Car Rental Florida

Florida is a great destination for driving, with excellent road connections between its major cities and resorts. The longest interstate in Florida is the I-75, which runs all the way from the northern state of Michigan down to Miami.

If you’re travelling from coast to coast during your stay, you might also use the I-4, which connects destinations including Tampa in the west and Daytona Beach to the east.

The I-95 highway runs all the way through Florida to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and other destinations on the Atlantic Coast.

Another of the major roads is the Florida Turnpike, a 500km route that runs from north to south between Wildwood and Miami Gardens. Like many other main highways in Florida, this is a toll road. Others include Alligator Alley between Miami and Naples, and the Beachline Expressway between Orlando and Cape Canaveral.

Headlights must be used from dusk to dawn, as well as in poor weather such as rain or fog. State law requires that all drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts, and children under the age of four or weighing less than 15kg must be in a child car seat.

Speed limits are usually 70mph (112kph) on interstates and 65mph (104kph) on four-lane state highways. There are also minimum speed limits in Florida, and on interstate highways this is set at 50mph (80kph).

There are so many attractions in Florida that you’ll always have something exciting to do. With warm weather, beautiful beaches and bustling cities, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Sun, sand and sea

Florida borders the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and with a coastline that stretches for more than 2,000km, there’s no shortage of incredible beaches.

Head to Destin on the Emerald Coast and you’ll find beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters. Try Panama City Beach for family-friendly surroundings with calm seas that are great for swimming.

Other popular beaches are those of the Florida Keys, an island chain off the state’s southern tip. Sometimes called the American Caribbean, the Keys are home to colorful coral reefs as well as excellent facilities for watersports such as paddle boating and kayaking.

In the restaurants you’ll find plenty of fresh local seafood, with specialities including red snapper, sailfish and blackfin tuna.

Another big attraction for beachgoers is Miami. Head to South Beach to see its most famous waterfront area with its fine white sand and stylish boutiques. Or if you need a break from sunbathing, head inland to explore the city’s art deco buildings and trendy modern galleries.

Theme park thrills

Further inland lies another of Florida’s biggest visitor attractions, Orlando, the world’s theme park capital. The city is home to Walt Disney World, a huge sprawling attraction spanning several different theme parks. The original and perhaps the most well-known is Magic Kingdom, where you can see the famous Cinderella Castle and take a ride on Space Mountain.

If you’re a film fan, a trip to Universal Orlando is a real must. Here you can experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and plenty of other rides, including Transformers: 3D. Like Walt Disney World, it’s a huge attraction you’ll need more than one day to truly experience.

Not far from Orlando on the east coast is the Kennedy Space Center, where you can experience interactive exhibits showcasing the story of America’s space program. Highlights include the Space Shuttle Atlantis, as well as the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Saturn V rocket, the biggest rocket ever flown through space.

Historic highlight

For something completely different, head to the northeast coast where you’ll find St Augustine. Known as the nation’s oldest city, it was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers.

Today you can explore its cobbled streets and admire the colonial architecture, as well as visiting fascinating landmarks such as the 18^th century Fort Matanzas and the Castillo de San Marco, the oldest masonry fort in the United States.

As you’d expect there are some excellent museums here, including the Lightner Museum, housed within the historic Hotel Alcazar building.

Whether you’re a history buff, film fan or anything in between, the Sunshine State boasts some world-class attractions. With car rental in Florida you can really make the most of your vacation and see all the highlights at your own pace.