Getting out and having a wonderful time in Florida is easier than you think, whether you want to take your family on a vacation of a lifetime to see one of the top Florida beaches in the winter, or whisk that special someone off for a romantic weekend, there are plenty of off-the-beaten -track Florida destinations within an easy drive – even for those with little experience behind the wheel.
Five Outstanding Florida Attractions Worth Driving
Don’t let the fact that you just passed your Florida driving test stop you from enjoying everything there is to do in the Sunshine State. Once you get your license, you will have easy access to some of the country’s best attractions.
Sarasota. Pack up the car head to this unique Gulf city for a family vacation to remember. It is a quick drive on the I-75 before turning north to take in the beauty of the coast. Within a few hours, you will arrive in the city of Sarasota. Once you get into town, check in at one of the bay-side hotels for stunning views or choose a hotel downtown for quick access to all the cultural and dining options the city offers. Wherever you stay, make sure you don’t miss out on Siesta Beach on Siesta Key. It is known as one of the finest white-sand beaches in the world.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Take the Sanibel Causeway which is accessible from I-75 to Sanibel Island. You can stay on this lush island or continue to Captiva Island by an interconnecting bridge to enjoy the luxury of one of the island’s relaxing resorts. Be sure to make time to enjoy a breathtaking sunset from Alison Hagerup Beach Park or book one of a sunset cruise. Leave time to explore the almost 7,000-acre J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It is the perfect spot for kayaking and birdwatching.
Miami. For those who are drawn to art and culture, there is no better city in Florida than Miami. Set the cruise control, turn on some great tunes and drive south on I-95. The city is impossible to miss. Whether you want to check out the bars, beaches or art galleries, there is truly something for everyone in the Magic City. Miami offers a plethora of lodging opportunities, but the best ones are often booked far in advance. It is a smart idea to make sure you book your accommodations before arriving to avoid being disappointed. While the Miami nightlife is tempting, try to get back to get plenty of rest to enjoy all the daytime activities the city offers.
St. Petersburg. Just across the bay from Tampa on I-275 lies St. Petersburg. The city has a much more relaxed feeling than Tampa and boasts some of the best beer breweries in the country. Beer lovers won’t want to miss the St. Pete’s / Clearwater Craft Beer Trail where visitors can sample beer and pick up some hard-to-find brews. Not into beer? That is okay. The city has a very active art scene to explore and is well-known for the Second Saturday Art Walk along Central Ave.
Walt Disney World. If you have children, no road trip in Florida is complete without a visit to Walt Disney World. Even if you aren’t bringing any kids, a weekend at Walt Disney World is still a pretty cool experience. Don’t forget to visit all the theme parks including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the newest attraction, Pandora, The World of Avatar. Make sure to book your hotel room and park tickets before arriving.