Florida Road Trip: Sunshine, Swamps & The Southernmost Point
Road trip in Florida
Welcome to Florida, the Sunshine State! We make a road trip in Florida with a campervan to capture the most beautiful sights. Use code WOUTOFTHEWORLD at the website of Dutchies Travel to get an exclusive discount!
With this travel guide you know exactly where to go! We start in Orlando, drive to Tampa Bay with its beautiful beaches, see the mermaids of Weeki Wachee and chill on the famous Naples Pier. From there we cross straight through the Everglades, to challenge the camper for a drive on Highway One all the way to Key West. After the Florida Keys we drive back via the east side and of course we also visit Miami and a few popular beaches in the Sunshine State.
1. The Gulf Coast: Clear Water & Mermaids
Our trip started on the West Coast in the Tampa Bay area. Our first stop? Clearwater Beach. It’s exactly what it sounds like: powdery white sand and emerald water. We got lucky and stumbled upon a free beach festival, the perfect “welcome to America” vibe.
Just an hour north of Tampa, we found a real hidden gem: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. This isn’t your average water park; it’s a natural spring with water so clear it looks like glass.
The Experience: You can kayak down the river (though Jens found out it’s harder than it looks!) or take a boat cruise.
Wildlife: We spotted a massive American Bald Eagle soaring above the trees.
The Mermaids: Did you know Weeki Wachee has had a world-famous underwater mermaid show since 1947? It’s pure kitsch, but a must-see piece of Florida history.
2. Italian Vibes & Luxury in Naples
As we cruised south, we reached Naples. No, not the one in Italy, though the Mediterranean influence is everywhere.
The Pier: We took a stroll on the historic Naples Pier, which dates back to 1888. It’s the heart of local life—perfect for watching fishermen and spotting dolphins.
Luxury Living: Driving through the streets here is an experience in itself. The houses are massive! It’s a glimpse into the high-end Florida lifestyle.
Beer Tasting: After all that walking, we stopped for a local brew. If you’re there, try the passion fruit beers—perfect for “Turtle Season.”
3. Into the Wild: The Everglades
From the luxury of Naples, we headed into the great swampland: The Everglades. This is a true wildlife paradise.
The Airboat: Invented in 1905 by Alexander Graham Bell (yes, the telephone guy!), an airboat ride is the best way to see the glades. It’s loud, fast, and exhilarating. Book your Everglades Tour here.*
Gators Everywhere: We saw baby crocodiles, alligators, and countless birds. At one point, I almost stepped on an alligator while walking near our camp at Gator Park!
Game Drive: If you don’t want to get on a boat, take the car for a “scenic drive” through the park. Just keep your windows up—the gators are closer than you think.
* DISCOUNT: Use code WOUTOFTHEWORLD5 via the Get Your Guide app https://gyg.me/woutoftheworld-app
4. The Florida Keys: An Infinite Water World
Trading the swamps for the sea, we drove onto the Overseas Highway. This 113-mile highway connects the islands of the Florida Keys and feels like you’re driving straight across the ocean.
Marathon & Sombrero Beach: We camped right next to the beach in Marathon. It’s home to Sombrero Beach, one of the most beautiful (and family-friendly) spots in the Keys.
Bahia Honda State Park: On the way to Key West, we stopped at Caloosa Beach in Bahia Honda. This is pure nature—no buildings, just birds and the sea.
Key West: We finally reached the Southernmost Point of the USA. Pro tip: if you want a picture with the famous buoy, arrive early! The line was three blocks long, so we skipped it and headed to Hicks Beach for a quiet sunset dinner instead.
5. Miami: Street Art & Urban Vibes
Leaving the quiet Keys behind, we entered a whole new world: Miami.
Biscayne National Park: Just south of the city, this park is mostly underwater and mangrove forests. It’s a haven for countless species of lizards.
Wynwood & Miami Beach: We traded the crocodiles for street art and live music. A 15-minute bus ride took us to the world-famous Miami Beach. It’s the ultimate place for people-watching—Americans really know how to put on a show!
6. Cocoa Beach & Orlando: The Grand Finale
Our final stretch took us up the East Coast to Cocoa Beach. This is a classic, laid-back surfer town. The vibe here is much more relaxed than Miami, with authentic restaurants and a “chill” atmosphere.
We ended our trip back in Orlando, where it all began. After weeks of camping, we spent a final day of fun on International Drive and visited the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, which has a great water park for the kids to burn off some energy.
Practical Tips for your Florida Road Trip
The Van: We used an Escape Campervan. It’s compact enough to park anywhere but has everything you need, including a rooftop tent. To get the best camper deals, check out the website of Dutchies Travel to get an exclusive discount with code WOUTOFTHEWORLD.
National Parks: If you plan on visiting more than two parks (like the Everglades and Biscayne), get a National Parks Pass to save on entrance fees or check out the tours with discount code WOUTOFTHEWORLD5
Apps: Use camping apps to find spots like the Picayune State Forest for a peaceful night under the stars.
Safety: Always “Be Gator Wise” in the Everglades and watch out for turtle nesting signs on the beaches.
Watch the complete video travel guide
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