This 281.3-mile drive from Pembroke Pines to Beacon Square in Florida is a solid day trip, estimated to take around 5 hours and 24 minutes. It's primarily a highway-focused experience, with 91% of the journey on major roads like I-75 and US 19, including the notable Sunshine Skyway Bridge. With a projected fuel cost of about $47, this route is efficient for a single-day adventure, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The straightforward nature of the drive makes it a practical option for getting from the southern part of Florida to the central-west coast.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
140.6 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 24m. Total distance: 281.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this 281.3-mile trip, with 91% of your time spent on major arteries. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 209.2 miles on I-75, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While much of the route is focused on efficient travel, you'll transition to roads like US 19 as you approach your destination. This highway-centric profile means you'll be covering ground quickly, with fewer opportunities for spontaneous detours off the main path.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 209.2 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
29 ft2 ft
Total Climb
59 ft
Total Descent
58 ft
Highest Point
29 ft
~180.8 mi in
Elevation Range
27 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 281.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
1 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, Orlando
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, Orlando
8
6.3 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward I 595, SR 84, US 441
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 54
Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441
8
6.8 mi into trip|~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 84 West, I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward SR 84 West, I 595 West
7
7.4 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 595 West
7
225.8 mi into trip|~4h 6m in|I 275
Take the exit onto I 275 toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 228
Toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Pembroke Pines, FL and Beacon Square, FL, road signs point toward 54Th Avenue North Westbound and Gulf To Bay.
54Th Avenue North Westbound
251.3 mi in|~4h 37m
Gulf To Bay
262.2 mi in|~4h 53m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
209.2 mi
3h 44m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
19.5 mi
22m
US 19
12.7 mi
18m
US Highway 19 North
12 mi
16m
Port Everglades Expressway
9.1 mi
10m
I 275
5.7 mi
7m
Florida's Turnpike
4.9 mi
5m
US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
1.6 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 209.2 mi, about 3h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pembroke Pines, FL and Beacon Square, FL.
1
Start on Southwest 8th Street
0.2 mi·58 sec·Southwest 8th Street
2
Continue on Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 64th Way
3
Turn right onto SR 820
0.2 mi·31 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
4
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, OrlandoUse the right lane.
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
6
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
4.9 mi·5 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 54Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward SR 84 West, I 595 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 595 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 595
9.1 mi·10 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 75
209 mi·3 hr 44 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto I 275
5.7 mi·7 min·I 275
Exit 228Toward I 275 North: Saint PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·19 sec
14
Merge onto I 275; US 19
19 mi·22 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 26BToward 54th Avenue North WestboundUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North
0.9 mi·1 min·54th Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn right onto US 19
0.6 mi·1 min·34th Street North
18
Continue on US 19
9.1 mi·12 min·US Highway 19 North
Use the left lane.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To BayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
0.4 mi·49 sec·US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 19 North
22
Merge onto US 19
2.9 mi·4 min·US Highway 19 North
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward Enterprise RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
1.3 mi·2 min·US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
25
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward US 19 North
26
Merge onto US 19
13 mi·18 min·US 19
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn left onto Moog Road
0.9 mi·2 min·Moog Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
28
Turn left onto Springfield Drive
337 ft·14 sec·Springfield Drive
29
Arrive at destination
Springfield Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour, 24-minute duration, starting your journey from Pembroke Pines in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight hours. While this route is designed for a single day, the longest stretch of 209.2 miles on I-75 means planning for at least one substantial rest stop is key. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on that long stretch, as services can be more spread out. The estimated fuel cost is $47, so budget accordingly. A practical tip for this route is to ensure you have your preferred navigation ready, as transitioning onto US 19 may require your attention.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 140.6 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 62 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.6 miles or 2h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Beacon Square, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pembroke Pines, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Pembroke Pines, FL
This is one driving day of about 281.3 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 209.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 140.6 mi from Pembroke Pines, FL
· 2h 35m into the drive
The midpoint is around 140.6 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 209.2 miles.
Arriving in Beacon Square, FL
The final approach into Beacon Square, FL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Beacon Square, FL.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 232.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.78 one way
$89.55 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$48.71
$97.41
premium
$4.72
$52.31
$104.61
diesel
$5.61
$62.11
$124.21
Estimated Tolls: $1.70
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(19.5 mi)$1.36
Florida's Turnpike
(4.9 mi)$0.34
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84.4
1
$29.54
$13.50
Efficient EV
70.3
0
$24.61
$11.25
EV Truck/SUV
112.5
1
$39.38
$18.00
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% 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 Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Pembroke Pines, FL
Morning
in Pembroke Pines on Friday
Local time
8:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Beacon Square, FL
Morning
in Beacon Square on Friday
Local time
8:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 24m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Pembroke Pines, FL to Beacon Square, FL covers 281.3 miles and takes about 5h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, US 19. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 140.6 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.78 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 281.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Pembroke Pines, FL and Beacon Square, FL, road signs point toward 54Th Avenue North Westbound and Gulf To Bay.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 2 ft to 29 ft elevation with about 59 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include De Soto National Memorial.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
Elevation is sampled from
USGS 3DEP.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
