A 7-day Gulf Coast road trip from Liberty Hill to Key Largo
Estimated cost
$2,332estimated total
Stays
$1,142
Fuel
$290
Food
$560
Other
$340
Estimates generated at planning time — your actual costs may vary.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
405 km4h 20mDepart 07:30
Start
Hummingbird Ln, Liberty Hill
Drive 375 km in ~4h 30min from Hummingbird Ln via TX-71 E, I-10 E and TX-87 S
391 km3h 46m
1
Food
The Original Mexican Cafe
Galveston, United States
12:15–13:151h here$25
Long-running Galveston stop for Tex-Mex plates
A relaxed first meal near the historic core; use the restaurant lot and try the enchilada dinner.
Drive 2 km in ~5min through central Galveston
2 km3m
2
Attraction
The Bryan Museum
Galveston, United States
13:25–14:551h 30m here$16
Texas and American West history in an ornate home
Adds Gulf and Texas history before the beach; check Saturday closing time before departure.
Drive 2 km in ~5min to Seawall Boulevard
1 km3m
3
Attraction
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston, United States
15:05–16:201h 15m here$30
Classic rides and broad Gulf views over the water
Delivers the route's beach-boardwalk character; buy individual ride tickets if not staying long.
Drive 3 km in ~10min from the seawall
3 km7m
4
Attraction
Historic Downtown Strand Seaport Partnership
Galveston, United States
16:35–17:501h 15m here
Victorian storefronts and galleries near the harbor
A compact architecture walk suited to a moderate pace; use a metered space near Saengerfest Park.
Drive 3.9 km in ~8 min via Broadway Avenue and 39th Street
4 km8m
5
Food
Gaido's
Galveston, United States
18:10–19:401h 30m here$55
Historic Gulf seafood dining on the seawall
A fitting Gulf seafood opener; reserve a window table and consider the catch of the day.
Drive 4.8 km in ~11 min back to Pier 21
5 km11m
6
Overnight
Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21
Galveston, United States
19:55–06:5511h here$308
Waterfront hotel beside the historic harbor district
Keeps the evening by the harbor and near the morning route; confirm overnight parking when booking.
Day 2
611 km6h 33mDepart 06:55
Check out, then drive 405 km in ~4h 15min via I-10 E across southeast Texas
385 km3h 53m
7
Food
Olde Tyme Grocery
Lafayette, United States
11:10–12:0050m here$18
Beloved neighborhood shop for Louisiana po'boys
Breaks the longest drive with a genuine Louisiana lunch; order the shrimp po'boy and expect a queue.
Drive 220 km in ~2h 20min via I-10 E to the French Quarter
221 km2h 15m
8
Attraction
Jackson Square
New Orleans, United States
14:30–15:0535m here
Landmark square framed by St. Louis Cathedral
An immediate introduction to French Quarter culture; park once at French Market Parking Lot.
Walk 1 km in ~12min along Decatur Street
1 km4m
9
Attraction
French Market
New Orleans, United States
15:15–16:1055m here$10
Historic open-air market beside the Mississippi
Offers local crafts and food without another drive; keep valuables secure in the busy aisles.
Walk 1 km in ~15min through the French Quarter
1 km7m
10
Attraction
Preservation Hall
New Orleans, United States
17:00–17:5050m here$45
Intimate venue dedicated to traditional New Orleans jazz
The strongest cultural match on the route; reserve the early performance well in advance.
Drive 3 km in ~12min from the French Quarter
2 km11m
11
Food
Cochon RESTAURANT
New Orleans, United States
18:20–19:501h 30m here$55
Modern Cajun cooking in the Warehouse District
Balances seafood with polished Cajun cooking; reserve and try the wood-fired oysters.
Drive 1 km in ~5min through the Warehouse District
1 km3m
12
Overnight
Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Convention Center
New Orleans, United States
20:00–06:5010h 50m here$175
Comfortable Warehouse District hotel with parking
Convenient for the museum and eastbound departure; reserve on-site parking with the room.
Day 3
343 km3h 48mDepart 06:50
Check out, then drive 1 km in ~5min to the museum parking garage
1 km4m
13
Attraction
The National WWII Museum
New Orleans, United States
07:00–10:003h here$36
Immersive museum covering the American wartime experience
A major cultural visit before leaving New Orleans; buy timed tickets and prioritize the Campaigns of Courage.
Drive 145 km in ~1h 35min via I-10 E and I-110 S
150 km1h 27m
14
Food
The Blind Tiger Biloxi Beach
Biloxi, United States
11:40–12:401h here$28
Casual waterfront seafood overlooking Mississippi Sound
A timely coastal lunch and driving break; choose the shaded deck and ask for the daily fish.
Drive 190 km in ~2h 25min via I-10 E and AL-59 S
186 km2h 3m
15
Attraction
Beach Pavilion
Gulf Shores, United States
15:10–16:551h 45m here$10
Wide white-sand beach with showers and parking
Provides a real beach afternoon after the drive; swim near lifeguarded areas and heed surf flags.
Drive 4 km in ~10min along East Beach Boulevard
5 km9m
16
Food
The Hangout
Gulf Shores, United States
17:15–18:401h 25m here$38
Lively beachside seafood restaurant and music venue
Matches the playful beach-road-trip mood; arrive before the dinner rush and use its paid parking.
Walk 1 km in ~5min from The Hangout
1 km2m
17
Attraction
Gulf Shores Public Beach
Gulf Shores, United States
18:45–19:2540m here
Central beach promenade with sunset views
An easy sunset walk beside dinner; leave footwear on because August sand remains hot.
Drive 2 km in ~5min east along Beach Boulevard
1 km2m
18
Overnight
Best Western on the Beach
Gulf Shores, United States
19:35–06:4011h 5m here$220
Beachfront hotel with direct sand access
Keeps the overnight directly on the Gulf; request a higher-floor Gulf-facing room and confirm parking.
Day 4
353 km5h 44mDepart 06:40
Check out, then drive 80 km in ~1h 30min via AL-182 and FL-399
80 km1h 28m
19
Attraction
Fort Pickens
Pensacola Beach, USA
08:15–09:451h 30m here$15
Historic coastal fort amid protected dunes
Combines military history with undeveloped shoreline; carry water and check storm-related access alerts.
Drive 205 km in ~2h 40min via US-98 E
170 km2h 46m
20
Food
Hunt's Oyster Bar and Seafood
Panama City, United States
12:30–13:351h 5m here$30
No-frills local institution for oysters and seafood
A classic Panhandle seafood stop after two hours on the road; try baked oysters and arrive before peak lunch.
Drive 115 km in ~1h 45min via US-98 E along the Forgotten Coast
100 km1h 23m
21
Attraction
Orman House Historic State Park
Apalachicola, United States
15:25–16:251h here$2
Antebellum home interpreting Apalachicola's trading era
Explains the port town beyond its seafood reputation; verify weekday tour hours before leaving Gulf Shores.
Walk 1 km in ~10min toward Water Street
1 km3m
22
Attraction
Riverfront Park
Apalachicola, United States
16:35–17:1035m here
Small riverfront green beside historic downtown
A shaded look at the working river that shaped the town; park once downtown and continue on foot.
Walk 1 km in ~8min along the waterfront
0 km1m
23
Food
Up The Creek Raw Bar
Apalachicola, United States
17:20–18:451h 25m here$42
Relaxed raw bar overlooking the Apalachicola River
Directly serves the seafood theme with river views; ask about current oyster sourcing and daily specials.
Walk 1 km in ~10min through downtown Apalachicola
1 km3m
24
Overnight
Gibson Inn
Apalachicola, United States
18:55–06:4511h 50m here$127
Restored historic inn in the walkable town center
Its historic character suits this distinctive port town; reserve early because room inventory is limited.
Day 5
592 km6h 10mDepart 06:45
Check out, then drive 105 km in ~1h 30min via US-98 E
105 km1h 18m
25
Food
Ouzts' Too Oyster Bar & Grill
Crawfordville, United States
08:20–09:1555m here$24
Old-Florida seafood stop beneath live oaks
A quirky Old-Florida breakfast break on the eastbound route; confirm morning hours and use the gravel lot.
Drive 30 km in ~28 min via US-98 E and FL-363 N
30 km28m
26
Attraction
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Tallahassee, United States
10:00–11:151h 15m here
Restored state capitol with exhibits on Florida politics
Adds substance to a long transit day; use Kleman Plaza parking and check security-entry rules.
Drive 260 km in ~2h 35min via I-10 E and I-75 S
260 km2h 26m
27
Food
Pearl Country Store & Barbecue
Micanopy, United States
13:55–14:5055m here$20
Roadside country store known for smoked barbecue
Provides a proper meal and break before Tampa; order brisket early because popular meats can sell out.
Drive 190 km in ~2h 15min via I-75 S and I-275 S
193 km1h 47m
28
Attraction
Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa, United States
17:15–18:151h here
Waterfront promenade through central Tampa
A low-effort sunset introduction after the long drive; park at Fort Brooke Garage and walk north.
Walk 2 km in ~20min north along Tampa Riverwalk
2 km7m
29
Food
Ulele
Tampa, United States
18:35–20:101h 35m here$55
Riverfront restaurant celebrating native Florida flavors
Its seafood and river setting fit the Gulf theme; reserve outdoors near sunset and try chargrilled oysters.
Drive 3 km in ~10min through downtown Tampa
1 km4m
30
Overnight
Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Tampa, United States
20:25–07:0010h 35m here$127
Restored downtown hotel with historic character
A characterful central base near the route south; use valet parking to avoid moving the sedan downtown.
Day 6
302 km3h 48mDepart 07:00
Check out, then drive 35 km in ~35min via I-275 S across Tampa Bay
39 km27m
31
Attraction
The Dalí Museum
St. Petersburg, United States
07:40–09:402h here$32
Major Salvador Dalí collection in a striking building
A standout cultural stop before turning south; reserve the first timed entry and use the museum lot.
Drive 62 km in ~56 min via I-275 S and I-75 S
62 km56m
32
Food
Owens Fish Camp
Sarasota, United States
11:00–12:151h 15m here$42
Southern seafood in a cottage beneath a banyan tree
A strong Gulf seafood lunch in a memorable setting; verify lunch service and park at Palm Avenue Garage.
Drive 190 km in ~2h 30min via I-75 S
191 km2h
33
Attraction
Naples Botanical Garden
Naples, United States
15:00–16:451h 45m here$25
Tropical gardens representing Caribbean and subtropical regions
Its tropical landscapes anticipate the Keys; visit late afternoon, carry water, and use insect repellent.
Drive 7 km in ~15min via 9th Street S
8 km14m
34
Attraction
Naples Pier
Naples, United States
17:05–17:5550m here
Historic Gulf beachfront and sunset viewpoint
Offers a final Gulf sunset setting before crossing south Florida; check reconstruction access and use beach parking.
Drive 3 km in ~8min to Crayton Cove
1 km5m
35
Food
The Dock at Crayton Cove
Naples, United States
18:10–19:351h 25m here$48
Casual waterfront seafood beside Naples City Dock
A relaxed marina dinner suited to the coastal theme; reserve outside and ask for the local catch.
Drive 2 km in ~5min via 5th Avenue S
2 km6m
36
Overnight
Hyatt House Naples/5th Avenue
Naples, United States
19:45–07:0511h 20m here$65
Modern waterfront hotel with convenient highway access
Comfortable mid-range lodging positioned for the Everglades drive; confirm overnight self-parking.
Day 7
250 km3h 29mDepart 07:05
Check out, then drive 60 km in ~50min via US-41 E
54 km46m
37
Activity
Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tours
Ochopee, United States
07:51–09:211h 30m here$35
Airboat ride through sawgrass and mangrove habitat
Adds a signature Everglades experience without leaving the corridor; reserve the first ride before afternoon storms.
Drive 32 km in ~21 min east along US-41
32 km21m
38
Attraction
Big Cypress National Preserve - Oasis Visitor Center
Ochopee, United States
09:42–10:2240m here
Boardwalk viewing over a wildlife-rich canal
An easy chance to see alligators and wading birds; stay on the boardwalk and never feed wildlife.
39
Food
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
Homestead, United States
11:41–12:3150m here$18
Famous tropical fruit stand and shake counter
A refreshing tropical finale before the Keys; order a mango or key-lime shake and refuel nearby before US-1.
Drive 9.7 km in ~16 min via SW 344th Street and US-1
10 km16m
40
Attraction
Coral Castle
Homestead, United States
12:47–13:471h here$25
Mysterious hand-carved limestone monument
A quirky final roadside landmark that suits the ramble; arrive before last admission and use its free lot.
Drive 0.8 km in ~1 min north along US-1
1 km1m
41
Food
Shiver's BBQ
Homestead, United States
13:48–14:481h here$25
Long-running roadside barbecue restaurant
An early dinner before the final US-1 leg; order the sampler, then allow ~55min for the 50 km drive into Key Largo.
Finish
FL, USA
Before you go
Local tips
- 1Reserve Preservation Hall, the National WWII Museum, The Dalí Museum, and the Shark Valley tram before departure.
- 2Start Gulf beach and Everglades activities early; August heat and thunderstorms usually intensify after midday.
- 3Refuel before leaving Apalachicola and again around Homestead; coastal US-98 and Everglades services are less frequent.
- 4Use one garage per city in New Orleans, Tampa, and Sarasota rather than repeatedly moving the sedan.
- 5Check National Hurricane Center forecasts daily; tropical weather can disrupt US-98, beach access, and Keys travel.
Good to know
- 1The verified route is about 2,685 km in seven days, so several days exceed the 350 km comfortable target despite remaining below 800 km.
- 2Louisiana Highway 1 bridges, Florida's Turnpike, and some Tampa-area express lanes may charge electronic tolls; rental-car fees vary.
- 3New Orleans streets can flood quickly during summer storms; never drive through standing water.
- 4US-98 is slower than interstate driving, with beach traffic, changing speed limits, and active enforcement.
- 5August is Atlantic hurricane season; storm surge or flooding can close coastal parks, Fort Pickens, US-98, and sections of US-1.
- 6Alligators and extreme heat are real hazards in Big Cypress and the Everglades; remain on marked paths and carry water.
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