Texas to Florida avoiding Interstate hwys

[Vibeman]

We will be leaving RGV in south Texas on 3-1-23 and traveling to St Augustine FL. We have 8 days to get there. We want to mostly avoid interstates and large cities so we want to go east somewhere between I-10 and I-20, driving across LA, MS, AL, GA. We have no pre planned stops for this trip so I am asking if anyone has any suggestions for routes and maybe points of interest we could visit along the way. Not necessarily touristy things in and around cities, but more like small town attractions, natural beauty like waterfalls, scenic byways, etc. We are in a 30’ motor home towing a car so we can’t go just anywhere, but we’re not afraid of decent 2 lane blacktop roads with moderate hills/curves. We can dry camp for a couple of days if we want to, but will need at least a couple of parks with water and dump stations along the way so if anyone can recommend a nice RV park near a POI that would be great.
Thank you,
-Ken

[Onyrlef]

Before I-10 the East West route was 90 and out of Pensacola you can take 98 which will route you down along the coast of the panhandle, Destin, Panama City, Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, Apalachicola and east. Just don’t get in a hurry, it can be a slog, especially between Pensacola and Panama City Beach. You won’t ever see Ga. however and no hills to speak of.

[hamm2018]

Then 90 across Mississippi along the coast can be a nice ride, thru Biloxi, Gulfport. Then head east thru Mobile to East side of Mobile Bay area.

You could check with the ferry at Dauphin Island and make sure you would fit and take the ferry from Dauphin Island at Fort Gaines across the Bay to Fort Morgan. Then drive on Gulf Highway to Pensacola.

Nothing else, since in the area, stop at Dauphin Island for a day or so to see the area.

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by Vibeman

We will be leaving RGV in south Texas on 3-1-23 and traveling to St Augustine FL.
Thank you,
-Ken

Ken what route do you plan on using from RGV to north toward I-10 area? We just drove Texas 35 south from Galveston area to Corpus Christi. We went from Galveston on 45 to 6 west to Alvin then picked up 35 south.
The route 35, was a nice easy drive.

[johnhicks]

US-90/190, US-84, US-82, US-80. COE and state parks along/near all of them.

[Guzowskip]

Greetings Vibeman et al!


First of all have a great, safe trip!



We live in NW FL just off I-10 and share your disdain for interstate highways when traveling. We've never been to RGV but did do a trip to San Antonio a few years ago and have crossed the TX panhandle a number of times to/from ABQ, CO, and So Cal. For planning purposes, we made it home from San Antonio in two days but it was a haul which we would not do again absent urgent circumstances like a family emergency.



I have no recommendations for routes from RGV northwest to major east/west highways but would highly suggest avoiding metro Houston. The I-10 drive from Beaumont through Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans is a disaster. That said, before I-10, US90 was the major road from Jacksonville, FL to Southern California. It is a nice highway with many four lane sections at 65mph speed limits and much more to see than just trees and rest stops on the interstates. In southern LA and MS it is right along the Gulf with lots to see/do.



Once you get into AL, as soon as you get to Mobile you may want to look for US98 (perhaps after crossing Mobile Bay). 98 will take you on a scenic drive all the way along the Gulf Coast of FL then across the Peninsula to Perry, FL where you should pick up US27 to St Augustine. We've made that trip a number of times and it is quite peaceful.



I've no idea what your druthers are for overnight stays but if you are members of Boondockers Welcome, Harvest Hosts, or Passport America I can make some suggestions. For example, if you are on US98 east of Appalachicola, FL there is a quaint, unassuming CG called "Ho-Hum RV Park" which is a convenient place to stay. It's not a resort, just a CG right on the water with decent prices. If you tow, there are plenty of good local restaurants within a 10 minute drive.


https://hohumrvpark.com/


I know you are not "tourists" but can recommend some great out-of-the-way sights here in NW FL if you are interested.



If you continue on US98 towards Perry, FL you could stop the night at our favorite KOA campground there. It's not a "resort" but has full amenities and is just off HW19/98 a bit south of town. The owners are originally from NY and very friendly/helpful. From Perry you would travel on 27 to St Augustine which is a picturesque and leisurely drive.


We only drive 200-250 miles these days. As such we can confirm 8 days will be plenty to make it from RGV to St Augustine with time to spend along the way. Have a great/safe trip and send us a personal not if you have any other questions.


Paul and Christine Guzowski
06 Winnebago View in NW FL

[Vibeman]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I will be working out my route in the next 3 weeks and will investigate these suggestions!

[tmandoug1]

Gotta hit LA, crawfish are in season and the festivals are gearing up......that is if you like crawfish of course.

[Vibeman]

Originally Posted by hamm2018

Ken what route do you plan on using from RGV to north toward I-10 area? We just drove Texas 35 south from Galveston area to Corpus Christi. We went from Galveston on 45 to 6 west to Alvin then picked up 35 south.
The route 35, was a nice easy drive.

I have not used TX35 but it has been recommended to me by others, thanks. I want to try it sometime.
We come down to TX from MI and always give Houston a wide berth. We winter near McAllen and going back north we try to get to College Station the first day. We take 281 (now also partly called 69c) north to Alice. Then either take 59 or 77, not much difference in miles. Set Google Maps to avoid tolls, highways, and ferries and it will give you similar variations on this route.
When going home we head toward Texarkana and on north on the second day, but this year we will go east as I described.

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by Vibeman

I have not used TX35 but it has been recommended to me by others, thanks. I want to try it sometime.
We come down to TX from MI and always give Houston a wide berth. We winter near McAllen and going back north we try to get to College Station the first day. We take 281 (now also partly called 69c) north to Alice. Then either take 59 or 77, not much difference in miles. Set Google Maps to avoid tolls, highways, and ferries and it will give you similar variations on this route.
When going home we head toward Texarkana and on north on the second day, but this year we will go east as I described.

We have not been to RGV but talking about coming down for a day trip from Corpus.

[SergioP]

Down in RGV you see Musk’s rocket facility.
SpaceX Launch Facility
(310) 363-6000
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mrpB2DESD9SytqQa8?g_st=ic

[Vibeman]

Originally Posted by Onyrlef

Before I-10 the East West route was 90 and out of Pensacola you can take 98 which will route you down along the coast of the panhandle, Destin, Panama City, Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, Apalachicola and east. Just don’t get in a hurry, it can be a slog, especially between Pensacola and Panama City Beach. You won’t ever see Ga. however and no hills to speak of.

Thanks, this sounds good, I’m interested,

[Rockwood27]

I can't help with the sightseeing, but if you have Google Maps, pick any destination and click on "directions". To the right of "your location" click on the 3 dots, then select "route options". You can select "avoid highways" and "avoid tolls". You can now map out routes and avoid both.

[SteveJ.]

Originally Posted by Vibeman

Thank you everyone for the replies. I will be working out my route in the next 3 weeks and will investigate these suggestions!

If overnighting in Perry and you like Italian food we would recommend Mama's Italian. Wonderful menu with not outrageous pricing. We have parked with a toad but we have a 25' RV with a short Kia Soul on a dolly and it's a bit snug, 30' may be a deal breaker.

It will be on your right as you are going south.