Travelling to Panama City Beach; needing route advice

[herkyvol]

Hey guys- I'm heading down to the west very end of PCB via Birmingham/Montgomery and I'm wondering if anyone knows the best way from Montgomery. My Magellan tells me I85 E to 231; Google tells me 331 all the way. Does anyone know how much of 331 is 4 lane over that stretch? Last time we came down through the ATL/Columbus/Phenix City and took 231 to Panama City and it was pure hell, so I'd like to avoid 231 if possible. My other thought was to stay on I65 until about Greenville or Georgiana and then cut across to 331.

Does anyone have any advice?
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[T-TownVol]

keep going to Destin

 

[dickens821]

keep going to Destin

would be my suggestion.
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[wounded mullet]

Depends on what kind of vacation he wants honestly. relaxation or debauchery?

 

[KLayneUT8]

debauchery screw relaxation

 

[Jasongivm6]

331 is mostly 2 lane and a bunch of turns. If you want to eat at the "It don't Matter" restraunt in Highland Home, AL, get off on Rosa Parks in Montgomery and hit 331. We always go down to Georgiana, though, because it's quicker, but we go to Destin, not PCB.

 

[banman360]

^^^ this is the fastest. plus u get to see the home of hank williams sr.

 

[JZVOL]

PCB has changed a great deal in the past couple of years. Most of the local dives are gone or are on the way out it is becoming more like Destin. Pier Park is incredible too.

 

[herkyvol]

Made it guys via Georgiana on 55 to 331. Very nice trip. 65 MPH much of the way and very little traffic. For all the dramatics on the weather channel for the last few days, we had about ten minutes of light rain and no wind to speak of. The weather here is beautiful.

Later- going to the beach. Family time for me. Thanks all the helpful info. I'll be on Carillion Beach sportin the Orange!
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[vol_in_ar]

331 and 231 are both 2 lanes

 

[volinbham]

331 and 231 are both 2 lanes

I believe 231 is 4 lane between Dothan and Troy and possibly parts on either end of these two towns.

 

[volinbham]

Made it guys via Georgiana on 55 to 331. Very nice trip. 65 MPH much of the way and very little traffic.
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You made the right choice. The best way to Destin (or PCB) is 65 on through Montgomery down to Georgiana - 106 (briefly) to 31 (briefly) to 55. 55 as you found is 4 lane divided highway with nothing on it and 65 mph limit all the way to Florala (except for Andalusia). From there, you can go 331 to PCB or 85 (I believe) for Destin.

 

[orange+white=heaven]

I always go thru Atlanta-Columbus-Dothan..

 

[banman360]

I always go thru Atlanta-Columbus-Dothan..

Unless your from Atlanta. this can be a horrible decision. Traffic is just awful

 

[orange+white=heaven]

Unless your from Atlanta. this can be a horrible decision. Traffic is just awful

285 has always been pretty tame when I get to it...

 

[volinbham]

I always go thru Atlanta-Columbus-Dothan..

Not sure which way is quicker. I was assuming people were planning to come through Bham.

One thing I like about the Alabama route is that I59 is generally desserted from Chatt - Bham.

 

[vollygirl]

Not sure which way is quicker. I was assuming people were planning to come through Bham.

One thing I like about the Alabama route is that I59 is generally desserted from Chatt - Bham.

Amen.

 

[JZVOL]

I always go thru Atlanta-Columbus-Dothan..

285 has always been pretty tame when I get to it...

That's the way to go. My dad owns a business down there and he's tested about ever which way over the last 10 years and that's the fastest route.

 

[orange+white=heaven]

Not sure which way is quicker. I was assuming people were planning to come through Bham.

One thing I like about the Alabama route is that I59 is generally desserted from Chatt - Bham.

I make it from scenic city in about 6.5/6.75 hours..

It'd be much faster if not for that damn beltway around Dothan...

 

[JZVOL]

I make it from scenic city in about 6.5/6.75 hours..

It'd be much faster if not for that damn beltway around Dothan...

Are you talking about Ross Clark Circle?

 

[orange+white=heaven]

Don't recall the name..

 

[volinbham]

I make it from scenic city in about 6.5/6.75 hours..

It'd be much faster if not for that damn beltway around Dothan...

Should be about the same either way then. I can make the run to Chatt in about 2 hrs and it takes a bit under 5 to get to Destin from the 'ham.

Bottomline, there ain't a direct shot.

 

[orange+white=heaven]

Should be about the same either way then. I can make the run to Chatt in about 2 hrs and it takes a bit under 5 to get to Destin from the 'ham.

Bottomline, there ain't a direct shot.

I have the same gripe about Memphis..

 

[vader]

Gulf Shores is not horrible. There is not as much to do as Destin, depending on what you had in mind.

 

[volinbham]

Gulf Shores is not horrible. There is not as much to do as Destin, depending on what you had in mind.

Haven't been - the main difference I've heard is that the water is clearer as you go East along the Emerald Coast.