The drive from Boston to Florida covers over 1,300 miles and takes approximately 20 hours of driving time. This popular route connects two iconic East Coast cities and passes through many famous destinations along the way. The main cities encountered when driving this route include New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Savannah before arriving at your final destination in Florida.
This classic northern road trip takes you through the busy northeast urban centers, historic mid-Atlantic towns, the Southern charms of coastal Georgia, and finally the sunny beaches or theme parks of Florida. With careful planning and realistic daily mileages, this journey can be completed in 3-5 days.
Preparing for the Drive
When preparing for the roughly 1,500 mile drive from Boston to Florida, careful planning and preparation can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip. The most common route is to take I-95 all the way down the East Coast. While more direct, some prefer adding extra driving time to explore scenic coastal routes like Highway 1 along sections of the trip.
It’s best to allow at least 2-3 days driving time for this trip. With stops for meals, sights, and rest, you can expect to cover 500-700 miles per day comfortably. Mapping out an itinerary and booking overnight accommodations in advance is recommended. Good stopping points include major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
To prepare your vehicle, get an oil change, check tires, fluids, wipers, lights, and brakes beforehand. Bring emergency equipment like a spare tire, jumper cables, and roadside assistance contact information.
Packing light is best for road trips. Essentials include comfortable driving clothes, sleepwear, toiletries, electronics, chargers, snacks, and entertainment. If traveling in winter, bring warm layers for northern parts of the drive. In summer, pack sun protection. Having some cash on hand is also wise in case of emergencies.
Starting Out in Boston
Before embarking on the drive down to Florida, be sure to explore some of Boston’s top sights and restaurants. The city is full of history and charm. Some highlights include:
Faneuil Hall Marketplace – This lively marketplace and food hall has been a gathering spot for over 300 years. Grab a bite from one of the many eateries or check out the street performers.1
Freedom Trail – Follow the red-brick path through downtown to see 16 historical sights including the Old North Church, Paul Revere House and Bunker Hill. Guided tours available.2
New England Aquarium – See sharks, seals, penguins and more at this family-friendly aquarium located right on the harbor.3
Some top-rated restaurants to try before leaving Boston include Neptune Oyster for fresh seafood, Union Oyster House for chowder and oysters, and Myers + Chang for creative Asian fusion.4
Be sure to allot some time to fuel up and explore before starting the drive down to Florida.
New York City
As you drive south from Boston into New York, you’ll likely take I-95 through Providence and down into the NYC metro area. The most common routes to drive through NYC are via I-95, I-87, and I-278. I-95 brings you across the George Washington Bridge and along the west side of Manhattan. I-87 runs north of NYC and reconnects with I-95 in the Bronx. I-278 passes through Brooklyn and connects to Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge.
To avoid the heaviest traffic and tolls, consider bypassing NYC via I-287 around the west side, the scenic Saw Mill River Parkway along the Hudson River north of the city, or I-495 around the east side. These routes reconnect with I-95 in New Jersey and continue the journey south.
If stopping in the city, top attractions include the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Broadway shows. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend multiple days exploring New York City.
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Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a historic city located between New York City and Washington D.C., making it a convenient and popular stop on a drive down from Boston to Florida. Philadelphia has a rich history as the birthplace of American democracy, with iconic attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It’s also known for its passionate sports fans who root for teams like the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers.
When it comes to food, Philadelphia is famous for its cheesesteaks. According to locals, Ishkabibble’s serves up the best classic Philly cheesesteak with thin-sliced ribeye, melted cheese, and onions on a soft hoagie roll. Tourists may also want to try more inventive options like a pizza steak, chicken cheesesteak, or vegan imitation steak sandwich.
Other local specialties include soft pretzels, water ice (Italian ice), and roast pork sandwiches. The Reading Terminal Market is a top foodie destination with an array of restaurants and food stalls selling these classic Philly foods and more regional specialties.
Washington D.C.
As the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. is home to some of the country’s most iconic monuments and museums, making it a popular stop for road trippers driving down the east coast. Some of the top attractions to see if stopping in Washington D.C. include:
- The Lincoln Memorial – This iconic monument honoring Abraham Lincoln is a must-see. Inside is the 19-foot marble statue of Lincoln.
- The White House – Take a tour to see the president’s residence and a few rooms inside.
- The National Mall – This long stretch of parkland is home to many monuments and museums including the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian museums.
- The U.S. Capitol – Take a tour of the famous Capitol building, home to the legislative branch of government.
- The National Air and Space Museum – See spacecraft, artifacts, and exhibits detailing the history of aviation and space travel.
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture – This museum contains 36,000 artifacts documenting African American history and culture.
With iconic landmarks, free museums, and plenty of dining and nightlife options, Washington D.C. is a rewarding stopover destination along the drive from Boston to Florida.
Virginia Beach
A popular stop on the drive from Boston to Florida is Virginia Beach, known for its beautiful coastline and abundance of beach activities. According to Viator, top things to do in Virginia Beach include kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kiteboarding. The beach also offers opportunities for dolphin watching, fishing charters, and swimming. For those looking for adventure, the ziplining and ropes course at the Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium offers excitement for all ages. Whether you spend a few hours or a few days, Virginia Beach is a rewarding midway point on the drive down the east coast.
The Carolinas
The Carolinas offer several scenic route options along the coast as you make your way south to Florida. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway spans 138 miles along the northern Outer Banks coastline, taking you through quiet beach towns and wildlife refuges like Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
For a route farther inland, U.S. Highway 17 passes through historic coastal cities like Wilmington, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina. This route gives you opportunities to see plantation homes and Civil War sites. Scenic routes like the Cape Fear Historic Byway and the Sea Island Parkway take you along rivers and marshes.
Some top sightseeing opportunities in the Carolinas include:
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – One of the most recognized lighthouses in the U.S.
- Fort Macon State Park – 19th century coastal fort.
- Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade – Iconic boardwalk with restaurants and amusements.
- Biltmore Estate – America’s largest private home in Asheville, NC.
- Charleston Historic District – Cobblestone streets and preserved antebellum homes.
The Carolinas coastline has amazing beaches, wildlife reserves, historical sites, and charming coastal towns waiting to be discovered on the drive south.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is known for its historic downtown area and beautiful parks squares lined with live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. The city’s historic district features lovely antebellum architecture and cobblestone streets. Some of the top attractions in the historic district include the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the historic homes along Factor’s Walk. For art lovers, a stop at the Telfair Academy is a must.
If stopping for a meal in Savannah, the historic district offers some incredible dining options. According to Tripadvisor, some of the best restaurants in Savannah include:
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room – Famous Southern comfort food served family-style in a charming dining room.
- The Olde Pink House – Elegant Southern cuisine in a pre-Civil War mansion.
- The Grey – Trendy and creative New Southern cuisine in a restored Greyhound bus depot.
- Husk Savannah – Farm-to-table Southern dishes by acclaimed chef Sean Brock.
With its Southern charm, stately mansions, and renowned restaurants, Savannah is certainly worth a stop on a drive from Boston to Florida.
Arriving in Florida
After the long drive down the East Coast, you will finally arrive in the Sunshine State. The main Florida destinations like Orlando and Miami are within reach. When entering Florida, you will likely take I-95 South as it runs along the entire east coast of the state.
To get to Orlando, home of Walt Disney World and other theme parks, you can continue on I-95 until you reach I-4 West. Taking I-4 directly into Orlando is the most efficient route. Orlando is about 3-4 hours from the Florida-Georgia border via I-95 and I-4.
Miami and the Florida Keys are south of Orlando, about 4 more hours from Orlando via Florida’s Turnpike and I-95. The Turnpike takes you into Miami, and from there you can continue south on US-1 through the Keys.
You may choose to end your long drive from Boston in Orlando or Miami. Or you can continue further south or west to places like Naples, Tampa, or even the Gulf Coast beaches if you have the time and energy after the 14+ hour drive.
Wherever you choose to stop in Florida, be sure to relax and soak in the sunny weather after the marathon drive down the East Coast. Enjoy world-famous Florida attractions and beaches after completing the road trip from Boston.