The beauty of living in a peninsula state is that you have access to water in almost every direction you turn. What's more, is that because of the Gulf and coastal access, there tend to be more ways to enjoy that water - with jaw-dropping piers! Throughout The Sunshine State, there are roughly 35 different piers stretching out into the ocean or the Gulf, providing endless views of the rolling tide and the perfect platform to fish. We've compiled a list of the most stunning piers in Florida along the gulf side and turned it into one epic road trip. Whether you want to spend the trip casting a line from every pier and seeing what you can catch, or simply enjoying sunsets and surf, this road trip is sure to be a delight.
The entire trip takes just under 7 hours in driving time, but when you factor in stoppages and even an overnight stay, you might want to turn this into a fun weekend trek. You can find the entire road trip itinerary by clicking here.
The fishing pier in the downtown area of Cedar Key is the first stop along this trip. While it might not be the biggest pier on this trek, clocking in at 250-feet in length, is still is worth the stop. The pier is the perfect place to cast a line and clean your catch with a cleaning table on-site. Plus, you’ll have a bevy of restaurants nearby with impeccable waterfront views.
Pier 60 Clearwater in Clearwater Beach is as long as they come, stretching out 1,080-feet into the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll feel as if you’re walking on top of the rolling waves when you venture down this pier. Anyone looking to spend the day on Pier 60 will need to pay for a day pass, but we guarantee it’s worth the price, especially when you watch the sun setting on the horizon.
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
The historic Bradenton Pier, also known as the Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island is certainly worth checking out, at least for the history alone. The pier goes back to the times when Bradenton Beach was Cortez Village! Take a leisurely stroll along this pier and you might just see a few manatees and dolphins enjoying the water.
Address: 1-15 Laverne Dr, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
The Venice Fishing Pier is a 700-foot gem, which offers a fishing experience for anyone not coming equipped. Not only can you fish without a license here, but you also can rent a rod or a reel while you’re there. In addition, there is no fee to access the pier or the beauty that comes with it! Spend an afternoon enjoying this pier that stretches out over the aquamarine waters of the Gulf.
We end this road trip at the famed Naples Pier, one of the premier locations for sightseers and sunset seekers. The pier is free to access and perfect for anyone who’s looking to catch red snapper, grouper, or snook. There is also a snack bar in the middle of the pier for anyone looking to spend a few hours listening to the surf and snacking over the water.
Address: 25 12th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
So, what do you think about the most stunning piers in Florida? Who would you take this road trip with? We'd love to hear from you in the comments section!
I love reading, and if I had to pick something I enjoyed almost as much as cozying up with a book, I'd have to go with checking out local bookshops when traveling. We have no shortage of amazing bookstores in Florida, and even if your to-read list is growing at an impossible pace, they're wonderful places for heading in to find new reads. If you're looking for a unique Sunshine State road trip, we've got the perfect route for you today. This three-and-a-half-hour journey across central Florida will take you to five of the region's best bookstores.
The entire trip requires just under 175 miles of driving and makes for a great weekend adventure. You can check out the full itinerary on Google Maps. It's customizable, so feel free to add or rearrange stops to your liking.
We'll start our trip off with the delightful Hello Again Books in Cocoa. This woman-owned bookstore sells both used and new books and strives to foster a sense of community in this little city. There are always fun displays here - I love the book arch that you can walk underneath! There's a wonderful little kid's area, and you'll also find gifts like candles and mugs. It's in a wonderful location near plenty of restaurants and other shops, and you could easily make a day of exploring Cocoa's historic district.
For our next stop, we'll head to Winter Garden, where you'll find Writer's Block Bookstore. The store has two Orlando-area locations; the original shop is in Winter Park. Both are delightful little stores situated in walkable downtown areas. You'll find a great variety of titles on display, and I adore the "blind date with a book" option. It's perfect for when you're feeling indecisive and not sure what to read next. The employees are wonderful at providing suggestions, and you'll even find handwritten reviews from the staff posted throughout the store.
I hope you're enjoying some wonderful audiobooks while on the road because, for our next bookstore, we'll be heading to Clermont's Sunshine Book Co., a family-owned shop in the bustling downtown district that's just as bright and cheery as its name suggests. The shop's event calendar is full of author readings, book club meetups, and book fairs. It's a cozy little store that sells new books and gifts, and there's even a frequent shopper punch card to save you money if you live in the area.
Our next stop is a little bit different, as it will have you enjoying a taste of England without leaving Florida. Tampa's Oxford Exchange is a delightful British-inspired cafe that features elegant decor and delicious coffee and tea, along with breakfast and lunch menus. The bookstore here has a great mix of new releases and older classics, plus a few kids' books to entertain the little ones.
We'll finish up this literary road trip through central Florida with a visit to St. Petersburg's Tombolo Books, a colorful award-winning shop in the Grand Central District. Whether it's an author reading or a book club meetup, there's always something fun going on at Tombolo, and the store's bestseller list is updated weekly if you'd like to check out the hottest reads in St. Pete.
Have you ever visited any of these local bookstores in central Florida? Did we miss your favorite spot for finding new reads? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Not able to travel to the area right now, but still want to support your local independent bookstore? Check out Bookshop.org, where a portion of each book sold goes straight to local bookshops.
Florida is a massive state, and it's one that's best explored by driving. Fortunately, we've compiled some truly epic road trip adventures for you to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a scenic road trip adventure, a summer road trip in Florida, a hidden beaches road trip, or perhaps something else altogether, you're bound to find a road trip idea that inspires your next great drive. So gas up the car, find the perfect playlist, pack all of your favorite snacks, and get ready for some of the best Florida road trips!
Route: Devil's Den > Rainbow Springs State Park > The Front Porch > Floral City and Pudgees' Hot Dog Stand > Weeki Wachee Springs State Park > Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park > The Freezer > Cedar Key
Distance: 174 miles
Trip Time: 3 hr 45 min driving time
Looking for the perfect one-day road trip in Florida? We've got you covered! In fact, you should be able to visit all of these exciting Florida attractions on just one tank of gas. Along the way, you'll get to experience some of Florida's most stunning natural wonders, such as Rainbow Springs State Park, while also enjoying some mouthwatering snacks along the way.
Route: Cape St. George Light > St. Marks Lighthouse > Amelia Island Light > St. Augustine Light > Ponce De Leon Inlet Light > Cape Canaveral Lighthouse > The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse > Hillsboro Lighthouse > Cape Florida Lighthouse
Distance: 167 miles
Trip Time: 3.5 hours driving time
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There's something awe-inspiring about lighthouses. On this long-weekend road trip in Florida, you'll get to explore some of the state's most stunning beacons. In addition to offering a fascinating history of the state, Florida's lighthouses also showcase some of the best views around. One thing's for sure, you'll definitely want to bring your camera with you on this lighthouse road trip!
Route: De Leon Springs State Park > Rainbow Springs State Park > Weeki Wachee Springs State Park > Tarpon Springs > Honeymoon Island State Park > The Dali Museum > Bok Tower Gardens > Spook Hill > Blue Spring State Park
Distance: 345 miles
Trip Time: 8 hr 45 min driving time
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Now that we've explored all that northern Florida has to offer, it's time to venture into central Florida. As you probably guessed, there are just as many must-see landmarks in this region of the state. With lots of cities, parks, and historic gems to explore along the way, you could easily take an entire week to enjoy this route. And, you'll probably do plenty of walking along the way, so be sure to dress comfortably!
Route: Cedar Key > Crystal River > Tarpon Springs > Mount Dora > DeLand > St. Augustine
Distance: 512 miles
Trip Time: 10 hr 10 min driving time
Spring in Florida is a beautiful time of year, so why not get out and explore our charming small towns? This small town road trip through Florida will give you a greater appreciation for the small, lesser-known communities of the Sunshine State. Along the way, prepare to be utterly charmed by the history, scenery, and friendly folks you'll meet along the way. Don't be surprised if you find yourself planning to up and move to a small town in Florida!
Route: Colt Creek State Park > Dade Battlefield Historic State Park > Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park > Bulow Creek State Park > Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park > Goethe State Forest
Distance: 271 miles
Trip Time: 5 hr 45 min driving time
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Summer in Florida can be a busy season, given the fact that we've got some of the best beaches in the world. But if you're looking to avoid the crowds, we've got just the thing in mind: a summer road trip in Florida to the least-visited state parks. Enjoy the cool shade as you follow a secluded trail to a gorgeous view. Or perhaps try your hand at kayaking. Either way, you're in for a fun adventure when you explore these little-known state parks in Florida.
Route: Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine > Veterans Memorial Bridge on Orange Ave in Daytona Beach > Cassadaga > NASA's Launch Complex 34 in Cape Canaveral > Port Mayaca Cemetery > New River Inn in Fort Lauderdale > The Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City > Loews Don CeSar Hotel in St. Petersburg > The May-Stringer House in Brooksville
Distance: 900 miles
Trip Time: 15 hr driving time
Fall is a spooky season and the perfect time to take a haunted road trip through Florida. Along the way, you'll experience first-hand some of the state's most terrifying and haunted places. From historic landmarks to hotels haunted by ghosts, there's no shortage of ways to have a truly terrifying experience. Take this haunted road trip, but only if you dare!
Route: Amish Country Store > Der Dutchman > Detwiler’s Farm Market
Distance: 67 miles
Trip Time: 1 hr 25 min driving time
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Our next adventure is a cozy winter road trip in Florida that will take you to some of the state's best Amish bakeries. Along the way, you can look forward to sampling some seriously sweet treats and stocking up on incredible Amish-made goods. Plus, you can plan to spend some time in the small towns along the way to learn more about the local communities of Florida's western coast.
Route: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park > Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park > Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill > WonderWorks > Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar > Shores of Panama > Cape San Blas
Distance: 114 miles
Trip Time: 3 hr driving time
Looking for something to do with the kids in Florida? We've got just the thing -- a family-friendly road trip through Florida! Along the way, you and your crew will enjoy beaches, waterparks, fun restaurants, and more. Every destination along the way is kid-approved, so you can be sure even the littlest ones in your group will be entertained.
Route: Falling Waters State Park > Florida Caverns State Park > Torreya State Park > Devil's Den > Ocala National Forest > Blowing Rocks Preserve > Everglades National Park > John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Distance: 719 miles
Trip Time: 12 hr 15 min driving time
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Last but certainly not least, this Florida natural wonders road trip will take you on a grand tour of the state, showcasing some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world along the way. This unique itinerary includes as many natural gems as possible, leaving nothing to be desired. Plus, it ends at the iconic Everglades National Park. Talk about a bucket-list-worthy adventure!
How many of these Florida road trips would you consider taking? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!
Looking for even more to discover? Check out the Everglades in this incredible video:
