Florida Scenic Byways

Attractions - Florida offers one National Scenic Byways, the Tamiami Trail Scenic Byway, and seven state designated scenic byways.

The Tamiami Trail passes through nearly 50 miles of breathtaking scenic landscapes filled with sawgrass and all the trappings of a tropical wilderness. Along the roadside, travelers catch views of Florida wildlife, including alligators and birds.

The state designated byways in Florida include A1A Old Florida Coastal Byway, Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway, Florida Keys Scenic Highway, Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway, Old Florida Heritage Highway, Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway and Scenic and Historic A1A.

Recreation - Byways provide access to numerous recreational sites, facilities and activities. Some of the most popular activities along the byways include hiking, picnicking, biking, fishing, photographing scenery, viewing historic sites and of course scenic driving.

Climate - Florida's weather is dominated by the water that surrounds it. The Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Gulf of Mexico in the west provide a stabilizing force that maintains the mild climate. Northern Florida is considered sub tropical, although it does receive some snow. This area is drier than the rest of the state. Southern areas of the state, definitely the Keys, lie within a tropical climate. Humidity is high, a characteristic of the climate, although the temperatures usually don't extend past 90 degrees F.

On the average the state receives 50 to 65 inches of rain. Summer is the rainy season, which extends into October in the south. Hurricane season begins in late August. Some hurricanes can bring up to 25 inches of rain. An average of two hurricanes per season reach the Florida peninsula. Most often these storms reach the Atlantic Coast rather than the Gulf Coast.

Location - Florida's Byways travel through scenic and historic areas throughout the state.