Here are 10 destinations to visit on one tank/charge.
St. Augustine
Must-try dining
Breakfast: The Blue Hen Cafe
Lunch: The Floridian
Dinner: Collage
With more than 42 miles of sandy beaches and enough historical attractions to marvel visitors for days on end, it is no wonder the oldest city in North America is consistently voted a top travel destination.
St. Augustine’s deep Spanish history and architecture are forever a part of this historic place and are plain to see. Two of the most popular relics from the past are the Colonial Quarter and towering Castillo de San Marcos, all of which can be explored via the Old Town Trolley or Ripley’s Sightseeing Train.
Flagler College is not just a private college in the middle of downtown, but it is a historical landmark itself. It is housed in the former Ponce DeLeon Hotel, which developer Henry Flagler had built in the late 1800s as a luxury resort. The public can take a tour to see all the splendor of the former hotel, with its gold-plated fixtures, intricate wood carvings, paintings and mosaics and elegant Spanish-style design.
Golfers are in luck in the Ancient City. Boasting a myriad of courses for all skill levels and budgets, including the Players Championship course at Sawgrass, the area is sure to satisfy all golfing desires. If coming face to face with prehistoric reptiles or swashbucklers sounds better, enjoy an excursion to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm or Pirate and Treasure Museum. Delve further into history at the Fountain of Youth and drink from the same springs that inspired explorers of all creeds to traverse the high seas in hopes of eternal life.
Round out a fun-filled trip with a tour of the St. Augustine Distillery and bites and beverages at the adjacent Ice Plant Bar, a walk down the shelly St. Augustine or Vilano beaches or a haunted ghost tour. Not just for history lovers but rather full of adventure for all kinds of interests, simply pick the path to fun in St. Augustine.
Ocala
Must-try dining
Breakfast: The Gathering Cafe
Lunch: Ivy on the Square
Dinner: Stirrups
Known as Horse Country for its ties to Triple Crown winners and thoroughbred pedigrees, the rolling hills of lush green grass and ancient oaks have also served as the backdrop for a number of Hollywood productions.
The City of Ocala is the gateway to the woods and lakes that comprise the Ocala National Forest, which includes the largest sand pine forest in the world. Sand pines, live oaks and limestone canyon cliffs join forces at Canyons Zip Line and Canopy tours, where two to three hours can be spent gliding high up among the trees, taking in the sights from a birdseye view on more than a mile of interconnected zip lines.
Ocala is rich not just in natural beauty, but cultural beauty as well. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art sits on 44 wooded and landscaped acres in the scenic area. The 81,610-square-foot museum is clad in travertine marble and houses a permanent collection of more than 24,000 works of art that represent 5,000 years of artistic creativity by cultures from around the world. The Appleton is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and throughout the year exhibits the permanent collection and special exhibitions, hosts programs by visiting artists and scholars and offers studio art classes for all ages. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit AppletonMuseum.org.
Still have some energy to explore? Enjoy a horseback tour with one of these fabled steeds or simply slow things down and catch a double feature at Ocala’s Drive in Theater, one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in the country and an affordable option for a unique date night.
Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater
Must-try dining
Breakfast: Oxford Exchange
Lunch: Bartaco
Dinner: The Columbia Restaurant
Greater Tampa Bay is known for its year-round sunny weather, and there are a multitude of daytime activities to enjoy while soaking in the gulf coast vitamin D.
Stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.4-mile waterfront path lined with eateries, shops, bars and popular, family-friendly attractions such as the Tampa Bay History Center and The Florida Aquarium. Head west to the newly rebuilt St. Pete Pier, where patrons enjoy a selection of bistros and watering holes, public art displays and the St. Petersburg Museum of History, plus a splash pad and the Discovery Center and Wet Classroom for little ones.
Thrill seekers can feel the rush of a visit to one of the area’s amusement parks. Seek new heights on one of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s stomach-dropping roller coasters, cool off on a water slide at Tampa’s Adventure Island or enjoy some classic favorites such as bumper boats and mini golf at Clearwater’s Celebration Station. For a swashbuckling adventure, hop aboard Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise in Clearwater. This day cruise is, as its name suggests, aboard an authentic pirate ship that offers treasure hunts, water gun games and sing-along .
Despite Tampa Bay’s sunny reputation, it still gets the occasional rain shower. Luckily, there are plenty of museums in the area to visit on a rainy day. Be immersed in Victorian luxury at the Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in the historic Tampa Bay Hotel that celebrates the establishment’s role in the tourism of Gilded-Age Tampa. Head to St. Pete to be surrounded by the brilliant works of renowned artist Salvador Dalí at the Dali Museum. Further north, the Clearwater Historical Society and Plumb House Museum houses preserved artifacts and educates on the history of all things, from music to agriculture, in the area.
Even after the sun sets, the entertainment never ends in Tampa Bay. Soak in the sights and ambiance at Sunsets at Pier 60 in Clearwater, where local artisans sell their wares, and street artists perform. Amble down historic Ybor City in Tampa, downtown St. Petersburg or Cleveland Street in Clearwater, where specialty shops, bars and breweries line the streets.
For a decadent night of fun and —hopefully — good luck, head to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which houses 245,000 square feet of gaming space, live music and delectable dining. See a show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, a state-of-the-art theater that regularly hosts world-famous musicians, orchestras and Broadway shows. For a cinematic experience that is like a step back in time, visit the Tampa Theatre, an opulent movie palace built in 1926 and regularly shows classic films and hosts special events.
Take a swing at golf — and not just on the green. Topgolf is a rising phenomenon across the country, with a location here in Brandon. This unique driving range packs an entertainment punch, with interactive games that reward players of all skillsets, with targets near and far, big and small.
If interest is piqued by the tinier version of the game, Congo River Golf in Clearwater is 18-hole minigolf at its finest. Thrust into a jungle safari theme, enjoy competition, camaraderie, and — hopefully not — a couple of unfortunate shots in the drink. Other minigolf spots in the area include Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf in Indian Shores and Madeira Beach, Polynesian Putter in St. Pete Beach and Captain Bligh’s Landing in Clearwater.
Cumberland Island, GA
Must-try dining
To maintain Cumberland Island’s unspoiled beauty, there are no restaurants on the island. The local Greyfield Inn provides its guests with farm-to-table breakfast, lunch and a formal dinner. For day travelers, it is recommended to pack a picnic lunch and snacks.
Only accessible by ferry, this barrier island off the coast of Georgia affords the seclusion and outdoor adventure of a lifetime. The 17 miles of undeveloped beach, wild horses roaming freely and 50 miles of hiking trails conspire to create an off-the-beaten path experience like no other.
Wild salt marshes mingle with maritime forests, tidal creeks and pristine beaches in a distinct ecosystem not quite like anywhere else. Rent a bike for only $16 a day and traverse the island at a leisurely pace. This bike ride is perfect for the truly adventurous out there, since there are no paved roads through this pristine wilderness.
Curious about the island’s rich history? Take the Footsteps Tour with a knowledgeable park ranger leading the way. The Land and Legacies Tour offers a similar experience, but from the comfort of an air-conditioned passenger van. Journey back into time and explore the Dungeness ruins, Plum Orchard Mansion and the famous First African Baptist Church.
After this historic exploration, add to the back-in-time experience and consider camping on this island. This barrier island allows for both sunrise and sunset views over the water — talk about a win-win. String up a hammock from the sprawling branches of a massive live oak and prepare for a celestial wonderland at night, as the unobstructed views and lack of ambient light make this island paradise ideal for some pretty epic stargazing.
Orlando
Must-try dining
Breakfast: Briar Patch
Lunch: Hillstone
Dinner: Bull and Bear at Waldorf Astoria Hotel
For the seemingly few people who have not already been at least once, Orlando is on almost everyone’s bucket list — and for good reason. The Theme Park Capital of the World has it all. The thrills of visiting the Wonderful World of Disney, Universal Studios, SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove are real, but they are only the beginning to a city where having fun is a way of life.
Known as the City Beautiful, Orlando is home to more than 100 lakes, nearly 150 beautiful parks, gardens and recreation areas, hundreds of natural and manmade attractions, a thriving downtown, major league sports and international shopping and outlet malls.
See it all from above. Breeze across the skyline in an Orlando Balloon Rides hot air balloon or glide with Aerostat Adventures over tropical landscapes. After touchdown, get moving with rentals from West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades and cruise Florida’s popular 22-acre West Orange Trail on rollerblades or bicycles.
Zip through the Everglades’ headwaters on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure and embrace Florida’s original inhabitants. See alligators from land at the 110-acre wildlife preserve, Gator Spot, and seek out the rare leucistic white alligator. Go-karts and arcade games are next door at Fun Spot America’s multi-level go-kart tracks.
Time to check out the unique parks and lakes of Orlando and feed the swans at downtown’s Lake Eola Park. Swan paddleboat rides are available there as well. Get the bait ready — the fish are biting at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, one of Florida’s top fishing spots. Next, grab a book and blanket and refresh under lush trees at Loch Haven Park and then check out the nearby Orlando Museum of Art and Orlando Science Center. The day ends with the best sunset spectating perch at Lake Underhill Park.
Rather go for a walk? Stroll through the charming Thornton Park. It is known for boho boutiques, organic juice bars and stylish eateries.
The nightlife is always buzzing Orlando, from the multicolored lights of the Wheel at ICON Park at night to the flashy attractions along International Drive to the bars and clubs lining the downtown streets. Day or night, the good times never rest in Orlando.
Space Coast
Must-try dining
Breakfast: Jimmies U.S. 1
Lunch: Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
Dinner: Dixie Crossroads
Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island showcase America’s ambition and determination to get to the moon and beyond.
The place where the nation launches and builds satellites and constructed the infrastructure that has made the International Space Station a celestial reality is open for exploration. At the hub of the human Space Program, visitors can enjoy launch and training simulators, the Hubble Space Telescope theater, the U.S. astronauts Hall of Fame and the revered Rocket Garden that pays homage through relics and tours to the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs that put America on the galactic map.
Do not forget to pay respects at the Space Mirror Memorial, the towering national monument honoring the fallen astronauts who reached for the stars in hopes of giving those down below dreams of the heavens.
After a day in space, get grounded again at the Manatee Sanctuary Park and encounter this endangered species in its natural habitat. For the avid fishermen out there, the Space Coast is paradise, famed for an abundance of popular inshore sportfish like red drum, spotted sea trout and snook.
After working up an appetite for some good seafood, head over to Cape Canaveral and eat at any of the channelside restaurants for dinner and a show: A table out on the decks will score patrons a view of the cruise liners coming in to port.
Amelia Island
Must-try dining
Breakfast: Garden Street Bistro
Lunch: T-Ray’s Burger Station
Dinner: Salt at the Ritz Carlton
Head to the northeast corner of Florida, where Southern charm meets tropical bliss. At only 13 miles long and two miles wide, Amelia Island is a delightfully isolated vacation spot that offers a relaxing getaway.
Named by Travel + Leisure as one of the top three islands to visit in the U.S. in 2021, the island is treasured for its long stretches of tranquil beaches, unparalleled beauty and alluring character. From luxe resorts and golf courses to abundant outdoor activities, both adventurous and serene, the versatile island will satisfy any traveler.
Soak in some rays and gaze out onto the blue Atlantic on Fernandina Beach, one of the area’s most popular beaches. Venture into Fernandina’s historic district and peruse through the whimsical bookstores, chic boutiques and cozy coffee shops. Pining for some adventure? Trek into the deep sea with Fish Amelia Island for a chance to catch some of the Atlantic’s most exciting fish, or even see some leaping dolphins.
For travelers wanting to experience the island’s cultural essence, visit the Maritime Museum to learn about maritime history, pirates and Spanish treasure fleets. Music lovers can easily find live music any day of the week, and on the first Friday of every month from April to October, Sounds on Centre takes place in Fernandina’s historic downtown where visitors can bring a lawn chair and listen to live bands or even get up to cut a rug.
Cedar Key
Must-try dining
Breakfast: Annie’s Cafe
Lunch: 1842 Daily Grind & Mercantile
Dinner: Tony’s Seafood Restaurant
An island village in the Gulf of Mexico with less than 800 full-time residents, Cedar Key is named for the Eastern red cedar trees that once inundated the landscape. Although this conifer is not as omnipresent these days, the charming small town still boasts a kaleidoscope of wildlife, including the ever-elusive white pelican and bald eagle.
Take to the waters in a rented kayak, as the noticeably calm waters are ideal for such tranquil exploration. Be on the lookout for pods of dolphins, as they are known to grace these shallow shores.
For a dose of adrenaline, take an airboat ride through the tidal marshlands. Fishing is not just confined to the many docks and beach shores, either. Feel free to charter a boat and head out into the Gulf, and granted it is a successful trip, bring back fresh catch. Most of the many charming seafood restaurants will happily prepare it on the spot. Steamers Clam Bar and Grill and Duncans on the Gulf will certainly satisfy all those seafood hankerings — no bring-your-own-fish required.
The seaside community is the No. 1 producer of farm-raised clams in the U.S., so make sure to indulge in a bowl or two of the namesake chowders.
The best, most unique and convenient way to explore Cedar Key by land is via golf carts. These rentable two- to six-passenger rides offer a relaxing journey through a small town where life really seems to slow down — in the best of ways.
Savannah, GA
Must-try dining
Breakfast: The Collins Quarter
Lunch: B. Matthew’s Eatery
Dinner: Vic’s on the River
As a Christmas gift to President Lincoln, General Sherman was so astounded by Savannah’s beauty that he spared it on his famous march south. Exquisite medieval inspired cathedrals and Colonial architecture join forces with Spanish moss draped-oaks and cobblestone streets to create a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the globe.
Fans of the book and movie adaptation of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” will be hard-pressed to not spend an entire day wandering the 22 parks and squares that define the landscape of this pedestrian-friendly city. Forsyth Park and Bonaventure Cemetery are a must see, the latter being a fine place for a picnic. As strange as this dining concept might seem on the surface, this picturesque cemetery is more than welcoming and accustomed to such afternoon sojourns.
The abundance of classy rooftop bars, underground hangouts, live music and karaoke bars and an all-around rockin’ nightlife scene make Savannah a top destination in the Southeast for weekenders. It is hard to stroll the city streets at night without running into a birthday party, bachelorette party, wedding attendees or even all three. Make sure to take advantage of the Historic District’s lax drinking laws and take cocktails to go.
While the downtown and riverfront districts offer endless entertainment and beautiful scenery, the natural splendor is just as breathtaking. Skidaway Island State Park has some gorgeous scenic loops through marshland with an observation tower absolutely worth the hike. The beaches in nearby Tybee Island or Hilton Head, South Carolina are beautiful as well, with gorgeous natural coastline at the latter. Wormsloe Historic Site’s ancient oak trees create a tunnel over an old, unpaved roadway — a magical sight that even the most talented photographer cannot quite bring justice to.
Wander the cobblestone streets and take in the wonder, hospitality and charm that make Savannah the smiling gem of the South.
Jacksonville
Must-try dining
Breakfast: Southern Grounds
Brunch: Orsay
Dinner: Matthews
The largest city by landmass in the US, Jacksonville’s beaches attract the most attention and offer no shortage of alluring activities. Rent a surfboard and take a lesson to ride a summer swell or cast your fishing line from the ¼ mile pier that defines the iconic beachscape. If man-curated water activities are more to your liking, head on over to Shipwreck Island Waterpark and enjoy a variety of heart-pounding slides, rollercoasters, go-karts tracks, or slow it down in their massive wave pool and lazy river. Castaway Island Preserve, situated in a salt marsh ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife, offers another adventure with its elevated boardwalks, educational center, variety of hiking trials, and kayak launching points for a water point of view. If you haven’t gotten enough of the wildlife in the Castaway Island or Cradle Creek Preserves, why not spend a few hours at the Jacksonville Zoo or Catty Shack Ranch, a sanctuary for inhumanely treated tigers that features nightly feedings open to the public. If cultural art is more your scene, consider the North Florida Seaside Sculpture park, comprised of an array of UNF students’ creations that are free to the pubic or perhaps a night at the Players by the Sea community theater for a dose of drama and comedy.
By Rose Derkay and Shelley Akins