Living the snowbird lifestyle is about more than escaping the winter cold. It’s about the journey. If you’re a Florida snowbird that dreams of heading south in the winter months, this list is for you.
Discover the best stops along the way to popular snowbird destinations like Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach, Florida. Add these snowbird season destinations to your road trip before you hit the road down Interstates 75 and 95.
Escape Winter with Snowbird Travel Destinations
Make the journey count each snowbird season, whether you’re a seasoned Canadian snowbird hauling an RV or newly retired and looking for a seasonal snowbird rental. Either way, get ready to explore the charming small towns and natural beauty of the southeastern United States.
Let this top 10 list be your guide as you head south toward Florida.
1. Atlanta, Georgia
Make Atlanta, Georgia, your first snowbird travel stop as you travel Interstate 75. It’s a vibrant big city with plenty worth seeing. Here, you’ll find a rich tapestry of attractions.
Pay a visit to the world-famous Georgia Aquarium. Or soak in breathtaking panoramic views from the top of Stone Mountain Park just east of the city. Atlanta offers a blend of cultural and recreational experiences that cater to all tastes.
Historical Stop: Show your respect at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. You’ll also save money with this stop. It’s free to tour the historical district, which takes visitors on a self-guided tour through where Dr. King was born, lived, and changed the United States.
2. Creekfire RV Resort – Savannah, Georgia
Take a break from the open road at this hidden gem only 20 minutes from historic Savannah, Georgia. CreekFire RV Resort is more than rows of RV sites.
CreekFire is a charming RV resort with spacious sites, cozy cabins, and Spanish moss-draped trees that set the scene for the perfect road trip stop. The grounds include swimming pools, a splash pad, a lazy river, sports courts, a restaurant, a fishing dock, and a small lake.
Check online before hitting the road to book an RV site or cabin. Long-term stays are welcome based on availability.
Historic Stop: CreekFire is minutes from historic Savannah and the ideal home base for exploring Savannah’s Southern Gothic allure. There’s even a shuttle from the resort to the Old Town Trolley Tours, where guests can stroll cobblestone streets, admire the elegant antebellum architecture, and savor the lively riverfront.
3. Bonaventure Cemetery – Savannah, Georgia
A must-see historic stop on the Old Town Trolley Tour is Bonaventure Cemetery. It’s one of the 7 haunted stops in Savannah.
This captivating 1846 cemetery is adorned with oak-lined pathways draped in Spanish moss, adorned with striking sculptures, and historical grave sites.
It’s a place that captures the essence of the South’s rich history and Gothic beauty.
4. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge – Savannah, Georgia
For those who crave a nature break, add the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge to your road trip itinerary. This serene refuge offers a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Visitors will enjoy the captivating Lowcountry landscape.
Open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, the Savanna National Wildlife Refuge is a paradise for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the mesmerizing beauty of this natural wonder.
5. Historic St. Augustine – St. Augustine, Florida
You’ll reach St. Augustine, Florida, as you wind your way down Interstate 95. This historic coastal town is a favorite amongst snowbirds and a truly unique stop. St. Augustine is known as the oldest city in the United States. It’s also brimming with Spanish colonial charm.
Historical Stop: The enchanting cobblestone streets, well-preserved architecture, and the magnificent Castillo de San Marcos National Monument make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Take a stroll through the historic district.
Tourist attraction meets a historical oddity at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Take a sip and see if the legends are true.
6. Orlando, Florida
The entertainment hub of Central Florida beckons as you arrive in the Sunshine State. It’s worth making a stop at Walt Disney World at least once during your snowbird journey.
Explore the magic of a new Orlando, Florida, theme park on each road trip.
Squeeze in a Universal Studios visit when you head back up north in the spring. Orlando boasts a vibrant dining scene. It also offers a wide range of recreational activities, making it a perfect destination for families and adventure-seekers alike.
7. Blueway RV Park & Resort – Fort Myers, Florida
Snowbirds spending winter or any time of year along the Gulf Coast need to stop in Fort Myers, Florida. Head south on Interstate 75 and book a stay at Blueway RV Park. You’ll be close to Gulf Coast beach towns without paying for pricey hotel rooms.
The quintessentially classic Florida RV resort is more than empty RV sites. It’s packed with resort amenities designed to keep guests of all ages entertained. Unwind under swaying palm trees and make friends with fellow snowbirds by the popular swimming pools.
Blueway RV Park is popular for snowbirds from New York looking for a warmer winter nest.
Explore nearby beaches in your free time and visit local attractions like the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and the Butterfly Estates.
8. Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Fort Myers, Florida
Prepare to delve into the brilliant minds of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford at their winter estates along the Caloosahatchee River.
Buy tickets ahead of time because this historic stop is a top-rated Florida destination. It’s also a 2024 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award winner.
Take a tour through their historic homes, wander through lush botanical gardens, and learn about their incredible contributions to science and industrial production. It’s a journey that combines history and innovation in a fascinating way.
9. Everglades National Park – Florida
A visit to Florida wouldn’t be complete without a detour to the remarkable Everglades.
Jump on an Everglades airboat tour to glide through the vast sawgrass prairies and lush mangrove forests. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, exotic bird species, and be prepared to be awed by the natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s a unique experience, worth the detour that you’ll find only in Florida.
10. Big Pine Key – Big Pine Key, Florida
Continuing down Interstate 75, you’ll reach the heavenly paradise of Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. This spot is famous for its world-class snorkeling and diving sites. Imagine diving into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, including playful dolphins and vibrant coral formations.
Don’t forget to explore Bahia Honda State Park, where pristine beaches and numerous water activities await. Nature enthusiasts will have a blast here.
Snowbird Road Trip Recommendations
So trade snow for sand this winter and see why thousands of people call Florida their winter home. Because being a Florida snowbird isn’t about sitting around. It’s about maximizing your winter and not letting the weather dictate your schedule.
So pack those bags, chart your course, and prepare to explore the beauty of the southeastern United States. Safe travels!