US roadtrip, advice needed.

[Fredrik]

Hello.

I plan to do a roadtrip in US with wife and youngest daughter. First did we plan to drive from Miami to Houston along the gulf coast, but i have a new route that intrest me as well. Miami to Washington DC along the east coast. Any tips or advices? 

How is the availability for hotels/motels etc? The trip is planed to about 12 days except arriving/departure days. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

I, personally, would pick the East coast. Others may differ and will chime in as to why.. 

[bigbikerrick]

I agree with Chuck, on the east coast trip. There are alot more cool things to see there. Many interesting historical sites,and museums, etc.You should have no problem finding accomodations. It all depends what you and your family are "into".
Rick.

[Sykestone8886]

Avoid the dreaded I- 95.

[Fredrik]

Avoid the dreaded I- 95.

Plan is to drive along the coast, from Miami to Tampa and from there onwards to Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston and up to Ocracoke , then against Norfolk and thru Delaware to DC.

[bobbyfromnc]

I think this Youtube channel is informative.

https://www.youtube.com/@GreatMotorcycleRoads

[sdcr]

Plan is to drive along the coast, from Miami to Tampa and from there onwards to Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston and up to Ocracoke , then against Norfolk and thru Delaware to DC.

When you get to Ocracoke, you’ll be using a few of the outer island, free ferries. Nice way to break up your drive. Norfolk area will be busy on the highway. Another highlight, will be the 20 mile Long Chesapeake bay bridge tunnel. There is a restaurant, about midway, and food was good last time we stopped there. It’s another nice driving break, and the scenery is spectacular. After you leave the bridge, it will be pretty boring for miles and miles.

[twowheeladdict]

I met a couple while on the outer banks ferry that were doing a similar trip. They were from Germany, and in a small motor home van so they didn’t have to worry about hotels.

Which trip really depends on the time of year. There is a lot of history along both coasts.

[LowRyter]

I'd make a foodie stop in Charleston... or New Orleans for the other route.   

Savannah is neat stop.   I've never stopped at South of the Border if it's still there.  There are some interesting bridges and tunnels in the Norfolk area depending on the route.  Richmond is a neat City too. 

[Tusayan]

Re accommodations, it should be no problem to find but take note that US hotel prices have gone through the roof and now make European hotel prices seem inexpensive.

[Guzzistajohn]

DC traffic and most eastern cities is "Gnarley" to say the least. I'd do it is a car, or maybe a TANK 

[pressureangle]

Done both. Both can be dreadful, but the East Coast trip can be fantastic. I'd take 27 up to South Bay, West around the lake, 441 up and wind my way to the 'old 25' route through Georgia to Chattanooga or such, personally probably to Tellico TN then over to the Carolinas and up the Blue Ridge and then over to your destination. I'm sure locals up that way will chime in with best routes, but you can make the entire trip without ever seeing an Interstate.

[Vagrant]

If you're sure you want to do one or the other do the east coast. The south route looks great on a map, but hurricanes have wiped out many roads and it is slow, make that very slow driving when not on an interstate.

[Perazzimx14]

I;d ride the east coast and avoid riding the east coastline as it not a road like the PC1. Instead I'd take full advantage of the BRP as part of the trip.

[Fredrik]

I;d ride the east coast and avoid riding the east coastline as it not a road like the PC1. Instead I'd take full advantage of the BRP as part of the trip.

BRP? 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

BRP? 

Blue Ridge Parkway. https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

[MerleLowe]

The parkway is a bit out of the way from the coast but rewarding.  The wife and I were up there a few weeks ago.  She's always talking to someone...

It will be cooler up there so keep that in mind.





Btw... Just to mention, while in the southeast, don't be surprised if random strangers just start talking to you like they know you.

[Scout63]

If you get to Norfolk, a great route is to head west on Route 64 across Virginia.  Stop in Charlottesville and visit the University central grounds designed by Thomas Jefferson, then visit his estate at Monticello.  Keep heading west to Route 81 then head north through the Pennsylvania Dutch country.  Once you get into northern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, classic American diners abound.  Then head east to NYC or swing north around to the Mass Pike Route 90 east to Boston.  Although I live  on Cape Cod, I think north of Boston up the coast to Maine is way more beautiful. It sounds like a great trip Fredrick.

[Bulldog9]

East Coast Definitely.......

Tons of options, but keep in mind the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you from Georgia all the way to Front Royal Virginia (50 miles to DC proper) it is NOT the Coast, but is a fantastic road.

So much to see on the Coast, working south to North off Memory: Jekyll Island GA, Tybee (just East of Savanah which is a great city) Hilton Head, Charleston, Wilmington, Emerald Isle/Moorhead City, up to Cedar Island, then Ferry to Hatteras,  up to Kitty Hawk, an amazing road, then the Chesapeak Bay Bridge Tunnel (a road that is comprised of a series of bridges over the bay, then ducks into a tunnel, several times, It is a MUST do road) up to the Delmarva Peninsula to Chincoteague Island (wild pony's!), and West across to Annapolis and over to DC.

I think it is 17 and 13 that mostly hug the coast, and if you want to eat miles, you can hop on the I95. It is not too bad south of Richmond VA, but can be a beast.

I'd to the coast up and Blue RIdge Back if you have the time. Tons of restaurants, hotels, motels, etc.

I'd definitely avoid this during the summer tourist season.   

I'll be back in DC (Old Town ALexandria) next August, give me a shout out. We have plenty of room and a dedicated B&B in the lower level of the home.

[AJ Huff]

I used to work in Brunswick GA. You can take US17 all the way from Jacksonville FL to Savannah. What I remember is some parts are scenic, some are just trees. Still more entertaining than I95. Much slower though. Be careful of alligators on the road on 17.

-AJ

[Fredrik]

Thanks for all advices, i really appreciate. 

The trip will be from 20:th of october to the 3:rd of november, so i hope it not will be to crowded. The plan is not only to see the country but also meet the local people. 

And ofcourse stay nice motorcycle dealers and other places connected to motorcycling. 

[Tim Henry]

If you decide to try east coast of fl The ride from daytona to St Augustne is nice the loop on old Dixie hwy to High bridge road is scenic. If you stop in Melbourne area I can show you the spacecoast area up to Daytona PM me if interested

[twowheeladdict]

Btw... Just to mention, while in the southeast, don't be surprised if random strangers just start talking to you like they know you.

In my travels around the US I found it to be more country vs. city folk.

Small town residents know when you are not from around here, and are more open and friendly.

[s1120]

Do for sure hit up Savanna Ga!  Its a wonderful city thats hard not to fall in love with. A side trip to Tybee island is a treat also. Myrtle beach SC is kinda a textbook tourist beach town. Can be fun in small douses. Last time through we stopped in a small state park a few miles before town. It was really cool, and got to see Alligators along side the road going in. Outer banks of NC is just stunning!!  A must stop is the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Have a hat, and walking shoes on!!  And as far as im concerned, unless you are planning to visit DC...  I would bypass all the cars, and traffic and just explore the  Delmarva Peninsula that it leads onto.

[blackcat]

The east coast is the more interesting route and Washington is a great place for dining, great museums,etc.

[Shorty]

 The Gulf route has some quaint small shrimping and oyster towns. Mom and Pop antique stores. BBQ stands. The west coast of Florida goes from lovely beach to brown cypress grove and back as you drive around the gulf side, or "Redneck Riviera" or sometimes called the Forgotten Coast. West of the Florida, the water and beach eventually turn back into a muddy brown mess. Seafood shacks, and more bayous. Keep an eye on the weather that time of year near the Gulf. Tropical storms are not uncommon. It should still be shirtsleeve temperatures then.

[Roebling3]

I've traveled a lot throughout the US, for 70+ years, on motorcycles, in cars and big trucks. The East coast from Florida to Washington, DC will
put you in the midst of early US history. The landscape is beautiful, year round. The food, lodgings and places to visit are outstanding, especially as you near Washington, DC. The museums in DC need to be seen, especially if there is little chance of visiting again. 
      I promise; The best you can do.  Good fortune,  R3~

[Cam3512]

I used to work in Brunswick GA. You can take US17 all the way from Jacksonville FL to Savannah. What I remember is some parts are scenic, some are just trees. Still more entertaining than I95. Much slower though. Be careful of alligators on the road on 17.

-AJ

I rode the V85  from NJ to Jacksonville, FL, and back last October.  Headed south on Cape May/Lewes Ferry then eastern shore of DE, MD and VA on Rt. 13.  Got on "Coastal" Rt 17 in NC and took that all the way to Florida.  17 somewhat hugs the coastline.  Lots of water, bridges, islands and beaches.  Easy enough to detour and visit Charleston, Savannah, etc.  Try to avoid Rt. 95 unless absolutely necessary.  Traffic around the Wash DC area can really suck. 

[SmithSwede]

East Coast for sure. 

Keep us posted.  If you do make it to Houston maybe some of us can link up with you.   Same for Georgia coast—I’ll likely be in Georgia in your time frame. 

But I must admit, I’m a fake Swede.   Just part of my screen name. 

[Rochey42]

I love the Tidewater area, and there are some beautiful rides around Williamsburg, but if you have the time and can head west and take the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive through Virginia, you will not regret it.