Category Archives: Florida

Cocoa Beach Florida Visitors Guide

September 3, 2016 Travelammo

Cocoa beach, east of Orlando, is one of Florida’s original holiday destinations. A popular beach day for holiday makers visiting and staying at the theme parks in Orlando, Cocoa is within easy reach of International Drive and the Theme Parks and provides the legs with a little rest from walking many miles around Disney etc.

Miles of beautiful golden beaches, reliably warm waters in summer and plenty of space makes this the perfect beach for a family day out. Be your wish to make the most of laying in the sun, having a game of beach volleyball or even a refreshing swim in the ocean you will find plenty on offer. If your looking to buy lunch in the area and not bringing a picnic with you then there a plentiful small restaurants, snack bars and during the summer season concessions available on the beach.

Not being a large resort type beach you will find like many of Florida’s east coast beaches, the beach runs along the main road separated only by modestly sized hotels. Along the main strip you will find your usual selection of small shops, petrol stations and restaurants all be it most are a decent walk from one another. You will however find there are a little more grouped together at the main beach entrance where you will also find the world famous Ron Jon Surf Shop which is located one block further back on the A1A/N Atlantic Ave.

Cocoa beach lying just to the south of Merit Island, Home of the Kennedy Space complex and Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, forms part of Florida’s space coast and offer the perfect place to watch a rocket launch. See here for launch schedule.

Getting to the beach by car you wold usually arrive, if coming from more than 20 miles away, via the US Hwy 520 from the I95. The 520 will lead you all the way across the many causeways finally leading to US A1A/North Atlantic Avenue. Cross directly over to E Cocoa Beach Causeway and onto Ocean Beach Blvd.

Parking: Once on Ocean Beach Blvd you will find plenty of beach side parking lots both on meters and attended. Spaces are usually always to be found although the busier the day the further away from the pier in either direction you may have to travel.

Whats Nearby:

Titusville – 31 mins 22 miles.
Kennedy Space Center – 35 mins 25 miles.
Orlando – 1hr 65 Miles

Useful links to nearby Cocoa Beach attractions:

Other Articles that might be of interest:

Daytona

Daytona Beach Visitors Guide – Florida

August 30, 2016 Travelammo

Steeped with history the name Daytona Beach is know the world over. Probably most famous for its association with motor sports it is often considered one of the birth places of modern day American Motor racing.

Although most will know of the Daytona International Raceway and its long sandy beaches, Daytona Beach is actually a city in its own right. Located in the north east of Florida on I-95 the city area lies between the interstate highway and the inter-coastal waterway. The beaches of Daytona and Daytona Beach Shores are located further east accessed by crossing over the many inter-coastal bridges.

The History of motors sports runs deep within the city and originates from racing conducted along the miles of hard packed flat sands. Still to this day you can drive on the beach although this is now only for parking purposes. With the growing popularity of the motor racing taking place on the beach the Daytona International speedway was born and from then racing was conducted at the opal circuit. As it stands today the speedway is one of the most famous in the world, probably second only to the Indianapolis Speedway. The Oval circuit plays host to some of Americas largest annual racing events including the Daytona 500 NASCAR race and the Rolex 24hr Sports cars events.

The majority of visitors, unless attending a sporting event, are drawn to the city by the Beaches and the ease of access, warm waters and local attractions. Its these features that bring tourists in by the millions annually. The ability to park on the beach makes it one of Florida’s most accessible beaches and the freedom of having you car to hand for provisions is also a plus. It also means there is always somewhere to park and is quiet a novelty to be able to drive on the sands, something not possible most places.

Visit the Pier and dine at Joe’s Crab Shack

Central to the beach is a small Pier and Boardwalk which is home to a handful of amenities and restaurants including Joe’s Crab Shack and Pizza King along with several amusements and snack shops. North of the Boardwalk there are a selection of thrill rides including Ferris Wheel, Coasters and Bungee Slings.

As with most beaches in Florida, there are many areas on and around the sands which are home to delicate protected wildlife and plant life. Daytona is no exception to this and with the ability to drive on the beach please pay attention to the signs and avoid and protect areas which are marked, especially areas of nesting Turtles.

Helpful Tips:

Access to the beach parking is located regularly between the beach front hotels, look for the signs along the A1A.
All beach parking is South of the pier.

Outlet Shopping Daytona Beach:

Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach

Travelammo Related Articles:

Drive I-95 – The Route 66 Alternative Driving Holiday

Nearby Locations:

Orlando: 60 miles – 1hr 30m Drive time.
NASA Visitor Complex, Kennedy Space Center: 65 miles – 1hr 15m

Quick External Links:

Other articles of interest:

Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia

Guide to I-95 Rest Areas, Service Areas and Welcome Centers

November 22, 2015 Travelammo

I-95 is approximately 1850 miles in length and for anyone driving long sections of the Interstate might need to take a break, fill up with Gas or grab something to eat.

I-95 like many Interstates has a good selection of rest areas, Service areas and Welcome centers along the way at regular intervals and below we will try and highlight the majority both north to south and vice versa.

Rest Areas – These are commonly directly at the side of the interstate and include picnic areas and Toilets. Some also have BBQ pits available, sheltered seating areas, dog walking zones and vending facilities.

Service Areas – Often located at major junctions or in the center of the highway these commonly include Gas stations and restaurants like McDonald’s etc.

Welcome Centers – With similar facilities as rest areas these are slightly larger, located just after entering a state and include often staffed tourism offices.

Format: Mile Marker – RA = Rest Area, SA = Service Area

Remember : Mile Markers always start from the southern state border and start over in each state.

Rest Areas, Services and Welcome Centers travelling South:

Maine I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 237 – RA
- 176 – RA
- 117 – RA
- 102 – SA
- 83 – SA
- 58 – SA

Massachusetts I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 90 – Welcome Center
- 38 – SA
- 27 – RA
- 9 – RA

Connecticut I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 106 – Welcome Center
- 74 – RA
- 66 – SA
- 52 – SA
- 41 – SA
- 23 – SA
- 10 – SA

New Jersey I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 113 – SA
- 94 – SA
- 72 – SA
- 59 – SA
- 29 – SA
- 8 – SA
Delaware I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 5 – SA
Maryland I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 98 – SA
- 83 – SA
- 36 – RA
Virginia I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 155 – RA
- 132 – RA
- 108 – RA
North Carolina I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 181 – Welcome Center
- 142 – RA
- 99 – RA
- 48 – RA
South Carolina I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 195 – Welcome Center
- 172 – RA
- 139 – RA
- 99 – RA
- 47 – RA
- 17 – RA
Georgia I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 111 – Welcome Center
- 40 – RA
Florida I95 Rest Area Locations:
- 375 – Welcome Center
- 331 – RA
- 302 – RA
- 255 – RA
- 227 – RA
- 209 – RA
- 189 – RA
- 169 – RA
- 133 – RA
- 106 – RA

Rest Areas, Services and Welcome Centers on I95, South to North:

Florida I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 106 – RA
- 133 – RA
- 168 – RA
- 189 – RA
- 209 – RA
- 225 – RA
- 254 – RA
- 303 – RA
- 331 – RA
Georgia I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 1 – Welcome Center
South Carolina I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 5 – Welcome Center
- 17 – RA
- 47 – RA
- 99 – RA
- 139 – RA
- 172 – RA
North Carolina I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 5 – Welcome Center
- 48 – RA
- 99 – RA
- 142 – RA

Virginia I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 1 – Welcome Center
- 35 – RA
- 108 – RA
- 155 – RA
Maryland I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 36 – RA
- 83 – SA
- 98 – SA
Delaware I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 5 – SA
New Jersey I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 8 – SA
- 39 – SA
- 59 – SA
- 79 – SA
- 94 – SA
- 102 – SA
- 111 – SA
Connecticut I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 12 – SA
- 23 – SA
- 41 – SA
- 52 – SA
- 66 – SA
- 74 – RA
Rhode Island I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 8 – Welcome Center
Massachusetts I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 10 – Welcome Center
- 46 – SA
New Hampshire I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 1 – Welcome Center
Maine I95 Rest Areas Heading North:
- 3 – Welcome Center
- 25 – SA
- 59 – SA
- 98 – SA
- 102 – SA
- 141 – RA
- 176 – RA
- 237 – RA
- 245 – RA

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Florida, General, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, USA, Virginia, Washington DC

Take in the east coast of the USA – Drive I-95

November 21, 2015 Travelammo

When holiday makers dream of a road trip in america, route 66 is usually the first hing that comes to mind. Although of course this is one of the most famous tourist drives in the United States, holidays makers planning a trip to North America would be wise to consider the alternatives such as driving I-95.

Whilst there is nothing wrong with traveling the length of Route 66, it is certainly a worthwhile adventure, Interstate 95 has just as much to offer. What other road trip could honestly offer the beauty of the Maine’s green and lush countryside, Cities like New York and Washington DC, the southern states with their rich culture and of course the glorious sunshine state of Florida. Driving from north to south though several climate zones, temperatures will warm with everyday and the scenery will transform from green pastures, though dense pine forests on to the tropical surroundings and palms of the everglades and Florida Keys.

Our Favored direction would be north to south and to allow as many days as your trip allows to rest and relax in the warmth and sunshine of Florida before your long flight home, this is especially relevant if only driving the one way. Allowing a good few days in your final destination also gives flexibility should you find extra stop offs and places of interest along your drive, the need for an extra over night on route wont be a problem knowing you have flexible nights at the end of your stay.

What states does the I-95 take you through?

Beginning in Maine right on the border with Canada, I-95 continues on through the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and finally Florida.

The I-95, being a major trunk road for traffic heading north and south on the east coast of the United States, there is certainly no shortage of places to get your head down for the night. With many major cities dotted along the route accommodation options are plentiful form metropolitan hotels in the heart of the cities to easy and cheap motels alongside the Interstate.

Throughout the journey along I-95, like many interstates there is plenty of rest areas, virtually all of which are extremely well maintained and provide picnic areas, vending machines, toilets and tourist information services. On the border of each state you will find Welcome centers, we thoroughly recommend these as stop off points as they include all the rest area services along with usually manned tourist information offices packed with knowledgeable staff, Info leaflets and vouchers. Handy state maps are unusually on offer for free also.

Of course with any road trip a little planning is wise although not necessary, as long as you arrive at your final destination on time and you’ve packed plenty in then you will have for filled your goal. That is the great thing about driving a single interstate, you have your plan, its already printed on a map, the adventure is discovering whats along the way. Booking hotels is not even essential as almost all will accept walk ins, although costs will always be higher. We do however recommend that you choose the places you wish to spend some time in and make these you key objectives which will dictate your driving needs.

Route highlights:

Explore the historic Coast of Rhode Island.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
New York, New York.
Boston, Massachusetts.
Washington DC.
Savannah, Georgia.
Daytona Beach, Florida.
Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Miami, Florida.

If your looking to explore further afield from the interstate then there is even more on offer including Kill devil Hills and the Wright Brothers museum on the outer banks of north Carolina, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

Top Tips:

Plan your driving distance each day so you don’t spend endless hours on the road.
Get off the interstate and plan time for unexpected finds.
Do stop in all the Welcome centers and browse the information of offer.
Don`t rush and take in the view.
Mix your accommodation types, Plush hotels are great but nothing beats the ease of a Motel just of the route.
Personally we have found a long drive like this is more pleasurably in a large SUV rental, it affords the comfort and extra space that will make the journey much more comfortable when spending lengthy times in the car. Remember it will also be your daytime home.

Travelammo related guides and articles:

Visitors Guide to Washington DC.
I-95 Rest Areas and Welcome Centers.
Travelammo Guide to NASA Visitor Center Florida.
Guide to Daytona Beach.
Visitors Guide to Savannah.

Clearwater

Clearwater-Florida Travel Guide

November 12, 2015 Travelammo

Situated to the west of the Tampa Bay, Clearwater is a popular holiday destination for both international and national tourists.

Lined with coral sand beaches and beautiful state parks on the outer islands along its gulf coast, the area attracts millions of visitors looking for a relaxing break in the sun annually. Clearwater has far more to offer than just beaches, the area is renowned for its sporting activities both on and off the water, fishing, wildlife and fine dining.

For those looking for beaches though, there is no better location with the famous Clearwater Beach just over the memorial Bridge, the energetic Indian Rocks Beach to the south and the beautiful State parks of Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island.

If your looking for a gentle cruise and dinner on the water or maybe some deep see fishing the marina areas has lots of deals on offer. St Petersburg , south of Clearwater is also the location of the Tropicana Field Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team if your looking to watch a sporting event.

The area is also home to some of the area finest hotels and resorts in the Tampa bay area and is often a top destination for visitors to the city of Tampa being only a short drive over the Bay Bridges.

Top Local attractions and destinations:

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