Awesome Florida to Colorado Road Trip 7 Day Itinerary

Planning a Florida to Colorado Road Trip and need an itinerary with fun, interesting stops, places to stay and eat at along the way? Or maybe you are looking to do this almost 2000 mile trip starting in Colorado, heading south to the sunshine state?

Either way we have an awesome, realistic itinerary to suit your interests and time you have available. Explore Rock City in Georgia, overnight in historic Chattanooga, hit Music Row Nashville, before a stop in St Louis, and the wild west Kansas town of Hays!

Having done this exact route and other multi-day road trips around the USA, we suggest pacing your drive over 7 nights. Although you can do this journey in 3 days, your only attraction is going to be I-75 and I-70 highways – not that exciting 🙂

This article helps you plan an unforgettable Florida to Colorado drive, with overnight destinations, things to do, places to eat, organized day-by-day to keep it simple for you to print & use!

Florida to Colorado Driving Itinerary

Based on planning various multi-day road trips in Colorado, Scotland, Costa Rica & New Zealand, we know it’s helpful to see a snapshot of the itinerary before delving into details.

So, here it is. We also show you total miles and expected driving times at the top of each day’s recommended itinerary.

• Day 1 – Florida to Valdosta, Georgia
• Day 2 – Valdosta to Chattanooga
• Day 3 & 4 – Chattanooga to Nashville, Tennessee
• Day 5 – Nashville To St Louis, Missouri
• Day 6 – St Louis to Salina, Kansas
• Day 7 – Salina to Goodland, Kansas
• Day 8 – Arrive in Denver, Colorado

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 link to our suggested hotels closest to Tampa Airport.

Bringing Your Dog On Your Road Trip?

If you are planning to bring your best friend along with you, we include hotels and parks in each of our destinations that are dog friendly (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

For your first day of driving, take it easy as you drive through northern Florida over the state border into Georgia. 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 town, also known as the Azalea City, and grew up as a stop along the early railroads back in the 1800s.

3 Top Things to Do in Valdosta

Here’s some Valdosta activities to plan into your afternoon/evening in town:

1. A Self-Guided Valdosta Historic Walking Trail makes it easy to stretch your legs for an hour and enjoy some classic architecture.
2. Walk around Freedom Park, which has disc golf, an inclusive ballpark and plenty of designed space to let doggies run around.
3. Visit the 100 years old South Georgia Pecan Co for delicious pecans, almonds, walnuts of all descriptions.

Great Places to Eat In Valdosta

Smok’n pig B-bbq – come here for the real deal in barbecue. Local family style food, but don’t let that fool you; it has been voted a Top 10 BBQ venue.

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

We recommend these accommodation options & provide links to help you check availability and prices for your dates.

📍 Day 2: Valdosta to Chattanooga, Tennessee

Today we suggest a first stop on 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.

There are cafes here for a refreshment and just outside the entrance you will find a Starbucks too. Next stop, Chattanooga!

Chattanooga has been named as one of the “Top 45 Places to go” in the World and we agree it’s an interesting and welcoming city!  

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. 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

📍 Day 3: Chattanooga to Nashville, Tennessee

Our 4th suggested thing to do in Chattanooga, is to take a short drive to nearby Lookout Mountain.

The location is historically important because of the role it played in the US Civil War. Today the battlefield is preserved within Point National Military Park.  

There is a good sized Lookout Mountain Car Park at the base of the railway, and the ticket office is here too, at the entrance to the train itself. Coffee and ice cream shops are also nearby!

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.

Signs claim this to be the steepest incline ride in the world. However, I’m not sure that’s the case as others claim this same fame.  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.

Time to keep moving, leaving Chattanooga and making your way to Nashville, world famous for country music, and a ‘must’ destination on any Florida to Colorado Road Trip.

Even if country music isn’t your thing, visiting the iconic Grand Ole Opry and excellent museums, alongside listening to world class artists across many genres is fun!

Where to Stay in Nashville

Nashville hotel prices are high, even in the off season. We stayed in Music Row a little outside the Broadway Area of town. There are regular $10 shuttles to go downtown during the day and evenings.

You’re going to be here for 2 nights, so park up and enjoy a break from behind the wheel. Nashville has a lovely riverside to stroll along if you fancy a walk.

📍 Day 4: Nashville, Tennessee (no driving)

We have listed our favourite things to do in Nashville. If you like the idea of seeing live music at the Opry or Ryman, book your tickets in advance.

5 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.
2. Tour the Ryman Auditorium which has held music events for the past 130 years.  Get tickets (if you can) and go back at night for a concert.  
3. Enjoy the live music bars of Broadway roof-top bars and cozy Honky Tonks
4. See a show at the ornate one and only Grand Ole Opry
5. Sip beer at The Palace, a low key venue which showcases generations of country music.

Of course, this being Nashville, you might bump into a celebrity anytime so keep your eyes peeled!

📍 Day 5: Nashville to St Louis, Missouri

Top 3 Things to Do In St Louis

1. Visit St Louis Gateway Arch. Built in the 1960s, but conceived of and designed through a competition in the 1930s, it was intended to create a more welcoming image for the city. The national park and the museum underground offer over 200 years of history. 

Take 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 🙂

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. Stroll Laclede’s Riverside Landing. Right on the river front, in the oldest part of the city,  this landing dates back to when the city settlement was founded in 1764.

It has adapted and evolved into a popular place for entertainment and eating out. If you are a blues music fan, check out the big muddy blues festival! 

3. Sail on the Mississippi. The mighty Mississippi River runs through the city a dozen or more bridges criss crossing it.  

There are plenty of fun options to get out on the water and enjoy the city skyline especially at sunset. Probably better in the summer months!

Great Places to Eat In St Louis

Spend your evening and eat dinner near to or in Union Station. Still the heart of St Louis, this was once the busiest station in America and dates back to 1894. 

There is an excellent Landry’s Seafood House for dinner, or try Stacked STL for burgers, including vegan and vegetarian choices.

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

Where to Stay In St Louis

📍 Day 6: St Louis to Salina, Kansas

Today is a longer drive. You may choose to make a lunch stop in Kansas City, around 4 hours from St Louis.

Salina is more of a convenient overnight stop, and we didn’t find much to do here. After a long drive it was just a place to chill out for the evening.

Where To Stay In Salina

📍 Day 7: Salina to Goodland, Kansas

Wild West In Hayes, Kansas

We suggest making a lunch stop in Hays, Kansas today to explore the iconic Wild West Main Street! As you walk along plaques share stories of many colourful 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 Hayes try El Dos De Oros, a popular Mexican restaurant. Alternatively, try the Garden Grille & Bar.

Final night of our Florida to Colorado Road Trip is in Goodland, Kansas. This is the heart of Kansas farming and as we drove it was field after field of crops, farms and a nice change from big cities.

3 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 atmosphere and everyone was friendly.

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

There isn’t a huge choice of accommodation but these suggestions have good ratings. We stayed at the Holiday Inn for a night on this road trip and found it to comfortable.

📍 Day 8: Arrive in Denver, Colorado

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

As we continued on our last few hundred miles, we crossed the border into our final state – Colorado. Despite numerous visits here, the Rockies are always breathtaking.

If you want to head on to Breckenridge and Frisco in Summit Country, it’s around a 90 minute to 2 hour drive.

Essential Tips For Any 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
• Download latest sat nav App (phone or in your car system)
• Comfortable trousers (active wear) for day-to-day travel
• 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, here’s another fantastic road trip to consider: Denver to Crested Butte or visit the gorgeous mountain of Frisco, around 75 mins drive west of Denver on I-70.

Three other unique destinations west of Denver that also are wonderful Colorado destinations are Leadville, Glenwood Springs and Palisade, with its wineries and abundant stone fruit, especially peaches.