Florida road trip through the panhandle and beyond


WHERE TO STAY: At Steinhatchee Landing Resort, oak and pine trees surround one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages ideal for overnight accommodations with no shared elevators or a hotel lobby.

Silver Springs State Park RSBPhoto / Alamy Stock Photo DAY 4: STEINHATCHEE TO MOUNT DORA (144 MILES) Begin your day early, scalloping in the grassy shallows of Deadman Bay (from mid-June to

early September). From Sea Hag Marina, Captain Kyle Skipper takes out up to six people aboard the Marker One to forage for the tasty mollusks. The captain will clean and bag your haul if

you want to stash the scallops in a cooler in your car to prepare later, or just leave them for the crew. NEXT STOP: Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, 97 miles southeast — first on 98 and

then U.S. Route 27 — for an inland freshwater experience. On a half-hour tour aboard a glass-bottom boat, peer down into the crystalline water of one of the country's largest natural

springs. You can also rent kayaks to explore on your own, or just enjoy the views from the shore. Driving another 50 miles south along County Road 452 takes you to the pretty Central Florida

lakeside town of Mount Dora in time for another Florida sunset, this one with views over Lake Dora from an outdoor table at Pisces Rising restaurant. Menu standouts: peel-and-eat shrimp,

pan-seared grouper and smoked ribs. WHERE TO STAY: From the four-room Mount Dora Historic Inn, walk to downtown shops, restaurants and parks. Or book one of its roomy vacation cottages

scattered around town. Mount Dora Lighthouse Elizabeth W. Kearley/Getty Images DAY 5: MOUNT DORA TO SEBRING (150 MILES) Wake up early with the birds again for a stroll around Palm Island

Park, an in-town nature preserve on Lake Dora with a pathway and boardwalk that wind for about a mile through ancient live oaks, cabbage palms and other native plants. You'll likely see

alligators, cormorants, herons and other wading birds. After your walk, sink your teeth into jumbo Belgian waffles at the nearby Highland Street Cafe, which should fortify you for a morning

of serious antique shopping, Mount Dora's specialty. You just might come across some vintage finds you've got to have at Renninger's Antique Center or the Village Antique

Mall. When you tire of antiquing, set out for Sebring, via several county roads and then 27 and 98 again. About 75 miles into your drive (on 27), take a break at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake

Wales and wander through renowned gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. Lakes and parks surround Sebring, your final stop, a hideaway slice of interior

Florida where you'll want to explore the virgin hardwood forest at Highlands Hammock State Park. It has more rare and endemic plant and animal species than any other Florida state park.

As you meander along the elevated boardwalk through the cypress swamp, look for alligators and deer. If you're a golfer, make time for twilight golf at one of Sebring's many

courses along the Citrus Golf Trail. Then go for margaritas, guacamole and ceviche on the patio at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant to toast a final Florida sunset over Lake Jackson. WHERE TO

STAY: Relish the water views at the 155-room Inn on the Lakes, which sits between Little Lake Jackson and Lake Jackson. Or camp in your tent or RV at Highlands Hammock State Park (book

through Reserve America). Enjoy some music along the route with this road trip playlist compiled for AARP by Jeff Nolan, a Florida-based musicologist and the Hard Rock Café’s music

consultant.