Getting around by car is the most common way to travel between Florida’s major cities, but traffic can get heavy during peak periods and busy times, especially in the Miami and Orlando metropolitan areas. Therefore, it is important to plan your trip to avoid long lines and seemingly endless queues by regularly consulting traffic alerts to learn about any road closures.
Major roads and highways in Florida
Florida’s highway infrastructure is generally well-developed and connects the major cities of the state. Florida’s main highway is Interstate 95, which traverses the Atlantic coast of the state from north to south and passes through cities such as Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, and Miami. Another major road is Interstate 75, which cuts through Florida from north to southwest and touches Gainesville, Tampa, and Naples. Several other highways and roads connect the various cities in Florida. For instance, Interstate 4, runs west to east across Florida, starting in Tampa and reaching South Daytona in Volusia County, passing through the Orlando metropolitan area along the way, and through Altamonte Springs, where the NEO’s headquarters are located.
Visiting Florida by car: What to see along the way
Florida is a popular tourist destination and has many attractions to offer for those traveling by car. Major tourist and cultural attractions not to be missed during a Florida road trip include:
- Walt Disney World Resort: located in Orlando, this theme park is one of the most famous and visited places in the world.
- Miami Beach: famous for its celebrated white sand beaches, beach parties, and Art Deco architecture.
- Key West: a picturesque island town off the coast of Florida, with colorful houses and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Everglades National Park: a vast area of subtropical swamps that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
- St. Augustine: the oldest city in the United States, with a long history behind it and Spanish colonial architecture to discover.
- Kennedy Space Center: located on the East Coast, the Florida Space Center offers tours and exhibits on space and cosmos exploration.
Scenic routes in Florida for trips off the beaten track
There is also a wealth of scenic routes in Florida with outstanding charm, offering breathtaking views of major natural beauty and providing alternative routes to the most traveled tourist routes. Here are some of the most scenic routes to drive in Florida.
Overseas Highway
Overseas Highway runs through the Keys Islands and is one of the most famous and spectacular roads in Florida. This route offers panoramic views of the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, complemented by striking picture-perfect sunsets.
A1A
This Florida coastal road runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean and passes through several coastal cities such as Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach. The view of the Ocean is simply breathtaking.
Tamiami Trail
Tamiami Trail runs through the Everglades, one of the most distinctive national parks in the United States. You may spot alligators, exotic birds, and other wildlife: basically, a Florida safari in your own car along the way.
Scenic Highway 30A
The coastal road that winds along the northwest coast of Florida, passing through picturesque villages and towns, such as Seaside, Grayton Beach, and Rosemary Beach. Along the way, you can see the Gulf of Mexico and Florida’s white sand beaches.
U.S. Route 1
U.S. Route 1 runs along the eastern part of Florida, offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and passes through several coastal cities, including Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Palm Beach.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore is a scenic Florida road through Gulf Islands National Park from which to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, admire white sandy beaches, and catch a glimpse of specimens of the area’s wildlife.
Driving along Florida’s less traveled and most characteristic roads offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience, especially if you do so in a convertible car and with plenty of time to make the most of all the wonders that appear before your eyes during the journey mile after mile.
