If you think Florida is all about Disney World, you haven’t driven Highway 1 from Melbourne to Key West. Feel the cool breezes of the Atlantic on your left shoulder as you experience every variety of paradise — each town and village is rich with palm trees, soft sandy beaches, vast ocean vistas and one-of-a-kind vacation adventures.

1. Melbourne

Starting Point • Entertainment, Nature, Outdoor Recreation, Shopping

It’s hard to stay still in this nature lover’s town. Start with a thrilling airboat ride, or cruise over to the Brevard Zoo, where you can paddle a kayak as you view the animals. Drive to a nearby barrier island and enjoy the Florida sun and sand at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Melbourne has a great fishing museum and beautiful wetlands at nearby Indian River Lagoon. The thriving downtown area bustles with shops, boutiques and romantic restaurants. Push the pedal to the metal at Andretti Thrill Park, with five go-kart tracks for high-speed fun. The park also offers miniature golf and laser tag.

2. Fort Pierce

Drive 49 miles, 1 hour, 15 minutes • History, Nature

Roll south to Fort Pierce and settle into this lovely town with its newly renovated waterfront. America’s military history is honored at the Navy SEAL Museum, focusing on America’s sea, air and land warriors. Get away from it all at Teague Hammock Preserve, 300 acres of wetlands populated by cranes, storks and great blue herons.

Road Runner Travel Resort • Fort Pierce, FL – (800)833-7108

3. Fort Lauderdale

Drive 114 miles, 3 hours, 3 minutes • Entertainment, Food, History, Outdoor Recreation

With sprawling beaches and ample boating canals, Fort Lauderdale has rightly earned the reputation as “Venice of America.” Take a seat at an ocean-facing bar or restaurant, or set sail for fishing or leisure cruising. You’ll want to linger on the meandering Riverwalk, center of the local arts district. For a deep look at area history, check out the Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum.

Paradise Island RV Resort • Fort Lauderdale, FL – (800)487-7395

4. Key Largo

Drive 96.8 miles, 2 hours, 28 minutes • Food, Outdoor Recreation, Sports

Drive your RV into paradise, otherwise known as Key Largo. Self-proclaimed “Dive Capital of the World,” this is nirvana for snorkelers and scuba fans. Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the U.S. If you’d rather see fish on your dinner plate, there are lots of great restaurants.

Boardwalk RV Resort • Homestead, FL – (305)248-2487

5. Key West

Drive 97.2 miles, 2 hours, 9 minutes • Entertainment. Food, History, Outdoor Recreation

Open-mindedness rules in Key West. So slip on your flip flops and be yourself in a fun-filled island getaway. Visit writer Earnest Hemingway’s house and hoist a few at Sloppy Joe’s – a famous local hangout — in his memory. There’s ample ocean fun here, like coral reef snorkeling, parasailing, fishing and eco-touring in the mangroves. Back in town, rent a bike or a scooter, visit the many museums, and enjoy a dockside sunset celebration.