Driving from New York to Florida in 4-days
Looking to take a trip to one of Florida's spectacular white sand beaches? This itinerary was especially curated for those who are planning the drive from New York to Florida and want to make the trip a little more memorable with a few stops along the way.
Drive Time from New York to Florida: approximately 14 hours
Distance from New York to Florida: approximately 940 miles
1. New York City
Times Square, New York City. Photo Credit: Bigstock
Day 1: Although there are a few different routes between New York and Florida, I-95 is the best way to go if you want to take your time and explore the sights along the way.
2. Baltimore
Baltimore National Aquarium. Photo Credit: Bigstock
Drive to Baltimore and take an afternoon to see what this historic city has to offer. Consider timing your visit so you can catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards. If baseball isn’t your forte, schedule a trip to the National Aquarium, which is home to nearly 20,000 animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and more. After you get a taste of Baltimore, settle into a hotel for the night.
You also have the option of skipping Baltimore. You can veer off I-95 and travel on US-13 South for a while. It will take you through Delaware. This will add a couple of hours of driving to the total time of your trip. Dover is a convenient place to stay the night. After Dover, get back on the road and head back toward I-95.
3. Richmond
Day 2: Depart from Baltimore and drive the 154 miles to Richmond, Virginia. The American Civil War Museum is worth a few hours of your time.
4. Fayetteville
Leave Richmond and travel 209 miles to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Rest up and get ready for the next day of your journey.
5. Savannah
Forsyth Fountain in Savannah, GA. Photo Credit: Bigstock
Day 3: Drive 262 miles from Fayetteville to Savannah, Georgia. This takes about four hours. Try to get to Savannah by noon so you can spend the rest of the day taking in the sights of this gorgeous Southern city. Be sure to visit Forsyth Park, which offers 30 acres of things to do and places to relax. Take some photos by Forsyth Fountain, enjoy a long walk, and eat a peaceful picnic lunch. Also, go to the city's Historic District, where you'll be able to feast your eyes on spectacular old architecture.
6. Jacksonville
Jacksonville Skyline. Photo Credit: Bigstock
Day 4 and beyond: Travel the 139 miles to Jacksonville. This leg of your journey will take only a couple of hours. You might choose to stay in Jacksonville, or you can extend your road trip farther into Florida. US-1 is a scenic highway that stretches along the state's east coast all the way to Key West. Take this drive if you have sufficient time. It will add a few days and more than 500 miles to your trip, but the scenery along the way is more than worth it.
You could also choose to drive from Jacksonville to Orlando; it only takes about two hours, and the Orlando area is home to famous attractions, such as Disney World and Universal Studios. Another great stop in Orlando is the American Art Museum, which has the world's largest collection of Tiffany glass. Take a Kayak eco-tour, catch a pro basketball game, or visit a wine bar. It's also worth noting that Orlando has some top-notch spas.
The 940 miles between New York and Florida are more than a pleasant afternoon drive; they are a true adventure! Whether you want to pound out the journey as efficiently as possible or you want to savor the sights along the way, you're bound to have fun on your trip. Put together a great playlist, plan your stops, pick up your rental car, and hit the road. You'll make memories that will last for a lifetime!
