This blog on Florida Road Tripping has been provided, courtesy of guest blogger, Jarno.
If you are on a USA guided tour and road-tripping suddenly seems like a good idea, then head over to Florida for the best experience. Given the state’s immense land area, it comes as no surprise that Florida is a treasure trove of scenic tourist attractions. From white-sand beaches to the amusement capital of the world—the Sunshine State has it all. But if you really want to explore Florida like a local would, there is no better way to do that than by hitting the open road. After all, with plentiful sunshine and roadside attractions, Florida is particularly well-suited for road-tripping.
Whimsical Walt Disney World Route
Why we love it: The best choice for attractions that the whole family will enjoy
Distance: 288 miles
Start: Kennedy Space Center
End: Sanibel and Captiva Islands
If you’re planning a road trip that is family-friendly yet not too kid-centric, then this route is for you. The journey starts at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where you and your kids can feel what it’s like to be at the actual NASA headquarters. And if you schedule your visit well, you may even witness an actual rocket being launched into space.
When you’re done admiring all the spaceship models here, it is time to head westbound to I-4, toward Central Florida. The next stop is the Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World. Surely, your kids and your inner child would enjoy frolicking in this magical theme park filled with fun rides and attractions. However, since it is among Florida’s most popular tourist destinations, it is always packed with huge crowds of tourists. So, make sure you plan your Disney World trip beforehand, as this will save you lots of time.
Once you’re ready to leave this magical world behind to be an adult again, head over to Tampa. Enjoy the feeling of the warm sun on your skin and the wind blowing through your hair as you drive. Once you’re near the coast, go south so you can explore the historic buildings and beautiful wrought-iron balconies of Ybor City. Then, continue along this route until you reach the powdery-fine sand beaches of Sarasota. Then, drive to Fort Myers to access the Sanibel Causeway Bridge, which connects the mainland to the Sanibel and Captiva Islands—our final destination.
Sanibel and Captiva are two gulf coast islands that were once a single island but were split in two by a powerful hurricane way back in 1921. The fissure between the two became a deep channel of water, which is now called the Blind Pass. Thus, the two are now forever separated, but only by a narrow two-lane bridge.
Scenic Drive Along The Everglades Route
https://unsplash.com/photos/qT0QK7IPBiw
Why we love it: The best road trip for seeing wildlife
Distance: 170 miles
Start: Southeastern Everglades
End: Everglades City
Yet another family-friendly route is the scenic drive to the Everglades. If plant and animal biodiversity are your forte, then you must add Everglades National Park to your Florida road trip. This 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve is an ecological marvel, home to endangered and rare species, such as the West Indian manatee and the Florida panther. However, the alligators steal the show here, as the Everglades offer prime habitat for this well-known reptile.
There is also a wide variety of activities you can do here, such as kayaking amongst the flamingoes, participating in tram tours in Shark Valley, and even searching for Bigfoot in Ochopee.
Then, the trip ends in Everglade City, which is known for its small-town charm. If you want a glimpse of Southwestern Florida’s historical past, visit its quaint museums. Anglers will love snook fishing on Marco Island. And, if you’re a foodie, try Everglade’s world-famous delicacy, the savory stone crab. And the best part is that you won’t have to worry about killing innocent crabs to satisfy your cravings because only the claws of these stone crabs are harvested. The crab is then put back in the Gulf of Mexico alive; over time, it can regenerate a new claw.
Final Word:
Road-tripping along Florida scenic drives is a must-do for any traveler who enjoys touring unique and wondrous destinations while enjoying the freedom of the open road. When you’re road-tripping, there are no flights or trains to catch, and you are in no hurry to reach a destination. Travel at your own pace and linger as long as you like in the tourist destination of your choice. So grab your bags and car keys, go for a drive, and make exceptional memories and tales to tell!
