Driving down to Miami from SC- looking for something new along the way

[Carolina Girl 99]

Hey all-

 

Sailing on Seaside in March and driving down to Miami from SC (Hilton Head/Savannah area). We usually drive the 500 miles in one day, arriving the day before embarkation and staying overnight in Miami. We are going on MSC Seaside this time and departure time is 7 PM vs the 4 PM time we're used to on NCL. Thinking of trying a new town/city along the way and doing most of the driving the day before, then doing the last 2-3 hours the day of departure. Any recommendations on fun places to visit that would put us south of Orlando/Daytona Beach?

[ShakerFamily]

I’m in the Cocoa area (near Port Canaveral), roughly 4.5/5 south of Savannah.

Our beach is amazing with great restaurants on the water (dolphin and turtle sightings).

There is also NASA with Kennedy Soace Center nearby.

The wildlife Refuge where you’re guaranteed to see dolphin, manatees and maybe shark, also he launch pads up closer.

Orlando is about 40 minutes to the west of us. There’s many theme parks!

 

Daytona is about 45 minutes north of us. It’s a big name with little to offer. We personally have zero interest in the city.

 

Feel free to ask any questions!

[Carolina Girl 99]

I’m in the Cocoa area (near Port Canaveral), roughly 4.5/5 south of Savannah.

Our beach is amazing with great restaurants on the water (dolphin and turtle sightings).

There is also NASA with Kennedy Soace Center nearby.

The wildlife Refuge where you’re guaranteed to see dolphin, manatees and maybe shark, also he launch pads up closer.

Orlando is about 40 minutes to the west of us. There’s many theme parks!

 

Daytona is about 45 minutes north of us. It’s a big name with little to offer. We personally have zero interest in the city.

 

Feel free to ask any questions!

 

Thanks ShakerFamily! Have been to that area a few times in the past and visited KSC twice. Any thoughts on Melbourne, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce/Port St Lucie area? Thinking that would put us in the 2 hour range for the remainder of the trip down to Miami. Depending on timing, might try to grab some beach time as well. Would love to go back to Ft. Lauderdale again, but heck, that is almost to Miami at that point

[BlueHerons]

I LOVE Singer Island! One of the best, most laid back places on the SE Coast of Florida. Sailfish Marina is a lot of fun for dinner and drinks and to just sit and watch the big boats go by.

[Carolina Girl 99]

I LOVE Singer Island! One of the best, most laid back places on the SE Coast of Florida. Sailfish Marina is a lot of fun for dinner and drinks and to just sit and watch the big boats go by.

 

Looks like GREAT place! Only found 3 listings for my dates that are actually on Singer Island and they're a little out of budget ($383 - $659/nt). Maybe someday when I'm doing a land vacation and didn't just pay for a cruise, too :')

 

We actually ended up booking an Airbnb in Sebastian, FL

[bessinfl]

At Sebastian, eat at Capt. Hiram’s, a seafood place where you sit outdoors over the river. They have a fun little bar and live music. It’s not remotely upscale but very entertaining.

 

 

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[ShakerFamily]

Thanks ShakerFamily! Have been to that area a few times in the past and visited KSC twice. Any thoughts on Melbourne, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce/Port St Lucie area? Thinking that would put us in the 2 hour range for the remainder of the trip down to Miami. Depending on timing, might try to grab some beach time as well. Would love to go back to Ft. Lauderdale again, but heck, that is almost to Miami at that point

 

 

 

Skip Melbourne/Palm Bag completely. Just traffic and residential shopping. The others are retirement areas. Vero has a large shopping outlets if you’re looking to do that.

 

Sebastian is good for their beach and fishing. Eat at Mulligans on the water (always dolphins around the restaurant).

 

OR Although closer to Miami, our short getaways are alwaysssss amazing at “Lauderdale by the Sea”!! Clear waters, an amazing reef to snorkel/dive! Awesome restaurants with nice small town night life! It’s so so beautiful there. We book the smaller cheap (under $59) thy have always been great and long the beach.

[BNBR]

South of Daytona, but not Orlando, you could consider downtown Sanford or even Mt. Dora if you don't mind cutting inland a bit. You would just hop on the turnpike in the morning straight to Miami.

[Carolina Girl 99]

At Sebastian, eat at Capt. Hiram’s, a seafood place where you sit outdoors over the river. They have a fun little bar and live music. It’s not remotely upscale but very entertaining.

 

 

Sebastian is good for their beach and fishing. Eat at Mulligans on the water (always dolphins around the restaurant). .

 

 

Thanks for the suggestions, either one looks like a great choice for dinner & drinks!