Florida Road Trip: The Drive from Bradenton to Fernandina Beach
Do you fancy a road trip? Florida offers some amazing destinations that are easily reachable by car, and Bradenton and Fernandina Beach are two of them. Both of these towns have a lot to offer tourists, and with the right route, you can enjoy the scenery and make some interesting stops along the way. If you're planning to travel from Bradenton to Fernandina Beach, read on for some tips to make the journey more enjoyable.
The I-75 Route
The fastest and most direct route from Bradenton to Fernandina Beach is by taking Interstate 75 north. Covering a distance of approximately 200 miles, the journey time could be around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
This highway offers excellent views of Florida's landscapes and some convenient rest stops and fast-food chains along the way. However, if you want to get some fresh air and stretch your legs, Myakka State Park is only 20 miles east of Bradenton. This park offers hiking trails, cycling paths, canoeing and kayaking experiences, birdwatching, and panoramic views of the surroundings.
The I-95 Coastal Route
If you prefer a more scenic option, you can choose to drive the coastal route. Start by driving eastwards from Bradenton on State Road 64 towards Arcadia, and further east to the historical town of Vero Beach on US Route 1. From here, drive north along the I-95 freeway until reaching Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville.
This route covers around 300 miles and will take approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops you make. The advantage of this alternative is the beautiful surroundings, including the glitzy towns of West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, the Kennedy Space Center, and the pretty historic towns of St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach.
The US Route 301 Route
Another option is to explore a more rural section of the state, following US Route 301. This 180-mile journey takes drivers northeast from Bradenton and passes through the small towns of Parrish, Ellenton, Palmetto, Sun City Center, and Starke before arriving at Callahan, only five miles west of Fernandina Beach.
This road passes through quaint towns, farmlands, forests, and cattle ranches. You can make fuel stops and rest in towns like Dade City, Waldo, and Lawtey, where you'll find some antique stores, farm shops, and local diners.
The A1A Island-Hopping Route
The most scenic and leisurely way to Fernandina Beach is to drive along Florida's east coast islands, following the A1A highway. This route is suitable for drivers who prefer to take their time, enjoy Florida's coastal scenery, and explore charming seaside towns.
Start by crossing the Skyway Bridge to St. Petersburg, then head north to Clearwater and Dunedin. After, you can follow the A1A highway through iconic tropical locations like Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks, before reaching Amelia Island near Fernandina Beach.
This route is 280 miles long and will take drivers approximately 7 to 8 hours, allowing for plenty of stops for boat tours, beach picnics, and photo opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Whether you take the fastest or the most scenic route to Fernandina Beach, there are plenty of great locations to visit. Bradenton has unique attractions, including the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, the Village of the Arts neighborhood, and the Riverwalk park. Fernandina Beach is a historic and charming coastal town with lovely beaches, Victorian architecture, and fantastic restaurants.
As you plan your trip, take your time to research potential stops en route. Some recommended locations are the Manatee Village Historical Park, the Ybor City neighborhood in Tampa, the Blue Hole Spring in Live Oak, and the Castillo de San Marcos fort in St. Augustine.
Drive safe and enjoy your Florida road trip!