[susan3681]

I am from the UK and after flying into Miami we are driving to Tampa.

We fancy having a look at the unspoilt scenic part of Florida around Lake Okeechobee and thought that US 27 looked a good route at least as far as Sebring.
Has anyone got any experience of doing this route and any tips?

We will pick the car up at the airport and it seems pretty straightforward and quick to join US 27.

[0akback]

I would take 75. You will get PLENTY of time to check out the nearly untouched area along "Alligator Alley". The road goes directly through the Everglades, and will bring you through Naples, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and you can take 275 from that over the fabulous Sunshine Skyway bridge into St. Petersburg on your way to Tampa.

It's a lovely drive!

[susan3681]

Sorry, should have said that 8 years ago I did the I 75 route, Tamiami trail, ( I think its route 41) and also the Skyway bridge. We have been to Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota etc.

My parents were farmers in the UK and they are always moaning that they never see any cows, crops etc in Florida!

Just looking for something a bit different but if there's nothing much to see on US 27, then might as well hammer up I 75 as it will be quicker!

[Lilybeans]

The best way is to take the Turnpike to the Stuart exit, Get off there and head west on SR 714. It is one of the most beautiful rides around. Then it hooks up with the beeline and takes you into Okeechobee. Take a quick tool around parts of the lake and then head west on SR 70 until it hooks up with I-75. It's a pretty ride across. You get to see rural Florida that a lot of people never see.

[ferret111]

While not quite the same, this route could be adapted for you. I drove from Palm Beach back to Tampa and I took US 441 to about Belle Glade, US 27 from Belle Glade to Avon Park and then FL 64 into Bradenton. I then took 275 over the Skyway and into Tampa via Pinellas.

I loved the route. You really get to see an often overlooked part of Florida, from the sugar cane farms to the cattle area in Central Florida. I probably didn't take the most efficient route, but I'd definitely take it again.

[Mike Peterson]

Originally Posted by Lilybeans

The best way is to take the Turnpike to the Stuart exit, Get off there and head west on SR 714. It is one of the most beautiful rides around. Then it hooks up with the beeline and takes you into Okeechobee. Take a quick tool around parts of the lake and then head west on SR 70 until it hooks up with I-75. It's a pretty ride across. You get to see rural Florida that a lot of people never see.

I was going to suggest similar to this except catch 710 near Riviera Beach, I believe 714 merges with 710 near the lake and then take 70 where 710 merges into it, this will take you right up into Bradenton.