Leave behind Florida’s beaches and explore horse farms in Ocala, southern charm in Savannah, and the great outdoors in Columbia as you head to Asheville, North Carolina.

The southern east coast is known for its tropical weather and connection to the ocean, but there’s so much more to explore as you head north. Lucky for you, the car insurance comparison and broker app

Jerry

has put together the perfect itinerary for a fun road trip from Miami to Asheville, NC.

Pack the car with snacks, some water bottles, and a game or two to keep you entertained between stops. And don't forget your roadside assistance and

car insurance

! If you need a new policy fast, Jerry can help you compare rates from up to 50 providers and will handle all the paperwork and phone calls once you find the coverage you want.

Ready? Buckle up and let’s hit the road.

Key trip details

Distance: 865 miles

Driving time: 13 hours 52 minutes

Suggested length of trip: 2 to 3 days

Itinerary:

* Miami, FL

* Palm Beach, FL

* Ocala, FL

* Savannah, GA

* Columbia, SC

* Asheville, NC

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Miami, FL

Looking for a beach paradise? Miami,

Florida

is the place for you! Water sports, sandcastles, tanning, seafood—the list could go on and on.

What to do in Miami

• Take a half-day city tour: Whether you're from Miami or just stopping in, there's always something to see (and different ways to see it!). The half-day city tour of Miami takes you sightseeing by bus, stopping by the artistic

Wynwood Walls

and even the huge

Dolphin Mall

outlets.

•

Bayride Tours

: If you want to take advantage of your ocean-side location, hop on a speed boat tour to explore the edges of the city. The Miami Celebrity Home Cruise presents beautiful architecture and delicious drinks on the way.

•

Miami Zoo

: Water fun is also possible at the Miami Zoo, where you can check out the alligators, turtles, and more.

Where to eat in Miami

•

Macchialina

($$$): Pasta lovers will enjoy Macchialina, which sells freshly-made noodles and other Italian dishes.

•

La Sandwicherie

: If you'd rather have sandwiches well-known for sandwiches that are equal parts delicious and eye-catching.

• Seafood stops: Those interested in seafood could stop by

Joe's Stone Crab

for fried fish or

Coyo's

for fish tacos.

Pro Tip Miami drivers tend to be on the aggressive side, so be prepared if you plan to drive around the city.

Miami to Palm Beach, FL

72 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes

Gorgeous mansions, sandy beaches, enlightening art, and so much more—all in Palm Beach!

What to do from Miami to Palm Beach

• Check out the art museums: Take a few hours to explore the different mediums at art museums around Palm Beach. The

Boca Raton Museum of Art

offers royal Andean architecture while the

Norton Museum of Art

displays 1900s Hispanic art, like pieces by Frida Kahlo.

• Shop ‘til you drop: Retail therapy is possible at Worth Avenue, Pineapple Grove, and The Royal Poinciana Plaza.

Where to eat from Miami to Palm Beach

•

Palm Beach Grill

($$$): If you stop by The Royal Poinciana Plaza you’ll find a variety of restaurants, including the Palm Beach Grill.

•

Farmer's Table

($$): Fresh food with low sodium and no frying is a staple at the Farmer's Table.

•

Henry's

($$): If fried or buttery foods are your cravings, you’ll find chicken pot pie, steak, and lobster at Henry’s.

•

Elisabetta's

($$): Elisabetta's Ristorante sells delicious pizza and pasta to fulfill your guilty pleasures.

MORE:

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Driving time: 3 hrs and 40 mins

Leave the beach behind as you head north to Ocala, the world's equestrian capital. You’ll pass by Orlando, but resist the urge to stop your trip at Disney World—there’s so much more to see!

What to do in Ocala

•

Gypsy Gold Horse Farm

: Visiting Ocala means getting to know the animals. The Gypsy Gold Horse Farm provides tours on horseback so guests learn the farm's history and way of life.

•

Big Cliff Canyon Tour

: If taking a spin on a horse isn't thrilling enough for you, explore nature in Ocala with the Big Cliff Canyon Zip Line.

•

Appleton Museum of Art

: For something a little less adventurous, the Appleton Museum of Art lets you embrace nature visually with artful pieces exploring a range of topics.

•

Ocala downtown square

: In Ocala downtown square, you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, salons, and art exhibits. It’s a great place for an evening stroll.

Where to eat in Ocala

•

Katya Vineyards

: Katya Vineyards is a boutique winery and fine dining restaurant that serves up seared scallops, steak, shrimp, and more. Ask your server for the perfect wine pairing to cap off the meal!

• Dine outdoors: Dining outdoors is also easy in downtown Ocala.

Mark's Prime Steakhouse

($$) and

Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill

($$) overlook different, yet calming scenes around town.

•

Piesano's

($): When you'd rather eat on the go, Piesanos has great takeout pizza options.

Ocala to Savannah, GA

Driving time: 3 hrs and 50 mins

You've officially entered the state of

Georgia

, and Savannah is the perfect introduction to it. Enjoy its classic architecture and tasty peaches!

What to do in Savannah

• Hit the shops: Shopping is a must in Savannah. Explore Broughton and Bull Streets for well-decorated boutiques and find your new style of the week. Tucked into the

Moon River district

are a variety of shops and local businesses ready to sell and teach you more about Gullah-Geechee culture.

•

Savannah Music Festival

: If you’re in town at the right time, try to score tickets to the Savannah Music Festival. It’s Georgia's largest music fest and a guaranteed good time.

Where to eat in Savannah

• Catch a show and a bite:

Jazz'd Tapas Bar,

Bayou Café,

and other eateries mix food and music with live entertainment playing.

•

The Olde Pink House

($$$): The Olde Pink House surprises with fine dining, offering Southern cuisine in an elegant Colonial mansion.

Pro Tip Stay in the riverfront area. It’s within easy walking distance of everything in the historic district so you can park the car and enjoy the city on foot.

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Savannah to Columbia, SC

Driving time: 2 hrs and 30 mins

Welcome to

South Carolina

, the land of hot temperatures and even hotter foods.

What to do in Columbia

South Carolina State House, Columbia, South Carolina

•

Congaree National Park

: Columbia has great recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts and indoor lovers alike. Congaree National Park has great hiking trails and the opportunity to rent canoes—just in case you want an upper-body workout, too!

•

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Marvel at the animals and enjoy botanical wonders at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

•

South Carolina State Museum

: Next, head over to the South Carolina State Museum where you’ll find rotating and permanent exhibits.

•

Trustus

: For other artful experiences, Trustus is a great option. The theater was founded in 1985 and produces works that examine humanity in the 21st century.

Where to eat in Columbia

•

Terra

($$$): How does smoked lamb pasta sound? Terra Restaurant has amazing fine dining opportunities.

•

Black Rooster

: This spot is a French-inspired option that serves surprisingly amazing ramen bowls.

•

Lizard's Thicket

($$): If money is a little tighter, stop by Lizard's Thicket instead. This American-style restaurant specializes in quick and easy foods at reasonable prices.

•

The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli

($): Finish up with a visit to The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli, which offers affordable sweets to satisfy your craving.

MORE:

Seat-belt laws in South Carolina

Columbia to Asheville, NC

Driving time: 1 hr and 15 mins

It was an exciting 800 miles and you’ve finally made it to Asheville,

North Carolina

. But the fun isn’t over—there’s plenty to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What to do in Asheville

•

Mount Pisgah:

Start with a hike through the mountains on the Mount Pisgah hiking trail, a local favorite. It’s just 2.3 miles roundtrip, but is rocky and challenging—though the panoramic views from the observation deck make it worthwhile!

•

Nantahala Outdoor Center

: At Nantahala Outdoor Center you’re spoiled for activity choice. They offer more than 100 itineraries that you can mix and match, including whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and mountain biking.

•

Hunter Banks Fly Fishing

: Hunter Banks Fly Fishing has slots for getting your perfect catch.

•

Astronomy Club of Asheville

: Astronomy Club of Asheville brings a perfect end to the day.

Where to eat in Asheville

•

Addison Farms

: Start by visiting the family-run Addison Farms for a wine tasting with a view (reservations required). The vineyard sits on a spectacular 55 acres where you’ll sample expertly crafted wines while enjoying almost 360 degrees of mountain vistas.

•

67 Biltmore Eatery

: Then, visit 67 Biltmore Eatery for fresh, made-from-scratch deli food like sweet potato mash and roasted chicken.

•

The Chocolate Fetish

: And when you're ready for dessert, hit up The Chocolate Fetish for handmade artisan chocolate and truffles.

When to go

Be sure to stay aware of the weather while you're planning your trip. This part of the country experiences hurricanes and torrential rains during the more humid times of the year, which can make for wet and less-than-enjoyable time on the road.

Spring and fall are both great times to visit this area. And bonus—you’ll avoid peak tourism season during the summer.

Why you need roadside assistance

Road trips are great at bringing family and friends together. Don’t let a flat tire, check engine light, or lost key ruin the fun!

For just $6.99 per month for one car, the roadside assistance program from

Jerry

includes everything you need for peace of mind while on the road: up to 10 miles of towing, jumpstarts, key replacement, fuel delivery, and more—all for just $6.99 for one car.

How to find cheap car insurance

You'll also want to make sure your car insurance policy is up to date before you hit the road.

If you're looking for a new insurance company,

Jerry

can provide you with competitive quotes in under a minute. Swapping is just as effortless—Jerry takes care of all the paperwork, phone calls, and even helps cancel your old policy!

"I was literally floored by the savings
Jerry
found for me. I was paying close to $960 every 6 months and now I'm paying $380 every 6 months for identical coverage in North Carolina!" ––Olivia Z.

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