Starting your trip in Jacksonville, grab an early breakfast at one of the many dining options at Jacksonville Landing and spend the morning at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Head to St. Augustine for lunch by the water at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille (hookedonharrys.com), then wander the town’s beautiful narrow streets. Dine in the vicinity of Flagler College before enjoying the downtown nightlife.

After breakfast, drive to Daytona and tour the Daytona International Speedway before lunch at Daytona Beach – Caribbean Jack’s (www.caribbeanjacks.com) is a great, casual spot with waterfront views. Switch it up in the afternoon by heading out to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty at Ocala National Forest, which has plenty of trails for an afternoon hike. Spend the night in Ocala, with classic Southern fare at historic Ivy on the Square (ivyhousefl.com).

In Weeki Wachee you can see one of Florida’s most enduring roadside attractions: an underwater theater complete with live “mermaids”. For some more authentic aquatic creatures, spend the late afternoon at Crystal River, which has manatees around the Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge. Spend your evening at the lovely local dining spot Margarita Breeze (porthotelandmarina.com).

Cedar Key is one of the cutest seaside towns in northern Florida. Arrive early to take an island tour then lunch on the town’s famous clams. Drive on to the state capital of Tallahassee – the journey is about two and a half hours from Cedar Key, but you should still have time to enjoy Tallahassee Museum in the late afternoon. For dinner, try some innovative approaches to local ingredients at Backwoods Crossing (backwoodscrossing.com).

Today is all about beaches, and St. Andrews is one of the best. Head there early and camp out on the sand for a long, luxurious moring of sunbathing and swimming. If you can tear yourself away, there are many options for lunch in nearby Panama City Beach. An hour’s pleasant drive along the coastal road lands you in Destin, one of the Gulf Coast’s most popular beach resorts, with lots of opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and fishing. In the evening visit Pensacola, a larger seaside town with plenty of nightlife. Reap the benefits of the incredibly fresh seafood by dining dockside at The Fish House (www.fishhousepensacola.com).