Forum Discussion

texasjayco's avatar
texasjayco
Explorer
May 03, 2022

Florida experts - driving to Topsail

We'll be driving to Topsail SP in a couple weeks from the west.
Pulling a 36ft 5th wheel with a dually.

Google Maps says to exit I-10 on hwy 85 toward Niceville, then 293 down to 98 and left over to Topsail. Seems like that sends us through a (usually?) congested area.

Would it be better to stay on 10 to hwy 331, down to 98, then right to Topsail? Or is that just as congested?

Thanks for any suggestions!!

Mark
Roads and Routes
  • Martyn's avatar
    Martyn
    Nomad
    May 04, 2022
    BurbMan wrote:
    I would take the Google route, it is shorter mileage-wise but will probably take you longer. We like checking the local scenery on the way into the CG. I'm from NY, I don't mind towing the RV in heavy traffic or on narrow streets LOL. If you want the path of least resistance, go the other way.


    98 in and east of Destin has been under construction for at least the last 4 years. The traffic is awful - we don't go there to shop unless we absolutely have to!. Far better to go the other way and still good scenery.
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    May 03, 2022
    I would take the Google route, it is shorter mileage-wise but will probably take you longer. We like checking the local scenery on the way into the CG. I'm from NY, I don't mind towing the RV in heavy traffic or on narrow streets LOL. If you want the path of least resistance, go the other way.
  • texasjayco's avatar
    texasjayco
    Explorer
    May 03, 2022
    Martyn wrote:
    stay as far away as you can from Destin and Niceville.


    That's what I was thinking too!!

    Thanks so much guys!!

    Mark
  • Martyn's avatar
    Martyn
    Nomad
    May 03, 2022
    texasjayco wrote:


    Would it be better to stay on 10 to hwy 331, down to 98, then right to Topsail? Or is that just as congested?


    I would go this way - stay as far away as you can from Destin and Niceville. The bridge across 331 is free also, whereas the Mid Bay Bridge on 293 is a toll bridge.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    May 03, 2022
    texasjayco wrote:
    We'll be driving to Topsail SP in a couple weeks from the west.
    Pulling a 36ft 5th wheel with a dually.

    Google Maps says to exit I-10 on hwy 85 toward Niceville, then 293 down to 98 and left over to Topsail. Seems like that sends us through a (usually?) congested area.

    Would it be better to stay on 10 to hwy 331, down to 98, then right to Topsail? Or is that just as congested?

    Thanks for any suggestions!!

    Mark

    it's been a few years but we stay at Live Oak Landing RV just south of Freeport, FL. to get there we take I-10 then south on 331. As I recall 331 is 4-lane from I-10 all the way to 98. We drove thru Topsail a few times on our last trip and I don't recall 331 being terribly congested but 98 was a character builder. We've never been the other way so can't give you a comparison.

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