Miami to Pensacola Road Trip Guide
Introduction
Looking for a road trip with a little something for everyone? Look no further and start planning the perfect RV road trip from Miami to Pensacola. In one weekend you can explore much of the state of Florida with exciting stops at state parks, beaches, museums, and amusement parks.
Miami, the ideal starting point in south Florida, is known for its pristine beaches, nightlife, and proximity to nature. The abundance of sun and clear blue skies draw tourists from all over. Its warm climate welcomes RV road trippers year-round and there are RV-friendly camping options nearby, like the Hollywood KOA.
Before you embark on this fabulous RV road trip to Pensacola, make sure you experience everything the glamorous city of Miami has to offer. Start with a visit to Everglades National Park to tour miles of swamps and see the wildlife. It's the only place on earth where both crocodiles and alligators coexist.
The road trip from Miami to Pensacola is about 10 hours and the best route heads north from Miami through Fort Lauderdale. You'll start heading northwest at Port St. Lucie and hit the cities of Orlando and Gainesville. Once at Lake City, your journey turns west past Tallahassee. The Florida roads you'll be navigating are all paved, relatively flat and definitely RV-friendly.
Once you arrive in Pensacola you'll be treated to more museums, fishing, historic sights, and beautiful scenery. There's no reason to stop the fun.
Point of Interest
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
A great first stop on your RV road trip from Miami to Pensacola is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Directly across from the popular Fort Lauderdale Beach, this state park is relatively small but packs a big punch when it comes to entertainment. The park itself is the previous estate of its namesake, attorney Hugh Taylor Birch. His home, featuring Mediterranean and Art Deco styles, now serves as the visitor center.
Bring your hiking or biking gear to navigate one of the three main trails. The loop road that meanders around the park is ideal for cycling. Hikers can use the Exotic Trail that travels down the middle of the park with excellent views of the estate's exotic gardens. The Beach Hammock Trail is also a worthwhile walk to experience unique tropical and maritime plants like Myrsine and sea grapes.
Considered an urban oasis, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is fantastic for relaxation. It's also the perfect jumping-off point to explore the adjacent beach and the city of Fort Lauderdale.
Universal Orlando
Around Port St. Lucie, you'll start to head inland towards Orlando. While many visitors choose the world-famous Disney World, why not head to the three diverse theme parks that make up Universal Orlando?
Lovers of television and movies will enjoy being surrounded by their favorite TV and film characters at Universal Studios. Play midway games, satisfy a hungry tummy, or do a little shopping. The many immersive rides will make you feel like you're part of the show.
Adrenaline junkies young and old will get a thrill out of a visit to Universal's Islands of Adventure. The exciting rides are located in theme areas and offer options from carousels to roller coasters. Every visitor will find their perfect ride.
On a hot day, add Universal's Volcano Bay to the itinerary. The tropical theme of this 27-acre water park will definitely keep you cool. The iconic 200 feet tall Krakatau Volcano, which houses a 125-foot water slide, is not to be missed. Other noteworthy attractions here include the wave village - perfect for relaxation, the river village's lazy river, and the thrill rides of the rainforest village.
Florida Historic State Capitol Museum
Traveling northwest through the state brings you to the capital of Florida, Tallahassee. Rich in history, head to the Florida Historic State Capitol Museum in the old State Capitol building. Originally constructed in 1845, it was restored to its previous glory when the day to day operation was moved to the new capitol building.
Take tours through important rooms like the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, and the Governor's Office. The museum also features antiques dotted throughout and many historic photographs. Interactive exhibits keep you entertained while you learn about Tallahassee's past.
Just next door, you can also see the new and working Florida State Capitol Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Capitol Tower, built in the 1970s, has an observation deck on the 22nd floor. It's the ideal place for expansive views across the city.
Panama City Beach
No road trip through Florida is complete without a visit to the beach. Often toted as the location of the best beaches in the United States, Panama City Beach is a wonderful place to stop. The seaside city provides access to 27 miles of white sand beaches that are ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
The beach at St. Andrews State Park can put its money where its mouth is. Voted the best beach in the USA in 1995, this serene state park offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and fishing. Boasting 1.5 miles of the famous white sand coastline, the park is sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay.
The clear emerald-hued water is ideal for swimming and for a calmer experience, head to the protected pool found behind the jetties. Visitors can also hike through pine forests and two fishing piers provide year-round angling opportunities.
Secure one of the over 100 RV-friendly campsites with water and electric hookups and use this as an overnight stop on the way to Pensacola.
Summary
Pensacola, in the Florida Panhandle, is a great place to spend the last day or hours of your RV road trip. The sunny skies provide an outdoor playground on most days. Head out on the waters of Pensacola Bay for a relaxing day of sightseeing and fishing. Popular catches include mahi-mahi, flounder, speckled trout, and varieties of snapper.
You can tour the city's sights by boat or by land and make stops at Fort Pickens for a walk through the tunnels and pictures with real cannons. If the weather turns, park the RV at the Naval Aviation Museum and enjoy one of the guided tours by a retired pilot.
Stay the night at the Fort Pickens Campground, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore where RVs are welcome and electric hookups are available. Sit back and reflect on the countless memories of your RV trip through Florida that have just been created. You'll probably already be planning the next one.
