Is Florida’s A1A Worth Driving?
Have you been wondering, “Is Florida’s A1A worth driving”? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Is Florida’s A1A Worth Driving?
Yes, Florida’s A1A is definitely worth driving.
It is a scenic highway that runs along the Atlantic coast of Florida, from Miami to Fernandina Beach.
The drive is about 350 miles long, and it takes you through some of the most beautiful beaches in the state.
Along the way, you’ll also see charming beach towns, historic sites, and natural wonders.
Florida’s A1A Road Trip Highlights
Here are some of the highlights of driving along A1A.
1. Miami Beach
Start your drive in Miami Beach, where you can enjoy the white-sand beaches, the Art Deco architecture, and the vibrant nightlife.
Be sure to enjoy the Cuban cuisine Miami is known for at Versailles Cuban Restaurant.
I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich.
2. Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is one of the lesser known national parks in the US, but is a very under-rated hidden gem just outside of Miami.
You can book day trip excursions where a guide will take you sailing around the park, with options for snorkeling, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding.
The vast majority of the park is under water, so the best way to see it is by boat, including a picnic lunch on one of the islands.
3. Fort Lauderdale
Next, head north to Fort Lauderdale, where you can visit the Stranahan House Museum, take a boat ride on the Intracoastal Waterway, or relax on one of the many beaches.
If you’ve never been, be sure to try Skyline Chili when you’re in Fort Lauderdale.
It’s a popular chili brand from Cincinnati, Ohio and a handful of franchisees have brought it to Florida.
They’re known for their chili spaghetti, cheese coneys, and chilitos.
4. Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach is a great place to spend an afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or shopping.
5. Dania Beach
Dania Beach is home to the Dania Beach Pier, which is a great place to fish, take a walk, or watch the sunset.
6. Jupiter
Jupiter is a popular spot for fishing, golfing, and hiking.
7. Florida’s Treasure Coast
Popular cities on Florida’s Treasure Coast include Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, and Jensen Beach.
This is a much quieter and less visited area along A1A than other beach destinations.
There are some great local restaurants whether you’re looking for seafood or Italian food.
I recommend Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House if you’re stopping in Jensen Beach, Manatee Island Bar & Grill if you’re stopping in Fort Pierce, and Little Italy if you’re stopping in Port St. Lucie.
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8. Florida’s Space Coast
Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, and Cape Canaveral are all popular destinations along Florida’s Space Coast.
Kennedy Space Center in particular is a great place to spend a day exploring decommissioned space shuttles, meeting real astronauts, and playing with interactive exhibits.
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9. St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a historic city that is full of Spanish colonial architecture.
There is so much to do here from exploring a historic fort, taking a carriage tour of the city, and finding haunted cemeteries.
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10. Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is a charming town that is known for its Victorian architecture and its beaches.
If you’re looking for a scenic and relaxing drive, then Florida’s A1A is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some other things to keep in mind when planning your drive.
✔️ What Is The Most Scenic Part Of The A1A?
The most scenic part of A1A is the stretch between St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach.
This area is known for its beautiful beaches, rolling dunes, and historic towns.
Here are a few of the highlights:
St. Augustine: The oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine is a charming city with a rich history.
Be sure to visit the Castillo de San Marcos, a massive 17th-century fort, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the city and the ocean.
Fort Matanzas National Monument: This small island fort was built in the 1740s to protect St. Augustine from Spanish attacks.
Today, visitors can take a free boat ride to the fort and explore its ruins.
Anastasia State Park: This park features a beautiful beach, hiking trails, and a historic lighthouse.
Fernandina Beach: This charming town is known for its Victorian architecture and its beaches.
Be sure to visit the Amelia Island Museum of History and the Fernandina Beach Pier.
If you’re looking for a scenic and relaxing drive, then the stretch of A1A between St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach is definitely worth considering.
✔️ How Long Does It Take To Drive The Entire A1A?
The entire length of A1A is about 350 miles (563 kilometers).
If you drive straight through without stopping, it would take about 6 hours.
However, most people would want to stop and explore the many sights along the way, so it’s more realistic to expect a drive of 2-3 days.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a 3-day drive along A1A:
Day 1: Start in Miami Beach and drive north to Fort Lauderdale.
Stop at the Stranahan House Museum and take a boat ride on the Intracoastal Waterway.
In the afternoon, continue north to Hollywood Beach and enjoy the beach or do some shopping.
In the evening, drive to Dania Beach and watch the sunset from the Dania Beach Pier.
Day 2: In the morning, drive to Jupiter and explore the town’s many parks and beaches.
In the afternoon, continue north to St. Augustine and visit the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner in St. Augustine’s historic downtown.
Day 3: In the morning, drive to Fernandina Beach and explore the town’s Victorian architecture and its beaches.
In the afternoon, continue north to Amelia Island State Park and enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.
In the evening, enjoy a final dinner in Fernandina Beach before heading home.
This is just one suggested itinerary, of course.
There are many other things to see and do along A1A, so you can customize your trip to fit your interests.
✔️ Is A1A Safe?
Generally speaking, A1A is a safe road to drive on.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
The speed limit is often slow, so be prepared to drive at a leisurely pace.
There are many pedestrians and cyclists on the road, so be sure to yield to them.
The road can be narrow and winding in some areas, so be extra cautious when driving.
There is a lot of traffic, especially in the summer months, so be prepared for delays.
Overall, A1A is a safe and scenic road to drive on.
Just be sure to be aware of your surroundings and drive at a safe speed.
Be aware of the weather conditions.
The road can be slippery when wet, and there is a risk of flooding during storms.
Be prepared for wildlife.
There are often deer, turtles, and other animals crossing the road.
Stay alert for construction zones.
There are often roadwork projects underway, which can cause lane closures and delays.
If you are planning on driving at night, be sure to use your headlights and be extra cautious.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable drive along A1A.
✔️ What Kind Of Road Is A1A?
State Road A1A (SR A1A) is a major north–south Florida State Road that runs 338.752 miles (545.168 km) along the Atlantic Ocean, from Key West at the southern tip of Florida, to Fernandina Beach, just south of Georgia on Amelia Island.
It is the main road through most oceanfront towns.
Part of SR A1A is designated the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, a National Scenic Byway.
A portion of SR A1A that passes through Volusia County is designated the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, a Florida Scenic Highway.
It is also called the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway from State Road 510 at Wabasso Beach to U.S. Route 1 in Cocoa.
In general, A1A is a two-lane road with a speed limit of 45 mph (72 km/h).
However, there are some areas where the road is wider and the speed limit is higher.
For example, the section of A1A that runs through St. Augustine is a four-lane road with a speed limit of 55 mph (90 km/h).
The road surface on A1A is generally in good condition.
However, there are some areas where the road is narrow and winding, and there may be potholes or other hazards.
Be sure to drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings when driving on A1A.
✔️ When Is The Best Time To Drive A1A?
The best time to drive A1A is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
✔️ Is There Traffic On A1A?
Be prepared for traffic, especially in the summer months.
Allow plenty of time to drive, as the speed limit is often slow and there are many scenic stops to make.
More Fun Places To Visit In Florida
Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the US.
There are so many places to go all over Florida that it can be hard to narrow down.
☑️ The Ultimate One Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary
In just one week you can hit a ton of Florida’s highlights like St. Augustine, Kennedy Space Center, Miami, Key West, The Everglades, Tampa, Orlando, and more.
☑️ Best Things To Do In St. Augustine For Couples
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the US.
This historic town is the perfect place for couples to spend a day or weekend getaway.
From romantic carriage rides to haunted cemeteries, there’s something for everybody.
☑️ Best Things To Do At Kennedy Space Center + Tips For Visiting
The Kennedy Space Center is an experience everyone should have at least once.
It’s on Florida’s Space Coast near Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach.
There are outdoor and indoor exhibits, interactive exhibits, and you can even meet real astronauts.
☑️ Florida’s Treasure Coast
Florida’s Treasure Coast is made up of towns like Vero Beach, Port St Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Jensen Beach.
It’s a quieter and less visited area, but equally as exciting to visit.
☑️ How To Visit Biscayne National Park: The Best One Day Itinerary
Biscayne National Park is just outside of Miami and is almost entirely under water.
A day trip here consists of snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, picnic lunches on an island, and more.
☑️ The Best Key West Day Trip Itinerary
Key West is one of my favorite places in the world I’ve ever visited.
There is so much history here, but it’s also so much fun.
☑️ The Best Everglades National Park One Day Itinerary
Everglades National Park is a great park to visit when you just have one day.
You can take airboat tours around the park and walk a variety of boardwalk and paved trails to see the local wildlife.
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Conclusion: Is Florida’s A1A Worth Driving?
If you’ve been wondering, “Is Florida’s A1A worth driving?”, the answer is absolutely yes!
Some of Florida’s best destinations are along A1A, so it just makes sense to make A1A your road trip route through Florida.
