Miami to Myrtle Beach Road Trip Guide

Now that you’ve spent plenty of time indoors, it’s time to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina. It’s so large that it resides in five different counties and there is even a state park nearby! With over 300 miles of shoreline, you’re bound to have a great time hiking around the lake! If your trip is during the autumn months, you’ll get to experience the lush tree leaves changing colors as the winter days get closer and closer.

You can go fishing in the lake, relax on one of the many piers, or take photos to remember your trip by! You can also find boat ramps all along the shoreline. You and your friends can take a boat, canoe, kayak, or other watercraft onto the water to see this area of South Carolina in a unique and fun way!

Once you arrive at the Mercer Williams House, you’ll be just over 225 miles from your destination. This museum is located in Savannah, Georgia and is famous for being the last location of Danny Hansford before he was fatally shot. Danny Hansford was the assistant to Jim Williams, who is a famous local of Savannah.

In the late 1960s the house was fully restored and upon visiting, you’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time. At the time of writing this, the Mercer Williams house is owned by Jim’s sister Dorothy and she holds guided tours five days a week for locals and visitors alike. If you want to get a little rest before you and your friends reach your next stop, consider parking the van at Skidaway Island State Park or Fort Mcallister State Park.

You’re almost out of Florida but first, you have to check out one of the most unique destination spots on your way north! The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful way to get in touch with nature and spend time with some wild animals, outside of the water. Located outside of Jacksonville, this "punny" wildlife sanctuary is a non-profit. There are tours available every day to see the many cats that call the Catty Shack Ranch home.

All of the animals at this sanctuary have been rescued and are treated with the utmost care, as this place is now their forever home. You’ll have the opportunity to see large tigers, roaring lions, and even pumas. All of the people working there are volunteers and love the mission behind the Catty Shack Ranch. This is a great pit stop on your way out of Florida!

A little over four hours into your trip you’ll reach Daytona Beach and stopping at the boardwalk is a must! You and your friends can blast the popular song “Ocean Avenue” as you park the campervan on a street with the same name, just outside of the amusement park. Established in the late 1930s, this boardwalk has just about everything you need for a good time. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, whether you need an afternoon margarita or a filling lunch.

There are also indoor and outdoor rides to choose from as well if you’re looking for a thrill. The Ferris wheel looks over the entire boardwalk and ocean, making it a relaxing and exciting adventure! If you want to call it a night after a long day at the Daytona Boardwalk Amusement Park, feel free to park your van at the Daytona Beach RV Park before making your way to Myrtle Beach.

Before heading out of Miami, you’ll want to start off your trip by spending a few hours at the Miami Seaquarium. This is an iconic spot for both locals and visitors to relax and see some unique wildlife. It is a 38-acre oceanarium located on the island of Virginia Key where you’ll see animals like dolphins, whales, key sharks, and stingrays.

If you’ve ever wanted to swim with dolphins, this is the place to do just that. If dolphins aren’t your thing, you and your friends can swim with friendly seals instead. There are also touch pools where you can get up close and personal with the critters in their habitats. You can even walk underwater amongst the wildlife in the 300,000-gallon tropical reef tank. Don’t forget to visit the sea turtles and the penguins on your way out!