Road Trip Dallas, Tx to Orlando, FL

[scafidi]

Just drove from the Orlando area to Dallas when I moved here in December. Probably not a great drive for your kids. Plus, flights from DFW to MCO can be fairly cheap. The beaches on Florida's gulf coast (not AL's or MS') are beautiful. If you want to stop for a day, I definitely recommend Destin or one of my favorite spots in the world, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. However, those are a little more than halfway to Orlando, so head out early that first day if you're driving.

The route is pretty simple: I-20 east to Shreveport, I-49 south to Lafayette (boring stretch), I-10 east to Lake City, I-75 south to Wildwood, FL Turnpike south to Orlando.

Once in Orlando, there are a ton of rentals in Kissimmee, but that's a super-touristy area. I don't have any specific recommendations, but just be sure to thoroughly check out places you're considering since a place could be trashy but made to look good online. Your kids probably aren't old enough to appreciate Universal Studios, but I'm sure they'll love Disney, probably SeaWorld too. Try to hit the beach (either in Brevard County to the east or St. Pete/Clearwater to the west; both are easy drives).

[mSooner]

This is the place I mentioned in my earlier post:

Windsor Hills Resort ★ Orlando florida vacation Homes rentals holiday villas townhomes condos

[DaveG99]

the way I rate a beach is by how clear the water is. Im different from most people I guess. I dont see a point in going and sitting on the sand if your not going to be swimming. You can find sand and water anywhere but clear water is rare. And when Im at a beach I spend most of my time snorkeling and in the water not cooking on the sand.

[mSooner]

the way I rate a beach is by how clear the water is.

Then you would love the area from Ft. Walton Beach to Panama City, including Destin. Beautiful, clear water. The rest of the Gulf Coast doesn't compare.

[pepper131]

That is gorgeous!...mSooner!! Well....except for the condos and huge hotels, etc. I think I need to find a small house along this beach...

[justaskin]

I've driven from Dallas To miami (19hrs) without spending the night anywhere, and I drove the whole way through only stopping for bathroom breaks, gas and food. Its totally doable if you love driving.

With kids I imagine you will have to stop more but You can do it without spending the night anywhere! We've done it with a family of 7 several times!

[texasmove10]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions.. Really helpful.. Appreciate it!!!

[mSooner]

That is gorgeous!...mSooner!! Well....except for the condos and huge hotels, etc. I think I need to find a small house along this beach...

There's actually a whole section of the Destin area that is mostly homes for rent or privately owned.

Check here and specifically look in the "Scenic gulf Drive" sections. That section is sometimes referred to as Miramar Beach.

Destin Florida Vacation Rentals by Owner, VRBO Destin Condo Rentals, Destin Florida Resorts, Destin FL Beach Rentals (http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/north-west/destin - broken link)

Destin has always been a big condo/home rental market--not as many hotels as you would think. However, if you are planning on stopping for a night, hotels are usually your only option as the condos/homes almost exclusive rent for 3+ nights a pop (usually a week at a time, actually).

ETA: Just realized that wasn't the OP responding. Either way, hope you find this helpful!

[AsianCouple]

I am planning a Dallas-NOLA-Orlando drive next week. Am getting conflicting reports of drive time between NOLA and Orlando- is it 9 hours or closer to 12? Dallas to NOLA is supposed to be 8 hours. We plan to spend a few nights there before heading to Orlando.