Florida To California Road Trip: Best Cities and NPs

Looking for the best Florida-California road trip? We got you covered! We’ve done some long-distance US road trips and while it can be really tiring, you get to see so many interesting places that you would’ve missed otherwise. 

This 11-day itinerary takes you through some of the best stops that aren’t too far of a detour from the journey. You’ll get to see cities, national parks, and more.   

Time & Distance: Florida To California Road Trip

With the following stops, it’ll take 2,636 miles (39 hours) not including the overnight stays. If you were to drive non-stop, it’ll take around 2704 miles (1 day & 16 hours).  

11-Day Itinerary: Florida To California Road Trip

Here’s a quick preview of the 11-day trip: 

Map: Orlando, Florida To Los Angeles, California

Best Scenic Route From Florida To California

Here’s what you need to know about the best stops to take on this road trip from Orlando to Los Angeles: 

📍 Stop 1: New Orleans

New Orleans is a popular stop for road trippers traveling from Florida to California for many reasons:

⭐ Culture: New Orleans is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including its music, food, and festivals. The city is known for its jazz and blues music, as well as its Creole cuisine and Mardi Gras celebrations.

⭐ History: New Orleans is steeped in history, and there are many interesting sites to visit, such as the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral.

These sites offer a glimpse into the city’s past and a chance to learn about its unique history and culture.

⭐ Nightlife: New Orleans is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet drink or a lively party, New Orleans has something to offer after the sun goes down.

⭐ Relaxation: New Orleans is a great place to relax and recharge during a road trip. The city is known for its laid-back vibe and its many parks and gardens, such as City Park and the New Orleans Botanical Garden.

By stopping in New Orleans, you can experience the city’s rich culture, history, and nightlife, as well as take a break from the road and enjoy some much-needed relaxation  after a 9.5-hour drive from Orlando. 

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a party-goer, New Orleans has something to offer everyone.

Where To Stay In New Orleans: Hotel Monteleone

📍 Stop 2: Houston 

Houston is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, with a thriving arts and culture scene, a thriving food and drink culture, and plenty of shopping and entertainment options. 

It is also home to several notable museums and attractions, including the Space Center Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the Houston Zoo. 

Where To Stay In Houston: The Lancaster Hotel

📍 Stop 3: San Antonio

San Antonio is rich in history and culture, with a focus on Spanish colonial heritage. The city is most famous for The Alamo, an important landmark in the city’s history, as well as the River Walk, a network of walkways along the San Antonio River. 

The River Walk is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular destination for tourists. Additionally, San Antonio is home to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Sea World San Antonio, both popular theme parks.

Where To Stay In San Antonio: Mokara Hotel & Spa

📍 Stop 4: El Paso

Stay the night in El Paso. El Paso is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounded by stunning mountains, including the Franklin Mountains, which are the largest sustained mountain range in Texas.

Pro-Tip: El Paso is also known for its delicious food, especially its Tex-Mex cuisine. If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss out on some authentic Tex-Mex dishes, such as enchiladas, tacos, and tamales.

Where To Stay In El Paso: The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

📍 Stop 5: Franklin Mountains State Park

One of the largest urban parks in the country, Franklin Mountains State Park offers a variety of things to do: 

⭐ Admire Desert Landscapes: The park offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape, including the Franklin Mountains and the city of El Paso.

⭐ Photograph 100+ Bird Species: Franklin Mountains State Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including coyotes, mule deer, mountain lions, and 100+ species of birds. 

⭐ Hike at Tom Mays Unit: This section of the park is located on the eastern side of the Franklin Mountains and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the city and the mountains.

📍 Stop 6: Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico is a unique and beautiful area that offers a variety of sights to see:

⭐ Check Out Views Of Organ Mountains: The park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape and the stunning Organ Mountains which are 9,000 feet high. 

⭐ Look for Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains: You can enjoy these views from scenic overlooks or by hiking along one of the park’s many trails. 

⭐ Observe Antelope & Desert Bighorn Sheep: The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, desert bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species. 

📍 Stop 7: Saguaro National Park

With its stunning desert landscape and towering saguaro cacti, Saguaro National Park is a must-visit destination for those traveling through southern Arizona. Here’s what the park offers: 

⭐ Drive around the Scenic Bajada Loop Drive: The drive offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape and the towering saguaro cacti for which the park is named.

⭐ Hike a few trails: The park has miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to more challenging mountain climbs. Stretch your legs with some easy hikes: 

• Valley View Overlook Trail
• Signal Hill Petroglyphs
• Mica View Loop Trail 
• Garwood Trail

⭐ Pose with Cacti: The park features several cactus gardens, which have a diverse array of cacti found in the Sonoran Desert, including the towering saguaro cactus.

Where To Stay In Saguaro National Park: Tanque Verde Guest Ranch

📍 Stop 8: Phoenix  

Phoenix is a popular destination for road trippers due to its abundant sunshine, stunning desert landscape, and wealth of attractions and activities. Here are some attractions to visit in Phoenix on your road trip:

⭐ Cultural attractions: Phoenix is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Heard Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the American Indians, and the Phoenix Art Museum, which houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art.

⭐ Food: Phoenix has a vibrant and diverse food scene that reflects the city’s diverse population and its proximity to Mexico.

Southwestern cuisine, which blends Mexican and American flavors, is a popular cuisine in Phoenix. Some of the classic dishes include chimichangas, green chile pork, and Sonoran-style hot dogs.

⭐ Golf: Phoenix is a golfer’s heaven, with over 200 golf courses in the metropolitan area and some of the best courses in the country.

Where To Stay In Phoenix: RISE Uptown

📍 Stop 9: Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique and stunning park located in southeastern California, near the cities of Palm Springs and Twentynine Palms.

Plus there are stories about its spiritual energy within the park. Here’s why you need to stop at Joshua Tree National Park on your road trip:

⭐ Unique landscape: Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its striking and otherworldly landscape, which is characterized by towering Joshua trees and giant rock formations. You can hike, climb, or simply explore this beautiful and unique landscape.

⭐ Stargazing: This park is one of the best places in the country for stargazing, with clear and dark skies that offer an unobstructed view of the stars.

⭐ Rock climbing: Joshua Tree National Park is a renowned rock climbing destination, with hundreds of climbing routes and a variety of climbing opportunities for all levels of experience. 

Pro-Tip: The best times to visit Joshua Tree National Park are in April and November. 

Where To Stay In Joshua Tree National Park: Sacred Sands

Map Of Stops On Florida To California Road Trip

Why Start A Road Trip From Florida?

Florida is famous for its diverse attractions: manmade and natural. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, explore the great outdoors, or learn about Florida’s unique ecosystem, there is something for everyone in this sunny state.

While it’s known for Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Florida, there are so many natural attractions, including:

⭐ Beaches: Florida is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, such as Clearwater Beach, Miami Beach, and Panama City Beach.

These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and a variety of recreational activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and snorkeling.

⭐ Springs: Florida is home to more than 1,000 natural springs, including the famous Silver Springs and Ichetucknee Springs. These springs offer crystal-clear water and are popular for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and tubing.

⭐ National Parks: Florida is home to several National Parks, including the Everglades National Park and the Dry Tortugas National Park. These parks offer a diverse range of natural attractions, including wetlands, mangroves, beaches, and coral reefs.

⭐ State Parks: Florida is home to several state parks, including the Bahia Honda State Park and the Anastasia State Park. These parks offer hiking, biking, and camping opportunities, as well as access to beaches, estuaries, and other natural attractions.

⭐ Wildlife: Florida is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, sea turtles, and a wide range of bird species. Many of these animals can be seen in their natural habitats in Florida’s parks and reserves.

These natural attractions, along with others, make Florida a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

What Do You Need On A Florida To California Road Trip

Here is a list of the essential items that you’ll need to bring on a road trip from Florida to California:

🧳 Navigation system: A GPS or a map can help you find your way and stay on track during your trip.

🧳 Emergency kit: A basic emergency kit should include items such as a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a spare tire, a jack, and jumper cables.

🧳 Snacks and drinks: Pack non-perishable food items, such as fruit, nuts, and granola bars, as well as bottled water and other drinks to keep you fueled on the road.

🧳 Entertainment: Consider bringing books, music, podcasts, or games to help pass the time during long drives.

🧳 Comfortable clothing: Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary greatly depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

🧳 Cash and credit cards: Make sure you have enough cash on hand to pay for meals, gas, and any unexpected expenses that may arise during your trip.

🧳 Travel documents: Be sure to bring your driver’s license, registration and insurance papers, and any other important documents with you.

🧳 Charging devices: Bring a charger for your phone, tablet, and other electronic devices, and make sure your devices are fully charged before you start your trip.

🧳 Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, especially if you will be driving through sunny and warm areas.

These are just the essentials but there are more things to include. Check here for the entire packing list for California. By packing these essential items, you can ensure that your road trip from Florida to California is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.

Flying From Florida To California 

A flight from Florida to California typically takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the departure city and airline. Flying is often the quickest way to travel between Florida and California, and it can be a convenient option for those who prefer not to drive.

Pro-Tip: Be sure to compare prices and flight times from multiple airlines before making a booking, and consider any additional costs, such as baggage fees or seat selection, when determining the overall cost of your flight.

When flying from Florida to California, there are several major airports to choose from. In Florida, the major airports are:

✈️ Miami International Airport (MIA)

✈️ Orlando International Airport (MCO)

✈️ Tampa International Airport (TPA) 

In California, the major airports are: 

✈️ San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

✈️ Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

✈️ Oakland International Airport (OAK)

✈️ San Jose International Airport (SJC)

✈️ San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Why Should You Drive Instead Of Flying From Florida To California

Driving from Florida to California instead of flying has several benefits, including:

😍 Scenic route: Driving allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the country and to stop and explore at your own pace. You can visit national parks, scenic drives, and historical landmarks along the way that you would not be able to see from the air.

😍 More control: When you drive, you have more control over your schedule and can adjust your itinerary as you go. You can also make spontaneous stops at interesting places and take detours as you see fit.

😍 Cost-effective: Flying from Florida to California can be expensive, especially if you are traveling with a family or a group. Driving your own car can be a more cost-effective option, especially if you are traveling for an extended period of time.

😍 Flexibility: Driving allows you to bring along as much luggage as you need, and you can easily transport sports equipment, pets, and other items that may be difficult or expensive to transport by air.

😍 Personalization: When you drive, you have the opportunity to create your own itinerary, choose your own music, and make your road trip as personalized as you would like.

Of course, there are also some downsides to driving, such as the time and effort required to make the trip, the potential for fatigue and discomfort, and the wear and tear on your vehicle. 

However, the benefits of driving far outweigh the drawbacks, and a road trip from Florida to California is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. 

Driving Vs Renting A Car: Pros & Cons

Driving vs. renting a car is a personal choice that depends on various factors, such as the purpose of the trip, budget, and comfort preferences. Here are some pros and cons of each option:

Driving A Car – Pros:

✔️ Cost-effective: Driving your own car can be more cost-effective than renting a car, especially for longer trips.

✔️ Comfort: Driving your own car allows you to bring along your own belongings and travel in familiar surroundings.

✔️ Flexibility: When you drive your own car, you have more flexibility to change your itinerary and make impromptu stops along the way.

Driving A Car – Cons:

❌ Wear and tear: Driving a long distance can be hard on your car, and you may have to pay for repairs and maintenance along the way.

Renting A Car – Pros:

✔️ Convenient: Renting a car eliminates the need to worry about the wear and tear on your own car, and you can simply turn in the rental car at the end of the trip.

✔️ Reliable: Renting a car from a reputable company ensures that you will have a reliable vehicle that is well-maintained and equipped with the latest safety features.

✔️ Latest Vehicle: Renting a car allows you to travel in a newer, more comfortable vehicle that may be equipped with more amenities and technologies than your own car.

Renting A Car – Cons:

❌ Cost: Renting a car can be more expensive than driving your own car, especially if you are traveling for an extended period of time.

❌ Limited personalization: When you rent a car, you may not have the same level of personalization as you would in your own car, and you may have to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings.

❌ Rules and restrictions: Renting a car comes with rules and restrictions, such as age requirements, mileage limits, and restricted driving areas, that may limit your flexibility and freedom on the road.

Ultimately, the decision between driving vs. renting a car will depend on your individual needs and preferences. 

⭐ If you value convenience, comfort, and reliability, renting a car may be the better option. However, if you are looking for a more cost-effective and personalized road trip experience, driving your own car is best. ⭐

Top Driving Tips For Road Trips

🚦 Follow all state laws and local traffic regulations. Make sure to follow all relevant laws and safety guidelines while driving in the city. 

🚦 Wear your seat belt at all times while driving.

🚦 Make sure to have a valid driver’s license with you when you drive, as well as auto insurance documents that show proof of coverage. 

🚦 Always use your headlights when visibility is low or during the nighttime hours.

🚦 Don’t text or talk on the phone while behind the wheel, either hand-held or hands-free devices aren’t allowed and can result in fines if you’re pulled over.

🚦 Look into road conditions ahead of time before setting out on any trips, especially during winter months when snowfall creates hazardous driving conditions for anyone unfamiliar with them. Check if it snows in your area. 

🚦 Be aware of other cars and pedestrians around you at all times; practice defensive driving techniques to help ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

🚦 Obey speed limits throughout the US; speed limits vary from place to place so pay attention to signs indicating changes.

🚦 Avoid tailgating other cars as this reduces reaction time if an emergency suddenly arises ahead. 

🚦 Make sure that your rental car is in good condition and all safety measures are properly observed before starting any journey. 

FAQs: Florida To California Road Trip

Final Thoughts

Here is the best 11-day itinerary from Florida to California road trip: 

While driving from Florida to California can be long, the journey is filled with adventure. Plan out your scenic stops, your rest stops, and make sure you’ve packed enough food, water, and snacks along the way. 

Want to do this trip from California to Florida instead? Here’s all you need to know about renting a car in California.