The Ultimate Florida Road Trip

Going to Florida is a trip my family takes at least once a year to see family, to see Spring Training games, or just to visit friends. After visiting the state over 20 times I’ve created the ultimate Florida road trip fit to please any traveler. From beaches to baseball, dolphins to natural blue springs, this list hits it all.

Ichetucknee Springs

If you are the outdoorsy type, this place if for you. The Ichetucknee River invites people to camp near the water, swim in its natural blue hole and tube, kayak, stand up paddle board, or swim down the Ichetucknee River. The water is crystal clear, refreshing and beautiful for snorkeling. Within the park, there are a few places you can explore. There is the blue hole you can swim in with snorkel gear or if you are cave/cavern SCUBA certified you can go diving in the blue hole. There is also a pool at the top of the springs that I highly recommend swimming in. The water is perfectly clear and great for playing in on a hot summer day.

Daytona Beach

Here you will find great beaches in Ormond and Flagler, great food in Daytona and Ormond and plenty of places to shop at. My favorite places to eat at are First Watch, and Jimmy Hula’s. In both Ormond Beach and Daytona, there are multiple surf shops (like The Salty Dog Surf Shop) and family-owned stores to check out and support the local community. From Daytona Beach down to Flagler Beach, stop anywhere the ocean calls you and jump in. There is easy access to most beaches, and as long as you have four wheel drive you can drive right out on the sand.

Clearwater Beach

If ocean animals are more up your alley, then head to Clearwater Beach and pay a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter and Hope, the dolphins of the Dolphin Tale. CMA is one of the best aquariums in the world, and better yet, it’s a full running rehabilitation center, making it one of the most ethical aquariums at that. While at the aquarium, you learn about the process they go through recusing endangered sea animals and nursing them back to health. All the animals you see at CMA are either in the process of being rehabilitated or can not longer survive out in the wild, so they find their forever home in the aquarium. To add to it, Clearwater’s beaches are beautiful.

Captiva & Sanibel Island

Housing can get a little pricey on the island but staying here is so worth it. It’s the perfect tropical getaway you never knew you needed. Kick back, relax, collected the most beautiful shells you’ll find, and enjoy the sunshine and cool water. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are the best places to refresh your body and mind. And the sunsets are beautiful.

Fort Myers

Home of Jet Blue Park, the stadium the Red Sox holds their spring training, Fort Myers hols a lot to do. There are blue water beaches, great food, a colorful downtown and many places to explore. Click here to read all about my last trip to Fort Myers.

Naples

When I first went to Naples, I blown away at how much it reminded me of where I grew up in California. First off, the water is turquoise and clear. On a sunny day, or any day for that matter, you are bound to find plenty of dolphins happily swimming amongst the legs of the pier. And although I haven’t explored much of Naples apart from the beaches, I’ve heard great things about the downtown and shops. Click here for my latest post on Naples.

Delray Beach

Delray is a small town full of color, art, and liveliness. Again, like every town on this list, the beaches are beautiful and depending on when you go, filled with sea turtle eggs ready to hatch and enter into the ocean. Delray also has some of the best restaurants I’ve found in Florida. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or just eat whatever looks good to you, Delray is the place to find good food.

Key West

From sunsets to sunrises, Key West has it all. Even the drive, although long, is beautiful as you ride over crystal waters and palm trees. I recommend snorkeling and taking in all the local things to do. And definitely catch at least one sunset and one sunrise while you are there. For my full list of things to do in Key West click here.

Merritt Island

My last trip to Merritt Island lasted under 48 hours, but even in that short amount of time, I saw a lot of the island. It’s close enough to Cocoa beach that you are around local shops, dinning, and attractions but secluded enough that you still get that vacation feel. Click here to read more about Merritt Island.