Just really experiencing brain freeze about where to head...

We're a family of 3, DH & I are young 40 somethings, traveling w/ 15 year old son... we have 16 days max. and are open to one place or multiple destinations. We love beaches, and National Parks, but are open to anything interesting.

We love exploring... this will be a road trip from Chicago.

Typically we fly off to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bahamas etc., but we are limiting this trip to the highway.

We've already enjoyed "via road trip", Hilton Head, the Outer Banks, Smoky Mtn. Nat'l Park, Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park, most of Wisconsin & UP Michigan.

We prefer beachy areas and would enjoy to head somewhere warm, as this time of year in northern IL is "the pits".

I tried to pull up an old thread I recall as being "does this place really exist?", but couldn't find it.

Any ideas?? Many mahalos!

Drive interstate until you get to I-95 and head south. At Jacksonville/St. Augustine get off I-95 and take your time driving AIA (oceanfront) to Miami. After Miami, head US1 down through the Florida Keys.

St. Augustine, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast, Manalapan, Melbourne, Sebastian, Hobe Sound, Palm Beach, Boca, Ft. Lauderdale, LBTS, Hollywood, and Miami are all wonderful places.

The drive down Florida's East Coast is really stunning when you can take your time. You will be surprised at how much of Florida's coast is unspoiled, undeveloped, and beautiful.

Pawley's Island, Charleston, Savannah, Amelia Island, and St. Augustine. Nice mix of history and beaches, and beautiful scenery.

GoTravel,

Sounds great... we generally fly down to Tampa and "plop" down at St. Pete's Beach, Longboat Key, or Siesta Key... but the east coast has eluded us... or rather we have eluded it... for no specific reason.

Honestly, that was one of my first thoughts, but my only objection would be the major "spring break" crowds in the many towns along that route.

Where would be some FLA destinations that escape the high school & college parties during that time??

OK,

Also considering Grand Canyon options... can visit friends in AZ, too... although not necessary. I know there is much to see & do in this area.

Lodging suggestions... itinerary ideas??

Anyone?

I'm looking for destinations avoiding spring break crowds...

The Grand Canyon will not be warm, although Las Vegas should be pleasant in the day time.

makai1, here's another suggestion. Drive first to Memphis and spend a day. It looks to be about 450 miles or so. There is not a lot to do but you could go to Beale Street, and be sure to include a drive across the Mississippi River as it is beautiful there. Post again on fodors for information about Memphis and see what you get. Graceland seems royally bashed on Fodors but that's an option. And I think there are some blues and rock n' roll museums as well.

After a day of visiting Memphis, drive to New Orleans. You can easily spend a few days there. It looks to be at least a few hrs. drive. Browse this board for ideas.

From there, head to Seaside (6 hr. drive). This is a beautiful area that is way too pricey for spring-breakers. Don't go to Panama City unless you feel a need to let the 15-year-old say he did.

Then you can head to St. Pete -- not Clearwater -- it's a 7 hr. drive. In St. Pete Beach (the Alden) or to Treasure Island (Best Western Sea Castle) or to Sunset Beach (get a cottage rental at VRBO.com). There will be high-schoolers but the beach is wide (especially at TI) and you will not feel beseiged upon.

Thems' my suggestions, which I could expound upon if you decide to go that route.

TG, this sounds fun.

BTW, the Alden is where we always stay on St. Pete's Beach... love the place... also love the shelling on this beach. We have friends that like the Bonaire, but I like the gulf front rooms at the Alden.

Your Memphis and NO suggests are two I havent considered... very interesting. I'll have to do some research.

Panama City is out... but what is Seaside like? We haven't spent any time up in the panhandle. Curious now.

Panama City is touristytacky.
Seaside and Destin are lovely, upscale areas. A great variety of shopping, restaurants, lodging options.

Check out the video "The Truman Show" with Jim Carrey. Parts were filmed in Seaside.

I was fascinated with Seaside when it first was being built. There was a large tract of land that someone left to his kids -- they built a prototypical beach community of olde, using Andres Duany architects in Miami (Architectonica) as planners. Many significant architects then built their own prototypical beachhouses, which have been mimic-ed throughout in other places that have sprung up (Rosemary, for one). The planners idea was to maximize the use of the beach by all residents by allowing everyone access to the beach, and to have a self-contained community. There is a pool, post office, shops. And they discourage cars driving through the neighborhood so lots of folks are biking, walking, roller-blading. The best thing to do is to rent a house there. The community has some they rent themselves but you should investigate as I'm sure there are other rental companies. I don't think there are any hotels but there are some 1-2 bedroom units that would work for a family of three. Seaside is on the pricey side generally.

Destin is nice, although it's a little too condo-saturated for my taste. But the beach is beautiful and the city is nicely landscaped.

no spring break crowds in ft lauderdale, miami and key west. ft lauderdale chased them away, south beach is too expensive and does not want them, key west is allergic to them..too expensive.