Best of Florida ?
 

My husband and I taking a long road trip to Florida. We are starting with Orlando and heading down on the West side.That is covered ,but I need some help on where to go on the East side of Florida. There is so much to choose from. Any suggestions?

If it's not during the summer, I would check out Everglades National Park on your trip from the West Coast to the East Coast - assuming you're going to cross via Rt. 41 at the southern edge.

I like Hollywood Beach more than Ft. Lauderdale.

Cocoa Beach is nice. If you are continuing north, be sure to visit St. Augustine.

I'm sure you've done your homework and know the distances, but you'll be traveling A LOT of miles, and lots of it will be pretty boring.

I loved St. Augustine. Worth a vist. I also LOVE Ft. lauderdale. 5 years ago we spent time like yourself exploring. Left FLL then ended up returning for the remainder of our trip. We found the Gulf side somewhat quiet. It all depends but we love boating, and my husband can look at ships, boats constantly so alas, FLL was a great place for us. The water, the beach the clarity of the water was also wonderful. Enjoy!

St. Augustine is at the top of my list. I also like the area along the Indian River at Melbourne. There are some pretty parks, it's quaint. West Palm is gorgeous. The boating life in FLL makes it very unique. And there is only one Miami in this whole wide world. Boca has interesting architecture.

If you're traveling during manatee season (winter) go by Blue Spring near Orange City. That's real Florida. Also in that area is a great old mill that sits on a spring boil at De Soto Park. Classic old Florida.

I'd leave Daytona off your list. Some parts are nice but the tourist area has seen better days -- the 1920s.

You're right. There's so much to choose from.

We will be taking our trip in April.
Postal, I can understand your husband and boats. I can just sit all day and watch the water. We are a young couple so we not mind exploring a little too.
I like the suggestions!

Wonder up the East Side using the A1A/US-1, if you are in no hurry there a lot of different things you will run across.
The Canaveral National Seashore, Merritt Island NWR. Datona USA (NASCAR), Fort Matanzas NM, Castillo De San Marcos St Augustine, JFK Space Center, Loxahatchee NWR, and by the time you get to Florida the Everglades NP and Shark Valley area should be up and running.

Amelia Island, St. Augustine (something there for everyone - the Castillo, the Spanish Quarter, ghost tours, shopping), the Bulow Plantation (ruins - very atmospheric), Canaveral seashore (the last remaining undisturbed stretch of beach on the east Florida coast), Kennedy Space Center, surfing and kayaking at Cocoa Beach, and (as usual!) Tandoori Girl has a great suggestion: Blue Springs State Park and I'd also suggest Hontoon Island SP in the same area.

One thing I would like to add. If you go to the Canaveral National Seashore make sure you go the one on the south side nearest the Space Center and the Cape. Go the the last parking area to the north, I forget the number. Go a little to the north of the parking area and you will be on the clothing optional portation of the beach.

Have fun!!