My husband and I have decided to take a last minute roadtrip from Atlanta to Florida starting this Saturday! We are actually from Wisconsin, but my husband is temporarily working in Atlanta and we want to take advantage of the opportunity to see Florida.

We are both 30. Love to swim in the ocean, snorkel, kayak, hike, and check out national/state parks. Wouldn't mind spending a day at Disney World as well. We have 8 full days to enjoy Florida (including travel to and from Atlanta).

I've been to the Keys before and loved it, but I'm not sure we should try and make it that far south. I'm thinking we should stick with Central-Northern Florida to limit the amount of time we spend driving.

I'm just starting my research, but I'm wondering if we should focus on the East coast, Gulf coast, pandhandle...or if we have enough time to hit both coasts. We have a friend in Jacksonville, but I've heard that it's not a great vacation destination...

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Just from my experience the Gulf Coast is lovely this time of the year. Maybe Tampa area, but even the panhandle can be nice. You'll need to check driving times, as I mainly fly these days and can't tell you how long it'll take. Silver Springs is a nice little stop over if you want to do a tourist thing and it will be along the way maybe. Otherwise grab a map and get going! Backroads are always cool. Have fun!

We visited St. Augustine for the first time last year and absolutely loved it. Lots of history, interesting things to see and do. We stayed at the Casa Monica (great hotel; good location), visited the San Sebastian Winery, took the on/off trolley, toured the wonderful Lightner Museum (must see) and Government House, walked pedestrian only St. George Street, stopped in the beautiful Cathedral and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Some things are a little touristy but overall we were very pleased with our stay there.

I would seriously consider Cumberland Island (depending on the route you take), St. Augustine and the Meritt Island/Canaveral National Seashore area. I have only done these places by boat, but they are very beautiful and the two parks are quite unspoiled by FL standards.

Due west from Canaveral is the lakes region (Mt. Dora, etc.) which I hear is very beautiful. Never been there. Keep in mind that WDW will be full of spring breakers. I'd rather jump off a bridge than be there right now!

I think you are wise not to try to get all the way to the Keys. There is plenty to do up north. I live on the Gulf Coast, and while it is lovely here, I think that the areas I suggested have more to offer in the way of the outdoors.

Thanks for the advice. I forgot that next week is spring break for most kids and WDW will be a nightmare...guess we'll be skipping that!

Just for a frame of reference - from ATL to TPA is between 7-9 hours by auto(depends on how heavy your foot is!).

A nice place in Tampa area is Fort Desoto Park (has camping, fishing, etc), a state park in Tampa Bay.
Get in touch with Bill Jackson's sporting goods stores for info on kayaking.

From Atlanta, Cumberland is indeed a great excursion. There is no bridge to the island and you must ferry over.
Google it - you'll enjoy how 'natural' it is. BUT, for early April, it might be rather cool still.

Have fun - dress YOUNG and maybe you'll pass for a Spring Breaker!(just kidding).

St. Augustine is a great idea. You could also go to Crescent Beach, which is close by St Augustine.

madisonmichelle_
Don't put your plans on hold because you worry about next week being "spring break for most kids". Spring break in Florida actually spans about six weeks from mid/late-February to Easter and depends on the academic schedule of the individual schools involved. It's not like everyone descends on Florida in one, seven-day period.

St. Augustine and Crescent Beach should not be crowded with hordes of youthful party goers. On the East coast, they gravitate more to Daytona and New Smyrna Beache, and to a somewhat lesser degree, Cocoa Beach.

When my husband and I lived in Atlanta, we would always drive down to the Fort Walton Beaches in the panhandle this time of year. Only a five hour drive and it's gorgeous! We always happened to stay in Santa Rosa Beach but all the towns are fantastic! If you love shrimp, stop in Goatfeathers for some steamed shrimp!! I miss those weekend trips.

I'm not so worried about the college spring breakers (I'm one myself...PhD student from UW-Madison) because few colleges have spring break this late. However, I think the majority of K-12 schools have spring break next week due to Easter, which I'm guessing will make the lines extra long at Disney World. So the only place I'll be cautious about is Orlando.

Thanks for the tips!

bookmarking