We have lost track of how many road trips we have taken in Florida. They started four decades ago and continue very frequently.
Culling out the best Florida trips has taken some time, thought and subjective evaluation. The keyword “best” had to be defined. We chose to consider best in the terms of emotional attachment.
Our road trips in Florida are sometimes planned and quite often just get in the car and go. Florida is such a huge state that it is easy to find a new adventure in just about any direction. Living in Clearwater Beach means north, south or east – going west would mean getting a little wet!
How We Chose Our 5 Best Florida Road Trips
It was a process. We got the list to ten and then finally decided to use emotional attachment and chose a couple because we know they could never be completely repeated.
The ones below are in alphabetical order. All range from one to five days. Many you will know the names, but our experiences may be quite different. All have been repeated in one way or another over the years.
Travel along our scenic Florida roads with us from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys.
Amelia Island – With a Savanah Sojourn
If you are looking for a trip to escape Florida’s sweltering humidity and heat in the summer, the perfect relief is Amelia Island.
Located just north of Jacksonville and across the St. Mary’s River from Georgia, this regularly fought over island has a clash of cultures. Between 1562 and 1865, the island flew the flags of no less than 8 sovereignties.
Today, this 13-mile-long island offers some of Florida’s best resorts along the east coast and the attractions of Fernandina on the east.
We love walking Centre Street. There are seven blocks of shops, historical buildings, restaurants and antique stores.
On the other side of the island is Fernandina Beach. Here you will find ritzy resorts, fun beach bars and long sandy Atlantic coastal beaches.
Things to do in Amelia Island include:
- Visiting Fort Clinch, the much fought over garrison protecting the island from invaders.
- For golfers, there are five golf courses for all skill levels.
- Bikers will enjoy bike paths among the hotels and resorts.
- Amelia Island State Park offers everything from horseback riding to shelling along the shore of some 200 acres.
- Visit the oldest bar in Florida, the Palace Saloon on Centre Street.
- Learn more things to do on Amelia Island.
Bonus Idea
This Florida road trip brings you within 2 hours of Savanah, Georgia. Amelia Island can be a base for the city that the Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman said it was “too beautiful to burn” as the north marched south during the Civil War.
Savanah is enticing for historical reasons and the stately mansions that grace the streets date back generations. The walk along River Street is a lesson on how history can be converted into a boardwalk like no other.
Reverse course on W. Bay Street and see why Sherman refused to destroy the city. You will learn the reason “Southern charm” is still alive in south Georgia.
Getting to Amelia Island
Resort is the place to go.
There are only two roads into Amelia Island – one from the south across the Amelia River and one from the west across the river on State Route 200.
Amelia Island is less than 20 miles north of Jacksonville, and 3 hours north of Orlando (175 miles). Tallahassee is a little over 3 hours to the west (195 miles) and Gainesville is under 2 hours to the southwest (97 miles).
Recommended Hotels
We like to stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites on the river waterfront just a half block from Centre Street. If you prefer a luxurious Beachfront resort, we like the Omni Resort on the coast.
Final Thoughts on Amelia Island Road Trip
This is one of those trips you can adjust to the time you have. It could be overnight, a weekend getaway, or a week-long vacation to include Savannah.
Our last trip was 4 days. We spent two days on the island and two days in Savanah.
However, you plan your trip to Amelia Island, be prepared for a fun and informative road trip.
The Everglades – Loop Road
For years, we traveled across south Florida on the Tamiami Trail (Route 41). We preferred that route over Alligator Alley for many reasons you can find here.
Tamiami Trail was always adventurous with plenty of wildlife, old Indian villages and many airboat vendors across the Trail. That trip alone would be considered a great road trip on its own.
About three years ago, we heard about a historic old gravel road that cuts through the swamps off Tamiami Trail. It is called Loop Road. It gets its name because it loops from Mile Marker 59 south and then east back into Tamiami Trail some 25 miles later.
First, if you don’t like rustic old roads, this isn’t for you. If your transportation isn’t in good shape, don’t try this road trip. This gravel road is narrow skirting the swamp on each side of the road.
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This article originally appeared here and was republished with permission.
