Fill up on classic Florida cuisine on this itinerary from the theme parks down the coast.
Whether you’re looking for relaxing beaches, nightlife, family fun or adventures in the outdoors, you’ll find it in Florida. The state known for its abundant sunshine and world-famous attractions also garners attention for a medley of mouthwatering dining options. On this road trip, tempt your palate with flavors from family-friendly Orlando all the way down to the Cuban flavors of Miami.
Orlando: Theme Parks and Casual Eats
Touch down at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and pick up a rental car from Avis. Orlando is best known for a collection of theme parks that some people wait their whole lives to visit: Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida and Universal Orlando Resort.
Fuel up for your theme park adventures at Hot Dog Hall of Fame at Universal CityWalk, serving hot dog variations from sauerkraut-smothered New York-style dogs to poppy-seed buns on Chicago dogs to Midwestern bratwurst. A little off the beaten path, P&D Soul Food Kitchen has comfort food including baked chicken, fried pork chops and Southern sides (macaroni and cheese, collard greens). Don’t forget to order a slice of homemade cake for dessert. Grilled cheese sandwiches and hamburgers get an upgrade at Toasted in nearby Winter Park. The menu lists unexpected twists like grilled cheese stuffed with pulled pork and a turkey burger covered in Vietnamese pickled carrots.
Take a side trip to Gatorland to see hundreds of alligators including rare white gators, or drive up to Blue Springs State Park to watch manatees swimming in the springs. Ready to keep moving? Florida’s Space Coast is up next.
Space Coast: Where Space Exploration Began
After the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, you might be surprised to discover that the beach is just 45 minutes east of Orlando. Florida’s Space Coast is where Apollo 11 launched Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong to the moon from Kennedy Space Center. At this visitor complex, you can view the actual Saturn V rocket, the Atlantis Space Shuttle and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. A bus tour gets you up close to the launch site.
Nearby, explore blissfully mellow beaches like Canaveral National Seashore, where you can take a guided canoe tour of Mosquito Lagoon, see loggerhead sea turtles nesting in the sand and even watch a rocket launch (check the launch schedule). The must-try eatery in the area is Titusville’s Dixie Crossroads, a local favorite famous for its wild ocean shrimp and rock shrimp that look like tiny lobsters. Just south, Cocoa Beach is the perfect place to splurge on an oceanfront hotel before continuing south to Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale: Waterside Dining Mecca
The Intracoastal Waterway, a 4,800-kilometer water channel that runs the entire length of the East Coast, accompanies you on the drive to Fort Lauderdale. Have your bathing suit ready because the beaches here are absolutely gorgeous, starting with the iconic white “wave wall” where Las Olas Boulevard (“The Waves” Boulevard in Spanish) meets the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the beach, then walk Las Olas’ 17-block downtown lined with shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. From Las Olas, you can also hop on a Water Taxi to explore the city’s extensive network of canals. One highlight is seeing the mega mansions and yachts along Millionaires’ Row. The Water Taxi has many stops around town for shopping, dining and entertainment, too.
From elegant beachfront restaurants to hidden gems tucked into marinas, waterside dining is not to be missed. If you’re a seafood fanatic, Rustic Inn Crabhouse will satisfy your cravings for oysters, clams, lobster, fish and, of course, crabs. The house specialty is the garlic crabs bursting with garlicky goodness. Stay overnight in Fort Lauderdale, then finish your road trip in Miami.
Miami: The Tastes of Cuban Culture
You can practically smell the café con leche and pastelitos (Cuban coffee and pastries) as you enter Miami, 45 minutes south. Miami is one of those destinations that you have to visit at least once in your life. From the nightclubs of South Beach to the trendy shops of the Design District to the colorful graffiti art in Wynwood, there’s just no place quite like it.
What will be most obvious, especially to first-time visitors, is the Cuban culture infused in the language, music, art and food. Visit Little Havana for a Cuban coffee, then check out the locals playing dominos in Maximo Gomez Park. At El Palacio de los Jugos, wash down a pressed sandwich with a refreshing fruit juice.
Across Biscayne Bay is South Beach. The main drag provides glimpses of ocean views and is lined with historic Art Deco buildings, sidewalk cafes and bars. Try authentic Caribbean dishes like akra (mango fritters) and griyo (fried pork chunks) at Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant, or sit down to home-style Cuban food at Puerto Sagua Restaurant. There’s breakfast and strong Cuban coffee, too, if you need something to revive you after a night of partying.
Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are both conveniently located for your return flight home.
Small Towns, Big Cities and Beaches: Driving Florida’s Gulf Coast and Beyond
Tranquil beaches, chic cities, beautiful nature, foodie destinations and bucket-list attractions – is there anything Florida can’t do?
When you visit the Sunshine State, don’t stop at just one attraction. Florida’s easy-to-navigate terrain makes for the perfect road trip. This one begins in Tampa and ends in Fort Lauderdale, with stops along that way that give you a glimpse into Florida’s many personalities.
Florida's Sports Coast: Antiquing, Birding and Wine
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a modern and convenient entry point for your Florida driving adventure. From Tampa and for your first foray into Florida’s unique cities and towns, rent a car and drive to Pasco County, about 45 minutes north of the airport. Known for its abundance of sporty activities from biking to skydiving, the region known as Florida's Sports Coast also caters to shopping fanatics, history buffs and beer connoisseurs. In downtown Dade City, browse locally owned shops for that perfect gift to take home. Sugar Creek Too and Tampa Bay Salvage are full of one-of-a-kind treasures and are especially fun to explore. At Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, look for 177 species of birds on Audubon Society-designated nature trails. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a drink and dinner in downtown New Port Richey. One local favorite is Sip, a wine bar with live music that serves savory charcuterie and cheese plates. Chain hotels offer affordable accommodations before your drive south for more fun in the sun.
St. Pete/Clearwater: Dolphin Cruises, Sunset Celebrations and Waterfront Cafes
The short drive from Pasco County transports you to Florida’s Gulf of Mexico Coast and the beach towns of St. Pete/Clearwater. There’s room to spread out along 56 kilometers of dazzling white-sand beaches that are regularly voted among the top beaches in the USA. For lunch on your way into town, grab a table on the water at Olde Bay Café & Dunedin Fish Market at the Dunedin Marina. The seared scallops, shrimp tacos and Dunedin-style Greek salad with a scoop of potato salad in the middle are all popular dishes. Then, make your way to Clearwater Beach, and hop on board the high-speed Sea Screamer dolphin tour. Chances are you’ll get to watch dolphins jump and frolic in the boat’s wake. There’s no better place to end the day than at Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60. A nightly festival of street performers, musicians and artisans livens up the beach as the sun sets over the Gulf. There are also free outdoor movies on Fridays and Saturdays. Settle in for a classic film or explore the beachy restaurants and bars.
Tampa Bay: Adventure and Dining on the Downtown Riverwalk
Thirty minutes away from the beach is big-city Tampa, which offers a plethora of activities for anyone in your crew: water recreation on Tampa Bay, family fun at the Florida Aquarium, arts and culture at Tampa Museum of Art, living history in Ybor City and thrilling nightlife downtown. Take your adventures to the water on a hydro-cycle – a bicycle you pedal on water – down the Hillsborough River, or climb aboard the Pirate Water Taxi, which stops at popular attractions throughout downtown Tampa. Stroll along Riverwalk for tranquil water views and end the day at American Social Bar & Kitchen. Located on Harbour Island across from the Tampa Convention Center, American Social has a great happy hour menu, signature cocktails and craft beer. Your next stop is another festive beach escape.
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel: Outdoor Adventure and Historic Charm
Take Highway 41/Tamiami Trail for the scenic route to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel (or take Interstate 75 south for the quickest option). Both upscale and laid-back, the region features historical attractions, shopping and, of course, fabulous beaches. Look for turtles, otters and colorful birds as you stroll the boardwalk trails at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates preserve the 19th century homes of legendary inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who forged a friendship here back when Fort Myers had a population of 349 residents. Ready for some shopping and dining? The Fort Myers River District is the place to go for boutiques, art galleries, theaters and sidewalk cafes. Neighboring Captiva Island is a can’t-miss foray into Florida’s stunning coastal keys. Rent a kayak from a local outfitter and paddle from Captiva to tiny Buck Key, where you can get up close for wonderful photos of mangroves and wildlife.
Bonus Leg, Part 1: Naples for Upscale Beaches and the Everglades
Can you spare a day to experience the Everglades? Then allow for a bonus trip to Naples, just an hour south of Fort Myers. Downtown Naples is made for eclectic shopping and al fresco dining. For beaches, top picks include Barefoot Beach, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and Marco Island. Spread out a towel to soak in the sun, go stand-up paddle boarding, try jet skiing, hunt for seashells and watch for dolphins in the water. Experience a journey full of exotic wildlife and outdoor activities at Big Cypress National Preserve, the western entrance to Everglades National Park. Have your camera handy because you might see bald eagles, great blue herons, manatees and plenty of alligators. Continue east to extend your Florida stay a little longer.
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