If this is your first trip up, I would recommend that you do the intracoastal route. Normally, I run outside to avoid no wake zones, bridges etc. but an occasional run on the inside offers so much more to see, especially since you say it's your first run up. Many forum members still make the annual trek and are much more up to date on where to stay and what to see. I'm sure they will respond to this thread. Bobk makes the trip every year from Baltimore to Port St Lucie, Fla and probably knows every good anchorage/dockage as well as land borne activities. A month to do the trip is great. I wish you a wonderful safe trip and look forward to you posting a log regularly so we can follow you vicariously.

Walt