Florida Road Trip – 10 Tips For Driving in Florida

Florida is a BIG state and with loads of issues to see and do, it’s the right type of place for a street journey. Here’s what that you must know to take advantage of driving in Florida

My third, or possibly fourth, day on the street and I lastly reached the Florida border. Coming from Savannah, Georgia, I made my approach down I-95 into Florida with little fanfare: my Google Maps app asserting “Welcome to Florida.” It was already darkish, however I used to be relieved.

The last stretch of my I-95 street journey from NYC to Miami (give or take just a few hundred miles).

When I first introduced I used to be occurring this street journey—as a favor to my aunt who wanted her automotive down south—nearly everybody I knew warned me about Florida. “Florida is big,” they’d say. I do know, that, after all, however I’d type of forgotten.

I’ve completed one different Florida street rip a couple of decade in the past. I drove from tip-to-tip, from Key West all the best way up iI-95 after which throughout the panhandle en path to New Orleans and, ultimately, Dallas.

I’ve just a few distinct recollections from that street journey—passing what appeared on the time, the Everglades, vague cities from the freeway and an extended (very lengthy) darkish street.

Almost everything of our street journey again then felt prefer it was in Florida, and that’s what I used to be anticipating this second time round.

And it type of was.

After driving by means of Florida for D A Y S, listed here are my tricks to take pleasure in your personal Florida street journey. The issues that you must know to take advantage of out of driving by means of America’s penis.

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All the issues that you must know

1. Florida is fucking large.

Google tells us that Florida is 65,700+ sq. miles with 20 million individuals. And we already know that this state takes up a variety of house in our information—that Florida man is fucking in all places

But right here’s the factor: as a result of Florida is a peninsula, and since (arguably) its finest bits are on the very tip, it simply takes F O R E V E R to get wherever within the state.

Driving in Florida additionally appears to simply take endlessly not simply due to the gap required, however due to so so many causes. Not all of them unhealthy, as a result of honestly, who doesn’t love a leisurely journey on the open street?

2. Florida’s roads are boring

Having pushed the overwhelming majority of I-95 from New England to Florida, I can positively say that I-95 is its most boring in Florida. Simply put, there are simply fewer relaxation stops, fuel stations, and different facilities alongside the foremost artery.

For some motive, after Savannah, there’s simply not a lot alongside the freeway. It’s a variety of timber and open areas. That vacancy isn’t all unhealthy, although. Of course, it means a bit much less congestion, however sadly that doesn’t imply safer roads (see the following one).

3. Florida drivers are reckless

I hate to make generalizations however after almost 96 hours on the street and crossing 11 states alongside the best way, the freeway felt least secure whereas in Florida.

The roads had been really fairly nice (there are main renovations being completed alongside I-95 to be accomplished this yr), however the drivers—they had been terrible.

I used to be minimize off frequently throughout my most up-to-date 10-hour drive by means of Florida; drivers would trip on my tail and cross throughout lanes to get forward. It was horrifying and uncomfortable and required some critical alertness

4. Florida roads are flat

And easy! Most of I-95 was remarkably well-maintained and even with building right here and there, it was all clearly marked and felt secure and cozy. The flat roads make it simple to maneuver (generally too quick—be careful for the freeway patrol!).

5. Rest stops are fairly first rate

Along the interstate highways and the Florida turnpike, relaxation stops and journey facilities had been well-stocked and clear. For anybody touring lengthy distances, these are actually helpful and essential, and Florida appears to keep up them fairly effectively.

There had been indicators nearly in all places about nighttime safety at each relaxation cease, for higher or worse—a bit bewildering how a lot of some extent they made about it, however possibly that’s a problem.

6. The SunPass is basically helpful

The Florida Turnpike runs the size of the state and whereas your route is what’s going to play a job in whether or not you are taking it or not, it’s a fairly helpful throughway for a lot of the state. Getting a SunPass supplies quick access to the Turnpike and it may be bought at Florida welcome facilities alongside the state’s borders.

The SunPass isn’t essential for accessing the Turnpike as you can even get tickets and pay money, however be warned that with out the SunPass, some turnpike exits aren’t accessible.

I’m probably not positive why that’s the case, however I did spot at the very least one exit alongside the turnpike which was for SunPass customers solely.

7. There might be visitors

Oh my god will there be visitors. I don’t actually perceive why as a result of it’s my understanding that almost all Floridians are pensioners, however rush hour exists in Florida and it’s A N N O Y I N G.

I do know that’s most likely common, however the visitors round Fort Lauderdale and Miami was nerve-wracking. Luckily the climate’s good so sitting within the solar isn’t the worst factor.

8. Pack sunscreen

Which brings us to one of the vital essential journey ideas for Florida: PACK SUNSCREEN! The solar is powerful in Florida (duh—it’s the sunshine state!), however don’t overlook to make use of it whereas driving, too! Your automotive home windows gained’t defend you adequate and the solar will burn.

Be ready and hold a small sunscreen spray in your automotive should you’re touring Florida often.

Also: ensure to remain hydrated and drink loads of water when on a Florida street journey. You by no means understand how unhealthy the visitors’s going to be, or how scorching your automotive may get.

9. You’ll want a number of pairs of sun shades

Speaking of the solar, don’t overlook your sun shades! I don’t learn about you, however I often lose my sun shades so throughout my street journey, I stored an additional air within the glove field, plus one in my bag, and one other that I wore.

I one way or the other managed to not lose any of them throughout this journey, however driving with out them would have been a nightmare.

10. Don’t miss the sights!

Florida is fucking large; we already talked about that. And as one in all America’s most touristic locations, there’s lots to really cease and see. I believe?

Florida’s state parks are there to guard a variety of distinctive wildlife, and the massive vacationer cities like Orlando, Miami, and Key West all have some cool issues to see.

And after all there are the seashores! I stayed an evening in Daytona the place you may really drive on the seaside (for a payment) which is type of enjoyable should you’re into automobiles and don’t thoughts sand in all places.

(Trust me: every week in Florida and there might be sand in all places; there’s nothing you are able to do about it.)

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I rant about Florida fairly a bit however I’ve been visiting the state frequently since I used to be a bit child. There’s all the time one thing new to see or expertise, and even when there isn’t, the solar & sand greater than make up for the annoying quirks of life in Florida.

Now: should you want me, I’ll be on the seaside.