Your Summer 2025 A1A Road Trip Itinerary
A1A Road Trip Prep: A Brief History of the Iconic Highway
Florida State Road A1A, officially named the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway as of 2024, is a major north-south artery that spans a jaw-dropping 338 miles of Atlantic coastline. The northernmost A1A terminal is Fernandina Beach, while the southernmost is Key West; it technically starts or ends in Callahan, just west of Fernandina Beach. However, some of the most pleasant and scenic stretches run from St. Augustine to Palm Beach.
The A1A was built in the mid-1920s to facilitate tourism to Florida's beaches. Initially called Atlantic Boulevard and then State Road 1, the highway acquired the unique A1A moniker due to frequent confusion with the parallel U.S. 1. The A1A, now the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, is known for its beautiful coastal scenery, attracting visitors and driving tourism along Florida's Atlantic shoreline.
Your Ultimate A1A Road Trip: How To Travel This Historic Coastal Byway in Style
As summer road trips draw near and our minds dream of sweeping ocean views and beachy outdoor meals, an adventure down the A1A might just be the breath of fresh air you're craving.
Before you embark on your own A1A road trip, here's a glimpse at some of the attractions, eating places, and summer 2025 festivities you can experience at three top destinations. Combine these ideas with one of our Ultimate Toys vans, and we're sure the ride will be first-rate and the memories unforgettable.
Stop 1: St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a modern-day gateway to historic charm. As the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States, St. Augustine is a cultural destination renowned for its brick-lined streets, colonial architecture, and numerous historical sites and museums. The city is home to iconic landmarks, such as Castillo de San Marcos and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, as well as museums like the Lightner Museum and the Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.
For a one- or two-day stop in St. Augustine with your Ultimate Toys van, we recommend hitting these popular locations:
- Heritage Walk Mall: The Heritage Walk Mall on St. George Street is the perfect place to shop and eat, and the views are hard to beat.
- Cobblestone Village: Find a little bit of everything at Cobblestone Village, a shopping mall with grocery, crafting, and other types of stores.
- Kingfish Grill: Venture down Yacht Club Drive to Kingfish Grill for the freshest fish on a dockside patio.
- Beaches at Vilano: Sip cocktails while savoring delicious desserts and live music at this waterfront dining location.
- Film and Music Festivals: St. Augustine is set to screen independent and international films at its signature film festival and offer six live performances at the Cathedral Basilica during its annual music festival.
Stop 2: Daytona Beach
Summer Concerts: Relish two nights of concerts at the city's Sounds of Summer Concert Series on Fridays and Star Spangled Summer Concert Series on Saturdays, both held at the Daytona Beach Bandshell.Daytona Beach is just as popular a tourist destination as it is a racing hub. Founded in 1870 and officially incorporated in 1876 by Matthias Day, and subsequently named after him, Daytona Beach boasts 23 miles of white-sand beaches, the widely known Daytona Beach Boardwalk, and the Daytona International Speedway. Purchase a beach pass, and you can even drive your Sprinter van directly onto Daytona Beach. If you'll only be in town a short time, here's an overview of our recommended dining spots, shopping areas, and events:
- Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar: Daytona Beach is brimming with oceanside bars. If you're keen to watch the waves roll in while enjoying a margarita, the Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar is the place to be.
- Ocean Walk Shoppes: Shop with salty air in your hair when you browse Ocean Walk Shoppes, a beachside mall with stores and casual eateries; it is also close to the renowned Daytona Beach Bandshell.
- Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Even if your time is limited, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is a must-see, especially for enthusiasts.
- K1 Speed: After your tour of motorsports history and vehicles, bring the sport to life at the Daytona Beach K1 Speed indoor kart racing track.
- Summer Concerts: Relish two nights of concerts at the city's Sounds of Summer Concert Series on Fridays and Star Spangled Summer Concert Series on Saturdays, both held at the Daytona Beach Bandshell.
Stop 3: Palm Beach
Incorporated in 1911, Palm Beach has transformed from a sparsely populated, undeveloped island into a world-renowned luxury destination. As a northerner himself, founder Henry Flagler envisioned Palm Beach as a winter retreat for wealthy northerners, leading to the construction of grand hotels, iconic properties, and opulent celebrity mansions. Today, the city is known for its five-star dining, beautiful architecture, luxury shopping, and outdoor activities.
Here's a snapshot of the trendiest locations and events for your upcoming Palm Beach vacation:
- Worth Avenue: Worth Avenue is – please excuse the pun – worth your visit. This street is lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques, luxury brand shops, and al fresco dining. It is also home to the illustrious Esplanade Palm Beach, the "ultimate luxury retail experience."
- Flagler Museum: The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is a Gilded Age estate with stunning architecture, period-specific artwork, and historically accurate furnishings to transport you back in time and tickle your 1800s curiosities.
- Lake Trail: Fancy a relaxing, breezy walk by the water? Head to Lake Trail, a five-and-a-half-mile paved path on the west side of the island. Even better, the Flagler Museum is conveniently located just off the trail.
- Upscale Dining: If a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon by the beach is part of your dream Palm Beach vacation, visit Seafood Bar and peruse its lengthy wine list. Prefer French cuisine on an outdoor terrace? Make reservations at Cafe Boulud and thank us later.
- iTHINK Concert Series: The iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in nearby West Palm Beach hosts a summer music series you won't want to miss. Tickets are available online, featuring headliners spanning multiple genres.
Why Choose an Ultimate Toys Sprinter for Your Next Vacation?
For an even more thrilling A1A road trip, settle into one of our unique Ultimate Toys models. Our vans are more than traditional Mercedes-Benz Sprinters; they're custom upfits that take Mercedes-level design, engineering, and technology to new heights. Choose our Ultimate Coach Executive for a versatile van available with or without a bathroom, or our Ultimate Freedom, which offers four layout options.
Prefer the luxury of an on-the-go cocktail hour? Delight friends and family by selecting our Ultimate Weekender, which comes with a built-in bar cabinet and a dry bath. Our Ultimate Limo is another popular entertainment option thanks to its signature J-Lounge seating configuration (opposing benches are available as an alternative) and designated lighted bar cabinet.
It all boils down to this: If an A1A, or Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, drive is topping your bucket list (or even if a Colorado road trip is next in line), take control of your experience in a gorgeously equipped Ultimate Toys Sprinter. We deliver directly to your home, free of charge.
