If you’re looking for a different way to travel between South Florida and Orlando, taking US 27 in Florida can be a great alternative. It’s not the fastest route, that’s for sure, but it doesn’t always have to be. Sometimes, the best part of a road trip is taking your time and enjoying the journey instead of rushing to your destination.
I drove this route many times when I lived between Miramar and Pembroke Pines, and later in Clermont. And while some people may see it as just another highway to get to Orlando, I’ve always thought of US 27 as a great excuse for a road trip. Along the way, you’ll find lake views, small towns, Florida landscapes that often go unnoticed, and several places worth pulling over to explore.
So, if you have some extra time and aren’t in a hurry, here are a few of my favorite stops along the way.
Why Take US 27 Instead of the Fastest Route?
The short answer? Because it’s different.
If all you want to do is get from one place to another, this probably isn’t the route you’d choose. But if you’d like to make the drive part of your trip, US 27 offers something that major highways don’t always provide.
As you drive, you’ll leave behind the more urban parts of South Florida and gradually discover another side of the state: agricultural areas, lakes, palm trees, small communities, and much more open scenery.
And that’s one of the things I love about Florida. You can be surrounded by cities, traffic, and shopping centers, and just a few miles later, feel like you’re somewhere completely different.
Looking for an Adventure? Take an Airboat Ride!
On one of my trips, I stopped at Sawgrass Recreation Park, in Weston, where I took an airboat ride through the Everglades. Click the name to open the location on the map.
The park is right along US 27, making it an interesting option if you’d like to turn the beginning of your road trip into an experience rather than simply hitting the road.
Here, you can take an airboat tour and learn a little more about the unique ecosystem of South Florida.
Just keep in mind that this stop will add quite a bit of time to your drive. We’re no longer talking about getting out of the car for ten minutes, taking a picture, and moving on. If you want to enjoy an airboat ride, make sure you leave enough time for it. And you’ll probably take a few extra pictures, too. Because, well… we’re in Florida. If there’s an alligator nearby, obviously, we need a picture!
A Stop Near Lake Okeechobee
Another place you can visit along this route is John Stretch Memorial Park, in Lake Harbor.
Located directly along US 27, the park has parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and access to the Lake Okeechobee area. It’s also associated with the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail.
Climb the small hill, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of part of Lake Okeechobee.
After driving for a while, being able to stretch your legs, breathe some fresh air, and simply enjoy the lake was one of those little things that made the drive more pleasant.
You don’t need to plan a long stop here. Sometimes, a few minutes are all it takes to change the pace of your trip.
A Food Stop in Sebring
If you’re starting to get hungry while driving along US 27, consider stopping at Martz Family Sebring Diner. It’s a retro-style diner where you can sit down for a burger, a sandwich, or a good breakfast before continuing your drive. I think it’s a nice excuse to take a break and discover another little corner of Florida along the way.
Just keep an eye on the time, though, because they’re only open until 2 p.m.
Lake Wales and Bok Tower Gardens
As you approach Lake Wales, you’ll find one of the stops worth considering if you have some extra time: Bok Tower Gardens. This beautiful garden is one of Lake Wales’ best-known attractions, built around its famous carillon tower. You can read more about it in my other post about Bok Tower Gardens
The gardens date back to 1929 and were designed as a sanctuary where visitors could enjoy nature, beautiful landscaping, and the sound of the tower’s bells.
This isn’t a five-minute stop. If you really want to explore Bok Tower Gardens, you’ll need to set aside a few hours. But if you’ve never been, it can be a wonderful way to turn an ordinary drive into a little day trip.
And Then There’s Spook Hill
Now we get to one of those stops that has always made me wonder: Spook Hill. Honestly, I’ve never quite understood what all the fuss is about. But plenty of people stop here, so of course, I had to include it!
Spook Hill is one of Florida’s famous gravity hills, where the layout of the surrounding landscape creates an optical illusion that makes it look as if your car is rolling uphill when it’s actually moving downhill. So no, apparently, there aren’t any spirits pushing your car. Although the name definitely makes the story more entertaining!
Spook Hill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is maintained by the City of Lake Wales.
Is it a must-see stop? That depends on how much you enjoy quirky roadside attractions.
Is it quick and different? Absolutely!
Port 27: A Great Place to End the Afternoon
Continuing north, we reach one of my favorite stops along this route: Port 27, in Lake Hamilton.
And this is one place I’d especially recommend visiting in the late afternoon.
Located right along US 27 beside Lake Hamilton, Port 27 features restaurants, shops, coffee spots, a brewery, activities, and outdoor spaces overlooking the water. But what I enjoy most is simply the atmosphere.
Arrive as the sun starts to go down, find a place to sit, grab a drink or something to eat, and enjoy the lake views. I especially recommend the late afternoon during summer, when Florida’s heat can be almost unbearable.
It’s one of those places where a quick 30-minute stop can easily turn into an hour and a half. And to me, that’s exactly what a good road trip should be about!
Arriving in Clermont
Eventually, we reach Clermont!
By this point, US 27 starts to feel much more familiar to those of us who live in the Orlando area. But there are still a few reasons not to end your adventure just yet.
One of my favorite spots in the area is Lake Louisa State Park. The park has three main lakes—Lake Louisa, Lake Hammond, and Lake Dixie—along with trails, walking areas, water activities, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature.
It’s a great place to stretch your legs after hours in the car or simply spend some time outdoors. And yes, it’s another reminder that Orlando is much closer to nature than many people imagine!
Showcase of Citrus: Yes, It’s Touristy… But I Love It!
I have to admit something: Showcase of Citrus is touristy. Very touristy. But as a local, I love it. So I don’t mind!
It’s right in Clermont and makes a fun stop even if you don’t want to sign up for a full activity. You can browse the store, shop for Florida products, grab a cold drink, and enjoy the atmosphere of this citrus farm.
They also offer activities such as the famous Monster Truck Adventures, animal encounters, gem mining, and other experiences. The property operates year-round and is located right in the US 27 area of Clermont.
To me, it’s one of those stops that represents a side of Florida you won’t necessarily find in traditional travel guides. And, of course, when it’s hot outside, a cold orange drink makes stopping here an even better idea!
How Much Time Do You Need to Drive US 27?
Here’s the important part: it really depends on how you want to experience the route. If you’re simply using US 27 as an alternative to the main highways, you can drive it without making any major stops. But if you want to explore some of the places I’ve mentioned, then you’re looking at a proper road trip rather than just a drive.
You can choose two or three stops and keep going, or turn the journey into a full-day adventure.
And that’s exactly why I like this route so much. You don’t have to do everything. You can choose your stops based on how much time you have, your interests, and even the weather.
Is Taking US 27 Worth It?
For me, absolutely. Especially if you’re not in a hurry.
I wouldn’t choose US 27 if my top priority were getting to Orlando or Miami as quickly as possible. For that, there are other options, such as Florida’s Turnpike, although it has tolls.
But if you’d like to discover more of Florida, enjoy different landscapes, stop by a lake, find little places along the way, and make the drive part of the adventure, US 27 can be a great choice.
After driving this route so many times between South Florida and Clermont, I started seeing it as much more than a road to get home. It’s a collection of little experiences: Lake Okeechobee, the scenery around Sebring, Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens, the quirky stop at Spook Hill, an afternoon by Lake Hamilton, and finally, Clermont.
And once you reach Clermont, well… you’re practically home.
Unless you decide to make one more stop. Because in Florida, there’s always another place to pull over and explore.
