Please help a tourist

kerri85

Hi ladies. I'm from Houston, but will be in FL next 2 weeks. Our plans involve a few days in Orlando, then drive to Ft Lauderdale. Since we are renting a convertible, I'm trying to talk DH into driving down the coast on Hwy 1. He's all for the idea, but is thinking it would take all day to get there (instead of 3 hrs on turnpike). What do you think? Are we going to run across lots of slow traffic?

TIA..

marsh127

I don't think it would take all day, but my inclination is to say it would take longer.  I haven't done US1 in that particular area, but I've done it between Daytona and Fernandina Beach.  That drive usually takes 1.5-2 hours on I-95, but it took us about 3 hours on US1. 

It will likely also depend on the time of day you're driving it.  If you have some extra time and aren't in a rush to get to Ft. Lauderdale I say go for it.  Otherwise, take the turnpike or I-95.  You can always drive along US1 in Ft Lauderdale beach area anyway.   

redwingsfan2727

There are a lot of stop lights and I think its only 45 mph. Some places I think its even 30mph so I would say yes, its going to take you longer to get down here from Orlando taking Hwy 1.

GL driving. 

MRSaphrodites

This is just mho, but I say take the turnpike or I-95. Florida really doesn't have a "scenic route" so it's not worth it. I say use that time you can be saving in actual Orlando/ Ft. Lauderdale, It will be much better spent. GL!

britishbride05

yeah, i agree with johanna..... us1 is not at all like driving up the coast of california.  It is boring, buildings, and you can't see the ocean at all.  However, if you were driving further north (like near st. augustine and cape canaveral) there are some really nice scenic routes.  But from Orlando to Ft. L... no, not at all.  sorry!