The Best Road Trip from Buffalo to Florida

Key trip details

Itinerary

Buffalo, NY
Pittsburgh, PA
Charlotte, NC
Savannah, GA
Jacksonville, FL
St. Augustine, FL

Start in Buffalo, New York

What to see in Buffalo

Niagara Falls
: Drive north for about 30 minutes to catch the best view of Niagara Falls. You’ll go through Grand Island and then ride the Niagara Scenic Parkway. Cross 1st street to park on Goat Island, where you can see the falls close-up from the Cave of the Winds or Terrapin Point.
Stroll through Delaware Park
: If you’re interested in staying within the city of Buffalo, Delaware Park offers serene views of Hoyt Lake and two miles of winding trails.
Catch a sporting event: The Buffalo Bills, Sabres, Bisons, and Bandits all call Buffalo home. You’ve got plenty of sporting options here.

Where to eat in Buffalo

Wonder Coffeehouse
($): If you’re departing in the morning (or any time, really), Buffalo is jam-packed with quality coffee shops. Wonder Coffeehouse boasts a wondrous collection of liege waffle combinations, from sweet s’mores to savory Monte Cristos.
Anchor Bar
($$): If you’d rather turn up the heat, sample hot wings straight from the city that lends its name to buffalo sauce. In fact, you can still visit Anchor Bar, where the first buffalo wing was served!
Allegheny National Forest
: The drive south from New York to Florida is filled with hundreds of acres of protected lands. Drive for 90 minutes to hit your first major one, Allegheny National Forest, which straddles New York and Pennsylvania. You won’t want to miss the Kinzua Sky Walk to observe the lush forest from 225 feet in the air. Views are especially amazing in autumn!

Leg 1: Buffalo to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What to see in Pittsburgh

Gateway Clipper Tour
: For a comprehensive tour of the Steel City, consider taking a river tour on the Gateway Clipper.
Pittsburgh Glass Center
: Learn something new by participating in a group session at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, where world-renowned glass artists come to create and teach.
Take in the nightlife: Save your energy, though, to enjoy Pittsburgh’s nightlife. The city’s industrial vibes pervade venues like
Jimmy D’s
and
Howl at the Moon
, while the
Buckhead Saloon
offers a Wild West-inspired atmosphere.

Where to eat in Pittsburgh

Cop Out Pierogies
($): Pittsburgh’s food culture is influenced by the large population of Eastern European immigrants who arrived at the turn of the 20th century. If you haven’t yet tried pierogi, this is your sign. Try these scrumptious potato dumplings stuffed with sauerkraut, cheese, or even blueberries.
For a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich: Want to opt for some classic American fare? Order from
Tessaro’s American Bar
or
Peppi’s
for a loaded steak sandwich or cheesy Pittsburgh salad.

Where to stay in Pittsburgh

The Inn on Mexican War Streets
: For a truly unique experience, consider visiting the Inn on the Mexican War Streets, which preserves much of the same decor from when it first opened in Victorian times. Cost per night: from $159

Leg 2: Pittsburgh to Charlotte, North Carolina

What to do in Charlotte

Carowinds
: Up for more heights, even after driving through the mountains? Strap into roller coasters and water rides at Carowinds amusement park.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
: To keep up your adrenaline rush, watch a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, then view some cars up close and try a racing simulator at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Reed Gold Mine
: Ready to dig deep? The Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first gold found in the United States. Until the California gold rush, North Carolina was the country’s most active mining state. Walk through the tunnels casually or try to strike it rich in a gold panning competition.
Mint Museum
: In speaking of money, Charlotte is America’s largest banking hub after NYC. But the Mint Museum has nothing to do with coins––it’s an impressive collection of modern art that prominently features local artists.

Where to eat in Charlotte

Sweet Lew’s BBQ
($$): Welcome to southern flavor! Bask in the savory aroma of Sweet Lew’s BBQ, which exclusively uses a real smoker to prepare its meats.
Mert’s Heart and Soul
($$): Feel the warmth of comfort food lovingly prepared at Mert’s Heart and Soul, a place run by a husband and wife and filled with family pictures.

Where to stay in Charlotte

Dunhill Hotel
: Dunhill Hotel, formerly called Mayhill Manor, was originally half hotel, half apartment complex. Management has worked hard to add modern amenities while preserving its historic charm. Cost per night: from $139
Grand Bohemian Charlotte
: For a royal stay in the center of Queen City, look no further than the Grand Bohemian Charlotte. Luxurious marble lines the lobby, while the ballrooms are practically exploding with personality. Cost per night: from $259

For more—stop at Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest
: Two and a half hours from Charlotte might sound like a long detour, but the Pisgah National Forest is worth the extra time. If you’re looking for more waterfalls, you might need to allow an extra day (or two) because there are tons here! Here are just a few of the better-known ones:
Looking Glass Falls
Moore Cove Falls
Cedar Rock Creek Falls
Discovery Falls
Second Falls

Leg 3: Charlotte to Savannah, Georgia

What to do in Savannah

Forsyth Park
: To see what might have prompted the Union general to spare Savannah, simply take a walk through Forsyth Park and marvel at the city’s natural beauty. Take a selfie in front of Forsyth’s iconic fountain, elegantly framed by gently sloping oaks, or people-watch, keeping an eye out for the regular dog-walkers.
Historic Savannah Theater
: Drama lovers can’t miss the Historic Savannah Theater, which has delivered live shows to the public since 1818.
Savannah African Art Museum
: Interested in world cultures? The Savannah African Art Museum holds over 1,000 items from West and Central Africa, casting a spotlight on 180 different groups.

Where to eat in Savannah

Narobia’s Grits and Gravy
($): For breakfast or lunch, stop at Narobia’s Grits and Gravy and enjoy the buttery goodness of fresh-baked biscuits and creamy shrimp dishes.
Bayou Cafe Food Truck
($): If you’re looking for seafood that kicks, head over to the Hudson Hill neighborhood to eat from the Bayou Cafe Food Truck, whose hot sauce is shipped globally.
Options with entertainment: For dinner with live entertainment, try
Jazz’d Tapas Bar
, which serves up Latin American small plates and a big sound (must be 18+ to enter). Alternatively, sit beneath some giant Easter Island head replicas in the tropical-themed
Water Witch Tiki Bar
.
Try peach cobbler: For kids and adults alike, the sweetest taste in Savannah comes in the form of a peach cobbler. Try
Mirabelle Savannah
’s cobbler and stay right downtown, or travel to the Oakdale neighborhood to sample
Sweet Potatoes Kitchen
’s rendition of this classic dessert.

Where to stay in Savannah

River Street Inn
: Walk along the cobblestone waterfront to find the River Street Inn, where the walls are filled with artwork. The hotel is designated a National Historic Place and offers fine dining options. Cost per night: from $172
Lucky Savannah Vacation rentals
: Check out Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals to live more like a local. From studio apartments in the design district to multi-bedroom beach homes, Lucky Savannah’s collection of properties is sure to include something that fits your group’s needs.

For more—stop at the Georgia coastline

Tybee Island: Only 20 minutes from Savannah lies Tybee Island, otherwise known as "Savannah’s Beach." Rent a kayak to explore the coastline at your own pace or sign up for a dolphin tour to say hello to some squeaky marine friends!
Jekyll Island: Next up is Jekyll Island, which is wrapped in eight miles of beach. Although most of it is perfect for barefoot walks, you’ll need to watch out for the sharp objects that give Sharktooth Beach its name. Darker teeth have already been fossilized, while white teeth were recently lost.
Boneyard Beach: Finally, cross the Florida border and round out your treasure hunt by visiting Boneyard Beach on Big Talbot Island. It may help to know that the beach harbors massive white-bleached trees rather than human remains!

Leg 4: Savannah to Jacksonville, Florida

What to do in Jacksonville

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
: For those of you who were captivated (or rather, disturbed) by the Tiger King series, visit The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary to see big cats rescued from exotic animal keepers, along with coatimundis, foxes, and horses. Rated the #1 attraction in Jacksonville, Catty Shack actively promotes public education and efforts to conserve the endangered Florida panther.
St. John’s Town Center: Shoppers, get your bags ready! St. John’s Town Center allows you to peruse almost 200 shops over 1.2 million square feet of space. If shopping doesn’t thrill you, iFly skydiving center is right down the street.
Riverside Arts Market
: If you’re more into the arts and crafts scene, make sure you land in Jacksonville in time for the Saturday morning Riverside Arts Market. The vendors here include bakeries, too.

Where to eat in Jacksonville

The Bearded Pig
($$): This acclaimed barbeque spot, offers a cozy feel with its enclosed patio seating.
European Street Cafe
($$): If you’d like a juicy salad or a spread of appetizers, check out European Street Cafe. Their German food is so popular that they’ve expanded to four locations throughout Jacksonville. The Riverside location is a short stroll from a family park along the water.

Where to stay in Jacksonville

Omni Hotel Jacksonville
: You can drive straight to St. Augustine after stopping in Jacksonville— but if you want to stay the night, immerse yourself in Jacksonville’s downtown scene at the Omni Hotel Jacksonville, a modern hotel with river or skyline views. The hotel is a six-minute walk from Jacksonville Landing Shopping Center. Cost per night: from $64
One Ocean Resort & Spa
: If you’d rather spend an extra night by the beach, book a stay at One Ocean Resort & Spa to begin soaking up the Florida sun. Cost per night: from $213

Leg 5: Jacksonville to St. Augustine, Florida

What to do in St. Augustine

Relax at the beaches: St. Augustine beach is expansive. Walk along
Ocean Hammock Park
walkway to view swamps, shady forests, and sand dunes. Go farther south to spend some quiet time on calm
Crescent Beach
.
Anastasia Island
: Stay to the north of the town and take the Bridge of Lions onto Anastasia Island. Here, there’s an Alligator Farm Park and a centuries-old historical site, the Spanish Coquina Quarries, from which material was drawn to build nearby Castillo de San Marcos.
Spanish Military Hospital Museum
: A truly unique venue in St. Augustine is the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Visit to see re-enactments of colonial-era surgeries and learn which herbs stocked apothecaries in the 1500s.

Where to eat in St. Augustine

Beachcomber
($$): Ready for fresh-catch fish stuffed and served in a pineapple? Try Beachcomber St. Augustine. This casual, family-friendly restaurant is open for all three meals and offers outdoor picnic-style seating.
Alta Marea
($$): For more international dishes downtown, try Alta Marea for pasta and Mediterranean fare.
African Love Food Truck
($): African Love Kitchen specializes in Tanzanian cuisine, including curries and chapati flatbreads.
Grab dessert: Later, cool off with a cone from
Rita’s Italian Ice
and a walk on the pier. Or add some sweet spice to the night by customizing your own churros at
904 Churros
.

Where to stay in St. Augustine

Guy Harvey Resort
: Guy Harvey Resort sits right on St. Augustine Beach. From the hotel, you can book a variety of activities, including beach yoga and sport fishing. Cost per night: from $125
Beacher’s Lodge
: Fans of the quietude of Crescent Beach can opt for Beacher’s Lodge, with condo-style lodgings going for an affordable price. Cost per night: from $150

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