The State Exploration Challenge - Essential Florida Stops For Any Roadtrip

Get set for an exhilarating escapade within the vibrant state of Florida! Picture immersing yourself in the heart of bustling cities like Miami or Orlando, soaking in the rich arts and culture scene (hello, Wynwood!), and tantalizing your taste buds with the finest local cuisines the Sunshine State offers. You absolutely can’t miss exploring lively hubs like Jacksonville and Tallahassee, where history and modernity intertwine in the most fascinating ways. Florida truly has it all – from the lively urban scenes to serene coastal retreats – promising an unforgettable journey. Prepare for thrilling experiences, whether you’re strolling along the iconic Ocean Drive sidewalks or discovering the historic streets of St. Augustine. Each mile leads to uncovering Florida’s incredible culture, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating narratives. This road trip is your passport to creating lasting memories while embracing the diverse vibes Florida has in store for you. Psst, for the ultimate guide to your Florida adventure, head over to OnlyInYourState – your go-to adventure hub!

Not Your Average Bucket List, an OnlyInYourState podcast, has curated an incredible experience packed with must-visit stops for an epic Florida road trip. It’s designed for anyone eager to explore the Sunshine State. We’ve consulted our in-house experts, and YOU! Through our Florida Facebook Page and Florida newsletters, we asked for quintessential Florida spots to include in this road trip, and your suggestions were heard. So, get geared up for the ultimate road trip adventure, brimming with delicious food, thrilling fun, and perhaps even a taste of those iconic oversized slices of pizza.

Click here to access all of the essential Florida road trip stops where you can craft the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure experience.

Essential Florida Road Trip Stops

Bok Tower Gardens, Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL, USA

Tripadvisor aaasis

Kicking off our FL exploration challenge, we have the beautifully tranquil attraction known as Bok Tower Gardens. Listen as the carillon bells serenade visitors, offering a serene retreat amid Florida's nature-rich backdrop.

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Ochopee, FL 34141, USA

Facebook Skunk Ape Headquarters

Venture into Florida's cryptic lore, exploring the enigmatic quest for the elusive Skunk Ape through captivating exhibits and intriguing tales, unraveling mysteries within the wilderness.

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Cocktails & Screams, 39 W Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Tripadvisor Tanya

Enter a haunted haven in Orlando, where eerie libations and spooky entertainment merge, creating a chillingly delightful experience within a themed bar's ghostly embrace.

South Pointe Park, 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Tripadvisor sanju-222323

Miami's coastal gem, where azure waters kiss sandy shores, inviting relaxation and strolls amidst scenic beauty, with panoramic views embracing the meeting point of ocean and city.

Tripadvisor management

Taste Cuba's essence in flavorful sandwiches crafted authentically, savoring the culinary artistry that infuses Little Havana's Sanguich, a haven for traditional Cuban gastronomy and cultural immersion.

Yellow Green Farmers Market, 3080 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33021, USA

Tripadvisor management

Taste Cuba's essence in flavorful sandwiches crafted authentically, savoring the culinary artistry that infuses Little Havana's Sanguich, a haven for traditional Cuban gastronomy and cultural immersion.

The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum), 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA

Google Reviews Mary Johnson

Surreal dreamscape unfolds within St. Petersburg's Dalí Museum, where iconic artistry and whimsical visions captivate visitors, inviting them to explore the eccentric and masterful world of Salvador Dalí.

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Kennedy Space Center, FL 32780, USA

Tripadvisor Cymro-Welshman

Launch into an odyssey of space exploration and innovation, witnessing historic milestones and celestial wonders at Florida's Kennedy Space Center, an epicenter of human endeavor beyond Earth's boundaries.

Florida Keys, Florida, USA

Tripadvisor management

Tropical allure beckons in the Florida Keys, inviting travelers to bask in laid-back charm, discover vibrant marine life, and relish the sun-soaked adventures amidst island serenity in Key West.

The Hemingway Home and Museum, 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Google Reviews Danyelle Howes

Step into Hemingway's world, wandering through his abode amidst graceful felines, immersing in literary heritage and personal artifacts that resonate with the essence of the celebrated author's life.

Historic St Augustine, 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA

Tripadvisor ZapCa

Traverse centuries-old streets, absorbing the historic essence of America's oldest city, where colonial architecture and cultural richness entwine in St. Augustine's captivating and enduring charm.

Venetian Pool, 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA

Google Reviews Elaine Rodrigues

Elegance echoes in Coral Gables' Venetian Pool, an enchanting oasis with Mediterranean flair, offering a serene haven amidst lush landscapes and alluring waters, a timeless gem of tranquility.

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Whimzeyland, 1206 3rd St N, Safety Harbor, FL 34695, USA

Facebook Whimzeyland

Burst into a kaleidoscope of creativity, exploring vibrant artistry in Safety Harbor's Whimzyland, a colorful sanctuary where imagination thrives amidst whimsical and captivating artistic expressions.

The Bubble Room Restaurant, 15001 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924, USA

Google Reviews Bubble Room

Enter a whimsical time capsule, indulging in retro charm and delectable fare at Captiva's Bubble Room, where nostalgic ambiance and delicious dining blend in an enchanting culinary experience.

Recommended Florida Lodging

There is no shortage of incredible overnight accommodations in Florida, each offering something unique. While this list isn’t exhaustive by any means, check out a few of our personal favorites.

• Jules Undersea Lodge
• The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• The Pearl Hotel
• W Fort Lauderdale
• Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
• The Local – St. Augustine
• Hotel Cabana Clearwater Beach
• Cheeca Lodge & Spa
• Watercolor Inn
• Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa

Top Florida Beaches

Florida is riddled with beautiful beaches and coastal real estate. But these quintessential Florida beaches below are some of the best you can add to your itinerary.

• Bahia Honda State Park
• Delray Beach
• Grayton Beach
• Naples Beach
• Lovers Key Beach
• Anna Maria Island
• Destin
• Caladesi Island State Park
• Fort De Soto Park
• Fort Myers Beach
• Siesta Key
• Sanibel Island
• St. Andrews State Park

Quintessential Florida Waterfront Restaurants

While this list can be miles long, thanks to Florida’s peninsula shape and inland lake beauties, we’ve chosen a few of the best waterfront restaurants in Florida from our archives.

• Casablanca Cafe, Fort Lauderdale
• Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, Flagler Beach
• Beach Walk Cafe, Henderson Park Inn, Destin
• Salute! On The Beach, Key West
• The Blue Heron Beachfront Bistro, Flagler Beach
• Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, Clearwater
• Benny’s on the Beach, Lake Worth
• Paradise Grille, Pass-a-Grille
• The Surf Hut, Destin
• Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill, Daytona Beach Shores

Downloadable Florida Passport

Click here to download the passport!

Your Curated Florida Road Trip Playlist

Podcast Episode

You can also watch the entire episode on YouTube!

If you have personal experiences with any of the essential Florida road trip stops mentioned above, call or text 805-298-1420! We’d love to hear your thoughts on what your visit was like and maybe even share your clip on the show! You can also reach out to us via email at podcast@onlyinyourstate.com.