"From Brandon to Winter Garden: A Journey Through Florida's Scenic Routes"

Traveling from Brandon to Winter Garden in Florida can be a great adventure if you take the right route. Whether you choose to hit the highway or go by local roads, you'll have the chance to experience Florida's scenery and visit small towns along the way. Here are some options for you to choose from, with estimated times for each route.

Through Orlando

The quickest way from Brandon to Winter Garden is via the I-4 W. This route bypasses major cities and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. Although it may offer a faster driving time, it's not the most scenic route as it's mostly just highways.

If you do choose this route, there are a few stops worth checking, such as the Dinosaur World, a dinosaur theme park, and the Gatorland, an alligator-themed attraction. If you're with kids, or if you've never seen these prehistoric creatures up close, it's worth making a stop to take in these unique experiences.

The Beachside Drive

The more scenic route to Winter Garden takes you along the coastal region of Florida. Via I-275 S and FL-60 W, this route will take you about 2 hours and 20 minutes by car. The drive takes you through St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, and Indian Rocks Beach before leading you inland.

Along the way, you'll get a chance to admire the Gulf Coast and even stop to enjoy the white sandy beaches or dine in one of the many seafood restaurants along the way. This drive is perfect for those who want to take their time and enjoy the scenery while on the road.

Small-Town Route

For those who prefer the slow pace of small-town life, Route FL-39 S is the perfect route to take. It's a quiet and peaceful route that passes through quaint towns, such as Zephyrhills, Plant City, and Lakeland. This route takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes by car.

Between towns, you can stop and take in the scenery in the form of green hills and cattle ranches that line the roadway. If you like fresh produce, strawberries, and blueberries, be sure to stop at one of the fruit stands along the way.

Hybrid Route

If you like a bit of everything, why not choose a hybrid route? Consider taking I-275 S to merge with I-4 W for a quick trip but exiting from I-4 W towards Lakeland for a scenic route via FL-33 S. This route will take you about 2 hours by car. On this route, you'll see a combination of beaches, small towns, and some big cities, meaning you'll have a chance to stop over multiple times to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.

You can even stop downtown in Lakeland, visit the Polk Museum of Art, or take a walk through Hollis Garden. Lakeland is just over halfway between Brandon and Wintergarden, so stopping here before covering less than an hour of driving can make the trip feel less intimidating.

Whatever way you choose to travel, make sure to include breaks for bathrooms and dining stops. The length of the trip will depend on how many stops you want to make, but if you choose the most direct route, it will take you about an hour and a half to two and a half hours. The scenic routes provide a change to see some stunning landscapes.