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USA Road Trip Overview – From Michigan to Fort Lauderdale Cruise (Itinerary & Highlights)
- Jenn & Leon
- Sep 1
- 7 min read
There’s something timeless about the American road trip, loading the car with luggage, choosing the right playlist, and setting out for the open highway.
Our journey began in Michigan and ended in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where we would set sail on a transatlantic cruise.
But this wasn’t just a means of getting from A to B.
It was a chance to experience roadside Americana, historic places, sandy beaches, and vibrant coastal cities along the way.
From quirky stops like the birthplace of KFC in Kentucky to the colonial streets of St. Augustine and the iconic beaches of Miami, this trip was packed with history, culture, and fun.
The drive itself became part of the adventure.
In this post, we’ll share our full itinerary, highlights from the journey, essential planning tips, and links to our detailed blog posts for each stop.
Travel Resources
Our USA Road Trip Itinerary
The route stretched more than 1,300 miles, taking us through the Midwest, Appalachia, and down the Atlantic coast to Florida.
We didn’t stop everywhere along the way, but carefully chose highlights that made sense for our timing and interests.
● Michigan to Kentucky Drive – The first stretch south, cutting through the Midwest with small-town landscapes.
● Corbin, Kentucky – The birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, complete with a museum to Colonel Sanders.
● St. Augustine, Florida – America’s oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city, with its impressive fortress.
● Daytona Beach, Florida – A nostalgic seaside town with family attractions, long sandy beaches, and plenty of character.
● Miami Beach & South Pointe, Florida – Where Art Deco architecture meets oceanfront energy.
● Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The final stop before boarding our transatlantic cruise.
Driving the USA – Culture of the Open Road
One of the great things about traveling in the United States is how road culture is built into everyday life.
Interstates are lined with diners, motels, and billboards promising everything from fireworks stands to giant roadside attractions.
Driving I-75 south gave us a taste of this culture.
There’s a rhythm to the long highways: hours of driving punctuated by rest stops, small-town gas stations, and sudden moments of roadside Americana.
For us, the KFC stop in Corbin, Kentucky, captured that spirit perfectly. It was quirky, nostalgic, and part of the journey as much as any major city.
💡 Look out for: roadside attractions in states like Tennessee and Georgia, where even fuel stops can surprise you with local character.
Highlights Along the Way
⪢ Corbin, Kentucky – Birthplace of KFC
Tucked into a small town in Kentucky, the Colonel Sanders Café & Museum is the site of the very first Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Inside, it’s part restaurant and part museum, showcasing memorabilia and the story of how Colonel Sanders created his famous recipe.
Stopping here was a lighthearted break in the drive, and it gave us one of those “only in America” moments.
Not every road trip needs a quirky food detour, but this one set the tone for the variety of stops ahead.
Besides, we are huge fans of KFC and have tried it in every country we have visited. So this was too good an opportunity to miss!
⪢ Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine
St. Augustine is known as the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States, and its 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos is the star attraction.
Built from coquina stone, the castle fortress has stood for centuries, guarding the coast of Florida.
We walked the perimeter rather than going inside, which was enough to get a sense of its scale and history.
The cannons lined along the waterfront make it easy to picture the battles once fought here.
💡 Best enjoyed with: a stroll through St. Augustine’s historic center, where Spanish colonial architecture still shapes the streets.
⪢ Daytona Beach Stopover
Daytona Beach brought a wave of nostalgia.
Known for its racing heritage and long stretches of sand, it’s a mix of classic seaside entertainment and family fun.
We stayed at Sun Viking Lodge, which offered retro beachfront charm.
Our time included mini golf at Congo River, casual meals at local diners, and evening walks on the shore.
Daytona isn’t flashy compared to Miami, but that’s what makes it appealing. It’s unpretentious and welcoming.
💡 Good to know: Daytona is also one of the few places where driving on the beach is still permitted.
⪢ Miami Beach & South Pointe
Miami Beach is an entirely different vibe.
The Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive is famous for its pastel-colored buildings, neon lights, and 20th-century design.
South Pointe Park offers one of the best viewpoints for both the beach and cruise ships departing nearby.
For us, walking Ocean Drive and stopping for drinks at The Carlyle was a highlight.
The mix of architecture, beach energy, and cosmopolitan feel made Miami Beach stand out on the trip.
💡 Look out for: free walking tours of the Art Deco District. It's a great way to appreciate the history behind the colorful facades.
⪢ Fort Lauderdale & Cruise Port
Known as the “Venice of America” for its extensive canal network, Fort Lauderdale blends beach relaxation with a lively downtown.
For us, it marked the end of the road trip and the beginning of our transatlantic cruise.
With Port Everglades being one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, it was the perfect place to conclude the journey.
💡 Good to know: Fort Lauderdale hotels near the port often offer shuttle services for cruise passengers, saving both time and stress.
Planning Your Own Road Trip
⪢ Distance & Timing
● Total driving distance: around 1,300 miles.
● Driving time: 19–20 hours without stops, but best split over 2–3 days.
● Best time to go: spring or fall for pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
⪢ Budget & Costs
● Fuel: Varies, but expect USD 150–250 depending on gas prices and your car.
● Tolls: Some sections of Florida include toll roads, especially near Miami.
● Accommodation: From budget motels to mid-range hotels, plan for USD 80–200 per night depending on location.
⪢ Packing Tips
● Snacks and drinks for the car save money and time.
● A small cooler helps for longer stretches.
● Pack a cruise day bag separately if you’re continuing onto a ship.
⪢ Cruise Connection
Fort Lauderdale is one of the world’s busiest cruise hubs.
Driving down before a cruise can be a smart move, as not only do you arrive with flexibility, but the road trip itself becomes part of the adventure.
Related Posts from Our Road Trip
FAQs About Driving from Michigan to Florida
How long is the drive from Michigan to Florida?
Around 1,300 miles, taking 18–22 hours depending on route and stops.
What’s the best route?
I-75 South is the most direct, cutting through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
Why stop in Corbin, Kentucky?
It’s home to the original Kentucky Fried Chicken, a fun Americana detour with a small museum.
What makes St. Augustine special?
Its colonial history and 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos make it a must for history lovers.
Is Daytona Beach worth it?
Yes, especially for families. It’s affordable, laid-back, and has a classic boardwalk vibe.
Why include Miami Beach?
For its Art Deco architecture, nightlife, and sandy shoreline, it’s a quintessential Florida stop.
Why finish in Fort Lauderdale?
It’s one of the easiest places to begin a cruise, with Port Everglades offering global connections.
Can you do the drive without stopping?
Technically, yes, but we don’t recommend it. Splitting it up turns the drive into an adventure and is far safer.
Is it expensive?
Costs can be managed with careful planning. Budget motels, gas station snacks, and free attractions balance things out.
Would we do it again?
Absolutely! The mix of quirky stops, history, and beach culture made this one of our most memorable road trips.
Easily Find Hotels in the United States
Looking for a place to stay on the way? Browse United States hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers across the country.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
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Interactive Map
United States
Check out all of the places we visited in the U.S. courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog.
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Wanderlog is a free travel planning app where you can create itineraries, organize flights, hotels, and car reservations, view places to visit, and collaborate with friends.
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