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Scenic 10-Day Atlantic Coast Road Trip from South Carolina to Maine with Fresh Seafood Delights

Viewed by 295 travelers

Day 1: Historic Charleston Coast

Charleston, SC on September 18, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Poogan’s Porch

Enjoy southern classics in a charming historic Charleston home; their shrimp and grits are a must-try.
USD25, 1h

9:30 AM

Explore Charleston Waterfront Park

Walk along the iconic waterfront park and soak in panoramic views of Charleston Harbor with its Pineapple Fountain.
Free, 1h

11:00 AM

Boat tour of Charleston Harbor

Take a 1.5-hour narrated harbor cruise to learn about historic forts and spot dolphins.
USD35, 1h30m

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fleet Landing Restaurant

Dine on fresh-caught seafood over water, with specialties like steamed oysters and crab cakes.
USD40, 1h

2:30 PM

Drive to Myrtle Beach, SC

Head north on US-17 to Myrtle Beach, enjoying scenic coastal views on this 2-hour drive.
N/A, 2h

5:00 PM

Check-in at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes

Relax at this oceanfront resort featuring luxury amenities and beach access.
USD190, 1h

7:00 PM

Dinner at Sea Captain’s House

Enjoy dinner with Atlantic Ocean views and fresh seafood dishes like she-crab soup and grouper.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 2: Beach Life & Seafood

Myrtle Beach, SC on September 19, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Croissants Bistro & Bakery

Savor fresh-baked pastries and coffee right in Myrtle Beach downtown.
USD15, 1h

9:30 AM

Morning Beach Walk

Enjoy a long walk on the expansive Myrtle Beach coastline, with soft sands and wide waves.
Free, 1h30m

11:00 AM

Visit Myrtle Beach State Park

Explore shaded nature trails and salt marshes; great spot for bird-watching and scenic views.
USD8 per car, 1h30m

1:00 PM

Lunch at Drunken Jack’s

Casual open-air spot known for fresh oysters, crab legs, and seafood platters.
USD30, 1h

2:30 PM

Drive to Wilmington, NC

Travel north along US-17, admiring coastal marshes and wetlands on this 1.5-hour drive.
N/A, 1h30m

4:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel Ballast

Stay overlooking the Cape Fear River, within walking distance to historic downtown Wilmington.
USD180, 1h

7:00 PM

Dinner at Catch

Experience exquisite seafood with local flavors, from blue crab risotto to grilled sea bass.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Coastal Culture & Wild Beaches

Wilmington, NC to Outer Banks, NC on September 20, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Basics

Enjoy hearty southern-style breakfast with farm-fresh eggs and biscuits in cozy atmosphere.
USD18, 1h

9:30 AM

Visit Battleship North Carolina

Tour this impressive WWII battleship museum docked on the Cape Fear River.
USD15, 1h30m

11:30 AM

Drive to Outer Banks, NC

Cruise along scenic Highway 12, crossing over bridges to explore pristine barrier islands.
N/A, 3h

2:30 PM

Check-in at The Sanderling Resort

Enjoy oceanfront luxury accommodations with stunning sunset views on the Outer Banks.
USD290, 1h

4:00 PM

Relax at the beach

Unwind on the peaceful sandy beaches of Outer Banks enjoying the Atlantic breeze.
Free, 2h

7:00 PM

Dinner at Blue Moon Beach Grill

Delight in locally sourced seafood including oysters and scallops with an ocean view.
USD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Wilmington

Day 4: Historic Coast & Oceanfront

Outer Banks, NC to Virginia Beach, VA on September 21, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Outer Banks Coffee & Ice Cream

Kick off your day with artisan coffee and breakfast sandwiches in a relaxed setting.
USD15, 1h

9:30 AM

Visit Wright Brothers National Memorial

Explore the site where the first powered flight took place, with walking trails and museum.
USD8 per car, 1h30m

11:30 AM

Drive to Virginia Beach, VA

Cross into Virginia and make your way via scenic US-13 and coastal routes for 2.5 hours.
N/A, 2h30m

2:00 PM

Check-in at The Cavalier Hotel

Settle into this historic oceanfront hotel, blending classic charm and modern luxury.
USD280, 1h

3:30 PM

Stroll Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Walk the lively 3-mile boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and beach activity.
Free, 1h30m

6:30 PM

Dinner at Waterman's Surfside Grille

Savor fresh seafood with a beachfront view—favorites include crab cakes and mahi-mahi.
USD45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Outer Banks

Day 5: Charming Coastal Towns

Virginia Beach, VA to Ocean City, MD on September 22, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Doc Taylor’s

Try local breakfast classics with fresh ingredients in a cozy coastal eatery.
USD18, 1h

9:30 AM

Drive to Ocean City, MD

Travel north along Route 13 through scenic coastal valleys and farmland for about 3.5 hours.
N/A, 3h30m

1:00 PM

Check-in at Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites

Relax in spacious suites with spectacular Atlantic views right on the beach.
USD210, 1h

2:30 PM

Explore Ocean City Boardwalk

Enjoy the Atlantic breeze as you stroll this classic boardwalk full of shops and arcades.
Free, 2h

5:00 PM

Visit Assateague Island National Seashore

Take a short drive to watch wild horses roam this pristine barrier island beach.
USD15 entrance fee, 2h

7:30 PM

Dinner at Seacrets Jamaica USA

Enjoy waterfront dining with fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and vibrant vibes.
USD50, 2h
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Day 6: Coastal Relaxation & Beach Towns

Ocean City, MD to Rehoboth Beach, DE on September 23, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Barn 34

Casual breakfast with great coffee and fresh baked goods to start your day.
USD15, 1h

9:30 AM

Drive to Rehoboth Beach, DE

Short coastal drive of about 1 hour 15 minutes to the charming seaside town of Rehoboth.
N/A, 1h15m

11:00 AM

Check-in at Boardwalk Plaza Hotel

Stay steps from the famous Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk with ocean views and cozy rooms.
USD190, 1h

12:30 PM

Lunch at Henlopen City Oyster House

Enjoy fresh oysters and seafood with locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed setting.
USD40, 1h

2:00 PM

Relax on Rehoboth Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the broad sandy beach or browsing nearby boutiques.
Free, 3h

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Backyard

Dine farm-to-table with a focus on fresh seafood and creative cocktails close to the beach.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Classic Shoreline Adventure

Rehoboth Beach, DE to Cape May, NJ on September 24, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Crooked Hammock Brewery

Casual open-air spot with pastries and coffee to get ready for your drive.
USD15, 1h

9:30 AM

Drive to Cape May, NJ

Journey northeast crossing the Delaware Bay via ferry and then New Jersey beaches, scenic 2.5-hour trip.
Ferry fee approx USD25, 2h30m

12:00 PM

Check-in at Congress Hall

Historic oceanfront hotel with charming coastal style and modern comforts.
USD220, 1h

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Lobster House

Savor classic fresh lobster and seafood served at the working fishing pier.
USD45, 1h

2:30 PM

Cape May Lighthouse Visit

Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic and Delaware Bay.
USD10, 1h30m

5:00 PM

Beach time and Victorian stroll

Rest on Cape May’s beautiful beaches and explore quaint Victorian-era streets.
Free, 2h

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Blue Pig Tavern

Delight in upscale coastal cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood in a warm setting.
USD55, 1h30m
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Day 8: Historic New England Coast

Cape May, NJ to Newport, RI on September 25, 2024

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House

Hearty pancakes and classic breakfast before a longer drive northward.
USD15, 1h

8:30 AM

Long drive to Newport, RI

The longest leg of the trip (~5.5 hours), enjoy coastal and countryside views along I-95 N.
N/A, 5h30m

2:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel Viking

Elegant historic hotel near the waterfront and famed mansions.
USD280, 1h

3:00 PM

Explore Newport's Cliff Walk

Pleasant walk combining seaside cliffs with historic mansions views along the ocean.
Free, 2h

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar

Taste fresh local shellfish and catch with waterfront ambiance.
USD55, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Cape May

Day 9: New England Coastal Charm

Newport, RI to Portland, ME on September 26, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Corner Café

Cozy spot known for artisanal breakfast and great coffee before the drive.
USD18, 1h

9:30 AM

Drive to Portland, ME

Drive northeast on I-95 through coastal New England scenery over roughly 2.5 hours.
N/A, 2h30m

12:00 PM

Check-in at The Press Hotel

Unique boutique hotel near the Old Port offering artsy and historic ambiance.
USD220, 1h

1:00 PM

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Savor award-winning oysters and seafood in a trendy setting near the harbor.
USD40, 1h

2:30 PM

Explore Portland's Old Port

Discover cobblestone streets, quirky shops, and waterfront views in this lively district.
Free, 2h

5:00 PM

Walk the Eastern Promenade

Take in spectacular views of Casco Bay from this scenic walking path.
Free, 1h

7:00 PM

Dinner at Fore Street

Enjoy rustic wood-fired seafood and local dishes at this acclaimed Portland restaurant.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 10: Coastal Lighthouse & Farewell

Portland, ME on September 27, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Holy Donut

Try unique potato-based donuts alongside great coffee to start the final day.
USD12, 1h

9:30 AM

Visit Portland Head Light

Explore Maine’s most photographed lighthouse in scenic Fort Williams Park.
Free, 2h

12:00 PM

Lunch at Maine Lobster Shack

Have your final meal featuring lobster rolls and clam chowder by the water.
USD35, 1h

1:30 PM

Explore Casco Bay Islands (Optional)

If time allows, take a ferry for a quick island visit and enjoy tranquil natural beauty.
USD20 round trip, 3h

5:00 PM

Relax at hotel or stroll Old Port

Enjoy your last evening soaking in Portland’s charm and waterfront dining options.
Free, Rest of evening

7:30 PM

Farewell Dinner at Scales

Celebrate with exquisite fresh seafood and craft cocktails in an elegant setting.
USD70, 2h
Find Hotels in Portland
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