Florida Road Trip: A Road Trip Guide

I have been thinking a lot about what I want to offer with this blog and more and more I find that I love a good road trip and would like to encourage more women to take them. A solo road trip is such an attainable goal to make. It is also super easy to make safe. I am going to list some places that I think you should go, and from there it is up to you! Here is my guide for a Florida Road Trip.

Check out my post for all the road trip necessities that I don’t cover here because it can greatly inform your packing list. Travel safe my friends!

Pensacola:

I first heard of Pensacola when I decided that I wanted to join the Navy. The first time that I spent time in Pensacola I left my tablet in the hotel and spent weeks trying to get it back. Regardless, of all my Pensacola issues I still think that it is a great place to start.

There is a huge Naval Base in Pensacola where all of the nation’s flyers are trained. One of the options available for activities is always the Navy based activities for the public going on. There is of course, the Pensacola beaches, Pensacola light house, all the people from Alabama colleges coming to party, Fort Pickens, zip lining, and plenty of walking trails to keep you occupied.

Panama City:

If you are going to Panama city then you can start with Pier park. For those of you that enjoy the water, there are several water based activities that you can choose. Try the Sea Screamer Sight-seeing Cruise or perhaps some paddle boarding. You can get a henna tattoo, visit the “nothing over a dollar” store, or spend some time on Shell Island.

Check out my friend at seeingsunshine.com for more ideas.

Tallahassee:

I really only know Tallahassee for the recording artist known at T-pain. His music has inspired many a twerk fest and car dance party. Tallahassee has a lot to offer including the Tallahassee museum, Mission San Luis which you can visit for Native American and Hispanic history, and Lofty Pursuits for old fashioned ice cream.

You can also stop by Cascades Park for a visit to the urban areas of Tallahassee, breweries, Wakulla Springs State Park and the Museum of Florida History.

Jacksonville/ Mayport:

Jacksonville, Mayport specifically, is another place that has a large Navy presence. If you add it to your road trip list then you should take full advantage of all the public parks that are available. Jacksonville beaches are also world renowned.

Try to take advantage of the downtown art walk, free movies in the park, and free concerts. There is also the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Jacksonville Zoo.

Check out tripsavvy.com if you want some more ideas.

St. Augustine:

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the country. Settled by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine is known for its unique architecture and old Spanish forts. I would suggest that any person going through town tries the take one of the trolley tours that is available. There is also several alligator farms, the fountain of youth, and St. George Street where you can get all of your shopping done.

Daytona Beach:

Spend some time on Daytona beach and take advantage of much needed relaxation. There is of course the Daytona International speedway which is what most people will head to Daytona for.

You can catch a concert at the Daytona Beach bandshell, they have the ocean walk, and also the boardwalk. I am not much of a zoo person but I have to make sure to say that there is the Florida Dolphin and Manatee Eco tour. Oh, and a lighthouse.

Check out planpartyplan.com if you want a few more ideas.

Orlando:

I don’t have to sell Orlando to anyone so I am going to keep this short. A bit outside of the city you will find the Kennedy Space Center. There is Legoland, Disney World, Universal studios, and an assortment of other different amusement parks.

West Palm Beach:

West Palm Beach is where I would open my wallet and plan to do a little, or a lot of shopping. You can try the Palm Beach outlets and Cityplace mall for most of the stores that you will want to shop in. You can also give it a shot at sight-seeing with Flagler Museum, shop on the famous Clematis Street, or take some time to get a sweat on the various bike trails.

Fort Lauderdale:

Some people call Fort Lauderdale the “Poor man’s Miami,” but it is so much more than that. Start your trip at the Museum of Discovery & Science, head over to the flamingo gardens, and do some shopping on Las Olas Boulevard. There is also Sawgrass Recreation Park and Butterfly Park if you are an outdoor person.

Miami:

I shouldn’t have to sell Miami to anyone. Not only is it a great place to hit before you head off to Key West (a short 165 mile drive) but it is diverse in culture and activities. You can start by visiting Little Havana in the Calle Ocho area. There is Wynwood for local art, south beach for relaxation and beautiful people, and the Seaquarium if you like sea animals.

Everglades:

If you ever look at a map you will see that a majority of the bottom part of Florida is comprised of the Everglades. There are so many cool outdoor activities that you can find down in the everglades. For instance you can take some of the free, yes, free ranger-led tours. If you are an early riser then you can catch the sunrise during a kayaking adventure. Don’t miss out on the National park which is only $20 for each vehicle

If you want a few more tips then you can check out the wanderingsuitcase.

Key West:

Key West is a top 3 stop for any real Florida road trip. Part of the appeal is the drive out to Key West and all of the oversea highways that you get to travel. Key west has the Southern most point of the continental USA. At it’s very tip it is only 90 miles to Cuba.

There is also the Hemingway home, Duval Street for shopping, Paddle Adventure, Keywest Lighthouse, Local art, Key Lime pie, Mallory Square, and the Dry Tortugas if you can afford the boat ride out ther.

Check out coastalliving.com for more ideas.

Tampa/ St. Petersburg:

The Tampa/ St. Petersburg area is incredibly close to Clearwater Beach. 2 days in this area and you should be able to see all three areas and really experience this eastern part of the state.

You can also try the riverwalk, manatee viewing center, Tampa Bay trails, the Tampa theater, parasailing, the Dali museum, and a mural tour.

Gainesville:

This is my last recommendation that I will go into detail about. You can find some honorable mentions below if you want some more ideas to add to your trip.

In Gainesville you should look into the following: Florida Museum of Natural History, the botanical gardens, the retirement home for horses and the Geological State Park

Honorable mentions:

1. Sanibel Island
2. mermaids at weeki wachee state park
3. underwater caves
4. clearwater beach
5. Ft. Meyers
6. Ocala
7. Port St. Lucie,

There you have it! There are my tips and tricks for a Florida Road Trip.