Honeymoon trip

[Lowrange2]

So, Saturday is my wedding. June 23rd we leave to go to Columbia to spend the night with the kids (Who’ll be at their dad’s house) before we head down to Port Canaveral, Florida.

We’ll be leaving Columbia, SC at 8am on Friday, June 24th and have to be in Port Canaveral, Florida at 1pm on Saturday June 25th. This is actually a 7 hour straight shot down the interstate along the coast. We’ll pass right by St. Augustine, Daytona and a couple other big name places. I’ve never been to any of these places.

My question to you is where should I stop and take in the sights in the time we have to kill? I’d like to make several stops along the way but I have no idea where. Maybe stop and spend a few hours on the beach or go eat at some amazing place that I can’t pass up… Anything.

Do I want to make the whole trip in one day and stay at a hotel near the port or do I want to make an overnight stop somewhere along the way?

Keep it under a grand please. Lol

 

[Lowrange2]

Here's the route.
http://classic.mapquest.com/maps?1c...al&2s=FL&2y=US&2l=28.3972&2g=-80.6082&2v=CITY

 

[XJfreakHO]

Man I don't know shit about Florida, but Congrats on the wedding! One day we will get up at Gulches though, definately go out for a few cold ones on me.

 

[Lowrange2]

Sounds good!

 

[UNCC_99XJ]

Only been through Florida once myself, and that was headed to Tampa for a cruise last summer. We drove straight through so didn't get to stop for anything. On the way back we did stop for lunch in Daytona Beach and passed by the speedway.

One thing though, the cops are waiting for you coming in and out of Florida on I-95. The state line is basically at the top of a hill, so they sit in the median at the bottom of each side of the hill catching people speeding. Multiple cops on each side pointed both directions.

 

[hxcjohnny]

Only been through Florida once myself, and that was headed to Tampa for a cruise last summer. We drove straight through so didn't get to stop for anything. On the way back we did stop for lunch in Daytona Beach and passed by the speedway.

One thing though, the cops are waiting for you coming in and out of Florida on I-95. The state line is basically at the top of a hill, so they sit in the median at the bottom of each side of the hill catching people speeding. Multiple cops on each side pointed both directions.

Agreed. We were down in march this year to see the Braves in spring training, and I remember the florida/georgia line being just like you described.

 

[Cottontail]

You may be close enough to Savannah that you have been there a number of times, but on your route, that is where I would kill time. Last time I was there, the visitor center and CBV had a really nice audio tour that you could rent. Essentially it was a driving tour. You put a CD into your car and the CD narrated and gave directions. Also, Paula Deen's restaurant "Three Sons" or something like that is there also. Savannah is quite historic and very beautiful.

In Daytona, if you, I mean if your bride, likes NASCAR, the speedway has a pretty nice museum on the grounds. There are some hands on things as well as lots of memorabilia and cars. Otherwise, I don't think much of Daytona.

If you get into Port Canaveral early (I assume you are going for a cruise) you can head over to Kennedy Space Center. They have a huge visitors center/museum and offer bus tours of the complex which, in the past, has included the launch pads and a "rocket farm." Otherwise, just some beach time. There is a public beach at Jetty Park, and also another public beach down A1A behind Ron Jon's Surf Shop. There is also a public park with some beachfront on it just a little to the north of the International Palms Hotel. Nice little beach. Not sure about changing rooms at the last two parks I mentioned, but I do know Jetty Park does have a small changing facility.

You'll find that most of I-95 is pretty much devoid of things to do and once you get onto A1A, depending where you pick it up, you tend to go though oceanfront towns which means lots of stop and go, but also more opporutnities to stop and do things. That said, I have only driven A1A south out of Cocoa Beach, but have to believe that it is the same going north. Maybe you decide to ditch the interstate and just meander down A1A? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_Road_A1A

 

[Lowrange2]

That's a possibility. Thanks for the ideas!

 

[rwdawg2]

Just a few suggestions for fun.....

Savannah = river street. tons of bars, restaurants, and sight seeing. Also check out the amphibious boat tours.

Jacksonville = the landing has a ton of restaurants and shopping and the view of the intercostal is amazing. Also downtown has a couple of nicer restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Daytona = Just go drive on the beach. Best/cheapest thing to do there.

St. Augustine = Really nice relaxing beaches.

Congrats and take tons of pictures of your trip.

 

[jeepgeek2002]

nice planning Andy? want me to show you how to party too?

 

[Lowrange2]

Just a few suggestions for fun.....

Savannah = river street. tons of bars, restaurants, and sight seeing. Also check out the amphibious boat tours.

Jacksonville = the landing has a ton of restaurants and shopping and the view of the intercostal is amazing. Also downtown has a couple of nicer restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Daytona = Just go drive on the beach. Best/cheapest thing to do there.

St. Augustine = Really nice relaxing beaches.

Congrats and take tons of pictures of your trip.

I've driven on the beach in Kure Beach. Are the beaches your typical beach or would it be hard packed? I'm driving my Z3 down the florida. The Jeep isn't making this trip.

I'm really looking forward to the drive down.

Mark, Kiss my ass.

We planned on flying originally so I didn't plan the drive down. Now, I'm trying to get things in order.

 

[Ghost]

St. Augustine on the coast is a fort. Go check that area out. St Augustine is the oldest city. Get off at Daytona and go to Hooter's if the wife is willing. It is right across from the racetrack and one of the best Hooter's out side of the original one in Clearwater. Everytime I have stopped there it has had at least one or two neat cars or bikes in the parking lot. Savannah has the 8th Air force museum that is restoring a B-17 from WWII and a 1940's fire truck. Several other aircraft and some interesting facts about the 8th. If you are into history and WWII its worth the $10 per person to get in. When you get back if you have time a quick trip south to Ft. Pierce on the beach is the UDT/SEAL museum and well worth the $6 fee. If you plan on driving A1A double your travel time.