Travel Suggestions

4 Tips for Your Road Trip from New York to Florida

Things to do on a road trip from New York to Florida

If an epic road trip from New York to Florida is on your bucket list, what are you waiting for? Just plan the damn thing already!

Okay, planning your perfect road trip can be a bit of an ordeal but ultimately, you get to choose the best route for your travel style. Not into politics? Then skip the White House. If space is more your jam, then visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum instead. Get our drift?

And because we’re here to help plan the fun part of your itinerary, we rounded up some of the best stopping points and attractions to include on your road trip from New York to Florida:

The best part of any road trip is discovering the road less travelled, and all the small gems along the way.

The most direct route from New York to Miami Florida is more than 20 hours of straight driving down the East coast—so we highly recommend you deviate a little from the main roads (and give your legs a good shake!) to stop off at a few of these hot spots en route.

Washington D.C.

Washington is 5 hours south of New York City and as the nation’s capital is an easy go-to for your first stop.

Everyone knows The White House is there, but not everyone knows the rich history behind it and its development so why not spend some time taking it all in? Washington is home to some of the best museums, galleries and monuments— Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian and the National Archives just to name a few.

If you want something a bit more interactive, leave the car behind for a day and hop on an authentic, restored 1942 “Duck” to see land and water all in one vehicle. You’ll definitely get a different look of Washington and Potomac River!

Charlotte, North Carolina

6 hours further south from Charlotte brings you right into Florida state, to Jacksonville.

But what exactly is Jax known for? Not only is it the largest city in the US with over 840 square miles but it also has the largest urban park system in the nation! 80,000 acres of green spaces and outdoor activities—take a break from the drive to get some much needed fresh air and Vitamin D!

Jacksonville, Florida

6 hours further south from Charlotte brings you right to Jacksonville, Florida.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is the next stop, 5 hours from Jacksonville. It’s the heart of Florida, and is best known for what else? Theme parks! Your road trip from New York to Florida would not be complete without a visit to good ol’ Disneyland! Let your inner kid out for the day and bask in the magic that is Disney.

The more mature “kids” can get a kick out of Universal Studios—go behind the screen and jump into action at the world’s favorite movie and TV based theme park.

Kennedy Space Center

You’ve clocked a lot of miles already, and you’re so close to Miami (just 3 short hours away to be exact!) but there’s just one more stop on the way: the Kennedy Space Center. Granted, you have to strike a bit east to visit, but it’s completely worth it.

Located on the Space Coast of Florida, 45 minutes from Orlando, you can take a guided behind-the-scenes tour and learn about NASA’s early space programs that inspired the entire nation to literally reach for the stars.