Palm Coast

Begin (or end – depending on your starting destination) along Florida’s scenic A1A, a coastal road made for slow travel and long drives. Palm Coast feels worlds away from Florida’s busier beach towns; the area is known for its natural beauty, quiet beaches, and excellent spring weather for golfing, biking, and oceanfront lounging. If that’s your speed, you should slow down here.

Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa delivers classic Florida resort appeal with multiple pools, beachfront dining, championship golf, and sweeping Atlantic views—perfect for travelers who want space, scenery, and a gentle transition into a deliciously low key vacation pace.

Daytona Beach

Just south of Daytona Beach proper—which is infamous around the world for its high-octane events like the Daytona 500—Daytona Beach Shores offers a calmer take on the area’s famous coastline. Spring is an especially appealing time to visit this part of Florida, thanks to the warm temperatures and energetic (but not overwhelming) atmosphere.

Located directly on the beach, The Shores Resort & Spa pairs family-friendly amenities like an arcade and on-site ice cream shop with oceanfront rooms and an easygoing vibe. Spend a few good beach days here for sunrise walks and maybe even a sea-turtle sighting if you’re lucky, as nesting season begins late spring.

Vero Beach

Refined yet refreshingly low-key, uncrowded Vero Beach is a polished coastal stop that has a lot going on yet still feels under the radar. Some call it the “Hamptons of Miami” thanks to its classy distance from more electric South Florida. Here, manicured estates, sea breezes, and a robust arts scene anchored by institutions like the Vero Beach Museum of Art imbue the whole town with a degree of elegance that makes you want to stay a while.

Base yourself at Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, an elevated beachfront resort owned by Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Its spa, oceanfront swimming pool, bars and restaurants (one with fun Cuban influences!), and direct beach access make it an easy place to refresh mid–road trip.

Gainesville

Finish up your Florida road trip by heading north and inland for a peek at what’s going on in the center of the state, away from the beaches; Gainesville is a look at true rural Florida, from the famous Swamp (home of the orange and blue—go Gators!) to the gorgeous 23,000-acre Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

Located near the University of Florida, Hotel Eleo offers a sleek, modern stay and a great base to explore downtown, see the University of Florida, or even make a day trip to nearby crystal-clear freshwater springs. There are a slew of them in the area that are well worth a dive—and the drive.

Explore more destinations coast to coast and beyond across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.