Preferred driving route from points North to the villages
 

Need some advice for my parents driving down from Ohio. From Jacksonville and I-95 Google Maps sends you across Florida via I-10, to rt. 301, to I-75, to rt. 44. (We are south of CR 466A) Mom likes AAA and got their trip-tik, which is sending them on rt. 200 (just North of Jacksonville), to 301 South all the way to rt 44.
I've driven the google route, no real good way to cut across Florida. Give me shortest distance, least time traveled on 'real' highways. :D
Any thoughts or preferences? We want them to take the easiest and safest route without adding tons of extra time.
Thank you in advance!

Have driven from up north dozens of times---here's my thoughts:

I've been taking 200 to 301---there's a couple of areas that pass thru towns and slow you down, but I-295 to I-10 has construction and lots of traffic, plus the exit onto I-10 can back up all the way to 295.

I take 301 all the way to just north of Ocala and cut over to 75 on NW 77th St. and get off at 44 (also live S of 466A). It adds 4 or 5 miles, but you avoid Ocala, Belleview, and that section of 301 that is one lane in each direction, which can save quite a bit of time depending on who is ahead of you

I'll vote for the AAA route. A much more relaxing ride.

Thank you so much for your recommendations. Anything we should know about rt 200 or that upper part of rt 301, i.e. gas, places stop?

Thank you. I like relaxing too!

I have driven this route also many times and agree 301 cutting over to I-75 as described. To expand, Stay on I-75 then take the turnpike for 3 miles to the Wildwood exit (no toll). North on 301 for about a mile the a right on 44. We live near Havana CC and use this route frequently.

It's only about 30-35 miles from where you get off in Yulee on 200 and where you cross I-10 in Baldwin. There's a town about halfway with food and gas.