Where to go for your road trip to Florida
Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the entire country. Just about everyone has watched a morning weather report that shows the entire country experiencing cold weather except for Florida. Learn about the top destinations for the best road trip to Florida, where it’s summer all year long.
1. Visit the amusement park capital of the world in Orlando
While much of Florida’s best spots are located along the coast, Orlando is a notable exception. Located inland, the main draw to this fun city is the sheer number of amusement parks. You’ll find Universal Studios, Disney World, and more all conveniently located in this city, so the whole family can find endless fun.
2. Enjoy America’s oldest city in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is officially the oldest European-founded city in the entire United States, dating back to the 16th century. You can explore that history yourself with numerous landmarks and sites throughout the city conveniently accessible via a trolley tour. Don’t forget to stop by the alligator farm as well where you can see every species of this majestic beast.
3. Cruise the canals of Fort Lauderdale
Known as the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale is known for its numerous boating canals. There’s nothing quite like taking a gondola through the canals to get a stunning view of some of the best this city has to offer. Fort Lauderdale is also known for its waterfront restaurants and cafes serving stunning seafood. Of course, you can find beaches as well.
4. Shoot for the stars in Cape Canaveral
If you’re interested in space, Cape Canaveral is an essential stop on any road trip to Florida. Home to the Kennedy Space Center, this area lets you learn about the U.S. space program, and you may even see an actual rocket launch if you visit during the right time. Of course, the city is also home to pristine beaches and a massive wildlife preserve.
5. Explore the world-famous city of Miami
When you think of Florida, Miami is one of the first destinations that come to mind for most. This South Florida city is home to a wide range of attractions that are suitable for a broad variety of road trip experiences whether you’re looking for something family-friendly or something more romantic. With the city’s bustling nightlife, impressive art deco architecture, and stunning beaches, you can expect an unforgettable experience.
6. Relax with refinement in Naples
When your road trip to Florida takes you to Naples, you can enjoy an exquisite experience suited for high-end relaxation and recreation. There are several golf courses in the area in addition to luxury shopping opportunities in upscale stores and malls. Fine dining in fancy restaurants is popular here as well, though you can still enjoy more accessible pastimes like fishing.
7. Find family-friendly fun in Cape Coral
In Cape Coral, you’ll find a wide variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy no matter what you’re into. There are more than 400 miles of waterways in the area, so fishing and boating are among the most popular activities. Of course, you can also relax with a round of golf. The little ones will especially enjoy a trip to the local water park.
8. Immerse yourself in culture in Gainesville
Gainesville is one of the most prominent cultural hubs in all of Florida. You can explore natural and cultural history here thanks to the extensive range of museums and nature preserves like the Butterfly Rainforest. The state parks also offer plenty of outdoor adventure with well-maintained hiking and biking trails.
9. Enjoy urban adventures in Tampa
If you’re looking to add a city to your road trip to Florida, Tampa is one of the best options available. You’ll find plenty for the whole family to see and do, especially when you visit the eclectic Ybor City neighborhood with its restaurants and specialty shops. Of course, no trip to Tampa would be complete without a trip to the Busch Gardens amusement park.
10. Relax with a road trip to Marco Island
Marco Island offers leisurely relaxation in abundance. The region is relatively small and isolated, so you’ll never be too far from fun. Located on the Paradise Coast, the area offers 6 miles of beaches and around 100 miles of waterways for aquatic adventures. Fishing, however, remains the most popular activity.