According to VisitFlorida.org, 143 million visitors paid a visit to The Sunshine State. Of these visitors, 59.4% arrived through non-air means, like road tripping. This makes sense as you can find something for everyone to enjoy in Florida.
For those seeking history, cities like St. Augustine offer an amazing look into Florida’s interesting past. Food lovers will delight in the many culinary delights from fresh seafood to Cuban delicacies. Beach lovers can’t go wrong exploring the many beautiful beaches in the state.
From exciting theme parks, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, here are a few places to consider visiting during your Florida vacation.
Exploring Florida’s Natural Wonders: Parks, Springs and Wildlife Encounters
Florida is well known for its national parks, including the world-renowned Everglades National Park. This park offers scenic driving trails and multiple spots to pull off and view the unique wetland landscape. While the Tamiami Trail provides a leisurely driving experience on a two-lane road, Alligator Alley is perfect for those preferring faster highway travel, but with plenty of breathtaking views along the way.
For a combined natural springs and wildlife experience, check out Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. This park provides the perfect opportunity for wildlife viewing, and birdwatching enthusiasts can enjoy a guided bird walk from fall through early spring.
Planning a Seamless Road Trip: Car Transport to Florida and Essential Travel Tips
Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash
A unique and efficient way to enjoy a Florida vacation is to fly to your destination and then explore the rest of the state by car. This option not only minimizes wear and tear on your vehicle, but it also helps you preserve energy so you arrive fresh and ready to hit the road. If you’d like to fly in first, you’ll need to secure reliable car transport to Florida. To narrow down your options, go online to compare quotes from several transport services. Make sure to give each company information about your origin, destination and travel timeline for the most accurate estimates.
The best car transportation services will be transparent about their prices, timelines, insurance and contracts. Look for options that also feature real-time tracking, specialized handling services and comprehensive insurance coverage.
In general, Florida has a humid subtropical climate, so it’s important to pack lightweight clothing. Choose breathable fabrics to stay comfortable and walking shoes for exploring the outdoors and natural attractions.
While road trips are a great way to curate your own vacation experience, it’s important to plan for several stops along the way. To avoid fatigue, consider switching out drivers every two hours or so. If you are road tripping solo, take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and get plenty of sleep during overnight stops.
Family-Friendly Adventures in Florida: Theme Parks, Zoos and Interactive Attractions
Florida is a well-known vacation destination for families across the nation and abroad. Some of the most popular (and well-known) places to visit include theme parks like Universal Orlando and Disney World. These theme parks are immersive, feature interactive attractions and are perfect for families with smaller children.
For animal lovers, Florida is home to over 30 zoos, making it a leading state in the nation for animal attractions. For example, Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in Florida and is also the only subtropical zoo in the nation. With over 9,000 species of plants and nearly 400 species of animals, it is a “must-see” destination for kid-friendly fun and unforgettable interactive experiences.
Immersing in Florida’s Cultural Heritage: Art, History and Local Cuisine
Florida possesses a rich cultural heritage. Visitors will enjoy the diverse art and world-class history museums as well as vibrant local cuisine inspired by Spanish, Caribbean and Southern culture.
The Norton Museum of Art features over 5000 pieces of art, including works by O’Keeffe, Warhol, Matisse, and other famous artists. Considered the largest art museum in the state, it also houses important artifacts from China, Mexico and the Southwest region of the United States.
Florida’s family of museums is operated by the Department of State and the Division of Historical Resources. The Museum of Florida History, The Grove Museum, and the Knott House Museum are just a few museums that showcase how the people and land played a key role in Florida’s development, from prehistoric times to today.
Whether your Florida travels take you to Miami, Orlando, St. Petersburg or somewhere in between, you’ll discover an array of culinary options with unique local flavors. Fresh seafood lovers will enjoy an abundance of regional dishes like Apalachicola oysters, blackened fish sandwiches and Florida stone crab. Florida also offers numerous Caribbean and South American restaurants serving up flavorful dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef stew), ceviche (freshly prepared seafood dishes) and mashed fried plantains.
Outdoor Activities in Florida: Water Sports, Coastal Trains and Beach Escapes
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
A Florida vacation wouldn’t be complete without exploring its vast coastline and beach escapes. With over 1,350 miles of coastline, each region offers uniquely different experiences. For example, while the Emerald Coast is known for its powdery white sand beaches and clear emerald-green waters, the Forgotten Coast is the perfect spot for fishing, snorkeling and beautiful scenery.
Coastal train service in South Florida is a comfortable way to explore this area of the state from Miami to Orlando. By spending part of your time traveling by train, you can take in the coastal views from Cocoa to West Palm Beach and see some of the many nature preserves along the way.
Florida is a large state with so much to see and do. With plenty of scenic routes, pristine beaches and tourist attractions, it’s the perfect state for a road trip. By securing professional car transport to Florida and creating an exciting itinerary, you’re sure to enjoy the trip of a lifetime, no matter what part of the state you explore.