This post may contain affiliate links. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. I don’t endorse any services I don’t personally use or recommend.
Roll down your windows, crank up the music, & let’s cruise some of Florida’s most scenic drives. This lengthy flat state doesn’t get the road trip recognition it deserves. What Florida lacks in mountains and winding backroads it makes up for in lush forests and serene beachy landscapes.
From tail to tip Florida can take 9 hours to drive…and that’s using the highways. But for those willing to take it slow and hit the backroads or meander along the scenic Florida byways this is the guide for you.
First, let’s take a look at van life in Florida. Not a van lifer? Don’t fret. You can skip through to the Florida Scenic Drives.
Van Life in Florida
Having visited 35+ states in my converted camper van, I feel I can confidently say that Florida is one of the very best states for van life. Alongside California, it’s my personal favorite (I mean, you can’t beat Yosemite National Park).
It’s got a temperate climate, quirky accepting communities, and beach showers are easily accessible & ready to use. As a van lifer, there’s not much more you can ask for.
Florida does, however, suffer from the occasional hurricane and swarm of disease-spreading mosquitos. That’s why I created an entire guide on everything you need to know before you pack up your van and move down to Florida.
Planning Your Florida Road Trip
Whether you’re a wildlife lover like myself looking to get down in the swamps with the gators or you’re more of the beach-going type who prefers idyllic sandy shores and snorkeling in the Keys– Florida will check all your boxes.
Before embarking on any road trip, I find it’s most helpful to outline all the stops you want to make along the way, making a kind of Florida bucketlist, and from there you can determine your optimal route.
But when you’re looking for scenic drives sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. So be sure to add these Florida scenic drives to your list of must-see destinations.
Florida Scenic Drives Map
There are loads of scenic byways in Florida but there are my 8 favorite Florida scenic drives to add to your road trip.
The Most Scenic Florida Drives
We spent several weeks hitting all the hidden gems of Florida on our USA road trip. For my fellow road trippers’ sake, we’re going to start on the Atlantic side of Florida & work our way around to the Gulf coast. The route can easily be done in reverse or just in pieces if you’re sticking to one Florida region.
So, set your GPS to avoid highways (& tolls, if you’re a budget traveler like me) and hit the road.
Florida Scenic Drives West Coast
Unpopular opinion: I prefer the rugged beaches of Florida’s East Coast to the placid waters on the Gulf Side. These are the best scenic drives along the East Coast.
1A1 or Historic Coastal Byway.
Running all the way from Amelia Island in Northeast Florida to Miami this is the longest scenic drive in Florida. It hugs the coastline popping out onto small islands like Hutchinson Island before merging again with Highway 1.
Most parts of the byway are single lane, winding through beachy neighborhoods and waterfront property, with ample opportunities to get out and explore the sand. There’s even a few nude beaches scattered along the way.
Old Dixie Highway.
This highway sits alongside the Tomoka Marsh Aquatic preserve. It’s covered by massive trees draped in vines and you’ll feel like you just drove onto the set of the Jungle Book. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Added Bonus: You can also find a stretch of road completely covered by a Banyon Tree Canopy in Florida. I marked it on the map above with a purple star.
Scenic Drives Central Florida
Central Florida doesn’t get enough love. It’s filled with turquoise lagoons, mossy swamps, and lush jungles that hide troops of macaques and Florida’s endangered panthers. It reminded me of more exotic places, like Laos or Thailand.
The Green Swamp
Surrounded by the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve it looks like what I always dreamed Florida would look like. If you need a break from the beach drives & want to wallow in the Florida Swamps while keeping an eye open for gators– be sure to check out this scenic Florida route.
11 South toward Highway 40 Ocala National Forest.
A quick look through my windshield to get you inspired.
You’ll likely be headed this way from the coast anyways because Ocala National Forest is pure magic. I recommend taking Route 11 South from the coast and then leisurely zig-zagging across the national forest.
Southern Florida Scenic Drives
From Miami to the Florida Keys. This chunk of Florida is heavily populated and heavily touristed. But somehow that doesn’t seem to make the drives any less scenic.
State Highway 913 Miami to Key Biscayne.
This short stretch of overwater highway is absolutely stunning at sunset. The Miami skyline is laid out to your left and a picture-perfect lagoon complete with sand bars and palm trees to your right. If you do plan on visiting at sunset be sure to arrive early as it’s a Miami local favorite.
Overseas Highway to Key West.
This is world-renowned as the prettiest drive in Florida. & it’s definitely the most unique. 107 miles of highway connecting the cluster of islands off the southern coast of Florida. It even has a 7-mile long portion that’s entirely over water.
The Florida Keys are one of my favorite places to visit in Florida so adding this scenic Florida drive to your list is worth it.
Tamiami Trail Through the Everglades
Cutting through the heart of Everglades National Park this scenic route in Florida allows up-close interaction with Florida’s wildlife. Vast wide-open landscapes dotted with tall trees and some of the best bird-watching in the United States. While you’re here you can also spend a wilderness filled weekend in the Everglades.
Florida Scenic Drives Gulf Coast
The gulf coast of Florida is the typical favorite. Bathwater warm oceans, tiny waves, and plenty of opportunities for sea-shelling–the beaches are paradise. It’s also a particularly good area for stealth camping in Florida.
Big Bend Scenic Byway (Hwy 98)
This Florida scenic route is essentially the gulf coast version of highway A1A. It’s beach-filled and hugs the coastline. & the landscapes here are unbeatable. The sun sets pink over the rolling soft sand dunes and a sea of still water.
More Van Life Resources for Your Florida Road Trip
Before you hit the open road here are few more resources to help you plan the perfect Florida road trip.
Check out this complete list of all the Florida Scenic Highways made by FLORIDA SCENIC HIGHWAYS
Rent an RV or Van in Florida
Not quite ready to leap fully into van life just yet? You can always rent an RV (or van) and test out the tiny home life before you commit. RV Share is a great Florida RV rental service where you can borrow vehicles from locals–supporting small businesses and getting cozier rentals.
No Comments