Road Trippin’ from Blaine, Minnesota to Jacksonville, Florida

Dreaming of sunshine, sandy beaches, and palm trees? Ready for a road trip to escape the winter cold? Well, pack up your car and hit the road because we’ve got you covered with the best routes to take and places to stop along the way to make the most out of your journey from Blaine, Minnesota to Jacksonville, Florida.

Route Options

Option 1: I-35 and I-24

This route takes you south on I-35 from Blaine, Minnesota to Nashville, Tennessee, where you’ll then switch to I-24 until you reach Chattanooga. From there, take I-75 to Atlanta, then switch to I-10 until you finally hit Jacksonville, Florida.

The total distance for this route is around 1,409 miles with an estimated travel time of about 20 hours.

Option 2: I-35 and I-55

If you want to hit up some notable sights on your road trip, this is the route for you. Take I-35 to St. Louis, Missouri, then make your way to Memphis, Tennessee via I-55. From Memphis, switch to I-40 East, head to Birmingham, Alabama, before finally making your way to Jacksonville via I-65 and I-75.

The total distance for this option is around 1,550 miles with an estimated travel time of about 23 hours.

Option 3: I-35 and I-65

This route takes you from I-35 to Birmingham, Alabama via I-65. From there, you’ll head southeast via I-75 all the way through Georgia to Jacksonville, Florida.

This route is the shortest among the three with a total distance of around 1,355 miles, but travel time still takes around 21 hours.

Recommended Stops

A road trip isn't complete without some fun stops along the way. Here are a few recommendations:

1) Drop by Nashville, Tennessee

Make a quick pit stop and stretch your legs at Nashville, Tennessee! Known for its music culture and hot chicken, Nashville has lots of attractions for tourists including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Zoo, and Belle Meade Plantation.

2) Visit the Gateway Arch

If you take the I-35 and I-55 route, stop by the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. Recognizable for its iconic structure, the arch offers an elevator ride and observation deck which showcases a scenic view of the Mississippi River.

3) See Sun Studios in Memphis

Take a short detour on the I-55 route to Memphis, Tennessee, and see Sun Studio — the historic recording studio where legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits!

4) Spend the day in Atlanta

Switch to I-75 and travel to Atlanta, Georgia, for popular attractions like the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the famous Centennial Olympic Park.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're an adventurer, music lover, or simply thirsting for sunshine and warmth, this road trip from Blaine, Minnesota to Jacksonville, Florida will not disappoint. With various routes to choose from and several fun pit stops, you'll have plenty of opportunities to make great memories on the road. Safe travels!