[Lozza250f]

Has anyone travelled from Florida to Washington via Texas and California by car? If so how long did it take and where are the best places to stop especially for sight seeing? As I am a student from the U.K and going on a round the world trip and this is half of my route through America. I would be most grateful for any form of opinion on the best route.

[Wilshire81182]

When I moved from Washington to Florida, I drove through Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. It is a drive you should only do in the summer because you go through many mountainous countries. The other trip I would consider was the route you are taking. The only thing I warn you of is that Texas is a beast to drive through. I left Thursday morning (like 4-5 AM) and reached Florida Saturday morning (like 1-2 AM). I stayed Thursday night in Salt Lake City, Friday night in St Louis, and then in a hotel in Casselberry when I got here to rest. If you stop it will definitely take you longer. The main sites along your route would be New Orleans, San Antonio or Austin, Hollywood or something in southern California (the ocean or beach town would be great too), San Francisco, and Seattle.

[Lozza250f]

Thankyou for all that information! I really appreciate it!

[ACTS Mom]

We haven't driven to Washington from Florida, but to Oregon...it's a long drive and AAA can map it out for you if you like. If you stay on I-10 into California you'll have opportunities to see a lot of desert! Sunrises are awesome! You might want to take a side trip from Ft. Stockton, TX to Carlsbad, NM and see the Carlsbad Caverns. Then back on I-10 into AZ, you can enjoy the Saguaro National Park near Tucson. There, I would get away from I-10, take I-17 north and see the Grand Canyon. Continue your journey west into California on I-40 to I-5.

You may want to hit San Francisco and have some great seafood on the Wharf. Then get on 101 (Coastal Highway) and I can't imagine you wouldn't enjoy the trip. The Redwood National Forest is in northern California and you'd enjoy a day of the big trees! Oregon has numerous state parks off 101. My favorite is Cape Blanco in the southern part of Oregon. Many small towns along the way, but Bandon is a favorite for quaint shopping and fish 'n chips. Then travel back to I-5 somewhere along the 101, probably US 20 in Newport, east to I-5. Then go through Portland and on into Washington.

Just going through this makes me think we'll take another trip out west later this year! I wouldn't try to do this in less than 2 weeks if you want to see ANYTHING but the vehicle in front of you.

Happy Trails!

[Lozza250f]

Thankyou so much ACTS Mom, that's really helpful and thankyou for sightseeing notes! xx