Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

5-Day Coastal Road Trip: Driving from South Carolina to Maine (Sept 18–22, 2024)

Viewed by 96 travelers

Day 1: Historic Charleston → Wilmington

Charleston, SC → Wilmington, NC on September 18, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Grab signature biscuits and a coffee to fuel your first day; popular spot in the historic district (opens around 8:00 AM — check exact hours).
USD12, 45m

9:00 AM

Walk Charleston Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain

A relaxed stroll to stretch your legs and take harbor photos; the park is open daily (dawn–dusk).
Free, 45m

10:30 AM

Fort Sumter National Monument ferry tour

A 90–120 minute narrated ferry trip to the historic Civil War fort; ferries typically run mid-morning to afternoon — purchase tickets in advance and confirm times (usually first departures ~9–10 AM).
USD25, 2h

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fleet Landing

Waterfront seafood classics with harbor views; open for lunch (roughly 11:00 AM–9:00 PM) and convenient before your drive north.
USD35, 1h

2:30 PM

Drive north to Wilmington, NC

Head up US-17 toward Wilmington — expect about a 3-hour drive depending on traffic; plan a gas/coffee stop en route.
USD0 (fuel extra), 3h

5:30 PM

Check-in at a riverfront hotel (e.g., Hotel Ballast)

Settle in and enjoy river views; typical hotel check-in around mid-afternoon to evening.
USD170, 45m

7:00 PM

Dinner at Catch (Wilmington)

Contemporary seafood with local ingredients; dinner service generally starts around 5:00 PM — reservations recommended.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 2: Wilmington → Outer Banks

Wilmington, NC → Outer Banks, NC (Nags Head/Kitty Hawk) on September 19, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Basics

Hearty, southern-style breakfast to start the drive; opening hours typically from early morning.
USD18, 45m

9:30 AM

Visit Battleship North Carolina

Self-guided tour of the WWII battleship museum on the Cape Fear River; open roughly 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (confirm seasonal hours).
USD15, 1h30m

11:30 AM

Drive to the Outer Banks (Nags Head/Kitty Hawk)

Scenic drive northeast across the coastal plain and bridges to the barrier islands — plan ~3 hours depending on stops and ferry/bridge traffic.
USD0 (fuel extra), 3h

2:30 PM

Check-in at an Outer Banks hotel (e.g., Sanderling Resort)

Check in and refresh; coastal resorts typically have afternoon check-in times and ocean-access amenities.
USD260, 45m

3:30 PM

Relax at Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Explore the largest living sand dune system on the East Coast — park open daylight hours (dawn to dusk); great for photos and light hiking.
Free, 1h30m

6:30 PM

Dinner at Blue Moon Beach Grill

Local seafood with beachfront views; dinner service commonly starts around 5:00 PM — reserve a table for peak season.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 3: Outer Banks → Virginia Beach

Outer Banks, NC → Virginia Beach, VA on September 20, 2024

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Outer Banks Coffee & Bakery

Grab artisan coffee and a breakfast sandwich for a quick start; many cafes open by 7:00–8:00 AM in September.
USD12, 30m

9:00 AM

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Visit the site of the first powered flight with interpretive exhibits and outdoor markers; visitor center hours commonly 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (seasonal changes possible).
USD8 per car, 1h30m

11:00 AM

Drive to Virginia Beach

Head north across the Albemarle and Currituck sounds and then inland to the Hampton Roads area — expect ~2.5 hours driving time.
USD0 (fuel extra), 2h30m

1:30 PM

Lunch at Dockside or Waterman's (Virginia Beach)

Casual waterfront seafood lunch — most beachside restaurants serve lunch from 11:00 AM onward.
USD30, 1h

3:00 PM

Stroll the Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Three-mile oceanfront boardwalk with shops, art, and people-watching; open and accessible year-round (public boardwalk).
Free, 1h30m

5:00 PM

Check-in at The Cavalier or oceanfront hotel

Drop bags and relax before dinner — hotels usually have mid-afternoon to evening check-in windows.
USD240, 45m

7:00 PM

Dinner at Waterman's Surfside Grille

Classic seafood with a beachfront view — dinner hours typically 4:00/5:00 PM to late evening; reservations advised on weekends.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 4: Long Drive to New England

Virginia Beach, VA → Newport, RI on September 21, 2024

7:00 AM

Early breakfast at Doc Taylor’s or hotel café

Eat an early meal and pack snacks for the long drive north — many cafes open by 7:00 AM on weekdays.
USD15, 30m

7:45 AM

Drive to Newport, RI (long leg)

Today’s longest stretch: roughly 6.5–7.5 hours depending on traffic (I-95 north). Plan fuel and restroom stops, and expect to arrive late afternoon; alternate: break the drive in Mystic, CT.
USD0 (fuel extra), 7h

3:30 PM

Check-in at Hotel Viking or similar in Newport

Settle into your waterfront lodging; standard check-in times are mid-afternoon but vary by property.
USD260, 45m

4:15 PM

Cliff Walk (short section)

Afternoon stroll along the famed Cliff Walk for ocean views and Gilded Age mansion glimpses; walk is open year-round but parts can be rugged, so wear comfortable shoes.
Free, 1h15m

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar

Waterfront dining showcasing New England seafood; dinner service commonly begins at 5:00 PM — book ahead on a busy weekend.
USD55, 1h30m

Day 5: Newport → Portland (Maine)

Newport, RI → Portland, ME on September 22, 2024

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Corner Café or local Newport bakery

Quick, hearty breakfast before your final drive — many cafés open early (7:00–8:00 AM).
USD15, 30m

8:15 AM

Drive to Portland, ME

Drive northeast through coastal New England (I-95/I-295) — about 3–3.5 hours depending on traffic and stops; plan a midpoint rest stop in Boston suburbs if desired.
USD0 (fuel extra), 3h30m

12:00 PM

Check-in at The Press Hotel or similar (Old Port)

Drop your bags and head out to explore Portland’s compact waterfront — most hotels allow check-in early afternoon; call ahead for early arrival needs.
USD220, 45m

12:45 PM

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Famed oyster bar and seafood small plates in Portland’s Old Port — opens for lunch, but expect a wait at peak times; reservations/waitlist recommended.
USD40, 1h

2:00 PM

Portland Head Light / Fort Williams Park

Visit Maine’s iconic lighthouse and scenic park; Fort Williams Park is open daylight hours and the lighthouse grounds are prime for photos (visitor center hours vary).
Free, 1h30m

3:45 PM

Stroll Portland Old Port & Eastern Promenade

Explore cobblestone streets, shops, and waterfront views — many shops close by early evening but the area is lively in September.
Free, 1h15m

6:30 PM

Dinner at Fore Street

Celebrate the trip’s end with locally sourced, wood-fired seafood and seasonal dishes; dinner service typically begins around 5:00 PM — reservations strongly recommended.
USD65, 1h45m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version