Circular road teip from Orlando

Question

Hi all

My partner and I (43 and 50) are flying to Orlando early on in July. We won’t last year and did a loop around Florida. However, this time, we’d like to do a circular loop north and ending back in Orlando. We only have 8 days, but would like to see some coastal areas and some smaller towns. My partner is desperate to go to Nashville, and chat gpt has suggested crystal river to apalachicola to eufaula to Nashville to Macon to Savannah and ending in St Augustine. I know it means a lot of driving and is ambitious but we are okay with this, as long as it’s not all day every day! If anyone can suggest some better stops or some ‘must see’ areas or places to avoid, please can you advise. Many thanks!

Answer

Your proposed circular loop through Florida and up to Nashville is ambitious but doable in 8 days if you plan carefully and are comfortable with some long driving segments. The route suggested—Crystal River to Apalachicola to Eufaula to Nashville, then Macon, Savannah, and ending in St. Augustine—is scenic but involves a mix of coastal areas, small towns, and some interior driving.

Here’s a detailed suggestion to make your trip enjoyable without exhausting driving days:

Day 1: Orlando to Crystal River – About 2.5–3 hours. Crystal River is famous for manatee tours and natural springs. A morning start from Orlando gives you time to enjoy a swim with manatees or kayaking.
Day 2: Crystal River to Apalachicola – Approximately 4 hours drive. Apalachicola is a charming coastal town with fresh seafood, historic buildings, and a laid-back vibe. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and the nearby beaches.
Day 3: Apalachicola to Eufaula, Alabama – Roughly 3 hours. Eufaula is known for its historic homes and quiet streets along Lake Eufaula. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Day 4: Eufaula to Nashville – About 6 hours. This will be the longest drive of your trip. Plan for stops along the way to stretch. In Nashville, focus on music spots, Broadway, or a local honky-tonk evening.
Day 5: Nashville to Macon, Georgia – Around 5.5 hours. Macon offers historic homes, museums, and a more relaxed pace than Nashville. Break up the drive with short stops for meals or scenic spots.
Day 6: Macon to Savannah, Georgia – About 3 hours. Savannah is a highlight for its historic squares, oak-lined streets, and coastal charm. Spend the evening strolling River Street or enjoying local cuisine.
Day 7: Savannah to St. Augustine, Florida – Approximately 3.5–4 hours. St. Augustine offers a mix of history, beaches, and a picturesque old town. Ideal for an overnight stay and leisurely exploration.
Day 8: St. Augustine back to Orlando – About 2 hours. Return relaxed after your circular journey.

Additional tips and considerations:

If you want more coastal exposure, consider adding stops in Gulf Coast areas like Pensacola or the Panhandle beaches instead of Eufaula.
July can be hot and humid; plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Interstate drives (I-10, I-75, I-65) are straightforward, but secondary roads along the coast provide more scenic, relaxed driving.
Booking accommodations ahead is advisable, particularly in Savannah, St. Augustine, and Nashville, as July is busy for tourists.
Consider cutting one interior stop if you prefer more relaxed beach time; for example, skip Macon and head straight from Nashville to Savannah.

Overall, this loop balances coastal charm, small-town history, and the music vibe of Nashville. If you’re okay with a couple of longer driving days, you’ll get a varied and scenic 8-day trip without feeling too rushed.