27 Scenic Drives in Florida for Your 2024 Bucket List • Authentic Florida

Last Updated on November 12, 2023

We believe the best way to explore the Sunshine State is to take one of the 27 scenic drives in Florida.

South Florida scenic highway sign for Rt 1

Backroads may take longer than jumping on busy highways, but it’s a great way to celebrate the natural beauty of real Florida.

27 Scenic Road Trips in Florida

Taking the scenic route is the perfect excuse to check out some cool Florida State Parks or make a pit stop at national historic landmarks along the 1,524 miles of roads.

2022 Florida Scenic Highways Map — Source: FDOT

Whether cruising down the Gulf coastline or taking the Atlantic Ocean to drive between Flagler Beach and St. Augustine, the views of these scenic drives in Florida are unforgettable. To clarify, you won’t want to miss it!

It’s impossible to label just one of the scenic drives in Florida as a favorite because of their vast diversity.

Overseas Highway by Gagliardi Photography — Photo Credit: Gagliardi Photography

There’s no questioning that the experience you get driving the Overseas Highway down to Key West is very different than driving out to Cedar Key or through Ocala National Forest. But they’re all great!

Did you know the Florida Scenic Highways Program was established by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to showcase the outstanding intrinsic resources (cultural, historical, archaeological, recreational, natural, and scenic) found along Florida’s highway system?

The Florida Scenic Highway collection includes 27 state-designated scenic highways. Of these, consequently, six are further designated at a federal level as National Scenic Byways.

If you didn’t know, the terms highways and byways are interchangeable.

Additionally, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway and A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway are designated as All-American Roads.

They are judged to have unique features that are nationally significant and considered to be tourist destinations.

The program is a grass-roots effort to heighten awareness of these natural wonders. These scenic roads enhance the overall traveling experience in Florida.

For example, from local parks to historical landmarks, you never know what great place you may have been missing throughout the Sunshine State if you had taken one of the regular highways.

So carve out the time and travel off the beaten path. Should you go this route (pun intended), you won’t be disappointed.

Here’s the list of 27 scenic drives in Florida by region. Plus, we share links to articles we have written with many things to do near these sensational scenic roads.

Apalachicola Waterfront — Source: Apalachicola Chamber of Commerce

Ironically, since then, it has organically evolved into a leading ecotourism destination in Florida.

So get your GPS ready, pack your favorite road trip snacks, and experience a scenic Florida road trip!

Table of Contents

Scenic Routes in Florida’s Northwest/Panhandle Region

Scenic Highway 30A

Big Bend Scenic Byway

This area known as Big Bend is a place of natural beauty and scenic wonders spanning 220 miles!

Here you can explore the Forest Trail, surrounded by lush pine forests and tranquil hardwood hammocks. Or embark on the Coastal Trail, where you’ll encounter captivating salt marshes, picturesque bays, and majestic sand dunes.

This area is brimming with unique wildlife, stunning woodlands, enchanting waterways, and a way of life that’s truly special. It’s a real Florida treasure that you won’t want to miss!

Length of the Byway: 220 Miles
Designation Date: Nov. 14, 2006
FDOT District: 3
More Info: ﬂoridabigbendscenicbyway.org

Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway

If you are looking for fun things to do while exploring scenic drives in Florida in Northwest Florida, we’ve got you covered.

Scenic Routes in Florida’s Northeast Region

A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway

Old Florida Heritage Highway

William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway

J.C. Penney Memorial Scenic Highway

Heritage Crossroads: Miles of History

A1A Ocean Islands Trail

If you are looking for fun things to do while exploring scenic drives in Northeast Florida, we’ve got you covered.

Scenic Routes in Florida’s Central Region

Photo of Indian River Lagoon sunset at Environmental Learning Center

Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway

Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway

Green Mountain Scenic Byway

Halifax Heritage Byway

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway

Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail

Palma Sola Scenic Highway

River of Lakes Heritage Corridor

Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway

Suncoast Scenic Parkway

The Ridge Scenic Highway

We’ve got you covered if you want fun things to do while exploring scenic drives in Florida throughout Central Florida, Central West Florida, and Central East Florida.

Scenic Routes in Florida’s Southern Region

Martin Grade Scenic Highway

Indian River Lagoon – Treasure Coast

Broward County A1A Scenic Highway

Florida Keys Scenic Highway

Lemon Bay/Myakka Trail Scenic Highway

Tamiami Trail – Windows to the Gulf Coast

If you are looking for fun things to do while exploring scenic drives in Southeast Florida, we’ve got you covered.

In conclusion, there are 1,524 miles of designated scenic highways to explore in Florida. There’s never a shortage of places to explore.

Certainly, let us know your favorite(s) and treasures you spotted during your travels in the comments below.

The FDOT puts out a calendar each year to celebrate the scenic highways. The calendar can be downloaded on the FDOT website.

Bonus Information

Annual A1A Super Scenic Garage Sale

event flyer — Source: Friends of A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway

This annual event was one of our 19 Top Florida Events in November 2023.

Friends of A1A and Florida Scenic Highway partners hold the longest Garage Sale in Northeast Florida.

There are many locations along the 150 mile route to stop and shop — some are residences along the A1A Byway and others are community centers or businesses.

Who: Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway (event coordinator) and partners: A1A Ocean Islands Trail (Nassau/Duval), Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail (Volusia), Halifax Heritage Byway (Volusia)

What: The 15th Annual Super Scenic 150 Mile Garage Sale

Where: From Fernandina Beach (Nassau) to Ponce Inlet (Volusia) along more than 150 Miles of Florida Scenic Highways

When: Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 8 am to 2 pm

Why: Friends of A1A strives to increase visitation/economic impact to the scenic sites and businesses along the Byways.

How: Friends of A1A uses registration fees to place ads in surrounding county press and internet news media, and to provide event signs. (NOTE: we are promoting this event because we think it’s cool. We are not being paid.)

Proceeds: Sellers retain all proceeds. Contributions to Friends of A1A are always welcome.

For more info, visit https://scenica1a.org/ or the Friends of A1A Facebook event page.

Florida Scenic Highways 25th Anniversary Video

Florida’s Forgotten Coast Highway

Forgotten Coast Highway graphic by Authentic Florida

#DYK: “Florida’s Forgotten Coast” received this name in the early 1990s because state tourism promoters often ‘forgot’ to include this area on their maps.

Ironically, since then, it has evolved into quite possibly the leading ecotourism destination in Florida.

Check out these articles focused on Florida’s Forgotten Coast:

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an excellent place if you are searching for Florida wildlife. In fact, you’re guaranteed to see a variety of bird species and maybe even an alligator or two.

Learn more at Spotlight on Spectacular Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

While in the area, check out: