Route 98 in Florida – Backroads Scenic Highway 98
Last Updated May 12, 2026
Yes, we know gas is expensive. Most cars average 20 miles to the gallon or better. If you take a 150-mile road trip, 300 miles total, you will spend about $80 in a six-hour road trip in Florida.
Pack a picnic lunch and have a fun day for two people (or more) for under $100 in the backroads of Florida and US Route 98 in Florida is a fun scenic road trip.
To put this Florida road trip in perspective, an all-day ticket to Disney World for two will cost nearly $250 for basic admission. You don’t want to know the cost of your lunch and the cost to get there!
Highway 98 in Florida – Disney for Adults
The backroads of Florida can be as entertaining as Mickey and friends. We guarantee sights you have never seen, history you have only read about, and views worthy of the most experienced photographer.
You will see:
- Forests like the Tennessee hills
- Wildlife not seen in other parts of Florida
- Drastic change to magnificent resorts
- Colorful towns
- Unbelievable state parks
Even more interesting can be the different cultures we have in the state of Florida.
From the Cuban heritage of Miami to the plantations of old north Florida and now the fishing villages of the panhandle.
Follow along on one of our favorite road trips – Scenic Highway 98 Florida.
Route 98 in Florida from Perry to Apalachicola
Author’s Note – This back road in Florida’s Panhandle is in what is called The Forgotten Coast. Discover more about Florida’s Forgotten Coast and all the attractions, small towns and great fresh seafood.
We break down our Highway 98 backroads of Florida road trip into two legs.
The First Leg of Your US Highway 98 Trip
Many Possible Stops Along Highway 98 Florida Backroads
This is an excellent place to remember along this back road of Florida if you want relaxation and simple beach pleasures. The island is famous for its long stretch of white sandy beach. A perfect place for a beach chair to just stare at the water and the birds along the shore.
Apalachicola has gone through a revival from economic devastation to roaring back as a quaint historical tourist town. The shops are unique. The restaurants are back to serving their traditional dishes and there is even a reported haunted hotel to stay in! Read more about Apalachicola here.
Oysters we decimated at Up the Creek Oysters – a restaurant in Apalachicola.
Things To Do Along Route 98 Florida Panhandle
- Try a country cracker diner just a few miles west of Perry called Deal’s Famous Oyster House. Some great hospitality and country food.
- Visit the town of St. Marks on the river with the same name. Stop by the Riverside Cafe for some fresh seafood on the river.
- Take one of the many trails from Route 98 such as the Thompson Trailhead near the crossroad named Memorial Road.
- Take Alligator Drive to Alligator Point, a community in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Enjoy the fishing village of Carrabelle and the small shops.
- Take ROUTE 300 across the bridge to St. George Island. See one of Florida’s best beaches. Our family believes it is one of the top 3 beaches in Florida.
- Discover Apalachicola. This famous Florida town has quaint shops, exceptional waterfront restaurants and historic buildings.
Final Thoughts on Route 98 in Florida
As you leave Apalachicola, about 5 or 6 miles down the road to the west is another backroad of Florida scenic highway called Rt. 30A – 28 miles of Beautiful Beaches that features some of the most beautiful beaches and colorful communities in Florida.
US Route 98 is over 600 miles long. The section we have covered is 160 miles of the entire road. Highway 98 goes from the palm tree studded beaches in southeast Florida to the forest covered road in north Florida.
Cultures, scenes, food and even the time has changed but the beauty of Florida has persevered through the many different landscapes.
FAQs About Route 98 in Florida
What is Route 98 in Florida known for?
Route 98 is known for its scenic coastal drives, small beach towns, Gulf of Mexico views, and access to many of Florida’s Old Florida communities and state parks.
Is Highway 98 in Florida a scenic drive?
Yes, Highway 98 is considered one of Florida’s most scenic drives, especially along the Gulf Coast through the Panhandle, Big Bend region, and beach communities.
Where does US Highway 98 start and end in Florida?
US Highway 98 enters Florida near Pensacola and travels across much of the state before continuing south through Central Florida and ending in Palm Beach County.
What are the best stops along Route 98 in Florida?
Popular stops include Destin, Apalachicola, Panama City Beach, Carrabelle, Crystal River, Tarpon Springs, and several Gulf Coast beaches and parks.
How long does it take to drive Route 98 in Florida?
Driving the entire Florida portion of Route 98 can take multiple days depending on stops, traffic, and how much sightseeing you do along the way.
What is the most scenic part of Highway 98 in Florida?
Many travelers consider the stretch through the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region to be the most scenic because of the coastal views, fishing towns, and undeveloped nature areas.
Does Highway 98 go along the beach in Florida?
In many areas, Highway 98 runs very close to the Gulf Coast and offers water views, beach access, and scenic coastal landscapes.
Is Route 98 in Florida good for a road trip?
Yes, Route 98 is excellent for a Florida road trip because it passes through beach towns, seafood communities, nature preserves, and historic coastal areas.
What are some hidden gems along Highway 98 in Florida?
Hidden gems include Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, small seafood markets, scenic waterfront parks, and lesser-known Gulf Coast beaches.
Can you drive Route 98 from Pensacola to the Florida Keys?
You can use portions of Highway 98 during a longer Florida road trip, although other highways are needed to continue south to the Florida Keys.
What is there to do along Highway 98 in Florida?
Travelers can visit beaches, seafood restaurants, fishing towns, springs, wildlife refuges, historic downtowns, and waterfront parks.
Is Highway 98 in Florida crowded?
Some sections near major tourist areas can become busy, especially during spring break and summer, while rural stretches through the Big Bend remain quieter.
Are there beaches along Route 98 in Florida?
Yes, Route 98 passes near many Florida Gulf Coast beaches including Destin, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, and smaller hidden coastal areas.
Does Route 98 go through small Florida towns?
Yes, one of the highlights of Route 98 is traveling through smaller Old Florida towns known for seafood, fishing, and laid-back coastal charm.
Is Highway 98 safe for road trips in Florida?
Yes, Highway 98 is generally safe, but travelers should watch for heavy traffic in tourist areas, afternoon storms, and occasional coastal flooding during severe weather.
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