Driving through Florida..From DFW Which way?

[THEPILL]

I'm leaving from Dallas, Texas area to the Keys Next week. I'm running into a couple of options.

When I get to Florida:

1. Is to take I-10 to I-75. Longer glades Route. Quite a bit Farther but less money on tolls I believe. Like 30.00 cheaper.

2. Is to take I-10 to I-95 Shorter but traffic and higher tolls. I lived in West palm for about three months a couple years ago and would drive daily to homestead from west Palm. Traffic was horrendous and drivers in and around Miami are awful.

So there is my delimma. Navigation and google maps say to take 95 <high traffic> but they don't know that I'm pulling an airstream.

I would alos like to know how much quicker would Miami route<95> be over the everglades route<75> In real time. <ie. traffic,toll booths,current construction...etc.

Thanks, this is a rather large trip for my son and I and I would really appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Shane

[sempi2]

Guess you decided to take the trip after all.

[vswingfield]

Hi Shane,

Has your son been through Alligator Alley? It's worth seeing in its own right.

For me, there would be no debate. Through the everglades beats heavy traffic every time.

[AirHeadsRus]

I would take I-75 all the way. It is about the same time as the turnpike when you are pulling an Airstream. If you can, I know your son would enjoy a float down the Ichetucknee River just out side of Gainesville FL. Nice place to camp and you can see a real Florida river. Just google Ichetucknee and see what I mean.
Have a great time,
Joe

[Kevin245]

Hey Shane,

We avoid I-95 when possible and take the Western edge route if schedules permit. I usually stop at H&R Trains in Pinellas Park to satisfy that "Kid in me" urge. Then grab some fine Cuban coffee, pork sandwiches, and fish enchiladas before heading South. We use to spot plenty of Alligators along the Alley which is something we don't get to do around here.

Which ever way you go just be sure to enjoy the trip as well as the destination.

Ohh...And don't forget to bring us back some conch chowder and key lime pie!

Kevin

[richinny]

you don't like miami drivers? many are from ny and that might explain it!

florida has added to the sunpass system. if you use it (no longer going to be manned tolls in many places soon) read up at this site: Welcome to SunPass.com

this site might be worth a quick look too :
Official Website Florida Highway Patrol

in April there were a few projects starting along S. Dixie Highway between south miami and homestead.

you might already know about Miami-Dade County - Park & Recreation - Larry and Penny Thompson Park if you need a place to stop in s. miami. there is a cracker barrel in homestead. i'd pass on staying at walmart in florida city.

[THEPILL]

WOW!! Thanks for all the replies. If you were to include traffic on the 95 side. Going the 75 route, whould this add hours to the trip? Just wanna grasp the "detour".

Shane

[RickDavis]

I too would take 75 and alligator alley, or as an alternative rt 41 is interesting through the glades. Although only 2 lane it is still pretty fast.

I prefer to avoid I 95 and also the FL. Turnpike which gets pretty expensive with a trailer

[richinny]

time of day is a big factor. driving through miami at rush hour is not a happy time. most of my neighbors take 75 to miami. i've used 95 because i follow the coast. from a quick check with google maps, there is very little time difference.