Florida is a paradise for nature lovers, with its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, pristine beaches, and unique ecosystems. From coastal roads to winding forest trails, the Sunshine State offers some of the most scenic and breathtaking drives in the country. Whether you’re seeking an adventure in the wild, a tranquil road trip through towering trees, or a route with views of crystal-clear waters, Florida has something to offer everyone.
Why Florida is Perfect for Scenic Drives
Florida may be best known for its theme parks, bustling cities, and stunning coastlines, but its natural wonders are just as compelling. The state is home to a variety of landscapes, from tropical wetlands and mangrove forests to serene beaches and majestic forests. Whether you’re into bird watching, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying a peaceful drive surrounded by nature, Florida’s roads offer countless opportunities to get out of the car and explore.
In addition to the scenic views, Florida’s well-maintained roads and well-marked routes make it easy for travelers to navigate and enjoy these drives at a leisurely pace. The best part? Many of these routes are just a short drive from the major cities, making them perfect day trips or weekend getaways.
Let’s dive into some of the best scenic drives in Florida, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the state.
1. The Overseas Highway: A Tropical Paradise by the Sea
Location: Key Largo to Key West
Starting from Key Largo and stretching all the way to Key West, the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) is one of the most iconic scenic drives in Florida. This 113-mile highway takes you through the heart of the Florida Keys, a chain of islands famous for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical vegetation. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a beach enthusiast, or simply someone who loves wide, open ocean views, the Overseas Highway delivers.
As you drive this stunning route, you’ll cross over a series of bridges, some of which are nearly 20 miles long, that connect the various islands. The road hugs the coastline, offering panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. One of the highlights of the Overseas Highway is the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the United States, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding waters and distant islands.
Highlights Along the Way:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo): Known for its beautiful coral reefs and underwater wildlife, this park offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and boat tours. It’s the first underwater park in the U.S., and a perfect stop for nature lovers.
- Big Pine Key & The National Key Deer Refuge: Known for its population of tiny Key deer, this stop is a must for animal lovers. These small, endangered deer roam freely through the area, and visitors can catch a glimpse of them while exploring the refuge.
- Key West: The final destination on the Overseas Highway, Key West is famous for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and stunning sunsets. Don’t miss a visit to the Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote group of islands with pristine beaches and rich history.
Best Time to Visit: The Overseas Highway is ideal year-round, but the winter months (December to April) offer the best weather conditions for a road trip, as temperatures are warm but not too hot.
2. The Scenic Byway of the Big Bend Coastal Corridor
Location: Carrabelle to Steinhatchee
If you’re looking for a scenic drive that highlights Florida’s untouched coastal beauty, the Big Bend Coastal Corridor is a perfect choice. This 220-mile route stretches along the Gulf Coast, from Carrabelle to Steinhatchee, and showcases the state’s wilderness, salt marshes, and pristine coastal areas. As one of the least developed regions of Florida, the Big Bend Coastal Corridor offers a glimpse of Florida as it once was—untouched, wild, and full of life.
Along the way, you’ll pass through lush wetlands, forests, and small fishing towns. The drive is relatively quiet compared to other parts of the state, making it perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful and scenic experience. Look out for alligators, birds, and other wildlife as you make your way through this picturesque part of Florida.
Highlights Along the Way:
- Tallahassee National Forest: A vast expanse of pine forests, wetlands, and wildlife, this national forest offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography.
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge: A haven for birdwatchers, the St. Marks Refuge offers over 68,000 acres of salt marshes, tidal flats, and coastal forests. It’s a perfect spot for birding and offers hiking trails and observation towers for wildlife viewing.
- Shell Island: Accessible via boat, Shell Island is a small barrier island known for its beautiful, secluded beaches, making it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to drive the Big Bend Coastal Corridor is during the spring and fall months (March to May, September to November), when the weather is warm but not too hot, and wildlife sightings are abundant.
3. The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway
Location: Jacksonville to Miami
Running along the Atlantic Coast from Jacksonville to Miami, the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway offers one of the most diverse and dynamic scenic drives in Florida. This 425-mile route takes you through coastal cities, pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and lush state parks. It’s a journey that perfectly balances cultural history and natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities to experience both.
The A1A Byway winds through historic towns, beautiful barrier islands, and scenic coastal landscapes. Nature lovers will appreciate the variety of ecosystems along the way—from tidal marshes to sand dunes to hardwood forests.
Highlights Along the Way:
- Fort Clinch State Park (Fernandina Beach): This historic park offers hiking, wildlife watching, and a chance to step back in time with its Civil War-era fort. The park is also home to beautiful beaches and forests, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve: This vast protected area includes marshes, dunes, and forests, and is a prime spot for birdwatching, kayaking, and hiking.
- Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine): A beautiful park with miles of pristine beach, forested dunes, and salt marshes. It’s a great spot for picnicking, birdwatching, and beachcombing.
- Everglades National Park: The drive ends at the southern tip of Florida, where you can explore the Everglades, a vast and unique ecosystem full of swamps, mangroves, and wildlife like alligators and panthers.
Best Time to Visit: The best months to drive the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway are the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild, and the summer crowds have subsided. Winter is also great for avoiding the summer heat, but be prepared for occasional cold fronts.
4. The Nature Coast Scenic Trail
Location: Cross City to Bayport
The Nature Coast Scenic Trail takes you through the heart of Florida’s “Nature Coast,” a region known for its undeveloped coastlines, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. This 50-mile trail, which stretches from Cross City to Bayport, follows the old railroad tracks that once ran along the coast, offering travelers a unique combination of beautiful views and historical significance.
As you drive this route, you’ll pass through small, picturesque towns, wildlife refuges, and coastal wetlands. Nature lovers will appreciate the quiet, less-traveled roads and the abundance of opportunities to spot native birds, fish, and other wildlife.
Highlights Along the Way:
- Tampa Bay & Gulf Coast: The trail passes by pristine beaches and estuaries, perfect for birdwatching and fishing. Visitors can stop along the way to explore local wildlife refuges or take a boat tour of the nearby waters.
- Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park: Located near Bayport, this state park features salt springs and an abundance of wildlife. It’s a peaceful stop to explore nature, hike the trails, or simply enjoy the serenity of the coast.
- Cedar Key: This small island town is famous for its charming, old Florida vibe. Visitors can explore the local art galleries, fresh seafood restaurants, and nature reserves.
Best Time to Visit: The fall and spring months are ideal for exploring the Nature Coast Scenic Trail. The weather is pleasant, and the area is less crowded compared to the summer months.
5. The Everglades Loop Road
Location: Everglades National Park
The Everglades Loop Road is a 38-mile drive that takes visitors through the heart of Everglades National Park, one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States. Known for its sprawling wetlands, mangroves, and swamps, the Everglades are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a wide range of bird species.
This scenic drive offers visitors the chance to explore one of the most diverse and pristine natural habitats in Florida. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous wildlife viewing areas, including some where you can stop to observe alligators, birds, and other animals up close.
Highlights Along the Way:
- Shark Valley: A popular stop along the Loop Road, Shark Valley offers a variety of activities, including a 15-mile loop trail, tram tours, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can often spot alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species here.
- Pa-hay-okee Overlook: This scenic overlook provides stunning views of the Everglades’ vast wetlands. It’s a great spot for photography and birdwatching.
- Anhinga Trail: Located at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, this boardwalk trail offers close-up views of wildlife in the Everglades, including alligators and various bird species.
Best Time to Visit: Winter and early spring are the best times to visit the Everglades, as the weather is cooler and the wildlife is more active.
Conclusion: Florida’s Scenic Drives Offer Nature at Its Best
Florida is a state that offers some of the best scenic drives in the country, especially for nature lovers. Whether you’re exploring the stunning coastlines of the Florida Keys, driving through historic and ecologically diverse areas like the Everglades, or taking in the tranquil beauty of the Nature Coast, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy the state’s natural splendor.
Each of these scenic drives offers something unique, from crystal-clear waters and lush forests to diverse wildlife and peaceful backroads. So pack up the car, grab your camera, and embark on one of Florida’s many scenic drives to experience nature in all its glory. It’s a road trip you won’t forget!
