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

Viewed by 124 travelers

Day 1: Launch North

Columbia, SC on September 18, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Drip Coffee + Bakery

Start with coffee and breakfast sandwiches or pastries at a popular local café; they typically open early (around 7:00AM) and are a reliable on-the-go start.
USD12, 0h45m

9:00AM

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Explore the zoo and gardens—great for a relaxed morning among animals and riverside paths; typical hours are 9:00AM–5:00PM in September.
USD20, 2h0m

11:30AM

Lunch at Motor Supply Co. Bistro

Seasonal, farm-forward lunch in a casual, chef-driven spot in downtown Columbia; kitchen usually serves lunch from 11:00AM–3:00PM.
USD22, 1h0m

1:00PM

Drive Columbia → Richmond, VA

Hit I-77 N to I-85 N then I-95 N for a direct drive to Richmond; plan for one longer stretch today to position for northern travel ahead.
USD0, 3h30m

4:30PM

Hotel check-in (Richmond)

Arrive and check into your Richmond hotel; use this time to refresh before an evening stroll in one of Richmond’s neighborhoods.
USD150, 0h30m

5:15PM

Visit Maymont (grounds & gardens)

Short visit to Maymont’s park and historic estate—grounds are open until about 5:00–6:00PM depending on season, so allow a quick stroll for sunset views.
USD0, 0h45m

7:00PM

Dinner at Lemaire (The Jefferson Hotel)

Enjoy an elevated Southern-influenced dinner in an elegant setting; reservations recommended and dinner service typically runs into the evening.
USD60, 1h30m

Day 2: Historic Richmond → Philly

Richmond, VA on September 19, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Perly's

Classic Richmond deli-style breakfast with Jewish deli and Southern touches; opens early for a hearty start before museum visits.
USD18, 1h0m

10:00AM

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)

Explore the VMFA’s major collections and sculpture garden—general hours are 10:00AM–5:00PM, making for a pleasant morning visit.
USD0, 2h0m

12:30PM

Quick lunch and fuel stop

Grab a quick midday meal and coffee in Richmond before the long drive north; plan a 30–45 minute stop to refuel both car and travelers.
USD15, 0h45m

1:30PM

Drive Richmond → Philadelphia, PA

Take I-95 N for the most direct route to Philadelphia; allow 4.5–5.5 hours depending on traffic—expect heavier traffic near the I-95 urban corridors.
USD0, 5h0m

6:30PM

Hotel check-in (Philadelphia)

Arrive in Philly and check in downtown; use the evening to walk nearby historic neighborhoods.
USD180, 0h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Zahav

Modern Israeli tasting-style dinner—Zahav is a top local destination (open for dinner evening hours, closed some weekdays—Sept 19 is a Thursday so it should be open); reservations strongly recommended.
USD65, 1h45m

Day 3: Philly to Providence

Philadelphia, PA on September 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at High Street on Market

Popular bakery-café serving house-baked breads and seasonal breakfast dishes; good fuel for a morning of history.
USD16, 1h0m

9:30AM

Independence Hall & Liberty Bell (Old City)

Tour the birthplace of American independence—guided/timed visits typically run from about 9:00AM–5:00PM (book timed tickets in advance if possible).
USD0, 1h30m

11:30AM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Diverse vendors offering Pennsylvania favorites—open roughly 8:00AM–6:00PM; perfect for sampling local sandwiches and snacks before the drive.
USD18, 1h0m

1:00PM

Drive Philadelphia → Providence, RI

Follow I-95 N through New Jersey and Connecticut into Rhode Island; expect 5–6 hours of driving—plan a short rest stop en route.
USD0, 5h30m

6:30PM

Hotel check-in (Providence)

Arrive downtown Providence; relax and prepare for an evening meal in the lively restaurant scene.
USD160, 0h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Al Forno

Famous for its wood-fired pizzas and early-Italian-American cooking—reservations recommended and dinner runs throughout the evening.
USD50, 1h30m

Day 4: Coastal Rhode Island → Maine

Providence, RI on September 21, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nick's on Broadway

Casual, well-regarded spot for hearty breakfasts—open early to get you ready for a scenic morning drive to Newport.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Newport, RI (Cliff Walk & The Breakers)

Short 30–45 minute drive to Newport to walk the Cliff Walk and tour The Breakers; Cliff Walk is always open (outdoor), The Breakers mansion tours are typically open 10:00AM–5:00PM in September.
USD28, 3h0m

12:15PM

Lunch in Newport at Brick Alley Pub

Classic pub fare near the waterfront—good for a relaxed midday meal before continuing north along the coast.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30PM

Drive Newport → Portland, ME (via coastal route)

Head north on US-1 / I-95 for a scenic coastal stretch; plan for approximately 3.5–4.0 hours driving plus short stops in coastal New Hampshire if desired.
USD0, 3h45m

5:45PM

Hotel check-in (Portland, ME)

Arrive in Portland and check into your waterfront or Old Port lodging to be within walking distance of evening dining.
USD180, 0h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.

Fresh, celebrated seafood (including a noted lobster roll); restaurant typically serves dinner into the evening—reservations recommended.
USD55, 1h30m

Day 5: Portland & Coast

Portland, ME on September 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Holy Donut

Famous for potato-based donuts—open early and great for a quick, uniquely Maine breakfast treat.
USD8, 0h30m

9:00AM

Portland Head Light (Fort Williams Park), Cape Elizabeth

Iconic lighthouse with ocean views and walking trails—the park is open daylight hours year-round, perfect for morning light and photos.
USD0, 1h30m

11:00AM

Portland Museum of Art

Regional art museum with American and local collections—typically open 10:00AM–5:00PM in September; a compact cultural stop before lunch.
USD18, 1h30m

12:45PM

Lunch at J's Oyster (Old Port)

Casual, classic seafood spot known for clam shacks and local flavors—open for lunch and ideal for seafood starters or a bowl of chowder.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00PM

Stroll Old Port & Harborwalk

Wander cobblestone streets, boutiques, galleries, and waterfront piers—an easy afternoon for shopping, coffee, and souvenirs.
USD0, 2h0m

4:30PM

Optional afternoon activity: Casco Bay ferry or local brewery visit

Take a short ferry cruise to one of the nearby islands (check ferry schedules) or visit a local brewery for a tasting; ferries often run afternoon schedules in September.
USD25, 1h30m

6:30PM

Dinner at Fore Street

Farm-to-table and wood-fired cooking in a popular Portland restaurant—book ahead; dinner service continues into the evening and is a great finale to the trip.
USD65, 2h0m
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