Drive from Charleston to Destin, FL (North Charleston, Greenville: rental, to live in, beach)

[MINIcoopKJG]

I am thinking about going to Destin, FL this year for vacation. When I looked at a map, it looks like there are a couple routes. One is 95 across the top of FL, the other is, I believe, route 16. Has anyone driven from Charleston to the Gulf Coast by taking route 16? It looks like 16 might be more scenic.

[WiseManOnceSaid]

Originally Posted by MINIcoopKJG

I am thinking about going to Destin, FL this year for vacation. When I looked at a map, it looks like there are a couple routes. One is 95 across the top of FL, the other is, I believe, route 16. Has anyone driven from Charleston to the Gulf Coast by taking route 16? It looks like 16 might be more scenic.

My folks used to live in Eufaula, AL which is 1 1/2 hours north of Destin. I always took I16, it was an easier drive, and more scenic in my opinion. Of course I took a lot of back roads (through Lumpkin, Americus for example), but I would always prefer 16 to 95.

[MINIcoopKJG]

Originally Posted by WiseManOnceSaid

My folks used to live in Eufaula, AL which is 1 1/2 hours north of Destin. I always took I16, it was an easier drive, and more scenic in my opinion. Of course I took a lot of back roads (through Lumpkin, Americus for example), but I would always prefer 16 to 95.

Is 16 a main road, like 17 around here? I prefer to not have to drive 95 if I can avoid it.

[m1a1mg]

I have driven the route a lot. 95 to 10 is, by far, the best choice. Any time I've tried alternates, it's been a pain.

[drfranklin]

Destin, FL beaches are amazing - soft, white sand with clear, blue-emerald water - much better than any of the SC beaches (unless you prefer the wave action of the Atlantic) - spring and (especially) fall are fantastic weather in the FL Panhandle. Please note that Destin in on Central Time so you will "gain" an hour traveling to Destin.

[lizardspock]

Endless pine forests and sand doesn't qualify as scenic in my opinion. Taking back roads is not worth the extra hassle. You're only on 95 for 3 hours. Then it's I-10 west to Destin for about 5 hours, which isn't a bad road at all.

[m1a1mg]

If you do go, shoot me a message as to exactly where in the area you are going. I lived in Santa Rosa Beach and Miramar Beach.

Avoid 331. It's in the 15th year of a 3 year widening project.

[xinerevelle]

I moved here from Panama City Beach and have made that drive many, many times to visit my rental property and family still in the Gulf Coast area.

95 to 10 is the quickest and easiest. If traffic gets heavy on 95 you can always do the 82/84 route that comes out by Valdosta, but it is a longer route overall.

[MINIcoopKJG]

We made it to Destin. I didn't really care for the drive through Jacksonville. Has anyone ever taken this routd to or from that area of Florida? I tried to paste a screen capture, but I couldn't figure it out on my phone. I might just have to deal eith Jacksonville.

Shared route
From (30.3829982,-86.4179785) to Mt Pleasant via I-10 E.

8 hr 40 min (542*mi)
8 hr 40 min in current traffic


1. Head north on Pompano St toward John Ave
2. Turn left onto Luke Ave
3. Turn right onto Crystal Beach Dr
4. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto US-98 W
5. Turn right onto FL-293 N
6. Take the exit toward FL-285 N
7. Turn right onto FL-285 N
8. Turn right onto the I-10 E ramp to Tallahassee
9. Merge onto I-10 E
10. Take exit 251 for FL-14 toward Madison Perry
11. Turn left onto FL-14 E (signs for Madison)
12. Turn right onto SW Millinor St
13. Turn left onto Duval St
14. Turn right onto FL-145 N
15. Continue onto GA-31 N
16. Turn right onto GA-31 N/Inner Perimeter Rd
17. Turn right onto US-84 E
18. Continue onto Victory Dr
19. Turn right onto US-82 E/Francis St/S Georgia Pkwy W
20. Turn left onto GA-99 N
21. Turn right onto GA-32 E/GA-99 N
22. Turn left onto the I-95 N ramp
23. Merge onto I-95 N
24. Take exit 33 for US-17 N
25. Keep left, follow signs for US-17 N
26. Merge onto US-17 N
27. Continue straight to stay on US-17 N
28. Use the right lane to take the Interstate 526 E ramp to North Charleston
29. Continue onto I-526 E
30. Take exit 29 for US-17 N toward Georgetown
31. Keep left, follow signs for Hungryneck Blvd
32. Continue onto Hungry Neck Blvd
33. Turn left onto SC-517 N/Isle of Palms Con
34. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto N Hwy 17
35. Arrive at location: Mt Pleasant

For the best route in current traffic visit https://goo.gl/maps/V9Aipkp4FBN2

[drfranklin]

Originally Posted by MINIcoopKJG

We made it to Destin...

Well, how is Destin? I will be vacationing there next week (of course, coming from Greenville and a completely different route).