11 Most Scenic Drives in Florida
Craggy, ice-capped mountaintops are thrilling to look up to, as are charm-soaked streets ringed with shaded, moss-draped oaks or shimmering waterfronts. However, cruising through roads with gorgeous landscapes and peaceful views is as epic as any outdoor adventure can ever get. The trick is to have a soothing playlist, a decent camera, and a heart that yearns to get out and explore the lay of the land. You think it's all flat and boring, but Florida has a couple of stretches that will make you gasp, roll down the window, and purr in sheer ecstasy. Still doubtful? Keep reading to discover the 11 most scenic drives in the Sunshine State.
Overseas Highway (US 1) from Key Largo to Key West
If you thought that island hopping is only possible by boat, welcome to the Overseas Highway, aptly named the Road that Floats. Celebrated as an engineering marvel, the Overseas Highway spans 113 miles and connects, wait for this, up to 43 secluded islands. No wonder it is called “the highway that goes to sea.” The Seven Mile Bridge is the ultimate reward, especially if you hit it just before sunset. And the bridge is wide, meaning you can pull off and take in the views. Moreover, it is just one of several bridges that you will encounter on this drive. Other highlights include the beautiful Bahia Honda State Park, which features three white-sand beaches, an old historic train bridge, and nice views of the ocean. There is also the nationally famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the nation's first underwater preserve.
State Road A1A
Another stretch of asphalt that will blow a tripper away is State Road A1A, formally known as A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway. The portion from Ormond Beach, where peaceful sunsets and a holiday vibe are the norm, to St. Augustine, one of the most beloved destinations on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, is pure magic. Start with a filling breakfast at Genovese's Italian Café in Ormond, the best Italian restaurant for miles, then aim for Tom Renick Park, a nice roadside park with picnic tables and a boat launch. As you continue to enjoy soothing views of the ocean, peel your eyes for the WWII Submarine Watch Tower, one of the last remaining observation towers in Florida, today a monument to the civilian men and women who served their country in her hour of need. Other highlights include the Gamble Rogers State Park in Flagler Beach and the swoon-worthy Helen Mellon Schmidt Park, just before St. Augustine.
The Ormond Scenic Loop
One of the most unforgettable stretches of road anywhere in the South is north of Daytona Beach in an area rich with peaceful parks and historic sites. When you think of a scenic drive in Florida, you naturally think of shimmering views, white-sand beaches, and the blue sky. However, the Ormond Scenic Loop is a different kettle of fish. Although you can still gape at the ocean, there are sections where the live oaks and Spanish moss form a beautiful cathedral ceiling. The best part is that the drive features minimal commercial development, making it look like a day in Old Florida. The drive spans 34 miles, connecting several roads and highways. Highlights include the winter residence of John D Rockefeller in Ormond, North Peninsula State Park, Bulow Creek State Park, a 5,600-acre oasis with ancient oaks, historic ruins, and woodsy trails (it is on Old Dixie Highway), and Tomoka State Park, a lush environment with abundant wildlife. This drive could be the closest thing to a live-oak tunnel you will come across in the Sunshine State.
U.S. 98 from St Marks to Apalachicola
U.S. 98 from St Marks to Apalachicola is a segment of Florida’s Big Bend Scenic Byway, a formidable beauty that spans about 220 miles. The stretch from St Marks to Apalachicola is way shorter, about 65 miles, but it is a raw face of Florida; no wonder it has been dubbed “the Forgotten Coast.” You should expect pristine marshlands, unspoiled sugar-white beaches, and some of the best oysters in the United States. From St Marks, places to keep tabs on include the highly rated Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge, home to several migratory birds and an old, beautiful lighthouse, Bald Point State Park, one of the prettiest in the Florida Panhandle and a cool spot to lock eyes with alligators, and Tate's Hell State Forest, a popular spot for fishing, camping, and hiking. You may want to refuel at Carrabelle, where most people stop to snap a picture of the World's Smallest Police Station.
Old Cutler Road
Old Cutler Road (pay close attention to the word “Old”) is a short but scenic drive around Miami that spans about 15 miles. It starts from the ritzy gated community of Cocoplum in Coral Gables, a cozy Miami suburb with a line of shops along the aptly named Miracle Mile, to the suburban village of Cutler Bay, a stress-free waterfront paradise with Old-world charm and oasis-like serenity. Start with delicious white wine mussels at the Old Lisbon Restaurant, an authentic Portuguese restaurant thousands of miles from Western Europe, then browse the Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden, a place that brims with so much colour and character. Taking the cue, Pinecrest Gardens is thoughtfully curated with awesome trails, calming waterways, and a tranquil atmosphere that feels like a true rainforest escape. There is also Matheson Hammock Park, a cool, tucked-away space with a rustic hiking trail.
Indian River Drive from Jensen Beach to Fort Pierce
Indian River Drive is another short but beautiful drive that reveals Florida at its finest. You will enjoy a decent dose of curviness, see numerous fishing cottages, and enjoy a feel that is as tropical as it can ever get. Keep in mind that the Indian River Drive is part of the Indian River Scenic Highway, a much longer stretch that spans about 130 miles. The simplicity and genuineness of the Sunshine State come alive on a drive that always feels relaxing but mind-rousing. Start with delicious coconut shrimp at Crabby's Dockside at Fort Pierce, or decadent pancakes at the highly rated Sunrise City Cafe. Old Fort Park, a short drive ahead, is a riverside beauty on the former site of a 19th-century fort. It features grassy areas and huge, old trees for shade and beauty. Other highlights include the Savannas Preserve State Park, the Indian River Lagoon, and the historic Floridian houses that carry whispers of Old Florida.
Old Florida Heritage Highway
It does not feature sweeping views of the ocean, the austere grandeur of gloomy mountaintops, or stomach-churning hairpin turns, but the Old Florida Heritage Highway will soothe and dazzle trippers with the Florida of quiet pastures, wilderness lakes, and towering oaks dripping gray strands of moss. The Heritage Highway is also unique because it is not a linear drive that starts from one point to another. Instead, the Old Florida Heritage Highway is a corridor of multiple roads, including portions of US 441, CR 325, CR 346, CR 234, and parts of SR 20. Y
You may want to achieve a linear experience by focusing on the stretch between Paynes Prairie and Citra, or take the many smaller detours to places like Micanopy, Evinston, and Cross Creek, especially for a more meaningful experience. You will hear birds chirping about and enjoy the sound of rustling leaves on a drive that is incorrectly labelled a “highway.” Highlights include Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, which has birds of different kinds and a 50-foot observation tower, Micanopy, the oldest inland town in Florida, which doubles up as a perfect place to eat and refuel, and the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings National Historic Landmark, which memorializes the 1939 Pulitzer Prize Winner.
Florida State Route 24 Between Archer and Cedar Key
You can take the Florida State Route 24 from Gainesville, a vibrant college town that hosts the University of Florida; however, Archer is a more idyllic starting point, especially if you want to escape the traffic around Gainesville. Woodland Burger & Wings is a local favorite that absolutely earns its name and should provide the physical fuel you need to start your adventure. Alternatively, you can browse the Archer Railroad Museum for a peek into the town’s early years. Keep in mind that this drive features stretches that are quieter and greener than your typical Florida road, and is loved for being mostly rural. The Cactus Island Nursery in East Bronson is a fun, offbeat spot to check out, as is Devils Hammock Wildlife Management Area, a pristine example of an unscathed wetland. It is a part of the Sunshine State that most have never known, and others have forgotten.
The Navarre to Fort Pickens drive via Highway 399
Even if you are not interested in military history, you will enjoy your visit to Fort Pickens for several reasons. For one, Fort Pickens and the surrounding areas boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you did not get the memo, Gulf Islands National Seashore is a treasure trove of snow-white sand, rolling dunes, and emerald-tinted water, stretching as far as the eye can go. This forms part of Highway 399’s appeal, a short but unforgettable eye candy that redefines the word “spectacular.” Walk to the awesome Navarre Beach Fishing Pier to see turtles, then hop in your car for a trip down to Fort Pickens, keeping tabs on places like Opal Beach, the photo-worthy Pensacola Beach - Park East, Cafe Bistro in Pensacola, specifically for some delicious southwest omelets, and finally the historic Fort Pickens, the largest of four forts built to defend Pensacola Bay and its navy yard.
The Green Mountain Scenic Byway
The Green Mountain Scenic Byway is a decent connection of roads that dispel the widely held notion that Florida is all flat as a pancake. You will cruise through rolling hills, admire elevated views of Lake Apopka, and skirt past Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest point on Florida's main peninsula. From Mt. Dora, turn west to Tavares, then drive south along CR 561 to Twisted Biscuit Diner, a diamond in the rough that serves biscuits that are delicious, tender, and full of berries. From here, peel your eyes for the Green Mountain Overlook, a panoramic spot to connect with nature and try out a trail. A short drive ahead is the swoon-worthy Ferndale Preserve, a beautiful and quiet park with some of the best Native wildflowers in this corner of the United States. Your adventure concludes in Winter Garden, where a filling meal at The Hangry Bison will be the crowning moment.
The Ridge Scenic Highway
This epic route takes you through the heart of Polk County’s historic citrus-growing region. You will love the relaxing scenery on Highway 17, which winds along the Lake Wales Ridge, celebrated as the highest and oldest ridge in the entire state. Numerous shimmering lakes stretch out along the route, offering peaceful views that linger in the memory. The drive features glittering lakes, pastoral landscapes, and slow-paced towns and communities. This drive starts from just south of Frostproof to the intersection with US. 17-92 in Haines City, widely known for its lush citrus groves. Worthy stops on the 39-mile eye candy include the shimmering Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens, a contemplative space and bird sanctuary atop Iron Mountain, and Spook Hill, the only known magnetic hill in Florida. It is in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Takeaway
When you think of snow-white sandy beaches, swaying hammocks, warm, pleasant weather, and those gentle breezes and laid-back vibes, Florida probably comes to mind. Seasoned travelers in the U.S. are familiar with the underwater wonders of Biscayne National Park, the unique charm of the Keys, Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Everglades. But beyond the beaches, Florida also offers serene, off-the-beaten-path spots that reveal the timeless, untouched beauty of Old Florida. Just fuel up your car, hit the road, roll down the window, and get ready. Florida is ready to show you its hidden treasures.
