HWY 90 Perspective

[meanmom121]

We are thinking of returning from Florida to Texas on hwy 90 along the Gulf Coast. Any perspective on this? Do you reccommend it or advise against it?
Is there something interesting I might want to stop and do on the way home?
Just looking for a more scenic drive than I - 10

 

[specialkidsmom]

I would not advise it. There are tooooo many traffic lights and it would take you at least double time. Do some research and find some points of interest and try those, but I would stay to I-10.

 

[meanmom121]

Can you suggest any points of interest we might like to visit.? Or some spots where we can enjoy a nice view of the coastline?

 

[themousetrap]

As a resident of southern MS,

Well, when you go through MS and AL, there are still effects from the incredibly active hurricane seasons as of late. In fact, they just not too long ago opened up the bridges of Biloxi. There are a string of casinos along the MS Gulf Coast in Gulfport Biloxi (including a Hard Rock and Beau Rivage that are very nice).

If you're wanting to view beaches while you drive, you can ride I-10 eastbound then get on I-12 (unless you really want to go through New Orleans) at Baton Rouge. Then, at Slidell, you can hop on 90 to ride the coastline until you get to the MS/AL border, hop back on 10 until you get to Loxley, then get on 45 south to Foley/Gulf Shores, then you can ride the 182/292 to Pensacola. Then, you basically ride 98 across the entire Florida panhandle. We gave up on 98 after Panama City and made a beeline for the Interstate.

The beaches pretty much disappear once you get to Ochlockonee (sp?) Bay which is south of Tallahassee where you'd want to get back on the Interstate.

Since there's still considerable damage left from the hurricanes, don't expect much more than sand and water. Also, due to all the redlights and strictly-enforced speed limits, this will definitely add hours and hours of time to your drive.

 

[meanmom121]

Thanks some good advice. We were planning on trying to do this on the return trip when we wouldn't be in as much of a hurry as on the way there.
I mean honestly if we didn't get to Disney the absolute fastest route possible my children would never forgive us

 

[lanasboys]

Hi mousetrap. Nice to come across a fellow Mississippian on the DIS.

meanmom121: We live in north central MS, and we always like to take the trip out to the barrier islands (Ship Island in particular) when we get down to the coast. Also, in Biloxi (I think it's just in Biloxi, mousetrap might could fill in the gaps, being from southern MS, probably knows more about it), after Hurricane Katrina, some guy did some beautiful chain saw carvings out of the trunks of the big old oaks that used to grace the coastline. They are really interesting to see. The face of the coastline is definitely very different than it was before Katrina, but that in itself gives your kids an opportunity to see firsthand the absolute brute force of Mother Nature and the devastation it can leave behind. The first time we were on the coast after Katrina, I was in total shock. I had heard the stories and watched the news, but I was in no way prepared for the reality.

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

Also, in Biloxi (I think it's just in Biloxi, mousetrap might could fill in the gaps, being from southern MS, probably knows more about it), after Hurricane Katrina, some guy did some beautiful chain saw carvings out of the trunks of the big old oaks that used to grace the coastline. They are really interesting to see.

There is also one west of Hwy 49 in Gulfport, a couple of dolphins I believe. They are in the median along US 90. They are nice, but I had never seen anyone stop to look at them.

Two years ago, when I lived in Long Beach, we took this route on our return trip:

US27 from Ocala to Perry, then US98 from Perry to Pensacola, then I10 to MS, then got on US90.

It added about 3 hours overall, but was a nice, peaceful, and sometimes scenic, drive.

You could break the trip in half, and stop for the night in either Panama City or Destin. Lots to see and do there.

Lastly, Island View Casino on US90 just west of 49 has a really good buffet.

 

[aestapa]

Hi mousetrap. Nice to come across a fellow Mississippian on the DIS.

meanmom121: We live in north central MS, and we always like to take the trip out to the barrier islands (Ship Island in particular) when we get down to the coast. Also, in Biloxi (I think it's just in Biloxi, mousetrap might could fill in the gaps, being from southern MS, probably knows more about it), after Hurricane Katrina, some guy did some beautiful chain saw carvings out of the trunks of the big old oaks that used to grace the coastline. They are really interesting to see. The face of the coastline is definitely very different than it was before Katrina, but that in itself gives your kids an opportunity to see firsthand the absolute brute force of Mother Nature and the devastation it can leave behind. The first time we were on the coast after Katrina, I was in total shock. I had heard the stories and watched the news, but I was in no way prepared for the reality.

I LOVE those carvings! My mom is from Ocean Springs and my parents have a condo there now. We are headed down for July 4 and I can't wait to get back to our "second home". Seeing the coast after Katrina was truly devastating. The first time I saw it, I was there for my grandfathers funeral. So, I was especially aware of the sense of loss. Several of my family members lost their homes (including the first condo my parents had just finished decorating!).

And now...more on topic...what about Seaside? Will 90 run through there for hte OP? It is absolutely so beautiful!

 

[ToddyLu]

I agree with what the others have said. I would take Hwy 90 from the Hwy 57 exit off of I-10. It would be the 5th exit going west once you pass the AL state Line into MS. Go South on this Hwy about 2 mi., turn right and you will be on Hwy90. That will take you through Ocean Springs ( nice Walter Anderson Museaum there, can stop at the train Depot), Biloxi (casinos-great buffets) and Gulfport then Long Beach. You will then cross another bridge that will take you in to Bay St. Louis. Follow 90 around until you get to I-10 again. That is the most view of Beaches and view. The carvings are beautiful, but are not marked with a fence or signs so they are very easy to miss if you are not looking for them.

If you want to see historic homes in Mobile Get off I-10 at Gov't street (before the tunnel). Gov't will take you through some beautiful tree lined streets and then take you once again out to 1-10 about 8 miles down.

I would stay on 1-10 the rest of the way becasue there is not that much to see between Mobile and Ocean Springs. Have a wonderful trip and we hope you come back for a visit when you can stay longer in our pretty state.

And while I am here....we have a DIS MEET scheduled in Ocean Springs at 5p.m. on 7/11 at Doughboys on Washington Ave in Ocean SPrings. Everyone is invited to attend.

 

[themousetrap]

Whoops. I completely missed that you were doing this on the return trip!

 

[meanmom121]

Mousetrap,
That's okay I can figure out how to reverse it.

Those carvings sound awesome. I would love to have pics of those. As far as the devastation from Katrina. I don't think it would hurt any of us to appreciate what those people have suffered through. (I do have some first hand knowledge - not of Katrina - but my aunt suffered largely from Ike in Galveston.)

These last posts have kind of solidified my desire to drive the coast on our way home. I mean what is the point of driving if you don't get to see parts of the country you wouldn't normally have the chance to see. It's a great opportunity to explore.
:lo
The historic homes also sounds interesting.

And anyone one who knows how to locate those carvings more specifically let me know

What is housed at the museum? Museums are always good.
Any other exploration ideas out there.

I think this drive might be interesting and I'm getting excited about doing it now.

You Disboard guys are the best, ya know

 

[TxRabbit]

This was a great thread to read!

We are driving from TX too, and this has been very informative. Looking forward to hearing responses to meanmom's questions.

 

[meanmom121]

Hi TXRabbit, Where are you at in Texas.

I just looked up Gulfport/Biloxi online and there is alot of interesting things to see there.
That definitely will have to be a stop
besides the carvings, there is the Jefferson Davis home, a couple of good museums, lighthouse, train tour of biloxi, a nature center, Stennis space center, Fort Massachesetts.
All things we would enjoy. Sounds like we might have to lengthen trip home by at least a day to enjoy everything here.

Next question - Panama City, FL or coastline drive around there. - What's interesting to see there or anywhere else along the drive?

We'll be able to spend about 4 days driving home

 

[TxRabbit]

Hi TXRabbit, Where are you at in Texas.

We'll be able to spend about 4 days driving home

We are in Houston metro.

We don't have that much time for driving, but we are planning on two days driving both ways. I believe in stopping and stretching along the way, so I've been planning where we will stop on the outbound drive. But I haven't really put too much thought into the homebound drive yet.

 

[meanmom121]

well hopefully I'll get some exploration ideas on here

 

[TxRabbit]

Here's one thing that we are doing, which is closer to I-10.

http://www.tammanytrace.org/

Whether we pack our food, or do a Subway pickup or similar, we will hit one of the trailhead areas (thinking about the one with the Kids Konnection playground, which looks pretty fun, or the Abita Springs one with the museum, playground, and brewery), have a picnic meal and play and walk and stretch our legs there. It's the one big break planned for our longer travel day outbound.

 

[meanmom121]

Here's one thing that we are doing, which is closer to I-10.

http://www.tammanytrace.org/

Whether we pack our food, or do a Subway pickup or similar, we will hit one of the trailhead areas (thinking about the one with the Kids Konnection playground, which looks pretty fun, or the Abita Springs one with the museum, playground, and brewery), have a picnic meal and play and walk and stretch our legs there. It's the one big break planned for our longer travel day outbound.

OMG on 6 days til yall leave. I am so jealous

 

[TxRabbit]

OMG on 6 days til yall leave. I am so jealous

Actually, we leave on Friday...5 days! We don't arrive in WDW until Saturday though.

Have you driven before? This is our first time. DH and I haven't done a road trip in a while. I'm really looking forward to it actually.

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

minus 10 points on me for double posting...

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

Here's one thing that we are doing, which is closer to I-10.

http://www.tammanytrace.org/

The west end of Tammany Trace has all the goodies. This is the Covington/Mandeville area. The east end in Slidell is nothing but a paved path through the woods, no amenities.

besides the carvings, there is the Jefferson Davis home, a couple of good museums, lighthouse, train tour of biloxi, a nature center, Stennis space center, Fort Massachesetts.

Beauvoir had been damaged by Katrina, was restored, and just opened back up. It's open all year.

Stennis is nice. The tours are Wednesday through Saturday. You have to check into the visitor's center located in the MS exit 2 rest area. You will board a bus to Stennis. The Space Center does not allow unescorted visitors through the gate.

Next question - Panama City, FL or coastline drive around there. - What's interesting to see there or anywhere else along the drive?

Only the greatest beaches in the world.. Destin is especially beautiful, with lots of shopping.

You will then cross another bridge that will take you in to Bay St. Louis. Follow 90 around until you get to I-10 again. That is the most view of Beaches and view.

If you continue to follow 90 west of Waveland/Bay Saint Louis, you must not turn when 90 turns left about 4 mules from I10. Otherwise, you'll end up in New Orleans. To get to I10, continue straight when 90 becomes Hwy 607.