7 Unforgettable Road Trips to Take in Florida Before You Die

Florida is undoubtedly one of the best road trip states in the entire U.S. From the panhandle to its southernmost point, the Sunshine State is filled with all sorts of incredible natural attractions, historic landmarks, charming towns, and more. The year-round sunshine, mild weather, and diversity of things to see and do make it almost impossible not to get out and explore.

Not sure where to start? No worries: We've gathered up the most unique Florida road trip ideas right here for you. Whether you're a local or visitor, you'll absolutely love these scenic, nature-filled, quirky, and even spooky routes, divided by North Florida, Central Florida, and the east and west coasts. Pack up the car and get ready for some once-in-a-lifetime drives.

1. ​​North Florida Road Trip

Don't underestimate the beauty of North Florida. There are so many gorgeous beach towns, natural springs, waterfalls, and historic landmarks to see while driving from the west to the east coast. We recommend starting on the west side in Destin, Florida, a popular beach town on the Gulf, with plenty of relaxing hotels to rest. Drive about 45 minutes south, and you'll reach one of Florida's best-kept secrets: Rosemary Beach. Stop along 30A, the town's main road, to rent bikes and cruise through the walkable town.

After spending time at the beach, head north on Highway 79 for about 40 minutes until you reach Cypress Springs in Vernon. It's a stunning freshwater spring only accessible by boat, but you can kayak, canoe, and swim there, too. (Just note: the water is a chilly 67 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.) A short drive north also leads to Falling Waters State Park, home to the tallest waterfall in Florida. We recommend camping out at the park for the night, but you'll need to book a reservation in advance.

As you drive through the middle of the state, you'll come upon some hidden old-Florida towns surrounding Tallahassee. Ideally, it'll take about four hours to get from Falling Waters to our next stop, Fernandina Beach. This historic beach town is just outside Jacksonville on the pristine shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. Stop for dinner and drinks at The Palace Saloon, the oldest bar in the state, in Fernandina's downtown historic district. Then settle in for the night (or two) at one of the many hotels in the area.

In total, this North Florida road trip takes about 13 hours straight, but we highly suggest stretching it out over a few days. If you're up for even more adventure, drive south on Florida's A1A scenic drive from Fernandina to St. Augustine—the oldest town in the country—for a history lesson on 1600s Florida.

2. ​​Central Florida Road Trip

There's so much more to Central Florida than theme parks. The middle of the state boasts towns with Old Florida charm, awe-inspiring natural wonders, and other must-visit attractions. While there are many different routes you could take for a Central Florida road trip, we recommend starting a bit further south than you'd expect, in the town of Lake Wales. That's where you'll visit the Bok Tower Gardens—a lush botanical garden established in the 1920s in honor of author and architect Edward Bok. The ornate Singing Tower, pictured above, is a must-see.

From there, drive an hour north on Interstate 4 toward Orlando, and get off at exit 94 near Altamonte Springs and Longwood. The Orlando traffic will be worth it to reach Wekiwa Springs State Park, just 20 minutes north in Apopka, Florida. This sparkling blue freshwater spring has been attracting tourists since the mid-19th century, and it's still a beloved place to swim and canoe in central Florida. Reserve a day pass here before you go; any time of year is great!

After a day at Wekiwa Springs, a 34-minute drive northwest will lead you to the charming historic town of Mount Dora. Established in the 1840s, Mount Dora is known for its plethora of Queen Anne-style homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Fun fact: It's also a hub for antiquing and rare vintage goods. Spend the day perusing the shops or stay the night at local accommodations like the lovely Lakeside Inn.

This road trip should only take about 6 hours total, unless you want to make a final stop at the legendary Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. It's only a two-hour drive east from Mount Dora, and well worth it to see NASA's incredible rockets and memorabilia. Buy tickets in advance; admission is $67 per adult.

3. ​​Terrifying Florida Road Trip

Florida is an old state, meaning it has its fair share of ghost stories and spooky places. This makes it the perfect place for a haunted-themed road trip. For this type of trip, we like to start in St. Augustine—one of the most haunted cities in Florida, founded in the 1500s by Spanish conquistadors. Booking a ghost tour is your best bet to experience the city's most paranormal locations, including the Castillo San Marcos fort, the Old Jail, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where spirit sightings are aplenty.

Next stop is Fort Pierce, Florida, a small historic and military town about three hours south of St. Augustine, along Interstate 95. It's an unassuming town by day, but certainly an eerie place by night. Several Treasure Coast ghost tours explore the town's most haunted locations, including the old Boston House, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and main streets where witch trials once took place. You won't want to miss out on the spooky vibes here.

End your trip all the way down south in Key West, Florida. It's a five-hour drive from Fort Pierce, but the town's tales of old shipwrecks, storms, and pirates make it prime for paranormal activity... and worth your while. We suggest visiting Robert the Doll in the Fort East Martello Museum (a legendary haunted doll owned by a boy in the 1900s), the Porter Mansion, and Captain Tony's Saloon, once frequented by author Ernest Hemingway. Locals will be happy to share the spooky lore with you.

4. ​Picturesque Small Towns Road Trip

We have a huge crush on Florida's charming small towns, and we can't think of anything better than seeing as many of them as possible. This Florida road trip begins in Cedar Key, an island off the Gulf coast of North Florida known for its rich fishing history. A series of bridges and causeways connect the island to the mainland, so you should have no trouble driving there. Once you've arrived, enjoy the family-friendly, laid-back town, perfect for strolling, fishing, and sunbathing.

Spend a morning at Cedar Key State Park, go kayaking, or charter a boat off the town's marina. Head back into town to peruse the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum, and then eat dinner at Steamers Clam Bar & Grill, one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Florida. After spending a night on the island, we suggest driving south to the picturesque town of Tarpon Springs.

About 2.5 hours south of Cedar Key, Tarpon Springs is a gorgeous Gulf Coast town known as "The Sponge Capital of the World." We love visiting the Dodecanese Boulevard sponge docks to see sponges get harvested, and then hitting up the maritime-themed gift shops nearby. The town also has a rich Greek community, and if you go in March, you can celebrate Greek Independence Day with a festival of food, costumes, and dancing.

Pro tip: If you want to extend the trip, we suggest driving three hours inland to Lake Placid, an artistic, hidden-gem town filled with beautiful architecture, homes, and detailed murals.

5. Natural Wonders Florida Road Trip

We absolutely love Florida's beaches, but we're well aware of the Sunshine State's other nature-filled routes (like this sunflower road trip). From echoey caves to trickling waterfalls and vibrant coral reefs, this road trip features two of the state's coolest natural attractions. Starting with Florida Caverns State Park in the town of Marianna.

Florida Caverns Park is home to the only walkable cave system in the state. Visitors can join group tours that venture 350 feet into the cave entrance, then 35 steps down the spacious, dimly lit caverns. It's an otherworldly experience that the whole family will enjoy. Purchase tour tickets here, and check the Florida State Park's website for maintenance closure dates throughout the year. And remember to wear sturdy shoes: It can get slippery down there!

Drive about three hours south on Interstate 10 to the next stop: Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville. One of Florida's hidden gems, this site is a 500-foot-wide by 120-foot-deep sinkhole surrounded by lush vegetation. Streams trickle down the sides of the limestone hole, filling the bottom with water. It looks prehistoric, and it is: researchers have found fossils, shark teeth, and more at the bottom. We love climbing the park's wooden staircase down to this spectacular sight. Get a day pass here.

6. Lighthouse Road Trip

If you live in Florida, you likely already know about our large collection of romantic, scenic lighthouses dotting the coast. While some are smaller and unassuming, others tower high above the small towns they protect, serving as iconic historical landmarks for their citizens. Most don't guide boats to shore any longer, but they're still worth visiting—you can even climb some to the top.

Start your road trip in the south at the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse in Key Biscayne. This lighthouse is perched on a structure in the middle of the ocean that you can snorkel around and explore. Drive an hour north to see another Key Biscayne icon, the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which is the oldest structure in Miami-Dade. We also suggest the bright-orange Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, just two hours north on Interstate 95. You can climb its 105 steps for a spectacular ocean view.

Keep trekking north on I-95 to see the Cape Canaveral lighthouse, which is within sight of NASA's rocket launch pad. It was built in 1848 to warn of dangerous waters off the coast, and can now be visited by booking a tour in advance. From there, you can keep going north to St. Augustine to visit the iconic black-and-white striped, 165-foot-tall lighthouse or cross the state to St. George Island, where you'll find a cute renovated lighthouse that once stood for 153 years before collapsing in 2005.

Winter is likely the best time to make this voyage, as the weather is cooler. But if you're okay with humidity and want to avoid crowds, opt for the summer season. If you're craving more, add these other 16 Florida lighthouses to your itinerary.

7. ​One-Tank Road Trip

For travelers on a budget, we put together an awesome trip that should only take about one tank of gas. Clocking in at about five hours, it's a one-day Florida road trip that's perfect for those short on time. This route has a couple of our favorite small towns, natural wonders, and mom-and-pop restaurants. Get ready for some of the best day trips in Florida on one map.

Start at Weeki Wachee Springs, just 45 minutes north of Tampa. Since 1947, Weeki Wachee has been known for its crystal clear, swimmable waters and its famous real-life mermaid show. Then, drive about 40 minutes northeast to Triple R Ranch and embark on a horseback riding tour near Withlacoochee State Forest. By this time, you'll be hungry and need some fuel: we always stop at Pudgee's Eatery and Market in Floral City for some massive burgers.

After your lunch break, drive up to two must-see freshwater springs—Rainbow Springs and Devil's Den. You'll need to sign a waiver to snorkel at the latter, since it's located inside a prehistoric cave. The best time to visit is Spring, when the weather is still cool, and there are fewer crowds. Purchase day passes here.

After your swim, we suggest heading west on State Road 24 to eventually catch Highway 98 south. This is a pretty scenic drive through Florida filled with lush plant life. You'll pass through Crystal River, Florida, home of the manatees, until you find The Freezer, a seafood restaurant and tiki bar in Homosassa. End your Gulf Coast road trip by eating fresh fish dip, stone crabs, and more local delicacies while there. It's one of the most highly rated waterfront restaurants in Florida.

Tips for Planning a Florida Road Trip

Planning the best Florida road trip starts with finding the best time of year to go. Winter is typically the state's peak season, thanks to its mild sunny weather. However, this means you'll encounter larger crowds, wait times, and more traffic along the way. Tickets to several natural attractions, like Rainbow Springs and Weeki Wachee, sell out fast during winter, too, so be sure to plan well in advance.

If you're not afraid of a little heat and humidity, a summer road trip can be equally fulfilling. Fewer crowds and traffic will be your friend, though we have to warn you about afternoon thunderstorms. They happen almost daily in the summer. Stay tuned to weather reports and hurricane watches if you plan your trip anytime from June to November.

Toll roads are another thing to keep in mind. Have cash on hand or be prepared to get billed in the mail for crossing specific highways and bridges. And lastly, have your car stocked with all the top road trip essentials, including water, snacks, a first aid kit, umbrellas, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, sunglasses, a car repair kit, and more. Happy road tripping!