Road trip - route advice

Question

Hi,

We’re looking to take a road trip round Florida next July/August and could do with some advice about our suggested route.

We are a family with 2 teens and will be bringing 2 of our parents along too, we have up to 3 weeks and aren’t bothered about theme parks (maybe a day if we can find one that doesn’t require a week long ticket!).

We like beaches, soaking up the local culture, river activities, unusual/quirky things to see and do and we all enjoy our food.

Our plan so far looks like this but we aren’t sure if we are missing better places or how long we need in each place. We don’t have to stay at all of these, either! Ideally, we’ll avoid any massively long drives…

Fly into Tampa

Clearwater

Sarasota

Fort Myers

Naples

Everglades city

Homestead

Key Largo

Marathon

Key West

Miami

Fort Lauderdale

Palm Beach

Daytona Beach

St Augustine

Fly out of Orlando

Any helpful advice/insights/recommendations would be so very much appreciated.

Thank you! 😊

Answer

Your proposed Florida road trip is ambitious but definitely doable with up to 3 weeks. Since you’re traveling with both teens and older adults, it’s wise to balance driving time with sightseeing and relaxation. Florida’s beaches, quirky towns, and natural areas offer a lot outside of theme parks, so your plan already covers many highlights.

General Tips

Try to limit driving to 3–4 hours per day where possible, especially with older travelers.
July/August is hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in South and Central Florida, so plan indoor or water activities for mid-afternoon.
Book accommodations in advance, particularly in the Keys, Miami, and St. Augustine, as summer is busy.

Suggested Route Adjustments & Timing

Tampa & Clearwater: 2–3 days. Enjoy Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island, and local seafood restaurants. Kayaking or dolphin tours are excellent for teens.
Sarasota & Fort Myers: 2–3 days. Siesta Key Beach is world-famous for its sand, and Sarasota has art and cultural sites. Fort Myers offers the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and nearby barrier islands.
Naples & Everglades City: 2 days. Naples is great for beaches and dining. Everglades City is perfect for airboat tours, wildlife spotting, and quieter nature experiences.
Homestead, Key Largo, Marathon, Key West: 4–5 days. The drive through the Keys is scenic but slow—plan for stops at Key Largo for snorkeling, Islamorada for a meal, Marathon for turtle rehabilitation, and 2–3 nights in Key West to explore Duval Street, historic sites, and the Southernmost Point. Snorkeling, kayaking, or sunset cruises are recommended.
Miami & Fort Lauderdale: 2–3 days. Explore South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood Walls, and the Venetian Pool. Fort Lauderdale has the Riverwalk and canals. Consider a day trip to the Everglades if you want more wildlife viewing.
Palm Beach: 1–2 days. Worth a stop for upscale shopping, the Flagler Museum, and beaches.
Daytona Beach & St. Augustine: 2–3 days. Daytona offers its historic boardwalk and motorsports history, while St. Augustine is full of colonial charm, historic forts, and quirky shops. Staying 1–2 nights in St. Augustine is recommended.

Other Recommendations

Consider adding Crystal River if you like wildlife—swim with manatees (northwest of Tampa).
In Naples or the Everglades, a guided kayak or eco-tour is memorable for the whole family.
Beaches in the Keys are smaller but unique—Sombrero Beach (Marathon) and Fort Zachary Taylor (Key West) are highlights.
Check local farmers’ markets or quirky roadside stops along US-1 through the Keys for food and local culture.
Since it’s summer, bring plenty of sun protection, insect repellent (especially near wetlands), and rain gear.

Overall, your route works, but you may want to slightly reduce the number of stops to avoid feeling rushed. Prioritize the Keys and St. Augustine for culture and unique experiences, and use your Florida Gulf Coast stops mainly for beaches, wildlife, and local food.

Road trip - route advice

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