7-Day Florida East Coast Road Trip from Miami
Explore Florida’s Atlantic Coast by RV
This Florida east coast road trip takes you on a seven-day journey from vibrant cityscapes to serene natural escapes—all while traveling at your own pace in a fully equipped RV. Starting and ending in Miami, you’ll cruise through a scenic loop filled with wildlife-rich state parks, historic towns, rocket launch views, and hidden beach spots perfect for overnight stays. From snorkeling Biscayne’s coral reefs to biking palm-lined trails in West Palm Beach, every stop offers something unique—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or on a family adventure. So pack light, plan loosely, and let the freedom of the open road lead you along the very best of Florida’s Atlantic coast.
Route: Miami ➤ West Palm Beach ➤ Vero Beach ➤ Cape Canaveral ➤ St. Augustine ➤ Blue Spring State Park ➤ Miami
Distance: Approximately 680 miles
Duration: 7 Days
Landmarks & Scenic Spots: Everglades National Park (Shark Valley), Biscayne National Park, Peanut Island, Kennedy Space Center, St. George Street, Castillo de San Marcos, Blue Spring Manatee Overlook
Best Travel Time: November to April
Tolls & Fees: Toll roads are common in South Florida, especially near major cities. A SunPass is recommended for discounted rates. Park entry fees range from $6 to $30 per vehicle.
Stop 1 – Miami
Our recommendation: 1 day
Every great Florida east coast road trip begins with contrast—and Miami delivers it in full color. One moment you’re sipping a café con leche in Little Havana; the next, you’re kayaking quiet mangroves in Biscayne Bay. Whether you’re traveling solo or planning a family loop, picking up your RV rental in Miami puts you right at the crossroads of art, nature, and coastal energy. Between the street art of Wynwood, the buzz of South Beach, and the natural wonder of Shark Valley, this southern launch point is more than a starting line—it’s a microcosm of what makes the coast unforgettable.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Everglades National Park (Shark Valley) – One of Florida’s most iconic wild spaces. Cruise or bike the 15-mile loop trail where alligators sunbathe, birds soar, and the sawgrass prairie stretches endlessly toward the horizon.
- Biscayne National Park – A rare marine preserve just off the coast, with coral reefs, shipwrecks, and turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours.
- Oleta River State Park – A serene mangrove escape in North Miami, offering calm kayak routes, shady bike trails, and a quiet contrast to the urban rush.
Local Culture
- Little Havana – The city’s Cuban soul, alive with cigar rollers, street music, vibrant murals, and the comforting aroma of strong coffee drifting from every ventanita.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- El Palacio de los Jugos – Traditional Cuban street food and tropical juices (vegetarian options available)
- La Sandwicherie – French-Caribbean sandwich shack with fresh ingredients and housemade vinaigrettes (vegan and vegetarian options)
- Love Life Café – 100% plant-based spot serving award-winning burgers, bowls, and smoothies (vegan, gluten-free options available)
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Versailles – Iconic Cuban restaurant with generations of flavor and history (vegetarian options available)
- Mandolin Aegean Bistro – Charming Mediterranean kitchen set in a restored 1940s home (vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
- Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink – Seasonal small plates and elevated comfort food in the Design District (vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
Stop 2 – West Palm Beach
Our recommendation: 1 day
Leave Miami’s energy in the rearview and cruise into the artistic calm of West Palm Beach. This part of the Florida road trip invites you to trade city rush for Intracoastal ease—think biking past banyan-lined mansions, snorkeling off secret islands, or grabbing juice after an art walk downtown. Whether you’re in an RV or just chasing slower mornings, it’s a stretch of coast that rewards presence over pace.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Peanut Island – Tucked away in the Intracoastal, this hidden gem offers crystal-clear water and white sand, perfect for snorkeling or kayaking around the lush shoreline.
- Lake Trail – Palm-lined and scenic, this waterfront path winds past historic mansions and yachts—ideal for a relaxed walk or bike ride.
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center – A sea turtle rescue and education center with outdoor exhibits, conservation programs, and up-close views of marine life.
- Phipps Ocean Park – A quiet, dune-backed beach loved by locals for its uncrowded vibe and glowing sunset views.
Local Culture
- Clematis Street – Downtown’s pedestrian corridor, filled with art, fountains, live music, and happy hour stops worth lingering over.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- Celis Produce – Organic market with juices, smoothies, and light bites (vegan and gluten-free options)
- Field of Greens – Fresh wraps, soups, and salads made to order (vegan-friendly)
- Cholo Soy Cocina – Latin street food with bold flavor (vegan & vegetarian options available)
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Avocado Grill – Creative small plates with coastal flair and a seasonal, veggie-forward menu (vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options available)
- Hullabaloo – Cozy gastropub with Italian-inspired dishes and locally sourced ingredients (vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
- Table 26 Palm Beach – An upscale yet relaxed favorite offering American classics with global influence (vegetarian options available)
Stop 3 – Vero Beach
Our recommendation: 1 day
As the coastline flattens and the traffic thins, Vero Beach welcomes you with dune-backed beaches, tropical gardens, and wildlife preserves that feel worlds away from the tourist track. Midway through any Florida east coast road trip, this stop offers space to breathe—where art museums, scenic sunrises, and shaded campgrounds invite you to stay just a little longer than planned.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- McKee Botanical Garden – A tropical retreat with winding paths, waterlily ponds, and towering palms—a peaceful place to slow down and connect with Florida’s lush side.
- Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge – The first U.S. wildlife refuge, featuring scenic boardwalks and canopy-view platforms perfect for birdwatching and quiet nature walks.
- Sebastian Inlet State Park – A rugged Atlantic stretch ideal for sunrise views, saltwater fishing, and long walks on uncrowded beaches.
Local Culture
- Vero Beach Museum of Art – A serene, well-curated museum with rotating exhibitions, a sculpture garden, and creative space for reflection.
- Riverside Theatre – This community theater offers Broadway-style shows, live music, and comedy in a relaxed riverside setting.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- Casey’s Place – A beloved outdoor grill serving burgers, sandwiches, and wraps in a breezy setting (vegetarian options available)
- La Tabla – Laid-back café known for its organic bowls, smoothies, and globally inspired snacks (vegan & vegetarian options available)
- Chelsea’s Gourmet – Upscale deli with baked goods, pressed juices, and healthy takeaway (vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Citrus Grillhouse – Oceanfront dining with seasonal American fare and a stylish, open-air vibe (vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
- The Tides – Intimate fine-dining spot focused on fresh seafood and elegant plates (vegetarian options; ask for vegan or gluten-free)
- Ocean Grill – A classic local favorite housed in a historic beachfront building, serving seafood with a view (vegetarian options available)
Stop 4 – Cape Canaveral
Our recommendation: 1 day
Few places along a road trip from Miami offer such a surreal mix of space exploration and quiet shoreline. Cape Canaveral is where sky-bound ambition meets salty air—a coastal stop that feels both thrilling and laid-back. It’s part science museum, part sleepy surf town, and part living reminder that Florida’s coast holds room for both wonder and wilderness.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Canaveral National Seashore – Untouched shoreline and protected dunes offer a peaceful place to walk, birdwatch, or relax away from crowds.
- Jetty Park – A scenic beachfront park with a long fishing pier, calm swimming areas, and front-row views of space launches.
Local Culture
- Kennedy Space Center – Explore NASA’s launch history, see real spacecraft, and check the schedule for a live rocket launch.
- Exploration Tower – A modern structure with panoramic views, hands-on exhibits, and maritime history from sea to space.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- Crackerjacks Seafood and Tiki Bar: Beachside bites and laid-back vibes with ocean views (vegetarian options available)
- The Green Room Café: Health-focused wraps, bowls, and smoothies (vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
- Juice N Java Café: Cozy café with coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and acai bowls (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Florida’s Fresh Grill: Polished yet relaxed seafood spot with a focus on seasonal ingredients (vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
- Pompano Grill: Local favorite offering a rotating menu with fresh catch and creative plates (vegetarian options available)
- The Fat Snook: Coastal fine dining with locally sourced ingredients and a warm, beachy atmosphere (vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
Stop 5 – St. Augustine
Our recommendation: 2 days
When cobblestones replace palm-lined boulevards, you know you’ve reached St. Augustine. The oldest city in the U.S. adds historic texture to your Florida east coast itinerary—offering everything from 17th-century fortresses to quiet colonial cafés. It’s a place best explored on foot or by curiosity, where every corner tells a story and modern distractions feel far away.
Just minutes away, Anastasia State Park offers shaded camping spots and easy beach access—making it a great base for RV travelers. For more details on this park and others worth visiting across the state, check out our guide to the best Florida state parks for RV camping.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Anastasia State Park – Four miles of protected beachfront just minutes from downtown. Swim, birdwatch, or rent a kayak to explore the tidal salt marsh.
- Lighthouse & Maritime Museum – Climb 219 steps for panoramic views of the coast, then explore shipwreck relics and hands-on exhibits below.
Local Culture
- Castillo de San Marcos – A 17th-century Spanish fortress made of coquina stone, standing guard over Matanzas Bay. Walk the ramparts and feel centuries of history in every breeze.
- St. George Street – A pedestrian-only street lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic architecture—perfect for a slow stroll and local flavor.
- Flagler College – Once the grand Ponce de León Hotel, this architectural gem offers guided tours through Gilded Age design and Florida history.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- The Kookaburra – Australian-owned café serving hand pies and specialty coffee (vegetarian options available)
- Crave Food Truck – Healthy wraps, bowls, and smoothies served dockside (vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
- Big Island Bowls – Acai and poke bowls with tropical toppings (vegan & gluten-free options available)
Sit-Down Restaurants
- The Floridian – Farm-to-table Southern fare with a strong veggie and vegan menu (vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options available)
- Preserved – Southern-inspired fine dining in a restored Victorian home (vegetarian options available; ask for vegan or gluten-free)
- Catch 27 – Coastal seafood restaurant focusing on locally caught fish and scratch-made sides (vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
Stop 6 – Blue Spring State Park
Our recommendation: 1 day
Inland detours are often the most rewarding part of a Florida road trip, and Blue Spring State Park proves it. Here, manatees glide through glassy waters, oak-shaded trails wind past hammocks, and boardwalks hover just above the spring. It’s a soft-spoken sendoff—one last breath of wild Florida before the loop closes in Miami.
Road Trip Tip: On your way back to Miami, consider taking a scenic detour via Lake Okeechobee. The route adds only about an hour of drive time and offers a peaceful stop to stretch your legs and soak in wide-open lake views. The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail near Belle Glade or Pahokee is perfect for a short walk or picnic before reentering city life.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Manatee Viewing (Winter Months) – From mid-November to March, hundreds of West Indian manatees gather in the spring’s warm waters. Boardwalk overlooks make it easy to spot them up close.
- Swimming & Snorkeling (Summer) – When manatees migrate out, the spring opens for swimming and snorkeling in water that stays around 72°F year-round.
- Kayaking & Canoeing – Paddle along the St. Johns River or up to the spring run for a shaded journey through cypress-lined waters.
- Nature Trails – Shaded paths wind through the park’s oak hammocks and offer the chance to spot birds, turtles, and maybe even a playful otter.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites / Takeaway
- Shack’s Fish & Chicken – Local favorite for fried seafood and classic Southern-style sides (vegetarian options available)
- Doug & Lil’s Potato Patch – Casual diner serving hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and comfort food (vegetarian options available)
- Old Spanish Sugar Mill (De Leon Springs nearby) – DIY pancake house where you cook at the table; a fun stop before or after your visit (vegetarian & gluten-free options available)
Sit-Down Restaurants
- The Table Restaurant – Farm-to-table comfort food in a relaxed setting (vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options available)
- Santorini Greek Cuisine – Longstanding local spot known for Mediterranean classics and warm hospitality (vegetarian options available)
- De La Vega Restaurante y Galería – Latin fusion fare with artful presentation and plenty of plant-based options (vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free available)
Back in Miami
Wrapping Up Your Florida East Coast Road Trip
Returning to Miami doesn’t feel like ending the trip—it feels like completing it. After a week of reefs, rockets, and riverside trails, the city comes back into view with a new sense of rhythm. Whether you linger for one last swim or roll into town just in time for sunset, this Florida east coast road trip ends the way it began: full of color, contrast, and freedom.
Essential Advice for Your Florida East Coast Road Trip
These are the must-have items and advice to help you prepare for your road trip, from toll roads to packing for Florida’s unpredictable weather.
- Prepare for Florida Weather: Sunshine is a given, but so are sudden downpours. Pack sunscreen, breathable clothing, and a rain jacket so you’re ready for anything. For a full breakdown of what to bring on your trip, check out our RV camping packing list.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal travel time is November to April. Expect higher crowds during holidays.
- Tolls & Fees: Most toll roads require SunPass for quick, discounted toll payments throughout Florida. National park fees range from $6 to $30 per vehicle. For more details, visit the SunPass website.
- National Park Fees: Fees for entry to parks like Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park typically range from $6 to $30 per vehicle. Check the Everglades and Biscayne National Park fee details.
- Florida State Park Fees: Florida state park entry fees vary from $6 to $30 per vehicle. For more information, visit the Florida State Parks fee page.
Florida is home to unique wildlife, and it’s important to be aware of how to safely enjoy encounters with manatees, alligators, and more.
- Wildlife Safety:
- Manatees: Be cautious while kayaking or boating, especially in warm, shallow waters like those in Blue Spring State Park.
- Alligators: Always maintain a safe distance. Never approach or feed alligators, even if they seem docile.
- Sea Turtles: Respect nesting sites, especially during summer when sea turtles lay eggs on Florida’s beaches.
- Leave No Trace:
- Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife habitats.
- Keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing animals, especially in quieter areas like Anastasia State Park and Everglades National Park.
Whether you’re camping in a state park or visiting a national park, follow these tips to make the most of your outdoor experiences along the Florida east coast road trip.
- Park Reservations:
- Popular parks like Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park often require reservations during peak season.
- Check each park’s website ahead of time to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
- Many parks offer online booking, so plan ahead, especially during holidays and peak tourist seasons.
- Camping Etiquette:
- Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours (typically from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for everyone.
- Campground Cleanliness: Clean up your campsite, pack out trash, and use designated fire pits for campfires.
- Respect Wildlife: Never feed animals and be mindful with food storage to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite.
Your Florida East Coast Road Trip Awaits!
Experience tropical beaches, historic towns, and unforgettable stops on a Florida east coast road trip. Rent the perfect RV and explore the coast with total freedom.