Road trip adventures are a beloved part of American lore. There is something magical about a long-distance exploration of this vast country of ours, particularly when there is time to take side trip visits along the way. One such interesting route is the trip between Atlanta, GA, and Miami, FL. Let’s explore some of the sightseeing and entertainment options between these two iconic Southern cities.
The Road Trip Route: Atlanta to Miami
The Southern route from Atlanta is the venerable I-75 corridor. Travelers can follow I-75 into Central Florida and pick up Florida’s Turnpike (near Orlando) and I-95 for the balance of the trip. A slightly longer (33 miles), but more interesting route, involves taking I-10 East after crossing into Florida and jogging west towards Jacksonville. From there, the traveler parallels the coastline while picking up I-95 for the final 300 plus miles to Miami. If you want to drive straight through to get Miami it will take between 11 and 12 hours without seeing some great things. If you want to see some great things while you are driving through Georgia and Florida check them out below.
Things to see in Georgia
Macon GA:
After escaping the usual white-knuckle traffic experience in Atlanta, a relaxing stop in Macon, Ga is in order. This genteel Southern city boasts three excellent museums, The Georgia Music Hall of Fame, The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Tubman African American Museum. The latter is the largest and most comprehensive African American museum in all of Georgia.
Things to see in Florida
Lake City FL:
Located near the junction of I-75 and I-10, the Lake City area is known as the Freshwater Capital of America. This region is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering over 100 natural springs, whitewater rafting on the Suwannee River, and the unspoiled beauty of the 200,000 acre Osceola National Forest. The Columbia County Tourist Welcome Center, located just off I-10, is a great resource for those looking to explore the area in more detail.
St. Augustine FL:
After connecting with I-95 in Jacksonville, head south 40 miles to America’s Oldest City, St. Augustine, FL. Spend a day walking and shopping on the ancient cobblestone walkways of St. Georges Street, or take in the history of the Castillo De San Marcos, which is a circa 1672 fort operated by the National Park Service. Golf lovers will not want to miss visiting the World Golf Hall of Fame, which is located right of I-95 just outside the city.
The Space Coast:
The Titusville & Cocoa Beach area of Florida is known as the Space Coast for obvious reasons. The Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral still offer visitors the opportunity to witness the thunderous spectacle of unmanned rocket launches. For beach enthusiasts, the nearby Canaveral National Seashore is a barrier island with nearly 25 miles of gorgeous, undeveloped shoreline.
These are just a few of the potential diversions along the route from Atlanta to Miami. Travelers looking for a more leisurely pace should also take the opportunity to ditch I-95 in favor of Florida SR A1A, for at least a portion of the trip. A1A parallels the Atlantic Ocean through beachfront towns with lush tropical foliage and magnificent vistas. It seems fitting to make the final approach to Miami on the legendary A1A.
What car to Drive for the Road Trip
It is always nice to have a great car to take on a road trip for the quality of road trip for you do not have to worry about the car breaking down and you can get to your destination faster. Another great option to get to Miami is renting a car with Sixt Car Rental. You can pick a rent a car at the Atlanta Airport and drive one way to Sixt Miami Beach location or Miami Airport location where you can enjoy your vacation in Miami. Then you can rent a car in Miami and take it one way back to Atlanta. With a rent a car you do not have to worry about the car breaking down because most rental cars are prepared for extreme conditions. You will never find a Sixt rental car that is older than 6 months old making sure that you have a brand new car to take on this great road trip.
