kathy

I am planning a late spring vacation for 8 days. I would like to visit St. Augustine for the History of this city. Also want some time in the Sarasota area. Siesta Key area. Is this feasible? Looks like a long drive from the 2 destinations. Also any hotel recommendations in St. Augustine. Thanks.

OO

What sort of a drive do you consider doable? Depending on your route and time of departure, this can easily be a 4+ hour trip, what with the congestion around Orlando.

Kathy

4 hours is fine. We crossed from Ft.Myers to FLL last year. I would suppose it would be about the same distance.

OO

Actually, St Augustine->Sarasota is about 100 miles further than FLL->Ft Myers. Also, you were able to take Alligator Alley over to Ft Myers, a relatively easy, uncongested drive, whereas I-4 through Orlando can be absolutely terrible. We've even had a drive, Tampa to Orlando, that took us 3 hours when it should take only 1. There were no wrecks, but it was a Saturday morning, heavy congestion coming into Orlando then anyway, and it was raining. My DH, a very laid back guy, cursed the entire 3 hours! LOL

To me it'd still be worth the trip because I love the beaches on this side of the state so much more than the east coast, but rain or shine, it's going to be a much harder drive than you had last year.

kathy

OH!!! Gotcha! Well Alligator alley went well although somewhat boring I must say. I think I may rethink this and just do Longport Key/Sarosota area. It looks like flying into Tampa is more cost effective. Last year we stayed a week. Time in Fll, Ft. Myers, took a ferry to Key west, had dinner in Sanibel/Captiva etc. But flew in and out of FLL. So it was back and forth on alligator alley. We had a busy week, but want to explore other areas this year. I think I will base myself on one coast or the other. Thanks OO.

X

Earlier this year we drove from Charlotte, NC to Sanibel, FL. On the way back from Sanibel we drove thru Orlando. Traffic was bad but was worse during rush hour. We stopped in St. Augustine on the way back and loved it. We too debated - just like you and even though it was a little exhausting I'd have to say that St. Augustine was worth it.

lovedStAug

Perhaps you could make another city your base and then drive into St. Augustine for the day. I was in Jacksonville and drove down to St. Aug and spent all day walking around the historic area and saw everything that the city is famous for. Afterwards, even had time to drive to the outlet stores outside the St. Aug city limits for some great shopping!

angela

We were in sarasota last march and combined it with Jekyll island and Savannah. sarasota was very historical but also rather touristy. We stayed at the Casa MOnica which is in the middle of town across from Flagler College. We loked the hotel very much and were given a great walk in rate. The hotel has a wonderful 1925 Ford (convertible) which you can book to take you to and from dinner. It was a nominal fee $5 and just for hotel guests. It made our stay! I loved the history of Savannah and Jekyll island where we stayed at the Jekyll Island Club. The room was disappointing but the plce was charming and interesting. very historical. Hope that helps.

A.M.

I think Angela got Sarasota and St. Augustine mixed up. The Casa Monica is in St. Augustine. It is a great hotel, but it is in town, not on the beach ... if that matters to you.
A.M.

kathy

Upon doing a search this Casa Monica Hotel looks wonderful. Is it? It is also the most expensive in St. Augustine. If definately looks worth the money. Only bad point is it is not on the beach. How are the beaches close by? The Beach hotels are quite resonable accorading to the ones on Expedia.

cedar

Yes the Casa is wonderful....it is in the heart of the historic district...you can walk everywhere....the intracoastal is only 2-3 blocks away with the famous Bridge of Lions....
A incredible beach not to miss is the state beach...St. Anastatia State Beach...no development, wonderful wide white sand beach...go at low tide...driving time from the Casa...5-10 mins.

joebob

there is no reason you can't do St. Augustine and Sarasota in an 8 day trip. Although, it can take 3 hours from Tampa to Orlando, generally it doesn't and I routinely have driven Tampa to Jax (farther than St. Aug) in 3.5 hours. Sarasota is another 50 miles from Tampa, whats the problem? If I-4 concerns you, take 75 north from tampa, to Gainesville then take 301 N to 16 E across over to the east coast it goes thru starke (watchout for the US's greatest speed trap) and straight into the St. Aug area. 75 N is usually barren and as I said I have done this trip several times in under 4 hours, add another hour (50 miles) from Sarasota and you are looking at about 5 hours.

xxx

While his directions may be good, his timing is not. Slow down!!!!

joan

I was thinking the same thing, x! Maybe joebob leaves from EAST Tampa? Joebob what kind of engine you got in that pickemup truck?....I would say 6+ hours drive. Kathy, you could stop on International Drive for lunch to connect the two. Be careful about beach hotels in St. augustine beach, though. Some of the northern ones have rock jettys which run north/south across the access to the water, making a beach walk out of the question. Stay downtown in St. Augustine, and get your beach on Longboat Key!

joebob

Although my pseudonym is joebob, I don't have a pickemup truck (whatever that is), if 70 mph is too fast for you, maybe you should move your walker's into the shoulder which seems to be more your speed you bunch of whiny bluehairs.

joebob

and when I give time estimates, I am speaking of NE tampa (tampa palms/USF area).

joebob

Joan what the hell are you talking about six hours. Florida is approx. 120 miles wide. That is 2 hours at 60 mph. It takes no more than 5 hours to go Tampa to MIami which is farther than Tampa to St. Aug.

It is approx. 2 hours from Tampa to Gainesville (I don't go over 70mph) another hour and a half to do the approx. 70 miles from Gainesville to St. Aug.

Maybe you need to charge the batteries in your geriatric scooter.

joan

You're right, joebob! I looked on mapblast, and it shows a distance of less than 250 miles...without traffic that would be less than 5 hours. I guess I'm thinking of the extra hour it would take me - all the way from Pinellas beaches, and the delays thru Orlando. Gotta go now, it's time for my hair appointment. Now where did I leave the keys to the Buick....

OliveOyl

Joan, you're a good sport!! I'm just back from my hair appt too...what's your poison, slate blue, royal? I go for midnight myself, matches the car. gt; Joebob, you pegged her all wrong....she who gets stopped going to Ice Palace er...St Pete Times Forum..concerts. LOL

Chuck

It's a horrendous drive! You're welcome to it - Anytime you have to cross Orlando you're in big trouble. we live in Ormond beach and know first hand about crossing the state - have friends in Sarasota.

An alternative suggestion? St. Augustine, Amelia Island, and Jeykel Island in Georgia.
This comes to you from somebody who does not like the West Coast. If you like bathtub water the West Coast is for you. But, if you want to experience real waves, you need to be on the East Coast!

Incidently, St. Augustine and Jacksonville have some good restaurants.