First time Florida visitors that drive into the state, quickly find the state’s length and width quite deceptive. After crossing the Georgia – Florida state line on the east coast and taking I-95 southward, travelers can count on another full day to reach the Florida Keys. Taking a worthwhile scenic route, a side trip on the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Highway and the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway will lengthen this trip by another day.
     Designated State Route 1 in 1945, the coastal highway was quickly confused with the nearby U.S. Route 1 that runs the entire length of the mainland. A year later, the Florida coastal route took on the designation of A1A. This north - south route follows a string of barrier islands for most of its 550 miles. This seacoast highway was a legendary stopover for spring breakers during the 60s, 70s and 80s. These beach towns still vie for the college crowd’s dollars. Just a dot on the map, this peaceful beachside view of Indian Harbor Beach is a reminder of why spring breakers flock to Florida. Tired of studies, gray skies and cold temperatures, young Americans head southward for a week of fun in the sun.