Every year, countless travelers venture into the heart of Florida, yet many overlook the vast array of experiences available in central Florida. This region is home to some of the state’s most popular attractions. Given Florida’s size, expect the drive to take approximately 9 to 10 hours, though your journey will undoubtedly extend if you choose to explore the numerous sights along the way. How many attractions you visit and how long you linger at each will dictate the overall duration of your adventure. You’ll find several essential stops (indicated by a purple dot) alongside additional attractions (marked with a pink diamond), allowing you to tailor your trip according to your personal preferences. There are numerous towns along the route with affordable lodging options, as well as plenty of state parks offering camping or cabin accommodations to help keep costs down.
Here’s a brief overview of our itinerary: we will kick off our journey at De Leon Springs State Park and then travel westward in a circular route:
Route A:
Route B:
The last destination on the original itinerary for exploring Central Florida requires an additional hour of driving. Therefore, I’ve provided an alternate route at the end that skips this stop for those who prefer a quicker trip. The original itinerary allows you to avoid driving through Orlando, while the alternative path takes you directly through the city, including a visit to Blue Spring State Park and the charming psychic town of Cassadaga. If you’re interested in visiting a theme park, you can easily incorporate that into this version of your journey. I can’t wait to set off on this adventure—how about you?
De Leon Springs State Park – De Leon Springs, FL 32130
Let’s start our day bright and early to ensure we have plenty of time to enjoy breakfast at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill. At this charming spot, we can cook pancakes using freshly ground flour right on the griddles built into our tables. After indulging in a delicious meal, we have the option to burn off some of those calories with a refreshing hike or swim, or we could unwind on the Fountain of Youth Eco/History boat tour.
Location: 601 Ponce De Leon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
Rainbow Springs State Park – Dunnellon, FL 34432
Next, we’ll embark on a scenic drive through Ocala National Forest along the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway. This stunning route will make the journey feel quick, but if you have some extra time, be sure to pause and explore this amazing park. For those continuing on, we’ll head to Dunnellon to admire the charming artificial waterfalls.
Location: 19158 81 Place Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – Spring Hill, FL 34606
Next, we’ll head to the enchanting mermaid city of Weeki Wachee. However, if you’re interested in an unforgettable experience with manatees, consider taking a detour to Crystal River Preserve State Park before we continue our journey.
Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606