Central Florida Byways

Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway

The Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway is a testament to modern society and nature coexisting and benefiting each other. The Courtney Campbell Causeway (which forms the byway corridor) is a vital artery in Tampa Bay, providing a link to the cities of Tampa and Clearwater.

The Causeway is alive through its self-created ecosystem. Numerous wildlife species depend on the causeway for food, shelter, and breeding. The 10-mile byway is also a haven for humans to enjoy themselves. The scenic highway running at sea level along the Bay is a gorgeous drive for the entire length, and a paved trail parallels the byway, providing a safe cycling and pedestrian route for the whole of the length.

Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway Gallery

The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Florida’s most pristine natural landscapes. Stretching through the Ocala National Forest and surrounding areas, this scenic drive is perfect for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts. As you wind through the byway, you’ll have the chance to spot the elusive Florida black bear, along with deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species.

The byway provides access to countless outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping, making it an ideal escape for those looking to reconnect with nature. Visitors can explore crystal-clear springs like Silver Glen and Juniper Springs, walk historic trails, or take in breathtaking views of Florida’s vast pine forests. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway offers a truly immersive experience in Florida’s wild beauty.

Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway Gallery

The River of Lakes Heritage Corridor is a 156-mile Scenic Highway that follows the historic St. Johns River, stretching from Seville to Sanford in Central Florida. This route is a must-visit for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers.

Explore Blue Spring State Park, where manatees gather in winter, or take a scenic St. Johns River boat tour to spot wildlife. Visit Stetson Mansion Site to step back in time, or wander through the charming streets of Downtown DeLand and Sanford, filled with unique shops, galleries, and dining.

Enjoy fresh seafood at Angler’s Choice Seafood in Sanford or experience a historic meal at The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House in DeLeon Springs. Whether kayaking through Hontoon Island, hiking at Lake Woodruff, or catching a show at the Athens Theatre, the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor offers something for everyone.

River of Lakes Heritage Corridor Gallery

With charming bookend towns of Winter Garden and Mount Dora at either end, the Green Mountain Scenic Byway offers visitors fun small-town experiences and outstanding recreational opportunities. The rolling hills and winding roadway draw cyclists worldwide for competition, training, and touring.

The region hosts several internationally recognized triathlons and cycling rides each year. Sugar Loaf Mountain features one of the highest elevations in Florida, making it a true challenge compared with easy cruising in most of the state. The byway is a beloved drive for motorcyclists, antique car clubs, and Sunday drivers.

Mount Dora has numerous recreational opportunities and is known for its festivals, food, and shopping. The West Orange Trail, one of the most popular multiuse trails in Central Florida, runs right down the center of the byway through Winter Garden, so cyclists usually glide through downtown, giving it a unique vivacity.

Green Mountain Scenic Byway Gallery

The Halifax River region of Volusia County tells a story of freedom, growth, vision, and challenge for the pioneers who came searching for opportunity. The byway’s tagline: An American Tapestry is fitting because the segments of roadway that compose this byway can be described as the threads that tie this diverse community together. These road segments embrace the people, places, stories, and events that make up the long history of this region.

While the Halifax Heritage Byway is centered in Daytona Beach, it also passes through Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, and Wilbur-by-the-Sea. The byway’s story focuses on the nearly 300 years of history and heritage. Composed of three distinct but complimentary stories, this 35-mile corridor carries visitors through areas that once were home to some of central Florida’s earliest pioneer settlements, 1920s boom-time era development, and beachside communities known for being the birthplace of speed and famous beaches.

Halifax Heritage Byway Gallery

The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway promotes an environment where a rare habitat and breathtaking scenery surround travelers.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore, and the Archie Carr Natural Wildlife Refuge are located on a natural barrier island system protected from common development in Florida. This island system harbors dozens of threatened and endangered species and is a location to fish, bird, or stroll a trail along Florida’s longest remaining expanse of pristine shoreline.

These experiences occur on the doorstep of the Kennedy Space Center! Tourists to this byway can experience the wonder of touring the center or seeing a rocket launch.

Historic Fellsmere and Sebastian are at the south end of the byway, which connects the eclectic downtown areas of Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville, the eastern starting point for the 250-mile-long Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail.

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway Gallery

The Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail traverses some of the most beautiful scenery in northeast Florida. It has ready access to the Atlantic Ocean, North Peninsula, Tomoka, and Bulow Creek State Parks, as well as numerous city and county parks. Vast expanses of ocean, backwater tidal creeks, and natural Florida scrub vegetation create scenic vistas.

Historic sites along the byway include the Casements Mansion in downtown Ormond Beach. In the cooler months, the “Loop” is a favorite for motorcyclists and cyclists and has some of the most iconic drives in the state.

The long stretch of undeveloped beach along the Atlantic Ocean offers views of Northern Atlantic right whales and Humpback whales during migration season, and Loggerhead, Green, and Leatherback sea turtles that use the region’s sandy beaches for nesting in the spring and summer months.

Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail Gallery

“Palma Sola” means “Solitary Palm,” and the solitary palm referred to is an old palm standing near the beach at Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. Sailors have searched the horizon for that palm on Anna Maria Island for many years, using it to guide themselves into Anna Maria Sound and Palma Sola Bay.

The scenic route leads to Anna Maria Island, crossing over Palma Sola Bay and the inland waterway.

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway’s main segment is a piece of SR 64 (Manatee Avenue West) that connects the mainland with the barrier island. It connects with the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway to the south.

This byway is a beautifully maintained drive featuring recreational areas landscaped with native vegetation. The corridor has a park-like feel with picnic areas, restrooms, and enhanced amenities. Travelers can enjoy water sports along the entire causeway, such as fishing, sailing, water skiing, and jet skiing.

Palma Sola Scenic Highway Gallery

The Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway traverses pastoral farmlands, cattle ranches, and horse farms with lush open fields. Quiet towns, hardwood forests, the Withlacoochee River lined with cypress trees, and beautiful Lake Panasoffkee help the visitor slow time.

The byway’s story dates to the early 1800s, when Europeans arrived in Florida and interacted with and conflicted with Native Americans as they began to settle there. The region experienced agricultural success in the 1900s. A 1925 edition of Travelon Magazine called Sumter County a “place where good living could be made on ten acres of land.”

The Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell, Florida, is the site of significant reenactments, living history events, educational and recreational activities, and festivals.

Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway Gallery

Linking established and emerging areas of development in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, the four-lane, limited-access Suncoast Parkway (SR 589) has maintained its unique aesthetic design, developed to ensure a memorable overall scenic experience. The parkway is part of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, and it is a toll road.

The Suncoast Corridor, including the Suncoast Scenic Parkway and Suncoast Trail, is designed to coexist harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

The 42-mile Suncoast Corridor provides a safe, convenient, and enjoyable opportunity for travel and outdoor fitness for West Central Florida while helping to meet Florida’s transportation needs. The Suncoast Trail enables non-motorized travel through a verdent greenway while providing connections to a number of multi-use trails, recreation and nature parks, and other destinations.

Suncoast Scenic Parkway Gallery

Located in the center of the state, The Ridge Scenic Highway along US 17 extends 38.7 miles along the Lake Wales Ridge.

This byway provides scenic vistas and access to lakes, natural areas, citrus agricultural fields, and unique Florida attractions. Enjoy a peaceful view of historic communities and rural farming areas, which Central Florida is historically known for.

The byway corridor flows through the historic communities of Frostproof, Hillcrest Heights, Babson Park, the Village of Highland Park, Lake Wales, Lake of the Hills, Dundee, Lake Hamilton, and Haines City.

The crown jewel of this byaway is the fabulous Singing Tower. The tower “sings” with one of only about 600 carillons in the world. The carillon comprises at least 23 tuned bells in a chromatic series. The tower itself is beautiful to behold, and the surrounding Bok Tower Gardens are serene.

The Ridge Scenic Highway Gallery

The Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway (a 3 mile segment of SR 789 or Gulf Drive) is a greenscaped, pedestrian friendly, waterfront corridor where people can safely walk and bike. The byway provides easy opportunities to interact with the natural environment and the island community.

The Bradenton Beach area highlights locally-owned lodging. The island community located along the Scenic Corridor provides environmental and historic educational opportunities, making it a great place to visit with children.

Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway Gallery