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Sun, Fun & Fantasy: VIRTUAL ROAD TRIPPIN' USA

If you need more joy and wonder in your life right now, you can be absolutely sure that this "Sun, Fun & Fantasy" road trip will have you grinning from ear to ear. This journey will be dishing out the very best of Florida and leaving room for dessert.

If you need more joy and wonder in your life right now, you can be absolutely sure that this “Sun, Fun & Fantasy” road trip will have you grinning from ear to ear. This journey will be dishing out the very best of Florida and leaving room for dessert.

This “Sun, Fun and Fantasy” itinerary is a road trippin’ paradise for everyone involved. Families, couples, friends, and singles can each escape to the destination of their imagination on this bright and cheerful ride.

Like our very own Queensland, Florida is also known as the ‘Sunshine State’, similarly boasting crystal clear waters, vibrant nightlife, world-class shopping, and of course, theme parks, galore! But don’t think been there, done that. As with all of America, Florida does it bigger.

Whatever you want from your holiday, you can be darn sure that Florida will offer it, plus so much more. Play a round of golf, party hard, immerse yourself in art galleries, fine dining, and soak up those dreamy ocean views.

So, while we wait for international borders to reopen, grab yourself a Caipirinha on the rocks, and scroll down to get those travel senses tingling…

Explore all of Brand USA’s 31 Amazing Self Drive Road Trip itineraries here.

Sun, Fun and Fantasy: Route Highlights

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1. Miama & Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Miami, Florida

As Will Smith once sang, “Welcome to Miami, Bienvenidos a Miami.”

Start your trip in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Check out South Beach in the city’s Art Deco District and see what the “American Riviera” is all about. Grab yourself a Caipirinha, people-watch, shop, dine and dance the night away in a Latin-themed club.

For something a little more tranquil, head to Key Biscayne Beach, to soak up the sun and escape into bliss. For a culture fix, go exploring in Wynwood Art District and Little Havana, or catch a Marlins baseball game, a Dolphins football game or a Heat basketball game.

If you’d rather start your tour in Fort Lauderdale, you won’t regret heading straight for Deerfield and Dania beaches. Both are quiet spots to relax and charge, before your big adventure.

See how the other half live while cruising past “Millionaire’s Row” and make a stop in at Los Olas Riverfront, for epic shopping and dining.

2. Miami & Fort Lauderdale > Orlando, Florida

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Universal Studios, Orlando

Less than an hour north of Fort Lauderdale, discover Delray Beach, a peaceful seaside community away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

While there, head to the beautiful intricate spaces at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens or encounter wild Florida at Wakodahatchee Wetlands.

A short drive away, Palm Beach offers high-end shopping along palm-lined Worth Avenue, culture at Flagler Museum, and breathtaking views at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

Continuing along Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach is a sweet surf town with a nostalgic vibe. Drop into Ron Jon Surf Shop and catch some waves before you launch yourself into space.

Just up the coast in Titusville, Tour Kennedy Space Center and become immersed in its fascinating exhibits, NASA artifacts and unforgettable experiences.

Then, say hello to Orlando, with its plethora of theme parks; Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom; Universal Orlando’s Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure; and SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove.

Here, magic and laughter is on the agenda and both adults and children alike can enjoy exciting rides and shows, meet famous characters and enjoy jaw-dropping parades and fireworks.

When you’re theme parked out (if that’s a real thing?) you can venture to Old Town Kissimmee or Orlando International Premium Outlets for a huge selection of dining, shopping and entertainment.

Ensure that you pencil in enough time here to enjoy everything Orlando has to offer.

  • DRIVE TIME: 380kms: 3 hours and 40 mins drive time

3. Orlando > St. Augustine

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Lightner Museum Courtyard, St. Augustine

Fun for race fans, friends and families, Daytona Beach boasts resorts, attractions, the Daytona International Speedway and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

Enjoy 38 kilometres of beaches for swimming and surfing, listen to live music at the Daytona Beach Bandshell, and visit the historic Daytona Beach Pier.

Next up, explore St. Augustine, commonly called the “Nation’s Oldest City.” History buffs can dive into more than four centuries of history that owes much to Spanish, English, Greek, Native American and African-American influences.

  • DRIVE TIME: 170kms: 1 hour and 45 mins drive time

4. St. Augustine > Tampa/St. Petersburg

Riverfront Park, Tampa
Riverfront Park, Tampa

With miles of oak-lined trails decorated with Spanish moss, Ocala is the equestrian heart of Florida. Nature lovers will enjoy outdoor activities include canoeing and hiking unspoiled landscapes, popular as the setting for many Hollywood movies.

Then, stop at Silver Springs for a nature fix and Tarpon Springs to stroll its Historic District, with beautiful architecture dating back to the early 19th century.

Choose either Tampa or St. Petersburg as your final stop of the day. Tampa is home to many attractions and the nearby historic Ybor City neighbourhood is a lively dining and nightlife destination.

St. Petersburg is home to stunning beaches, fine dining, great shopping, Fort De Soto Park and the Salvador Dali Museum.

  • DRIVE TIME: 290kms: 3 hours and 10 mins drive time

5. Tampa/St. Peterburg > Fort Myers/Captiva and Sanibel Islands

Downtown River District, Fort Myers
Downtown River District, Fort Myers

Continue your Florida adventure in Sarasota, where you can enjoy even more culture, beaches and great shopping.

Anyone who has dreamed of running away to join the circus will definitely want to check out The Ringling; an art museum founded by circus magnate John Ringling. See world-class artwork, be fascinated in the Circus Museum and tour the Venetian Gothic-style Ca’ d’Zan mansion.

Fort Myers is the perfect location if you’re into the active and sporty beach scene, or for a more laid-back atmosphere, stop at the beautiful white sand islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

  • DRIVE TIME: 210kms: 2 hours drive time

6. Fort Myers/Captiva and Sanibel Islands > Key Largo

Fort Myers beach pier
Fort Myers beach pier

Stop for a trendy brunch in Naples, then, continue to Everglades National Park where you can jump on a safari-like kayak, canoe, swamp hike or airboat tour to journey through the watery wilderness, spotting manatees, alligators, white-tailed deer and myriad species of wild birds.

Just a short drive south is Key Largo, the first in the chain of islands in the Florida Keys, which is home to the world’s largest artificial reef, the sunken USS Spiegel Grove, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef Underwater State Park and the African Queen.

The clear waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary offer unrivalled experiences for divers and snorkelers or glass-bottom boating for those who’d rather stay dry.

  • DRIVE TIME: 330kms: 3 hours and 40 mins drive time

7. Key Largo > Key West

Smathers Beach, Key West
Smathers Beach, Key West

For an island paradise, with glistening blue waters, fabulous restaurants with ocean views, and the freshest seafood in all the land, stop at Islamorada before heading on down to Key West.

Key West is the southernmost point in the USA that is famous for its lively nightlife, water sports, and being the home of Ernest Hemingway.

The best way to explore this one-of-a-kind island is on foot. On Duval Street, you’ll find an energetic atmosphere of dining and entertainment.

For a unique experience, don’t miss visiting The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and visit the Key West Cemetery to read inventive gravestone inscriptions.

  • DRIVE TIME: 160kms: 2 hours drive time

8. Key West > Miami & Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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En route to Miami from Key West

When you’re done down South, return to your start destination to explore the Little Havana neighbourhood for a traditional taste of Cuban life.

Take advantage of some of the USA’s best nightlife and breath in fresh air at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

Shoppers will want to squeeze in some last-minute shopping at the designer boutiques on Lincoln Road, the Design District and the Bal Harbor Shops, or bag some bargains at Doral’s Dolphin Mall.

For a culture fix, wrap up your trip with a visit to a few of the city’s many museums, such as Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and Wynwood Walls – a cool outdoor urban art museum.

The lush Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, are also great sightseeing stops.

Take the time to revisit anywhere you need to, in order to transition back to ‘reality’ with sun, fun, and fantasy etched in your mind, body, and soul.

  • DRIVE TIME: 260kms: 3 hours and 30 mins drive time

Download the complete ‘Sun, Fun and Fantasy‘ itinerary here!

Get the Road Trip Playlist

Get yourself into the fun-loving and free-spirited mood with bangers such as ‘Miami’, ‘Rhythm Is Gonna Get You’ and ‘Key West Time’. Artists such as U2, Enrique Iglesias and Gloria Estefan will have you losing control of your dancing feet, the entire way around the state.

This playlist will have you leaving the daily grind behind and escaping to all the beautiful places you’d rather be.

Agents: Download, Escape and Explore GoUSA TV

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GoUSA TV is a free premier travel entertainment channel. Watch full episodes, documentaries and films, told from the diverse perspectives of real people across America. 

Discover the Queens area of New York City through the diversity of the Latinx diaspora in the series, Americanos, available on GoUSA TV. Explore how Latinx culture brings American cities to life through the stories of those who embrace their roots and shape the future.

With more than 400 authentic and short format videos featuring destinations from all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia, there’s never been a better time to get online and enjoy some incredible travel entertainment!

Available for download in the App or Play store and on Apple TV.

More info here.

Agents: Join the USA Discovery Program

Key West
Key West

The USA Discovery Program is Brand USA’s official trade training platform for the USA. The Sun, Fun and Fantasy itinerary features two destinations with training badges.

Get clicking and complete the Florida’s Paradise Coast and the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel badges and skill up in a fun and interactive way.

Click here to register and get all the knowledge for the USA.

PLUS! Design your own Road Trip with the USA TRIP PLANNER

The Visit USA Trip Planner is an amazing (and free!) tool that matches your personal travel preferences and style.

With over 230 million data points including the best places & times to visit, reviews and hidden gems, this is one smart piece of travel tech.

This little travel genius optimises your itinerary to minimise travel time, checks when attractions are open and even recommends how much time to spend at each stop off. Brilliant!

Finally, it lets you share & collaborate with your fellow road trippers and is easy to add or revise points of interest as you go.

Find out more: Trip-Planner.VisitTheUSA.com

Get all the tools on Brand USA’s TRAVEL TRADE SITE

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From Trip Planners to Itineraries and the USA Discovery Program and Destination information, Brand USA’s Travel Trade Site for agents has you covered.

Hero image – Fort Jefferson National Monument, Key West

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Get Connected with the in-market Brand USA team and other Australian travel agents who love the USA! Get up to date travel information and inspiration and find out what activity Brand USA has planned for the market.

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