Our trip from New York to Florida was in winter.
We decided to go celebrate the New Year under the palm trees, so we got our summer clothes, rented a small studio apartment in Miami, and headed down I-95 in the direction of Florida (New York → New Jersey → Maryland → Delaware → Virginia → North Carolina → South Carolina → Georgia → Florida).
I had a crazy idea to find the transition from winter to summer, despite the fact that it was an abnormally warm December in New York .
So my experiment was practically a success: Real spring colors start in North Carolina, and summer and tropical vegetation – in South Carolina.
Where Should I Stop on a Road Trip from New York to Florida?
During the trip New York – Miami – New York, you should stop at the following interesting places:
- Biscayne National Park
- Miami Beaches
- Delray Beach
- Saint Augustine (Castillo de San Marcos)
- Savannah
- Shenandoah National Park
- Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Road
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Savannah
- Delray Beach
In our case, a trip from New York to Miami was a two-week North American circuit through the main attractions of the US East Coast.
The trip can be made independently on a rented car.
You have to drive through the territory of 13 states, have little rest and move a lot, but see so many interesting things!
Traveling the United States on our own with the car we rented in New York is one of the best solo trips we’ve ever made, gaining hands-on experience and an unforgettable experience.
We liked this trip so much that we wanted to return to Miami someday, relax on the wonderful beaches and see in more detail the beautiful architecture of old cities.
What is The Most Scenic Route from New York to Florida?
North Carolina is the most scenic route from New York to Florida and after in South Carolina,summer and tropical vegetation start.
It is a region with a wonderful climate and varied landscape.
The northern part of the state is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and is famous for its beautiful beaches.
In the center there are picturesque foothills.
And to the west are the mountain ranges of the majestic Appalachians.
They are covered with dense forests, most of which is considered a protected area.
What is The Halfway Point Between New York and Florida?
Dunn, North Carolina is exactly halfway point.
The city attracts tourists with the original architecture of cities, quarters with historical buildings, magnificent beach holidays, luxurious parks, picturesque capes and exciting entertainment centers.
How Many Days Does it Take to Drive from New York to Florida?
It is around 1 full day, 1300 miles that can be covered in about 20-23 hours depending on traffic without stopping, but this is physically impossible (and not necessary!
)
In our case it was 2 weeks round trip or 1 week one way only.
The roads in the USA are known throughout the world as the best.
The asphalt on the main highways is perfectly even, and the traffic on the roadway is one-way almost everywhere.
It is very comfortable to drive a car with cruise control, and it is convenient to overtake.
In the right places on the highways, two-level intersections with entry and exit lanes, parking lots with clean toilets and vending machines with food and drinks are organized.
Is it Easy to Drive From NY to Florida?
Yes.
Traveling the United States on our own with the car we rented in New York is one of the best solo trips we’ve ever made with hands-on experience and unforgettable experiences.
There are two options for traveling across the US from New York to Miami:
- Option 1 – along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean through the historical cities of the USA
- Option 2 – Through the US National Parks along the mountain range, away from the beaches
We could not choose what we want to see more, because we really love US national parks and, having visited most of the parks on the West Coast, we have long dreamed of seeing the Great Smoky Mountains Park – the most popular national park in America, but also to resist visiting historical and beach townships were also unable to.
That is why we have combined these two routes into one circular one.
And in the end, on the way to Miami, we passed through the national parks of the East Coast of the United States, and returned to New York along the beautiful coast
Some short Facts about our trip:
Distance: We managed to drive 3799 miles.
Travel time: 2 weeks round trip or 1 week one way only (+4 days in New York).
Car rental price in New York: $450 for 12 days (new Toyota Camry).
Gasoline costs: $288, average gas price $2.
8 per gallon.
We visited 13 US states: New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia.
And also drove without sightseeing in the states of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia.
We saw the sights: 4 national parks, 1 national road and 3 national monuments, 5 cities, 7 beaches.
When is The Best Time to Travel to the USA By Car?
May, June, late August, September and October are the best times to travel around the USA by car.
At the very end of spring, not many tourists still travel to cities and parks, and the weather is already quite good, not hot in Miami, but warm in the mountains, where there is no snow anymore.
But at the end of May there is one minus – Memorial Day. This is the beginning of the summer vacation and school holidays in the United States, which lasts until September, so a trip to America for the summer and early autumn, and especially for holiday weekends, must be planned in advance.
We are Finally In Florida
It was a pleasure to drive with open windows and hatch, swim in the warm ocean, chew cane, “walk” summer clothes and drink wine in the evenings in the backyard of a private house.
We went to the beach in Miami Beach, ate Cuban/Argentinian/Salvadoran/Caribbean food, walked around Haiti and Little Havana, smoked cigars, drank fresh coconut juice, explored the graffiti in the trendy Wynwood district, looked at the stars and enjoyed life in every possible way.
We also went to the southernmost point of the United States through a chain of islands, visited Hemingway’s house and watched fireworks, hugging on the beach.
