Family Trip from NY to FL then onto TX

[JusCruizin]

Greetings from Down Under!

My family and I (wife and 2 x 11 year olds) are flying to NYC mid May and then after catching up with family onward to FL (St Petersburg / Clearwater area) for more family catch ups before heading to Dallas for the flight back home to Oz.

Rather than fly these sectors and miss the opportunity to see some of the US (the kids and I have never been and over 30 years for the wife), I had the crazy notion of driving it! (cue National Lampoon music).

Now I have planted the seed, the wife is asking me questions which thankfully, Google led me here so I'm hoping you might be able to help.

1) How long (excluding sightseeing) should it take to drive from NYC to FL
2) Which is the best (most scenic) way to go? I've read the I-95 is just a city bypass with not much in the way of scenery.
3) Based on the above, any 'must see' sights, touristy things along the way
4) From FL to TX I'm assuming the I-75 / I-10 / I-45 is the best way
5) If the above is true, more 'must see' sights etc along the way

We'll have roughly 3 weeks in total from the time we leave NY to when we have to get to DFW so maybe a week on the road for each leg - No all nighters or land speed record attempts required.

Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated so the wife can either yay or nay the idea.

Thanks
Scott

[Lifemagician]

Hi Scott, and Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum.

On this forum we do not actually focus on 'best' or 'must sees', the philosophy is that roadtrips are unique according to the interests of the party travelling. Some people's must see are another's must pass by.

But let me focus on a few generalities. Do you have any maps of the USA. If not, I highly recommend that you get some. You could get a good wall map - I like the National Geographics - and put it up where all the family will see it each day. Become familiar what is where and how far everything is from each other. The other is, get some good maps of the eastern States, or (my preference) a Rand McNally road atlas. Not only will these be invaluable for your planning, but you will require good maps when on the road. Furthermore, if you are a member of the WA autombile club, be sure to take your membership with you. It will give you access to free maps and tourism information from the AAA all over the USA. [Of course, you may be able to get your family to send some of these to you.]

Think of 500 miles as a full day on the road, without sightseeing, just basic stops for food, fuel etc.

You are right, I-95 is not the best choice. Others will no doubt be along to fill in a little more here. Each time I travel from Boston to Ft Lauderdale I take a different route. Scenic routes are marked on maps, as are national parks, wilderness areas, historic sites, etc.

The same goes for the way to TX. Besides the interstates you mention there are dozens of minor roads which could well take you to areas/sites of particular interest to your family.

So what in particular, besides family, are your interests.

Lifey