Small Towns, Big Cities and Beaches: Driving Along Florida’s Coasts

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a modern and convenient entry point for your Florida driving adventure. From Tampa and for your first foray into Florida’s unique cities and towns, rent a car and drive to Pasco County, about 45 minutes north of the airport. Known for its abundance of sporty activities from biking to skydiving, the region known as Florida's Sports Coast also caters to shopping fanatics, history buffs and beer connoisseurs. In downtown Dade City, browse locally owned shops for that perfect gift to take home. Sugar Creek Too and Tampa Bay Salvage are full of one-of-a-kind treasures and are especially fun to explore. At Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, look for 177 species of birds on Audubon Society-designated nature trails. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a drink and dinner in downtown New Port Richey. One local favorite is Sip, a wine bar with live music that serves savory charcuterie and cheese plates. Chain hotels offer affordable accommodations before your drive south for more fun in the sun.

The short drive from Pasco County transports you to Florida’s Gulf of Mexico Coast and the beach towns of St. Pete/Clearwater. There’s room to spread out along 56 kilometers of dazzling white-sand beaches that are regularly voted among the top beaches in the USA. For lunch on your way into town, grab a table on the water at Olde Bay Café & Dunedin Fish Market at the Dunedin Marina. The seared scallops, shrimp tacos and Dunedin-style Greek salad with a scoop of potato salad in the middle are all popular dishes. Then, make your way to Clearwater Beach, and hop on board the high-speed Sea Screamer dolphin tour. Chances are you’ll get to watch dolphins jump and frolic in the boat’s wake. There’s no better place to end the day than at Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60. A nightly festival of street performers, musicians and artisans livens up the beach as the sun sets over the Gulf. There are also free outdoor movies on Fridays and Saturdays. Settle in for a classic film or explore the beachy restaurants and bars.

Thirty minutes away from the beach is big-city Tampa, which offers a plethora of activities for anyone in your crew: water recreation on Tampa Bay, family fun at the Florida Aquarium, arts and culture at Tampa Museum of Art, living history in Ybor City and thrilling nightlife downtown. Take your adventures to the water on a hydro-cycle – a bicycle you pedal on water – down the Hillsborough River, or climb aboard the Pirate Water Taxi, which stops at popular attractions throughout downtown Tampa. Stroll along Riverwalk for tranquil water views and end the day at American Social Bar & Kitchen. Located on Harbour Island across from the Tampa Convention Center, American Social has a great happy hour menu, signature cocktails and craft beer. Your next stop is another festive beach escape.

Take Highway 41/Tamiami Trail for the scenic route to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel (or take Interstate 75 south for the quickest option). Both upscale and laid-back, the region features historical attractions, shopping and, of course, fabulous beaches. Look for turtles, otters and colorful birds as you stroll the boardwalk trails at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates preserve the 19th century homes of legendary inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who forged a friendship here back when Fort Myers had a population of 349 residents. Ready for some shopping and dining? The Fort Myers River District is the place to go for boutiques, art galleries, theaters and sidewalk cafes. Neighboring Captiva Island is a can’t-miss foray into Florida’s stunning coastal keys. Rent a kayak from a local outfitter and paddle from Captiva to tiny Buck Key, where you can get up close for wonderful photos of mangroves and wildlife.

Can you spare a day to experience the Everglades? Then allow for a bonus trip to Naples, just an hour south of Fort Myers. Downtown Naples is made for eclectic shopping and al fresco dining. For beaches, top picks include Barefoot Beach, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and Marco Island. Spread out a towel to soak in the sun, go stand-up paddle boarding, try jet skiing, hunt for seashells and watch for dolphins in the water. Experience a journey full of exotic wildlife and outdoor activities at Big Cypress National Preserve, the western entrance to Everglades National Park. Have your camera handy because you might see bald eagles, great blue herons, manatees and plenty of alligators. Continue east to extend your Florida stay a little longer.

The stretch of Interstate 75 that connects the west to the east coast is known as Alligator Alley and is one of the most iconic drives in Florida. The expansive views demonstrate why the Everglades is known as the “River of Grass.” Follow it all the way to Greater Fort Lauderdale, nicknamed both the “Yachting Capital of the World” and the “Venice of America.” Book a boat tour to see exotic boats and waterside mansions along Millionaires’ Row. You can also explore the city via Water Taxi, offering 12 convenient stops in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Check out Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach and Dania Beach to see how different the Atlantic Ocean coast is from the Gulf. Pose for a picture at the famous “wave wall” in Fort Lauderdale beach, where Las Olas Boulevard meets the beachfront. Then, browse the 1.6-kilometer boulevard, lined with shops, bars, restaurants, galleries and museums. This is a good place to sample local cuisine ranging from steakhouses to vegan restaurants to international eateries. Catch your return flight from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).