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.
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:
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.
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:
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!
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!
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.
Florida is a massive state, and it's one that's best explored by driving. Fortunately, we've compiled some truly epic road trip adventures for you to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a scenic road trip adventure, a summer road trip in Florida, a hidden beaches road trip, or perhaps something else altogether, you're bound to find a road trip idea that inspires your next great drive. So gas up the car, find the perfect playlist, pack all of your favorite snacks, and get ready for some of the best Florida road trips!
Route: Devil's Den > Rainbow Springs State Park > The Front Porch > Floral City and Pudgees' Hot Dog Stand > Weeki Wachee Springs State Park > Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park > The Freezer > Cedar Key
Distance: 174 miles
Trip Time: 3 hr 45 min driving time
Looking for the perfect one-day road trip in Florida? We've got you covered! In fact, you should be able to visit all of these exciting Florida attractions on just one tank of gas. Along the way, you'll get to experience some of Florida's most stunning natural wonders, such as Rainbow Springs State Park, while also enjoying some mouthwatering snacks along the way.
Route: Cape St. George Light > St. Marks Lighthouse > Amelia Island Light > St. Augustine Light > Ponce De Leon Inlet Light > Cape Canaveral Lighthouse > The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse > Hillsboro Lighthouse > Cape Florida Lighthouse
Distance: 167 miles
Trip Time: 3.5 hours driving time
There's something awe-inspiring about lighthouses. On this long-weekend road trip in Florida, you'll get to explore some of the state's most stunning beacons. In addition to offering a fascinating history of the state, Florida's lighthouses also showcase some of the best views around. One thing's for sure, you'll definitely want to bring your camera with you on this lighthouse road trip!
Route: De Leon Springs State Park > Rainbow Springs State Park > Weeki Wachee Springs State Park > Tarpon Springs > Honeymoon Island State Park > The Dali Museum > Bok Tower Gardens > Spook Hill > Blue Spring State Park
Distance: 345 miles
Trip Time: 8 hr 45 min driving time
advertisement
Now that we've explored all that northern Florida has to offer, it's time to venture into central Florida. As you probably guessed, there are just as many must-see landmarks in this region of the state. With lots of cities, parks, and historic gems to explore along the way, you could easily take an entire week to enjoy this route. And, you'll probably do plenty of walking along the way, so be sure to dress comfortably!
Route: Cedar Key > Crystal River > Tarpon Springs > Mount Dora > DeLand > St. Augustine
Distance: 512 miles
Trip Time: 10 hr 10 min driving time
advertisement
Spring in Florida is a beautiful time of year, so why not get out and explore our charming small towns? This small town road trip through Florida will give you a greater appreciation for the small, lesser-known communities of the Sunshine State. Along the way, prepare to be utterly charmed by the history, scenery, and friendly folks you'll meet along the way. Don't be surprised if you find yourself planning to up and move to a small town in Florida!
Route: Colt Creek State Park > Dade Battlefield Historic State Park > Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park > Bulow Creek State Park > Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park > Goethe State Forest
Distance: 271 miles
Trip Time: 5 hr 45 min driving time
advertisement
Summer in Florida can be a busy season, given the fact that we've got some of the best beaches in the world. But if you're looking to avoid the crowds, we've got just the thing in mind: a summer road trip in Florida to the least-visited state parks. Enjoy the cool shade as you follow a secluded trail to a gorgeous view. Or perhaps try your hand at kayaking. Either way, you're in for a fun adventure when you explore these little-known state parks in Florida.
Route: Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine > Veterans Memorial Bridge on Orange Ave in Daytona Beach > Cassadaga > NASA's Launch Complex 34 in Cape Canaveral > Port Mayaca Cemetery > New River Inn in Fort Lauderdale > The Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City > Loews Don CeSar Hotel in St. Petersburg > The May-Stringer House in Brooksville
Distance: 900 miles
Trip Time: 15 hr driving time
Fall is a spooky season and the perfect time to take a haunted road trip through Florida. Along the way, you'll experience first-hand some of the state's most terrifying and haunted places. From historic landmarks to hotels haunted by ghosts, there's no shortage of ways to have a truly terrifying experience. Take this haunted road trip, but only if you dare!
Route: Amish Country Store > Der Dutchman > Detwiler’s Farm Market
Distance: 67 miles
Trip Time: 1 hr 25 min driving time
advertisement
Our next adventure is a cozy winter road trip in Florida that will take you to some of the state's best Amish bakeries. Along the way, you can look forward to sampling some seriously sweet treats and stocking up on incredible Amish-made goods. Plus, you can plan to spend some time in the small towns along the way to learn more about the local communities of Florida's western coast.
Route: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park > Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park > Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill > WonderWorks > Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar > Shores of Panama > Cape San Blas
Distance: 114 miles
Trip Time: 3 hr driving time
advertisement
Looking for something to do with the kids in Florida? We've got just the thing -- a family-friendly road trip through Florida! Along the way, you and your crew will enjoy beaches, waterparks, fun restaurants, and more. Every destination along the way is kid-approved, so you can be sure even the littlest ones in your group will be entertained.
Route: Falling Waters State Park > Florida Caverns State Park > Torreya State Park > Devil's Den > Ocala National Forest > Blowing Rocks Preserve > Everglades National Park > John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Distance: 719 miles
Trip Time: 12 hr 15 min driving time
Last but certainly not least, this Florida natural wonders road trip will take you on a grand tour of the state, showcasing some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world along the way. This unique itinerary includes as many natural gems as possible, leaving nothing to be desired. Plus, it ends at the iconic Everglades National Park. Talk about a bucket-list-worthy adventure!
How many of these Florida road trips would you consider taking? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!
Looking for even more to discover? Check out the Everglades in this incredible video:
Buckle up and get ready to embark on the most petal-powered adventure of the season — an incredible flower road trip through Florida. While you might not immediately consider Florida to be a wildflower hotspot, you’ll be pleasantly surprised once you see these places. In fact, even just driving up I95 near Hobe Sound, you’ll see entire pockets of the highway bursting with colorful blooms during spring! I’ve personally curated this list of some of the best spots to score a little floral therapy, resulting in the ultimate springtime road trip.
advertisement
All in all, this road trip will take about 3.5 hours in travel time and you'll have five unique places to enjoy wildflowers. You can find the entire road trip itinerary here.
in Florida is a haven for wildflower enthusiasts, boasting a breathtaking display of native flora throughout the grasslands and wetlands. During spring, vibrant blooms sweep the prairie, including colorful species like coreopsis, blazing star, and goldenrod. As visitors walk the park's trails, they are treated to a beautiful panorama of wildflowers swaying in the gentle breeze. This is truly a remarkable afternoon adventure.
In the jaw-dropping landscape of Lake Jesup Conservation Area in Florida, wildflowers add a burst of color and charm to the natural scenery. Along the trails that wind through marshes and woodlands, visitors encounter a diverse array of native spring blooms, from the cheerful yellow of black-eyed susans to the delicate pink of pickerelweed. Against the backdrop of the tranquil lake waters, these wildflowers create a picturesque setting for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful nature walks.
Southern Hill Farms in Florida is a picturesque destination renowned for its fields of vibrant wildflowers. As visitors wander through the farm, they are greeted by a wide variety of colors, including the sunny blooms of sunflowers and the delicate petals of cosmos. These enchanting wildflowers provide a picture-perfect afternoon where you can buy some flowers to go or even pick your own!
At Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park in Florida, the landscape is adorned with a varied array of wildflowers, creating a botanical wonderland for visitors. As you trek the park's trails, you’ll encounter a tapestry of colors, from the fiery firewheels to the delicate white blooms of dogwood trees. These wildflowers not only add beauty to the park but also play a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem, attracting pollinators, and providing habitat for native wildlife.
Mead Botanical Garden in Florida is the last stop on this incredible road trip and perhaps we’ve saved the best. This is a haven for wildflower enthusiasts, with a stunning display of native blooms throughout the garden. At over 47 acres in Winter Park, your senses will come alive with the beauty of native milkweed and colorful hues of blanketflowers. Wander the pathways through this enchanting world of wildflowers. You might even catch a few rare blossoms, too!
What do you think about this incredible springtime road trip? Have you been to any of these places already? Sound off in the comments section!
Meanwhile, when you’re trucking away on this road trip, make sure you pack all the best road trip snacks!
