I absolutely love going on road trips—short or long. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to another city or a day trip where I leave early in the morning to explore a nearby town and return home by nightfall, it’s always an experience I enjoy. I love soaking in the journey itself, sometimes catching breathtaking views (though not all roads are scenic), always with good music playing and often with great company. After 25 years in Florida, I’ve driven along some of the most beautiful scenic routes in the state, and here I’ll share a few of my favorites.
I love crossing this bridge in the Tampa Bay area: Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
If you love road trips and stunning landscapes as much as I do, Florida has some of the most beautiful scenic drives in the southeastern U.S. From coastal roads with ocean views to routes through untamed wilderness, these scenic drives in Florida are perfect for a memorable escape. (P.S. — the last one is my favorite!)
Tamiami Trail (US-41) – From Miami to Tampa
If you want to experience Florida’s wild side, the Tamiami Trail is a great choice. I even have a blog post about a portion of this road and one of the nearby attractions close to Miami.
This road cuts through the Everglades, offering views of alligators, exotic birds, and unique swamp landscapes.
Don’t Miss: Take an airboat tour in Everglades National Park, visit the Miccosukee Indian Village to learn about Native American culture, or make a stop in Naples to relax on the beach.
Scenic Highway 30A – Coastal Beauty
Located in Florida’s Panhandle, Scenic Highway 30A runs along the coast and passes through charming beach towns with white sands and clear waters. We visited in 2024 and completely fell in love with the area. Just keep in mind, not all beaches are public—but the ones that are, are easy to access.
Don’t Miss: Explore Seaside with its colorful cottages, relax at Grayton Beach State Park, or watch the sunset in Rosemary Beach.
Florida A1A – From Amelia Island to Miami
This iconic highway runs along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, offering gorgeous ocean views and passing through historic coastal towns. I’ve driven parts of it many times, but not all in one trip—each time, a different route.
For example, when I lived in South Florida, I loved driving from Miami to Dania Beach or Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach. Other times, I’ve gone from Daytona Beach to St. Augustine, and even from St. Augustine to Amelia Island (just before entering Georgia), where you can even take a short ferry ride across the river.
Don’t Miss: Walk the historic streets of St. Augustine—the oldest city in the U.S., enjoy Daytona Beach, or explore Fort Lauderdale’s culture before heading to Miami. Also visit Ponce Inlet’s lighthouse (Florida’s tallest) or Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.
Big Bend Scenic Byway – Nature at Its Best
For nature lovers, this route through Florida’s Big Bend region offers a different experience from the state’s usual beachy or theme-park scenery. While the drive itself isn’t always jaw-dropping—some areas are just quiet roads with trees—it’s very green, peaceful, and filled with hidden gems.
A few months ago, we stayed at a historic lodge near Wakulla Springs and it was such a great experience.
Don’t Miss: Explore Wakulla Springs State Park, one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, or go hiking in Apalachicola National Forest.
Overseas Highway (US-1) – From Miami to Key West
Known as the “Highway to Paradise,” the Overseas Highway is a stretch of U.S. 1 that connects mainland Florida to the Florida Keys. You’ll drive over impressive bridges—like the famous Seven Mile Bridge—while surrounded by ocean views on both sides. Without a doubt, this is my favorite scenic route in the entire state. I could drive it over and over again and never get bored. Many people even rent convertibles or Jeeps in Miami to make the ride extra fun.
Don’t Miss: Stop in Islamorada for fresh seafood, spend the day at Bahia Honda State Park, or explore the vibrant nightlife in Key West. I have another post all about things to do along this incredible road through the Florida Keys.
Bonus Route: While it’s not the most scenic drive, one lovely one-day road trip we once took was from Vero Beach to St. Pete Beach—from sunrise on the East Coast to sunset on the Gulf. Just take Route 60 from Vero Beach, head through Tampa, and continue west to Clearwater or St. Pete Beach. A simple drive that turned into a beautiful adventure.
Whether you’re looking for ocean views, history, or nature, these scenic routes in Florida offer something for every kind of traveler. I love hitting the road—alone, with friends, or family—and discovering peaceful, beautiful paths like these. So grab your favorite snacks, make your perfect playlist, and enjoy these unforgettable Florida road trips!
