Orlando to Panama City Beach

[Dis_Dreamin]

Okay, so we have a dual trip planned for this summer. 10 days in WDW followed by some low-key beach time at Panama City Beach. My only problem, now, is what route to take to PCB. There are no direct routes there. I am looking for suggested easy/fast routes from anyone who may have done the same/similar trip in the past. I don't really care too much about sight seeing along the way as we'll be hitting Chef Mickey's first thing in the morning, and maybe take one last stroll through MK prior to hitting the road for the beach.

TIA

 

[pr surfer]

FL Turnpike North to I-75 North to I-10 West to US-231 Southbound is as direct as it'll get, and you'll be on 70mph highways for the most part (except for that last hour or so on 231). Should be about 6-7 hours total driving time.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

That IS the fastest route. The most scenic route is to take I-75 to Ocala, then US 27 & US 19 northwest to Perry and then US 98 west to Panama City & Panama City Beach. The route runs directly along the Gulf of Mexico beach for much of the drive and is gorgeous. Travel time is about an hour longer than via I-10, unless you stop to enjoy the views!

BobK/Orlando

 

[Dis_Dreamin]

Thanks for the suggestions and analysis. You've both confirmed my own research. I was hoping there was a route I hadn't thought about that may have been faster. I think we'll be taking the I-10 route for this trip...but may end up changing our plans around to dropping CM for the last day and moving it to an earlier day in our trip.

 

[disneybass]

If you dont already, you need to take the toll road 429 north to the Turnpike. It will save you some time. I agree there is no easy way to PCB. We do it often from WDW as we have a beach house there. 429n to tpk n to I75n to I10w to 231s to 98w to the most beautiful beaches around.

 

[Dis_Dreamin]

Yeah, I expect toll roads. We'll be hitting those tolls on the way into Disney as well. I love PCB, but haven't been in a long time. We've got a reservation for a condo in the Calypso Towers resort. Right across the street from Pier Park. Should be a good way to wind down after a 10 day whirlwind trip to Disney.

 

[disneybass]

Thats a beautiful condo right in the middle of all the action. You will enjoy the location right by the pier and across from Pier Park. Lots to do! Have fun!