Roadtripping from Carbondale to Orlando: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you planning a road trip from Carbondale, Pennsylvania to Orlando, Florida? Perhaps you're moving to Florida, or maybe you want to explore what the Sunshine State has to offer. Whatever your reason for traveling, you're probably wondering how long it will take to get from Carbondale to Orlando. Well, wonder no more! In this guide, we'll break down the different routes you can take, the distance of each route, and the time it takes to drive. Plus, we'll give you some recommendations of fun places to stop along the way. So, buckle up and let's hit the road!
The Classic Route - I-95
The most popular route from Carbondale to Orlando is via I-95. This interstate highway stretches along the eastern coast of the United States and will take you through some major cities, including Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmond, and Jacksonville. The total distance of this route is approximately 1,070 miles, and it takes about 16-18 hours to drive non-stop. However, we recommend breaking up the trip into two or three days to make it more manageable.
This route is a great option if you want to see some of the iconic landmarks and attractions along the way. For example, you could stop in Baltimore to see the Inner Harbor or visit the National Mall in Washington D.C. If you're interested in history, Richmond has plenty of museums and historic sites, including the Virginia State Capitol and the American Civil War Museum. And if you're a foodie, you'll find no shortage of delicious seafood restaurants in Jacksonville.
The Scenic Route - Blue Ridge Parkway
If you have a bit more time and want to take a scenic route, we recommend driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 469-mile drive winds through the Appalachian Mountains and offers breathtaking views of forests, valleys, and peaks. The route begins in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and ends in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
To get to Orlando from Carbondale via the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll need to take I-81 South to I-77 South in Virginia. From there, take Exit 1A to merge onto I-77 South and continue on to US-321 South. Finally, take US-441 South to US-74 East, which will take you to Orlando. The total distance of this route is approximately 950 miles, and it takes about 19-21 hours to drive non-stop. However, we recommend taking your time and enjoying the scenic route over a few days.
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. You'll also pass by charming towns and villages, such as Boone and Asheville, where you can explore local shops and restaurants.
The Coastal Route - US-17
For a more leisurely drive along the coast, take US-17 from Carbondale to Orlando. This route runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean and will take you through charming coastal towns in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Along the way, you'll pass by historic landmarks, such as the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial in Wilmington, and beautiful beaches, such as Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.
To get to Orlando from Carbondale via US-17, take I-81 South to US-58 East in Virginia, and then take US-17 South all the way to Jacksonville, Florida. From there, take I-95 South to Orlando. The total distance of this route is approximately 1,200 miles, and it takes about 21-23 hours to drive non-stop. However, we recommend stopping along the way to enjoy the scenic coastal views and try some of the local seafood.
Must-See Spots Along the Way
No matter which route you take, there are plenty of fun and interesting places to stop along the way. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Savannah, Georgia
- Daytona Beach, Florida
- Kennedy Space Center, Florida
As you can see, there's no shortage of options when it comes to driving from Carbondale to Orlando. Whether you want to take the classic route, the scenic route, or the coastal route, there's something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab some snacks, and hit the road!