I have a question, after reading some of your posts from the locals. When we come down for a visit on June 30 (Monday) from Gulfport, Ms. my brother wanted to take the scenic route all the way (which would be 30A or 98?) instead of taking the highway and then cutting down to Grayton Beach State Park, but I'm thinking after what I am hearing from ya'll that traffic would be awful! Any advice?
-
Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
-
Hello all! We will be performing a website & forum update soon. You may get logged out so now is the time to make sure your email address in your account is correct - go to your account to check it and update it now. Send us a message with your username and/or email address if you need help.
traffic advice anyone???
- Thread starter texasgirl
- Start date
Smiling JOe
SoWal Expert
I-10 to 331 South to SoWal, unless you think of traffic as being scenic.
ckhagen
Beach Fanatic
Yeah, honestly you don't see a whole lot on the way (taking 98 from p'cola through FWB and Destin)... with the exception of Okaloosa Island and crossing the Destin bridge, there's not much scenic about it.
ASH
Beach Fanatic
Taking 98 from Pensacola will allow you to follow the gulf. Depending on the time of day, traffic can be very heavy. (Mornings from Gulf Breeze East to Hurlburt Air Force Base as an example)
You will see lots of homes right on the water as you drive. 98 is not built as a scenic route, so you will see small business after small business along the way, which can be convenient if you like to shop a bit. If you can kick back and not be in a hurry to get over here, the drive can be very nice.
Once you do see the signs for 30-A just East of Destin, get on 30-A because then it all changes and it does become a scenic route. You will need to drive slower and pay attention as the tourists are thick and some of them still think they are the only person on the whole planet on 30-A and will readily walk right out in front of you.
Enjoy the area and please keep the beaches clean and bury any holes the little ones dig as turtles are nesting as we type.
You will see lots of homes right on the water as you drive. 98 is not built as a scenic route, so you will see small business after small business along the way, which can be convenient if you like to shop a bit. If you can kick back and not be in a hurry to get over here, the drive can be very nice.
Once you do see the signs for 30-A just East of Destin, get on 30-A because then it all changes and it does become a scenic route. You will need to drive slower and pay attention as the tourists are thick and some of them still think they are the only person on the whole planet on 30-A and will readily walk right out in front of you.
Enjoy the area and please keep the beaches clean and bury any holes the little ones dig as turtles are nesting as we type.
beachmouse
Beach Fanatic
The really scenic route between Pensacola and Ft. Walton Beach involves taking the toll bridge to SR 399 across Santa Rosa Island between about Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach and Navarre/Navarre Beach. Unfortunately, that road was severely damaged from Ivan and Dennis and they're still working on rebuilding it.
God willing and the surf not rising again, they're saying that they'll finally have the road reopened to two way traffic once more some time in the fall.
God willing and the surf not rising again, they're saying that they'll finally have the road reopened to two way traffic once more some time in the fall.
JB
Beach Fanatic
Yeah, honestly you don't see a whole lot on the way (taking 98 from p'cola through FWB and Destin)... with the exception of Okaloosa Island and crossing the Destin bridge, there's not much scenic about it.
It was scenic 30 years ago. Not anymore. SJ is right. Take the interstate.
TreeFrog
Beach Fanatic
Agreed. I drive 98 to Pensacola regularly and find it tedious. Can't imagine all the way to Gulfport.
I wouldn't even come down 85 to the Mid-Bay to drive all of 30A from the eastern end. That would entail all the Niceville and Destin congestion. Come down 331 as you drive in, then just putter down 30A one day while you're here.