On the Road Again | Florida Drive-cations
Want to discover the parts of Florida that regular tourists never get to see? Then take a drive-cation! Hop in the car, pop on your sunglasses, and hit the road as you follow the new trend of touring unfamiliar places.
The Classic A1A Experience
The Sunshine State is a multi-faceted gem, with each dazzling side reflecting a new aspect of Florida that you may never have imagined before! One of the greatest ways to view this ‘gem’ is to travel along Florida’s A1A. The A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway has long been a road trip choice of many modern explorers; it is made up of three individual state scenic highways: Scenic and Historic A1A, A1A River and Sea Trail, and A1A Ocean Shore. Along this route are some of the most popular destinations in Florida, as well as some of the most gorgeous scenery.
scenicbyways.info
It’s recommended to begin your A1A road trip at Ponte Vedra Beach, found at the northern end of the highway (Scenic and Historic A1A). Ponte Vedra Beach is a beautiful location, with wonderful beaches, world-class tennis and golf, oceanside resorts, and private retreats where the stresses of life are washed out to sea. You can also try deep-sea fishing, nature walks, paddling and biking. Some of the finest dining and shopping in Northeast Florida are also available throughout the area. Ponte Verde Beach’s sister city is St. Augustine, both of which make up Florida’s Historic Coast. St. Augustine is not a beach town, but a historic masterpiece; it is the nation's oldest continuously-occupied city, founded in 1565, and dotted with brilliantly colorful historic sites, museums, and other attractions that paint a picture of its amazing past. It is highly recommended that you take a walking tour here (it’ll feel great to stretch your legs after all that driving - good thing you brought your walking shoes). St. Augustine Historic Walking Tours offer several kinds of tours throughout the city, from pub crawls and scavenger hunts to pet-friendly historic district tours.
floridashistoriccoast.com
staugustinehistorictours.com
While driving southward to Flagler Beach along the A1A River and Sea Trail portion of this scenic highway, you’ll see lots of little nature parks to stop at, as well as unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. The A1A Ocean Shore brings you to the Palm Coast, where Flagler Beach offers miles of sparkling beaches, bountiful fishing, beachside shops, waterfront restaurants, natural parks, and other wonders. Flagler Beach is a retro town with salty style. Friendly residents and open-air restaurants set the stage for a laid-back afternoon. Enjoy Flagler Beach's eclectic shops, surfing, a classic fishing pier, and over six miles of spectacular ocean views – with free access to the beach. Fortunately, you brought your beach chair, so you can enjoy an afternoon of relaxation in the sand.
visitflagler.com
It’s no surprise that along one of Florida’s most popular highways, there would be a strong of great accommodations. You have your choice of stay, from historic B&Bs to classy, oceanfront resorts. The Silver Sands St. Augustine is a classic choice, with newly-renovated, self-catered suites and cottages located just south of historic St. Augustine at beautiful Crescent Beach. Situated on nearly two acres of oceanfront dune property on Anastasia Island, their delightful accommodations are nestled within a naturalistic setting and offer easy access to the activities that keep visitors coming back time and time again.
gosands.com
The Hidden Secrets of the Highway 98 and the Nature Coast
Eco-travel has been on the rise for several years, and continues to intrigue many travelers because of its insight into the most undiscovered and unspoiled places in the world. Florida is the ideal state for eco-travel, because of the sheer abundance of untamed natural areas, which the Florida State Parks likes to call “the Real Florida” (and correctly so). A great way to see this expanse of Florida nature is to take a road trip along Florida’s Nature Coast, which encompasses Levy County, located on the Gulf Coast of the state. Here, wildlife outnumbers humans. With nearly one fifth of the county set aside for state and national wildlife areas, Levy is blessed with numerous parks, preserves, springs and wildlife refuges where visitors can discover rest and recreation in abundance.
visitnaturecoast.com
Your journey begins on U.S. Highway 98. Never heard of it? That’s because it’s new to the popular road-tripping scene. Those who do know it, know how beautiful it is, and how it can change your entire perspective on Florida (and, frankly, on life). There are even recent indie documentaries being made about this highway. Highway 98 was built in 1933 and runs for 964 miles, through 20 counties, from western Mississippi all the way through Southern Florida.
Your first stop will be Fanning Springs State Park. Located on the Suwannee River, this inviting source of cool, clear water has attracted people for thousands of years. Fanning Springs now produces less than 65 million gallons of water daily. Swimming or snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day, and spiritually revitalizing on any day - so you’ll be glad we reminded you to bring your snorkeling gear. A boardwalk overlooks the spring and river. White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park. Manatees sometimes visit the spring during the winter months, so this is the perfect time of year to visit. This gorgeous park may become one of your favorite places to visit, so be sure to check out the onsite cabin rentals. floridastateparks.org/park/Fanning-Springs
Next is Manatee Springs State Park, a beautiful place with a storied past. The first-magnitude spring at this park produces an average of 100 million gallons of clear, cool water daily. In winter, West Indian manatees swim upriver to the warmer waters of the springs. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are also a great spot for swimming. The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through hardwood wetlands to the Suwannee River. Canoeing and kayaking is available all year round through the park’s concessionaire, Anderson's Outdoor Adventures, LLC. Anderson's Outdoor Adventures offers canoes, kayaks, pontoon boat tours, and more, including full-service BBQ take-out at the water front! Look for the giant smoker.
andersonsoutdooradventures.com
Nature is not the only way to see the real Florida - many folks forget that Florida is also the South, and many of its older communities still contain the classic Old Florida charm. These communities are often some of the best-kept secrets of Florida, with their antebellum mansions and Victorian homes tucked away behind Spanish moss-draped oaks. One such community, just 45 minutes off Highway 98, is Steinhatchee. A small town in Florida's Big Bend region, Steinhatchee is known for its quiet beauty and the abundant fishing opportunities. In addition, miles and miles of tranquil country roads and bike trails await your exploration. Steinhatchee combines the ambience of the 19th century with the conveniences of the 21st century. Victorian waterfront homes line Steinhatchee shores, and footpaths and gardens decorate the surroundings. Steinhatchee is often referred to as "The Best Kept Secret in Florida." Come visit – and find out why. steinhatchee.com
The “Real Florida” Tour
Pack your camera and your phone charger - there is little cellular reception here. Martin County is one of the most beautiful stretches of Atlantic Coast landscapes; picture shaded tree canopies swaying the breeze, beautiful exotic plants and flowers dotted everywhere, and a long stretch of gorgeous ocean beaches. Several major roads run through this county, like Highway 98, Interstate 95, and the famous A1A; but you’ll also want to head down every back-road and historic main street that you find.
discovermartin.com
While seeing these incredible sights from your car is an adventure in itself, you’re definitely going to want to get out from time to time and explore. Undoubtedly, once you see the beaches, you will be practically pulled out of your vehicle by the sheer beauty of the sand and the majestic, rolling waves. Kick off your shoes and wiggle your toes in the sand. Splash around in the water! (You brought a beach towel to dry off, so you won’t get sand/seawater in your car.) Keep an eye out for seagulls, sandpipers, and sea turtles - this is area is one of the most bio-diverse in the entire northern hemisphere!
The urban area of Martin County provide a surprising amount of cultural attractions. Dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and historical preservation are an integral part of the community, with dynamic arts and cultural events and festivals held year-round. Start by catching a show at downtown Stuart’s historic Lyric Theatre, a former silent movie house of the 1920s. Need to stretch your legs for a while? Take in local artwork at one of the many galleries, like the unique Rare Earth Gallery, or arts festivals throughout the county. Don’t forget add Martin County’s many historical landmarks to your must-see (and must-photograph) list!
lyrictheatre.com
store.rareearthgallery.com
Martin County is home to several Florida Superior Small Lodging-designated hotels and lodges. Florida SSLs provide an exceptional vacation value. Economical and comfortable efficiency studios and one and two bedroom suites/villas with full kitchens are available at most properties, so you’ll enjoy all the comforts of home - which is great to come back to after a long day of driving and exploration. Old Colorado Inn is an SSL located in Historic Downtown Stuart, only a few miles from the sandy beaches of Hutchinson Island and a couple of hundred feet from the St. Lucie River. If you’re planing on driving over to West Palm Beach, it’s only a 40-minute ride. This boutique inn was originally built in 1917 and has been recently restored with a touch of modern elegance. Complimentary fresh baked items and fresh orange juice are delivered to your door daily.
oldcoloradoinn.com
