I'm lost. What's the best way to get to Destin coming out of Atlanta? Dropping down to I-10 looks right, then taking a state road. Is there some secret I don't know about?!

Check this on a detailed map
I-85 to Montgomery, I-65 (toward Mobile) to Georgianna,AL
Left on AL-55 toward Andulusia, right on 29 toward Brewton,AL
Left on AL 137, becomes FL 189 (old logging road, stright south)
Left on US-90, RT on FL 85 toward Niceville (you can also take shortcut just after cement bridge to right and skip Crestview, but that's real insider stuff)
Left on FL-20 to Mid Bay Bridge Road/Drive (cross beautiful bay)
Right at light into Destin

Wow! An answer like that deserves a TripSmarter.Com t-shirt!

Thanks eodws, that's just the kind of helpful posts we like... the 'insider stuff' on the concrete bridge was PERFECT local info!

Send me an email, at dean@tripsmarter.com, and we'll send that shirt your way... now, the mail's been a bit slow (understandably), but we'll get it to you!

I am in awe of your directions! Are you familiar with the "Troy Cutoff?"

If you're going to Destin or PC from Atlanta, you can take the 'Waugh" exit - to the left off the ramp, then right on the access road along the interstate. Left at the top of the hill on Pike Road. Slow down and enjoy the view on that trek.... through upscale horse farms and historic crossroads. Wonderful during foaling season... all the colts bounding around in the high grass... OK... I digress... take a dog leg at Hwy 82 and go south on 231.... in Troy, take a right on 167 to Enterprise, then take the bypass South; take a left on 79... take it to Hwy 98. You're in Panama City.

Whew! That was hard. Beautiful road, though.

Thanks everyone! We decided to give eodws's route a try. It went very well, and seemed pretty quick. My wife liked stopping at the roadside stands.

Next time I think we'll try Toni's suggestion just for the view. Thanks everyone.

good call eodws. i used to come that way from school. watch for cops near niceville/crestview. otherwise its clear and you can make serious time.

Anyone have advice on the best route to Destin from the west? We usually just follow I10 to Pensacaola and then go onto 98 to Destin. Is there a quicker way?

Hello again txangel! Nope, that's just about your best bet from the west. There are alternate routes you can take, but I don't think any of them are quicker, unless there's a whole mess of traffic on 98 out of Pensacola.

Just remember to use I-110 through Pensacola instead of getting on one of the intown streets. They're a nightmare!