Washington to Miami 1 – A special route that includes crossing the southern part of east USA (from north to south). This route leads to great natural sites along the way, between Washington DC and Miami, and is very diverse in it’s scenery – mountains, streams, waterfalls, beaches, islands, lush forests, as well as tropical swamps and springs. This trip also includes a visit to Orlando and it’s theme parks.
Please note – This route includes relatively long drives. During summer months it is very hot and humid along this route. This route can be affected by summer hurricanes (which may mainly affect Florida and the Outer Banks Islands). The peak of the hurricane season is in September. It is possible to travel this route during summer months, but it is advised to be up to date regarding the forecast. During the spring (March/beginning of April) and during the Autumn (October/November) it may be cold (and even icy/snowy) in the high altitude areas along this route (the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Highway). Fall Foliage reaches the high altitude areas along this route during the month of October.
Day 1 – Land in Washington DC and enjoy half a day in the city
Lodging location: Washington DC
Day 2 – Visit Washington DC
Lodging location: Washington DC
Day 3 – Enjoy a morning in Washington DC and drive the coastal town of Virginia Beach, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Virginia Beach
Day 4 – Drive to Nags Head in the Outer Banks Islands and visit Kitty Hawk and sites near Nags Head, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Nags Head
Day 5 – Drive south along the Outer Banks Islands (plus a take a short ferry ride to the island of Ocracoke) and visit sites along the way, 3 hours drive plus 45-60 minutes ferry ride
Lodging location: Ocracoke
Day 6 – Take the ferry to Cedar Island and start driving west, 2.5 hours ferry ride plus 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Raleigh
Day 7 – Drive to Ashville and on the way visit Mount Mitchell State Park , 5 hours drive
Lodging location: Asheville
Day 8 – Drive south on the Blue Ridge Parkway and visit sites along the way, 2.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Cherokee
Day 9 – Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from south to north on route 441 and visit locations along the way, 1 hour drive
Lodging location: Gatlinburg
Day 10 – Visit the northern part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Lodging location: Gatlinburg
Day 11 – Start driving south towards the Bay of Mexico, 5 hours drive
Lodging location: Newnan
Day 12 – Drive the beaches of the Bay of Mexico, 5 hours drive
Lodging location: Cape San Blas
Day 13 – Enjoy the beaches of Saint George State Park and Saint Joseph Peninsula State Park
Lodging location: Cape San Blas
Day 14 – Drive to Orlando and on the way visit Wakulla State Park, 6 hours drive
Lodging location: Orlando
Day 15 – Visit one of Disneyworld’s theme parks
Lodging location: Orlando
Day 16 – Visit Blue Springs State Park or the Kennedy Space Center or visit one of Orlando’s great water parks, 1 hour drive in each direction to Blue Springs or the Kennedy Space Center
(You may also consider on going on a short wildlife airboat tour out of Orlando)
Lodging location: Orlando
Day 17 – Visit one of Universal’s theme parks
Lodging location: Orlando
Day 18 – Drive to Everglades City and in the afternoon take a boat tour in the 10,000 Islands region of Everglades National Park (It is possible to add to the drive a visit to Myakka River State Park), 4 hours drive
Lodging location: Everglades City
Day 19 – Visit the northern part of Everglades National Park (including Shark Valley) and drive to the Keys Islands, 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Marathon
Day 20 – Drive to Key West and tour the Keys Islands (don’t miss the beaches of Bahia Honda State Park), 1 hour drive in each direction
Lodging location: Marathon
Day 21 – Drive to Miami and on the way visit the Flamingo region of Everglades National Park, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Miami Beach
Day 22 – Enjoy the day in Miami
Lodging location: Miami Beach
Day 23 – Fly Home
– In order to fill this route with content – see our Southeast USA destinations pages, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
