Melbourne to VB - A1A??

[scootert]

DH and I are flying into Melbourne this time for our VB trip... Would we be better off going to the interstate to get to VB? How is A1A?? We'll be arriving around 4 p.m. and would like to take the most sane route. Thanks for your help.

 

[PamOKW]

A1A probably isn't the fastest but it will be the most scenic.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

we took A1A from the resort to 95 in Melbourne, and then out to MCO. A1A was incredible!!! Some sections, the river looks like wide open ocean!!! If time isn't an issue, I would take it!

 

[scootert]

Thanks so much - sounds like it would be a lovely drive. Do you remember how long it took you to get from the resort to Melbourne?

 

[floridafam]

I would also do A1A. It's a beautiful drive.

 

[thegoods]

We picked up friends at the airport a few years ago. Figure about a 25 minute drive. We used Route 1 to get to the airport and then A1A back. A1A was a less stressful drive but we got to know the area better by taking each route.

 

[scootert]

This sounds great -- thanks everyone!!

 

[Tigger1]

Now I am tempted to take A1A. Can you see the ocean? Are there alot of stop lights?

We are also considering taking the turnpike from Orlando. Is it faster than going East then heading South on the interstate?

Thanks Tigger

 

[PamOKW]

Yes you can see the ocean along parts of A1A. I don't recall a lot of stop lights -- certainly fewer than you'd find on Route 1.

Taking the Turnpike down to Vero isn't bad -- especiallly if you are starting from WDW (instead of the airport). The only hitch is the State Road 60 that takes you across from the Turnpike into Vero. This is a heavily traveled, two-lane road through desolate ranchland with ditches on either side until you get very close to Vero. You do encounter trucks and, I imagine, could also meet farm equipment. On a nice clear day it is an excellent option. At night, or in a terrible thunderstorm, I'd think twice. State Road 60 is also where the big mall, the outlet center, and other shopping centers are located. You'll also need to get directions to the resort coming back up from the south. Basically, you just find your way over to the coast, A1A and head on up to the resort (which is really in Wabasso rather than Vero proper).

 

[anniet]

Took A1A and stayed in places from Cocoa Beach to Delray Beach in 2002,the week before we ended up purchasing DVC- stayed in a lot of really neat places recommended by Budget Travel Magazine. As you go even further south a lot of places make you feel like you've gone back in time....then you hit Lauderdale which is where we turned around.

A1A is awesome- a definite must do!

 

[Desperado]

The A1A stretch from Vero to Melbourne is very nice, great scenery, beautiful houses. The stretch form Melbourne to Cocoa gets pretty crowded with too many lights for us. We like taking A1A toward home and then catch I95 at Melbourne. Going all the way up to Cocoa takes too long, but you do end up going by the Disney ships if they are in. Enjoy.