Florida is one big state, and Interstate 95 runs through much of it. Check out the best things to see and do during your drive through the Sunshine State.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is buzzing with fun activities, cultural attractions, and opportunities to get out into nature. Art can be found at The Cummer Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art. Get up close and personal with creatures large and small at the Cattyshack Wildlife Sanctuary and Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, and take a hike at Castaway Preserve, Little Talbot Island State Park, or Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
Melbourne
Melbourne’s Brevard Zoo emphasizes “wildlife conservation through education and participation,” with special exhibits dedicated to wild Florida creatures. Visitors can see alligators, crocodiles, otters, fox, and owls. There are also more exotic animals like rhinos, anteaters, cheetahs, Komodo dragons, and colorful birds. Get out into the sun at Paradise Beach & Park, or take in some art at the Foosaner Art Museum.
Titusville
A lot is going on in Titusville. The American Space Museum is dedicated to all things out of this world, including rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral. Fun for the whole family can be found at Jungle Adventures, a theme park featuring your favorite animals.
St. Augustine
The oldest continually-occupied city in the United States, St. Augustine is filled to the brim with historic charm. Its Old Town section is the perfect place to spend a day–from quaint cafes and boutiques to upscale eateries and cultural attractions and gorgeous Flagler College, this area has it all. The stunning Castillo de San Marcos Fort is also worth a visit, even if you’re not a big history buff. Before you go, test out the powers of the famed Fountain of Youth by taking a sip or two of its spring water.
Daytona Beach
Once a famed Spring Break party destination, Daytona Beach has cleaned up its act over the past couple decades. It is now a family-friendly destination for sun, fun, and of course, motorsports. The Daytona Speedway is still home to the famed Daytona 500, but there’s plenty to see and do at the track–including tours and NASCAR race experiences–even when it’s not race day.
Vero Beach
This quiet seaside town is the perfect place to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle but still enjoy the beauty of Florida’s East Coast. Beach-adjacent accommodations are plentiful and include the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, as well as Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s chic Costa d’Este Beach Resort. There are also more than a few places to treat yourself to a fabulous meal. For fresh seafood, head to Ocean Grill, Cobalt, or The Tides.
South Florida
The year-round warmth and excitement of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach can all be found along I-95 as well. Whether you’re in the mood for the beach, the ritzy nightclubs of Miami’s Ocean Drive, shops and restaurants of Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, or bustling Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach, these cities make for the perfect beginning or end to any trip.
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