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5-Day Road Trip: Driving from South Carolina to Maine (Sept 18–22, 2024) with Rental Car and Flight Back

Viewed by 68 travelers

Day 1: Start Northbound

Columbia, USA on September 18, 2024

7:30AM

Pickup rental car (Columbia Metropolitan Airport CAE or downtown agency)

Collect your reserved midsize rental car and confirm GPS/phone mount and unlimited mileage; plan for paperwork and inspection. Agencies typically open 7:00–9:00am; confirm your reservation in advance.
USD350, 0h30m

8:00AM

Breakfast at Drip Coffee Shop & Café

Light breakfast and coffee to fuel the driving day — pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and good to-go options for the road.
USD12, 0h45m

9:00AM

Short visit to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Quick 1.5–2 hour stroll through the zoo and botanical garden; the zoo typically opens 9:00am and is a pleasant start before heading north.
USD20, 2h0m

11:30AM

Drive Columbia → Richmond (I‑77 N to I‑95 N)

Scenic inland drive north through the Carolinas and into Virginia; expect around 3h30m driving time without extended stops.
USD0, 3h30m

3:15PM

Check-in at Richmond hotel

Quick hotel check-in and drop bags; central Richmond hotels make it easy to reach evening dining and riverfront attractions.
USD160, 0h45m

4:15PM

Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)

Explore rotating exhibits and permanent collections; VMFA hours in September are generally 10:00–5:00 (check for extended hours on certain days).
USD0, 1h30m

6:30PM

Dinner at Lemaire (The Jefferson Hotel)

Upscale Southern-inspired dinner using seasonal ingredients; reservations recommended — dinner service typically from 5:00pm.
USD60, 1h30m

Day 2: Historic Stops

Richmond, USA on September 19, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Perly's

Comforting Jewish deli-style breakfast and classic dishes in a Richmond mainstay; open for breakfast from about 8:00am.
USD18, 0h45m

9:00AM

Tour Virginia State Capitol & Monument Avenue drive-by

Free tours of the Virginia State Capitol (usually 9:00–4:30) and a short scenic drive past historic Monument Avenue to see Richmond's architecture.
USD0, 1h30m

10:45AM

Drive Richmond → Philadelphia (I‑95 N)

Longer driving leg north into Pennsylvania; allow ~5h30m driving time plus a coffee/stretch stop en route (plan for exits in Wash./Baltimore corridor).
USD0, 5h30m

4:30PM

Check-in at Philadelphia hotel

Drop bags and refresh in the historic downtown or Rittenhouse Square area — central location helps with evening walking dinner options.
USD180, 0h45m

6:30PM

Dinner at Zahav

Modern Israeli dining and famed mezze plates; Zahav is highly popular — book ahead for dinner service which typically starts 5:00–5:30pm and runs into the evening.
USD65, 1h45m

Day 3: Independence Day

Philadelphia, USA on September 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at High Street on Market

Artisan breads and hearty breakfast plates near Independence Hall — open from early morning and a favorite for fresh, local ingredients.
USD18, 0h45m

9:30AM

Tour Independence Hall & Liberty Bell (National Park Service)

Historic core of American independence; Independence Hall tours and the Liberty Bell Center are generally open 9:00–5:00 (book timed Independence Hall tickets if possible).
USD0, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Indoor market with dozens of vendors — sample cheesesteaks, Amish specialties, or Pennsylvania Dutch fare; most stalls open 8:00–6:00.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30PM

Drive Philadelphia → New York City (I‑95 N / NJ Turnpike)

Shorter interstate leg into Manhattan or Brooklyn — expect 1h45m–2h30m depending on traffic; consider arrival in mid-afternoon to avoid worst rush hours.
USD0, 2h0m

4:00PM

Check-in at NYC hotel (Manhattan)

Central Manhattan hotel drop-in; choose Midtown/Lower Manhattan depending on plans — check-in and rest before evening walk.
USD300, 0h45m

6:30PM

Dinner at Momofuku Noodle Bar

Casual, well-known ramen and small plates; kitchen hours usually run into the evening — reservations or waitlist recommended.
USD35, 1h15m

Day 4: Big City to Coast

New York City, USA on September 21, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jack's Wife Freda

Trendy Mediterranean-American breakfast favorites — good early start and walkable depending on your hotel location (opens ~8:00am).
USD22, 0h45m

9:30AM

Stroll Central Park or High Line (your choice)

A morning walk in Central Park (open 6:00–1:00am) or the High Line (generally 7:00–7:00) to enjoy city greenspace before departing the city.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30AM

Lunch at Shake Shack or local deli

Fast, reliable lunch before the long coastal drive; many locations around the city make for a quick sit-down or takeaway.
USD15, 0h45m

12:30PM

Drive New York → Portland, ME (I‑95 N)

Long scenic drive up the New England coastline; plan for ~5h–5h30m driving time with a rest stop or two (expect Massachusetts and New Hampshire traffic/bridges).
USD0, 5h0m

5:45PM

Check-in at Portland hotel (Old Port / waterfront)

Settle into a waterfront hotel in Old Port for easy evening walks and seafood dining; check-in and quick refresh.
USD190, 0h45m

7:30PM

Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.

Renowned spot for oysters and an acclaimed lobster roll; dinner service generally from 5:00pm — reservations or early arrival recommended.
USD50, 1h30m

Day 5: Coastal Finale

Portland, USA on September 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Holy Donut

Local favorite for unique potato-based donuts and coffee; most shops open around 7:30–8:00am and are great for a quick, tasty start.
USD8, 0h30m

9:00AM

Drive to and visit Portland Head Light (Fort Williams Park)

Iconic lighthouse with dramatic coastal views — the park is open daily (parking may have a small fee); allow time for a walk and photos.
USD0, 1h30m

11:00AM

Explore Old Port district (shops & galleries)

Wander cobblestone streets, local boutiques, and working waterfront; many stores open around 10:00am and cafes are ideal for a midday break.
USD0, 1h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at J's Oyster

Classic local seafood spot known for clams, chowder, and casual seafood plates; lunch service typically through mid-afternoon.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00PM

Last scenic drive along Casco Bay / Portland waterfront

Leisurely drive and short stops for photos along the waterfront and viewpoints to soak up the New England coast before returning the car.
USD0, 1h0m

3:30PM

Return rental car at Portland International Jetport (PWM) rental center

Drop off your vehicle and complete final paperwork; most rental centers request returns 60–90 minutes before domestic flights.
USD0, 0h30m

5:30PM

Evening flight: Portland (PWM) → Columbia, SC (CAE) via connection (booked)

Recommended evening flight back to South Carolina with one connection (air time + connection ~4h–6h total depending on carrier); book earlier to secure best fares and times. If you prefer Charleston (CHS) or Greenville (GSP), check direct/one-stop options.
USD300, 4h30m

10:30PM

Arrival in Columbia, SC (CAE) and trip end

Arrive back in South Carolina, collect luggage, and complete your trip; allow time for ground transport from CAE to home if needed.
USD0, 0h30m
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