Looking for a road trip that fits into a weekend but still feels like a proper getaway?
Road Trips Across Florida for Weekend Warriors
The Best Road Trips Across Florida for Weekend Warriors
This guide gives you ready-to-drive weekend itineraries, practical planning tips, and route comparisons so you can make the most of 48–72 hours on the road. You’ll find coastal escapes, cultural circuits, wildlife-focused drives, and foodie routes that are all doable without taking too much time off.
Why Florida is perfect for weekend road trips
Florida’s compact size, varied scenery, and year-round warm weather let you pack a lot into a short trip. Whether you want beaches, historic towns, state parks, or coastal highways, you can be somewhere different in a few hours.
How to use this guide
Read the quick comparison table to pick a route that matches your interests, then jump to the detailed itinerary and tips for that drive. Each route includes driving time, highlights, a sample 2-day itinerary, lodging and food suggestions, best season, and estimated budget to help you decide quickly.
Quick comparison: Top weekend routes at a glance
This table helps you compare distance, driving time, rough budget, and the main vibe for each route so you can pick the best fit fast.
| Route (start → finish) | One-way driving time | Ideal trip length | Main vibe | Estimated budget (per person for 2 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami → Key West (Overseas Hwy) | ~4–5 hrs | 2–3 days | Scenic island highway, beaches, nightlife | $200–$500+ |
| Tampa → Sarasota → Siesta Key | ~1–1.5 hrs | 2 days | Beaches, arts, seafood | $150–$300 |
| Orlando → St. Augustine | ~2 hrs | 2 days | History, beaches, nightlife | $100–$250 |
| Jacksonville → Amelia Island → St. Augustine | ~1–1.5 hrs | 2 days | Historic towns, quiet beaches | $120–$280 |
| Fort Lauderdale → West Palm Beach (A1A) | ~1–1.5 hrs | 2 days | Coastal highway, shopping, beaches | $150–$350 |
| Naples → Marco Island → Everglades | ~1–1.5 hrs | 2 days | Wildlife, shelling, sunsets | $150–$350 |
| Gainesville → Ocala → Silver Springs | ~1.5–2 hrs | 2 days | Springs, horseback trail riding, nature | $100–$220 |
| Tallahassee → Apalachicola → Panama City Beach | ~2.5–3.5 hrs | 2–3 days | Panhandle beaches, oysters, coastal forests | $150–$320 |
Planning basics: timing, driving, and packing
Plan your driving windows to minimize rush-hour traffic and maximize sightseeing. You’ll want light layers for air-conditioned cars, sun protection for beach stops, and a small first-aid kit. Car prep, gas planning, and reservations for popular spots make a weekend run much more relaxed.
When to go
Florida’s shoulder seasons — late spring and early fall — often give you lower prices and fewer crowds while still offering good weather. Winter attracts northerners and can be busy, while summer is hot, humid, and hurricane season is possible. Pick the season that fits your tolerance for crowds, heat, and weather risk.
What to pack
Pack smart so you’re not weighed down but you have essentials: swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, chargers, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and a daypack. Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing and a waterproof phone pouch for beach or boat outings.
Route 1 — Miami to Key West (Overseas Highway)
This classic road trip takes you across the string of keys via U.S. 1, with endless ocean views, quirky towns, and world-class snorkeling. You’ll cover about 160 miles each way if you go all the way to Key West, with plenty of reasons to slow down and stop.
Highlights
You’ll hit Key Largo for diving, Islamorada for sport fishing and seafood, Marathon for family-friendly beaches and the Turtle Hospital, and Key West for nightlife, Duval Street, and Ernest Hemingway’s house. The scenery itself — bridges and turquoise water — is a major attraction.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1: Leave Miami early, stop at Everglades Alligator attractions or Shark Valley for an airboat or tram, continue to Key Largo for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park snorkel, overnight in Islamorada or Marathon.
Day 2: Morning at Marathon’s beaches or the Turtle Hospital, continue south to Key West for lunch and attractions, catch sunset at Mallory Square, and return to your start or overnight in Key West if you can.
Best season and tips
Late fall to spring gives you milder temps and calmer water for snorkeling. Always check bridge traffic and roadwork on U.S. 1, and book lodging ahead for winter/spring. Fuel up whenever you can — stations are sparser in the lower keys.
Budget & lodging
Expect moderate to high lodging costs in Key West and peak-season premiums. Consider staying in Islamorada or Marathon for lower rates. Budget roughly $200–$500+ per person for a full weekend including fuel, activities, and meals.
Route 2 — Tampa to Sarasota and Siesta Key
Short driving time makes this a perfect weekend if you want beaches, arts, and seafood without a long commute. You’ll find museums, a lively downtown dining scene, and one of Florida’s most famous beaches.
Highlights
Sarasota brings the Ringling Museum, art galleries, and Siesta Key’s powdery white sand. Tampa adds breweries, historic Ybor City, and a buzzy waterfront. This route suits a mix of culture and beach time.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1: Spend the morning in Tampa—visit Ybor City and the Tampa Riverwalk—then drive to Sarasota for the Ringling and Lido Beach dinner. Overnight in Sarasota or Siesta Key.
Day 2: Enjoy Siesta Key Beach in the morning, kayak in the mangroves or take a dolphin tour in the afternoon, return to Tampa or stay to watch the sunset.
Best season and tips
Spring and fall are ideal for smaller crowds and pleasant water temperatures. Parking at popular beach parks can get full; aim to arrive earlier in the day. Bring a cooler for beach snacks and check for beach advisories.
Budget & lodging
This is one of the more budget-friendly options with many mid-range hotels and Airbnb choices. Expect $150–$300 per person for a weekend, depending on activities and dining choices.
Route 3 — Orlando to St. Augustine
This route gives you a contrast of theme-park energy and colonial charm, with beaches nearby. It’s a short drive that’s perfect if you want history, historic streets, and a taste of Florida’s earliest settlements.
Highlights
St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos, historic downtown with cobblestone streets, and nearby Anastasia State Park are the main draws. You can easily add a nature stop at Marineland or a sunset beach walk.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1: Leave Orlando mid-morning, arrive in St. Augustine, eat lunch on St. George Street and visit Castillo de San Marcos. Evening ghost tour or dinner at a historic inn.
Day 2: Morning at the St. Augustine Lighthouse or Anastasia State Park, lunch at local seafood spots, drive back to Orlando with optional stop at a spa or outlets.
Best season and tips
Fall and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures. Book tours and historic site tickets in advance if you’re visiting during holidays. Street parking downtown can be tight on weekends—use public lots if available.
Budget & lodging
Relatively affordable—boutique B&Bs and mid-range hotels are plentiful. Expect $100–$250 per person for the weekend, depending on dining and specialty tours.
Route 4 — Jacksonville to Amelia Island and St. Augustine
You’ll get quiet beaches, historic districts, and a slightly less touristy feel when you head up the Atlantic Coast from Jacksonville. This drive suits you if you prefer low-key coastal towns and seafood shacks.
Highlights
Amelia Island’s Victorian Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine’s historic core, and nearby state parks like Fort Clinch offer a mix of history and outdoor time. You can add kayak rentals and oyster bars to your weekend.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1: Morning departure, check into a B&B on Amelia Island, afternoon beach walk, dinner in Fernandina Beach.
Day 2: Drive south to St. Augustine, visit Castillo and the old town, late lunch on the waterfront, return to Jacksonville.
Best season and tips
Spring and fall reduce humidity and bugs; summer is busy and hot. Ferries and certain boat tours may run seasonally—their schedules change—so confirm before you go.
Budget & lodging
Expect moderate pricing for lodging and dining. $120–$280 per person is a reasonable weekend range.
Route 5 — Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach (A1A coastal route)
This short coastal drive along A1A is perfect for a leisurely weekend with beach stops, boutique shopping, and oceanfront dining. You’ll hit small beach towns and can tailor stops to your pace.
Highlights
Fort Lauderdale beaches, Deerfield Beach pier, Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue, and West Palm Beach’s Clematis Street offer a mix of nightlife and laid-back beach time. There are many seaside cafes for casual lunches.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1: Depart Fort Lauderdale in the morning, stop at Deerfield Beach for a walk, continue to Delray Beach for shopping and lunch, evening in West Palm Beach.
Day 2: Morning at the Norton Museum or Kravis Center, relax at Palm Beach in the afternoon, return south.
Best season and tips
This route is excellent year-round, though winter sees more visitors. Parking in Palm Beach can be expensive—plan for public lots or ride-sharing to avoid hassles.
Budget & lodging
Generally mid-range in terms of cost. $150–$350 per person covers hotels, meals, and light activities.
Route 6 — Naples to Marco Island and the Everglades
Southwest Florida’s gulf coast gives you shelling beaches, sunsets, and a close encounter with Everglades ecosystems. You’ll split time between coastline leisure and wildlife viewing.
Highlights
Naples Pier at sunset, Marco Island shelling, and Everglades airboat tours or wildlife walks make a satisfying variety. Consider a guided kayak through mangrove creeks for a quiet wildlife experience.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Naples, walk the pier and downtown Fifth Avenue for shops and dinner, overnight in Naples.
Day 2: Morning drive to Marco Island for shelling, afternoon Everglades tour (Big Cypress or nearby airboat operators), return or stay another night.
Best season and tips
Winter and spring are prime for wildlife viewing and comfortable temps. Summer is hot and humid—bring more water and plan early-morning activities.
Budget & lodging
Expect moderate costs with some luxury options in Naples. Budget roughly $150–$350 per person for a weekend including boat tours or airboats.
Route 7 — Gainesville to Ocala and Silver Springs
This inland route caters to nature lovers who want crystal springs, horseback riding, and forested trails without the beach crowds. It’s a great option if you prefer paddling, glass-bottom boat tours, and quiet state parks.
Highlights
Silver Springs State Park’s glass-bottom boat tours, Ocala National Forest hiking, and local springs for swimming or tubing provide a strong outdoor focus. Gainesville adds college-town energy and microbreweries.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1: Explore Gainesville’s museums or local eateries, drive to Silver Springs in the afternoon for a glass-bottom boat tour and river paddle, overnight in Ocala.
Day 2: Morning hike in Ocala National Forest or horseback trail ride, picnic lunch at a spring, drive back.
Best season and tips
Year-round access, but fall to spring is most comfortable. Springs are popular on weekends—arrive early to secure parking and launch spots.
Budget & lodging
An affordable option with state park fees and modest lodging costs. Plan for $100–$220 per person.
Route 8 — Tallahassee to Apalachicola to Panama City Beach
This Panhandle circuit mixes small-town seafood culture, coastal forests, and long sugar-white-sand beaches. You’ll taste some of Florida’s best oysters and enjoy quieter shorelines than the lower peninsula.
Highlights
Apalachicola’s historic district and seafood scene, St. George Island State Park, and Panama City Beach’s beaches and pier provide balance between small-town charm and classic beach time.
Sample 2–3 day itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Apalachicola, explore the waterfront and oyster houses, overnight at a local inn.
Day 2: Morning ferry to St. George Island for beach time, late afternoon drive to Panama City Beach for sunset. Day 3 (optional): Full beach day or family attractions before heading back.
Best season and tips
Late spring to early fall is beach season; harvest seasons for oysters vary—check local recommendations. The route works well as a slightly longer weekend (72 hours) if you want to include multiple beaches.
Budget & lodging
Mid-range lodging with some upscale options near Panama City Beach. Expect $150–$320 per person for a weekend.
Practical tips for weekend road-tripping in Florida
Good planning makes your weekend feel longer and more relaxed. A few practical habits will keep your trip stress-free and help you get more out of your limited time.
Avoiding traffic and timing
Avoid rush hours in larger metro areas (Orlando, Miami, Tampa) and plan beach visits for early mornings or late afternoons to beat the crowds and heat. Use local traffic apps to find faster routes and parking options.
Booking and reservations
For popular areas and seasons you’ll want lodging booked early. Book tickets for specific attractions in advance when possible to guarantee time slots and avoid lines.
Food and where to eat
Look for local seafood shacks and farmer’s markets for authentic regional flavors. If you have dietary restrictions, carry snacks—small towns sometimes have limited options.
Health, safety, and wildlife awareness
Bring reef-safe sunscreen for marine areas and be mindful of local wildlife rules (no feeding, keep distance from nesting shorebirds, etc.). Florida roads near parks may have wildlife crossing signs—drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk.
Budgeting and packing checklists
A simple budget and a compact packing list will save you time and hassle. Use this table to check essentials so you don’t forget something important for a short trip.
| Packing category | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Documents & electronics | Driver’s license, registration, phone charger, portable battery, camera |
| Clothing & footwear | Swimwear, light layers, walking shoes, flip-flops, hat |
| Beach & sun | Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, beach towel, water bottle |
| Safety & health | First-aid kit, insect repellent, prescription meds, hand sanitizer |
| Extras | Cooler, snacks, binoculars, waterproof phone pouch, reusable bag |
Car choice and maintenance
You don’t need a specialty vehicle for most Florida weekend routes, but your car should be comfortable for a few hours of driving and have enough trunk space for beach gear. Check tires, oil, coolant, and windshield fluid before you go.
Fuel and charging
Map gas stations on longer routes and top off fuel before you leave a big metro area. If you’re driving an EV, plan charging stops; not all rural areas have fast chargers.
Making the most of limited time
When you only have 48–72 hours, prioritize one or two activities that are “must-do” and let everything else be flexible. A relaxed pace with one great meal, one major site, and time to sit and watch a sunset often beats trying to fit too much in.
Sample timing strategy
Day 0 (Friday night): Light driving or overnight to shorten morning drive.
Day 1: Early start, one major stop mid-morning, lunch, afternoon activity, evening dinner and local entertainment.
Day 2: Relaxed morning activity, scenic return drive with one final stop.
Sustainable travel tips
Protect the places you visit by choosing reef-safe sunscreen, packing out trash, sticking to marked trails, and supporting local businesses. Small choices help keep beaches, springs, and small towns healthy for future weekenders.
Final checklist before you leave
Run through a final list so you’re not scrambling: confirm reservations, check weather and road conditions, charge devices, fill the gas tank, pick a good playlist or podcast, and set out with a flexible but focused plan. This ensures your weekend feels purposeful and restorative rather than rushed.
Closing thoughts
Florida offers a huge range of weekend road-trip possibilities, from quiet coastal towns to iconic island highways and freshwater springs. With a bit of planning you can turn a 48–72 hour window into a memorable mini-vacation that fits your interests and energy level. Pick a route that excites you, prepare smartly, and let the road give you a short but satisfying escape.