Drive To 6 Incredible Summer Spots Throughout Florida On This Scenic Weekend Road Trip
If we’re being honest, the allure of South Florida and the Keys is pretty intoxicating. There is so much natural beauty, especially along those aquamarine shorelines. But, up in the panhandle, there is lots of scenery to enjoy, too. In fact, if you have a weekend free this summer and want to enjoy a little getaway to the panhandle of Florida, this is the road trip for you. The entire trek will take over five hours in driving time, but you’ll want to carve out more time to spend at each attraction. Which, makes it perfect for a weekend adventure. You can find the whole itinerary for the Florida scenic road trip here. Buckle in, folks – and make sure to bring your camera! There is a lot to be seen here.
We’re going to kick off this Florida road trip in one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the entire country. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is about 25 miles south of Tallahassee and boy, is it a beaut! Enjoy 68,000-acres of salt marshes, freshwater pools, migratory birds, and tidal flats. You can easily spend the whole weekend here and see so much.
Click here for more information about this scenic Florida spot. Address: 1255 Lighthouse Rd, St Marks, FL 32355
St. George Island has always been a beautiful place to spend time in Florida. But more recently, this beach became the fourth-best in the entire country according to Dr. Beach! This 22-mile long barrier island is home to some truly pristine beaches, with scenery that knows no limits.
Click here for more information about this scenic Florida spot. Address: St. George Island, FL
The next stop on this scenic summer road trip is the beautifully charming town of Rosemary Beach. Declared by CNN one of "America's Most Romantic Small Towns" you can spend an afternoon wandering through the streets, shopping at mom and pops, and enjoying a bite to eat. Consider this to be an idyllic getaway in Florida.
Click here for more information about this scenic Florida spot. Address: Rosemary Beach, FL
Just a few years ago, DeFuniak Springs was named the best small town in Florida. For anyone who hasn't visited this historic town, there is a lot to see here and lots to learn, too! Once a gated campus/resort, this area has welcomed presidents, songwriters, astronauts, first ladies, abolitionists, and Hollywood celebrities! Come explore the history and shop in the various decor stores and antique hideaways.
Click here for more information about this scenic Florida spot. Address: DeFuniak Springs, FL
A great place to spend a night along your road trip, not to mention grab a scenic meal overlooking the water, is none other than the Beach Walk Cafe at Henderson Park Inn in Destin. Located smack dab on the Gulf of Mexico, visitors will be able to spend the evening at the inn and rest comfortably and grab some delicious food from the cafe inside. Enjoy unobstructed views of the beach as you dine at this cafe.
Click here for more information about this scenic Florida spot. Address: 2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
We end this spectacular scenic road trip in Florida at Henderson Beach State Park. Enjoy a pristine shoreline of 30-foot snowy white sand dunes as you soak in the sun. There is camping allowed at this state park, too, if you don’t feel like heading home just yet. Pitch a tent in the secondary dune system and wake up to the sounds of the water nearby.
Click here for more information about this scenic Florida spot. Address: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
So, what do you think of this scenic road trip through Florida? Have you been to any of these places? Share your experience with us in the comments section!
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Address: Henderson Beach State Park, 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, USA
Address: Beach Walk Cafe, 2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541, USA
Address: DeFuniak Springs, Defuniak Springs, FL, USA
Address: Rosemary Beach, FL 32413, USA
Address: Saint George Island, St George Island, FL 32328, USA
Address: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Rd, St Marks, FL 32355, USA
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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.
