This Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Florida Is Full Of Adventures From Sunrise To Sunset

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.

1. Sunglow Fishing Pier - Daytona Beach, 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:

2. C’s Waffles - DeLand, Florida

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

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:

4. Otter Paddle Orlando - Rock Springs, Florida

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

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

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.