There's a stretch of the Overseas Highway, a little south of Coral Gables, five miles east of downtown Miami, where the landscape is almost biblical.
Here the palm trees look like the ones from Eden, full of lush green leaves that cascade from twisty branches. Big bundles of these palms border the highway, on both sides, before the highway dramatically curves and then travels over the Atlantic toward Key West.
It's an incredible sight. Perhaps this is God's country.
The Overseas Highway, connecting Miami and Key West, is one of the many epic road trips that makes Florida so much more than crocodiles and key lime pie. The Sunshine State brims with ridiculously amazing road trip experiences that rival Route 66 and those on the West Coast.
And you can encounter all of them in an RV.
Florida makes the RV road trip a cool and comfortable experience, with over 1,000 RV parks and campgrounds in the state.
The big question is: Where will you go first?
Here's how to create your next Florida road trip experience.
There Are Several Places to See
#1. Amusement Parks
Let's address the elephant in the room (Dumbo?): We can't mention Florida without Disney. If amusement parks are your thing, we recommend a Mickey-themed road trip that includes a trip to your favorite Disney destination, whether that's Epcot, Magic Kingdom, or one of the many others.
The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, just north of Lake Buena Vista, is Disney's official RV campground and the biggest by far. Tropical Palms Resort, with its RV facilities and cottages, is an awesome alternative and short drive to all the action.
There's no point listing the local landmarks as you know them already. So, instead, a word of warning: Surprisingly, you can't park an RV at any Disney park. Many of the non-Disney-affiliated lots will cater to you, but book ahead to avoid disappointment.
#2. Overseas Highway
As we mentioned earlier, the Overseas Highway — or the Highway That Goes to Sea, as locals so poetically refer to it — is a road trip revel for countless Americans. Perhaps it's even a rite of passage. This 113-mile stretch of concrete carries U.S. Route 1 through the Keys to Key West, taking in Miami, then all the splendor of the Atlantic, on its way.
The northern section of the route is the most scenic, slicing through the tropical landscape like a knife through hot butter. What can one expect? When driving south, look left and see one of the many coral reefs that so often dazzle drivers. Look right and see some species that call this picturesque part of the planet home — the American alligator, the green iguana, the Key deer and others.
It's a relatively brief road trip — you can do it in around two hours on a good day — but, when traveling south, the destination will take up the rest of your day. Key West brims with attractions, making it the ultimate pit stop before you feel compelled to turn around and do the Overseas Highway all over again. Take your pick from Mallory Square, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
#3. US-98
Pensacola to Seaside, via US-98, is a scene straight from a postcard. You'll drive past sandy beaches and a town-that-time-forgot or two before landing in surf town Seaside, perhaps best known as the location for the Jim Carey movie "The Truman Show."
Best explored by RV, this stretch of US-98 provides unparalleled panoramas of both the Gulf Coast and the most picturesque parks of Northwest Florida, making it a must-do for all drivers.
Cheap prices. Fast booking. More freedom. Find an RV for your next Florida vacation. Where will you RVnGo?
#4. Tampa to New Orleans
OK, so not strictly Florida, but the route from Tampa to New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the best in the Southern USA, encompassing all the hallmarks of the American road trip — curious country towns, wide-open spaces and gas stations so empty you'll wonder how they make a profit.
This one's not a trip you can do in a day, so break it into chunks. We recommend the 80-miler from Tampa to Crystal River first, where you'll have a picnic at one of the amazing lakes. Then attempt the 350-mile-or-so route from Crystal to Apalachicola, a quaint fishing town with some of the world's best seafood. (There are lots of RV campgrounds here.)
At dawn, travel another 100 miles from Apalachicola to Mobile, taking in the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge if you can, before driving the final 150 miles to The Big Easy, the world-class city that needs no introduction.
With All Of The Places To See, You Will Need Great Places to Stay
Here are some of the best RV parks and campgrounds in Florida:
Red Coconut RV Park
It's rare to find an RV park so close to the beach, making Red Coconut a Florida landmark all in itself. More five-star resort than a campground, this place boasts 60 beachside RV sites with showers, picnic tables and full internet service. If you forget your grill, head over to the clubhouse for some seriously sumptuous seafood.
Bluewater Key RV Resort
One of the many RV parks that pepper the Keys, Bluewater caters to the luxury traveler with private cabins and lush landscaping. If you're looking for a treat, this park certainly delivers with its enormous spa and swimming pool. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi and RV parking.
Fort Pickens Campground
Santa Rosa Island (part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore)
A cheaper option than Bluewater, Fort Pickens offers basic but comfortable RV facilities for travelers on a budget. Amenities include showers, toilets and drinking water.
Rent an RV and explore these wonderful roads. Thanks to your RV rental, you will never need to worry about finding a place to stay while you travel America's highways and byways.
Before You Pack Your Bags, Read This:
RVing is the best way to see fabulous Florida. Whether you're headed for Mickey or the Keys, it's cheaper to explore the Sunshine State by RV than by car, and you can bring all your home comforts with you.
P.S. Rent an RV with a refrigerator to keep your key lime pie chilled!
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