Florida is a destination like no other for those who love culture, sunshine, and the vibrant energy of festivals. For Brazilian tourists eager to soak up diverse experiences, from Latin flair in Miami to pirate parades in Tampa, exploring Florida by car offers a level of freedom and convenience that public transport can’t match.
Imagine cruising along scenic highways, stopping wherever the moment takes you, and enjoying everything from street food to live music under the sun. From city streets to coastal highways, the road ahead is filled with festivals that showcase the true spirit and diversity of Florida. Each one offers its unique reason to stop, explore, and celebrate!
Start your trip in Miami, where tropical heat meets vibrant Latin culture. After landing, soak in the city’s atmosphere—sunshine, palm trees, and iconic Art Deco architecture. Plan your visit around Art Deco Weekend in Miami Beach, a celebration of 1930s design featuring vintage cars, guided tours, live jazz, and dancers in retro costumes.
Then, head to Little Havana for the Calle Ocho Festival, the largest Latin street party in the U.S., with salsa bands, domino games, Cuban food, and street art. Between festival days, take time to discover more of Miami’s charm. Sip coffee on Española Way, admire the murals at Wynwood Walls, or enjoy a mojito as the sun sets over Biscayne Bay. This city sets the perfect tone for the journey ahead.
Just a short drive north brings you to Fort Lauderdale, where the Las Olas Film Festival transforms the town into a cinephile’s delight. Boutique cinemas screening international short films attract both local filmmakers and global talent. Between screenings, dip into canal-side cafés, rent a gondola-stle boat, or wander along the palm-lined boulevard. Stay overnight in a cosy bed and breakfast near Las Olas Boulevard. As evening falls, dine al fresco beneath paper lanterns, savouring fresh seafood while discussing your favourite films with newfound festival friends.
Heading further north, West Palm Beach welcomes you to SunFest, Florida’s largest waterfront music and arts festival. Over several days, stages light up with a mix of rock, jazz, reggae, and electronic acts. Besides the music, local artists display paintings and sculptures, and a spectacular boat parade floats by each evening.
As you explore, time your itinerary to include lunch at the nearby food trucks, where you’ll taste everything from gourmet burgers to vegan açaí bowls. Coastal breezes off the Intracoastal Waterway offer welcome relief from midday heat. After the festival, unwind with a sunset stroll along Clematis Street and sample craft cocktails in a cosy rooftop lounge.
Orlando might be famed for theme parks, but during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, it becomes the ultimate destination for food lovers. Running from late summer into autumn, the festival turns the Epcot World Showcase into a global gastronomic adventure. Sample tapas from Spain, dim sum from China, and empanadas from Argentina—and pair them with wines, beers, and cocktails from around the world.
Cooking demonstrations and live concerts add layers to the culinary fun. A day here can easily stretch from morning to night as you relax in shaded gardens and gather with other travellers. For a quieter evening, stroll into nearby Lake Buena Vista for a lakeside meal or return to your base and reflect on the day’s flavours.
Looking for more places to explore beyond the festivals? Florida’s coastline is packed with breathtaking beaches, from iconic hotspots to hidden gems. Discover some must-see coastal stops in A Guide to Florida’s Stunning Beaches, and add a dose of sun and sand to your journey.
Next, head to Tampa for the famous Gasparilla Pirate Festival, a lively celebration inspired by the legendary pirate José Gaspar. The highlight is a colourful parade along Bayshore Boulevard, where a full-size pirate ship leads a fleet of boats. Crowds in costume cheer as bands perform sea shanties and playful pirate-themed fun takes over the streets.
Afterward, the revelry continues with street vendors selling rum drinks, seafood skewers, and playful merchandise. Get into the spirit by dressing up with bandanas, pirate hats, and toy swords, then join the locals in singing sea shanties, raising a drink, and celebrating the legend of José Gaspar. Even after the parade, live music spills from bars along Harbour Island, inviting you to dance until late.
A few miles west across the bay lies St. Petersburg, where creativity blooms at the Mainsail Art Festival. Over the weekend, more than 150 artists exhibit work along the waterfront—paintings, ceramics, metalwork, and photography. Bronze sculptures glint in the midday sunshine while acoustic musicians perform nearby.
Take your time here. Enjoy gourmet tacos or homemade ice cream from local vendors, wander into art galleries behind brick façades, and pause to admire yachts anchored in the marina. As the day turns to evening, return to downtown for dinner at a neighbourhood bistro serving fresh Gulf oysters or stone crab claws.
Continuing south along Florida’s western coast brings you to Sarasota, where the independent Sarasota Film Festival is a highlight. A curated programme of independent, international, and documentary film shows in intimate theatres downtown, paired with panel discussions.
Festival-friendly cafés cluster around the venues, offering locally roasted coffee and homemade pastries as perfect accompaniments to morning screenings. When you need a break, meander through lush Bayfront Park and watch pelicans gliding above the water. In the evenings, treat yourself to fresh sushi or a quiet glass of wine on an outdoor terrace and reflect on the day’s cinematic discoveries.
Drive further south until you reach Naples, where seafood lovers will find their dream experience at the Stone Crab Festival. On a breezy day at Naples Pier, food stalls offer fresh stone crab claws, buttery corn on the cob, key lime pie, and other local favourites. Muddy footprints, sand underfoot—it’s casual coastal dining at its best.
After indulging in seafood, take time to explore Naples’ elegant downtown, lined with boutique shops and art galleries. The ever-present Gulf breeze provides a gentle rhythm to your surroundings as you sip coffee in a waterfront café before heading south again.
Prepare for something eccentric. Deep in the Everglades, the Swamp Buggy Races are pure adrenaline. Mud-splattered vehicles roar through swampy terrain while locals cheer and hawkers sell BBQ and cold drinks. It might feel completely different from city festivals, but this rural event brings a unique sense of adventure and local flavour to your trip.
Don’t forget insect repellent and sunscreen. The crowd here is friendly and enthusiastic. Immerse yourself—the messier, the more memorable! Afterward, explore nearby mangrove trails or seek out wildlife viewing spots to round off the day. For more on this fascinating region, check out our Everglades UNESCO Guide.
Return to Miami for the final stop, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. Under canopy trees in historic Coconut Grove, the festival showcases an eclectic selection of visual arts, live music, performances, and handmade crafts. Spend the afternoon watching artists at work, sampling organic chocolates, or listening to jazz bands in shaded courtyards. In the evening, find a table at a restaurant and watch the last light fade over Biscayne Bay. It’s a serene yet festive finale to your road trip—an elegant way to close a journey filled with colour, energy, and connection.
For Brazilian tourists eager to explore Florida on their terms, having reliable transport is essential. With a car rental, it's easy to reach festivals, beaches, and hidden gems across the state—without being tied to public transport schedules. Final Rentals makes the process seamless with affordable rates and locations across Florida.
For more practical advice before you rent, check out Essential Tips for a Smooth Car Rental Experience in Florida.
Driving in Florida is generally smooth and enjoyable, especially for visitors from abroad. Roads are well-maintained, clearly signposted, and designed for long-distance comfort. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and stress-free trip—especially around busy festival areas.
This road trip across Florida’s most vibrant festivals combines the best of art, music, food, and cultural celebration. It starts with Miami’s exuberant Latin-lined streets, moves up the coast through arts and film festivals, dips into culinary delights and rural spectacle, and then loops back for a thoughtful finale among Coconut Grove’s leafy avenues. Driving your car allows you to set your pace, linger where you wish, and take off for spontaneous detours.
For Brazilian tourists seeking a seamless, adventurous journey, renting a car in the USA is the perfect way to make your itinerary flexible, comfortable, and truly your own. Ready to experience the best of Florida? Plan now, and let the road lead you to music, magic, and memories!
