Florida A1A Itinerary
The Florida A1A Road Trip is a 179km journey of discovery, starting in Jacksonville and ending in Daytona Beach. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes and beaches Florida has to offer. Along the way you will pass through the towns of Ponte Verda Beach and Palm Coast, both of which offer spectacular views and a variety of attractions. The best time to take this road trip is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the beaches are at their best. The roads are also in excellent condition, making it suitable for every driver. This road trip can be managed with a moderate budget and will provide you with an unforgettable experience and plenty of memories to take home.
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number of days
179 km
route length
fair
budget
family
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on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Jacksonville
Distance 179 km
Driving time 3.5 h
Pace: modest
46.7 kWh
Airports
JAX
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Jacksonville is the largest city in the US state of Florida and the perfect starting point for a journey along the famous Florida A1A Road Trip. Located along the Atlantic coast, this vibrant city provides travelers with plenty of attractions, activities and sights to explore.
A must-see attraction in Jacksonville is the iconic Friendship Fountain, which lights up the city skyline with its cascading waters and vibrant colors. Visitors can also explore the many historical sites in the city, such as the Kingsley Plantation, the oldest standing plantation house in Florida, and the Fort Caroline National Memorial, which commemorates the French colonists who once lived there.
For those traveling by air, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is the closest international airport and provides travelers with car rental services. From there, travelers can begin their journey along the Florida A1A Road Trip, traveling through some of the state's most stunning landscapes and attractions. Along the way, visitors can explore the beautiful beaches of Amelia Island, the historic St. Augustine, the enchanting Silver Springs, and the wilds of the Ocala National Forest.
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Jacksonville
- Ponte Verda Beach
Distance 52 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: slow
12.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip adventure from Jacksonville to Ponte Vedra Beach? This 32-mile journey will take you less than two hours, and you will be amazed by the sights along the way.
Start your trip in Jacksonville, home to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the largest zoo in the state. Here you can see a wide variety of animals and plants, as well as enjoy a variety of educational programs.
Continue your journey to Ponte Vedra Beach, where you will find the famous Sawgrass Country Club. This golf course is home to the PGA Tour and offers a challenging course for any level of golfer.
Along the way, be sure to take in the breathtaking scenery. You may even catch a glimpse of the wild horses that roam the area. And don't forget to check out the historical sites, such as the Kingsley Plantation, which is the oldest plantation in the United States.
At the end of your journey, you will be rewarded with the beautiful beaches of Ponte Vedra Beach. Here you can relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
For more information on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Jacksonville to Ponte Vedra Beach!
Ponte Verda Beach - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - pxhere.com
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2
Ponte Verda Beach
- St. Augustine
Distance 44 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
13.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready to explore the beauty of the US? Get your car ready and hit the road! Start your journey in Ponte Verda Beach, a beautiful coastal town in Florida. Take the scenic route and enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean as you drive towards St. Augustine, just 27 miles away. You will reach the oldest city in the United States in less than an hour. St. Augustine is a great place to explore the history and culture of the nation. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos and the Fort Matanzas National Monument, or take a walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the Spanish colonial architecture. Don't forget to take a break and try some of the delicious local cuisine. For a unique experience, take a boat tour of the Matanzas Bay. You will have plenty of time to discover the beauty of St. Augustine before you have to get back on the road. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
St. Augustine - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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3
St. Augustine
- Palm Coast
Distance 38 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
11.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Then join us for a 23-mile drive from St. Augustine to Palm Coast! This journey will take you through some of the most beautiful scenic roads in Florida, and you’ll be able to explore the rich history of St. Augustine and the natural beauty of Palm Coast.
In St. Augustine, make sure you check out Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Take a leisurely stroll along the bayfront and explore the cobblestone streets of the historic district. When you’re done, hop in your car and take the scenic route to Palm Coast.
In Palm Coast, take advantage of the outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and biking. Stop by the Washington Oaks Garden State Park, where you can explore the formal gardens and take a walk along the beach. Then, head to the Flagler Beach Pier and soak up the sun while admiring the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Palm Coast - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Palm Coast
- Flagler Beach
Distance 15 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
4.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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If you are looking for an amazing road trip from Palm Coast to Flagler Beach, you are in for a treat! This 10 mile drive will take you less than an hour and you will be able to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Start your journey at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast, where you can admire the beautiful gardens, enjoy the beach, and explore the historic coquina-stone ruins. Then, take a stroll at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue your drive towards Flagler Beach and make a stop at the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier. Here you can take a break and relax while admiring the stunning views of the ocean. You can also enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, and surfing.
Before you end your journey, make sure to visit the Mala Compra Plantation Ruins, which is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the past. Here you can take a stroll and explore the ruins of the old plantation.
These are just a few of the amazing places you can visit during your road trip from Palm Coast to Flagler Beach. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Flagler Beach - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Flagler Beach
- Daytona Beach
Distance 31 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
7.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure from Flagler Beach to Daytona Beach? This 19mi drive will take you fewer than 1 hours and will show you some of the most interesting places of these two cities!
In Flagler Beach, you can visit The Flagler Beach Municipal Pier, with its breathtaking views and a great place to relax and watch the sunset. You can also explore the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. This beachside park offers a variety of activities like swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping.
In Daytona Beach, you can visit the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, a great place to have fun with friends and family. You can also explore the Marine Science Center with its interactive exhibits and educational programs.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great road trip!
Daytona Beach - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - pixabay.com
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Daytona Beach
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Daytona Beach is the perfect destination to end your Florida A1A Road Trip. This lively city is located along the Atlantic Coast and offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for travelers. Whether you are looking for a beach getaway, a scenic drive, or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Daytona Beach has something for everyone.
Start your day with a visit to the Daytona International Speedway. Here, you can watch a race or take a tour of the facility. Then, drive down A1A to explore the city’s beaches. Relax on the white sand, take a dip in the ocean, or just enjoy the view. After a relaxing day at the beach, explore the city’s rich culture and history. Visit the Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Mary McLeod Bethune Home, or the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse.
For a unique experience, take a drive down Beach Street and explore the local shops, restaurants, and bars. Daytona Beach is also home to a variety of live music venues, so don’t forget to check out some of the local bands. After a day of exploring the city, you can drive to the Daytona Beach International Airport (IATA:DAB) to catch your flight home.
No matter what your interests are, Daytona Beach has something to offer. From its beautiful beaches to its exciting attractions, Daytona Beach is the perfect place to end your Florida A1A Road Trip.
Florida A1A at a glance
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Start:
Jacksonville
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End:
Daytona Beach
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Distance:
179 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
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When to drive:
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Florida A1A Road Trip is an iconic journey along Florida's east coast, stretching approximately 179 kilometers (111 miles) from the bustling city of Jacksonville to the world-renowned Daytona Beach. This picturesque drive takes you through a diverse array of landscapes, featuring breathtaking ocean views, charming seaside towns, and an abundance of wildlife.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Jacksonville: Begin your adventure in Florida's most populous city, where you can explore a mix of cultural hotspots, such as museums and historic neighborhoods, as well as enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Jacksonville Beach.
- Ponte Vedra Beach: This upscale area is not only home to pristine beaches but also serves as the site of the esteemed TPC Sawgrass, where The Players Championship golf tournament is held annually.
- St. Augustine: As the nation's oldest city, founded in 1565, St. Augustine is rich in history with sites like the Castillo de San Marcos and the picturesque St. George Street.
- Flagler Beach: With its unspoiled beaches and laid-back vibe, Flagler Beach is a hidden gem that offers a more tranquil beach experience away from the crowds.
- Palm Coast: Nestled between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, Palm Coast is a serene escape with nature preserves such as Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, where visitors can admire formal gardens and unique coquina rock formations.
- Daytona Beach: End your journey in this famous beach city known for its hard-packed sands that allow for driving on the beach, an activity that has been attracting visitors since the early 20th century. Don't miss the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the legendary Daytona 500 NASCAR race.
Best Time to Go:
While the summer months offer warm weather and bustling beach scenes, consider visiting between March and May or September and November for milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates. Additionally, these off-peak times help avoid the Atlantic hurricane season, which peaks from August to October.
Potential Risks:
- Weather can be a concern, with hurricane threats and sudden thunderstorms; it's wise to monitor forecasts and plan accordingly.
- Traffic congestion can occur, so plan your Trip around peak tourist seasons and be mindful of events that may draw large crowds, such as the Daytona 500 or spring break periods.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The A1A highway is designated as a National Scenic Byway due to its cultural, historic, and natural significance.
- Along the route, you can visit the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum near Daytona Beach, which is Florida’s tallest lighthouse and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River.
- Keep a lookout for the wildlife; you might spot dolphins frolicking in the waves or sea turtles nesting on the beaches, especially at the Canaveral National Seashore, which is a short detour from the main A1A route.
A good choice for:
The Florida A1A Road Trip is more than just a drive; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Florida's coastal culture, history, and natural splendor. Whether you're seeking relaxation on sandy beaches, exploring historic landmarks, or enjoying the local cuisine, this route offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to many interests, ensuring your Road Trip will be filled with cherished memories.