One of the coolest aspects of living in Florida is that you can travel from one side of the coast to the other in one day. This means that you can enjoy the best places to see the sun rise in Florida and then make it over to the Gulf for a sunset with a few fun stops in between. There aren’t too many places throughout the U.S. where this is a reality, so we’ve created the ultimate one-day road trip to give you the best day you can imagine and see the best sunrises in Florida.

The entire road trip takes about 3.5 hours of driving time, but you’ll want to plan for more time at each of these scenic places in Florida.

Google Maps
1. Sunglow Fishing Pier - Daytona Beach, Florida
Sunglow Fishing Pier, 3701 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, USA
Google Steve Bibeault
The Sunglow Fishing Pier is the perfect place to catch the sunrise and start this entire adventure. Wander out onto the pier and watch for the sun to crest over the Atlantic. Make sure to bring a camera for this one, you’ll want to capture it all. Editor's Note: The Sunglow Fishing Pier is temporarily closed while it is being rebuilt after hurricane damage.)

Get a bird's-eye view of the damage:

2. C’s Waffles - DeLand, Florida
C's Waffles Deland, 413 S Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720, USA
TripAdvisor Marlene O
C's Waffles Deland, 413 S Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720, USA
Google Betsy Gardner
Independently owned and operated, this Deland diner is the perfect place to grab breakfast to kick off the day. Choose between a stack of Nutella-drenched pancakes or chipped beef on Texas toast with a side of eggs. This is a beloved hidden gem in the heart of Deland.
3. Downtown Mount Dora, Florida
Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
Flickr Steven Martin
Next up, you’ll be exploring the downtown area of Mount Dora. This charming town in Central Florida offers up a unique experience, from antique shopping to dining, and beyond. Stop in the mom-and-pop shops to see what treasures you’ll find and make time to chat with some locals about what makes Mount Dora special.

Enjoy this overview of things to do in Mount Dora:

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4. Otter Paddle Orlando - Rock Springs, Florida
Otter Paddle Orlando | Winter Park, 3406 Warren Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32812, USA
Google Otter Paddle Orlando
Next up, you’re heading over to Rock Springs for a paddle board adventure courtesy of Otter Paddle Orlando. Take a guided tour of Rock Springs Run at King’s Landing for one of the most beautiful natural experiences you can have in Central Florida. Just wait until you see the color of this water!
5. Pinecone’s Ice Cream Parlor - Inverness, Florida
Pinecone's Ice Cream Parlor, 106 N Pine Ave, Inverness, FL 34450, USA
Google Buster Levin
Pinecone's Ice Cream Parlor, 106 N Pine Ave, Inverness, FL 34450, USA
Facebook Pinecone's Ice Cream Parlor
After spending so much time in the sun, let us cool off with a stop in Inverness at Pinecone’s Ice Cream Parlor. This locally-owned shop serves up premium Hershey’s Ice Cream plus toppings galore. If you really want to indulge, order up the warm, fresh-baked Brownie a la mode!
6. Peck’s Old Port Cove - Crystal River, Florida
Google Jane Bongo
Peck's Old Port Cove, 139 N Ozello Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
Google Stuart Rawlins
We’re going to end this one-day road trip at Peck’s Old Port Cove, the perfect place for a seafood meal, a cold beer, and some sunset views. If you’re hungry, grab some fresh crab, shrimp, oysters, and more right on the water. Then just wait until the sun begins to dip and enjoy the view. This is the perfect ending to this action-packed day.

So what do you think about this one-day road trip starting with the best sunrises in Florida? Is this something you think you can tackle? Let us know in the comments section!

If you’re looking for more exciting trips in The Sunshine State, then check out these places with the best beach sunrises in Florida.

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More to Explore

Road Trip Worthy Destinations in Florida

William Suphan | February 08, 2023

What are the most unique attractions in Florida?

The most unique attractions in Florida include:

  • The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee. This is a place that researches Florida’s version of Bigfoot called the Skunk Ape.
  • Solomon’s Castle in Ona. This is an aluminum-covered castle that was built by hand by Howard Solomon for his residence, however, there are tours.
  • Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo. This is the only known underwater hotel and guests have to dive 30 feet to get to their rooms.
  • Monkey Jungle in Miami. Visitors walk through caged walkways while the monkeys roam free in the surrounding area.

Discover more about the most unique attractions in Florida. 

What are the best day trip destinations in Flordia?

The best day trip destinations in Florida include:

  • Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. This is a bird sanctuary with a singing tower that stands 250 feet tall and has been around since the 1920s.
  • Tarpon Springs. This is a historic area where locals collect sponges from the sea and visitors enjoy charming antique stores.
  • Gulfport. This tiny, whimsical town has colorful buildings and a ton of public art along with quaint cafes and fun shops.
  • Apalachicola. This diminutive fishing town is known for having some of Florida’s most delicious seafood.

Find out more about the best day trip destinations in Florida. 

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Florida?

The most incredible natural attractions in Florida include:

  • Florida Caverns State Park. These caves are the only ones in Florida that are not submerged and that also offer tours.
  • Everglades National Park. This famous park is America’s largest tropical wilderness and has flora and fauna that are only found here.
  • Crystal River. Come to the only place in the state where you can get up close and personal with gentle manatees.
  • Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. Visitors can walk down into a 120-foot sinkhole that has its own little rainforest.

Learn more about the most incredible natural attractions in Florida. 

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