Places to see off I-95

[budda919]

Hey all,

Next week we're departing from Washington DC to come see the mouse. While I've made this drive at least a dozen times in my life, my focus has always been the destination. Now, however, I have two kids (4 and 2) and would like to stop a few times on the way down. Anyone have any suggestions for things to see, places to eat, weird attractions, or good places to rest that aren't too far from I95?

Welcome to any and all suggestions.

~budda919

 

[wrongagain]

South of the border
Rv, camping, amusement, gift shops, some of everything, etc.
Just look for the 13 billion billboards on the way down.
Or look for the 100 foot tall Mexican sombrero.
http://www.thesouthoftheborder.com/

 

[CCIntrigue]

I was gonna suggest South of the Border, too. Really cheesy, certainly qualifies as a wierd attraction, but the kids will love it.

Savannah and Charleston are great places to spend some time. Not far off I95. Hilton Head is a great stopover, but further off the highway (about 20 miles) down a toll road. St. Augustine is also a great place to spend time. Lots to see and do there.

 

[disney4dan]

If you are taking an RV down, we really enjoyed a couple of nights on the shore at Hunting Island State Park in 2008. Fantastic beaches and great campground. About half an hour from Rte 95, but nice scenic area. Drove by Parris Island on the way.

Used to go to St. Augustine on road trips to Florida as a kid, really enjoyed the place.

 

[retired and happy]

I just talked to my brother who was on I-95 last evening. he said he saw lots of traffic problems. Sounds like our trip up I-75 yesterday. But at least it's something to see.

 

[mumto2]

We live in SC, so St. Augustine is a great place for us to spend the night on the way to the mouse - it's about 2 hours or so from WDW, so we try to get there in the late afternoon. If it's nice, we go to the beach. The city itself is also great for walking around and burning off some energy. The Fountain of Youth is hokey, but still neat. The Castillo is really cool - but be warned, the reenactments that involve Spanish colonial soldiers firing cannons is VERY loud. We typically get up the next morning, have breakfast, go to the Character Premier outlet just off I-95 in St. Augustine for some early souvenier shopping (GREAT deals to be had if you hit it right), and get to WDW in time for a counter service lunch.

Have a great trip!

 

[SCCamper]

If you are taking an RV down, we really enjoyed a couple of nights on the shore at Hunting Island State Park in 2008. Fantastic beaches and great campground. About half an hour from Rte 95, but nice scenic area. Drove by Parris Island on the way.

I'm sorry to be correcting you, but I didn't want the OP to think that Hunting Is. was that close to I-95. Expect at least a good hour, if not more, depending on traffic if you want to visit. I've lived in the area all my life.

 

[budda919]

Thanks everyone. Great ideas.

I actually have been to Hunting Island and thought it was fabulous !! I was really surprised at how far it was though, since it looked so close on the map. I think the small towns, single lane roads, and that skinny bridge had me cruising slow. I would return again though, just hopefully during the turtle hatching season.

St Augustine sounds good too. South of the Border will be on the list, but I'll probably sleep while the wife and kids explore the stores.

~budda919

 

[ob1quixote]

I'm sorry to be correcting you, but I didn't want the OP to think that Hunting Is. was that close to I-95. Expect at least a good hour, if not more, depending on traffic if you want to visit. I've lived in the area all my life.

Yup!

And get site 128 for the ultimate in privacy in a campground! Well worth the stop to spend a day or two of low key relaxation.

I guess the secret is out! Used to be you could roll in there almost at will and get a site, reservations are pretty much a must now.

 

[armdave]

we've used this book a few times and it's very helpful and pretty accurate

http://www.drivei95.com/