Perfect Summer Road Trip Destinations to Get Out of Florida

When the summer starts to heat up, it’s as good a time as any to pack up your car and head out for a summer road trip. There are plenty of great trips outside of Central Florida that will let you relax and escape some of the heat, particularly if you have the perfect traveling companion sitting in your garage. With our Honda of Ocala dealership’s wide range of versatile vehicles to fit every on-the-road circumstance you might encounter, the options are endless—especially for any adventurer looking to make some travel memories without the hassle of flying. Here’s a guide to some of the most exciting possibilities that await you on the open road this summer.

Blue Ridge Parkway between North Carolina & Virginia

Driving the stunning road between the Great Smokey Mountain National Park in North Carolina and the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia can be an unbelievable experience for road-trippers. Even though the Blue Ridge Parkway starts to fill up in the early fall due to the changing foliage, it can be just as breathtaking in the summer, a time of year that also offers plenty of opportunities for camping and hiking along the way.

Thanks to the Honda Civic’s 1.5 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which nets 42 MPG the highway, drivers can cruise through the mountains without worrying about going up slopes or stopping at the pump. Along the way, the new Civic’s incredible amount of passenger and cargo room will let you travel in comfort and bring enough gear to make stops at places like Grandfather Mountain State Park, where there is a range of different hiking trails and options for camping in the pristine wilderness (permit required).

Ocracoke Island in North Carolina

Shed those winter blues by heading to the Outer Banks’ Ocracoke Island, which springs to life in the summer. It has a little bit of everything, particularly for families and thrill-seekers. Known for its plentiful beaches and fishing scene—it’s really only bested by Florida, but you aren’t looking to stay home this summer—Ocracoke is also renowned for events like the Annual Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament, which has been rolling for more than 30 years.

Ocracoke Island is a great option for anyone looking to load up the Honda Ridgeline and head out of town. You might need the pickup bed space for a range of different items if you’re the adventurous type, as surfboards, camping gear, and fishing poles are just a few of the items you should bring to Ocracoke. For boat lovers, the new Honda Ridgeline can also provide the towing capability to easily get your boat to Ocracoke, where you can tool around the scenic shores and inlets of the Outer Banks.

PGA Championship in Charlotte, NC

Taking place at the Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte the second weekend in August, the PGA Championship is a great excuse to head out and see one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. As one of the four majors, the PGA Championship is easily one of the most competitive tournaments of the year, and it attracts the most accomplished stars in the sport, which should inspire you to bring along clubs to 8-putt one of the other renowned (and easier) golf courses around Charlotte. Those less inclined to hit the links also have plenty of things to do, including heading to the popular Ray’s Splash Planet Waterpark, Discovery Place, or one of the many wineries around the city.

With versatility being crucial to getting the most out of a trip to Charlotte, the fuel-efficient and roomy Honda Accord can be the perfect option no matter the type of group. It’s got one of the largest trunks in the segment, so your clubs won’t have trouble getting cozy as you make the trek up north from Ocala or Leesburg, FL.

Get an Amazing Deal at Honda of Ocala

Whether you’re looking for the top new Hondas on the market or a reliable certified pre-owned vehicle, Honda of Ocala has you covered. With an extensive inventory, terrific incentives and plenty of financing options, our Honda dealership has everything to be the final stop of your auto search. That perfect vehicle, whether it’s a sedan, crossover, minivan, or truck, is just a call or visit away from being your road-trip pal.

Contact our new & used car dealers at (352) 325-4193 or visit our showroom at 1800 SW College Road in Ocala, FL, and we’ll be happy to show you our new and used cars for sale. We serve the entire region, including The Villages and Leesburg.