Cool Vacation Spots Within Driving Distance of South Florida (Part 2)
A couple years back, we shared some of our favorite drivable summer trips for Floridians, including Crystal River, the Florida Keys, the Outer Banks, the Great Smoky Mountains and a historic coastal drive through Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
This time, we’re adding a few more summer road trip ideas that are especially appealing for South Floridians who want a change of scenery without dealing with airports. Some are beach towns with a slower pace, some are mountain escapes, and a few are classic “old Florida” destinations where the water is cool, the restaurants are casual and the whole trip feels easy.
Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island is one of those places that still feels like Florida, but not exactly like South Florida. Located in the northeast corner of the state near the Georgia line, it has wide beaches, a charming historic downtown, beautiful oak-lined streets and a much slower pace than Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
Downtown Fernandina Beach is a big part of the appeal. The historic district is walkable, with shops, restaurants, galleries, bars and waterfront views along the Amelia River. Historic Centre Street serves as the heart of the district, making it a great place to park the car and explore on foot.
For summer travelers, Amelia Island works well because you can mix beach time with a little history, boating, biking and dining. It is polished enough for a nice long weekend, but still relaxed enough that you can spend the day in flip-flops and not feel like you need a schedule.
St. George Island and Apalachicola, Florida
If you want a quieter Gulf Coast trip, St. George Island and nearby Apalachicola are a great combination. This part of Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” is not about high-rise resorts or packed beach bars. It is more about uncrowded beaches, fishing, oysters, old Florida seafood restaurants, beach houses and sunsets.
St. George Island is known for its beaches, fishing, bird watching and St. George Island State Park. It is a natural fit for families or couples looking for a low-key summer escape where the main attraction is simply being near the water.
Apalachicola adds the small-town character. It has historic buildings, local shops, seafood restaurants and a working waterfront feel that is hard to find in most of Florida now. This is the kind of trip where you rent a beach house, bring a cooler, eat fresh seafood and forget about traffic for a few days.
Silver Springs and Ocala, Florida
For Floridians who want to cool off without driving all the way to the mountains, the Ocala area is a great option. Silver Springs State Park is one of Florida’s classic natural attractions, famous for its glass-bottom boat tours, clear spring water, kayaking, trails and natural scenery.
In 2001, Ocala/Marion County was officially trademarked as the Horse Capital of the World®, recognizing the area’s deep equestrian roots and long history of producing some of the sport’s finest champions. With its mild year-round climate and limestone-rich soil that supports strong bone development, the destination is home to more horses than any other county in the United States.
This is also a good trip for people who like a little variety. You can kayak or tube the Rainbow River, explore nearby springs by paddleboard, go zip-lining, visit horse farms, and use Ocala as a jumping-off point for your favorite outdoor adventures.
It is not a beach trip, which is exactly the point. For South Floridians who already live near the coast, the springs offer a completely different version of summer in Florida.
Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
When you live in South Florida, one of summer’s greatest luxuries is trading the heat for mountain views and cool mornings on the porch. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a favorite escape, offering cozy cabins, scenic lakes, wineries, breweries, hiking trails, waterfalls, tubing, and the charming town of Blue Ridge.
This is a great trip if you want the mountain cabin experience without going as far as some of the farther mountain towns in North Carolina or Tennessee. Rent a cabin with a view, spend a day on Lake Blue Ridge, visit a few waterfalls, and leave time for downtown shopping and restaurants.
It is still a drive from South Florida, but for a weeklong summer trip, it is very doable. It also gives Floridians the kind of scenery we do not get at home: winding roads, mountain views, cool evenings and cabins tucked into the woods.
Bonus Side Trip – Chattanooga, TN
Just 82 miles to the West of Blue Ridge, Chattanooga makes a great side trip if you want to add a little city energy to your mountain getaway. Located along the Tennessee River, it offers riverfront dining, paddling, live music, museums, and easy access to Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, and scenic sunset views, making it a fun day trip or overnight stop when you want more than a quiet cabin stay.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is a beautiful Lowcountry town that makes a great stop on a coastal summer road trip. It has historic homes, waterfront parks, moss-draped live oaks, galleries, restaurants and easy access to nearby barrier islands.
This is a good destination if you liked the idea of a historic coastal driving tour but want to slow it down. Instead of rushing from city to city, spend a few nights in Beaufort, walk the waterfront, visit nearby beaches, explore the historic district and enjoy the relaxed Lowcountry pace.
Beaufort is also the type of place where the setting is part of the experience. The streets, porches, trees and waterfront views all work together to create a slower, more graceful version of summer travel.
A Few Road Trip Tips for Floridians
Summer road trips from South Florida are all about timing. Leave early, avoid driving through major metro areas at rush hour and give yourself permission to break up the drive. A night in Orlando, St. Augustine, Savannah, Tallahassee or Atlanta can make a longer trip feel much easier.
It also helps to think about what kind of summer you are trying to create. If you want water but not crowds, look at St. George Island or Amelia Island. If you want cool mornings and mountain views, head toward Blue Ridge or Chattanooga. If you want old Florida, clear water and a shorter drive, Silver Springs and Ocala are hard to beat.
Living in South Florida gives us access to some of the best beaches in the country, but sometimes summer is the perfect time to see what else is within reach. Pack the car, choose the right playlist and make the drive part of the vacation.
