St. Petersburg, FL to Woodlawn Beach, FL is 490.4 miles and takes about 9h 3m via I-75 and I-10, with a fuel budget near $77 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip is entirely within Florida, taking you from the Gulf Coast inland and then west across the Panhandle. It's predominantly a highway drive, so expect to cover ground efficiently. With a recommended two days for the trip, you can break up the nearly 500 miles comfortably, leaving room for a stop or two along the way.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
245.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
269.9 mi
4h 49m
I 75
160.3 mi
2h 51m
I 275
37.7 mi
46m
Garcon Point Road
8.8 mi
12m
Avalon Boulevard
5.5 mi
7m
Gulf Breeze Parkway
4.3 mi
6m
5th Avenue North
1.2 mi
2m
Woodlawn Beach Road
0.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 269.9 mi, about 4h 49m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 54 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,226 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,701
Quietest
2 AM
~148 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between St. Petersburg, FL and Woodlawn Beach, FL.
1
Start on US 19
0.4 mi·1 min·34th Street South
2
Turn right onto FL 595
1.2 mi·2 min·5th Avenue North
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·49 sec
Toward I 275 North
4
Merge onto I 275
38 mi·46 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 75
160 mi·2 hr 51 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 435Toward I 10: Jacksonville, TallahasseeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·30 sec
Toward I 10 West: TallahasseeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 10
270 mi·4 hr 49 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 26Toward CR 191: Milton, BagdadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn left onto CR 191
7.2 mi·10 min·Garcon Point Road
11
At end of road, turn left onto FL 281 Toll
1.6 mi·2 min·Garcon Point Road
12
Continue on FL 281 Toll
5.5 mi·7 min·Avalon Boulevard
13
Turn left onto US 98
4.3 mi·6 min·Gulf Breeze Parkway
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto Woodlawn Beach Road
0.8 mi·2 min·Woodlawn Beach Road
15
Turn left onto CR 191B
0.4 mi·52 sec·Soundside Drive
16
Arrive at destination
CR 191B
Trip Plan
Given the 9h 3m driving time, splitting this trip over two days is a wise choice. Aim to depart St. Petersburg in the morning to maximize daylight. With two recommended stops, you can plan for roughly 4.5 hours of driving each day. The longest stretch is nearly 270 miles on I-10, so be sure to fuel up before you begin that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as services can be more spread out on I-10.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 245.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL, or about 4h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 269.9 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 108 miles or 2h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 245.2 miles or 4h 31m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 245.2 miles or 4h 31m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Woodlawn Beach, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving St. Petersburg, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from St. Petersburg, FL
Aim for roughly 245 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Woodlawn Beach, FL
Aim for roughly 245 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 108 miles from St. Petersburg, FL.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 269.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.9 and 470.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.9 mi into trip|~4m in|I 275
Merge onto I 275
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
39.6 mi into trip|~51m in|I 75
Merge onto I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
199.9 mi into trip|~3h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
8
200.1 mi into trip|~3h 43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
8
470.3 mi into trip|~8h 32m in
Take the exit toward CR 191: Milton, Bagdad
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 26
Toward CR 191: Milton, Bagdad
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$74.24 one way
$148.47 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg172 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$81.46
$162.91
premium
$4.55
$87.85
$175.69
diesel
$4.80
$92.60
$185.19
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$74
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$204–$314
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 171.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $51 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
147.1
1
$51.49
$23.54
Efficient EV
122.6
1
$42.91
$19.62
EV Truck/SUV
196.2
2
$68.66
$31.39
Gas CO2
172 kg
EV CO2
57 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 16, 2026
Origin
St. Petersburg, FL
Morning
in St. Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
11:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 to 12 mph43% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 6:35PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 6:26PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Woodlawn Beach, FL
Morning
in Woodlawn Beach on Sunday
Local time
10:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Mostly Clear
W 10 to 15 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 6:35PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 6:26PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
9h 3m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
$25
near mile 490.4
Park Closure: Fort Pickens Campground Restroom A Loop Closure
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 96% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on major interstates. The longest stretch without a significant break is 269.9 miles on I-10. You'll experience a lot of interstate cruising. Expect dense exits as you pass through populated areas and then more open highway once you get onto I-10 heading west.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 269.9 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and I 75. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in near I 275.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 490.4 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles (I 275): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.6 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
289 ft16 ft
Total Climb
349 ft
Total Descent
375 ft
Highest Point
289 ft
~420.3 mi in
Elevation Range
273 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from St. Petersburg, FL to Woodlawn Beach, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Tallahassee along the way.
Saint Petersburg sits at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula in Pinellas County, Florida, and enjoys a more subdued social atmosphere than its larger cousin, Tampa. The city has tried to characterize the downtown as an arts and entertainments destination and you will find no shortage of arts and crafts stores, galleries, and museums along with cafes and boutique food shops all within a couple blocks of the Tampa Bay waterfront. With water on three sides of the city, St. Pete is a superb location for fishing, sailing, and wandering beaches.
Top landmarks
•Salvador Dalí Museum — art museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
•Vinoy Park Hotel — historic hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
•Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA — museum in St. Petersburg, Florida
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
9h 3m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 269.9 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 245 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Woodlawn Beach, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles (I 275): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.6 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Gulf Islands National Seashore and De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.1 hours each way, a round trip means 18.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Woodlawn Beach, FL before the return drive.
