There's no better way to experience extraordinary vistas, charming small towns, and hidden gems. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some solid Florida road trip ideas. The Everglades are most often experienced via an airboat – those weird looking watercrafts with giant propellers. Beaches of Jacksonville to St. Augustine — The First Coast. Home to beautiful people, some of the best beaches in Florida, and a nightlife that doesn’t quit. The road trip routes feature AAA inspected hotels and restaurants and must see attractions along the way. Our favorite hotspots are: Day 1-6: Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale, Cocoa Beach, St. Augsutine, Jacksonville, Amelia Island *. Purchase a. Those looking for a quieter beach shouldn’t have a problem. Use a GRAYL GEOPRESS. Road Trip 10: US-1 Florida Keys to Key West. Between these cities are some absolutely spectacular beaches that are relatively untouched compared to overrun coastline around Miami and Fort Lauderdale. If you need to take a break from a long drive, try stopping by one of these 5 Florida roadside attractions for a moment. For a larger compendium of free camping in Florida, refer to this website. grilled or as ceviche  – while the northern part tends to fry it. There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!! Make sure to depart early so you’ll have more of the day. Summers in Florida (May-October) are the rainy seasons, which means storms, high winds, and a shit ton of rain. Organize your rental car and head to the first destination on your road trip, the Everglades National Park. Below is a list I created of sample road trips through Florida. 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. 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. Some popular trails include Anhinga, Shark Valley, and Long Pine Key Trail. To end the day right, explore Las Olas nightlife. Close, https://www.facebook.com/Roaming-Ralph-1777819155804007/about, Ralph is a former manager in the hospitality industry turned wild child. Of course, most people make a road trip to Miami for the beaches, which are amazing. The Florida Keys are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. 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. I’ve had the best chicken, Mexican, barbecue, hell, the best everything at food carts. Miami hosts the most amount of parties in Florida. If you miss socializing, this is your go-to for the day. Lodging in Florida runs the gamut from swanky resorts to charming bungalows to cheap motels. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Nothing gets stranger than the state’s roadside attractions! This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Some campgrounds have fire pits with grills but I find these very inefficient. Looking for weird Florida attractions? Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff. It’s all in Florida and it’s all waiting for you. The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! Recently, he spent eight months travelling around Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, spending as much time as possible in the wilderness and doing everything to avoid the crowds. With a desire to experience all things unconventional, Ralph enjoys visiting the lesser-known landscapes of the world and has ended up in some pretty strange and wonderful places. The Panhandle is Florida’s best-kept secret. You can also compare the travel … Diving is perhaps the most popular activity in the Keys as it’s excellent here, especially near Key Largo. Be aware that hostels located near vacations areas like Fort Lauderdale can be overly loud and raucous. 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. View our privacy policy. Be sure to go out to Central Av on the first Friday of every month for a big block party. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Temperatures are pleasant, rain is sporadic, and the air is usually crisp. This three-day Northern Florida road trip strings together landmarks with natural areas, all with unexpected connections to the state’s Spanish heritage. Make no mistake though – lodging in Florida ain’t cheap. Directly north of Kennedy is the Canaveral National Seashore, which is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped beach in Florida. 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. We’re returning to the Atlantic Coast of Florida and starting a long journey north all the way to the border of Georgia. My wife an I are planning to drive from Northampton, MA to Ft. Lauderdale Florida the first week of March. Free breakfast. florida road trip, day one: charlotte, north carolina to key west, florida: 13 hours The first day was definitely the roughest day driving to Florida because 886 miles of driving is a lot … Explore these curated trips across the USA, then customize your own trip using the USA Trip … Strewn throughout the keys are several excellent parks that offer quintessential Caribbean scenery. Now it’s time to explore the area. Traveling there by car takes you down a string of palm fringed tropical islands made of coral that stretch more than 120 miles from the Florida … 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. These are our favorite stop-overs on the way: If you’re a passionate Scuba diver, you’ll love Key Largo and Biscayne Bay. Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? 2. We personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price. I like the MSR Pocketrocket because it’s affordable, reliable, and very convenient. So if you’re expecting to see everything that the state has to offer, you’ll be disappointed. These lodges can be pretty basic, sometimes offering no more than a few walls and a roof over your head. Lake Eola, near the center of Orlando, is one of the centerpieces of the city. If you decide to travel further, head to the Emerald Coast and check in at your preferred lodge. The city does have a number of museums and historical landmarks, but most people visit for the beach (what else?). 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. Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around Florida. Most of the younger crowds party in the college towns – Tallahassee and Gainesville – or at certain beach locations – Daytona Beach and South Beach. Worried that you don’t have enough cash for a longer Florida road trip? Key West has a thriving nightlife as well as Ernest Hemingway’s former home, which is now a museum. Your email address will not be published. Day 10 is for exploring the beaches of Clearwater and relaxing to the absolute max. If you’re on a spring road trip in Florida be very aware, ney terrified, of the Spring Break crowds. Start your first day in Miami. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean. It’s a win-win! Luckily, there are quite a few awesome Airbnbs in Florida Keys. Once the day comes to an end, head back to your cap or lodge and chill out. Those looking for hipper, more downtempo areas to hang out in should check out Wynwood, Midtown, and Upper Eastside. Thankfully, rain usually falls in the late afternoons – those who want to visit the beach can still do so in the mornings. Grouper is the most common type of fish and is found on just about any menu. 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. Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out. 7. Airbnbs are sometimes more preferable to hotels as they can be cheaper and more interesting. 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. Florida is a big and beautiful place but, more importantly, it can also be a pricey one. The North Florida road trip is only one of many road trips to take throughout the state. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from road … Make sure not to leave any waste behind! 4. Fully furnished apartments on Panama City Beach. Finally, Clearwater has the best beaches in the area. Tampa has several districts worth visiting. More than 70% of the population is non-White Hispanic and more people speak Spanish as a first language, rather than English. Few drives are as pleasing as you travel through a region nearly frozen in time -- especially the combination of highways 441, 27, and 78 that encircle Lake Okeechobee on the northern fringes of the Everglades. And Florida hosts loads of them! We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Miami Beach hostel that oscillates between chill and wild. We're discovering the USA from the freedom of the open road, and you're in the driver's seat. 45 yo male living in Indiana. This anachronistic town is a relic from Spanish colonialism and is full historical architecture. Refill at your hostel/guest house! They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy. https://mythreadz.co/collections/bailey-dedrick?ref=BaileyInstagram~ @bailey.dedrick … Just north of Miami is the notorious Fort Lauderdale, famous for once being the spring break capital of America. The best places to find free camping in Florida are the Water Management Areas. 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! 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. Florida is by no means a cheap place to go on holiday. So here are the absolute essentials: 1. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. Very close to St Augustine’s nightlife but the beach is a bit far away for walking. The main “Strip” of beaches starts at Las Olas Blvd and ends around Sunrise Blvd. Packing for Florida is just as important as planning your trip. Miami’s Latin residents really give the city the flair that it’s known for. Even if we are unable to travel for $10/day like in our favorite countries, we can at least help you minimize expenses. Below is a list of the best Florida road trip stops. Has several pools and jacuzzi. To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices from individual companies. 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. Modern and new guesthouse located north of Las Olas. There are all kinds of campgrounds in Florida that offer a wide range of amenities and rates. Located in Florida City but is still very close to the Everglades. Want to plan the trip back? Depart Tampa and check into your new lodge or set up to camp. Ah yes, backpacking Miami! Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. There’s a reason why working Americans dream of settling in Florida and celebrities consistently visit this state. You’ve earned it! Depart from the grounds at a decent hour and follow leave no trace principles. Coolest Itineraries for a Road Trip through Florida. You can spend the rest of day 11 by exploring the area. Enough nature – we’re going back to civilization! Below is a list of Florida road trip ideas for saving money. A small, private home that has a full kitchen and dining area. Its glittering city center, which hosts the tallest skyline in America, is home to many prosperous banks and institutions. Please contact us to send a comment or to report a problem. On the last day of your Florida road trip, you should explore Key West further. As a whole, the Tampa Bay area is one of the best and cheapest places to visit in Florida as well. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the Florida Keys Scenic Byway. Expect to pay no less than $80 for budget hotels in Florida. You’re going to continue the Florida road trip on A1A Northbound. 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. If you’re feeling lucky you could try your hand at Couchsurfing, but the competition for hosts is quite high. While driving on this route, you will be surrounded on all sides by the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. Day 3 is going to be a bit of driving but mainly surfing and relaxing. Just keep your head on a swivel as some parts of these districts are more dangerous than others, especially at night. Need escape from cold/snow and covid confinement and want to feel warm weather and beaches. 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. Finish your trip by stopping in Destin for a day of relaxation. If you stayed in Vero Beach, it’s time to depart for Miami. Communal BBQ area. 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. Gear up for the perfect road trip adventure with The Open Road! Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Our favourite travel backpack is the Aer Travel Pack 2. Have $1k and a week in March to spend and want to drive down to Florida… These days, Fort Lauderdale is much more laidback, having done the best it could to shake the worst of the spring breakers. 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. (Rainbow Springs is a bit further west and is actually a great road trip from Tampa as well.). Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads. The Everglades also hosts a number of hiking and bike trails. 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. Florida hostels offer just as good if not better quality of amenities than conventional hotels. Miami is one of the richest and wealthiest cities in the USA. You could also go on a full day safari with an airboat. If you know our family, we love going on adventures and long road trips. Fort Lauderdale is filled to the rim with amazing things to do. This area includes the larger coastal cities of Pensacola, Panama City, and Destin. If you’re not exhausted from the car ride, head out to the bars for a couple of drinks. 4 Days in Florida isn’t a lot. Bahia Honda Beach is one of the best places to play in the ocean for sure. We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like, Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. Where the land drops south, the road follows suit. A lot of campgrounds, especially those at the national parks, can fill up very quickly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Aside from hosting the state’s capital, Tallahassee, this region also has some of the best beaches in Florida. Though many of the park’s attractions are accessible by vehicle, the best parts of the Everglades require a watercraft. The Castillo de San Marcos is the most impressive colonial site. Once you’ve had enough of being outside, return to your lodge/camp and get ready to depart tomorrow. These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Florida. Diving or in the largest brick masonry project in the morning and head for Tampa the. The plastic ends up in a lodge of Cocoa Beach and the Tortugas Islands reason, going to be bit., public, dispersed, and the Tortugas Islands get rolling our way Chicago. Car deal in the World Florida as well. ) the Official Florida Tourism Industry Corporation... Visit the Beach can still do so in the state feels boring to you few claims over years. 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