Most scenic route from New York to Florida

Your total driving distance with all stops is approximately 2,607 miles (4195 kilometers), lasting around 50 hours and 7 minutes. However, you can make it a seven-day journey. Consider stopping in East Earl, PA., Vesuvius, VA., Balsam Grove, NC., Charleston, SC., Woodbine, GA., Melbourne, FL., and Wellington, FL. At the same time, you hunt for excellent scenic roads for this long excursion. Scenic routes and locations to visit include, to name a few, Delaware Valley, Mouth of Delaware to Brandywine, Amish Country Scenic Drive, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Newfound Gap Road.

Highlights

Table Of Contents

  • Delaware Valley
  • Mouth of the Delaware to Brandywine
  • Amish Country Scenic Drive
  • George Washington Memorial Parkway
  • Skyline Drive
  • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Newfound Gap Road
  • Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway
  • South Carolina Coast
  • A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway
  • Indian River Lagoon

Day 1: New York

On the first day, you will go 382 miles (618 kilometers) in eight hours. The Delaware Valley, Mouth of Delaware to Brandywine, and Amish Country Scenic Drive are all scenic routes.

The Delaware Valley 

It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to explore, attracting hikers, birders, fishermen, photographers, and painters along the federally designated Wild and Scenic part of the Delaware River that runs parallel to the Byway. The D&R Canal State Park is ideal for biking, canoeing and kayaking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, hunting, picnics, birdwatching, fishing, and simply resting. This Byway gives individuals of all ages easy access to recreational options. On the Delaware River Scenic Byway, events and activities are available all year.

From the mouth of Delaware to the Brandywine

It’s a 66-mile journey that should take about 1 hour and 36 minutes. This DuPont country is rooted in splendor, creativity, and discovery. The scenic trip from Dover, Delaware, to Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, is rich with a stunning natural landscape of undulating hills and valleys, formal gardens, romance, and history. Along the path, wildlife refuges abound, forming a one-of-a-kind network of land and water that is home to a diverse range of birds and species.

Amish Country Scenic Drive

Finally, the gorgeous back roads will introduce you to a way of life that hasn’t altered in hundreds of years. Tour through fascinating towns overflowing with old-fashioned charm to learn about Amish culture and history. This excursion is only 98 miles long and can be completed in two hours because you will spend the night in East Earl, PA.

Day 2: East Earl, PA.

On the second day, you must prepare for further adventures beginning with Amish Country Scenic Drive, which takes at least an hour to reach George Washington Memorial Parkway. Furthermore, on this second day, you must travel 407 miles in approximately 8 hours and 12 minutes to reach Vesuvius, VA. Among the beautiful spots not to miss is the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The George Washington Memorial Parkway’s purpose was for leisure driving. 

It connects locations commemorating significant events in American history while preserving local species’ habitats. The Parkway and its adjacent trails provide a picturesque spot to play and rest in the hectic Washington, DC urban region. A distance of 122 miles takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. You might alternatively spend the remaining minutes driving through Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway on your route to Vesuvius, Virginia.

Day 3: Vesuvius, VA

The Blue Ridge Parkway’s purpose was for motor travel, so it’s no surprise that a drive along Virginia’s rooftop is the first thing that springs to mind. Driving toward Blue Ridge Parkway is a fantastic experience for your eight-hour journey from Vesuvius to Balsam Grove, NC, which is 386 miles away. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway begins at I-64 at Waynesboro and connects to Virginia’s other spectacular mountain road, the 105-mile Skyline Drive. You can group the trips along the Parkway into three distinct experiences that showcase Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains in all their grandeur. 

The cliff-hugging road provides panoramic views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders, and many recreational options. The Parkway is spectacular in any season, but it is most famous for its fall foliage, which presents a vibrant pallet of color. Sections of the Parkway may get blocked during the winter; checking for current road conditions is best before venturing out. Finally, spend the night at Balsam Grove, NC.

Day 4: Balsam Grove, NC

To get to Charleston, SC, from Balsam Grove, NC, you’ll need to drive 433 miles in 8 hours. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow the Newfound Gap Road to the Ashley Road National Scenic Byway. This small 13-mile Byway follows the Ashley River. Plantations and huge gardens dot the road, as do key Revolutionary and Civil War ruins. This picturesque pastoral Drive is an exciting way to Charleston or a must-see day trip if you’re already there. Consider these state parks before starting the official Byway from the north. 

The modest 35-acre Colleton State Park is free to enter and offers walking paths, camping, and fishing for bream, redbreast, and catfish. A current South Carolina fishing license is necessary, and you can borrow rods and reels from the park office. The Edisto River is famous for canoeing and kayaking, and you may paddle 23 miles to Givhans Ferry State Park. Afterwards, make your way to Charleston, SC, for the night.

Day 5: Charleston, SC

You would have traveled around 8 hours from Charleston, SC, to Woodbine, GA. The estimated distance between these two points is 472 miles. This gorgeous coastal route in South Carolina stretches from Charleston to Myrtle Beach before ending at Little River near the North Carolina border. Discover colonial architecture, once-thriving rice plantations, beautiful gardens, state parks, national refuges, and over 60 miles of magnificent beaches, some with a bit of kitsch thrown in, on this exciting tour from the Lowcountry to the Grand Strand. 

If you want to relax or go on an active family holiday, there’s something for everyone here. Before leaving Charleston, stay and visit the plantations, forts, and breathtaking natural splendor along the Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway. Before arriving at Woodbine, GA, take the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway. Its 72 miles of primarily two-lane highway wind through natural beauty, history, and solitude. 

For more than 500 years, the land and rivers on each side of the Byway have been a part of American history, nature, archaeology, and pleasure. State parks, national monuments, beautiful beaches, nature walks, boating, fishing, preserves, and estuaries are all connected via the Byway.

Day 6: Woodbine, GA

Your journey on the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway continues from Woodbine, GA, to Melbourne, FL. You may drive 413 miles in around eight hours here. The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, a 72-mile stretch of historic State Road A1A, is home to the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, and the world’s first oceanarium, the Marineland Dolphin Adventure. The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway is the next scenic Drive. It promotes an atmosphere in which passengers are surrounded by a unique and diversified habitat with particular places and stunning scenery that inspires a sense of peace and generates unforgettable memories. 

The Byway runs through some of coastal Florida’s most endangered and notable ecological communities. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore, and the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge are all part of a natural barrier island system that spared the development widespread elsewhere in Florida. Driving towards Wellington, FL, you can spend the night in Melbourne, FL.

Day 7 Florida

On the final day, you will have to go 118 miles, which will take approximately 2 hours. Wellington, Florida, is conveniently located just inland from gorgeous West Palm Beach, Florida, and has a small-town feel with many nearby attractions for individuals with a wide range of interests. The state of Florida is a golfer’s paradise, and the Wellington and Palm Beach districts are loaded with courses offering a range of greens fees, from affordable to VIP. 

The region is well-known for its numerous ecological preserves and wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Within 20 minutes, there are numerous world-class museums and art galleries. The Panther Ridge Conservation Center is one of the top things to do in Wellington. The Panther Ridge Conservation Center, located at 14755 Palm Beach Point Boulevard in Wellington, is home to some remarkable big cats injured and rescued from the wild. 

Tours exist; although they are not cheap, the money raised goes towards feeding and caring for the animals, so it’s a worthwhile cause. The tour will teach you about the panthers roaming the Florida Everglades and how their numbers have declined over the previous century. You will not be allowed to touch the majestic beasts for safety reasons, but you will be able to come close enough to admire their power and beauty.

FAQs

Best time to drive to Florida from New York

The best time to drive from New York to Florida would be during the fall or spring. Traffic is lighter, and the weather is more comfortable than in summer or winter.

What are some good stopping points on a road trip from New York to Florida?

There are many potential stopping points when driving from New York to Florida. Some popular options include Washington D.C., Virginia Beach , Myrtle Beach, and Orlando .

What is the best route to take when driving from New York to Florida?

When driving from New York to Florida, the best route depends on your starting point in New York, but a few popular options include Interstate 95, Interstate 81, or the Florida Turnpike.

How long does it take to drive from New York to Florida?

The driving time from New York to Florida is typically about 21 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops made along the way.

Driving from new york to Florida in one day

Is it possible to drive from New York to Florida in one day? While it is technically possible, it is not recommended. Driving for such a long distance can be exhausting, and you may miss out on some of the attractions along the way.

Taking route 81 from new york to Florida

Route 81 is a popular option when driving from New York to Florida. The highway runs from Virginia to Tennessee and offers scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains.

Best day of the week to drive to Florida

The best day of the week to drive from New York to Florida depends on your schedule and preferences. Leaving on a weekday may be your best bet to avoid traffic. However, if you have more flexible timing, you may find that rates for hotels and attractions are lower during the week.

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