Raise your hand if you’ve never dreamed of a road trip across the United States! This experience has always been at the top of my mind. bucket list and, therefore, the first time I landed there, I immediately rented a car and leaving for a road trip in Florida. In addition to it being a unique trip, full of memories and discoveries, I left there with more desire to return and follow countless other possible routes in the country.
If you also dream of traveling the country’s beautiful roads and natural beauty, read now our complete guide on how to plan a trip road trip in Florida!
Road trip in Florida: what you need to know to venture across the state by car
Do I need an international license to drive in Florida?
No. You do not need to obtain a PID, or the famous international driver’s license, to drive in Florida, as well as in the rest of the United States. International agreements provide that Brazilian tourists who will stay in the country for less than 180 days can do so only with a Brazilian driver’s license.
The PDI, however, may come as a precaution if you are unsure. It can prevent, for example, someone from teasing you for not understanding what is written in the document, but it is expensive and unnecessary. I’ve driven in Florida without it and haven’t had any problems.
If you still prefer to travel with one, see here how to issue your international driver’s license.
Is it hard to drive in Florida?
Driving in Florida is not only easy, it’s a delight. The roads are excellent, wide and beautiful, the traffic flows much better than on our Brazilian roads. If you already drive here, you’ll love it. If you don’t drive that much, don’t worry either. On mine road trip In Florida I was newly licensed, with very little traffic experience and I managed very well there.
Of course, I got honked at one time or another, most of the time because I was driving slowly, even though I was close to the speed limit on the road. And I confess that I was also confused by the measurements in miles per hour. What’s wrong with the metric system, USA?
Furthermore, the entrances are very well signposted, the cars are new and automatic and the GPS prevents traffic jams. Click here to learn more about traffic rules and driving in the United States.
Road Trip in Florida: Car or Motorhome?
It will depend on your budget, itinerary and travel style. Although the motorhome has its charm and is a dream for many people, shorter trips that will pass through many urban centers go very well with regular cars.
The motorhome experience, however, can be better enjoyed on trips that involve nature, camping and if you don’t mind giving up the comfort of hotels every now and then in exchange for a great adventure.
Florida has great places to camp your motorhome, from beaches to conservation parks. There’s one even inside Disney! A cool app that helps you with your itinerary and finding these resting and camping spots is Roadtripers.
4 itineraries road trips in Florida
We have put together some suggested itineraries for road trips in Florida A to inspire you. These are more classic suggestions, already tested by several travelers. Check it out!
Thinking about traveling to the United States, then see also:
• Cities in Florida: destinations and main regions to visit
• Florida: how the destination prepares for the resumption of post-pandemic tourism
• Florida Natural Parks: beauty near Orlando and Miami
One-week itinerary: Road Trip Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, and the trip from Miami to Key West is not far behind.
The ideal is to spend a few days in Miami before hitting the road. Take advantage of your time there and also stop by to visit the Everglades National Park.
The first stop is Key Largo, a city further north in the Keys, full of resorts and vacation homes that stretch along the coast. This is the first of many places to be surprised there. Nearby is Islamorada, a beautiful fishing village, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a good spot for snorkeling.
Then it’s time for the most anticipated part of the trip: the Overseas Highway. The highway, which is 150 kilometers long and has 42 bridges, connects the Key West archipelago to the mainland. But this is not just any road. It is considered one of the most beautiful highways in the United States. On one side, you see the Gulf of Mexico. On the other, the Atlantic Ocean. And both views are incredible.
Road Trip Emerald Coast
With warm, crystal-clear waters, sometimes emerald green, sometimes turquoise blue, the Gulf of Mexico region, which comprises the Emerald Coast, is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited in the United States.
If you depart from Tallahassee, head towards Apalachiola. The city has a well-preserved historic center and is known for being the oyster capital of the world! They say that the oysters caught there are the best in the world.
Then, head to Panama City Beach and enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the country: don’t miss St. Andrews State Park and the deserted Shell Island, which is part of the environmental preservation area.
Then go to Destin. This is the main destination on the Emerald Coast and although it is no longer a fishing village, it is still known for being the luckiest fishing spot in the world. There’s plenty to explore in Destin and the region, including Okaloosa Island, Henderson Beach State Park and Crab Island, a sandy spit good for swimming or boating.
Road Trip through Florida’s national parks
Florida is full of national parks and they fit perfectly into a road trip. You can even camp in them, which makes the trip even more fun.
Let’s start with Miami, as the city is close to two incredible national parks. Go for a swim in Biscayne National Park. This is an underwater park that protects the only living coral reef in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Continue through the Florida Keys to Key West, crossing the Overseas Highway to Key West, home base for exploring Dry Tortugas National Park. Formed by an archipelago of seven islands, this is the very definition of a tropical paradise.
From there, return to Miami and head to Everglades National Park. This preservation area is rich in biodiversity. You can observe the population of eagles, herons, manatees and crocodiles from inside an airboat, while traveling through the mangrove in style. Head up to Big Cypress National Preserve, which is right next door, north of the Everglades. The status of a reserve, rather than a park, allows visitors to have access to a wider variety of activities there, ranging from hiking to cycling and canoeing.
Finish with Canaveral National Seashore for a wilderness adventure. The place is a protection sanctuary for numerous species at risk of extinction, including the very friendly sea turtles, which often appear there to lay their eggs. The park has a minimal structure, so it’s perfect if you want to isolate yourself from the world on a deserted beach.
Road Trip Florida North to South
Want to explore Florida in all its diversity? This is a route that runs across the state from north to south, east to west. You can start by following the Keys itinerary, explained above, but do it in the opposite direction, leaving from Key West to Miami. From there, continue climbing to Fort Lauderdale, the American “Venice”. The city has nothing more than 37 kilometers of beach for you to relax on.
The next stop is Cocoa Beach, a place world famous for its perfect waves for those who enjoy surfing. From there, head to Daytona Beach, Saint Augustine and Jacksonville. Continue heading to the northern tip of the state, the city of Fernandina Beach, which is located on Amelia Island. In addition to its natural beauty, the place is famous for its world-class golf courses.
Now it’s time to head west to the state capital, Tallahassee. Enjoy the bustling cultural life of the city, which has a young soul due to the presence of several universities there. Cross the rest of the state to Destin, your gateway to the beautiful Emerald Coast and then Panama City Beach.
Head to Crystal River and be sure to visit the state park to see the springs and swim with manatees. Finally, continue to Tampa and Naples, before returning to Miami.
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