This 525-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Florida, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is
Florida doesn’t really go through the seasons like other parts of the country. Some people might prefer to have major changes in the weather, but we think the year-round warmth really just means it’s one of the best places to enjoy a road trip no matter the season. Since The Sunshine State has so many wonderfully scenic spots worth going to see, we’ve come up with a road trip that will delight you whether it’s winter or summer. There’s nothing better than seeing all the most scenic places in Florida in one trip!
The entire road trip takes about 525 miles to complete and around 10.5 hours of travel time. Trust us, the drives are worth it for the amazing places you will get to experience. If you’re going to stop at each one, then you might want to allow more time for that and maybe even turn this into the ultimate three-day weekend road trip. We are willing to bet that you will find so much to love about these places that you’ll want to stay at each of them for a while. You can find the entire itinerary and all the stops on this map. Have a blast on this beautiful trip through Florida. We are certain that you will!
Let’s kick off this road trip to stunning Florida scenery with a stop at one of the best piers on the Gulf side of Florida. Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach is a place where locals congregate to cast a line, visitors walk to watch a sunset, or pelicans swoop to find a soft spot to land. The pier offers a little something for everyone, so make sure to spend some time exploring each nook and cranny.
Once you have had a chance to visit Pier 60, you will want to come back again and again!
The Marie Selby Botanical Garden in Sarasota, Florida is a 45-acre natural oasis situated right on the bay. Visitors can explore the gardens daily, enjoying exhibits like the tropical conservatory, the children’s rainforest garden, the fern garden, and the Banyan grove. As it's one of the most beautiful places in Florida, we are sure you will be amazed the whole time you're there.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
It’s easy to see why Captiva Island has been voted time and time again as one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Picture walking along the soft, white sand, enjoying a bevy of seashells of all different shapes, sizes, and colors. If you happen to be on Captiva Island on a clear night or for a sunset, make sure you take full advantage of this incredible beauty! This classic example of Florida scenery is a simply stunning place.
The Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach is a hidden gem on the coast that most don’t even know exists. Visitors can enjoy a tour of this Medieval monastery and learn about how it was transported from Spain to be rebuilt in the United States! Or, simply just wandering through the monastery and sitting in peace and quiet will also be a rewarding experience. Visiting the Ancient Spanish Monastery is a unique treat!
The Ancient Spanish Monastery, 16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami is a historical spot that deserves an afternoon of exploration. This Euro-inspired estate is actually a National Historic Landmark, preserving the cultural and environmental significance that was built back in the early 1900s. Wander the main house, which is filled with tons of decorative art, before adventuring through the 10 acres of native forest, formal gardens, and mangroves. A visit to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is sure to make your day spectacular!
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, USA
On your way down to Key West, we recommend making a pit stop at Bahia Honda State Park. Not only will you be able to enjoy a stunning beach where you can swim and snorkel, but there are also short hiking trails and tons of opportunities to soak in the sun. Plus, keep an eye out for the camping sites if you want to spend a night here! It's truly one of the most beautiful places in Florida.
While Key West, Florida might not be known for wide expanses of sandy beach, they sure do have a lot of other highlights worth exploring. For instance, the sunsets in Key West are nothing short of extraordinary. Come explore the always-exciting Mallory Square, pop in and out of bars and restaurants on Duval Street, and really immerse yourself in the laidback, tropical vibe. The Florida Keys are always the right choice!
Key West, FL 33040, USA
So, what do you think about this scenic road trip through Florida? Have you been to any of these attractions before? Which one was your favorite destination and why? Share with us your experiences in the comments section! We would love to hear all about them.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Beautiful Places in Florida
March 13, 2023
Danielle Schwartz
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A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
