Pulsating with energy from day to night, New York and Florida are the top destinations in the country for endless adventures. There are tons of beautiful spots to see, thrilling activities to do, and delicious food to eat in both.
But this is where New York and Florida’s similarities end, as they’re famous for different things.
New York is where all the action happens and where trends start. A world-known fashion mecca, culinary powerhouse, architecture innovator, and many more. New York’s allures are more rooted in urban charm.
Meanwhile, Florida is famous as a year-round, sun-kissed beach destination. But it also boasts an impressive biological diversity along with its vibrant metro lifestyle.
Can’t decide where to go? Get to know these two more below and see which one suits you best!
New York
For many reasons, New York is so enamored by people from all over the world. It may be due to its dynamic and unapologetically energetic character. But it’s mostly due to its strong ability to tickle the interests of all who set foot here.
What Makes New York Unique?
An Art Lover’s Premier Destination
What has long been the art capital of the US, New York is every art lover’s dream. New York is the cradle of artists from all walks of life, fueling its world-famous art scene. As the home to the most number of art institutions in the country, and with tons of art tours to choose from, there’s so much to uncover in New York’s art scene.
New York is not one of the best art destinations for nothing. It’s home to some of the world’s most recognizable masterpieces. From Picasso to Vermeer, here’s where you can see world-class paintings up close and personal.
Vincent van Gogh’s most famous painting, The Starry Night, hangs at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). But this museum is also home to other iconic paintings. Such as Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.
At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, you’ll find diverse artworks that span five millennia of artistry. Ancient sculptures, medieval armors, photographs, and even high fashion pieces are only some. Housing over two million artworks, this museum is an unmissable part of every New York trip.
But there is way more to the New York art scene than its major art institutions.
Each borough or neighborhood here has a thriving community of artists. With a culture and vibe that’s unique to each, they’re worth a trip outside the usual destination museums. Thus, there are still plenty of options to go on a trip to exciting specialized museums.
Make your way to The Drawing Center, one of, if not the only museum in the US dedicated solely to drawings. See life through the lens of renowned photographers at the International Center of Photography. Or marvel at Himalayan art at the Rubin Museum of Art.
In New York, there’s no shortage of ways to soothe your art-loving heart.
A World-Renowned Culinary Powerhouse
Being a melting pot of cultures, New York has long enjoyed the traditional cuisine of people from all around the world. This has long been ingrained in its fare that New York made these foods their own. A blend of cultures and a city so filled with foodies, New York’s food scene is diverse, filling, and like no other.
From New York–style pizza to pastrami on rye, these are only some iconic eats that New York is famous for. These are the foods that New York does right, whether you get them in an upscale restaurant or a quaint diner around the corner. So when in New York, what’s on your plate is more important than where you’re eating.
A staple in the Jewish eating culture, bagels are widely associated with New York. And it’s often combined with lox, which originated from Scandinavia. This combination is a New York creation, and the locals loved this pairing. New York’s famous bagels include cream cheese, then stacked with tomato, capers, and red onions!
The popular Chinese dish of choice by the locals is General Tso’s Chicken, a fried, sticky sweet chicken dish. A chef from Shun Lee Palace brought this to New York, sweetened the recipe a bit, and it was a hit! This is now a staple in the menu of any Chinese restaurant here, but you can still get it at the famous Shun Lee Palace today.
And to finish any meal in New York, why not grab a plate of the world-famous New York–style cheesecake? Cheesecakes have been around for a long time, but what sets a New York cheesecake apart from others?
New York’s take on cheesecakes is that it doesn’t skimp on cream cheese or sour cream. It’s denser, smoother, and decadent, and it always leaves you feeling satisfied.
Countless Architectural Gems
One of the most energetic and diverse places in the world, New York’s cityscape reflects just this. Everyone knows the iconic New York City skyline, and novelist Kurt Vonnegut even called it the “Skyscraper National Park”. But New York represents almost every architectural style, and there are many more gorgeous buildings to marvel at here.
Some buildings are old, an enduring sight in an ever-changing city. While others sport cutting-edge designs, pushing the limits of innovation. But no matter where you are in New York, you’re bound to be near an iconic building.
Among the classic sights here is the Art Deco giant, the Empire State Building. Another of the same style is the Chrysler Building, famous for its seven radiating arches. And who can forget the symbol of New York, the breathtaking Statue of Liberty?
These are the three most popular structures in New York. But they’re not the only ones who have graced television screens.
One that’s so recognizable for its unusual triangle shape is the Flatiron Building. It sits in a triangular plot that crosses Fifth Avenue and Broadway in Manhattan. With its beautiful Beaux-Arts facade, it’s one of the most charming sights in New York.
Europe may have plenty of stunning railway stations, but New York’s Grand Central Terminal can rival them. Boasting a Beaux-Arts design, this railway station oozes elegance. A celestial ceiling mural, a classic four-faced clock, stone and bronze carvings, and more, add to its timeless appeal.
Being a melting pot of cultures, New York is brimming with houses of worship. But arguably the prettiest of them all is the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a marble Gothic Revival beauty. Opened in 1879, it’s coined as a crucial part of New York’s architectural heritage.
These may be the big hitters in New York’s architectural scene, but there are tons of lesser-known hidden gems in the city. Wander around New York, and you’ll get cultured just by sightseeing.
There’s Always a Green Oasis Near You
At a glance, New York looks like a concrete jungle of shiny skyscrapers. But look a bit closer and you’ll find that it has an impressive collection of beautiful gardens and parks. Whether you want to stop and smell the flowers, discover a secret garden, or head out to a sculpture-filled park, they’re all in New York.
Grab your camera and head out to uncover a different side of New York. With countless green spaces here, there’s always an option to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
One of the most popular landmarks in New York is the massive Central Park. Considered to be the lung of the city, it’s always been a key location for outdoor recreation. But within the park lies a picturesque garden that’s perfect for a stroll on a beautiful day.
Head out to the East side of the park and enter through the Vanderbilt Gate. Here you’ll find the Conservatory garden, a mix of English-, Italian-, and French-inspired plots.
Wander around a garden filled with daffodils and crabapple trees with the scent of magnolia blooms in the air. Look for the pergola behind the Center Fountain too. This is where you’ll find a whimsical sight filled with the purple buds of wisterias.
Ask a local to point you to the best botanical garden in New York. Chances are, they’ll suggest you go to the New York Botanical Gardens. Experience the beauty of its summer and spring gardens across a 250-acre land (101 hectares) that’s a stone’s throw away from the Bronx River.
Weave your way through winding roads of 50 different gardens, arboretums, and other lush green pockets. This garden also features marvelous rolling hills and a greenhouse that houses plants from across the world. More than that, it also has ancient trails and an old-growth forest for you to discover.
Never-Ending Nightlife Entertainment
Whether it’s the architecture, the restaurants, or its art scene, people from around the world seem to know a lot about New York. Its bustling night scene is no exception, as this is one of the most energetic and vibrant cities in the world. And New York takes its reputation as “the city that never sleeps” seriously.
Watch New York come to life at night when the sun goes down and the city becomes awash with colorful lights. Districts around Manhattan and Brooklyn keep the fun going into the early hours of the morning. And like its many allures, New York doesn’t hold back!
Catch a show, grab a drink, or dance to live music! There’s never a shortage of exciting activities to do in New York, even at night.
An easy pick to host your nighttime festivities is The East Village. Discover its wealth of dive music venues, stylish cocktail bars, pubs, or bar restaurants.
Greenwich Village is an energetic nightlife spot, thanks to its younger crowd. Enrich your night with an Off-Broadway show or mingle with the crowd at Washington Square Park.
A much trendier spot is the Lower East Side. Its chic clubs, pubs, and concert halls attract creative and young patrons alike.
Lower Manhattan is full of factories turned into charming restaurants. It’s now home to the most popular nightclubs in the city too! So if you want to dance the night away, this is the place to go.
Florida
There’s no shortage of good reasons to visit Florida, one of the most popular states for tourists. With thrilling things to do, loads of beautiful sights, and sunshine year-round, it’s a tempting visit no matter what time of the year. A blend of urban life and wilderness excitement, Florida’s eclectic allures never fail to charm tourists.
What Makes Florida Unique?
A Beach Lover’s Slice of Paradise
Year-long warm weather and countless pristine beaches are what make The Sunshine State such a magnet for tourists. Florida may not be one of the biggest states, but it’s home to the second-longest coastline in the country. And whether you want to unwind and sunbathe or go on an adventure, there’s a perfect beach for you here.
Being a peninsula is what makes Florida a beach lover’s paradise. On its three sides, it’s surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Straits of Florida. Take your pick between the three, depending on how you want to spend your beach vacation.
Florida’s Gulf coast has every beach to suit everyone’s likes, but it’s well-known for leisurely beach time. With powder-white sands filled with seashells, here’s where you’ll find the prettiest beaches in the state.
Swim in inviting waters, thanks to the Gulf’s gentle waves. Discover secluded beaches, or go for an exciting beach party. Fish to your heart’s content or see the wildlife in action by snorkeling, there are tons to do here!
If you want a more action-packed beach experience, the Atlantic Coast is perfect for you. You’ll find better waves here, so it’s perfect for surfers or those who are into more active water play! Even with this, Atlantic Coast beaches are just as diverse as those on the Gulf coast.
There are tons of pristine, picturesque beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Spread out a beach blanket and enjoy the tranquility of Venice Beach. Fort Myers Beach’s calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. Or venture off the beaten path to the secluded Boca Grande, where you’ll only be sharing the area with resident birds and dolphins.
The lively Miami Beach is the most popular one on the Atlantic Coast, an all-around beach that suits everyone. But for the great water sports activities that the coast is famous for, head out to Fort Lauderdale Beach or Delray Beach. And if you want a quiet, and unspoiled beach, hang out with the turtles at Melbourne Beach.
Tons of Exciting Wilderness Exploration
Florida is well-known for its seemingly endless list of pristine beaches, but that’s not the only thing that wows visitors. The state is also one of the country’s natural gems, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
The Sunshine State is among the most biodiverse states in the US. It boasts over 900 freshwater springs, millions of acres of wetlands, over 200 state and national parks, and other natural sites, among others. With this, Florida spoils every visitor with countless opportunities to embrace the beauty of nature.
But visiting every natural site in Florida may take a lifetime to do. So if you’re pressed for time, you can’t go wrong with the state’s top natural wonders.
The face of Florida’s stunning natural sites is the Everglades National Park. Covering over a million acres, this park is a miraculous wonder as it’s where massive mangroves turn water into land.
The Everglades is also home to great biological diversity. It’s a land filled with saw grass, where alligators freely roam. Everglades is also in the migration path of birds, and it’s one of the best spots in the country to go bird-watching.
Another well-visited natural site here is the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. This is the largest remaining dry prairie in the state, a sprawling land filled with fields of wildflowers and teeming with life.
Crested caracara, rabbits, and gopher tortoises are common sights here. But look a bit closer and you may find armadillos, snapping turtles, and much more thriving wildlife.
These two are some of the most popular spots of Florida’s seven natural wonders. The remaining five that are also spectacular visits are the following:
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
- Johns River
- Lake Okeechobee
- The Florida Reef
A Diverse and Fascinating Culture
To most people, Florida is a sun-kissed paradise that’s perfect for endless outdoor recreation, whether it’s on water or inland. But that’s not half of what you can experience here, as Florida still holds hidden allures.
History buffs and culture vultures, too, can have a blast in Florida as its storied history is so intertwined with many cultures. The Floridians we know today are the descendants of many different groups.
This includes the Miccosukee, Timucuan, and Seminole people. Also in their lineage are European explorers and Cuban and Haitian refugees. Florida’s cultural and historical heritage includes French, Jewish, and British cultures.
Throughout centuries, these cultures and traditions have blended to create a cultural scene like no other. With communities, parks, and museums, there are plenty of ways to dive into Florida’s fascinating past.
Discover Florida’s Native American history at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.
Here, you can learn more about the Seminole’s story at the impressive theatre and view thousands of artifacts at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. There are also demonstrators here to show you the Seminole’s traditional craft-making. What’s more exciting is that you can try local delicacies here, such as gator tail nuggets and frog legs!
Another treat for history lovers is St. Augustine, the oldest city in the US which dates back to 1565. This European-founded city is still inhabited today, and you’ll find history at every turn here. St. Augustine is full of Spanish-style buildings, making you feel like you’re transported back in time.
One of the must-visit sites here is the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century stone fortress. There’s also the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the site of St. Augustine’s first settlement.
Endless Electrifying Parties
Florida may be The Sunshine State, but it truly comes alive when the sun goes down. The parties never end in Florida, and much like its tropical heat, there are tons of sizzling nightlife spots in the state. Its legendary nightlife made it one of the top partygoer destinations in the US.
Florida’s nightlife is the perfect mix of drunken beachside festivities and a trendy, urban night scene. The state is home to a hive of nightclubs, bars, clubs, entertainment spots, and much more. Bursting with color and culture, any city is a great host for your late-night shenanigans.
At the heart of Florida’s night scene is the famous city of Miami. The city’s nightlife is a mix of everything you’d want.
From 24/7 clubs like E11even and Heart Nightclubs to tranquil waterfront bars at Coconut Grove, you’ll find a perfect nightlife spot here. Go on a bar crawl, stroll around Art Deco–lined streets, frolic on the boardwalk, or watch an exciting concert. With Miami’s nightlife, anything goes!
Orlando’s night thrills can rival Miami’s too, as it’s home to some of the best party spots in the state. Orlando’s night scene is more than partying like it’s New Year’s Eve at Disney’s Pleasure Island. The city spoils you with countless dance clubs, upscale bars, gay venues, and more!
Fort Lauderdale is another nightlife big-hitter in Florida, a popular one during Spring break.
Flagler Village is home to tons of laid-back bars and breweries. While younger crowds flock to Fort Lauderdale Beach for a wet and wild experience. Wilton Manors is a paradise for the LGBTQ+, as it’s jam-packed with gay nightclubs and businesses!
Countless Urban Life Thrills
A diverse shopping scene and a wealth of exciting amusement parks. These urban allures add some spice and variety to any vacation to Florida. While you can venture off into the wilderness or discover hidden beaches, it’s always easy to enjoy Florida’s bustling metro life.
Shopping
Indulging the shopaholic in you is easy to do in a place where shops are everywhere. A shopping spree in Florida can be as upscale as you want, as it’s home to the country’s largest and best malls. But if you’re seeking a good bargain, Florida spoils you with outlets, malls, and shops that offer goods at an affordable price too.
So don’t be afraid to go on a little shopping spree here. Florida’s retail scene ensures that there’s something for every budget!
Going on a luxurious retail therapy? Bal Harbour Shops is home to fashion big-hitters, such as Chanel. The ritzy St. Armand’s Circle, near Sarasota, is also filled with upscale shops. So are South Beach, Miami, and their surrounding areas.
Looking for something that won’t leave a dent in your budget? Across the state are tons of popular outlets. Hotspots for bargain shopping include Naples, Orlando, Ellenton, and Naples.
Amusement Parks
If you’re traveling with kids or if you want to feel like one again, Florida is the best place to go. The state is a premier destination for families, and a big part of that is its long list of amusement parks.
Florida has 10 major theme parks and hundreds of smaller ones sprinkled across the state. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and SeaWorld alone are enough reasons to go to Florida. But there are tons more attractions here that offer unforgettable memories for children of all ages!
Is Florida Better Than New York?
In some ways, Florida may be better than New York. But this will all boil down to what you want out of your trip.
Florida’s strength lies in its balance of urban allures and natural wonders. You can go explore the wilderness here in the morning, go shopping in the afternoon, and experience its legendary nightlife in one day. And Florida does all three well, spoiling you with tons of options for natural sites, shops, and bars.
More than that, Florida is a top beach destination year-round. This is something that New York can’t boast about.
Florida has one of the longest coastlines in the US, giving you tons of beach options. More than that, it’s surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Strait of Florida on three sides. Everywhere you go in Florida, you’re always near a pristine beach that suits you best.
If these don’t appeal to you, then New York may be the better destination for you. New York is world-famous for being an art and fashion capital, for its diverse architecture, and for its fascinating food scene.
FAQ
Is New York Safer Than Florida?
New York is a much safer area compared to Florida. According to WalletHub, New York has a safety score of 55.74, while Florida has 41.22. New York ranks as the 16th safest state in the country, while Florida ranks 43rd out of 50 states.
These are their overall scores based on 53 safety indicators, which fall into five categories. These categories are Personal and Residential Safety, Road Safety, Financial Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and Workplace Safety. Some of these indicators are DUIs and assaults per capita, road quality, and more.
According to NeighborhoodScout, the top three safest cities in New York are Rodman, Salt Point, and Salisbury Center. And the top safest cities in Florida are Day, Wausau, and Captiva.
Crime in Florida vs. New York
Florida experiences more crime than New York across the board. Florida has 45 crimes per square mile, while New York has a rate of 34. The national median in the country is 26.8, and both are above this.
This data is based on two crime categories: violent crime and property crime.
Based on NeighborhoodScout’s data, the chances of one falling victim to violent crime in Florida is 1 in 255. While the chances of an individual becoming a victim of violent crime in New York is 1 in 319.
The same source shows that the chances of one becoming a victim of property crime in Florida are 1 in 57. While in New York, this is at 1 in 74.
Crime Rate in Florida vs. New York
Florida has a higher crime rate than New York, with a total of 21.39. New York’s crime rate is at 16.65. These crime rates come from NeighborhoodScout’s statistics.
Each state’s crime rate is a combination of violent crime and property crime.
Florida’s violent crime rate is at 3.92 per 1000 residents. The highest crime in the state under this is assault, with a rate of 2.94. To compare, the national average of assaults is 2.84.
Meanwhile, New York’s violent crime rate is at 31.13. Assault is also the highest crime under this category, and New York’s assault crime rate is 2.07. This is lower than the national average.
Florida’s property crime rate has a score of 17.46. The state’s highest crime under this category is theft, which has a rate of 13.46. For comparison, this is lower than the national average of 13.94.
New York’s property crime rate is at 13.52. Theft is also the highest crime under this category, and New York’s theft crime rate is 10.85. This is much lower than the national average.
Legoland New York vs. Florida
Both Legoland New York and Florida feature over 50 rides, attractions, and shows. They both have 150 acres (61 hectares) of unique, themed lands. And while they have hotels, offer locally themed food, and more, they have quite a few differences.
Legoland New York has 7 unique areas across 150 acres (61 hectares). But the whole property is a whopping 500 acres (202 hectares). Some unique lands are Ninja Training Camp, Rogue Riders, and Fire Academy.
New York’s Legoland has an exclusive ride called Big Lego Adventure, which makes you feel like you’re as small as the size of Lego figures. This theme park has only one hotel, the Legoland Hotel. And while the park closes seasonally, during winter, the hotel stays open year-round.
Where Legoland Florida wins is that it’s open year-round as it has balmy weather all year long. It has 14 unique areas across 150 acres (hectares).
Unlike Legoland New York, this park has a water park with seasonally heated pools. There’s a wave pool, tube slides, interactive waterplay structures, and more. This park also has a world-famous botanical garden. And it has three hotel options such as the Pirate Island Hotel, Legoland Hotel, and Beach Retreat.
Is New York in Florida?
New York is not in Florida, as they are two different states.
New York is part of the northeastern USA. It borders New Jersey and Pennsylvania on the southern end. While to its east are the states of Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut.
Meanwhile, Florida is in the southeastern part of the country. It’s bordered by Alabama to the northwest, Georgia to the North, and the Atlantic Ocean and the Bahamas to the east. To its west is the Gulf of Mexico and to its south is the Straits of Florida.
New York to Florida Distance
The straight line distance between New York and Florida is around 996 miles (1603 km). But the total driving distance is longer due to road curvature. Traveling from New York to Florida by land, you’ll be covering 1146 miles (1844 km) via I-95 S.
Florida Population vs. New York
Florida is more populous than New York, with a population of around 22.2 million. The Sunshine state is the third most populated city in the United States, behind California and Texas.
Meanwhile, New York is the fourth largest state in the US by population. It has a population of around 19.6 million.
Is New York and Florida in the Same Time Zone?
Florida has two time zones. But most of the state, the eastern part, follows the Eastern Time Zone (GMT/UTC -5). This is the same time zone that New York follows.
There are 10 counties in Florida in the northern and western part, called the Panhandle, that follow the Central Standard Time (GMT/UTC -6).
Are Days Longer in Florida Than New York?
During the winter solstice, Florida has longer daylight than New York. The sun rises at the same time in both states during the winter solstice.
But New York has longer nighttime hours because the sun sets an hour earlier. This is because New York is further north of the equator, while Florida is closer. Thus, the sun sets at a more oblique angle in Florida, allowing it to shine on the state for a longer time.
How Long Is Florida to New York?
The journey from Florida to New York depends on your transportation option.
If you drive from Florida to New York through the most direct route, I-95 N, you can expect a travel time of under 20 hours. You can drive between the two states in a day, but it’s a continuous journey of hard driving.
You can also travel from Florida to New York by train with Amtrak. You can get a direct train from Orlando and reach New York City, without any transfers along the way. This has a travel time of around 28 to 32 hours.
The quickest option is to travel from Florida to New York by plane, which takes only three hours. The downside is the high price tag, with the average price of an economy ticket at around 300 USD.
If you’re on a budget and you don’t mind the longer travel time, you can opt for a bus instead. A bus has a travel time of around 23 hours, but it can cost as low as 102 USD. Keep in mind that you’ll need to switch buses along the way.
New York to Florida Distance by Flight
The distance from New York to Florida by plane is around 1100 miles (1770 km). Traveling by plane has a much shorter distance compared to traveling by land. And you’ll reach your destination in only around three hours.
Florida to New York by Bus
A bus ride from Florida to New York covers a distance of around 939 miles (1511 km). The travel time can take as short as 19 hours but it can also take as long as 1 day and 7 hours.
The average bus ticket price on this trip is around 203 USD, but it can be as cheap as 90 USD. If you book your tickets as early as possible, you can get a much better price.
You can find the cheapest bus tickets for this trip during December. This is when the average ticket prices are only around 106 USD. The most expensive month to travel on this route is in May, when the average ticket price bumps up to 132 USD.
Around 6 buses travel from Florida to New York daily. The earliest bus leaves for New York at around 4 AM. The last bus departs at around 9 PM.
The most crowded day to take a bus from Florida to New York is on Saturday. Expect pricier tickets on this day too due to the demand.
So if you want more room on the bus, with a chance of a cheaper ticket, travel on a Wednesday instead.
New York to Florida Drive
Taking Interstate 95 is the most direct and quickest route option when driving from New York to Florida. This route is easily accessible from New York City too.
You can go through George Washington Bridge. Or you can access it from Midtown through Lincoln Tunnel and then drive across Jersey City. You can also drive through the Interstate 278 merge across Staten Island.
From any of these options, you can drive through Interstate 95 all the way to the city of Miami, just along the coast. Or if you’re headed to Orlando, you can switch to Interstate 4 once you’re in Daytona Beach.
In any case, your journey will cover around 1290 miles (2076 km). This will take around 20 hours of driving time.
While you can reach Florida within a day, this isn’t recommended as it’s a day of continuous hard driving. There are tons of stop options along Interstate 95 where you can spend the night.
While this route is straightforward, your main obstacle is the traffic between New York and Maryland. Especially the urban stretch that’s near Washington, DC. So it’s best to leave New York at around 3 or 4 AM to skip the afternoon traffic.
Driving From New York to Florida in One Day
Driving from New York to Florida takes around 20 hours or less of driving time, so it’s possible to complete this journey in a day. But keep in mind that you’ll have to take minimal, short stops along the way, along with several gas stops.
You also have to consider traffic, especially between New York and Maryland, near Washington DC. And if you’re traveling alone, without rotating drivers, this makes the journey harder.
If you’re keen on reaching Florida within the day, it’s best to start super early in the morning. You should already be heading out of New York by 4 AM at the latest to avoid traffic. Traveling outside of New York before the world wakes up makes all the difference in travel duration.
Still, a 20-hour drive from New York to Florida is not recommended. You should only do this if you’re really pressed for time.
The best option is still to divide this journey into two days of 10-hour drives. You can spend the night anywhere on Interstate 95. But an overnight stop at North or South Carolina is the best option.
How Many Hours From New York to Florida by Car?
Traveling from New York to Florida by car takes around 20 hours of travel time or less. Take the most direct route, Interstate 95, for a shorter travel time. Your actual travel duration will depend on how many stops you take, and how long you make those.
If you drive from New York to Florida with minimal, short stops, you can cut down your travel time to around 17 to 18 hours.
Driving From Florida to New York – Where to Stop
Following the route of Interstate 95, you have a couple of not-to-miss stops on a drive from Florida to New York.
Once you’ve left Orlando on Route 50, join Route 405 so you can stop by the Kennedy Space Center and admire some spacecraft. Continue on the route and you’ll end up in Daytona Beach, where you can admire sensational beaches. And you’ll even pass by Jacksonville for its Museum of Science and History and Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Go back to Interstate 95 and head to the beautiful city of Savannah in Georgia. Leave the interstate and hop on Route 17, where you can visit the mesmerizing city of Charleston. Don’t forget to visit Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor, which are the city’s highlights.
While you’re in South Carolina, you can stop by Myrtle Beach. After this, leave the town on Highway 501 and rejoin Interstate 95 to continue north to Washington DC, home to the famous White House. Now you can take your road trip to Baltimore, Maryland, known for its impressive museums and cool hipster culture.
Leave the city on Interstate 95, so you can stop at Philadelphia. After this, make your way to New York!
New York to Florida Road Trip Time
A road trip from New York to Florida can easily take around 20 hours of driving time. But your actual time on the road will depend on how many stops and overnight stays you take.
The quickest road trip time from New York to Florida can take around 17 hours. But since driving gives you a ton of freedom, it can be as long as you want if you want to see all the interesting stops along the way!
Best Time to Drive to Florida From New York
Interstate 95 is the best route option to drive from New York to Florida, as it’s direct and short. But it’s also one of the busiest Interstates in the United States. So if you’re planning a trip to Florida, you should leave very early in the morning.
You should already be in the south of New York city, if not out of the city already, by 4 AM. Some even leave New York City for Florida at 1 AM just to avoid the traffic between New York and Maryland, especially near Washington DC.
Traffic is your number one issue here. And if you leave any later, you may find yourself stuck for hours in the notoriously slow rush-hour traffic in these areas. The morning rush hour in these areas starts at 10 AM, and there’s another rush hour in the afternoon.
Other than that, many find that driving from New York to Florida is better during weekends. This way, you’ll find a reduction in the amount of rush hour traffic that’s heavy on the weekdays.
Driving to Florida is also best during June during the summer solstice. This way, you’ll get the most amount of daylight on your trip.
