Beaches to Discover While On A Florida Road Trip

By Dawn S.

Congratulations to Escape Camper Vans on their new Orlando camper van location! As a Florida native, here are some ideas to inspire your campervan Florida road trip through the Sunshine State. 

Visit These Atlantic Coast Beaches While On a Florida Road Trip

Florida’s Atlantic (East) coast has cooler water and bigger waves, it’s your best bet for surfing or riding the waves on a boogie board. You’ll find beaches with lots of hotels, condos, restaurants, and beach bars.  But there are some quiet stretches in the mix, too. Here are a few to check out with nearby camping:

• Amelia Island: A place that’s fun to hunt for shark’s teeth at Fort Clinch State Park.
• Little Talbot Island State Park: Located on Little Talbot Island, 17 miles northeast of Jacksonville.
• Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: This place has beautiful gardens and an uncrowded beach with unique coquina rock formations.
• Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area: An oceanfront campground.
• World-famous Daytona Beach: Are you are a race fan? Don’t miss a day at the Daytona International Speedway, and the Nascar Racing Experience.  If you have your motorcycle endorsement, you can park your campervan at a campground and rent a bike for the day. Spring break, Bike Week in March, and Biketoberfest in October are big annual events to be mindful of.  
  • Camp at Tomoka River State Park
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore: Look for wading birds, waterfowl, gators, hogs, turtles, and deer along the 7 mile Black Point Wildlife Drive. Stop at the Haulover canal boat ramp and drawbridge to view manatees, and visit Playalinda Beach for turquoise water, white sand, and not a hotel in sight.  Dixie Crossroads is famous for its southern food and fried shrimp. 
  • Camp at nearby Sebastian Inlet State Park

Gulf Coast Beaches to Explore During A Florida Road Trip

Florida’s Gulf (West) Coast beaches have warm, calm waters, and flat sandy beaches. These are perfect for families with small children and a more laid back day at the beach. Here are some gulf coast beaches to explore on your road trip:

• St Andrews State Park and Panama City Beach.
• Fort De Soto County Park: Near St Petersburg, try to snag a campsite in advance if you can.
• Myakka River State Park: The largest concentration of humongous alligators, that I have ever seen.
• Sanibel and Captiva Islands: Near Fort Meyers and famous for shelling.

A Few Things To Remember While On Your Florida Road Trip

Be sure to use and reapply sunscreen and insect repellant, stay hydrated, and rent the Bugsocs- window screens for a comfy and safe Florida road trip.  So many beaches, which will it be? Florida’s Atlantic or Gulf Coast? Or, are you headed down to the Keys?

You don’t have to choose, you can see them all… just call, and rent your Escape campervan from Orlando today!