Most Scenic Route from West Melbourne to Orlando

Question

Hello, everyone. We are planning to drive from West Melbourne to Orlando this weekend, and we are looking for a good scenic route. The amount of time is not very important, we just want a beautiful and scenic drive. Thank you.

Answer

Driving from West Melbourne to Orlando offers several opportunities to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty, small towns, and scenic landscapes. Since your focus is on the scenery rather than speed, there are a few routes that can make your journey much more picturesque compared to the standard highways.

One option is to stick closer to the Indian River Lagoon and take smaller state roads that pass through charming towns, rivers, and natural preserves. Here are some scenic route suggestions:

Route via FL-507 and FL-520: Head west from West Melbourne on FL-507 (Babcock Street) and then connect to FL-520 through Cocoa and Rockledge. This route takes you past the Banana River and some beautiful coastal scenery, with glimpses of the lagoon and small waterways.
Route via US-192: From West Melbourne, head north and take FL-524 to US-192 in Melbourne. US-192 runs through palm-lined landscapes, orange groves, and the charming town of St. Cloud before reaching Orlando. This is a slower, scenic alternative to the interstate.
Route through Lake Tohopekaliga and Kissimmee Chain of Lakes: You can take FL-520 west toward the Kissimmee area, then meander along FL-535 or local roads that run near Lake Tohopekaliga and the chain of lakes. This route offers lovely lake views, wildlife sightings, and more of a “Florida countryside” feel.

If you enjoy nature and want to incorporate a few stops, consider adding:

Viera Wetlands: A slight detour off FL-524 offers boardwalks and wildlife viewing, particularly birds.
St. Johns River viewpoints: Driving along FL-520 near the Titusville area offers glimpses of the river and plenty of photo opportunities.
Lakefront parks and small towns: Areas like St. Cloud or Kissimmee feature parks and lakefront spots that make for pleasant pit stops along the route.

While these routes take longer than the direct I-95 or Florida’s Turnpike paths, they provide a much richer, scenic experience with opportunities to stop, explore, and enjoy Central Florida’s natural charm. Early morning or late afternoon drives can also enhance the views with soft sunlight and wildlife activity.

For a truly leisurely trip, consider printing a map of back roads and local scenic byways—you can mix and match these routes to create a personalized scenic drive that fits your schedule and interests.

Most Scenic Route from West Melbourne to Orlando

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