Looking to escape the knee-deep snow and soak up some sun? Pack your bags, load up the car, and head to Florida! A Florida road trip is more than just a journey—it’s an adventure of endless beaches, lively cities, and hidden gems best explored with the freedom of the open road.
I was lucky enough to be in Florida last week for VanFest LIFTOFF 2025, connecting with fellow van-lifers, off-grid travelers, and outdoor adventurers. We had some amazing conversations about how to stay self-sufficient on the road and, of course, the best places to explore in Florida!
One Florida native (who’s been van-tripping around the state for years) shared their must-visit spots. I've listed the ones we were able to hit below. Make sure to leave us your top Florida destinations in the comments.
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. Sry – Plymouth; it’s actually St. Augustine, Florida! Founded in 1565 by the Spaniard Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, you’ll instantly feel the town’s historic charm with Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and the Castillo de San Marcos. Make sure to take a ghost tour. We took a haunted pub tour which was fun.
Heading south along the Atlantic coast, you’ll soon arrive in Daytona Beach. Home to NASCAR, motorsports enthusiasts will want to visit the Daytona International Speedway. If relaxing is more your speed explore the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier for a lively mix of entertainment, dining, and panoramic ocean views. We found some amazing vegan soul-food and one of my favourite dive bars of the trip.
Surf’s on at the world-famous Cocoa Beach! Only about an hour south of Daytona, the laid-back atmosphere and consistent waves at Cocoa Beach make it an ideal spot to try surfing – or simply to enjoy the sand between your toes.
We stopped at the Kennedy Space Center nearby for a fascinating detour into space exploration.
🏕️ Overnight Parking: Some areas are van-friendly, but be sure to check for restrictions before setting up for the night.
Disney, Universal, and beyond—Orlando is packed with entertainment. We ended up going to Universal Studios.
🚙 Pro Tip: Double check what your ticket includes. Universal is divided into Universal Studios and Universal Islands Adventure (in May it will be 3 parks). Sadly, some of the attractions we wanted to see where in the other park.
Also, if you can park and take the bus to the park you'll save $30+ on parking.
Nestled in central Florida, Blue Springs is a winter refuge for manatees. We weren't lucky enough to see them up close in the crystal-clear water, but it was still great. The park is perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, or just soaking in the natural beauty.
🏕️ Van Life Tip: There’s a campground inside the park, but spots fill up fast. If you're traveling in a van or RV, book in advance or look for nearby boondocking-friendly locations.
If you love floating down a spring-fed river, Kelly Park at Rock Springs is the place to be. The water stays a refreshing 68°F year-round, making it a perfect spot to cool off after a long drive. We were there in the "off-season" so it wasn't crowed and only costs $3 to get in.
This is where our Florida road trip ended, well back in Orlando to fly home. However, we did made sure to stop at Waffle House before leaving Florida.
Why? I'm a sucker for dive bars and dinners. Coming from Washington State, Waffle House was something new for me - I loved it. Want more Florida road trip advice? Read Everywhere with Clair's, Florida National Parks Itinerary (4-7 Day Road Trip).
A Florida road trip is all about freedom and adventure—but that doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Whether you're camping, boondocking, or driving long stretches between stops, being self-sufficient means:
✅ No more sketchy gas station stops
✅ Independence to camp anywhere
✅ Hygiene and sustainability on the road
Being at Vanfest LIFTOFF 2025 really reinforced how important a solid road-tripping setup is—whether it’s a portable travel toilet, a solar panel system, or the perfect camp kitchen. So what are you waiting for?
Buckle up, hit the road, and let Florida’s wonders unfold—your next adventure starts now! 🚐🌴
Erica Pugh is Co-founder and Head of Marketing at CompoCloset.
She realised the necessity (for her) of having a toilet for travel and vanlife during multiple trips in the USA and Europe
When Richard asked if she wanted to help bring CompoCloset to life she was all in.
From the beginning Erica's goal for CompoCloset was to educate people on the benefits of composting toilets and to build a community of like minded portable toilet users. She now knows way too much about other people's bowel movements.
From Orcas Island, Washington she now lives in Vienna, Austria.
