America’s very own ‘Sunshine State’, Florida is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers, sun-worshippers, and fun-lovers alike. From white sandy beaches with palm trees dotting nearby boulevards, to the enchanting land of Walt Disney World Resort, everywhere you turn there is something exciting for people of all ages. Cities like Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale are fantastic holiday destinations, but don’t be fooled into thinking that all there is to Florida is theme parks and shopping centres. When you’ve had enough of the bustling city streets, make sure you head out on a day trip or two to check out the best driving roads in Florida.
The state spans over 65,000 square miles, and much of this is stunning, untouched scenery. National forests, winding rivers, sparkling springs and, of course, the famous Everglades all make up the breathtaking Floridian land, and you will find a lot of this can be explored by car. There is a plethora of incredible, scenic driving roads that will take you on a discovery of this landscape, where you will find yourself right in the heart of the magic.
Day Trips from Florida
To get you inspired, here are three of the best driving roads in Florida that will take you on an incredible day trip:
1. Florida Keys Scenic Highway
Surrounded by sparkling waters that glisten with uninterrupted sun, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is a 110-mile drive that stretches across the incredible islands of the Florida Keys. Crossing 42 bridges between Key Largo and Key West, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, the Overseas Highway has been largely regarded as one of the world’s best scenic road trips, and it isn’t hard to see why. The entire journey provides a panoramic scene of jaw-dropping views as far as the eye can see, with the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico winding around islands of paradise that each provide their own little piece of culture and magic.
Without stops the entire drive can take around 2 ½ hours, however we recommend stopping off along the way to explore some of the wonderful Florida Keys attractions. As you travel across the ‘magic carpet’ highway, keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins swimming in the turquoise waters beneath you, as well as Osprey and Bald Eagles flying overhead. For more glimpses at the incredible marine life stop off at Key Largo to go on a glass-bottom boat tour or scuba diving around the beautiful coral reef. When you get to Marathon stop off to walk along Seven Mile Bridge, and then by the evening you will be at Key West where there is an array of highly recommended restaurants to choose from as you watch the sun set on your perfect day trip.
2. The Tamiami Trail
If you’re looking for great day trips in Florida, then one place you don’t want to miss is the Everglades National Park. The largest tropical wilderness in the United States, this delicate network of forests and wetlands is full of natural beauty and incredible wildlife. One of the best ways to explore this fascinating area by car is to take the scenic Tamiami Trail, an incredible route that will put you right in the heart of nature.
Beginning in downtown Miami, the Tamiami Trail heads west into the Glades, taking you across bridges and roads that will have you surrounded by incredible scenery. With a route of over 36 miles, there are plenty of places to stop off and stretch your legs, with board walks and trails to explore. Keep an eye out for alligators and wading birds like herons and egrets in the ponds and shallow waters. If you fancy an extra drive, you can take a detour onto Loop Road, a 24-mile road that parallels the Tamiami Trail. This track runs through the Big Cypress National Preserve and is a bit more rural, so only take it if your car can handle the dirt and gravel roads, however if it can it is worth it for the incredible wildlife that can be seen here, such as otters, deer, and sometimes even the Florida panther.
3. The A1A Coastal Highway
Arguably one of the most famous driving roads in Florida, the A1A Coastal Highway is a must for anyone who wants to go on a scenic day trip. 72 miles of mostly two-lanes make up this historic road, with beautiful land and ocean views on either side all the way down. The A1A parallels the Atlantic Ocean all the way from Amelia Island to Miami, passing through a mixture of developed city regions and less populated, natural sections. It is these more natural areas however that are the most scenic, with lines of trees and parks facing inland opposite the turquoise waters of the shore. But, all along the highway you will come across a variety of incredible places to stop off and explore. From St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, to a variety of beautiful beaches, nature trails, and preserves, you’ll find a whole host of historic and scenic things to see and do.
Conclusion
Whilst Orlando may be where you’ll find Hogwarts Castle, you are sure to find magic in abundance all over Florida. From stunning, sandy shores overlooked by miles of sun-baked, coastal roads, to the overgrown forests and wetlands of the Everglades where you can spot alligators and tropical birds right up close, the natural sights of Florida’s wild landscapes are enchanting in their own right. To witness this spellbinding beauty for yourself, make sure you take a day trip or two on the best driving roads in Florida.
No matter where you want to go for your next big adventure, book a car with HolidayCars.com and we will get you there. With our vast catalogue of award-winning car rental agencies to choose from, we can find you the very best deals for your buck within seconds of pressing the search button. Combine this with our quick and easy booking process and you’ll be ready to go before you’ve even packed your bags. So, make your trip the holiday of a lifetime and use our hassle-free process to book an affordable rental car that has everything you need to explore the best driving roads in Florida.