Travel Suggestions for Florida West Coast

[jrshall]

We will be making a trip to Florida in Jan/Feb and would like some suggestions. We will be coming from the west. I had planned on stopping in Pensacola, then follow US 98 and/or 19 down to Tampa. I know it will likely be slow going, but it looks like some nice country along the way. Another idea is to follow I10 to Tallahassee, then pick up 98 from there.

So, is there much to see through that area? Would the sights offset the slower pace? What about camp sites through there? We have a 30 foot fifth wheel.

Thanks for the info, Jerry

 

[dave61]

I have traveled the two routes quite a few times especially the segment between Tallahassee and Clearwater/Tampa Bay. The coastal route from Pensacola is relatively slow going especially near Destin, Panama City and Fort Walton Beach where there are some crowds, traffic etc. I tend to like the smaller towns that are more old FL than new. Apalachicola is one of those, very quiet, seafood producing old coastal town a lot like it was years ago.

The segment between Tallahassee and TB is pretty remote until you get near TB. Much of it is 60 or 65 speed limit so you can make pretty good time but there are a few places to stop. If you like out of the way places check out Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, Crystal River then Homosassa. Homosassa has a state park right on the highway and you should stop, it includes a mini zoo complete with underwater viewing of the springs, manatees, etc. All of these places are on the west side of US 19 and have waterfront in common.

This part of FL is very remote, there is sometimes 20 miles between towns and some of the towns aren't much. The effects of the economy are noticeable but they weren't thriving before the down turn either. It is a pleasant low stress drive until you get near TB.

 

[Steve & Linda]

We just got back from that I-10 ron between DeFuniak Springs, FL and Mobile, MS. Roads were excellent and not overly crowded. We spent 5 days at Twin Lakes RV Resort off 331 at DeFuniak (used to be known as Holley-King Lake Resort). Small but clean, very friendly staff, at least 30 amp with some 50 amp, easy in & out, and most importantly..quiet. Lake with fishing pier. We drove toad to Ft Walton Beach to outlet shop and "see" beach...there were many state CGS along Hwy 90 (about 30 mi.es from cg). While in Mobile/Bill I we stayed for 5 days at Martin Lake cg. Too crowded and crammed in to suit my tastes and lots of 'permanents,' so we left early to head home. These are some 'newbie' observations IMHO.

Linda

 

[GSchlecht]

We have just made a similar trip from Panama City beach, to St. Augustine, to our present stop in the Salt Springs Recreation area. It is in the Ocala Forest, just off Rt. 19.  It is very nice here. The sites are full service and in very good repair. Over 100 sites the majority of which are walk up, no reservations. It is getting full but there is always some coming ans going. we highly recommend it.

 

[jrshall]

If you like out of the way places check out Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, Crystal River then Homosassa. Homosassa has a state park right on the highway and you should stop, it includes a mini zoo complete with underwater viewing of the springs, manatees, etc. All of these places are on the west side of US 19 and have waterfront in common.

Thanks for the tips. I had a friend recommend Homosassa, but then I completely forgot the name. Now I have it written down so I won't forget.

Thanks again, Jerry

 

[RVcyclist]

Last March we stayed a couple of days at Blackwater River State Park between Pensacola and Defuniak Springs (http://www.floridastateparks.org/blackwaterriver/default.cfm).  We enjoyed our stay and will go back the next time we are in the area.