Ready to plan a road trip from Florida to Georgia? Florida and Georgia are beautiful destinations in the southeastern USA that are packed with things to do and see. In this 10-day east coast Florida to Georgia road trip itinerary, we’ll travel from Miami, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, stopping along the way to enjoy everything in between!
Florida and Georgia both have a special place in my heart. Many of my family members live in Florida and I grew up in Georgia, so traveling between the two states was a frequent part of my childhood.
There are so many amazing places to discover along the Georgia and Florida coast and a road trip is a perfect way to really get a sense of this region. Let’s get started!
East Coast Road Trip From Florida to Georgia Route (Miami to Atlanta)
This road trip to Georgia from Florida starts in Miami in southern Florida and ends in Atlanta in central Georgia. From Miami, you’ll basically be following 1-95 North along the coast until Savannah, at which point you’ll get on I-16 West which takes you into Atlanta.
Here’s a look at the main stops you’ll make along the way.
- Miami, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Savannah, Georgia
- Atlanta, Georgia
Florida Georgia Road Trip Map
Florida To Georgia Road Trip Time
Driving directly, the Miami to Atlanta drive time is about 9 hours. It’s about 660 miles if you take the most direct route following 1-75 North most of the way.
But for this southeastern Georgia and Florida road trip, we’ll be taking a much more beautiful route so that you can see destinations along the coastline.
When you take the scenic route, the total travel time is closer to 12 hours. For this post, I’ve spaced out the best stops and attractions over ten days so that you have time to relax and dig into each destination. That’s the fun of a road trip, after all!
Best Time of Year to Take a Road Trip From Florida to Georgia
The nice thing about traveling around the southern USA is that the weather is usually warm and sunny, even during the winter months. I’ve comfortably worn short sleeves at family Christmas in Florida.
The only time to avoid is the middle of the summer. Summer in this area can get wicked hot and the humidity can make you feel like you’re standing in a swimming pool. Plus the beaches and attractions are more likely to be crowded with vacationers and hotels can be pricey.
Your best bet is to stick to fall, winter, and spring for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Day 1: Miami, Florida
Miami is one of the most popular travel destinations in Florida and a must-visit for any Florida Georgia road trip! In this itinerary, we’ve dedicated two full days to Miami so you have time to see the different sides of the city.
Kick-off your first day in Miami by exploring the Wynwood Walls and Little Havana.
The Wynwood Walls are a vibrant outdoor museum with murals and street art from creators around the world. You can explore on your own or take a guided tour with an official ambassador.
Little Havana is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Miami and it is home to incredible music venues, restaurants, and museums. You can learn about the history of the area with a guide on this highly-rated Little Havana food and culture walking tour.
After spending an amazing afternoon in Wynwood and Little Havana, make your way back to downtown for dinner.
There are thousands of incredible restaurants downtown so it’s hard to go wrong, but the Rusty Pelican Restaurant is always a favorite. It’s located across the water on Virginia Key and offers an outstanding view of downtown Miami.
Go for sunset or a bit earlier to take advantage of happy hour specials from 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm Monday through Thursday. Then when it’s time for dinner, prepare to dive into mountains of fresh seafood, sushi, and salads while watching the twinkling city lights.
Where to stay in Miami: Hotel Indigo Brickell is a boutique hotel offering panoramic city skyline views in an awesome location just a short walk to many top bars, restaurants, and attractions in downtown Miami. If you want to be close to the action on South Beach, check out the Leslie Hotel. This Art Deco hotel dates back to the 1930s and is right on the water. It even has a rooftop pool!
Related Post: 3 Day Miami, Florida Itinerary For The Perfect Long Weekend
Day 2: Miami, Florida and Traveling to Orlando
On your second day in Miami, start your day off with breakfast at B Bistro and Bakery for upscale dining or Blue Collar for classic American favorites.
Once you’re fueled up for the day, take to the seas with a boat cruise of Millionaires Row. You’ll get an awesome view of Miami and you’ll be able to see homes belonging to famous celebrities.
In the afternoon, you’ve got a few options. If you enjoy shopping, downtown Miami is a dream. There’s Aventura, a high-end luxury mall that is more like its own city, Brickell, where you can shop, live, and generally just ogle at the beautiful modern buildings, or Bayside Marketplace, a more casual outdoor shopping area with waterfront views.
If shopping isn’t your thing, head across the bridge to spend some time exploring the island of Miami Beach. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the area from an expert, or if you’re hungry, take a South Beach multi-cultural food tour to sample treats from the area’s top hidden gems.
As the day winds down, it’s time to hit the road for the next stop on our road trip from Florida to Georgia: Orlando. Because we have a full day planned for Orlando tomorrow, it’s best to arrive the night before so you can hit the ground running.
The drive from Miami to Orlando takes about 3.5 hours and covers 230 miles. Take 1-95 N and the Florida Turnpike for the most direct route.
When you arrive in Orlando, make sure to get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow you’ll have a packed day in the happiest place on earth.
Day 3 and 4: Orlando, Florida and Disney World
Located in sunny central Florida, Orlando is most famous for being home to Disney World! There are four different Disney theme parks and three Universal Studios parks, not to mention all the different water parks.
Seeing it all would take weeks, but it’s definitely worth planning some time on your road trip to enjoy the parks.
You can book tickets for Universal Studios Parks and standard tickets for Disney Parks online in advance.
Because there are so many different things to see, I’d recommend doing a day at one of the Disney Parks and a day at one of the Universal Studios Parks.
Want to venture beyond Walt Disney World? The Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral is just a short drive from Orlando and a great place to spend the day.
Where to Stay in Orlando: The Homewood Suites By Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings is just a few minutes away from the Disney Parks and includes free breakfast and parking! You can also stay at one of the official Disney Resort Hotels which include free transportation to the parks.
Day 5: St. Augustine, Florida
After two exciting days in Orlando, it’s time to head to another gem in Florida, St. Augustine. St. Augustine was founded in 1565, making it one of the most historical cities to visit in the United States.
The drive from Orlando to St. Augustine takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The most direct route is to take I-4 East and I-95 North.
St. Augustine is the perfect place to learn more about the history of America. There’s a trolley system that will take you to all the main attractions and there’s no shortage of interesting museums.
To keep things simple, you can book a combo trolley and museum pass ticket that includes admission to the Old Jail, The Oldest Store Museum, and the St. Augustine History Museum.
After touring the St. Augustine museums, head to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a 17th-century fortress with self-guided tours and views of the water.
In a city as old as St. Augustine, there’s bound to be a spooky tale or two. Get in touch with the supernatural on a haunted ghost tour. This 1.5-hour ghost walking tour will take you through the most haunted historic sites in the city with an expert tour guide.
For dinner, you can’t miss the Floridian in the downtown St. Augustine historic district. This restaurant serves local, seasonable southern favorites with indoor and outdoor seating and an impressive cocktail list. If you’re new to southern cuisine, you definitely need to try the fried green tomatoes starter!
Where to stay in St. Augustine: To stay close to the action in downtown St. Augustine, check out the St. George Inn or Villa 1565. Both hotels include complimentary breakfast and are in a great location for exploring.
Day 6: Driving Sceinic Highway A1A to Jacksonville, Florida
Now that you’re about halfway through your road trip to Georgia from Florida, it’s time to spend the day relaxing at the beach.
Driving from St. Augustine to Jacksonville, Florida only takes about 45 minutes on highway I-95 N but for this trip, I’d recommend, once again, taking the scenic route. Hop on highway A1A and head toward Jacksonville Beach to experience one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country.
You’ll first pass through the Guana Reserve (there’s a place where you can stop and go to the beach called Guana Reserve Middle Beach) then you’ll pass Mickler Beach.
Up next you’ll see Ponte Vedra Beach then you’ll hit the main Jacksonville hotspots of Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these Jacksonville beaches so slather on some sunscreen, grab a good book, and enjoy!
When you’ve had your beach fix, it’s time to head into downtown Jacksonville. The drive takes about thirty minutes and along the way, you can grab a bite at Dockside Seafood Jacksonville Beach located along the intercoastal waterway.
For the rest of the afternoon, enjoy the amazing Jacksonville art and museum scene. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you can visit the Riverside Arts Market on the Northbank River Walk.
Art lovers should head to MOCA, the Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Arts, or the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Science fans should visit MOSH, the Jacksonville Museum of Science and History. Bookworms? Head to the Chamblin Bookmine and you’ll be in used-book heaven.
For dinner, Black Sheep Five Points serves classic American dishes made from local ingredients. There’s also a rooftop patio area where you can grab a drink and enjoy views of the city.
Where to stay in Jacksonville, Florida: The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront and the Jacksonville River City Downtown Hotel are both in a great location close to the water and popular downtown attractions.
Day 7: The Georgia Barrier Islands and Savannah
On the morning of day 7, we’ll drive from Jacksonville to Savannah. You’ll follow I-95N and the drive takes about 2 hours straight through, but along the way, you’ll pass some incredible Georgia barrier islands that are worth the detour.
First, you’ll pass adorable Amelia Island. With a charming vacation village, shops, and ample outdoor space thanks to a state park, Amelia Island is a great spot for a relaxing break close to the sea.
Continuing north, you’ll pass Cumberland Island. This protected nature reserve and barrier island is only accessible by ferry (the boat dock is in the town of St. Marys) and it’s known for having wild horses.
Jekyll Island has bike trails around the island for cycling and Driftwood Beach where you can see impressive driftwood sculptures made by mother nature herself.
Next door, St. Simons Island has some of the best laid-back swimming beaches around.
After an afternoon exploring the Georgia barrier islands, also known as the Golden Isles, your last stop of the day is downtown Savannah, Georgia. Stretch your legs by walking around picturesque Forsyth Park and enjoy a southern dinner at Olde Pink House, one of the most beloved Savannah restaurants.
Where to stay in Savannah: For an unforgettable (and spooky) Savannah experience, check out the historic Marshall House. It’s rumored to be haunted, but even if you don’t have a paranormal experience you’ll love the amazing location, elegant design, breakfast, and nightly wine reception.
Related Post: 14 Best Places to Stay in Savannah GA
Day 8: Savannah, Georgia
The first thing to do on your first full day in Savannah? Check out the incredible brunch scene! Southern cities know how to do brunch right, and Savannah will definitely leave you satisfied. Check out the Collins Quarter or the Funky Brunch Cafe downtown.
To see as much of the city as possible, grab a seat on the hop-on-hop-off trolley. Onboard, you can listen to a guided narration and you can get off any 15 different points around the city to explore.
One thing you can’t miss? The candy shops on River Street! River Street is one of the most lively areas in the city and you can find dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops all with a beautiful view of the river.
Make sure to pop into River Street Sweets and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen to try all the fudge, saltwater taffy, and pralines your heart desires.
You can also drive down to Tybee Island, a fantastic beach 20 minutes outside the city and a popular Savannah day trip.
In the evening, explore the spookier side of the city with a history and ghosts walking tour or even a haunted pub crawl!
If you have more time on your Georgia Florida road trip itinerary, Savannah is just a short drive from Charleston, South Carolina. The journey to Charleston is filled with charming small towns and memorable outdoor activities, so if you have the time, it’s definitely worth the trip.
Day 9 and 10: Atlanta, Georgia
On the morning of day 9, travel from Savannah to Atlanta GA. The route takes about four hours but it’s mostly straight highways that are easy to drive.
For your next two days in Atlanta, definitely grab the Atlanta CityPass. I get this any time I have friends visit since it’s such a good deal for seeing Atlanta attractions. You end up saving about 45% compared to if you paid for each ticket outright and it’s more convenient than having to wait in ticketing lines at every attraction.
The Atlanta CityPass includes entry to
It also gives you admission to two of the following spots, which you can choose depending on your interests.
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History (great for kids!)
- The College Football Hall of Fame
- The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola, The College Football Hall of Fame, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights are all located within a short walk of one another, and these activities alone will make a very full day.
Atlanta is a big city for sports fans, so depending on when you visit, you can also catch an Atlanta Hawks basketball game, Braves baseball game, or Falcons NFL game at one of the stadiums downtown.
With all this sightseeing, you’ll definitely work up an appetite. Luckily, there’s no shortage of incredible food and restaurants in Atlanta.
For brunch, you can’t miss the Flying Biscuit (there are several locations) or Atlanta Breakfast Club. South City Kitchen in midtown serves awesome southern cuisine and lines are always out the door, for a good reason.
For lunch and dinner, Der Biergarten is a German restaurant with outdoor seating and an amazing beer list that’s one of our family favorites. The Nook on Piedmont Park is another Atlanta classic serving totchos, a combination of tater tots and nachos that are out of this world.
If you’re after fine dining, Bacchanalia offers a fixed four-course dining menu that gets rave reviews across the web.
Where to stay in Atlanta: For a shorter trip to Atlanta, it’s nice to stay downtown near Centennial Olympic Park or in Midtown. The Glenn Hotel and Hotel Midtown Atlanta have marvelous reviews and are close to attractions, restaurants, parks, and public transit.
What to pack for your Florida to Georgia Road Trip
Before you hit the open road, make sure you have these items in your bag!
- Sunscreen: There’s a reason Florida is known as the sunshine state! Make sure to wear sun protection especially if you’re traveling in warmer months since the Florida and Georgia sun is no joke.
- Bug Spray: In warmer months, the coastal areas on this Georgia Florida road trip can get muggy and buggy. Keep bug spray handy to keep the mosquitos at bay. Pro Tip: If you’re prone to mosquito bites, the Bug Bite Thing is a tool designed to remove their venom and make bites heal faster!
- Good Walking Shoes: Several stops on this road trip itinerary are walking-heavy. Make sure you have good tennis shoes or sturdy sandals (I love my Tevas) to stay comfortable.
- A Light Jacket: Even on a toasty day, things might get chilly after the sun goes down. A light jacket can go a long way on windy beach days and cooler evenings.
- Bathing suit and beach gear: You’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit the beach on this road trip to Georgia from Florida, so make sure to pack a swimsuit, beach towel, and a good book.
I hope you have an amazing time on your road trip to Georgia from Florida. Make sure to save this post so you can reference it along the way and happy travels!
I certainly enjoyed that Post. My grandson had the best time in the College Football Hall of Fame and I was moved to tears in the Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum. Breathtaking and important. Thank you.