Driving from Charleston to Boca (Jacksonville, St. Augustine: construction, military, safe)

[jsha7277]

Quick question for the helpful experts in this forum, as we are moving into Florida and have never driven around there.

If you were to drive from Charleston to Boca during a workday, say Wednesday or Thursday next week, which route would you take? Google seems to say that 95 is best, around an hour faster than Turnpike no matter what time we leave.

Thanks!

[jsha7277]

Sorry, I now realize we may stay in Savannah instead of Charleston.

Two questions then :-)

1) If you'd never been in either, would you stop for a night in Savannah or in Charleston?
2) From there, would you take 95 or Turnpike to Boca? We're driving with kids, so duration and (hopefully) natural beauty along the way are more important than cost.

[wizrap]

I like Charleston better; it reminds me of New Orleans but smaller and cleaner.

Take I95; for the detour on the Turnpike, you’re not going to gain much in the way of scenery for the extra time, especially if you’re headed to East Boca. Once you reach Florida, the scenery is rather blah from both the Turnpike and the interstate. It’s not like it’s A1A by the beach.

Safe travels!

[jsha7277]

Thank you so much :-)

[HappySpring]

I usually drive down from NY to Boca and it's a straight ride on I95. But make sure to get past Jacksonville either before or after their rush hour. I find that I95 has plenty of rest stops.

Good luck with your move and safe travels.

[jsha7277]

Thank you for the tip!

I95 it is.

We'll probably stop in St. Augustine for quick visit + lunch, so we should drive past Jacksonville around noon, well after their rush hour.

What a joy of a forum, full of friendly people offering good advice :-)

[wizrap]

Originally Posted by jsha7277

Thank you for the tip!

I95 it is.

We'll probably stop in St. Augustine for quick visit + lunch, so we should drive past Jacksonville around noon, well after their rush hour.

What a joy of a forum, full of friendly people offering good advice :-)

What a great idea! So much history and natural beauty. In the Old City section there’s a nice place for burgers called Bull & Crown that I recommend for delicious burgers (if that’s your thing). Depending on the condition of the sand, you can even drive on the beach. It is beautiful! We love visiting St. Augustine. Have fun!

[john-staten island]

Originally Posted by HappySpring

I usually drive down from NY to Boca and it's a straight ride on I95. But make sure to get past Jacksonville either before or after their rush hour. I find that I95 has plenty of rest stops.

Good luck with your move and safe travels.

I95 all the way..GPS may suggest Turnpike North of WPB but you don’t gain much and both are subject to heavy traffic. I find Jacksonville the most difficult with never ending construction...Avoid WPB to Boca stretch between 4-6pm rush hours as 195 really boggs down..or jump off & take Military Trail into Boca...Enjoy..