Originally Posted by
Cyclebum
Your temp and area requirements pretty much limit touring to the Gulf Coast states. For lighter traffic, just stay away from cities and US highways. By avoiding US highways tho, you'll likely have no decent shoulder for riding. That's the trade off.
The main drag along the coast is a mad house of traffic and strip malls, but that's where the beautiful beaches and parks are. Not far inland, it becomes nicely rural.
I do many all day rides in the summer and have enjoyed the back roads, even though there be no shoulder. There's usually very few cars, so that's not a big issue with me.
Thanks for your comments.
John