" As one book of Southern folklore puts it: "Everybody would live in Diddy-Wah-Diddy if it were not so hard to find." And while it's true Diddy-Wah-Diddy isn't marked on any map, the stretch of the Florida panhandle between Apalachicola and the Aucilla river matches its description perfectly.

The wild rivers and forgotten coasts of north Florida are some of the state's greatest treasures and produce some of its tastiest cuisine. Natives express surprise that the region is so overlooked by tourists, but take great pride in their condo-free expanses of undeveloped beaches. For the traveller seeking a unique landscape and a meal crying "Eat me!", it's the place to be.

Long, winding stretches of road, river and coastline are punctuated by pit stops: just past the intersection of US 98 and state road 267, you pull off to buy local delicacies from the back of a pick-up truck – brownpaper bags of boiled peanuts, jars of mayhaw jelly, and tupelo honey from deep in the swamps; canoeing down the Wacissa river, you tie up for a dip in clear, spring-fed waters; hiking through the 70,000 acres of cypress swamps, longleaf pinewoods and coastal marshes of St Mark's National Wildlife Refuge , you'll stop to catch a breath and a view of nesting ospreys. There's no hurry: the pit stops are the adventure.

"Y'all headin' down to Wakulla?" is a question commonly posed when introducing someone to the region. Of course we're headed down to Wakulla. You don't bring a person to north Florida and not take them to Wakulla Springs . You don't miss diving from the two-storey concrete tower into one of the world's largest freshwater springs. You don't miss the art deco Wakulla Springs Lodge overlooking the swimming area. And you definitely don't miss the lobby's 11ft 2in (3.4m) stuffed alligator and his slightly livelier cousins sunning themselves outside.

Your stomach draws you down towards the coast. First to Ouzts' Too at the St Mark's River bridge in Newport . If it's a Thursday (the oyster bar and grill's not open on Monday and Tuesday), the fresh-shucked oysters are on special for $6 a dozen and the beer $2 a glass. The rest of the week the oysters will run you $7.99 for a baker's dozen – still quite a deal.

In Panacea, further down the highway, the Coastal Restaurant (1305 Coastal Highway, +1 850 984 2933, no website) indulge in grouper, redfish, shrimp, blue crabs, stone crabs and gator bites, all served with cheese grits and hush puppies (cornbread balls). When the Coastal can keep them in stock, gator bites are $6.99, all-you-can-eat fried shrimp is $13.99 and a platter of fish, shrimp, oysters, devil crab, hush puppies and sides can be had for $16.99.

Or you could turn instead toward the waterside and Posey's Dockside Cafe (99 Rock Landing Road, +1 850 713 0014) will have smoked mullet waiting. Some residents of south Florida would have you believe mullet is a bait fish. They've never been to Posey's.

By the afternoon, you get your first real sight of the ocean. US 98 turns west and hugs the coastline, where the beaches are fine white sand, born from quartz in the Appalachian mountains. My mother tells the story of northern visitors who arrived at night and wouldn't set out in a bathing suit the next morning because they thought all that whiteness was snow on the ground. So, pull over. Enjoy.

When you at last get back in the car, you'll cross the bridge into Apalachicola right around sunset. A breeze blows through the historic centre. There are rocking chairs on the porch at the Gibson Inn (doubles from $115). You'll be ready for another dozen oysters, and in Apalachicola they're wild and fresh and fat. You've found Diddy-Wah-Diddy.

Erin Chapman, native Floridian and co-editor of The American Guide ( theamericanguide.org )

• Florida holidays
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Travel the Gulf of Mexico Coastline

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The allure of glistening white Appalachian quartz sands and deep emerald green waters is mesmerizing. Hugging the coastline of Escambia Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in Walton County, this drive delivers with stunning scenery and friendly beach communities, each with its own unique vibe. Find a myriad of recreation opportunities as well as a string of spectacular state parks, rare coastal dune lakes, historic sites, and oh, let’s not forget fabulous shopping and dining. Whether you live nearby or are just visiting, exploring the Panhandle is a true getaway.

We begin our drive on the Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway (US-90). This treasure travels along the Escambia River south to the Bayou Texar Bridge. From I-10, take exit 17 for US-90 West.

Stop at Chimney Park (H2) , named for the Hyer-Knowles Planing Mill Chimney, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the mid-1850s, the chimney is a remnant of an early steam power plant, destroyed during the Civil War by Confederate forces to keep it out of enemy hands. The original bricks were handmade by slaves in a nearby brick factory.

Continue on US-90, passing forested wetlands and quaint towns. Make your next stop the 32-acre Bay Bluffs Park (H1) . Here you will find unique red clay bluffs (once use for brick making) and the highest natural vantage point along the entire Florida coastline. Have your camera ready for expansive views overlooking Escambia Bay, and a backdrop of longleaf pine, magnolia and live oak forest. Walk down the extensive boardwalk to the base of the cliffs for a different perspective.

Just below the bridge is Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (A2) featuring a wayside park, making this a great stop for watching waterfowl, gulls, and terns as well as to get regional information.

As the scenic drive arrives in Pensacola, consider a detour to the National Naval Aviation Museum (M1) which features aircraft and exhibits depicting the achievements and sacrifices made in more than a century of Naval Aviation. Climb inside the cockpit of historic aircraft, learn more about naval aviation in WWI, the Cold War, the Blue Angels, and much more. Other displays include uniforms, flight gear weaponry, medals and photographs. A valid ID is required to enter. The museum and parking are free.

Just across the street from the museum is the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum (M2) . Built in 1859, climb 177 steps for outstanding views and explore the restored Keepers’ Quarters. There is an admission fee.

Historic Fort Barrancas (H3) is also nearby. Tour the fort and the Advanced Redoubt, unique in Pensacola for being designed solely to resist a land-based assault. At the Visitor Center, learn about the Civil War and how the barrier islands were formed. Also enjoy hiking, picnicking and the extraordinary Gulf Islands National Seashore. To reach Fort Barrancas and the Advanced Redoubt onboard Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida, use the Blue Angel Parkway (Florida Route 173).

Pensacola is home to the Blue Angels. From March to November you’ll see (and hear) the Blue Angels practice on most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

To continue our scenic drive, turn left onto North 17th Ave which will bring you to the Pensacola Bay Bridge. If you took the detour to downtown Pensacola, you can follow Main Street east to the Bayfront Parkway which will bring you to the bridge. Note a toll is charged.

After crossing the bridge, continue straight to Santa Rosa Island (part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore) via Pensacola Beach Boulevard and turn right on Fort Pickens Road. In the town of Pensacola Beach (W1) , swim, boogie board, snorkel, or try your hand at standup paddle boarding, parasailing, scuba and wreck diving. Submerged in the waters of Florida’s Panhandle are twelve unique shipwrecks which are a big draw for divers. Outfitters have everything you need including lessons, tours and rentals. Festivals regularly punctuate the calendar.

Continuing west leads to Fort Pickens (A1) . The largest of four forts, Fort Pickens was built between 1829-1834 to defend Pensacola Bay and its navy yard. Named for Revolutionary war hero Andrew Pickens, it was one of only four forts in the south not captured by the confederates. It also claims fame for once housing Apache prisoner Geronimo. Ten concrete gun batteries remain, as well as many brick structures set amid breathtaking landscape. Learn more about the fort and region from ranger-led guided tours. Along with exploring the historic fort, there are abundant water recreation opportunities such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, and fishing for snapper, flounder, blue crab, shrimp, and mackerel. Walk a portion of the 28.2-mile section of the 1300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail which begins near the fort and travels to the western-most point of Santa Rosa Island. Though not a difficult trail as there is no elevation gain, this trail is exposed to strong winds and sun. Be prepared with sunscreen, sun hat and plenty of water. Kayaking or canoeing is one of the best ways to explore the diversity and natural beauty along a stretch of the 1550-mile Florida Circumnavigational Paddling Trail that passes through here. Wildlife watchers and bird enthusiasts will love the Santa Rosa Barrier Islands, a hotspot for over 280 species of migratory birds as well as breeding grounds for loggerhead turtles and views of the most common mammal found here, the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. With so much to do here, consider a longer stay at developed or primitive campsites for tents and RV’s.

Retrace your way to Pensacola Beach Blvd. and cross back over to continue our drive along US-98/Gulf Breeze Parkway. If you want to spend more time on Santa Rosa Island, stay on Fort Pickens Road which becomes Via De Luna Drive to access the Santa Rosa Day Use Area (H5) . At Opal Beach, swim the life-guarded areas and enjoy miles of unspoiled shoreline and towering sand dunes which are sculpted by wind and stabilized by the roots of sea oats. From May through October is turtle hatching season. Please do not touch the nests, turtles or hatchlings and respect posted signs. There is an entrance fee for the park covered by an America the Beautiful Pass .

The scenic drive continues on US-98 heading east. Hurricanes have done some major damage and the rebuilding along this coastline has created an interesting mix of old and new Florida.

Those craving just one more beach, but certainly not the last on this drive, should take the Navarre Beach Causeway to the Navarre Beach Park (H4) . Wooden walkways and covered shelters lead to resplendent white beaches. Here you’ll find solitude and pods of dolphins doing their acrobatics in the distance. And don’t miss fishing off the longest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico. The 1,545 foot Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is not only for fishing, but a great spot to soak in the views or watch the sunset. There is a fee for fishing and you can walk along the pier for only $1.

If you have taken the detour, cross back to US-98 via the Navarre Beach Causeway. As you arrive in Fort Walton Beach, consider a detour to the Air Force Armament Museum (M3) where you’ll discover an interesting collection of aircraft and weaponry from World War I to today. Visit indoor exhibits of aircraft, gun collection, bombs, and missiles and learn about the history of Elgin Air Force from a short film. Outdoor exhibits include vintage military aircraft and the fastest plane ever built — the SR-71 Blackbird. Admission is free. To reach it, follow the Eglin Parkway SE/FL-85 North.

Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island and Destin are three small seaside towns ready to restore and energize. Along the Emerald Coast, water sports reign supreme and the possibilities are endless. Relax on the sugary beaches and dip your toes in the surf, or immerse yourself completely by scuba diving or snorkeling. There are outfitters and guided tours galore, offering nature or fishing boat excursions, canoe and kayak rentals and for the more adventurous, parasailing. And when the sun sets — the towns comes alive with theater, concerts, performing arts and other cultural events. Destin’s Harbor Walk is lined with restaurants and beach bars intermixed with a deeply-rooted fishing life. There’s a reason it’s known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. Visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum (M4) for the complete story and history of this village.

Henderson Beach State Park (H6) is a refreshing oasis, especially for families as many facilities provide everything you need for a day at the beach. Sheltered pavilions for picnicking, BBQ’s, playground, accessible boardwalks that lead to the beach and more. Explore the shifting dunes and coastal scrub along the 3/4-mile hiking trail or pass the hours away swimming, fishing and beachcombing. Take advantage of beachside camping in one of the 60 tent and RV sites. There is a day use fee to enter.

The scenic drive continues passing a number of fabulous beaches, the only problem — selecting just one. Crystal Beach, Miramar, Sandestin, Santa Rosa, Seagrove with sandy bluffs. Stop as the craving pulls you.

In Santa Rosa Beach, over 1640-acres of gorgeous await at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (H11) . Diverse habitats from idyllic beaches, three coastal dune lakes, wet prairies to longleaf pine forests allow for a huge variety of activities. Spot an interesting mix of wildlife including river otters, armadillos, raccoons and opossums on more than 13-miles of trails. Observe shore birds, red-headed woodpeckers, snowy plovers along the 2.5-mile Morris Lake Trail (part of The Great Florida Birding Trail ), take part in a ranger-led activity, or catch the big one while fresh and salt-water fishing. An on-site tram takes you to different points of interest. Settle in one of the spacious shaded camping spots or rent one of the cute cabins. This park is a popular camping destination and it has a swimming pool — reservations are highly recommended.

At the fork after passing Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, turn right for the FL-30A. Along Scenic 30A, a greenway trail system is being developed, much of it already in place featuring biking and walking trails connecting Point Washington State Forest, Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Topsail Hill State Preserve, Butler Elementary School and many residential developments. Upon completion, this trail system will provide over 27 miles of trails for recreational use.

The multi-colored cottages of the Dune Allen Beach neighborhood are also home to three of Florida’s 15 rare coastal dune lakes. These geographic wonders only occur in the U.S. along the Gulf Coast. A coastal dune lake is a permanent water body filled with freshwater and rain which can burst open, passing through the dunes and mix with the salty Gulf water which in turn refills the lake. This unique combination of fresh and salt water creates an interesting array of flora and fauna.

At Country Road 283 S, consider a detour heading north to Point Washington State Forest (H9) is a refreshing sight after huge expanses of beach and water. This 15,000-acre forest boasts many hiking and biking trails on which you can spot deer and fox, or rare species such as American kestrel, gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant and the world’s largest population of Curtiss’ sandgrass. Note in season, there is hunting here.

Grayton Beach State Park (H8) is another full-facility park replete with a wide range of amenities — canoeing, kayaking, fishing in both fresh and saltwater, interpretive exhibits and hiking trails through coastal forest. Pick up a self-guiding leaflet at the ranger station and explore the Grayton Beach Nature Trail. Marvel at the twisted tree trunks that struggle to survive in salty winds. Cyclists will like the 4-mile off-road trail. Nearby is a 10-mile section of the walking and cycling path along Scenic 30A. This is a great camping spot and also offers cabin rentals. As for most Florida state parks, there is an entrance fee.

In Seagrove Beach, Deer Lake State Park (H7) is home to more coastal dune lakes. Admire rare plants such as Gulf Coast lupine, spoonflower, pitcher plants and Curtiss’ sandgrass all of which attract a wide variety of wildlife such as birds, butterflies, beavers, loggerhead turtles, coyotes, bobcats, fox and deer. Take the mile-long network of wooden walkways that lead to sparkling beach, or trails through dense, lush forest. ADA accessible trails allow easy access to beach and dune views. Enjoy swimming, fishing. There is a small entrance fee. Note there are no facilities for food or drink here so bring your own. And please, Leave No Trace.

Back on the Scenic 30A, you’ll cross Camp Creek Lake, pass Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach. At the end of Scenic 30A keep right on US-98.

Camp Helen State Park (H10) is another beautiful spot bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on three sides and Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes. Enjoy swimming, beachcombing and fresh and salt water fishing, walking the wooded nature trails and wildlife watching. Along with incomparable natural beauty, the 180-acre day use park offers a fascinating look back in history through middens and shell mounds (basically ancient landfills) revealing that this area had been inhabited more than 4,000 years ago. In 1945, Camp Helen was used as a resort for Avondale Mills’s employees and some of the old structures are still in use today.

At the fork after Philips Inlet Bridge, continue to the right on Front Breeze Road which hugs the shoreline eventually leading to the tip of the peninsula and St. Andrews State Park (H12) . This park has it all — small jetties that make kid-friendly pools, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, on-site canoe and kayak rentals, two fishing piers, campgrounds, playground, restaurant and more. Tucked away from building developments, this park has a thriving wildlife. Look for blue herons, great egrets, pelicans, dolphins, deer and alligators on two hiking trails.

Now, we don’t really need a getaway from a getaway, but Shell Island (A3) is a not-to be-missed gem. Take the ferry, or your own boat, from Saint Andrew’s Park to this little oasis and explore. Rejuvenate in the natural splendor of swaying sea oats, frolicking dolphins and scurrying of fiddler crabs across the sand. There are no services on this remote barrier island (really it’s only a mile away), so pack a delicious picnic, water and enjoy.

Our scenic drive officially ends at St. Andrews Park but do visit Panama City Beach, the largest beach town in the Panhandle. Here you will find a vibrant town with a dizzying array of amenities.

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Home » North America » Florida

Epic Florida Road Trip Guide for 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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Florida USA Road Trips Costs

Coolest itineraries for a road trip through florida, places to visit in florida, where to stay in florida, safety in florida, florida road trip tips, renting a car or campervan in florida, must-try experiences in florida.

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

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

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

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

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

Average Costs of Florida Road Trips

Rental car:  $30-$100

RV rental:  $100-$300

Gallon of gas:  $2.85

Average AirBnB:  $120

Hotel room:  $140

Hostel:  $25-$35

Campground:  $5-$20 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich:  $6-$8

Beer at a bar:  $4-$8

Coffee:  $2-$4

Bottle of Whiskey from market:  $18

Dinner for two:  $30-$60

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

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

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

You do the math. 😉

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

4 Days: Road Trip to the Florida Keys and Everglades

Day 1: Everglades

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

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

Day 2: Everglades

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

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

Day 3: Florida Keys

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

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

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

Day 4: Florida Keys

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

7 Day Florida Itinerary: A1A Florida Road Trip

7 Days: A1A Florida Road Trip

Day 1: Key West

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

Day 2: Fort Lauderdale

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

Day 3: Cocoa Beach

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

Day 4: St Augustine

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

Day 5: Jacksonville/Amelia Island

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

Day 6: Vero Beach/Miami

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

Day 7: Miami

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

• Little Havana
• Coral Gables
• Design District

14 Day Florida Itinerary: Ultimate Florida Road Trip

14 Days: Ultimate Florida Road Trip

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

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

Day 7: Emerald Coast

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

Day 8: Emerald Coast

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

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

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

Day 9: Tampa Bay

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

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

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

Day 10: Tampa Bay

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

• Caladesi Island
• Honeymoon Islands
• Clearwater Beach

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

Day 11-12: Everglades *

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

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

Day 13: Miami

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

• Little Haiti

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

Day 14: Miami

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

*Indicates that this day was copied from a previous itinerary

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

Road Trip to Miami

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hostels in Miami

Epic Places to Visit in Miami

Miami Itinerary

Where to Stay in Miami

Road Trip to Fort Lauderdale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road Trip to the Florida Keys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road Trip to the Everglades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road Trip to Tampa Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road Trip to Orlando

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnbs in Orlando

Best Places to Visit in Orlando

Best Things to Do in Orlando

Where to Stay in Orlando

Road Trip on the Atlantic Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road Trip to the Florida Panhandle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Off the Beaten Path Florida Road Trip Destinations

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

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

Roadside Attractions in Florida

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

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

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

Florida Scenic Drives

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

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

Best Diving in Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Budget Accommodation for a Florida Road Trip

Camping in Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Visit this Part of the World

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

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

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

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

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

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers and Road Trippers

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

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

Camping in Florida – Gear Checklist

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

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

Travel Security Belt

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

Microfiber Towel

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

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

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

‘Monopoly Deal’

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

Hanging Laundry Bag

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

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

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

Books to Read during your Florida Road Trip

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

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

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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Make Money Online whilst Traveling in Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

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

Food in Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get your Buzz On

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Colleen Kinsey

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