The Best Florida Road Trips With Kids

Florida is a treasure trove of family-friendly road trip destinations. From stunning beaches to thrilling theme parks and unique natural wonders, there’s something to excite every member of your family. Here are some of the best Florida road trips with kids that promise fun, adventure, and memorable bonding time.

Florida Road Trips With Kids through many cities

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Florida has so much to offer families, especially if you are interested in road tripping the state during your visit- or even better if you are a local! Suppose you are planning a longer vacation and want to see many of the fun spots along the way. In that case, the start of this post has an in-depth plan to follow starting near North Florida in St Augustine (30 minutes south of Jacksonville) and ending in the Destin (panhandle/30A) area.

Road Trip Essentials for Families

Preparing for a road trip with kids can make the journey as enjoyable as the destinations. Here’s a comprehensive list of essentials to pack, tips for keeping everyone happy, and advice to ensure a smooth ride.

1. Snacks and Drinks: Kids (and parents!) get hungry often, and a well-stocked snack bag can save you from unnecessary stops (and meltdowns!).Tip: Use a divided snack container for each child to minimize mess and avoid arguments over who gets what.
2. Entertainment: Keeping kids occupied is crucial for long stretches on the road.
Tip: Wrap small toys or games as “surprises” to be handed out every couple of hours for added excitement.
3. Comfort Items: A comfortable child is a happy traveler. Pack their favorite comfort items like a stuffy, blanket, etc.
Tip: Pack an extra set of clothes for each child in an easily accessible bag in case of spills or accidents.
4. First Aid and Safety: Prepare for minor scrapes or travel hiccups.
Tip: Include a laminated “I’m Lost” card with your contact info for younger kids to carry.
5. Organization Tools: Stay organized to keep chaos at bay.
Tip: Keep a “road trip essentials” tote within reach, filled with wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, and snacks.

Looking for the ultimate list to ensure you have everything you need for a road trip with kids? Check out my free printable road trip guide!

6. Tech and Connectivity: Stay powered up and connected.
Tip: Download travel apps like Waze for navigation or Roadtrippers to find fun stops.
7. Activities for Stops: Encourage active breaks to release pent-up energy.
Tip: Schedule playground or park stops along your route to give kids time to run around.
8. Miscellaneous Must-Haves: Cash (small bills!), plastic bags, umbrellas, etc.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring a portable vacuum or hand broom for quick cleanups in the car.
9. Download The Little Free Library App: We love stopping at free libraries along the way. Especially when we can trade them in and out along our journey!

By preparing these essentials ahead of time, you can ensure a smoother, happier journey for everyone in the car. Remember, the goal is not just to reach your destination but to enjoy every moment along the way.

Road Trips in Florida with Kids For Two Weeks: See All of Florida

Let’s get into the road trip details!

Starting Point: St. Augustine
Ending Point: Destin
Total Driving Distance: ~900 miles

This adventure-packed road trip will take your family from Florida’s historic coastline to the vibrant Keys, through the Gulf Coast, and all the way to the sugar-white sands of Destin. Along the way, you’ll explore charming towns, encounter wildlife, and enjoy unforgettable experiences.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before your road trip begins!

Day 1-2: St. Augustine

There is so much to do in this beautiful historic town! And I’m not biased just because we live in the area.

Things to Do:

Castillo de San Marcos: Explore this historic fort with kid-friendly ranger programs.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: Climb the lighthouse and learn about maritime history.
St. George Street: Stroll down this charming street for unique shops and delicious eats.

Additional Stop:

Anastasia State Park: Relax on the pristine beach or rent kayaks for a paddle.

St Augustine Mini Guide

Day 3-4: St. Augustine to Miami (via Daytona and Cape Canaveral)

This journey takes you along I-95 the entire way, if you want to stop over in Orlando to see one of the amusement parks, Walt Disney World resort, Universal Studios, or Seaworld, I would spend these 3-4 days in that area of Central Florida rather than stopping over in Daytona or Cape Canaveral.

Distance: ~315 miles

Stops Along the Way (either of these would work as an overnight stop, but if you want to break up the drive a bit, I recommend Cape Canaveral):

Daytona Beach: Let the kids run free on the wide, sandy beach.
Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach – Kennedy Space Center: Inspire future astronauts with rockets, simulators, and hands-on exhibits.
Palm Beach: A luxurious destination known for its upscale shopping, pristine beaches, and historic landmarks like The Breakers and Worth Avenue.

Things to Do in Miami:

Zoo Miami: One of the best zoos in the country, featuring a cageless environment.
Wynwood Walls: A colorful art district perfect for family photos.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: A beautiful museum and garden with amazing views.
Relax on Miami Beach or take a walk down the pier.

Stay: Choose a beachfront resort, a family resort in the city or a hotel in Coral Gables for a quieter stay.

Day 5-7: Miami to Key West (via the Overseas Highway)

Distance: ~160 miles

Stops Along the Way:

Key Largo: Snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour.
Islamorada: Visit the Theater of the Sea for dolphin encounters.
Bahia Honda State Park: One of Florida’s best family beaches with calm, shallow waters.

Things to Do in Key West:

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: Street performers and treats the whole family will enjoy.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: A magical stop filled with butterflies and birds.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: Relax on the beach and explore the historic sites like the fort.
Dry Tortugas National Park: A remote gem in the Florida Keys, offering stunning coral reefs, historic Fort Jefferson, and family-friendly snorkeling adventures accessible by ferry or seaplane.

Stay: Choose a kid-friendly hotel or a charming guesthouse in Old Town Key West.

Day 8-9: Key West to Naples (via Everglades National Park)

Distance: ~250 miles

Stops Along the Way:

Shark Valley (Everglades): Take a tram tour to see alligators and exotic birds.
Big Cypress National Preserve: A quick boardwalk hike for spotting wildlife.

Things to Do in Naples:

Naples Zoo: Stroller-friendly paths and interactive animal exhibits.
Lowdermilk Park: A family-friendly beach with playgrounds and picnic areas.

Stay: Beachfront resorts with family amenities like pools and kids’ clubs.

Day 10-11: Naples to Tampa (via Sanibel Island)

Distance: ~150 miles

Stops Along the Way:

Sanibel Island: Known for its shell-covered beaches and tranquil vibe.
Fort Myers: Visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates to see the museum, botanical garden, and the homes of Thomas Edison & Henry Ford.

Things to Do in Tampa:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Thrilling rides and an expansive zoo.
The Florida Aquarium: Hands-on exhibits and a splash pad for kids.
Clearwater Beach: Take a sunset pirate cruise or relax on the soft sands.

Stay: A family-friendly hotel in downtown Tampa with a rooftop pool or this amazing beachfront resort with a oceanfront pool in Clearwater Beach.

Day 12-13: Tampa to Destin (via Tallahassee)

Distance: ~400 miles

Stops Along the Way:

Tallahassee: Explore the Tallahassee Museum, a blend of nature, history, and wildlife.
Panama City Beach: Take a quick dip or visit Pier Park for shopping and dining.

Things to Do in Destin:

Henderson Beach State Park: Relax on sugar-white sand beaches.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: Interactive exhibits with dolphins, seals, and more.
Destin Harbor Boardwalk: Enjoy waterfront dining, boat tours, and a lively atmosphere.

Stay: Choose a beachfront resort with a great pool and easy access to the Gulf.

Additional Tips for the Journey

Repack Snacks and Activities Each Day: Keep kids entertained with car games, snacks, and audiobooks.
Plan Stops for Breaks: Allow time to stretch legs, explore local gems, and take scenic photos.
Stay Flexible: Build in some buffer time for unexpected stops or rest days.

From the history of St. Augustine to the tropical charm of Key West and the serene beaches of Destin, this Florida road trip offers something for everyone. Gather your family, hit the road, and create lifelong memories across the Sunshine State!

Road Trips in Florida With Kids Within The State

There are a wide variety of road trips to take once you are within Florida. While the state is huge and it takes over 8 hours to get from the top to the bottom, it’s well worth it to visit and take a few road trips during your stay- if it’s long enough! These stops are meant to provide ideas to travel within a few areas over a few hours time.

Jacksonville to Amelia Island

Distance: ~35 miles
Highlights:

Fort Clinch State Park: Explore this historic fort and enjoy kid-friendly trails.
Beaches: Perfect for sandcastle building and shallow water wading.
Amelia Island Museum of History: Interactive exhibits designed for younger visitors.
Historic Fernandina: Walk around this beautiful historic town along the water.

Tip: Book a family-friendly ghost tour for a unique evening adventure.

Jacksonville is such a fun city for families; I highly recommend checking out a few of the family-friendly things to do if you are in the area.

Orlando to St. Augustine

Distance: ~105 miles
Highlights:

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park: Kids will love seeing exotic reptiles, including albino alligators.
Castillo de San Marcos: Explore the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. with hands-on history demonstrations.
Pirate & Treasure Museum or Pirate Ship Ride: A hit with little buccaneers featuring interactive exhibits.

Check out this guide, which is focused on free and cheap things to do in St Augustine.

Tip: End the day with a stroll down St. George Street for ice cream and souvenirs.

Are you looking for the full Walt Disney World experience?

Check out the Disney page to learn more about navigating the parks, all the best snacks, planning an ideal Disney day & more!

Orlando to 30A

Distance: ~330 miles
Highlights:

Seaside: The charming town where The Truman Show was filmed, with kid-friendly restaurants and activities.
Grayton Beach State Park: Perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking with family.
The Hub 30A: A family-oriented spot with outdoor dining, live music, and a green space for kids to play.

Tip: Rent bikes to explore the scenic 30A bike trails and stop at local food trucks for a casual, delicious meal.

Orlando to Space Coast

Distance: ~50 miles
Highlights:

Kennedy Space Center: Inspire your little astronauts with rocket launches, simulators, and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Cocoa Beach: Build sandcastles or try paddleboarding in calm waters.
Brevard Zoo: Offers kayaking tours and a treetop trek perfect for adventurous families.

Tip: Check the Kennedy Space Center schedule for special events like rocket launches.

If you are in the Orlando area and want to visit other nearby cities, check out this post.

Gainesville to Ocala

Distance: ~40 miles
Highlights:

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park: A fascinating sinkhole with lush vegetation and trails.
Silver Springs State Park: Take a glass-bottom boat tour for underwater views.
Ocala National Forest: Perfect for picnics, swimming, and spotting wildlife.

Tip: Pack binoculars for birdwatching opportunities in the forest.

Tampa to Crystal River

Distance: ~90 miles
Highlights:

Swim with Manatees: Crystal River is one of the few places where you can swim alongside these gentle giants.
Three Sisters Springs: Perfect for kayaking and spotting wildlife.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: See Florida’s native animals, including manatees, black bears, and bobcats.

Tip: Visit during the cooler months (November–March) for the best manatee sightings.

Miami to Key West (Overseas Highway)

Distance: ~160 miles
Highlights:

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters: Hands-on marine life exhibits kids will love.
Key Deer Refuge: Spot these adorable, endangered deer in Big Pine Key.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: A family-friendly street festival with performers, crafts, and incredible views.

Tip: Plan stops at Bahia Honda State Park for beach time and the Seven Mile Bridge for breathtaking photos.

Fort Lauderdale to Naples (via Alligator Alley)

Distance: ~110 miles
Highlights:

Shark Valley (Everglades National Park): Take a tram tour to spot gators and exotic birds.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Enjoy a boardwalk hike amidst cypress trees and wildlife.
Naples Zoo: A compact, stroller-friendly zoo with plenty of shady spots.

Tip: Pack bug spray and plenty of water for outdoor activities in the Everglades.

Panama City Beach to Apalachicola

Distance: ~60 miles
Highlights:

St. George Island State Park: Ideal for shelling, fishing, and quiet family beach days.
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve: Interactive exhibits about marine life and ecosystems.
Downtown Apalachicola: Charming shops and family-friendly dining options.

Tip: Rent bikes to explore the scenic trails on St. George Island.

Other Fun Things To Do In Florida

Outside of the family road trip options around the state, there are also a wide variety of things to do and plenty of family entertainment in specific areas. From great state parks to nature centers, playgrounds and springs, there is something for everyone in your family!

Florida State Parks to Visit with Kids

Honeymoon Island State Park (Dunedin): Gorgeous beaches and kid-friendly trails.
Silver Springs State Park (Ocala): Take a glass-bottom boat ride for underwater views.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo): Snorkeling and kayaking through vibrant coral reefs.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (30A): Hiking trails, coastal dune lakes, and pristine beaches.
Everglades National Park: Unique wildlife and tram tours for up-close alligator encounters.

The Best Beaches in Florida for Families

This is in no way an all-inclusive list of beaches within Florida. The Atlantic ocean beaches and the Gulf beaches both have their benefits!

Clearwater Beach: Calm waters, lifeguards on duty, and a vibrant boardwalk.
Siesta Key Beach (Sarasota): Renowned for its powdery white sand and shallow, kid-safe waters.
Fort De Soto Park (St. Petersburg): A family-friendly beach with a historic fort and a shallow lagoon perfect for toddlers.
St. George Island State Park (Apalachicola): Secluded and serene, with plenty of space for beach games.
Cocoa Beach: Excellent for families who enjoy a mix of beach time and activities like surfing lessons.

Charming Small Towns to Visit in Florida

Mount Dora – Known for its quaint downtown, antique shops, and scenic lakes.
Dunedin – Home to craft breweries, waterfront parks, and the nearby Honeymoon Island.
Micanopy – Florida’s oldest inland town, perfect for antiquing and history buffs.
Cedar Key – A peaceful Gulf Coast town famous for its clams and laid-back vibe.
Fernandina Beach (Amelia Island) – Victorian architecture and beautiful beaches.
DeFuniak Springs – Features a perfectly round lake and charming historic district.
Matlacha – A colorful artist’s haven in Southwest Florida.
Seaside – Picturesque and family-friendly, with pastel cottages and pristine beaches.
Tarpon Springs – Known for its sponge docks and Greek culture.
St. Marks – A serene town with wildlife refuges and scenic waterways.
Islamorada – A Florida Keys village known for fishing and stunning sunsets.
Winter Garden – Offers a charming downtown, farmer’s markets, and proximity to Orlando.
Anna Maria Island – A laid-back coastal village with old Florida vibes and stunning beaches.
Williston – Close to Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto for unique diving experiences.
Deland – A lively downtown with art galleries and proximity to Blue Spring State Park.
Punta Gorda – Peaceful waterfront parks and the historic Fishermen’s Village.

These small towns offer a delightful mix of charm, history, and Florida’s natural beauty—perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!

Springs to Explore with Kids

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Enjoy the famous mermaid show, water slides, and kayaking. This is such a fun stop for a family vacation!
Ichetucknee Springs State Park: A tubing paradise with crystal-clear waters and shaded banks.
Blue Spring State Park (Orange City): Prime manatee spotting during the winter months.
Ginnie Springs (High Springs): Snorkel or float in this family-friendly spring.
Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon): Beautiful swimming areas, waterfalls, and kid-friendly walking trails.

From wildlife adventures to historical landmarks and sandy beaches, Florida’s road trips are a gateway to endless family fun. Grab your map (or Google Maps on your iPhone), pack your bags, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Sunshine State!

What’s your favorite Florida road trip? Share your experiences in the comments below!