Florida to Colorado Road Trip Itinerary (8 Days with Stops & Hotels)

If you’re looking for a realistic Florida to Colorado road trip itinerary that balances driving time with fun experiences, this guide will help you plan a trip that’s just as enjoyable as the destination.

It also includes hotel recommendations, dog-friendly options, and practical tips to make things easier along the way.

This itinerary is based on our own road trips. It’s designed for a slower, more enjoyable pace, with manageable driving days and interesting places to stop each night.

From Rock City on the Georgia/Tennessee border to historic Chattanooga, Music Row in Nashville, and St Louis, these are stops we’ve done—and would recommend again.

There are other route options (more southern or northern routes), but we’ve found this one offers the best balance of driving time and interesting stops.

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Florida to Colorado Driving Itinerary

This 8-day Florida to Colorado road trip is designed for a slower pace, with shorter driving days and interesting overnight stops rather than long highway stretches.

If you are flying into Florida from overseas to start this US road trip, you might add a first night near the airport. Here’s a link to comfortable hotels near Tampa Airport.

Bringing Your Dog On Your Road Trip?

We’ve taken our dog Ellie on road trips, international flights, and even had her live overseas with us. Sadly she’s no longer with us after 17 amazing years. We learned so much from those adventures together—especially how important it is to plan ahead for pet-friendly stops.

If you’re planning to bring your own four-legged travel companion, we’ve included dog-friendly hotels and parks at each stop along this itinerary (most charge a small fee).

Florida to Colorado Road Trip Cost

We did this trip in an EV and it was easy! If you are planning to drive an EV too, hotels with on-site charging are highlighted in our recommendations day by day. Hope this helps!

FYI, our journey from Florida to Colorado using our EV cost us $220 dollars. For 2000 miles that works out at a cost of 10 cents/mile! Hotel costs were around $1000 but this will depend on your choice of accommodations.

Using a regular car, here’s a few pointers on budgeting:

• Gas (petrol) prices fluctuate but it’s pretty easy to calculate an average spend based on your car fuel consumption average for highways.
• Add on another 10-15% or so in mileage for the activities that take you off the highway en route.
• If you’re traveling as a family, choose a hotel with kitchen facilities and pick up groceries to save on the dining out expense each night.
• Select hotels that include breakfasts.(see our suggestions below).
• Check to make sure there isn’t a major event going on during your trip that might force prices up.

Overall, this roadtrip for 2 people was no more expensive than flying. We also had a lot more fun as time wasn’t a factor!

Day 1: Tampa Florida to Valdosta, Georgia

Day 1 of this Florida to Colorado road trip is all about easing into the journey. When we first did this drive, we were tempted to go further. Stopping in Valdosta turned out to be the perfect way to break up this first stage of our journey without feeling rushed.

An easy drive on I-75, or if you fancy a short detour, have lunch at the popular Blaze Pizza, a few minutes off your route.

Valdosta is a small, laid-back town that surprised us. It’s not a big sightseeing destination, but after a few hours on the road, it felt like the perfect place to slow down, stretch our legs, and settle into the rhythm of the trip

Also known as the Azalea City, it grew up as a stop along the early railroads back in the 1800s. You won’t need a full day here, but it’s ideal for a relaxed first evening, especially if you’ve never been to this part of Georgia.

3 Top Things to Do in Valdosta

If you have a couple of hours in the afternoon, these are easy, low-effort things to do late afternoon/evening around town:

1. The Historic Walking Trail is an easy way to unwind after driving—it’s not a long or intense walk, but we found it a nice way to reset before dinner.
2. Walk around Freedom Park, which has disc golf, an inclusive ballpark and plenty of designed space to let doggies run around.
3. Pop into the 100-year-old South Georgia Pecan Co for delicious pecans, almonds and walnuts. This store reminded me of my friend Amy’s delicious pecans from her garden I loved snacking on when living in Texas.

Great Places to Eat In Valdosta

Smok’n pig B-bbq – We chose Smok’n Pig after a long drive, and it was exactly what we wanted—casual, quick, and according to my meat eater hubbie a genuinely good barbecue.

360 North – another locally run restaurant with a delicious menu integrating southern classic ingredients, fish dishes & steaks as well as a wide range of appetizers and salads.

Where to Stay In Valdosta

Our picks are based on location, safe links to transport, and overall value for money.

If you prefer a bigger city feel, you might want to push on to Atlanta—but for a quieter first night, Valdosta works really well.

Day 2: Valdosta to Chattanooga, Tennessee

Day 2 of this Florida to Colorado road trip Today heads north to the Georgia/ Tennessee state line before making your way to historic Chattanooga for a night.

Rock City Gardens, Georgia

Right on the state border between Georgia and Tennessee is the eclectic and geologically fascinating Rock City.  

The natural rock formations have created a wonderland with crevices and underground tunnels.  Over 400 species of plants grow here too.

Created in 1932 by a German couple, some original characters remain in “Gnome City”. At night it is lit up and a wonderland of discovery for children and those of us who fondly remember nursery rhyme characters.

We weren’t quite sure what to expect from Rock City, but it ended up being a really fun and slightly quirky stop.

Walking through the narrow rock formations and tunnels felt a bit like stepping back in time with the fun exhibits of much loved childhood tales.

This is a great way to break up your drive on the way to tonight’s stop in Chattanooga.

Tucked between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, running parallel to the beautiful Tennessee River, it’s a lovely town to visit. 

4 Top Things to Do in Chattanooga

Downtown is split into 6 main districts.  There is good parking downtown (paid) if your hotel is not within walking distance.

We suggest enjoying the city for the remainder of today and then tomorrow morning heading to Lookout Mountain. (see details under Day 3).

1. Enjoy the pretty riverside Riverwalk, 13 miles of paved pathway. Walk over the pedestrianized Walnut Street Bridge built in 1890.
2. Visit the Tennessee Aquarium or stop off at the Hunter American Art Museum, both just off the riverwalk. (Closed on Tuesdsays)
3. Head to Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District before dinner and visit the train of the same name. There are also some fun shops in the area to browse around.

If you fancy something a little more lively come nightfall, how about a Chattanooga Ghost Tour. It’s a fun way to learn more about the history too!

🔍 Book Chattanooga Ghost Tour

Great Places to Eat In Chattanooga

Stir – is within the Chattanooga Choo Choo Complex so easy to find. We found the menu is varied, but seafood and oysters are the focus. They offer an innovative cocktail list too!

Champy’s – if chicken is your dinner dream, this is your spot. They are a chain but for 40+ years, they have served happy diners. With 3 Champy’s locations in Chattanooga, pick your closest, or they can deliver to you!

Where to Stay In Chattanooga

Our picks are based on location, safe links to transport, policies on pets and overall value for money.

Chattanooga ended up being one of our favourite stops on this Florida to Colorado road trip be. So we decided to experience one more local attraction before leaving – a great way to start the next day without feeling rushed

Day 3: Chattanooga to Nashville, Tennessee

We did this first thing in the morning, and it was a really relaxed way to start the day before getting back on the road.

It’s a short drive from downtown to nearby Lookout Mountain. You don’t need more than a couple of hours here, which makes it an easy morning stop before heading to Nashville.

Lookout Mountain is a heritage site because of the role it played in the US Civil War and today the historic battlefield is preserved within Point National Military Park.  

There is a good sized Lookout Mountain Car Park at the base of the railway. The ticket office is right at the entrance to the train, so it’s easy to find.

If you need a little treat, a couple of small cafes and ice cream shops are just a few minutes down from the station.

This railway trip might only be a mile in length but “America’s Amazing Incline Rail‘ journey is a fun experience in Chattanooga. This small system has been operating for over 125 years. It runs on a cable system, two operating at any time.

It’s often claimed to be the steepest incline railway—and it certainly feels like it when you’re on it. But, there’s no denying its steep – the top section gradient is 72.7%!

Spend a little time at the top, enjoying the river and city views, as well as touring the National Park Museum. We found it was just enough activity to feel like we’d done something memorable, without delaying the drive too much.

Day 3 of this Florida to Colorado road trip is a shorter drive. Leaving Chattanooga, making our way to Nashville I was excited for our next destination.

After a couple of laid-back stops earlier in the trip, Nashville is a complete change of pace.

Music City is a place I love returning to. It has that ‘alive’ feeling the moment I arrive – busy, energetic, and a change from slower stops earlier in this trip.

After a busy day of driving, our go-to dinner choice is Casa Rosa, a lively mexican themed restaurant on Broadway. By the way, they serve huge portions (so sharing is a good idea if you go for their guacamole and chips to start with).

If you prefer a steak or more traditional dinner spot, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, is where you can combine a steak and a pre-dinner cocktail from the Bourbon Sky Rooftop Bar!

Where to Stay In Nashville

We always find Nashville hotel prices are high, even in the off season. We had stayed in Music Row a little outside the Broadway Area of town, and in Opryland.

You’re going to be here for 2 nights, park up and enjoy a break from behind the wheel. We preferred staying just outside Broadway as it was easier to park and a bit quieter at night.

Day 4: Nashville, Tennessee (no driving)

We have more Nashville highlights in our detailed guide. If you only have one full day, we’d focus on live music, the Ryman or Grand Ole Opry, and time walking the honky tonks on Broadway.

Top Things To Do In Nashville

1. Visit the Hall of Fame of Country Music and take the tour to original recording studios of Elvis and Dolly Parton – it’s a small building and the tour is only 20 minutes but I’ve done it twice and it’s fun!
2. Tour the Ryman Auditorium which has held music events for the past 130 years.  Keep your ticket for a discounted entrance to Johnny Cash museum.
3. Enjoy the live music bars of Broadway roof-top bars and cozy Honky Tonks – I can’t visit without going to Category 10 (try a line dance lesson), AJ’s Good Time Bar and Nudie’s (worth going in to see the longest bar covered in silver dollars).
4. See a show at the ornate one and only Grand Ole Opry – they have the best gift store too. T-shirts I’ve bought here in the past have lasted well.
5. Sip beer at The Palace, a more traditional music venue which showcases generations of country music and serves good lunches.

Of course, this being Nashville, you might bump into a celebrity anytime so keep your eyes peeled! Last time we visited, we bumped into the setting up of a local bar for a Zak Top and Riley Green video!

For a second night, Nashville has a lovely riverside for a stroll, followed by a Tennessee BBQ dinner on Broadway of your choosing.

Although I could stay another day in Nashville (even after many visits), it’s time to leave Tennessee and continue our Florida to Colorado journey into Missouri.

Day 5: Nashville to St Louis, Missouri

By this stage on our Florida to Colorado trip, we settled into a rhythm of selecting one thing to do in each city on an afternoon, followed a leisurely dinner.

Top Things to Do In St Louis

If you only have a few hours, we’d focus on the Gateway Arch and either Laclede’s Landing or Union Station for the evening.

1. The St Louis Gateway Arch was the result of a design competition in the 1930s and eventually built in the 1960s as a symbol to welcome visitors here.

The national park and the museum beneath the arch shares over 200 years of history and we enjoyed an hour or so exploring both. 

We took a 4 minute tram ride up 630 feet inside the arch to a viewing area right at the top – it’s America’s tallest monument. The ride down is helped by gravity – it is only 3 minutes 🙂

Trips are timed, but we didn’t feel rushed at all – I had all the time I needed to take my photos!

We went around 4.30pm and caught a lovely sunset. Also it wasn’t packed but I imagine during peak times it might be a little crowded at the top!

2. If you’re staying nearby, Laclede’s Riverside Landing is a nice way to stretch your legs before dinner.

Right on the river front, in the oldest part of the city, this iconic landing dates back to 1764 when the city settlement was founded.

Our 3rd suggestion is also a good spot to come for dinner in St Louis – Union Station.

Still the heart of St Louis, this was once the busiest station in America and dates back to 1894.  It has evolved into a top place for entertainment and eating out.

We ate dinner at the excellent Landry’s Seafood House (we walked in but in summer reserve a table), or try Stacked STL for more casual options like burgers, including vegan/vegetarian choices.

If you want a little post-dinner entertainment, play mini golf, ride a ferris wheel, rope climb, visit the aquarium and even do some shopping here!

We wandered for a bit before taking a 10-minute Uber back to our hotel.

Where to Stay In St Louis

Our picks are based on location, safety, easy links to transport, and overall value for money.

It felt like the perfect balance after a longer drive—seeing something iconic without overpacking our evening.

Day 6: St Louis to Salina, Kansas

This is one of the longest driving days of the trip, and we treated it as more of a “get there” day.

This itinerary is designed for travelers who don’t want to rush the drive, but actually enjoy each stop along the way. So, Salina is more of convenient overnight stop vs. a ‘must-see’ destination.

Sometimes we find that it’s refreshing to spend a night somewhere there isn’t a need to rush out to see something and Salina is just that.

Where to Stay In Salina

Our picks are based on location, pet policies and overall value for money.

After a restful stay in Salina, the next day’s journey across western Kansas turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly enjoyable parts of the trip to Colorado.

Day 7: Salina to Goodland, Kansas

This drive through Kansas is very different from earlier days. It’s quieter, more open, and at times feels like the road just stretches endlessly ahead with fields of crops on either side. Being a farmer’s daughter, I loved this!

We actually ended up enjoying this part more than we expected. At times it felt like we had the road almost to ourselves, which made it surprisingly peaceful.

Make sure you download an audio book or spotify tunes as the radio signals here are patchy in places.

Wild West In Hays, Kansas

This is a quick stop – plan 1–2 hours to stretch your legs and grab lunch.

Hays, Kansas seemed like a dusty railroad town at first glance. But once we parked up an iconic Wild West Main Street revealed itself! Walk by historic buildings which share stories of colourful western characters, including Old Bill Hickok and Buffalo Bill.

This historic district has been carefully maintained with a mix of independent shops and restaurants and it has a lovely old world feel to it. 

For lunch in Hays try El Dos De Oros, a popular Mexican restaurant. Alternatively, try the Garden Grille & Bar where we had a light lunch.

We found this a fun and easy stop to break up the drive—it doesn’t take long, but it adds something a bit different to the day

We kept going to Goodland, Kansas for the final night of our Florida to Colorado itinerary.

This is the heart of Kansas crop growing land. As we drove we passed field after field of golden wheat, large silo towers, and occasionally a trains transporting grain to depots.

After a few busier stops earlier in the trip, we actually appreciated how quiet and low-key this stop felt.

Things to Do In Goodland, Kansas

There are some cool things to do in this small Kansas town, so take time to check a couple out as your time permits.

The Oz Museum in Wamego is a good stop off to indulge in one of the largest Wizard of Oz memorabilia in a private collections.  You can hunt around the town to find the 18 Totos! Some of this is a little touristy but why not?

Relax in Goodland City Park – with picnic areas, walking trails and a playground, this is a great way to kick back for a few hours, before heading out to dinner.

Goodland, also known as the “Sunflower Capital of the High Plains” is the only place in the United States where a painting ‘Vase with 3 Sunflowers’ can be seen on top of an 80 foot high easel.

Places to Eat in Goodland

Tequilas on Main Street – a relaxing restaurant with a wide menu of drinks and food, we ate here and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere.

Mom’s Kitchen – this is for you if you have a craving for home cooking traditional style. From biscuits and gravy, to fried chicken sandwiches, you have the best of comfort foods on the menu.

The Bricks By Maria – also has a good traditional menu but with more salad options and healthy options.

Where to Stay In Goodland

Accommodation options are limited here, so it’s worth booking ahead.

Day 8: Arrive in Denver, Colorado

The last leg on an amazing 2000 mile Florida to Colorado drive takes you over the border into eastern Colorado, via Limon and on to the state capital, Denver.

After days on the road, arriving in Colorado felt like a real shift. The landscape changes once you’r close to Denver, the air feels different at 5000 feet, and those first views of the Rockies make the whole journey worth it

Even though I’ve flown and driven into Denver before, there’s nothing like seeing snow capped mountains greet you – it’s one of the world’s most stunning sights.

Denver is where this Florida to Colorado road trip officially comes to an end. So many memories were gathered along the way, and although it is ‘easier’ to fly, these 7 days together on the open road, going at our pace, were priceless.

And once in Denver, in reality, it was the start of the next adventure. After a night or two with relatives, we were heading up to Summit County towards the gorgeous mountain town of Frisco, around a 90 minute to 2 hour drive.

If you’re planning this trip, save this itinerary or bookmark it—you’ll likely come back to it as you map out your daily stops.

Before you go, here are a few practical things that made our road trip easier and questions people often ask before taking this journey.

What To Pack For A USA Road Trip

Although this will vary a little depending on what season and month you visit, here are the basics to pack for a Florida to Colorado Road Trip:

• Driver’s License, Insurance, for all drivers
• Entertainment for passengers
• Basic car safety kit
• Offline maps (signal can drop in parts of Kansas/Colorado)
• Comfortable trousers (active wear) for day-to-day travel
• Layers (temperature drops quickly in Colorado evenings)
• USB Car charger or portable charger for your phone
• Small day pack
• Favourite Snacks (to save time trying to find them on the road!)
• Water (refillable containers are cheaper)
• Pet food and bowls

FAQs

Other Colorado Roadtrip Ideas

Once you’re in Colorado, if you want to keep going here’s another fantastic road trip to consider: Crested Butte in south west Colorado through Summit County and Palisade.

If you enjoyed this best route Florida to Colorado road trip, there are other unique destinations west of Denver to check out.

Historic Leadville, outdoorsy Glenwood Springs and Palisade with its west slope wineries and abundant stone fruit, especially peaches.