Road Trip Adventures from Bloomington to Saint Augustine
Are you itching for a road trip full of adventure and scenic views? Traveling from Bloomington, Illinois to Saint Augustine, Florida could be the perfect option for you! This route offers a variety of routes, distances, and attractions to suit all types of travelers.
Route 1: The Fastest Route
For those looking for the most direct route, take Interstate 55 South to Memphis, Tennessee, then switch to I-40 East until Nashville, Tennessee. From Nashville, take I-24 South to Chattanooga, Tennessee, before switching to I-75 South to Atlanta, Georgia. Once in Atlanta, take I-475 South and exit to I-75 South to Ocala, Florida. From here, join I-95 South to St. Augustine.
This route covers a total distance of approximately 1,090 miles and can take up to 17 hours of driving time. While this route may be the fastest, it doesn't offer many attractions or scenic views along the way. However, it is perfect for those who want to get to their destination quickly or want to avoid the traffic in larger cities.
Route 2: The Scenic Route
If you're more interested in scenery and attractions than speed, take the scenic route. Head south from Bloomington to Springfield, Illinois, then jump on to Route 66. This iconic road will take you through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, where you'll encounter breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and plenty of vintage roadside attractions.
Once you reach Kingman, Arizona, head south on I-40 through Flagstaff before heading south on I-17 to Phoenix. From there, continue on I-10 East to Tucson, Arizona, and then on to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Once you're in New Mexico, take US-70 East to Ruidoso, New Mexico, to see the stunning sand dunes at White Sands National Park.
Continuing on US-70 East, you will pass through Texas before entering Louisiana and Mississippi and exit to Florida on I-95 South to St. Augustine. This route covers approximately 2,500 miles, so take time and enjoy the ride.
Route 3: The Coastal Way
If you prefer beach views or coastal views over mountains and desert landscapes, take Route 1 through the east coast of the United States. Head out of Bloomington on Route 39 South and connect with Route 51 South until you reach Oxford, Mississippi. From there, take Route 6 East, and then Route 45 South before reconnecting with Route 6 East again.
Once you cross into Alabama, join Route 98 South, passing through Florida's panhandle and all the way down to St. Augustine. This route spans about 1,145 miles, covering beaches, small towns, Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, and Gulf Coast scenery.
Recommendations
No matter which route you choose, make sure to take time to take in the sights. There are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. For example, Route 66 offers unique roadside attractions like the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, Missouri, the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.
In Florida, visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine to learn about the city's rich history. You can also enjoy a day on the beach or explore the Alligator Farm Zoological Park with over 20 species of crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles.
Regardless of which route you choose, this road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to St. Augustine, Florida is an excellent opportunity for an adventure-filled road trip. So pack up your car and hit the open road!