The Top 10 Can’t-Miss Scenic Drives in Florida

Florida became the 27th state in our country in 1845. It was given the nickname the Sunshine State due to its frequent sunny weather. This state is well-known for its warm climate and extreme beauty. This state has such a wonderful climate that 80 percent of our nation’s citrus fruits are grown here.

Tourism is the leading industry in the state that attracts millions of people each year. Driving in Florida you will see many palm trees, wildlife-filled swamps, and marshes, as well as miles of sandy beaches beckoning the tide of the endless oceans.

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The Top 10 Scenic Drives in Florida

#1 – Big Bend

Length of Route: 220 miles
Highlight: Wildlife, woods, waterways

The Big Bend is a relaxing drive. It is full of diversity when it comes to wildlife and scenery. It will transport you to a different place in time and let you experience different ways of life. Explore historic forts, stop to smell the wildflowers, and collect some seashells on this scenic drive.

#2 – Scenic Highway 30A

Length of Route: 24 miles
Highlight: Sugar-white sand beaches and rare coastal dune lakes

If you prefer a short drive Highway 30A is for you. Here you will travel along the Gulf of Mexico and see a mix of Caribbean colors, traditional Florida homes, and even state parks and preserves.

#3 – Bradenton Beach

Length of Route: 3 miles
Highlight: Waterfront drive with scenic vistas

For an even shorter drive where you can really stop and take in all that there is to see and do along the way, try Bradenton Beach. Here, residents and visitors alike can safely walk or bike along the waterway. There are boat ramps, picnic areas, and historic educational opportunities for people of all ages and walks of life.

#4 – Florida Black Bear

Length of Route: 120 miles
Highlight: The largest continuous sand pine forest created from ancient sand dunes

The Black Bear National Scenic Byway naturally lures you into the forest.

On this drive, you will travel through the Ocala National Forest, Lake George State Forest, Heart Island Conservation Area, and Tiger Bay State Forest.

There are multiple opportunities for sight-seeing and recreation. However, watch for the black bears while on the road. The highest population density of black bears in the state can be found here.

#5 – Green Mountain

Length of Route: 45.2 miles
Highlight: Fun small town experiences along with great recreational opportunities

The Green Mountain Scenic Byway takes you between the charming towns of Winter Garden and Mount Dora. This drive attracts bicyclists, motorcyclists, antique car clubs, and even Sunday drivers. Mount Dora often hosts festivals and is commonly known for its recreational activities, food, and shopping.

#6 – Florida Keys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lnWUBWS-PM

Length of Route: 110 miles
Highlight: Extends five miles into crystal clear waters on each side of the highway

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway is a drive like no other. It runs from Mile Marker 110, north of Jewfish Creek Bridge all the way to Mile Marker 0 in Old Town Key West. This drive is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural wonders and communities offered by the Florida Keys.

#7 – Old Florida Heritage

Length of Route: 45 miles
Highlight: Forested and pastoral countryside interspersed with smaller lakes, prairies, and rural homesteads

The Old Florida Heritage Highway will take you along Paynes Prairie State Preserve; the University of Florida’s Lake Wauberg recreation area as well as many historic communities.

The rural roadside of CR 325 and CR 346 provides a place of refuge for sandhill cranes during their winter migration and also a prime viewing area for bald eagles.

#8 – Pensacola Scenic Bluffs

Length of Route: 11 miles
Highlight: Scenic vistas of Escambia Bay

Although the Pensacola Scenic Bluffs drive is a short one, it packs a punch of natural beauty with moss-draped oaks and stately magnolias surround the bridge over Bayou Texar, the highest point along the entire coastline of Florida, and the flora and fauna of the coastline wetlands. The drive features resources significant to the state of Florida.

#9 – Suncoast

Length of Route: 42 miles
Highlight: Enjoyable opportunity for travel and outdoor fitness

This four-lane limited-access Suncoast Parkway has a unique design that was developed to make your drive and stay here scenic and memorable. It is also a part of the Florida Turnpike Enterprise Toll Road. Along the road, you will find a greenway that gives access to multi-use trails, recreation, and nature parks.

#10 – Tamiami Trail

Length of Route: 275 miles 
Highlight: Wildlife of the Everglades

The Tamiami Trail is long but it also has much to offer. There are many opportunities to stop and view the wildlife of the Everglades such as alligators and blue heron.

You will drive over the historic 1-mile bridge that opened in 2012 that is designed to return natural water flow to the Everglades National Park.

There are plenty places to stop for unique cuisine, entertainment, recreation. From air boat tours and gambling to Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery and canoeing and kayaking, there is something for nearly everyone on this long scenic drive.

Preparing for Your Scenic Drive

With all of these great places to see, you may be in a hurry to get in your car and go. However, it is important to slow down and prepare for your drive. These steps will ensure that your scenic drive is enjoyable and safe.

• Roadtrip checklist – Be sure to make a checklist of everything you need to do and bring for your roadtrip.
• Vehicle inspection – Have your vehicle checked by a mechanic before setting out on the road. This can decrease the chances of any problems happening when you are far from help.
• Essentials to have in your car – Be sure to bring extra water, snacks, a flashlight, road flares, jumper cables, and blankets.
• Emergency kit – In addition to the aforementioned items, you will want to make sure you have a first aid kit and a charged cell phone with extra batteries.
• Have the right coverage – To make sure you are getting the best price for a quality auto insurance policy, follow these tips:
  • Review policy every six months
  • Compare three to four policies
  • Don’t make price the only consideration

What kind of car insurance do you need in Florida?

Florida residents with a valid state license plate are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage.

PIP coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes hired help around the house due to your injuries in an accident.

Your own policy pays for this regardless of who was at fault. PDL pays for damages you cause to someone else’s property. This is usually their vehicle but could also be their house, a fence, or other property.

– Additional Coverage Options in Florida

Although having the legally required amounts of insurance keep you from getting into legal trouble, in most cases, it will not fully protect you financially. You may want to consider optional coverages such as:

• Collision – pays for damages to your own vehicle if you are in an accident
• Comprehensive – pays for damages to your vehicle not related to a collision such as theft, vandalism, fires, or natural disasters
• Uninsured Motorist – pays for your damages if you are the victim of a hit-and-run driver or are in an accident with someone who is not insured

– Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

If you allow your auto insurance policy in Florida to lapse, your insurance carrier is mandated by law to promptly let the state know. You will then be notified by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to provide proof of new coverage.

If you do not give proof, you will have your driver’s license, and your plates and registration suspended for as long as three years. In order to get these things reinstated, you will need to provide proof and pay a $150 fee.

Keep in mind that you are also required to keep proof of insurance coverage with you at all times while driving. If you do not, you can be ticketed. If you are in an accident and do not have insurance, the financial ramifications can be astronomical.

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