A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
There is nothing quite as exhilarating as hopping in your car, putting on a playlist, rolling down the windows, and having nothing but the open road in front of you. Often, the perfect road trip experience involves food and friends — but most importantly — it should feature some truly incredible destinations.
If you have the itch to trek down to the tropical paradise that is the Florida Keys, then we have an exciting road trip experience for you that will highlight some hidden gems along the way. Enjoy driving along U.S. 1 to the Florida Keys on the highway that goes straight to the sea and is widely considered one of the best scenic drives in the USA.
Here’s a link to an interactive Google Map that will serve as a guide for this road trip. The journey along the coast is a long one, but whether you split it into one day or two, it will be an incredible ride!
U.S. Highway 1 in Florida is an epic route that runs all the way from Georgia’s St. Mary’s River down into Key West, clocking in at 545 miles.
This major north-south road was established back in 1926 and has taken many travelers from one part of the state to another with ease and natural beauty.
Our road trip adventure kicks off in America’s oldest city, St. Augustine.
This majestic city is known for its history, not to mention the stunning Spanish colonial architecture throughout. Walking these streets is nothing short of magical, but we have a different way to view this cityscape altogether…
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…from a parasail high in the sky! Since St. Augustine is such a spectacular coastal city, companies like St. Augustine Parasail offer a unique adventure from the water.
You'll be driving over various terrain when visiting both Jonathan Dickinson State Park and the Southern Glades Trail, so having a car like the Nissan Pathfinder would be ideal for tackling what you may encounter on the upcoming parts of the journey.
Head further south to Hobe Sound where you’ll find the largest state park in Southeast Florida, Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Here you’ll be able to enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities like kayaking, cycling, hiking, and fishing.
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But, there’s also a mysterious side of Jonathan Dickinson State Park that most visitors don’t know: the life and death of Trapper Nelson, dubbed the Wildman of the Loxahatchee.
Trapper Nelson came to the area back in the 1930s and successfully lived off the land for decades. Nelson trapped and sold furs to make ends meet, and created a homestead-turned-zoo on the Loxahatchee River.
After Nelson’s bewildering death in 1968, the state acquired his land but ended up choosing to preserve his home and the surrounding area for all to enjoy.
As you continue further south along U.S. 1, make sure to take time for a little off-roading exploration along the Southern Glades Trail outside Florida City.
Easily one of Miami-Dade’s most remote and thrilling stretches of an off-road bike trail, it might take a little finesse to get to, but it’s well worth the trek. Nothing but you and the sounds of nature awaits you on this dirt trail.
Then finally, you’re in the home stretch -- the last hoorah for this incredible Florida road trip. Make sure you roll the windows down for this last leg of the trip across U.S. 1 Overseas Highway into the Florida Keys.
Pulling up to the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West, the final stop, you’ll have a plethora of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Swim or snorkel the aquamarine water, enjoy a picnic along the shoreline, or paddle out to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Plus, history buffs can tour the actual historic monument, which houses the largest cache of Civil War armament in the entire world.
So, who’s ready to make the ultimate trek down Florida’s east coast? The total drive time can take around 8 hours total from St. Augustine to the Florida Keys, but imagine the possibilities of adventure! Plus, if you want to add a few stops along the way as mentioned, this can turn into one memorable and thrilling off-the-paved-path experience.
