The Best Places to Drive in Florida
Florida is a beautiful state with tons to take in from its roads and highways, from those who just want to take a leisurely Sunday drive, to those looking for some serious road-trip adventure. With its wide open roads and stunning natural beauty, the Sunshine State has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places that you’ve got to drive to in Florida.
The Overseas Highway (Route 1)
For those who are looking for a scenic drive, the Overseas Highway (also known as Route 1) is an absolute must. Starting at Miami, this 123-mile stretch of highway takes you through the breathtakingly beautiful Florida Keys, with views of mangroves, coral reefs and turquoise waters that will make you feel like you’re driving through paradise. The Overseas Highway also offers plenty of historical attractions along the way such as Key West’s Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum where you can see the home of one of America’s finest literary minds and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, which houses the largest amount of Civil War weaponry in the world.
The Gulf Coast Scenic Byway
The Gulf Coast Scenic Byway is one of Florida’s most popular drives. This 215-mile route runs from Pensacola Beach to St. Petersburg Beach and takes you through some of the state’s most stunning coastal landscapes. Along the way, you can enjoy views of bays, beaches and barrier islands that are perfect for swimming or fishing. You can also explore historic sites such as Pensacola’s Fort Pickens or visit some of the area’s spectacular lighthouses like Cape San Blas Lighthouse or Egmont Key Lighthouse.
The Road to Flamingo
Florida’s Everglades National Park is an absolute must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Everglades are one of America’s most cherished national parks and are constantly the focus of conservation efforts due to its uniqueness amongst our national parks. While there are many ways to explore this vast expanse of wetlands and swamps, one of the best routes is via The Road to Flamingo—a 45-mile stretch that takes you deep into the heart of America’s largest subtropical wilderness preserve. Along this winding road, you can spot alligators lounging in ponds or catch a glimpse of rare species like the endangered American crocodile or West Indian manatee. Speaking of wildlife, make sure to drive carefully, and be on the lookout for those critters on the road. According to Marketwatch, Florida has the highest number of auto accidents of any state and 50,000 of those involved wildlife. But if you’re feeling adventurous, stop by one of the many campgrounds along The Road To Flamingo where you can spend your nights under starlit skies surrounded by nothing but nature’s beauty and serenity!
Whether it’s a leisurely Sunday drive or an epic road trip adventure that you’re after – Florida has something for everyone! From picturesque coastal drives on The Gulf Coast Scenic Byway to jaw-dropping wildlife sightings on The Road To Flamingo – exploring these amazing routes will give any driver countless stories to tell about their journey through paradise! So what are you waiting for? Get behind that wheel and start discovering some truly unforgettable places in Florida! Happy trails!
Chris Zasada
Chris is a Midwest Transplant that has lived in South Florida since 1999. While he likes to remain active and is an avid sports enthusiast, he's become our go-to provider of reviews of any establishment serving food and booze!
