While Florida is known for the vibrant downtowns of Miami and Orlando, it’s also a surprisingly stunning state with a significant amount of protected natural areas, including national parks and state preserves. And not to mention the beautiful beaches! These places offer plenty of opportunities to explore the diverse ecosystems and biodiversity of the southeastern tip of the United States. From the Gulf coast to Orlando, and from Key West to the underrated marshlands near Tampa, embark on a nature and outdoor road trip in Florida for wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of stunning scenery.
How do I plan and prepare for a road trip to Florida? Our best tips.
How long does it take to drive around Florida? Is 10 days enough?
We suggest you allow 10 days for this Florida road trip itinerary. Remember that distances in North America are vast and attractions are usually a few hours apart. It’s best to plan plenty of time at a leisurely pace and take in the sights rather than feeling rushed and spending most of your time driving to the next stop. Biscayne to Ocala National Forest alone is a 5-hour long drive!
Is this Florida road trip suitable with kids?
Absolutely, that’s what we did! Children under the age of 12 will love the many different landscapes and animals seen on this road Florida trip.
How long in advance should I start planning a Florida family road trip?
It’s a good idea to book your rental car, hotel or camping site and even theme park tickets a few weeks in advance to get lower prices more easily. This is especially true if you’re travelling during high or hurricane season, or if you need a special type of accommodation for your family.
What month is best to drive to Florida?
From June to September, the weather can easily reach 34°C, with peaks approaching 40°C, especially around Orlando. Coastal areas such as Miami and the Keys benefit from sea breezes which reduce the heat slightly, but humidity is often higher. Winter months tend to be a little cooler at an average of 24 °C.
Biscayne National Park
Starting this Florida road trip from Miami, we quickly reach Biscayne National Park, just an hour’s drive away along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great place to explore by boat, spot manatees and access Boca Chica Island. From there we climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view.
Paddle boarding and snorkelling are excellent ways to get close to the mangroves and their inhabitants. The branches are home to crabs and birds. Underwater, the mangrove roots are home to jellyfish, rays and small sharks.
From there you can go all the way to the southern tip of Florida at the Florida Keys/Key West or the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park if you like, but we decided to head back north.
Everglades National Park between Miami and Naples
From Biscayne National Park we head to the Ernest Coe Centre entrance to the famous Everglades National Park. In this area we can enjoy different landscapes, from wet prairies to swamps and forests, thanks to the well-maintained trails. They are frequented by many birds (spoonbills, cormorants, etc.).
Continuing our road trip around Florida, we reach the second area of the Everglades: Shark Valley.
This area has a 22-kilometre loop that can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by tram. Beware of the water: it’s the kingdom of the alligators! We’re surprised to see them lounging so peacefully alongside the birds in the wetlands. To explore the marine side of the Everglades, we need to go to Everglades City, where many boat tours depart. This was truly one of our favorite things to do on this adventure.
On the way there, take the Big Cypress Loop, a scenic alternative route.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
After crossing the Everglades, we arrive on the Gulf Coast, near Fort Myers. Here, the beautiful beaches have provided pleasant surprises, with dolphins sometimes frolicking just a few metres from the shore!
We also discovered the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, another fabulous natural area where a boardwalk gives access to a swamp surrounded by different types of forest. Every year, the company that manages the area records all the observations made, and the list is incredibly long. In a short time we have seen dozens of beautiful birds, an otter and various frog species. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the trees embrace the boardwalk as they grow nearby.
Barefoot Beach County Preserve in the West of Florida
Heading up Florida’s west coast on this road trip, we search for a wild and pristine white sand beach and choose Barefoot Beach County Preserve. The vast expanse of white sand strewn with shells is absolutely breathtaking. Large flocks of birds congregate here and take flight in beautiful formations. It’s also home to ospreys that nest on platforms provided for them.
The vegetation along the beach is home to the adorable land turtles. They are very discreet, so keep an eye out and be careful not to disturb them!
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
A little further north on the Gulf coast portion of our Florida road trip we stop at the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. There is a road through the refuge so we can drive around and stop to observe whenever it suits you. A great option for the little ones who can’t cope with Florida’s humid heat!
This developed refuge is renowned for its birding, especially the roseate spoonbills, herons and egrets that congregate on the water.
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park, near Sarasota, is partially accessible by car, making it a great stop on this Florida road trip. You can stop at any point along the 11-kilometre trail to observe wildlife. The many epiphytes that cling to the forest’s branches give it a magical look. To get even closer, boardwalks have been built between the trees. As we were leaving, a herd of deer honoured us with their presence.
All in all, a magnificent and vastly underrated natural site, easy to visit and well worth the trip. A great place all round!
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and its manatees
North of Tampa, Crystal River is the must-visit spot to see Florida’s iconic animals: the manatees. From November to March, these “sea cows” seek refuge in various freshwater springs where the water is warmer. This is the case at Three Sisters Springs and on the Homosassa River.
In some places it’s even possible to swim with the manatees, subject to certain rules. However, to avoid disturbing them, it’s best to watch them from the shore or in a see-through kayak. This was a highlight of the road trip around Florida for everyone in our family, parents and children alike! You can certainly plan to spend a full day here.
Ocala National Forest
North of Orlando, the Ocala Forest is one of the largest forests in Florida. This vast expanse of pine and tropical trees is dotted with over 600 lakes and natural springs. Swimming in the turquoise pools is a delight; Juniper Springs is particularly beautiful. Activities include hiking, kayaking, snorkelling and, of course, alligator and turtle watching.
Of course, visit the theme parks in Orlando like Universal Studios and the Kennedy Space Center while you’re here—you can’t not go to Magic Kingdom on this Florida road trip. Whatever your age!
Canaveral National Seashore
We bring this road trip around Florida to a close on the Atlantic coast, this natural area is a long stretch of coastline made up of large preserved white golden beaches, lagoons and salt marshes. These wetlands provide a vast refuge for a wide variety of birds and sea turtles that come to nest, making it a great place for turtle enthusiast (frankly, who isn’t?). It’s even possible to take a tour with an experienced guide, focusing on the comings and goings of the turtles. In May and June, don’t miss the chance to see these majestic wild animals in their natural habitat!
There are many ways to explore these landscapes: on foot, on horseback or by boat.
