nj to savannah ga road trip

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Home / Atlantic Coast / Georgia / Savannah

Named the “Most Beautiful City in North America” by the Parisian newspaper and style arbiter Le Monde, Savannah (pop. 145,862) is a real jewel of a place. Founded in 1733 as the first settlement in Georgia, the 13th and final American colony, Savannah today preserves its original neoclassical, colonial, and antebellum self in a welcoming, unselfconscious way. Famous for having been spared by General Sherman on his destructive March to the Sea at the end of the Civil War, it was here that Sherman made his offering of “40 acres and a mule” to all people freed from slavery.

Before and after the war, Savannah was Georgia’s main port, rivaling Charleston, South Carolina, for the enormously lucrative cotton trade, but as commercial shipping tailed off, the harbor became increasingly recreational—the yachting competitions of the 1996 Olympics were held offshore. Savannah, home of writer Flannery O’Connor and songsmith Johnny Mercer, also served as backdrop to the best-selling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and numerous movies, most famously Forrest Gump, but it has resisted urges to turn itself into an “Old South” theme park; you’ll have to search hard to find souvenir shops or overpriced knickknack galleries. The city is in such good shape partly thanks to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which has taken over many of the city’s older buildings and converted them into art studios, galleries, and cafés.

At the center of Savannah, midway down Bull Street between the waterfront and spacious Forsyth Park, Chippewa Square was the site of Forrest Gump’s bus bench; the movie prop was moved to the Savannah History Museum (303 MLK Jr. Blvd., 912/651-6825, 9am-5:30pm daily, $9) and may one day be erected in bronze. Reynolds Square, near the waterfront, has a statue of John Wesley, who lived in Savannah in 1736-1737 and established the world’s first Sunday school here. Wright Square holds a monument to Chief Tomochichi, the Native American leader who allowed Georgia founder James Edward Oglethorpe to settle here. At the south edge of the historic center, Forsyth Park, inspired by the Place de la Concorde in Paris, is surrounded by richly scented magnolias.

Another great place to wander is Factor’s Walk, a promontory along the Savannah River named for the “factors” who controlled Savannah’s cotton trade. This area holds the Cotton Exchange and other historic buildings, many of them constructed from 18th-century ballast stones. Linked from the top of the bluffs by a network of steep stone stairways and cast-iron walkways, River Street is lined by restaurants, and at the east end there’s a statue of a girl waving a cloth; it was erected in memory of Florence Martus, who for 44 years around the turn of the 20th century greeted every ship entering Savannah harbor in the vain hope that her boyfriend would be on board.

March is when things get crazy here in Savannah: Thousands of visitors come to the bars along Congress Street for what has grown into the world’s second-largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration—only New York City’s is bigger.

One of Savannah’s more unusual tourist attractions is the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (10 E. Oglethorpe Ave.), a circa-1820 house that was the childhood home of the woman who introduced Girl Scouts to America in 1912.

Where to Eat and Stay in Savannah

Getting around is blissfully easy: Savannah is the country’s preeminent walkers’ town, with a wealth of historic architecture and a checkerboard of 22 small squares shaded with centuries-old live oak trees draped with tendrils of Spanish moss, all packed together in a single square mile. Savannah’s sensible and attractive modified grid plan makes finding your way so simple that it’s almost fun to try to get lost.

For an unforgettable midday meal, be sure to stop at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room (107 W. Jones St., 912/232-5997, 11am-2pm Mon.-Fri. Feb.-Dec., all you can eat $25), a central Savannah home and former boardinghouse that still offers up seasonal, traditional family-style Southern cooking—varying from fried chicken to beef stews, with side dishes like okra gumbo, blueberry pie, red or brown rice, and cornbread. It’s worth a trip from anywhere in the state—don’t leave Savannah without eating here. For a more upscale take on these Deep South classics, make plans to have lunch or dinner at The Olde Pink House (23 Abercorn St., 912/232-4286), on Reynolds Square. For an only-in-Savannah mix of Mississippi barbecue in a vintage New England diner, step inside the 1930s Worcester Lunch Car, housing the Sandfly BBQ (1220 Barnard St., 912/335-8058, Mon.-Sat.).

Places to stay in Savannah vary from quaint B&B inns to stale high-rise hotels. For the total Savannah experience, try the Bed and Breakfast Inn (117 W. Gordon St., 912/238-0518, $99 and up), which has nice rooms in an 1853 townhouse off Monterey Square. At the River Street Inn (124 E. Bay St., 912/234-6400, $149 and up), well-appointed rooms fill a converted antebellum cotton warehouse, right on Factor’s Walk at the heart of the Savannah riverfront. Nearby, the large Hotel Indigo (201 W. Bay St., 912/236-4440, $140 and up) has good-size hotel rooms (in the former Inn at Ellis Square) a few blocks from Factor’s Walk.

The main Savannah visitors center (301 Martin Luther King Blvd., 912/944-0455), in the old Georgia Central railroad terminal in the historic district, has free maps and brochures and other information on the city.

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Hi I need help to plan the ultimate road trip for my husband and myself from central NJ to Smithfield, NC to Savannah, Ga. It's my 50th birthday. I want this road trip to be romantic and fun. I need 5 or so great adventure stops. I want to stay in Baltimore, Md or Washington, DC and then Virginia, North Carolina and Savannah, GA not sure if we can visit Atlanta, Ga. Please tell me how to do this and places to stay and great southern food places to experience. We only have 7 days...

Thank you, Stephanie.....

Well if you only have 7 days total you have basically 4 days of driving.

If you use I 95 it is full of traffic and boring as heck to me.

Now if you avoid I 95 and take I 81 across to I 40 and back to I 95 then that will work but longer and way more scenic.

Stop in Charlottesivlle, VA. Stop in Asheville, NC and then on to Savannah. You could easily spend a week in Savannah but do not have but about 3 days.

There is so much to see and do in Savannah and so many great restaurants.

Charleston, SC is worth spending time in as is nearby Beaufort SC. Both are relatively short drives from Savannah.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Beautiful Georgia Coast Road Trip: Best Stops from Savannah to Jekyll Island

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: January 20, 2022  - Last updated: January 30, 2024

Have you ever done a Georgia Coast road trip? No?! Well now’s your chance and you will love it! A road trip along the Georgia coast is rather surprising, as it’s not a big long beach like doing a California Coast road trip or a Florida Gulf Coast trip . But it’s awesome!

For us, this is a regular trip that we do several times each year and find new stops with each jaunt. The Georgia Coast road trip is good in any season, so pack the car, get some snacks and have an adventure! If you have any questions or need more tips, please leave a comment or send us a note !

A lot of people ask us about living in the South and how to get the best of both beaches and history. Doing a road trip from Florida to Georgia is the perfect way to get the full experience. A road trip from Atlanta is an option too, but that’s a bit more complicated. Here’s the scoop though for having an incredible coastal Georgia road trip including Tybee Island, Savannah and the Golden Isles.

Get my book, The Road Trip Survival Guide , to help create a memorable vacation!

Getting to the Georgia Coast

If you’re not familiar with the map of the East Coast, you may think that Atlanta is super close to the beach, but it’s not. Savannah actually isn’t even a beachfront city, but it’s pretty close. So, how do you get to the beaches of Georgia? While heading to the coast is one of the best road trips from Atlanta, it’s not the best way to get to Savannah.

This Georgia Coast road trip map shows the route, drive time from Atlanta to Savannah, and road trip stops from Jacksonville northward.

Flying to Savannah, Georgia

This is the easiest way to get to the Georgia Coast. Fly into Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) direct from more than 20 airports in the USA. If you’re coming from Denver , Dallas, Chicago or New York , you’ll have lots of options. Also, there are direct flights from Minneapolis (MSP) which means that you can get to Savannah from nearly anywhere.

Flying to Jacksonville, Florida for a Georgia Coast Road Trip

Flying into Jacksonville, FL (JAX) is also an option. Located less than a half hour from the Florida-Georgia border, flying into JAX is another great way to start your Georgia Coast road trip. Add a few days to explore Jacksonville , Jacksonville Beach , Saint Augustine or the Florida springs and you have a truly winning vacation plan.

Scenic Route to Savannah, Georgia

The Atlanta to Savannah drive is a fun one. The distance between ATL and Savannah is about 270 miles , so it’s not just a quick jaunt. You can go two different ways: the scenic route through North Georgia or the main freeway. 

I love doing the Georgia waterfalls road trip and doing the many hikes in gold country, but if your goal is having a Georgia beach vacation, you may want to skip it.

After you land, drive from Atlanta to Savannah along I-16, making a stop in Macon, GA. It’s about a four hour drive. You could also go via I-20 through Augusta, GA, which would give you lots of interesting Civil War sites to visit.

Ultimately though, the fastest way to start your Georgia Coast road trip is by flying into Savannah or Jacksonville, FL. Unless you have ridiculous stopovers to those airports, you’ll nearly always save time and money by flying into SAV or JAX. You can also start this road trip after driving the coast from the north stopping at beaches in North Carolina and into South Carolina before coming to Savannah.

When is the best time to do a Georgia Coast Road Trip?

Of course summer is the best time to do a road trip on the Georgia Coast, but fall is really perfect. Due to the warm climate, visiting Coastal Georgia in fall means that you’ll have pretty nice weather still with pleasantly warm beaches.

Mid to late spring is also really great for any Georgia road trip. For driving down the coast, you’ll be getting the start of the sunshiny weather and still will be missing the summer crowds. The water doesn’t warm up much until around May, so doing a spring trip might be a bit chilly if swimming in the ocean is one of your goals.

Note: Coastal Georgia is subject to the Atlantic hurricane season, but it’s rare that a named storm actually makes landfall. Summers do bring tropical rains though, but it’s usually short lived.

Winter on the Georgia coast is wet. It’s not even slightly crowded, except for people visiting Savannah over the holidays. Expect rain and wind December through March. We’ve been in February, April, July, October and November and April – October have definitely been the best weather-wise.

Georgia Coast Road Trip Stops and Sights

Unlike driving Florida A1A all along the coast, doing a Georgia Coast road trip is NOT along the beach. Because Georgia’s barrier islands are so undeveloped and protected, there isn’t a coastal road.

The route to Savannah (or from) is mainly along I-95 which leads all the way to Miami. You can drive on state highway 17 for a portion of the road trip, but even then it crosses 95 or joins it. If you drive the 17 you’ll be able to easily make stops at road side points of interest, and you’ll have a chance for easy wildlife watching.

Jump to our 6 Day Georgia Coast Itinerary

Fun Things to Do in Savannah

Savannah really is a highlight, if not THE highlight of a Georgia Coast road trip. Between the history and the live oaks dripping with moss in the parks and squares, it’s magical. There is great food around every corner and since downtown is considered an entertainment district, you can stroll the streets with a cocktail in hand.

See our full guide to the Best Things To Do in Savannah!

Savannah has several museums including the Telfair Museums and SCAD’s museum. And of course several historic homes are available for touring too. Something fun that’s popular, and we have them in our hometown of Saint Augustine , is ghost tours. Being a historic city, of course it’s got stories…

Book a historic walking/food tour or ghost tour here !

Explore the Historic Districts and Parks

If you’re spending a few days exploring Savannah, the city itself, it’s best to get familiar by walking on foot. The Historic District, Historic District South, and the Plant-Riverside District are each beautiful and fascinating. You’ll find that there are so many great places to eat in Savannah ; you’ll want to eat your way around the city.

Spend a day wandering aimlessly through the historic district and enjoy taking photos and relaxing in any of the 24 public squares and parks. Being the first strategically planned city in the USA, the grid of the historic streets is easy to explore and every block offers a unique and beautiful view of Savannah life.

Some of our favorite Savannah squares to visit include:

• Telfair Square
• Orleans Square
• Oglethorpe Square
• Columbia Square
• Whitefield Square
• Troup Square

As you wander, respect the privacy of the residents of Savannah and do not trespass or impact their day-to-day. Sitting on a step here and there is okay, but posing on people’s porches or knocking on their doors IS NOT.

Also make time to visit Forsyth Park, one of the most wonderful places to see in Savannah. Much larger than any of the other 24 squares in the city, Forsyth Park is the heart of neighborhood life in Savannah. We actually have an apartment just off Forsyth Park and love spending weekends there!

Enjoy the live oaks, flowers, and artist tables and performers in Forsyth Park and you’ve got a winning afternoon plan. Check the city’s website for current events at Forsyth Park.

See our Complete Guide to Forsyth Park!

Enjoy Factors Walk and Plant Riverside District

The historic area along the Savannah River is really fun and beautiful. Of course it’s a bit touristy with the riverboat cruises going out from River Street, but it’s still fun and historic.

Check out riverboat cruise tours here!

Be sure to read the historic plaques on buildings and the captions on statues. The Riverside District was the center of the cotton trade in the 1800s, so there is a lot of history, including both the slave trade AND the Underground Railroad.

Tip: try to get on a tour with Savannah Underground Tours to learn about abolition and the Underground Railroad in Savannah.

Also on the river is the JW Marriott Plant Riverside, and it’s incredible. Found in the renovated old riverside powerplant, the JW Marriott is full of art, gems and fossils on display for the public. Amazing, large amethyst geodes and dinosaur fossils are all around. And the JW Marriott lobby collection includes an enormous replica of an Amphicoelias fragillimus, the largest dinosaur ever found.

Finish out the day on the riverfront with rooftop dinner or drinks at any of the many bars and restaurants along River Street or Factors Walk. The Topdeck is great for a 270 degree view of Savannah.

Savannah Historic Sites Not to Miss

Just outside of downtown Savannah is Wormsloe Historic Site. It’s a part of the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites ( get the annual pass ). Wormsloe is a beautiful place to visit. What it’s most famous for is the mile and a half live oak tree tunnel.

Besides the live oaks, there is a small museum about the original structures built around the property, several trails through the forest and into the marsh, and also living history demonstrations. Other historic sites have more to offer in terms of sights and activities, but the incredible live oak tree tunnel all by itself is worth the visit.

Check the Wormsloe Historic Site website for up to date information and happenings at the park.

Another must-visit spot is the Bonaventure Cemetery : the prettiest cemetery in Georgia. It’s not far from downtown Savannah so it’s easy to add to your Georgia Coast road trip. Visit Bonaventure on the way into or out of town. It’s not walkable from the downtown area, but if you are bringing or renting bikes, it’s an easy ride.

If you’ve seen Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil the Bonaventure Cemetery will look very familiar. The bending trees and Spanish moss paired with the centuries old ornate tombs are really dramatic to see. Don’t go looking for the Bird Girl sculpture from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil though, because it’s not there. It’s in the Telfair Academy (Telfair Museums) in Savannah .

Best Beaches on the Georgia Coast

As I said, Georgia isn’t like Florida when it comes to beaches. The Georgia Coast road trip route crosses marshes and rivers to get to the beaches. The drive from Atlanta to Savannah will have you aching for a day at the ocean, so continue just a half hour past the city for the first beach stop on the Georgia coast.

Tybee Island Beaches

Tybee Island is considered “Savannah’s beach” and rightly so. As you continue on your Georgia Coast road trip, hit up Tybee Island for it’s unique lighthouse (it’s not round, but its shape is an octagon), relaxed vacation vibe and beautiful beaches.

What I love about the beaches of Tybee Island is how active the surf is. Living in Florida, we have a pretty far walk out to the bigger waves for body surfing and boogie boarding. At Tybee Island, the waves crash pretty close to shore, but still with enough shallows that families can have swimming time together.

Tip: watch for sea turtles when you’re visiting Georgia beaches in the summertime. Swimming at Tybee Island in July we saw a loggerhead sea turtle swimming right by us, so know that you’re sharing the water with wildlife.

Beaches on Tybee Island:

• North Beach / Tybee Beach Point
• Mid Beach / Memorial Park
• Tybee Beach at the Pier
• South Beach / Chatham Ave Beach

BE AWARE OF PARKING RULES . Because Tybee Island is also a residential place, there are parking restrictions. Also, there are paid parking lots and street-side parking, so check the posted signs before leaving your vehicle. You can’t do a Georgia Coast road trip if your car gets towed away…

Sapelo Island Reserve Beach

Visiting the Sapelo Island Wildlife Management Area and Blackbeard National Wildlife Refuge isn’t just something you happen into. You need to plan it. If you want to visit and explore Sapelo Island, including the pristine Georgia beaches, you need to arrive early in the day and take a boat from the visitor center onto the island.

The ferry to Sapelo Island is a tour, and you’ll need to bring your own snacks, drinks and bug repellent. But once on the island it’s amazing. You’ll find beaches, the red and white striped Sapelo Lighthouse (much like the West Quoddy Lighthouse in Maine ) and wildlife.

TOUR DETAILS: because Sapelo Island is protected, visiting means taking the ferry (25 minute crossing) and then doing a guided bus tour of the island and its sights. You do get to get on and off the bus but it’s limited to approved areas. Confirm on the website that it’s a tour day and CALL FOR RESERVATIONS.

St Simons Island Beaches

I love St Simons Island for lots of reasons, but its chill beaches are really key to a fun visit. At the south end of the St Simons is the shipping area, so you won’t want to access the water there, but as you head north, from the beach at the King and Prince Resort to the Beach at Gould’s Inlet, you’ll find calm waves and at low tide, flat, fine sand stretching into the surf.

Beachfront hotels aren’t very common on the Georgia Coast, so if your road trip need a few nights ON the beach, St Simons is a good place to do that. Jekyll Island has beachfront hotel options too.

Jekyll Island Beaches

Georgia beaches are so unique to each other. Your Georgia Coast road trip takes you to Jekyll Island next. Here you’ll find several nice beach parks, from the south end at St Andrews Beach to the super cool Driftwood Beach. There is a bike path that goes along a good portion of the beach, so ride and take frequent breaks to enjoy the waves.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Part of the National Parks system, Cumberland Island National Seashore is another place that’s tricky to get to. Like Sapelo Island, you have to take a ferry to get to it and then you’re limited with your transportation options. Once on the island though, it’s beautiful.

Read our full guide to visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore!

To make sure you have enough time and get your money’s worth, be sure to catch the FIRST ferry to the island and that you can catch the LAST ferry back (or the 2:45pm boat if you’re okay with shortened beach time). The facilities on Cumberland Island are minimal, so don’t arrive expecting the glamor of Everglades National Park or the services of Glacier National Park . This is a rustic park.

Note : there are water filling stations several spots on the south end of the island, which is where you’ll be for 90% of your visit. And there are a few bathrooms besides at the dock.

Highlights are the pristine Georgia beaches you can swim and beachcomb at , the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion and the wild horses. Yes, wild horses!

Like up in Assateague or Chincoteague, Virginia there are feral horses roaming Cumberland Island. They clearly are often fed by visitors, but cool just the same. They do come very close and YOU are the one responsible for maintaining a safe distance.

Plan to bring bikes onto the island if you can, or you can rent them. To see all of the sites it’s a lot of ground to cover. Ideally camping for a night or two would be perfect to explore on foot, but that’s not an option for many, so bringing bikes to Cumberland Island is the best bet. There is also the Lands and Legacies Tour , which can be booked in advance.

Get up-to-date sailing and fare information for the Cumberland Island Ferry here!

Georgia History Road Trip Stops

You can’t swing a dead cat on a Georgia road trip without it landing someplace historic. And that’s why we love doing the road trip on the Georgia Coast. From Tybee Island to the Florida-Georgia border you’ll find British colonial history, Civil War history, the Underground Railroad, prohibition and more.

One of the best road trip ideas from Florida to Georgia is to stop at each historic fort along the way. Or plan a road trip to Jekyll Island visiting plantation and military ruins. So many great road trip themes you can choose from!

Old Fort Jackson in Savannah

Just outside of downtown Savannah on the way to Tybee Island is Old Fort Jackson . We loved this place so much. We’ve been to lots of forts and done lots of living history demonstrations and Old Fort Jackson is a winner!

Yes, Dry Tortugas National Park is amazing and beautiful and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is fun with kids, and the living history at Colonial Williamsburg is awesome, but Old Fort Jackson is subtle and wonderful. We really enjoyed how unique this pre-Civil War era fort is and the musket and cannon demonstrations were great.

Entrance to Old Fort Jackson is included if you have the Georgia State Historic Sites pass, otherwise it has an entrance fee per person ($9/adult and $5/child). Check the Old Fort Jackson website for any current events and schedule.

Visiting Fort Pulaski National Monument on Tybee Island

If you haven’t been to Dry Tortugas and won’t be able to visit the Florida Keys anytime soon, Fort Pulaski National Monumen t is a great option to add to your Georgia Coast road trip. A HUGE brick fortress with a lighthouse and a moat, Fort Pulaski is pretty cool.

Located on Cockspur Island (basically Tybee Island still), Fort Pulaski isn’t far off your Georgia road trip route. Visiting with kids is fun and one of the most educational fort sites we’ve visited. The Junior Ranger packet is pretty complex, but as long as you’re interested in history and love attention to details, it’s a breeze to complete.

Wander the fortress walls and tunnels, watch for wildlife in the marsh and do the nature trails to the edge of the island to get the full experience. The small Cockspur Island Lighthouse has been under renovation in 2021, but when it’s finished is an easy walk from the visitor center.

Tip : use your America the Beautiful National Park Pass here!

Georgia History at Fort Morris and Fort McAllister State Historic Sites

I know, another fort to visit. There are just so many of them! One of the great things about planning your stops on a Georgia Coast road trip is that you DON’T have to do every single one. For example, both Fort Morris and Fort McAllister are along the route but you can skip one or both of them.

Both of these forts are Georgia State Historic Sites so are covered by the pass. They are very similar in that they are ruins of forts with earthen coverage. The live oaks and historic exhibits are cool and interesting, but they aren’t as intriguing as Old Fort Jackson or Fort King George.

Top Pick: Fort King George Historic Site

We LOVE Fort King George Historic Site. And it too is included with the Georgia State Historic Sites pass. Seriously, that pass pays for itself in a few days.

Fort King Georgia is very different from any of the other forts we’ve included in our Georgia Coast road trip plan. Fort King George is mostly reconstructed with a few historic ruins, like there are some mill ruins and a cool old cottage. Dating to the 1700s when England and Spain fought all the time, Fort King George is a great example showing how construction and technology changed over time.

There are nature trails, cool fortress buildings, a museum and even a dock to watch for alligators from. Be prepared with bug spray. Fort King George is located directly in the Georgia marsh and there are lots of flies and mosquitoes depending on the weather. The visitor center even posts a warning about the bug activity level for the day.

Note: the mosquitoes really are no joke. We encounter intense mosquito activity when we do bioluminescent kayaking in Florida , and the bugs in the Georgia marsh sites are very comparable.

There are also seasonal kayak and canoe rentals available at Fort King George. If you choose to go paddling, be sure you’re prepared to prevent bug bites.

Exploring Beautiful Brunswick, Georgia

Despite many Georgia Coast road trips, somehow we kept on skipping Brunswick. Never again! Brunswick, Georgia is a beautiful town complete with public squares, parks and fountain. Beautiful 19th century architecture can be seen all over the historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Walk down Newcastle Street to find local galleries, the really beautiful old city hall, small squares and lots of restaurants. Visit Hanover Park and Square to enjoy live oaks, flower gardens and a beautiful fountain. Pop over a few blocks to check out the Lovers Oak. Wow! What an enormous tree!

Outside of the historic downtown is our favorite stop in Brunswick, and one we’ve made several times now: the Pinball Palace . An awesome collection of vintage pinball machines and other 80s video games (I swear they’re straight from an old Pizza Hut) the Pinball Palace is perfect for the inevitable rainy afternoon. Pay by the hour for unlimited play.

Best Road Trip Stops in Georgia’s Golden Isles

We’ve done several vacations JUST to the Golden Isles of Georgia. There is so much to do and relaxing around the islands is so easy. The Golden Isles are comprised of Jekyll Island, St Simons Island, Little St Simons Island and Sea Island. Brunswick connects them all, but it’s not an island (so cool though!).

FYI, if you are up for a really fun idea, bring your bikes or rent them on the island to get around everywhere. Biking on St Simons Island is really fun and with great bike paths, it’s easy to do. Also, the island is super flat which is perfect for biking. And this is, what I think is, the epicenter of Georgia Coast kayaking !

Fort Frederica National Monument on St Simons Island

The first stop, since we’ve been talking about so many forts is Fort Frederica National Monument . It’s interesting because it’s mostly ruins and is just pretty to wander through. As you explore Fort Frederica, you’ll walk down used-to-be streets ogling huge live oaks and checking to see if the oranges are ripe yet.

There are some cannons, fortress ruins, the ruins of an 18th century two story barracks building and more. Our kids enjoy doing the scavenger hunt around the Fort Frederica grounds. It’s a great way to keep them interested is engaged.

Climbing the St Simons Island Lighthouse

We visit as many lighthouses as we can. We love lighthouses ! The St Simons Island Lighthouse is a great one for getting a slice of history and a beautiful view. It’s not too tall, at just 104 feet (129 steps). The St Augustine Lighthouse has 219 steps, so this one is pretty easy in comparison.

Plan around a hour or more to do the maritime museum and lighthouse, and then if the weather is nice do the walk along the waterfront path. The village of St Simons is right near the lighthouse too, so it’s easy to walk to any number of dinner places when you’re done.

Hunting for Spirit Trees Around St Simons Island

Another wonderful feature of St Simons Island is its spirit trees. All around the island there are live oaks with faces carved into them. Over the years, the tree bark has grown around the faces of many of the St Simons Island tree spirits , but searching for them is still a fun Georgia Coast road trip activity.

The biggest and most well maintained spirit tree is the large mermaid named Cora by the visitor center. If you’re not down for a cross-island scavenger hunt, visit Cora and call it good.

Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island 

Wildlife education, and in particular sea turtles, needs to be a part of visiting the Georgia beaches. Loggerhead, green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley and leatherback sea turtles all make their egg laying nests on east coast beaches, with coastal Georgia having hundreds of sea turtle nests each year.

Visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island is a must for both learning and seeing turtles up close. In addition to the exhibits, there is also an observation window where you can watch the doctors at the facility do check-ups and sometimes operate on sea turtles.

Pay a visit to the holding tanks and listen to the caretakers talk about turtle health and safety. This is the perfect place to inspire kids to develop a love of nature and an understanding of human impact.

Explore the Ruins and Trails at Horton House and Pond

The Georgia Coast road trip includes a lot of ruins of houses and forts. While other parts of the South have many well preserved structures and historic sites, Georgia’s have often been hit hard by war or weather. The Horton House on Jekyll Island is an example of that.

Built in 1743 the remains of the Horton House make for a beautiful backdrop as you head into the woods on the nearby trail, but there’s not much left to it. Across the street is a small historic cemetery and then through the woods you’ll find Horton Pond.

It’s a nice stop, and the live oak forest is beautiful to walk through.

Favorite Eats on the Georgia Coast

I don’t love writing about food, but it really is an integral part of travel, particularly in a place like Coastal Georgia. So here’s what Imma do: tell you some great things to watch for and then give you my picks for places we’ve enjoyed on the Georgia coast across our many road trips.

Georgia Coastal Dishes to Try

Peaches. Actually, there’s a lot more to enjoy than Georgia peaches.

You can’t talk about Coastal Georgia cooking without talking about the low country boil. When you’re doing a Georgia Coast road trip, you’re driving through the “low country.” A low country boil is a combination of local seafoods and corn, served as a basket or platter. It’s ALWAYS too much food for one person, but it’s delicious.

Another dish to watch for is blackened fish. This is popular in Florida too, but in Georgia for some reason it tends to run spicier. Commonly served on a hoagie in the style of a po’boy, blackened fish tends to be whatever the local catch is, rubbed with lots of herbs and seasonings and then grilled or sautéed up.

Grits and gravy is good too. Mmmm. My favorite grits and gravy is at the St Augustine Fish Camp in our town, but I’ve had it several places in Georgia too and it’s always good. Expect the gravy to have some sort of ham in it, and to be thick, just a bit more thin than the grits it’s served on.

Hushpuppies. Yum. Do you like cornbread? Do you like biscuits? Then hushpuppies are for. Basically cornbread balls that are fried, hushpuppies are a southern staple. If you can get them with jalapeños in them and served with honey butter then you’ve really hit to Georgia eats jackpot!

The last delicious Georgia food to watch for is roasted pecans, candied or as pralines. Pecans are BIG in the South and it’s easy to find candied pecans almost anywhere, whether it’s a gas station or a roadside stand.

Restaurant Recommendations on the Georgia Coast

When we’re looking for restaurants, we look for local options that have fresh cooking and characterize the area. Our picks for restaurant recommendations on the Georgia Coast exemplify that. We’ve included some favorite spots from Savannah too, as Savannah is a primary destination for a Georgia Coast road trip.

Starting in Savannah and heading south on the Coastal Georgia route, here are our favorite places to eat in the Savannah area:

• Pirate House – Savannah, good coastal food in a historic house (and it’s funny too)
• Corleone’s Trattoria – Savannah, Italian food that’s really delicious and great with kids
• Treylor Park and Hitch – Savannah, local food with several locations
• Driftaway Cafe – Savannah, near Wormsloe Historic Site

And moving onto Tybee Island restaurants:

• Sundae Cafe – Tybee Island, get the chicken fried chicken. OMG
• Salt Island Fish and Beer – Tybee Island, name says it all
• Savannah Praline Company – Tybee Island, pecans and much more

Favorite restaurants in the Golden Isles :

• Echo St Simons – St Simons Island, at the King and Prince Resort but so very delicious, get Eggs Coastal for breakfast
• Gnat’s Landing – St Simons Island, Red Fern Village area, great blackened catch of the day
• Moo Cow Ice Cream – St Simons, main village area, local ice cream made on site in the old service station
• Zachary’s Riverhouse – Jekyll Island, just off the water with great hushpuppies
• I ndigo Coastal Shanty – Brunswick, love the outdoor seating being loomed over by a huge live oak, great Caribbean flare

Of course there are more great restaurants, but after several visits to the Georgia Coast, these are our top picks. If you find some places you love, share them with us and we’ll give them a try!

6 Day Georgia Coast Road Trip Plan

Here is a plan for 6 days of Georgia beaches and historic sites. Have fun, drive safely, and make this plan fit with whatever YOUR travel style is!

Day 1: Arrive in Savannah

Drive from Atlanta to Savannah or fly directly into Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) to begin your road trip. Enjoy strolling River Street and Factors Walk. Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Savannah River or have dinner at the historic Pirate House. If you like, get an adult beverage for your evening and walk through the historic district or find a beautiful public square to relax in .

Day 2: Explore Savannah Historic Districts

Today’s the day to pick a museum and enjoy. The Telfair or Savannah History Museums are both worth a visit. Walk either Liberty or Bull Streets visiting the many squares, eventually making your way to Forsyth Park for ice cream and appreciating the city.

Drive or bike to Bonaventure Cemeter y for a walk through the historic burial ground. If you drove, nearby Wormsloe Historic Site is an easy add-on. End the day back in town visiting the galleries of the JW Marriott Plant Riverside and then a rooftop dinner or drinks. Book a ghost tour for the complete Savannah experience.

Day 3: Tybee Island and Coastal Georgia Forts

Rise and shine and head to Old Fort Jackson before it’s too hot out. Enjoy some living history or wander the fort on your own. Next stop is Fort Pulaski National Monument for even more Georgia Coast tales and education. Move onto Tybee Island for lunch and then climb the Tybee Island Lighthouse.

Wrap up the day with sunset on the beach and a nice walk to dinner. Tybee Island is very chill, so expect the southern “relaxed” approach to dinner time.

Day 4: Georgia Low Country

From Tybee Island take your Georgia Coast road trip southward, making stops at Fort McAllister or Fort Morris (I’d pick Morris) unless you’ve booked a trip out to Sapelo Island to enjoy one of the most pristine Georgia beaches. When you’re ready to move on, visit Fort King George Historic Site to tour the reconstruction or go paddling at high tide.

End the day with an arrival at your Golden Isles hotel or vacation rental. Staying on St Simons or Jekyll Island will give you the option of being beach front, but staying in Brunswick is more central for the next few days’ activities.

Day 5: Enjoy St Simons Island

Begin your day with renting bikes on St Simons Island. This will make it both fun and easy to get around. Ride out to Fort Frederica and then make your way to the beach. Bring lunch with you or head back into the Village for food. In the afternoon, climb the lighthouse and then do the scavenger hunt around the island to find the many spirit trees.

End your day on St Simons with a nice dinner at Echo or a mellow low country dinner at Gnat’s Landing. It’s been a long day, so get some good rest tonight.

Day 6: Brunswick and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island has an entry gate, so the earlier you head to the Island the better. Start with a visit to Horton House and do the nature trail to Horton’s Pond (watch for gators!). From here, visit Driftwood Beach for some of the largest, most beautiful washed up logs in the southeast. Grab some lunch and then make your way to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Head to Brunswick for your last evening in the Golden Isles. Plan to get your pinball on at the Pinball Palace (it really is a must) and then head to historic Brunswick for dinner. Enjoy walking around the old neighborhood and Hanover Park at sunset.

BONUS: Cumberland Island National Seashore

Book your ferry tickets in advance for this adventure. You need to book tickets TO Cumberland Island and then separate tickets FROM the island. If you’re not bring bikes or camping on Cumberland Island, plan to visit the Dungeness Ruins and the beach, watching for deer and wild horses. This is plenty to do in a day and will make for a beautiful, memorable trip!

I hope you have a great time on your Georgia Coast road trip. Whether you’re driving from Atlanta to Savannah and then doing it or if you’re driving up from Florida, you’ll enjoy the history and beauty with every turn.

Wednesday 13th of April 2022

One of my favorite Savannah locales is Jekyll Island. You will undoubtedly appreciate the seashore and a variety of activities. Include some of this in your schedule.

Saturday 11th of December 2021

Savannah Georgia really has some of the best beach destinations in the country! I'm really going on a beach tour there on my next visit! This blog is really helpful and Jekyll Island is certainly on top of the list for me!

Jessica papillon

Sunday 1st of August 2021

Love Savannah Plan to do st Simon and Jekyll islands soon

Monday 2nd of August 2021

Yay! If you're short on time, you can easily break this route up into two trips, even though it doesn't cover a ton of ground. Doing Savannah and the historic coast sits and then doing the Golden Isles is a great way to split it.

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The top things to do on an I-95 road trip

Running almost parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, you're never far from the beach on this drive between Florida and Maine

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Created by Roadtrippers - December 30th 2020

I-95 is the main highway that runs along the East Coast of the U.S. Since it is almost parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, you're never too far away from the beach on an I-95 road trip. Some of the major cities you'll pass through include Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmond, Savannah, Jacksonville, and Miami. Here's some of the top attractions to see along I-95, from Florida to Maine.

28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL, US

Coral Castle

Starting in southern Florida, just outside Miami, you'll stumble upon Coral Castle in Homestead. Built entirely by hand by an eccentric, heartbroken man, Coral Castle is a unique structure carved from oolite limestone. Marvel at the wonder and the sad story at this roadside attraction.

2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL, US

Venetian Pool

If you want the relaxation of a day at the beach minus the crowds, then hit the Venetian Pool. The Venetian Pool was originally built for Coral Gables, one of the country's first planned communities in the 1920s. The pool is filled with fresh water each day, straight from artesian wells. It's drained every night and refilled every morning, so you know that you're swimming in exceptionally clean water. If you're worried about water conservation, fear not. The water is drained back into the aquifer.

Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL, US

South Beach

From there, hop back in the car and cruise to South Beach, one of the swankiest beaches along the East Coast. But, South Beach is way more than than playing in the waves and chilling in cabanas. The people-watching is second-to-none, and walking around the Art Deco district will transport you back in time to a vibrant era.

3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL, US

Butterfly World

Once you've had your fill of the city, head to Butterfly World in nearby Coconut Creek. It's one of the largest butterfly parks in the world, offering displays of butterflies, bugs, and birds, as well as beautiful flowers.

Loxahatchee River District, Jupiter, FL, US

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

At the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, you can wander along trails featuring various natural habitats and displays of native animals, including eagles, panthers, crocodiles, snakes, and more. Plus, admission is free.

1322 US Hwy 1, Sebastian, FL, US

Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum

Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum exhibits archaeological maritime artifacts from 18th century shipwrecks. Mel Fisher is a real-life Indiana Jones who has spent more than 20 years recovering lost treasures from the bottom of the sea. You can see gold, gem-studded jewelry, old coins, and more.

Kennedy Space Center, SR 405, Titusville, FL, US

Kennedy Space Center

Head over to Titusville to get a bus tour of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, but come early—the tours are popular and fill up fast. Other sites at the complex include the United States Astronaut Hall Of Fame, the Rocket Garden, and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, US

Ponce Deleon Inlet Lighthouse

The Ponce Deleon Inlet Lighthouse is the perfect place to get off I-95 to stretch your legs, especially if you decide to tackle the 200-step stairway to the top. The view is absolutely worth it. Tour the a small museum to learn more.

8635 A1A South, FL, US

Fort Matanzas National Monument

From Titusville, it's just a short drive to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., founded in 1565. You'll find one of the best preserved historic districts in the nation, not to mention great restaurants and bars. From Castillo De San Marcos—which is a stunning fortress that's believed to be haunted—to Fort Matanzas National Monument and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, history comes to life here.

100 Red Cox Rd, FL, US

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum

If you're feeling up for a bit more climbing, stop at St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, and ascend to the top of this 165-foot tall tower. The views of downtown St. Augustine and the oldest port in the U.S. are amazing. There are also exhibits here covering the country's maritime history and a gift shop.

If you're looking for a hotel in St. Augustine, the St. George Inn, the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, and Casa Monica are exceptional options.

1368 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL, US

Jacksonville Beach

Before leaving the Sunshine State, hit up Jacksonville Beach to soak up the sun while walking the boardwalk. Parking is usually easy to find if you get there early. Plus, many restaurants and bars offer exquisite views.

1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL, US

The Catty Shack Ranch

The Catty Shack Ranch offers up-close views of lions, tigers, and other big cats. Run mostly by volunteers, this non-profit provides a sanctuary for rescued cats that might not otherwise have a home.

113 Saint Marys St, GA, US

Cumberland Island National Seashore

For a fun side trip off I-95, head to Cumberland Island National Seashore. The only way to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore is to catch the ferry at St. Marys. You'll find campsites, hiking trails, and wild horses roaming around. There's nowhere to buy food or supplies on the island, so pack accordingly.

US Hwy. 17 South, Darien, GA, US

Smallest Church in America

While in the Peach State, visit the Smallest Church in America—or so it claims—in South Newport. Built in 1949, this roadside stop offers a charming photo backdrop.

102 W Hall St, Savannah, GA, US

Forsyth Park

Savannah is one of the U.S.'s most picturesque cities. It seems like it's covered in Spanish moss as far as the eye can see. With one of the largest historic downtowns in the nation, Savannah has a bounty of charming shops and spots to visit, and the food scene is renowned.

If you're just driving through, but want to get a quick taste of Savannah, stop at Forsyth Park for a walk. This beautiful public park is an iconic oasis in the city.

If you are spending the night, consider the Hamilton-Turner Inn, Ballastone Inn, or The Gastonian.

30 Meddin Drive, Tybee Island, GA, US

Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum

A quick detour from Savannah to the Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum is worthwhile. The barrier island is vacation destination, known for its iconic lighthouse, historic sites, and endless beaches.

330 Bonaventure Rd, Savannah, GA, US

Bonaventure Cemetery

There are a few famous people buried at Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery, but the real appeal is the beauty of the Southern Gothic cemetery itself. Graceful old trees covered in Spanish moss create a canopy, and many of the gravestones are works of art. Just remember that this is still a functioning cemetery and some of the visitors are there to grieve.

301 Gervais St., Columbia, SC, US

South Carolina State Museum

Make your first stop in the Palmetto State the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia. This amazing museum is housed in a massive former textile mill and features four floors with over 70,000 exhibits. You'll find many nice hotels in Columbia, as well. Victorian Elegance Inn and the Hilton Columbia Center are among the many places to book a room.

4004 Homestead Rd, Bowman, SC, US

UFO Welcome Center

For something completely different, detour off of I-95 to visit the UFO Welcome Center in Bowman. Built in 1994, this structure quickly became a popular tourist attraction. The 42-foot-wide flying saucer is built out of wood, fiberglass, and plastic. For a small fee, you can meet the owner and peek inside.

251 State Park Rd, Santee, SC, US

Santee State Park

Stretch your legs at Santee State Park, which has an abundance of catfish in the waters of Lake Marion. In addition to fishing, hiking and camping are popular activities. You can also drive a little longer to the Woods Bay State Park to soak in the natural beauty of one of the last Carolina Bays found along the Atlantic Coast.

I-95 officially ends at the Houlton–Woodstock Border Crossing. The route continues into Canada, where you can cross the border into New Brunswick. If you want to have an international journey after this epic tour of the East Coast, just keep driving.

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Planning on October 2024

Full day in Savannah

Leave Savannah - Drive to Beaufort

Drive to Charleston

Full day in Charleston

Fly Charleston - Los Angeles

OR: We fly into Jacksonville, FL and spend a night in Brunswick and skip the night in Beaufort instead.

Q: Is this too long? Too Short?

Q: Should we bother overnighting in Beaufort (in the first itinerary option) or just drive through and explore for the afternoon?

We are looking to explore the coastal areas and the cities, see at least one plantation and just take in the authentic sights of the locals.

5 replies to this topic

I would not trade Brunswick for Beaufort. Plenty to see and do in Beaufort, not so much in Brunswick.

Thanks for your response!

We are definitely going to Beaufort but were wondering if we should spend the night or just a long day trip.

Sorry if my post was confusing...I'm in the early stages of planning and am a bit confused myself, having never been to the region.

Just off the coast of Brunswick are Jekyll Island and St. Simon's Island. Both have interesting historical sites and good hotels too if one night to see the two islands. Nice beaches as well.. and good restaurants.

If you can take another day and the fares work, come into Jax and do the Brunswick things

Flying into JAX works great!

Personally love the islands and Savannah more than Charleston. Charleston is spread out and not walkable and way more expensive.

Enjoy your trip!

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Home » North America » USA » East Coast

EPIC East Coast Road Trip Guide (2024)

If you want to explore America’s past and sample some of its splendor, then you can’t go wrong with an East Coast road trip!

On the East Coast, you’ll discover some of the most significant historical sites in the entire nation, not to mention a huge array of landscapes and an even greater diversity of people. While the West Coast gets most of the attention for its weather, natural beauty, and upbeat residents, the East Coast is usually considered the foundation of the nation.

But planning a road trip alongside the Atlantic Ocean can be stressful. With so many states and so many places to stop, it can be hard to know what NOT to miss and what you’d be better off skipping.

And that’s exactly why I wrote this East Coast Road Trip insider guide : so YOU know exactly what to do and where to stay along the USA’s Eastern Seaboard.  We’ll cover a wide range of topics over the course of this article including some East Coast road trip itineraries, food, lodgings, and sticking to a budget during your vehicular adventure.

Now without further ado, here’s everything you need to know to have an EPIC East Coast Road Trip!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

A note on the format of this guide: Because the East Coast is massive and we have already written separate guides on New England, New York City, and Florida, this article will often refer you to other sources too. In order to best understand the East Coast, it’s very advisable to read these separate articles alongside this guide.

East Coast USA Road Trips Costs

Where to stay on your east coast road trip, best east coast road trips, places to visit on the east coast, east coast road trip tips, apartments and hotels on the east coast, renting a car or campervan on the east coast, final thoughts on an east coast road trip.

It’s hard to say how much the average cost of a road trip up the East Coast will be because there are so many routes one could take, not to mention each state is more or less expensive.

Almost every expense associated with going on an East Coast driving trip, including gas, lodging, food, drink, and whatnot, will vary depending on the state which, again, makes costs difficult to gauge.

I can say with certainty, however, that going on a road trip along the East Coast–like traveling in the USA as a whole– will not be cheap. All of the aforementioned costs add up very quickly and can be a substantial burden on your wallet. This is especially true if you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t pay attention to their spending…

Luckily you have us; we’re always looking for ways to travel cheap and love sharing the best tricks with you, the readers. Even if we are unable to travel on $10/day like in our favorite countries, we can at least help you minimize expenses. Plus, there are plenty of East Coast budget adventures to be had.

A ballpark estimate for an East Coast road trip budget would be around $175-$225 . This covers food, lodging, a rental car, gas, and entertainment.

There are a couple of things that you need to be mindful of while driving in the USA :

• Gas will be your biggest expense as you’ll be traveling a lot; more than you’re probably expecting.
• Hotels and lodging will be very expensive in popular destinations e.g. New York City, Florida beach resorts, the national parks, etc.
• Food will cost more or less depending on how often you eat out and how much you cook for yourself.

Average Costs of an East Coast Road Trip

This breaks down exactly how much you can expect to spend while traversing the East Coast.

Rental Car: $30 – $100/day

RV Rental: $100 – $300/day

Gallon of Gas: $3.50 +

Cheap Airbnb: $80 – $100

Hotel room: $130 – $150

Hostel: $15 – $35

Campground: $0 – $50

Sandwich: $4 – $9

Beer at a bar : $4 – $8

Coffee: $2-$5

Attractions : $0-$20

Dinner for two: $25 – $75

Looking for specific accommodation recommendations? Here are some of the top places to stay on an East Coast road trip:

Best East Coast Mountain Getaway: Bear Ridge Lodge

The Bear Ridge Lodge in New Hampshire is the absolute PERFECT East Coast road trip stop. The beautiful, secluded log cabin has been featured in several magazines and boasts epic mountain views without any neighbors in sight. You can relax on the beautiful porch, use the stone fireplace as a nightcap, or start a hike anytime as miles of trails are right outside the door. The lodge can sleep up to 8 guests and is a 15-20 minute drive from restaurants and stores.

Best East Coast Oceanside Cottage: Island Beach Living

Located on Pass a Grille beach alongside Florida’s West Coast, this idyllic oceanside cottage is the perfect beach stop on your East Coast road trip. Peaceful, secluded and free from the perils of mass tourism that plague most of Florida’s beaches, this cottage is literally steps from the ocean, and comes with a cycle! You can also utilize the full kitchen, or if not, several restaurants and shops are also within walking distance. This beach cottage can host two guests, and also has an outdoor shower to wash off after a sandy day!

Best Airbnb in Boston: Historic Beacon Hill Apartment

This Boston Airbnb is the best in the city for several reasons. First off, it’s located in a historic brownstone and is just minutes from the T and just a bit longer to some of Boston’s most iconic attractions. The booking gives you the entire apartment, which was recently renovated and can accommodate up to 3 guests. The picturesque space is well maintained and even has a fully functioning kitchen if you want to save money on meals!

• Boston to Washington D.C – 7 days
• East Coast Historical Road Trip – 14 days
• Ultimate East Coast Road Trip – 21 days

Below is a list of suggested itineraries for driving the East Coast of America. Varying from 7 days to 21 days in length, they cover many of the East Coast’s top attractions.

Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some good East Coast road trip ideas.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

Boston to Washington D.C – 1-Week East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

This is a great East Coast road trip if you only have 7 days, and you want to explore some of the USA’s best and most historic cities: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

With 7 days you can see each of these cities’ highlights and best cultural attractions, and camp one night in Shenandoah National Park.

• Boston’s Freedom Trail
• Fenway Park Walking Tour and Game
• Exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn
• Philly’s Liberty Bell
• The Lincoln Memorial
• White House
• Shenandoah NP and the Blue Mountains

Hyatt Regency Boston

Freehand New York

Hotel Baron (D.C.)

• Boston – Sam Adams Brewery
• Brooklyn – Brooklyn Brewery, Smorgasburg
• Philadelphia – Monk’s Cafe, Evil Genius, Yards, Love City, and Crime and Punishment for a good brew. Northern Liberties neighborhood, and Steve’s Prince of Steaks for… cheesesteak.
• Washington D.C. – Adams Morgan and The Shaw for nightlife.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

• Governor’s Ball (June in NY)
• Tribeca Film Festival (NY)
• Philly Beer Festival (February)
• By the People Art Festival (Washington D.C in June)

Things to Do in 7 Days on the East Coast

• See the highlights of Boston
• Watch a game at Fenway Park
• Walk along the Freedom Trail
• Explore the Boston Commons
• Go on a Little Italy food tour
• Hit the food markets in NY
• Eat and go out in SoHo and Chelsea
• Walk the Highline
• Cycle in Central Park
• Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Get some views from the top of the Empire State Building
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
• Explore Brooklyn’s nightlife
• Eat some NY pizza .
• Walk around historic Philadelphia including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
• The Betsy Ross House
• Visit the Museum of the American Revolution .

Explore the historical sites of Washington D.C.:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Washington Monument
• Capitol Hill
• The Smithsonian Museum
• The White House

PLUS take a scenic drive in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park and camp in the woods.

Many of the activities on this itinerary are great for history buffs and learning about the East Coast’s culture.

Historical Route from Boston to Savannah – 2-Week East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

With an extra week, you can really explore the East Coast’s most significant historical and cultural attractions. Any history buffs will love this East Coast itinerary as it will start with you exploring Boston and end all the way down to Savannah, Georgia, exploring some of the country’s most significant attractions along the way.

Along the way, you’ll pass through NYC, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Gettysburg, D.C, Williamsburg + Fort Raleigh, and the must-visit Charleston.

• Plymoth Plantation
• Fort Raleigh
• Roanoke Island
• Myrtle Beach
• Apple Hostels of Philadelphia
• ARC THE HOTEL Washington DC
• Charleston – The Obstinate Daughter, Lewis Barbecue, and Bangkok Lounge for drinks and karaoke.
• Savannah – The Grey and Fox and Fig
• Scenic route on the Carolina coast to Savannah
• The entire Blue Ridge Parkway
• Savannah Music Festival (March)
• MOJA Arts Festival (Charleston)

Things to Do in 14 Days on the East Coast

Here are some of the best things to do in 2 weeks on the East Coast!

• Visit Bunker Hill
• Spend a day at Plimoth Plantation
• Visit the New-York Historical Society
• And the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
• Spend a day at Battery Park
• Visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
• National Museum for African American History
• National Gallery of Art

Visit Colonial Williamsburg and the first English settlement

PLUS stop by Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, visit the plantations outside Charleston, and walk the cobblestone streets of Savannah.

Ultimate East Coast USA Road Trip – 3-Week Itinerary

This is the  ultimate 3 week East Coast itinerary. While the previous itinerary focuses on cities and historical sites, this itinerary also leaves plenty of room to discover this side of the coast’s best beaches, hikes, and parks.

Unlike the previous routes, we’ll be starting in Maine, one of the United States’ gems. If you like good seafood and great beer, you’re going to love Maine.

Next, you’ll continue down the East Coast in a similar fashion as itinerary #2, but will also visit Acadia National Park (in Maine) Shenandoah National Park, Asheville, and the Smoky Mountains.

This is the best itinerary for you if you want to explore some of the country’s most beautiful forests and beaches as well as the most eccentric concrete jungles. Make sure to check out some awesome bed and breakfasts in Maine along the way.

• Acadia National Park
• Aloft Miami Brickell (Miami)
• Generator Hostel (Miami)
• Scenic route on the Carolina Coast to Savannah
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Florida Keys highway
• Asheville Wine & Food Festival (August),
• Brewgrass in Asheville (October)
• Daytona 500 (February)
• Ultra Miami Music Festival (March)

Things to Do in 21 Days on the East Coast

• Grab a lobster roll in Portland Maine and explore the craft brew scene.
• Watch the sunrise in Acadia National Park before anyone else in the US.
• Stop by Camden Hills State Park on your way to Boston to gawk at some quintessential New England coastline.
• Explore some of the country’s most famous campuses like MIT and Harvard in Cambridge.
• Outside of Boston, visit Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau lived.
• Visit NYC’s best landmarks and neighborhoods.
• Eat yourself full in Queens.
• Visit all of Philadelphia’s historical landmarks.
• Explore Washington D.C’s National Mall.
• Visit some of the country’s best museums like the Smithsonian.
• Drive along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah.
• Camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Visit the hipster town of Asheville and Biltmore Estate.
• Explore the Charleston plantations and Carolina coastline
• Check out the Savannah Historical Center.
• Driving through Florida: Amelia Island, Castillo de San Marcos, Daytona Beach, and every beach in between.
• Hang out at on the beaches of Clearwater.
• Explore the historic city of St. Augustine.
• Take a boat ride in the Everglades.
• Explore Wynwood, stay on Miami Beach, and admire Brickell’s galleries.
• Shopping in Miami.
• Hit the town at night too; this is one of the best places to party in the USA..

PLUS, for more nature, visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and take a  Key West road trip to the Florida Keys, where you can check out places like Bahia Honda State Park, Key Largo, the southernmost point of the US and, of course, the legendary Key West itself.

Below is a list of the best road trip destinations on the East Coast. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most.

New England Road Trip

New England is often considered the cradle of American society because of its role in the early colonial days. Many of America’s original colonies were founded here but much of their remnants still remain. It’s one of the most quaint places to visit in the United States .

Those on a road trip on the Northeast Coast of the USA will find a treasure trove of historical sites, not to mention amazing coastal scenery, hearty food, and memorable locals too.

New England is a large region that is composed of 6 different states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, so in this section, we’re only going to be able to highlight the best of New England.

Staying in Boston is guaranteed to be a good time. It’s one of the best cities on the East Coast and it’s a truly awesome place to explore.

When in Boston, be sure to check popular local attractions like Fenway Park, Boston Commons, Trinity Church, and Uptown. Try attending a sports match, which is like church for Bostonians, and be sure to grab a drink in a local New England pub. I also HIGHLY recommend staying in Cape Cod for a few days if you get the chance.

The rest of New England is defined by pastoral villages, rugged coastline, and expansive woods. A bed and breakfast in Vermont is the perfect place to unwind in lush, mountainous greenery while famous coastal destinations like Acadia National Park, and the Connecticut Coastline are unlike any other beaches in the USA.

There are a ton of awesome bed and breakfasts in Connecticut where you can stay in a historical building and enjoy that welcoming East Coast hospitality.

Also consider driving through the New England countryside, particularly around the Litchfield Hills, Mohawk Trail, and the White Mountains. If you’re on an East Coast road trip during the autumn, you’ll be treated with the magnificent fall foliage that New England is so famous for.

New York Road Trip

New York, New York. It is the very symbol of the USA and probably its most well-known city. It is a bewildering busy place with an insane amount of people, who bounce around the city like atoms in a nuclear reactor. New Yorkers like to say that if they can make it in this city, then they can make it anywhere because where else could they feel so alive?

Traveling in New York City shouldn’t be taken lightly–the city is an absolutely enormous place that has more districts than one can count. It would take a lifetime to explore all of NYC’s neighborhoods – and I’m about to explain New York in the course of around 300 words. If you think this is a vastly underwhelming number, then we agree.

NYC is one of those places that’s absolutely worth spending some time in– staying in NYC is quite the experience!

New York is one of the greatest economic engines on the entire planet. This city churns out more money than most countries. Its skyline, which is one of the most recognizable in the world, is a representative of the city’s financial success. At the same time, New Yorkers, reaping the benefits of the economy, like to celebrate after a paycheck, often.

Hotels and Airbnbs are often expensive in and around the Big Apple, but elsewhere in the state you can look at staying in New York motels which are designed for road trippers!

As for gastronomy, people love to eat and drink in NYC. This city hosts one of the craziest nightlives in the world and more world-class restaurants than I can bother to imagine. Meeting up with friends after a hard day’s work or just visiting a local attraction like the MET, One World Trade Center or Central Park , is undoubtedly the top thing to do in New York.

There’s more to New York than just the city. Be sure to visit the oft-forgotten Upstate New York. Niagara Falls , the Hudson Valley , Catskills , and the picturesque stays in the Adirondacks should all be included on a road trip from New York.

New Jersey Road Trip

New Jersey is often seen as the butt-end of New York City – a state that only serves as a giant suburb for New Yorkers who want to settle down but still be close to the city. While its close proximity to the top places in NYC is certainly a boon – you can literally see Manhattan across the Hudson in New Jersey – it’s much more than New York’s backyard.

New Jersey has a lot to offer those on a road trip down the East Coast USA, including mountains, some of the best beaches in the Northeast, and lots of agrotourism opportunities. In fact, a bed and breakfast in New Jersey is so much cheaper than staying in the Big Apple, that many tourists visiting New York opt to stay in Jersey City/Newark and commute in.

The greatest density of people in New Jersey is in Jersey City/Newark , which, to little surprise, is right next to New York City. These places are often used as a cheaper base for exploring the city but are worthy of seeing as well.

As for what to do in Jersey City , you can eat and drink just as well as in NYC and, best of all, enjoy the best views of skyline without having to deal with the massive crowds. Newark has an excellent selection of museums and art galleries.

Most who visit New Jersey head straight for the beaches, which are very fine. Atlantic City , infamous for its gangsters and casinos, is the most visited coastal city in New Jersey and arguably the most famous resort town on the East Coast. Though many come here for more carnal reasons, Atlantic City still benefits from some gorgeous beaches and surfing opportunities.

Other popular beach getaways include Belmar, Asbury Park , the Wildwoods , and Sandy Hook . You can also opt to stay on Cape May for a truly spectacular Jersey seaside experience.

Few people realize that New Jersey has mountains! The Kittatinny Mountains , a subsection of the Appalachians, run along the western edge of the state and offers many hiking trails. Further south is the expansive Pine Barrens , which is great for camping and berry picking.

Pennsylvania Road Trip

Pennsylvania is one of the most historically significant states in the entire USA. The state has been the theater for many of America’s most important revolutionary events and has also been the birthplace of many of its greatest industries.

Coal, steel, mining, and even Amish woodworking are among Pennsylvania’s proudest exports and each of these paint a clear picture of what the state is today. A road trip through Pennsylvania will be an excellent insight into middle American life, both old and new.

You can’t pass through the state without visiting Philadelphia , which is one of the most historical cities in the USA. Philadelphia’s most important landmarks include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall , the latter of which is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Philadelphia also hosts a wide variety of museums and historic sites that are some of the finest on the East Coast. Most famous is the Philadelphia Museum of Art , which, aside from having an excellent collection, also hosts the steps that Rocky Balboa trained on.

The rest of Pennsylvania is mostly rural. Much of Pennsylvania’s natural splendor is found here, and it’s particularly beautiful if you stay around the Poconos , Lake Eerie, and the Laurel Highlands . Famously, the Amish also live in the Pennsylvania countryside, mostly around Lancaster .

If you make it as far as Pittsburgh in the western portion of Pennsylvania, you’ll be rewarded. Pittsburgh was once the steel capital of the USA and, though it had a couple of rough years, is now becoming one of the coolest East Coast cities. There are plenty of great places to stay in Pittsburgh too.

Maryland and Delaware Road Trip

Maryland and Delaware are two of more historically significant states in the country. Much of their two histories are defined by the vital Chesapeake Bay , which served as an extremely important waterway during colonial days.

Nowadays, Maryland and Delaware are pretty quiet and mostly act as residences for rich folk from DC. The states still benefit from being located next to the Chesapeake – the seafood here is some of the best on the East Coast and there are lots of little coastal haunts worth checking out. These, in addition to the many historical attractions, make both states worth seeing.

Baltimore , Maryland is the largest city in the region and hosts the densest collection of attractions. Staying in Baltimore , made famous for its criminal elements thanks to The Wire , is not nearly as dangerous as it used to be and is actually one of the most desirable cities on the East Coast.

It has several interesting neighborhoods -like eclectic Fell’s Point , vibrant Hampden , and the artsy, somewhat ritzy Midtown – that make Baltimore worth visiting. Visit these areas and be sure to grab a famous Blue Crab around the Inner Harbor .

East of Baltimore is the Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula, which is where you’ll find most the region’s coastal charm. The Delmarva is shared by both Maryland and Delaware. Interestingly, the peninsula is culturally unique from the rest of the Atlantic states in that it identifies more with the South for both historical and geographic reasons. You’ll find many awesome cabins in Maryland to make a pit stop in these coastal towns.

Delaware is a very small state situated almost entirely on the Delmarva Peninsula . Almost all of the state’s attractions are found in Wilmington and on the coast.

Although it’s the largest city in Delaware, there isn’t a whole lot to do in Wilmington aside from maybe visiting nearby Brandywine Country . The Delaware Coast at least has some nice beaches. Noteworthy Delaware beaches include Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach .

You can also check out some of the cool best bed and breakfasts in Delaware , many of which are ideally located close to the beach!

Washington DC Road Trip

Washington DC is the glorious yet under-privileged nation’s capitol. It’s a perfect example of American exceptionalism and, at the same time, economic stratification. At the end of the day, staying in Washington DC is one of the best cities on the East Coast to visit, if not for its sheer beauty then for its relevant social dynamics.

Few can argue against how gorgeous the city of Washington DC is. The city itself is the product of a city planning movement that was meant to represent a new age in America. As such, Washington DC is designed to be a very modern metropolis with perfect gridwork and several large areas designated for monuments.

Most of DC’s top things to do monuments are located in or near the Mall District – a 2-mile long park that runs through the center of the city.

Most of the city’s greatest landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument , the Smithsonian Museum , and the White House are located in this park. The Mall District is certainly one of the must-see places on any East Coast road trip route and makes for a very lovely day of walking.

On the edges of the Mall are the rest of Washington DC’s most iconic places . North is Adams Morgan and The Shaw , which is where you’ll find much of the city’s surprisingly active nightlife.

East is Capitol Hill where most of the United States’ politics are done. South is the gorgeous Jefferson Memorial and, across the Potomac River, the hallowed Arlington Cemetery .

One should definitely add the outskirts of the city to their Washington DC itinerary to experience a “realer” side of the capital, where gentrification is in full effect. Much of DC’s satellite neighborhoods, where most natural-born residents are from, were socially neglected in the 90s.

Nowadays, these districts are being renovated aggressively and, in the process, are losing their identity. Visit H Street, Columbia Heights , and the Near Northeast for a taste of the new DC, both the good and bad of it.

Virginia Road Trip

Virginia is a transition state where Southern culture begins to take hold. As the former capital of the US Confederacy during the Civil War, the state is certainly not lacking its historical landmarks.

Virginia also has some of the finest scenery in the Eastern United States–you’ll even find cool wonders like the Natural Bridge State Park. Those on a road trip down the East Coast will be both delighted and captured by Virginia’s beautiful cabins that give a full dose of nature.

Richmond is the capital of Virginia. It’s a very old and historically significant city that has been around since the Colonial days. Much of its original architecture was destroyed in a great fire that occurred after the Confederates fled the city but, regardless, Richmond is still full of history and pride.

Virginia Airbnbs are plentiful in Richmond and beyond–do try them out for a more local, residential feel.

Richmond is a fairly spread-out urban area with several neighborhoods. Strewn sparsely among them are several museums dedicated to everything from poetry to historic landmarks. Aside from these, Richmond is also an arc for art and music and there are several clubs spread throughout the city.

The Virginia Coastline is where you’ll find the largest population in Virginia in addition to the usual beachside resorts. Here you’ll find Virginia Beach, Chesapeake , and Norfolk , which sort of combine to form their own metropolitan area. This part of Virginia has lots of excellent beaches to lay on but most of them are family-oriented. Staying in Virginia Beach is a great choice if you want to relax for a bit.

The interior of Virginia is mountainous and is home to a couple of beautiful national parks, like Shenandoah . Many people visit Virginia to see these parks and make road trips on the gorgeous Skyline Drive .

There are many quaint bed and breakfasts in Virginia that offer an authentic experience and are usually in renovated historical buildings. I highly recommend checking one out and experiencing that warming East Coast hospitality.

You can navigate this route all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains if you want, and can take a break at any time to go on hikes or to visit local landmarks. The Natural Bridge and the town of Winchester are good stops.

Consider taking part in the Brew Ridge Trail , which is one of the best East Coast brewery road trips!

North Carolina Road Trip

If there were one Mid-Atlantic state that offered the most, then it would probably be North Carolina . North Carolina has beaches, interesting cities, awesome mountains, and, of course, plenty of southern charm.

There are several urban centers in North Carolina. Charlotte is the largest city in the state and is becoming increasingly hip each and every day with more and more things to do . There are many cool Charlotte Airbnbs to choose from for your stay.

It’s a working man’s city with a booming economy and growing entertainment district that will soon be the next Southern jewel. It is, admittedly at the moment, still a bit dull compared to some other East Coast cities though. But you can find some cool and trendy North Carolina Airbnbs to enjoy your road trip stop at–for a much better rate than New England, that’s for sure.

Raleigh and the surrounding communes of Chapel Hill and Durham are much more fun. These cities are home to several universities, including the popular North Carolin State University and Duke , which means that there are lots of young people looking to have a good time.

The cities themselves are often ranked as being some of the most livable in the country and so make for great East Coast road trip stops.

The North Carolina Coast is awesome, filled with white sandy beaches and some of the best destinations for an East Coast road trip. Here you’ll find the extremely historical Roanoke Island as well as Kitty Hawk aka the birthplace of modern aviation. Some of the best beaches in North Carolina are Holden, Carova, Carolina, and Corolla .

North Carolina’s greatest treasure may be the fabled Great Smoky Mountains , which is home to some fantastic hiking trails. Cloaked in mist and legends of bootleggers, the Smokies are one of the most storied parts of the USA and, consequently, the most visited national park as well.

Be sure to stay in Asheville while in the Smokies, which is hands down one of the best East Coast cities to visit. Asheville has an amazing art and beer scene, and is often compared to eccentric places like Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon. The grand Biltmore Estate is also near Asheville.

Charleston to Savannah Road Trip

Charleston (South Carolina) and Savannah (Georgia) are two cities that are fighting for your attention! Like squabbling children who want mommy to listen to them, these two cities have been in a fierce competition for generations. Visiting both of these cities will definitely be a highlight on your East Coast USA road trip.

Charleston is often considered to be the quainter and more intimate alternative to Savannah. It’s a small city that hosts some of the most well-preserved Southern architecture in the region. The French Quarter, Magnolia Plantation, Rainbow Row , and Boone Hall are all wonderful examples. A night in Charleston should definitely be prioritized, as should the epic Charleston City Market.

Savannah, on the other hand, is often seen as the larger and more charged of the two cities. As the birthplace of Georgia and a vital economic center for the South, a stay in Savannah has become much grander and, some locals would argue, more fun than Charleston.

Though Savannah lacks some of the singularly amazing landmarks that Charleston has, it still has that classy Antebellum style that we love about the South.

Savannah’s Historic Quarter is one of the largest in the USA and is most well-known for its gorgeous cobblestone streets and large public squares. Forsyth Park is a fantastic place to spend some time in, and there are also a lot of historic Georgia vacation rentals you can spend your trip in. Taking a walking tour in Savannah is arguably one of the best things to do on an East Coast road trip.

In the end, there are too many intangibles when it comes to Charleston and Savannah. The best way to experience these cities is just to visit them and compare the two yourself. Note how each prepares local Southern food and how each has worked to preserve their respective images.

Both the states of South Carolina and Georgia are much bigger than Charleston and Savannah. There are also lots of things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. Consider visiting this beach resort town in South Carolina for your family getaway. Alternatively, head to Kiawah Island for an ocean escape.

A ways inland is Atlanta , which is the largest city in Georgia and arguably the cultural capital of the Deep South.

Florida Road Trip

Welcome to Florida ! Home to amazing tropical beaches, abundant sunshine, and most of the East Coast’s retirees. If you’ve been craving some Vitamin C and some delicious Latin food, you should be very excited to visit Florida.

If you’ve made the arduous road trip from Maine to Florida, congratulations – your beach chair and pina colada are waiting for you.

Florida is a gorgeous state with a shit ton of attractions and cities to visit. Staying in Florida is sure to be one hell of an experience. There isn’t another state quite like it, for better or for worse.

In order to better understand the Sunshine state, we highly recommend you read it.

The first place most people think when they hear Florida is Miami. (Cue corny Will Smith song.) Though much of what you hear about Miami is true – it’s glamorous, full of amazing beaches, and sometimes a shitshow – there’s a lot more to it.

Visiting Miami also means getting to experience an amazing art scene, which is best experienced in the Design District, Wynwood , and Midtown neighborhoods.

Thanks to its enormous immigrant population, Miami also has some most authentic Latin and Caribbean communes outside of their respective regions. Be sure to visit Little Havana and Little Haiti for the amazing cultures and food.

While Miami is safe for tourists, avoiding the neighborhoods of Overtown, Liberty City, and Opa Locka are musts. Luckily, there’s nothing for travelers to do in those places anyway.

The rest of Florida is defined mostly by endless stretches of beach, swamps, and Southern hospitality. The Everglades are one of the most important wetlands in the nation and are an impressive natural wonder.

Stunning beaches are a dime a dozen in Florida though the ones around the Emerald Coast, Tampa Bay, Florida Keys, and Atlantic Coast are particularly great (and yes, that’s just about everywhere.)

The only thing more numerous than beaches in Florida is Southern folk. Contrary to popular belief, only the area around Miami is predominately Latin – Central and Northern Florida are more similar to the Deep South. Expect lots of BBQ, fried gator, and charm. Places to stay in St. Augustine still have much of their Spanish colonial history and make great places to stay for a rest stop.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Off The Beaten Path East Coast Road Trip Ideas

Want to expand your road trip on the East Coast? Try connecting it with one of these other regions! They’re a bit off the beaten path but are worth visiting.

Why not just continue all the way into the Great White North for some good Canadian fun, eh?! With lovely people, hugely fun cities, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America, it’s no surprise that visiting Canada tops many’s bucketlist.

Visit the likes of Montreal , Toronto , Nova Scotia , and Newfoundland to experience some of the best of Canada.

2. Appalachia

The Appalachian Mountains are the greatest mountain chain on the East Coast, which separates it from the Midwestern and Great Plains regions. It is a relatively isolated place that, over the years, has developed its own distinct culture and identity. Renting a cabin in West Virginia will give you a real look into Appalachian life, which is notably different from most other US states.

Tennessee and Kentucky, though Southern leaning, are arguably a part of this region. There is no better way to experience the Appalachians than the epic Appalachian Trail, which traverses a staggering 2,200 miles and takes over 6 months to complete.

Perhaps you’re the type who likes frigid weather and lots of dairy products? Make a detour to the Midwest then for a chance to experience some of the warmest hospitality in the country.

Surrounding the Great Lakes are welcoming states like Michigan and its up-and-coming capital Detroit, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois that have been the subject of much love and ridicule (because of those funny accents). The Midwest hosts a number of cool cities–you cant go wrong with a visit to Chicago or Minneapolis.

4. Deep South

If you’re looking for pleasant winter weather and a chance to experience more Southern comfort, why not head further inland into the Deep South to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. If you drive through Alabama, check out some of the cool and unusual hotels in Birmingham and stay for a few extra days to sample some of the real staples of Southern living.

Larger cities are quite cosmopolitan–you can’t drive through the region without visiting New Orleans ! On the other hand, states like Mississippi and Alabama are where things just get plain weird.

Historical East Coast Road Trip Attractions

Want to travel through America’s history? Then stop by one of these many historical East Coast road trip attractions to learn more about how the US was made!

• Bunker Hill (Charlestown, Massachusetts) – Site of one of the earliest and most important battles in the American Revolutionary War. A granite obelisk now stands at this location. One of the first monuments erected in the USA.
• Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth, Massachusetts) – An open-air museum located on grounds of the former Plymouth Colony. Attempts to recreate life as the settling English pilgrims experienced it.
• Gettysburg (Pennsylvania) – Battleground for the largest battle of the American Civil War. Gettysburg was a decisive victory for the Union and it proved to be a turning point in the conflict. A sobering cemetery and military park are the only remains of the fight.
• Mt Vernon (Alexandria, Virginia) – Former home and plantation of the USA’s first president, George Washington. Open 365 days per year as ordained by the president himself.
• Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia) – A section of modern Williamsburg that was preserved in order to appear like an original colonial settlement. Includes American colonial buildings, educational tours, and actors dressed in anachronistic apparel.
• Biltmore Estate (North Carolina) – An enormous mansion built by the Vanderbilts, one of the foremost tycoon families of the American Gilded Age. Still owned by the Vanderbilts and still the largest private dwelling in the USA.
• Fort Raleigh (North Carolina) – The preserved remains of the Roanoke Colony, the first-ever English settlement in the USA. Shrouded in mystery as the residents famously disappeared after they lost contact with the crown.
• St. Augustine (Florida) – A modern-day city that actually has some of the most significant Spanish colonial architecture in the country. The impressive Castillo de San Marcos is the grandest and most popular attraction in the town.

National Parks on the East Coast

The national parks are among the must see places on the East Coast as they offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Consider stopping by one of the following parks…

• Acadia (Maine) – A jewel of the Northeastern coastline. Features some of the best and most rugged coastal scenery in the United States. Great beaches, great fall foliage, and great attractions for a road trip up the East Coast. For easy access to the national park, we recommend staying in Bar Harbor as it’s one of the nearest towns.
• Shenandoah (Virginia) – A slim national park that is mostly visited by those making the superlative Skyline Drive. Mountainous scenery that bursts into color during the autumn. Lots of hidden vistas and waterfalls available to hikers.
• Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina) – One of the best places on the East Coast, though it’s actually a bit far from the ocean. Spending time in the Great Smoky Range means visiting the highest mountain chain in the entire Eastern USA. One of the most ecologically diverse places in the USA and officially the most visited national park in the country. The “smokey” title comes from the frequent fog that likes to hang around the mountains.
• Congaree (South Carolina) – A very large and well-preserved tract of hardwood forest that hosts some of the largest trees on the East Coast of the USA. It floods regularly, which brings in huge amounts of nutrients for local ecosystems. Overall, a very ecologically diverse park.
• Everglades (Florida) – Massive wetlands that are one of the most important natural habitats in the USA make Everglades National Park a must see. Features endless groves, glades, and inlets that hide several threatened species including the Florida panther, manatee, and the American crocodile. Usually explored by airboat or on foot via several trails.
• Dry Tortugas (Florida) – A small chain of keys that hosts the astounding Fort Jefferson, which is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Being a part of the iconic Florida Keys , Dry Tortugas also has excellent diving opportunities and that beautiful Caribbean water. Can only be reached by boat.
• Biscayne (Florida) – A offshore park that shelters an enormous amount of aquatic life. A very popular place among divers and fishers. 90% of the park is located in the ocean so camping and hiking opportunities are pretty limited.

East Coast Scenic Drives

Choose any one of these scenic routes listed below to gain more East Coast road trip ideas! Each one features more of the best places on the East Coast to visit.

• Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina) – The most scenic road trip on the East Coast. A very long road that traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains and connects Shenandoah with the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Skyline Drive (Virginia) – A road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park, which is arguably the most popular destination in the park. Offers breathtaking views of the mountains and also provides access to several hiking trails, including the ACT. Connects with the Blue Ridge Parkway in the south.
• Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire) – A spectacular East Coast road trip route through the White Mountains. Most popular during the fall when the mountains explode with autumn color. Several campgrounds and viewpoints are found along the 35-mile stretch.
• Florida A1A (Florida) – A highway that runs the entire length of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The route hugs the entire coastline to Miami and affords amazing views of the ocean. Also includes the Florida Keys Scenic Byway, which is arguably one of the most beautiful roads in the USA.
• Acadia National Byway (Maine) – Ring road that offers the best sights of Acadia National Park . Most of the park’s top attractions can be reached via the byway including Sandy Beach and Jordan Ponds. Popular in fall when the trees are changing colors as well.
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad (Maryland) – A historical East Coast road trip route that follows the trail of the Underground Railroad – one of the most important escape routes for African slaves during the Civil War. Along the way, you’ll visit many museums, churches, and former residences that educate you about the railroad. Not very scenic but very humbling. Baltimore is a very cool city if you fancy hanging out a few days.

A few insider tips to help your East Coast Road trip go just a lil’ bit smoother!

Getting Insured

Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? Even if you’re only going for a few days, that’s more than enough time to get smote by wrathful angels. Have fun on your road trip, but take it from us, overseas medical care and canceled flights can be seriously expensive – insurance can, therefore, be a life-saver.

Travel mishaps can and do happen and it is well worth thinking about insurance before you leave home.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of East Coast road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel-efficient so you’ll save on fuel.
• Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking .  If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Buy an America the Beautiful Pass : Seriously, if you’re visiting more than two national parks, you’d be a fool not to buy this.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove . Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free activities on the East Coast! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in the East.
• Pack a filtered water bottle : It’s good for your wallet and the environment. Purified water is easy to come by in the States versus other countries.

Feeling a little gross after hanging out in the Great Smoky Mountains ? Got sand in every crack and corner of your body after laying on the beach too long? Maybe it’s time to take a break from your camping road trip on the East Coast and to check into a hotel.

Thankfully, hotels are everywhere in the USA and come in all shapes and sizes–there’s even quite the selection of USA budget hotel chains . You could perch yourself in a high-rise condo in the middle of the city or perhaps laze away in a small inn on the countryside.

If you’re on a budget East Coast road trip and need to cut costs, you’ll most likely have to settle for cheaper guesthouses and motels . These types of accommodation are fairly generic, drab, and offer a pretty limited amount of amenities. If you’re using hotels in more expensive states, than you’ll still end up paying $80/night minimum.

No matter what you end up choosing though, one thing is for certain – hotels on the East coast are expensive. Airbnbs in the US are a much better option than chain hotels most of time, and you can see plethora of reviews beforehand.

If you needed to save the most money on your East Coast road trip, then you should take advantage of hostels and campgrounds .

They are by far the most affordable type of accommodation on the East Coast, and are actually quite fun to stay at. Though hostels in the USA can be a little weird (we know: we’ve stayed at several), most are perfectly decent even if they’re not as rad as the ones in Europe or Asia.

Best Places to Stay on the East Coast

Here are some of the absolute best places to stay on your East Coast road trip:

East Coast Camping Road Trip

Spread across the entire Eastern seaboard is an endless variety of campgrounds set amongst dozens of landscapes. An East Coast camping trip is a fantastic way of seeing everything that the region has to offer, and you should rarely be left uninspired by the amazing selection.

There are all kinds of campgrounds in the East that offer a wide range of amenities and rates. Generally speaking, there are four types: private, public, dispersed , and backcountry . Below is a brief explanation of each.

• Private – Larger campgrounds that offer the most amenities including communal kitchens, showers, and maybe onsite restaurants. Most appropriate for demanding campers. Most expensive as well. Payment is made through the office of the owners.
• Public – More basic campgrounds that offer limited but crucial amenities. Running water, electricity, and bathrooms should be but are not always present. Good prices. Payment is made to a public organization either online or via a drop box at the camp.
• Dispersed – aka wild camping, primitive camping . Camping in an area that is not an official campground but is still legal. Little to no amenities. Almost always free.
• Backcountry – Camps located in the wilderness areas. Almost always require a hike to reach. Often no facilities so campers must bring food, cooking gear, camp supplies, etc. Permits are usually required and can be arranged at a nearby ranger station.

A lot of campgrounds, especially those at the national parks, can fill up very quickly. Consider booking a campground ahead of time to ensure that you have a spot.

If there are no campgrounds left at a specific place, there may be walk-up sites available, which you’ll need to arrive early to claim. If you strike out on the walk-up sites as well, there may be overflow camping nearby.

You can definitely camp for free while on a road trip down the East Coast! Most of these campgrounds are pretty remote or located on some sort of specially mandated land.

Each state offers different types of free backcountry camping so you will need to research each. To get started, check this website for a compendium of free camping on the East Coast.

Camping on the East Coast – Gear Checklist

The East Coast has some of the finest camping in the whole country. You could sleep in your car or an RV while traveling on the East Coast but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other essentials that we recommend adding ton your road trip packing list …

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Don’t forget the insect repellent either!

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around the Eastern USA. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices of individual companies. I personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan, which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

You can drive your own campervan around the country, but this is only practical if you already own one and are importing it into the country, or have a long enough US visa to make the most out of your wheeled home.

I suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of the East Coast’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the Appalachia and the swamplands will you need to be concerned about having 4-wheel drive.

If you need any extra motivation to book that trip, here is the perfect mix of cheesy and inspirational road trip quotes . I’m sure they’ll give you the nudge you need.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

• Reach out to vehicle relocation services, like Imoova and Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Best Time to Visit the East Coast

The East Coast is a massive region that is subject to more than a dozen different climates. While on a road trip along the East Coast, USA, you could potentially experience rain, sunshine, snow, and tropical storms – all in the course of a few weeks!

Depending on what you want to do, you could visit the East Coast at any time of the year. Summers generally have the most reliable weather though you might get dumped on in Florida.

On the other hand, if you were on an East Coast road trip in the winter, you could totally go skiing in New England and then surfing in Florida! Just don’t forget a high-quality ski jacket .

I have broken the East Coast into three different climate categories. These are broad generalizations and, in reality, each state has much more complex weather patterns. These categories are relevant enough for you to understand how the weather works on the East Coast.

Northeastern States (New England -> Pennsylvania) – These states are subject to 4 distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, semi-humid summers. Winters in these states can be frigid as the Canadian winds wreak havoc. Summers are mostly mild but heat waves are still common.

Central Atlantic States (Maryland -> Georgia) – These states receive more regular rainfall throughout the year and less dramatic temperature swings. Winters are still relatively cold and summers are the hottest time of the year, which means that these states are still classified as having 4 seasons. Though rare, Georgia and the Carolinas can actually receive snow in the winter.

Tropical States (Florida) – While the climate of Northern Florida is more similar to Georgia’s, Southern Florida is textbook tropical. Rain comes in bucket loads during the summer, sometimes dangerously in the form of hurricanes. Winters are mild and clear.

Food on the East Coast

A road trip on the East Coast will afford endless opportunities for you to try different foods. The food of this region is so diverse and so different that it’s not possible to put all of it into one category (except, of course, a delicious category).

Each state has its own local delicacies. You could make a culinary road trip from Maine to Florida in pursuit of these dishes and it would certainly take up a lot of your time and attention!

But let’s briefly talk about what you’ll find on each part of the East Coast…

New England is famous for its seafood , which is often baked, stewed or steamed to divine results. Chowder is perhaps the most famous dish here, though you can’t go wrong with a good ol’ clambake or lobster roll. On that note, Maine lobster is highly regarded. Food in Boston is particularly famous for its clam chowder, Boston baked beans, and being a legendary baseball city, hot dogs.

New York City has just about every type of food imaginable because of its enormous immigrant population. You can seriously eat some of the best food from around the globe in one city. If there was one or two foods that could be called true New York food, it might be bagels and pizza . As pizza in the city is often priced at backpacker-friendly rates, just pair it with a cheap NYC hostel for an affordable adventure.

Pizza and, for that matter, Italian food is fairly common in the Atlantic states. Some places, like New Haven (Connecticut) and Scranton (Pennsylvania) even claim to have the best in the world.

The sandwich is also a staple of the East Coast and comes in many varieties. New Jersey is famous for inventing “the sub” while you can’t say you’ve visited Philadelphia’s tourist attractions without savoring its very well-known Philly cheesesteak.

As we drive further south the food begins to change. Southern cooking becomes the dominant trend and BBQ and fried foods are heavily featured. The Carolinas are particularly famous for their version of BBQ, though the Georgian variety is no slouch either.

Finally, Southern Florida has some of the best Caribbean and Latin food that you’ll eat in the USA. Cuban, Jamaican, Dominican, South American – all of these culinary styles are represented very well in Miami and the surrounding area.

Get your Buzz On

The East Coast is called the Beast Coast for a reason – people get wild on a regular basis and throw some of the best parties in the USA! You can party in a myriad of ways while on a road trip up the East Coast – you could go to a speakeasy in New York City, drink with rowdy Southies in a Boston dive, rub shoulders with politicians in Washington DC or dance all night in Miami. The possibilities are limitless.

Just make sure you know your personal limits (and that of your wallet) before dabbling in drug tourism, that’s all!

Drinking on the East Coast, particularly in the bigger cities, is by no means cheap though. Cover charges, exorbitant drink prices, and taxi fees add up very quickly; you could easily drop more than $100 in a single night.

I advise drinking at local dive bars for the cheapest drinks and taking advantage of the ubiquitous happy hour. You can get a beer for as low as $1 in some bars.

Beer is probably the most popular drink on the East Coast and is found in abundance at nearly every bar. No matter which bar you end up in, you’ll usually have a huge selection of domestic, craft, and imported choices. Best of all, it’s usually the cheapest drink!

One idea is to go on a brewery tour of the East Coast! There are hundreds of breweries on the East Coast making everything from shitty lagers to divine ales. I suggest visiting Brooklyn Brewing, Wicked Weed in Asheville, Ommegang in upstate New York, and Creature Comforts in Athens, Georgia.

Marijuana is legal for recreational use in several New England states! While on a Northeast coast road trip, you can drop by a dispensary and pick up a dime bag. All you need to buy weed is an ID proving that you’re over 21 and cash.

Be sure to brush up on local laws and don’t bring marijuana across state borders (especially into illegal states).

Being a Responsible Backpacker

Remember to be a respectful camper while on your East Coast road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour, follow leave no trace principles , and be very, very aware of fire bans.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a GRAYL GEOPRESS . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Pack a tough and cool travel water bottle. You’ll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Be a responsible traveler , and grab a Grayl!

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

I hope this epic East Coast road trip guide has prepared you for your overland journey along the Atlantic Ocean. This region of the country is filled with unique landscapes, plenty of history, and some truly delicious food.

Traveling here will help you get to know the US, and give you a look at the diversity within it. Just look at the differences between Miami and Maine!

This is a lot to take in, but remember that road trips can be spontaneous. That’s half the fun! On the other hand, if you just can’t quite decide where to start, you can’t go wrong with the Ultimate East Coast Road trip, which truly hits all the best stops on this side of the United States.

So make those last-minute van repairs or secure your rental.

An East Coast road trip awaits !

Updated April 2023 by Samantha Shea from Intentional Detours .

Share or save this post

I noticed a typo. The South Carolina State University is not located in Raleigh, NC. It should read North Carolin Satate University.

Awesome high level ideas for the ultimate East Coast road trip! As a Florida local, I’d recommend travelers check out some of the smaller, lesser-known FL West Coast areas like Anna Maria Island just south of Tampa or Sanibel if you’re heading even further south. All said and done, your guide did Florida justice — from visiting the Dry Tortugas to trying our BBQ and fried gator.

Wow, really long and informative article! Don’t have much to add but two tips that fall under the category general (obvious) advice:

– Don’t set the stops in stone and don’t try to keep a timeline. Take your time to explore places and stay flexible. Your trip will benefit greatly. – Keep a track of gas stations on your route. Because obviously there’s nothing worse but to run out of gas on a rainy day in the middle of nowhere…

Totally agree! You should really check out that ViaMichelin app for gas stations and what not. It’s brilliant.

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The driving distance from Point Pleasant, New Jersey to Savannah, Georgia is:

784 miles / 1 262 km.

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Driving distance from Point Pleasant, NJ to Savannah, GA

The total driving distance from Point Pleasant, NJ to Savannah, GA is 784 miles or 1 262 kilometers .

Your trip begins in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. It ends in Savannah, Georgia.

If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from Point Pleasant, NJ to Savannah, GA so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination.

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Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Point Pleasant, NJ and Savannah, GA .

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Take A Scenic Drive Along The East Coast On This Must-Do US Road Trip Route

O ne of the beautiful things about exploring the United States is that you can hop in a car and go wherever the wind takes you. A road trip is the perfect way to travel , and driving around the sprawling country has become one of the ultimate expressions of freedom and adventure. The Great American Road Trip has been immortalized time and time again by writers like Steinbeck and Kerouac.

If you've been dreaming about hopping behind the wheel and hitting the open highway, consider planning a trip along the United States East Coast from New York City to Key West, Florida. The scenic drive along the Eastern Seaboard will take you along scenic coastal roads bordering the Atlantic Ocean, with opportunities to stop in some of America's coolest cities and funky beach towns. You'll cover over 1,600 miles with a total driving time of around 33 hours, so it's best to budget a whole week or more for this trip and give yourself plenty of time to stop for sightseeing along the way.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to the United States or a veteran road tripper looking to experience a new region of the country, grab your road atlas, make an epic playlist, and get ready for the ultimate East Coast road trip.

Read more: Things Every American Should Do In The US In Their Lifetime

New York City To Atlantic City (The Jersey Shore)

New York City is the perfect place to begin your road trip along the Atlantic Coast. Aside from being an iconic destination all on its own, it's greater metropolitan area has no fewer than three major international airports, so finding a flight from anywhere in the world should be no trouble. If you're renting a car, there are dozens of rental locations in the city.

Driving around New York City can be stressful — there's a lot of congestion on the roads, and parking can be costly. If you're renting a car for your road trip, it's best to wait until you're ready to leave the city. Until then, you can explore New York's unique neighborhoods, museums , nightlife, and food scenes by taking the city's excellent public transportation system. Budget at least a day or two in New York to see  iconic sites like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building. With more time, wander around neighborhoods like Soho, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, and Chelsea. Whatever you do, don't forget to try a slice of pizza before hitting the road.

The drive from New York to Atlantic City on the Jersey Shore takes just over two hours, so it's a nice way to start your road trip. Spend a night in Atlantic City exploring the famous boardwalk and trying your luck at some glittering casinos.

Ocracoke, North Carolina

After the hustle and bustle of New York and Atlantic City, you'll be ready for a change of scenery — and Ocracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina is the perfect off-the-beaten-path beach destination along the Atlantic Coast. The trip from Atlantic City to Ocracoke Island will take around 10 hours, including a one-hour ferry ride to the island. So, if you want to break it up, consider stopping halfway in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Somehow, Ocracoke Island remains one of the best kept secrets on the East Coast. The entire island is only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide and was once a favorite hideout of the notorious pirate Blackbeard and his men in the early 1700s. During your stay; you'll have the opportunity to take in historical landmarks and learn plenty of local legends associated with pirate life. Make sure to visit Springer's Point, which was once the location of unhinged pirate parties but now serves as a beautiful nature preserve.

Ocracoke Village is tiny and picturesque, with a variety of tasty restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and some cute shops with local artisan goods, and many of the local restaurants and bars have live music in the evenings. Locals and tourists alike enjoy spending the days sprawled out on the island's spacious white sand beaches, swimming in the Atlantic, riding bikes, and taking scenic boat rides around the island.

Charleston, South Carolina

After spending a few days enjoying the surf and sun on Ocracoke Island, hop back in the car and drive for about nine hours until you reach Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is one of the most picturesque cities in the southeastern United States, and you should add it to your travel list immediately .

Charleston is known for its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and laid-back Southern vibes. You can explore art museums and galleries here, catch a theatrical performance, and chow down on delicious Southern cuisine. For excellent shopping and people-watching, stroll down King Street or head to City Market to pick up some souvenirs from local artists and craftspeople. If you're looking for more beach time and less urban exploration, head to nearby Folly Beach, an adorable beach just over 20 minutes from downtown Charleston.

While Charleston is beautiful, it also has a complicated and disturbing history as a former hub of the North American slave trade. There is no denying that the city's wealth and prosperity were due to the exploitation of enslaved Africans and their descendants. While the horrors of that time can never be erased or forgotten, in recent years, the city of Charleston has attempted to preserve Black history with various tours, museum exhibits, and events where you can learn about the many ways African-American culture impacted the city and the American South as a whole.

Savannah, Georgia

After you've enjoyed the city of Charleston and its nearby beaches for a few days, hop back in the car for a short two-hour drive to Savannah, Georgia, which tourists often call  the most friendly destination in the U.S.   With streets draped in Spanish moss, beautiful architecture, and a thriving arts scene, Savannah makes an excellent stop along your East Coast road trip.

The city is home to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), one of the top-rated art schools in the United States, so it's no surprise that the city has developed a reputation for artistic expression and creativity. As you explore, you'll find plenty of art galleries, music venues, and theaters scattered among historic buildings and cobblestone streets.

With a day or two to spend in Savannah, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. To cover the most ground, consider taking a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour, which will take you by all of the significant landmarks. For a spooky and unforgettable evening, book the Ghosts and Gravestones tour offered by Old Town Trolley Tours — Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States.

Afterward, walk down its famous River Street, located along the waterfront, and admire the views before enjoying some mouthwatering seafood and a delicious cocktail at one of the many restaurants.

Key West, Florida

Key West, Florida, is the southernmost tip of the continental United States, and the drive from Savannah is about 10 hours. If you have time, break up the long stretch in the car with stops in either St. Augustine or West Palm Beach. Key West is one of the most enchanting beach communities in the United States, and there are many adventurous things to do during your visit. The tiny island is made of sand and coral and measures 4 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. To get there, you'll drive along the famous Overseas Highway, a 113-mile stretch with tons of bridges over the ocean and incredible views the entire way.

During your stay in Key West, leave plenty of time to kick back, relax on white sand beaches, and swim in shallow, turquoise waters. If you're an ocean lover, make sure you book one of the snorkeling excursions offered by various tour companies so that you can explore the only barrier reef in the United States. Back in town, you can enjoy excellent seafood restaurants, colorful architecture, and historic sites including the home where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote many of his most iconic books throughout the 1930s.

If you rent a car for your road trip, you can choose to drop it off in Key West or head back to Miami, where you'll find a major international airport with plenty of options for flights home.

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Savannah to New Jersey drive

Savannah to new jersey road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Savannah to New Jersey. If you're planning a road trip to New Jersey, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start in Savannah drive for about 1 hour

10:12 am   Hampton (South Carolina) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:12 am drive for about 2 hours

1:23 pm   Bishopville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:23 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

3:38 pm   Lumberton (North Carolina) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:38 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

6:13 pm   Goldsboro (North Carolina) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:13 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 9 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from The Jefferson Hotel drive for about 2 hours

10:55 am   Washington, DC stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:55 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

5:24 pm   Philadelphia stay for about 3 hours and leave at 8:24 pm drive for about 58 minutes

9:22 pm  arrive at New Jersey

day 2 driving ≈ 5.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Hampton (South Carolina)   (2 answers)     questions about Hampton (South Carolina):         Where to eat Bishopville   (2 answers)     questions about Bishopville:         Sightseeing locations in Bishopville Lumberton (North Carolina)   (4 answers) Goldsboro (North Carolina)   (3 answers)     restaurants around Goldsboro (North Carolina):         Wilber's Barbecue     questions about Goldsboro (North Carolina):         What is your favorite restaurant in Goldsboro? Richmond   (22 answers)     Carytown   (4 mentions)     Virginia Museum of Fine Arts   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Richmond:         Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue     hotels around Richmond:         The Jefferson Hotel     questions about Richmond:         What is your favorite restaurant in Richmond?         What is there to do in Richmond?         Nightlife in Richmond & hotels? Washington, DC   (199 answers)     National Mall   (30 mentions)     National Air and Space Museum   (29 mentions)     Washington Monument   (25 mentions)     Museum of Natural History   (23 mentions)     Lincoln Memorial   (22 mentions)     National Gallery of Art   (19 mentions)     restaurants around Washington, DC:         Mitsitam Cafe         Founding Farmers         Rose's Luxury         Pavilion Café     questions about Washington, DC:         Best hotel near museums         Best free things to do in Washington, DC?         Fun free things to do in D.C.?         Getting from Union Station to National Mall?         How to make the most of three days in DC Philadelphia   (135 answers)     Philadelphia Museum of Art   (16 mentions)     The Liberty Bell   (12 mentions)     Eastern State Penitentiary   (8 mentions)     Spruce Street Harbor Park   (8 mentions)     Independence Mall   (7 mentions)     restaurants around Philadelphia:         Reading Terminal Market         Jim's Steaks         Pat's King of Steaks         Geno's Steaks         Zahav     questions about Philadelphia:         What is your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia?         What is there to do in Philly besides eat cheese steaks?         Pat's or Geno's: Which has the better cheesesteak?         Anybody know of great gems in the city I can dine at during my stay?         Eating out on a budget.

What are some things to do in New Jersey?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about New Jersey. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to New Jersey.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a New Jersey to Savannah drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Savannah to New Jersey . Or get a full Savannah to New Jersey flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Savannah well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Savannah!

More info on this route:

road conditions

places to eat

flattest route

alternate routes

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