According to WalletHub, Florida is among the best states in the country for a road trip. Of course, that has a lot to do with our miles of coastline and exciting places to go, but the summer months also allow more flexibility on timing.
Perhaps it's all about the kids. They are off of school, and many companies offer the benefit of summer Fridays. Sure, part of the thrill of a road trip is the drive, what you see along the way and where you stop for snacks. However, you want to allow ample time to enjoy the destination you are heading to.
"This summer, 75% of American adults plan to take some sort of road trip, with around 33% planning to travel more than 250 miles from home," WalletHub explained.
Considering all the elements that factor into a proper road trip, WalletHub studied three specific categories. They were, the cost, activities, and safety. Then, within that, 32 different key metrics were analyzed. Ultimately, this generated a score for each state.
"The best states for summer road trips, therefore, are those that keep costs low while providing the best driving experience and most fun activities,” WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe said.
An abundance of activities in the Sunshine State led to a great final score.
A Florida Road Trip To Remember
Finishing just slightly behind Louisiana, Florida ranked as the 5th best road trip state in America. This is partially due to the fact that it's the second best state in the country when it comes to available activities. Of course, weather is on our side, but so is being tied for number one when it comes to the percentage of total area designated as national parkland.
What you have to love about Florida is that you can embark on a road trip upon flying into the state. What I mean is that my family often flies into Orlando or the Fort Myers area where our extended families reside. We rent a car at the airport and then map out a route.
We've started in Orlando in the past, spent two days at Disney World and then drove to the west coast to relax on the beach. We've also conveniently started in Fort Myers and then driven across the state to explore the Everglades.
Florida has the charms of offering a scenic highways that enhance the experience of life on the road.
Florida Has 2 Of The Most Beautiful Bridges In The Country
According to Infrastructure Report Card, there are 617,000 bridges in the United States. Outlets such as Attractions of America and Mr. Hudson have each come up with lists of the most beautiful bridges. Two of them call Florida home.
A bridge can be a historical landmark in addition to a pathway that connects communities. Certain bridges, like the Golden Gate in San Francisco, draw thousands of tourists each year. People plan trips around visiting this site and taking in its incredible views. Unsurprisingly, the Golden Gate Bridge is either #1 or #2 on each of the aforementioned lists.
The bridge that it shares the top spot with is famous for its ability to walk or bike over. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn Heights to Manhattan via six lanes. Many charity-driven bike rides also cross here as it offers unique perspectives into New York City without any tollways.
Florida Bridges
In Florida, American Road and Transportation lists over 12,000 bridges in the Sunshine State (though not all of them are in functional condition). There are two however, that stand above the rest. One is architecturally astounding. The other feels like a gateway into a mysterious paradise.
"American bridges are often designed with looks to match their engineering ingenuity," Mr. Hudson explains.
What's fascinating about bridges in America, is they are constructed of different materials and serve different purposes. For example, the final and tenth selection in Attractions of America's feature is the Benson Bridge, Multnomah Falls, in Oregon. This is a foot traffic bridge that is only 45 feet long. It allows visitors to walk 105 feet above the Lower Multnomah Falls cascade
Let's take a look at the two most beautiful bridges in Florida.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa
Connecting St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia, this bridge is 4.1 miles long. This stunning bridge over Tampa Bay is often lit up with colors that highlight the skyline. Furthermore, since 2018, there has been a Skyway 10K race that closes the bridge each year.
Seven Mile Bridge, Florida Keys
This two-lane bridge is technically part of Route 1. It's a magical gateway into the Florida Keys. Mr. Hudson points out, "the Seven Mile Bridge usually has space for sightseers to park up and admire the Florida Keys." In 1982, a heavy renovation made the lanes wider, allowing for a safer and more comfortable drive. The last annual seven-mile bridge run took place this past April.
