BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello everyone:

I'll be driving from Los Angeles to Key West, Florida in September. Any ideas on what to see, what routs to take, where to stop? Thanks

James

I drove to Tampa a few years back with my friend and her cat. I think the Southern route is the fastest. It just depends on how much time you have you can do a lot or just go through. We went to this Cactus national park right outside of Tucson, hung out in San Antonio for a day (riverwalk and Alamo which were kinda cheesy but something to do) went to a concert in Houston, and partied a lot in New Orleans. I'm not sure the condition of New Orleans now but I'd definitely recommend it-the French Quarter. Mint Juleps are sold everywhere there which was kinda a novelty for me. If you go this route just be prepared driving forever in Texas. You might also want to stop at one of those Cracker Barrel restaurants. We never did but there were many along the way.

I don't know much about anything, but I just got back from New Orleans and IT IS AWWWWSOME. You must go and get drunk and eat at Mother's. Mmmm.

We drove along the Redneck Riviera to Mobile, and, seriously, there was a Waffle House every 5 blocks. Regretably we did not stop at one (who eats waffles at the beach?), so if you do, tell me what we missed.

quote:

I'll be driving from Los Angeles to Key West, Florida in September.

How much time will you have? What kinds of sights are interesting to you?

With information such as that, we can give you the most useful advice.

Stay at Riverbend Hostel in Truth or Consequences, NM. (Hot springs!)

Hi!

I drove to Key West, Florida from Phoenix, AZ once, but been driving to New Orleans and Florida and up north many times.

IF you are looking at 2 weeks worth of driving... let me list here

1) IF you are taking rural roads instead of highways, try take 380 East through New Mexico, you will see two important sites, The site where Smokey the Bear was found and Roswell, the famous site of the UFO landing. They are not thrilled to see..

2) A MUST-SEE Carlsbad Caverns National Park, not far from Guadalupe Mt. National Park. Guadalupe Mt. is the highest peak in Texas, but Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-see!

3) Take a short break in El Paso. If you are tempting, you can go to the US/Mexico Border.. great markets in Ciudad Juarez. Parking would be around $3 to $5 and walk across the border on the bridge.

Notice: The trip between El Paso and San Antonio is VERY boring and VERY long! Expect 12 hours of trip.

4) Riverwalk in San Antonio is MUST-SEE!! great bars, Hard Rock Cafe, 1950s 60s and 70's dance floors building, and if you arrive early, you can hop on boat around the city

Houston is bit boring but I haven't cruising around except just passing through.

5) New Orleans is a must-see. A lot of houses are not demolited yet, a lot of vacant lots, but Bourbon St area is must see! Grab a beer and keep eyes on girls!

6)Go east on I-10, if you like to take a look around at one of retired warship, USS Alabama is easily to be seen from I-10

7) There is a casino, called Silver Slipper Casino in southern Mississippi, have a promotion that you can get free all you can eat meals and $25 to play the slot. The website address is www.silverslipper-ms.com

8) Biolxi Beach is a must-see too! Be sure to drive slow, and you will see some great plantations, but not sure if they are still there after Katrina's wrath.

9)Panama City Beach, Florida should be great place to see, if you want to go to Disney World, you should.. Epcot Center is the best, Animal Kingdom is also great! You must stop at Tampa Bay and Ybor City, before going south to Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale before heading to Key West.

When you are returning, you should go to Daytona Beach before going back west on I-10 all the way to California.. that will make you the complete traveler of I-10.

Hope this help =)

Allan