A while ago, we brought you The Ultimate Central Florida Road Trip, and we promised that there would be future trips covering other regions of Florida. Since Florida is such a gargantuan state, it’s only right that we break it up into regions so that you, the traveler, can get the most bang for your buck. Of course, it’s impossible to include every amazing spot, however, we wanted to include as many places to visit in North Florida as possible, each with their own characteristics and history.
As you know, our state is pretty large, so this trip clocks in at around 8 hours, not including the time it takes to get back to point A, wherever it is you’re starting from. Luckily, there are plenty of state parks and historic towns along the way that would make perfect places to stop for the night. This trip has so many incredible sights, it would be best to give yourself as much time as possible to take it all in. Click here for the entire road trip itinerary.
Google Maps
Without further ado, we present some of the all-time best places to visit in North Florida all in one road trip.
Google Maps
Falling Waters State Park
TryppAdams
www.floridastateparks.org We’ll begin in the Panhandle, at Florida’s most impressive natural waterfall, though it can vary from a trickle to a roar, depending on the amount of recent rainfall. The state park that houses this impressive waterfall offers plenty of other activities to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, picnicking and camping, This area has a rich history as well, as a home to Native Americans, a Civil War-era gristmill powered by the waterfall, and even the site of one of Florida’s first oil wells. While you’re in Chipley, check out the Seacrest Wolf Preserve, too.
Florida Caverns State Park
TripAdvisor Simply Heartfelt
TripAdvisor Amanda D.
TripAdvisor Zonicle Next, we’ll head over to Marianna for the only air-filled caves open for tours in Florida. Visitors will also enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and fishing on the Chipola River or Blue Hole Spring. This park is also often recognized for its well-kept campsites. Tours are offered Thursday through Monday only. The tours last 45 minutes and as far as difficulty, they can be moderately strenuous.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
TripAdvisor KennethCalif
TripAdvisor Albina Y. Our next stop is Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, home to one of the biggest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Not only does the beautiful park contain a natural landmark surrounded by unique Florida wildlife and old-growth forests it is also home to a 1937 lodge with a dining room that overlooks the spring. This park has something for everyone. The summer months are a popular time for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the river’s grassy shore. Visitors of all ages can enjoy The Wakulla Springs Lodge, boat tours, and nature trails. This would be a wonderful place to schedule a stay if you think you’ll be ready to stop for the night.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: 550 Wakulla Park Dr, Crawfordville, FL 32327
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
TripAdvisor Kristen S.
www.floridastateparks.org Tubing down the Ichetucknee deserves a place on every Floridian’s bucket list. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, and kayaking are other popular pastimes. There’s no camping at this park, and it’s open every day of the year from 8:00 a.m. until sundown.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: 12087 Southwest U.S. 27, Fort White, FL 32038
Devil’s Den Spring
www.devilsden.com Next, we’ll drive to one of Florida’s natural wonders, Devil’s Den. Devil’s Den, a karst window (an open cave over a river) is one of the most unique and ethereal places in Florida for scuba diving or snorkeling.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696
St. Augustine
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Daron Dean via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor Though it has become a popular tourist destination, America’s oldest city has retained a lot of its historic authenticity and charm. Highlights include many museums, restaurants, spectacular architecture, and the oldest fort in the country. Pictured are the Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and a tour of San Sebastian Winery.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island
TripAdvisor Gary B. Our next stop is to a couple of hidden gems near Jacksonville. Undeveloped barrier islands like these are very rare, and the unique coastal landscapes will blow you away. Visit one or both of the islands, depending on what you have time for and what you hope to find.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: A1A North, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Amelia Island
Daron Dean via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
Daron Dean via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
Daron Dean via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
Daron Dean via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
www.floridastateparks.org Amelia Island is the epitome of Florida charm. Pristine beaches, historic buildings, and cute and quirky shops and restaurants make the town of Fernandina Beach a very popular destination. You can also travel back in time with a guided tour at Fort Clinch State Park. Bring food for a picnic and don’t forget to check out the impressive fishing pier.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
So, if you’re looking for places to visit in Florida, we’ve got you covered. This trip should provide you with plenty of amazing photographs and stories to last a lifetime.
TryppAdams
We’ll begin in the Panhandle, at Florida’s most impressive natural waterfall, though it can vary from a trickle to a roar, depending on the amount of recent rainfall. The state park that houses this impressive waterfall offers plenty of other activities to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, picnicking and camping, This area has a rich history as well, as a home to Native Americans, a Civil War-era gristmill powered by the waterfall, and even the site of one of Florida’s first oil wells. While you’re in Chipley, check out the Seacrest Wolf Preserve, too.
TripAdvisor Simply Heartfelt
TripAdvisor Amanda D.
TripAdvisor Zonicle
Next, we’ll head over to Marianna for the only air-filled caves open for tours in Florida. Visitors will also enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and fishing on the Chipola River or Blue Hole Spring. This park is also often recognized for its well-kept campsites. Tours are offered Thursday through Monday only. The tours last 45 minutes and as far as difficulty, they can be moderately strenuous.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428
TripAdvisor KennethCalif
TripAdvisor Albina Y.
Our next stop is Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, home to one of the biggest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Not only does the beautiful park contain a natural landmark surrounded by unique Florida wildlife and old-growth forests it is also home to a 1937 lodge with a dining room that overlooks the spring. This park has something for everyone. The summer months are a popular time for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the river’s grassy shore. Visitors of all ages can enjoy The Wakulla Springs Lodge, boat tours, and nature trails. This would be a wonderful place to schedule a stay if you think you’ll be ready to stop for the night.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: 550 Wakulla Park Dr, Crawfordville, FL 32327
TripAdvisor Kristen S.
Tubing down the Ichetucknee deserves a place on every Floridian’s bucket list. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, and kayaking are other popular pastimes. There’s no camping at this park, and it’s open every day of the year from 8:00 a.m. until sundown.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: 12087 Southwest U.S. 27, Fort White, FL 32038
Next, we’ll drive to one of Florida’s natural wonders, Devil’s Den. Devil’s Den, a karst window (an open cave over a river) is one of the most unique and ethereal places in Florida for scuba diving or snorkeling.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Daron Dean via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
Though it has become a popular tourist destination, America’s oldest city has retained a lot of its historic authenticity and charm. Highlights include many museums, restaurants, spectacular architecture, and the oldest fort in the country. Pictured are the Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and a tour of San Sebastian Winery.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
TripAdvisor Gary B.
Our next stop is to a couple of hidden gems near Jacksonville. Undeveloped barrier islands like these are very rare, and the unique coastal landscapes will blow you away. Visit one or both of the islands, depending on what you have time for and what you hope to find.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
Address: A1A North, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Amelia Island is the epitome of Florida charm. Pristine beaches, historic buildings, and cute and quirky shops and restaurants make the town of Fernandina Beach a very popular destination. You can also travel back in time with a guided tour at Fort Clinch State Park. Bring food for a picnic and don’t forget to check out the impressive fishing pier.
Click here for more information about this road trip stop!
What stops would you add to this trip? What’s your favorite Florida road trip? Make sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments section! Or if you have more places to visit in North Florida that didn’t make the list, make sure to let us know.
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Address: 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696Address: 12087 Southwest U.S. 27, Fort White, FL 32038Address: 550 Wakulla Park Dr, Crawfordville, FL 32327Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446Address: Falling Waters State Park, 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USAAddress: St. Augustine, FL, USAAddress: Amelia Island, Florida 32034, USAAddress: Big Talbot Island State Park, Jacksonville, FL 32226, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Places To Visit In North Florida June 06, 2020 Marisa Roman What are the best road trips through Florida? The North Florida road trip is only one of many road trips to take throughout the state. Depending on what it is you’re looking to do, the road trips in Florida will differ. Between the haunted road trips, food-focused road trips, and even the incredible waterfalls road trip, you’ll be in for a treat. Click here to check out 7 Unforgettable Road Trips to Take in Florida. What are the best free things to do in Florida? Some of the best things to do in North Florida happen to be free! What better way to explore a new region without having to break the bank simultaneously. Some of the best things in Florida can be enjoyed without opening up your wallet, from getting some sun on the epic beaches to hiking through state parks. Take a look at these 14 fun things to do without spending a dime in Florida. What food trails can I take in Florida? What about day trips in Florida that focus solely on food? Sound too good to be true? Because the Florida food scene is such a gem, there are many different ways to explore all the best culinary creations in one shot. One of the coolest road trips you can take in Florida that is all about satisfying your sweet tooth is the mouthwatering ice cream trail!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Places To Visit In North Florida
June 06, 2020
Marisa Roman
What are the best road trips through Florida? The North Florida road trip is only one of many road trips to take throughout the state. Depending on what it is you’re looking to do, the road trips in Florida will differ. Between the haunted road trips, food-focused road trips, and even the incredible waterfalls road trip, you’ll be in for a treat. Click here to check out 7 Unforgettable Road Trips to Take in Florida. What are the best free things to do in Florida? Some of the best things to do in North Florida happen to be free! What better way to explore a new region without having to break the bank simultaneously. Some of the best things in Florida can be enjoyed without opening up your wallet, from getting some sun on the epic beaches to hiking through state parks. Take a look at these 14 fun things to do without spending a dime in Florida. What food trails can I take in Florida? What about day trips in Florida that focus solely on food? Sound too good to be true? Because the Florida food scene is such a gem, there are many different ways to explore all the best culinary creations in one shot. One of the coolest road trips you can take in Florida that is all about satisfying your sweet tooth is the mouthwatering ice cream trail!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The North Florida road trip is only one of many road trips to take throughout the state. Depending on what it is you’re looking to do, the road trips in Florida will differ. Between the haunted road trips, food-focused road trips, and even the incredible waterfalls road trip, you’ll be in for a treat. Click here to check out 7 Unforgettable Road Trips to Take in Florida.
What are the best free things to do in Florida?
Some of the best things to do in North Florida happen to be free! What better way to explore a new region without having to break the bank simultaneously. Some of the best things in Florida can be enjoyed without opening up your wallet, from getting some sun on the epic beaches to hiking through state parks. Take a look at these 14 fun things to do without spending a dime in Florida.
What food trails can I take in Florida?
What about day trips in Florida that focus solely on food? Sound too good to be true? Because the Florida food scene is such a gem, there are many different ways to explore all the best culinary creations in one shot. One of the coolest road trips you can take in Florida that is all about satisfying your sweet tooth is the mouthwatering ice cream trail!
