Road Trip! Bowie, Maryland to Jacksonville, Florida

If you're planning a road trip from Bowie, Maryland to Jacksonville, Florida, you're in for a treat! There are multiple routes to choose from, each offering its unique sights and attractions. The total distance between these two cities is around 770 miles, and the driving time ranges from 11 to 13 hours depending on the route you take. Let's explore the different options in detail.

Route 1: I-95 South

The most direct route to Jacksonville is to take I-95 South all the way. This road trip may not offer the most exciting scenery, but it's quick and efficient. The distance between Bowie and Jacksonville by I-95 is approximately 760 miles, and it takes around 11 to 12 hours of non-stop driving.

Along the way, you could stop at Richmond, Virginia, which is about 2.5 hours from Bowie. The historic area of Richmond has plenty to offer, including numerous museums and art galleries. Also, Colonial Williamsburg is about 3 hours away from Richmond, which could be a great place to stop if you're interested in history.

Route 2: I-85 South and I-95

A slightly more scenic route to Jacksonville is to take I-85 South instead of I-95. This route is longer, but it takes you through the famous Blue Ridge Mountains, which offer stunning views.

From Bowie, take I-95 South until you reach Richmond. From there, switch to I-85 South and continue until you reach Charlotte, North Carolina, which is 5 hours away. Charlotte is a vibrant city and a great place to stop for some Southern hospitality and barbecue.

From Charlotte, switch back to I-95 South to Jacksonville. The total distance covered on this route is approximately 840 miles, and it takes around 13 hours of non-stop driving.

Route 3: The Coastal Route

If you have a few extra days to spare and want to take a more scenic route, consider following the coastal route. This route offers stunning ocean views, charming beach towns, and beautiful stretches of forest.

From Bowie, take US-50 East, which turns into US-301 South, and follow it to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. From there, continue on US-17 South, which takes you along the coast through charming towns like Beaufort, Savannah, and St. Augustine.

The total distance covered on this route is approximately 985 miles, and it takes around 15 to 16 hours of non-stop driving. However, this route is perfect for a leisurely road trip, and there are plenty of attractions, beaches, and parks to explore along the way.

Recommendations for Stops

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of interesting places to stop along the way. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Richmond, Virginia: A historic city that offers plenty of culture, museums, and art galleries.
2. Colonial Williamsburg: An outdoor living museum that portrays life in the 18th century.
3. Charlotte, North Carolina: A vibrant city that is famous for its Southern hospitality and delicious barbecue.
4. Beaufort, South Carolina: A charming coastal town with beautiful antebellum homes.
5. Savannah, Georgia: A stunning historic city with cobblestone streets, parks, and art galleries.
6. St. Augustine, Florida: The oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement within the borders of the contiguous United States.

With so many routes to choose from and so many sights to see, the road trip from Bowie, Maryland to Jacksonville, Florida, is sure to be a memorable adventure. Pack your bags, grab your friends or family, and hit the road today!