Every time I think about Orlando, the first image that comes to mind is Disney’s fireworks lighting up the sky, followed by the thrill of roller coasters at Universal. But what really changed my perspective on this city was the first time I rented a car and hit the road. There’s something profoundly liberating about leaving the crowded tourist corridors and heading into Florida’s open highways, windows rolled down, the smell of pine and saltwater in the air.
Orlando isn’t just about theme parks—it’s also the perfect base for self-drive adventures. Whether you’re craving a beach escape, a dive into natural springs, or a quirky small-town experience, having your own wheels gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. I’ve done several Orlando road trips over the years, some planned, some completely spontaneous, and each one has given me stories I still love to tell.
In this piece, I want to share three of my favorite Orlando road trip routes. These are routes I’ve driven myself, each with its own rhythm, surprises, and moments that stuck with me. Along the way, I’ll share tips about where to eat, where to stay, how much to expect to spend, and which platforms I use to book flights, cars, hotels, and restaurants in the U.S.
Route 1: Orlando to Clearwater Beach – A Gulf Coast Escape
The first time I decided to escape Orlando for the Gulf Coast, I wasn’t even sure I’d make it past Tampa. I had just finished a week of theme park marathons and was craving sand, seafood, and a change of pace. Clearwater Beach kept popping up in conversations, so I booked a car on Expedia, threw a towel in the back seat, and hit I-4 West.
The Drive
From Orlando, it’s about a two-hour drive to Clearwater Beach if traffic behaves. The I-4 stretch can feel monotonous at times, with billboards for theme parks and roadside diners, but once you get closer to Tampa, the anticipation builds. Crossing the Courtney Campbell Causeway into Clearwater is the highlight—suddenly, water surrounds you, and the sun reflects off the bay like glitter.
Stops Along the Way
- Tampa Riverwalk: On my first trip, I detoured into Tampa for a couple of hours. The Riverwalk is great for stretching your legs, grabbing a Cuban sandwich, or even hopping on a boat ride. Parking is fairly easy mid-morning, and it’s a nice halfway break.
- Dunedin: A charming little town just north of Clearwater. I stopped once for coffee at a local café and ended up wandering art galleries. It feels more local than tourist-heavy Clearwater.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater itself is the reward. Powdery white sand that feels like flour under your feet, turquoise waters, and a lively boardwalk. I spent hours just lying on the sand, then walked to Pier 60 at sunset. The pier has nightly festivals—musicians, street performers, artisans—it reminded me of a mini Key West Sunset Celebration.
Food & Drink
I ate at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, which is practically an institution in Clearwater. Their grouper sandwich was unforgettable—crispy, fresh, and loaded with flavor. I made my reservation on OpenTable because summer weekends can get packed.
Where to Stay
I’ve done this trip two ways: driving back the same night and staying overnight. The overnight is far better. On one trip, I booked a beachfront room at the Opal Sands Resort on Hotels.com. Waking up to the sound of the waves made the whole trip feel like a mini-vacation inside my vacation.
Travel Tip
Leave Orlando early in the morning. Traffic around Tampa Bay can snarl badly after noon, and if you want a full beach day, aim to arrive before 11 a.m.
Route 2: Orlando to St. Augustine – A Journey Back in Time
If Clearwater is about sand and sunsets, St. Augustine is about cobblestones and history. The first time I drove up, I was shocked that this pocket of “Old World” charm existed less than two hours from Orlando.
The Drive
St. Augustine lies northeast of Orlando, about 105 miles away. Taking I-95 North is the fastest option, but I like to add a scenic detour along the coastal A1A highway when time allows. Driving past small beach towns, you can feel the Atlantic breeze through the car window and watch surfers catching waves.
Stops Along the Way
- Daytona Beach: I pulled in once just to experience driving directly on the sand—it’s one of the few places in Florida you can do that. The salty air, the screeching gulls, the thrill of tires crunching sand beneath you—it’s unforgettable.
- Flagler Beach: A smaller, quieter stop where I once grabbed shrimp tacos at a beach shack. It felt like stumbling into a hidden gem.
St. Augustine Itself
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., founded in 1565, and walking its streets feels like stepping into Europe.
- Castillo de San Marcos: This 17th-century fortress built by the Spanish was the first place I visited. Standing on the stone walls, looking out at the water, I could almost picture pirates and colonial soldiers.
- St. George Street: The heart of the historic district, filled with boutiques, ice cream shops, and art galleries. I once spent an entire afternoon here just wandering, stopping every 20 feet to take photos.
- Ghost Tour: At night, I joined a lantern-lit ghost tour, walking through graveyards and haunted alleys. Cheesy? Maybe. Fun? Absolutely.
Food & Drink
I always eat at Columbia Restaurant in St. Augustine. Their Spanish-Cuban menu, especially the paella and sangria, makes me linger for hours. Reservations are easy to secure on OpenTable.
Where to Stay
On one trip, I splurged at Casa Monica Resort & Spa, a Moorish Revival-style hotel right in the historic district. I booked through Booking.com and felt like royalty walking through its arched doorways.
Travel Tip
Bring comfortable shoes—St. Augustine’s charm lies in walking, and cobblestones are no joke in sandals. Also, parking in the historic district is limited, so I usually aim to arrive mid-morning before the crowds.
Route 3: Orlando to Ocala National Forest – Springs and Nature
When I need a break from the tourist bustle, I drive north into Ocala National Forest. It’s only about an hour and a half away, but it feels like a completely different world—lush pine forests, natural springs with water so clear you can see fish darting below, and campgrounds where the night sky feels infinite.
The Drive
From Orlando, I usually take SR 19 through small towns and rolling countryside. The drive is slower than the interstate, but it’s scenic and calming. I love watching the landscape shift from suburban sprawl to pine-lined highways.
Springs and Trails
- Juniper Springs: My favorite stop. The first time I dipped into the spring, the 72°F water nearly shocked me out of my skin, but after a few minutes, it felt incredibly refreshing. There’s also a beautiful old mill house here, perfect for photos.
- Silver Glen Springs: Great for snorkeling. The water is crystal-clear, and I floated above schools of striped bass—it was like swimming in an aquarium.
- Alexander Springs: Wide and shallow, ideal for families. I once brought a picnic and spent an entire lazy afternoon there.
Activities
Besides swimming, there are canoe rentals and hiking trails. I tried the Juniper Run canoe trail once—it was magical, gliding through a jungle-like river with dragonflies hovering and herons stalking in the shallows.
Food & Drink
Food options inside the forest are limited, so I usually pack snacks and drinks from Orlando. But on the way back, I often stop at a barbecue joint in one of the small towns. One standout was a roadside diner where I had ribs so tender they practically fell off the bone.
Where to Stay
I’ve camped in Ocala once, and the star-filled sky was worth every mosquito bite. But if camping isn’t your thing, you can easily stay in Orlando and do a day trip. On one trip, I stayed at the Hilton Orlando (booked on Hotels.com) and just made Ocala a long day escape.
Travel Tip
Bring water shoes if you plan to swim—the springs are rocky, and I learned that lesson the hard way after stubbing my toe on limestone. Also, cell service is spotty, so download maps ahead of time.
Practical Tips for Planning Orlando Road Trips
Car Rentals
I always book rental cars through Expedia or Kayak. Both platforms make it easy to compare prices, filter by car size, and check customer reviews. During busy summer months, I book at least two weeks in advance.
Flights Into Orlando
If you’re flying in, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main hub. I use Google Flights to track airfare trends, then book through Expedia if I want to bundle flights with hotels.
Hotels
I alternate between Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. Each has its own perks—Hotels.com gives free nights, Booking.com often has flexible cancellation, and Expedia makes it easy to add car rentals.
Dining Reservations
For food, OpenTable is my go-to. It’s seamless for Orlando, Tampa, or even small-town gems like St. Augustine.
Attraction Tickets
When planning extra stops like Universal, Disney, or smaller attractions, I’ve had good luck with Viator and GetYourGuide. They often offer skip-the-line options that save hours.
Driving out of Orlando opens up an entirely different world. The first time I rolled out of the city in a rental car, I realized how much I had been missing by sticking only to theme parks. Each route—whether it’s Clearwater’s white sands, St. Augustine’s cobblestones, or Ocala’s springs—tells a different Florida story.
There’s a joy in planning the perfect playlist, packing snacks, and watching the landscape unfold mile by mile. There’s also the unexpected: stumbling into a roadside diner, finding a hidden beach, or laughing with strangers at a sunset pier show.
For me, Orlando road trips are about freedom. The freedom to explore beyond the postcard images, to find your own slice of Florida magic, and to create stories that last longer than a roller coaster ride. And every time I return to Orlando, I know I’ll rent a car again, because the road always calls.
