Central East Florida Day Trips

I-4 is the east-west interstate in this region. It crosses the state of Florida from Daytona Beach through Orlando to Tampa.

I-95 is the north-south interstate in this region. It comes in from Georgia and goes all the way down to Miami.

The Florida Turnpike is a major toll road on the west side of Indian River and St. Lucie Counties. The Turnpike starts in Wildwood south of Ocala and terminates in Miami.

A branch of the Turnpike splits off north of Miami and heads south and east to Homestead on the way to the Florida Keys.

The interstate exits are crowded with gas stations, fast food restaurants and motels. The Turnpike also has oases with gas and food. You can travel the state quickly and easily on these highways (except during rush hours), but not see as much scenery or real towns as you will on our recommended Central East Florida day trips.

The town signs you do see are usually several miles from the downtown section. The fun begins when you get off the turnpike and interstate and hookup with the less traveled roads.

There are many state and county highways off the interstate that offer better scenery and a look at real towns. In Florida, some backroads are even four-laned.

Here are a few Central East Florida day trips and one tank trips that I recommend:

1. Anderson Drive from Highbridge Road south along the east side of the Halifax River to Ormond Beach. Beautiful river views and tree canopies; fine houses and tranquil neighborhoods.
2. SR-A1A south of Daytona Beach from the Port Orange bridge south to Ponce Inlet. End of the road community, great inlet, historic lighthouse. One of the nicest Central East Florida day trips.
3. The river road from north New Smyrna Beach to Edgewater . Close to the river, old houses, beautiful trees. This beautiful scenic route parallels US-1.
4. SR-3 from south of Oak Hill into the top of Kennedy Space Center, then west on SR-406 to Titusville. A couple of real old pioneer houses in Shiloh, lots of wilderness and wildlife and enhanced by the mystique of the missile center.
5. The river road from Williams Point on US-1 north of Cocoa, south through Cocoa Village, Rockledge, and Bonaventure. This road parallels US-1, and ties back into it at the south end. One of the most beautiful roads in Florida. Close to the river, some pretty high rocky bluffs in Cocoa, quaint Cocoa Village, fine old houses and big oak and palm trees and lots of Spanish Moss.
6. Tropical Trail on Merritt Island from just south of the barge canal to SR-3 at Georgiana. Old Florida that has been bypassed by the newer SR-3. Great old houses and trees. Stop and visit the old Georgiana Methodist church and the nearby cemetery to see the graves of Merritt Island pioneers.
7. SR-3 from the Pineda Causeway(SR-404) south to the Mathers Bridge at the south end of Merritt Island. This is known as South Tropical Trail. You will enjoy a constant and beautiful Indian River view on your right as you drive along, and stately homes on your left that front on the Banana River.

8. SR-A1A from US-192 at Indialantic south to Sebastian Inlet. Low density development, fine beaches, great fishing at the inlet.
9. Jungle Trail from SR-510 at Wabasso Beach south along the east side of the Indian River to Johns Island, and back to SR-A1A. Real old Florida. Was not paved last time I drove it, but easily passable in a normal passenger car.
10. Indian River Drive from Ft. Pierce along the west side of the Indian River to Jensen Beach. Wonderful road hugs the river, beautiful old houses, historic places and magnificent trees.

THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL EAST FLORIDA

Central East Florida Art Festivals

Central East Florida Day Trips

Central East Florida Heritage Sites

Central East Florida Museums

Central East Florida Parks

Central East Florida Theater

Central East Florida Tourist Attractions

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