Budget-Friendly 10-Day Coastal Road Trip from Orlando to Charleston with Oceanfront Stays

Day 1: Orlando Exploration

Orlando, Florida on May 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Se7en Bites

Enjoy a budget-friendly, hearty Southern-style breakfast with amazing pastries and biscuits in this cozy bakery open from 7:30AM to 3:00PM.
USD10, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Lake Eola Park

Stroll around this scenic downtown lake with fountains and swan boats, perfect for a relaxing morning walk.
Free, 1h

11:00AM

Check-in at a budget oceanfront accommodation

Drive about 1 hour east to Cocoa Beach and check into a budget-friendly hotel like the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach Oceanfront offering ocean views and easy beach access.
USD90, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Jazzy's Mainely Lobster

Savor affordable seafood dishes near the beach, open from 11AM to 9PM, giving good value for money.
USD15, 1h

2:00PM

Relax at Cocoa Beach

Spend the afternoon enjoying the sandy beach and ocean waves, a perfect budget-friendly way to unwind.
Free, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Florida's Fresh Grill

Dine on fresh seafood and casual American fare with ocean views; budget-friendly prices and open till 9PM.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Daytona & St. Augustine

Daytona Beach to St. Augustine, Florida on May 6, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Kona Joe Coffee

Grab an affordable coffee and breakfast sandwich in Daytona Beach; open from 7AM.
USD8, 1h

8:30AM

Visit Daytona Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy a budget-friendly walk along the beach and the lively boardwalk area with shops and entertainment.
Free, 1h30m

10:00AM

Drive to St. Augustine

A scenic 45-minute drive north to historic St. Augustine along the coast.
USD5 gas approx, 45m

11:00AM

Explore Castillo de San Marcos

Tour this fascinating 17th-century fort in St. Augustine which offers budget-friendly admission and beautiful ocean views.
USD15, 1h30m

12:45PM

Lunch at The Floridian

Enjoy delicious, affordable Southern-inspired dishes in the historic district; open from 11AM to 9PM.
USD15, 1h

2:00PM

Check-in at budget oceanfront accommodation

Stay at a budget hotel close to the beach such as the Best Western St. Augustine Beach Inn.
USD80, 30m

3:00PM

Relax and swim at St. Augustine Beach

Spend afternoon relaxing on the beautiful sandy beach with free public access.
Free, 3h

6:30PM

Dinner at Salt Life Food Shack

Have fresh seafood and casual fare with ocean views; budget-friendly prices and open till 9PM.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 3: St. Augustine to Savannah

St. Augustine, Florida to Savannah, Georgia on May 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company

Enjoy Southern biscuit sandwiches at moderate prices; open from 7AM.
USD10, 1h

8:30AM

Drive from St. Augustine to Savannah

About a 3.5-hour scenic coastal drive north through small beach towns.
USD15 gas approx, 3h30m

12:00PM

Check-in at budget oceanfront accommodation near Tybee Island

Stay at affordable places such as the Sea Star Inn, just steps from Tybee Island beach.
USD95, 30m

12:30PM

Lunch at The Crab Shack

Famous for casual seafood dining in nearby Tybee Island with waterfront views; open from 11AM.
USD18, 1h30m

2:00PM

Relax and Explore Tybee Island Beach

Free sandy beaches and the Tybee Island Lighthouse provide excellent photo ops and a relaxed afternoon.
Free, 3h

5:30PM

Dinner at A-J’s Dockside Restaurant

Budget-friendly, fresh seafood with marsh views open till 9PM.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Savannah Historic Day

Savannah, Georgia on May 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Clary's Cafe

Local favorite serving affordable and hearty breakfast since 1903; open from 7:30AM.
USD12, 1h

9:30AM

Historic Savannah Walking Tour

Self-guided or low-cost guided tour of Savannah's beautiful squares, parks, and historic streets.
USD15, 2h

11:30AM

Visit Forsyth Park

Relax in this iconic large park in downtown Savannah with fountains and walking paths.
Free, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Treylor Park

Affordable, creative Southern fusion dishes in a fun setting open till 3PM.
USD15, 1h

2:00PM

Return to Tybee Island for beach time

Spend the afternoon relaxing or swimming at Tybee Island’s beach to enjoy ocean breezes.
Free, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Sting Ray Cafe

Casual seafood and American cuisine cooked fresh; open till 9PM.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 5: Tybee Island to Charleston

Tybee Island, Georgia to Charleston, South Carolina on May 9, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sandbar Sports Cafe

Affordable breakfast with ocean views on Tybee Island; opens at 7AM.
USD10, 1h

8:30AM

Drive from Tybee Island to Charleston

Approximately a 2.5-hour coastal drive north to Charleston.
USD12 gas approx, 2h30m

11:00AM

Check-in at budget oceanfront accommodation in Charleston

Stay at affordable oceanfront places such as the Charleston Oceanfront Suites in Isle of Palms.
USD105, 30m

11:30AM

Lunch at Wild Dunes Marketplace

Affordable casual eats near the beach in Isle of Palms; open till 3PM.
USD15, 1h

1:00PM

Relax at Isle of Palms Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up sun and swimming at this popular oceanfront beach.
Free, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Long Island Cafe

Affordable American fare with ocean views open till 9PM.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Historic Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina on May 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Page’s Okra Grill

Classic Southern breakfast at a budget-friendly price; opens at 7AM.
USD10, 1h

9:00AM

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Explore Charleston’s charming historic district with its architecture and parks on a budget-friendly self-guided walk.
USDFree or USD20 guided, 2h

11:30AM

Visit Waterfront Park

Relax by the harbor fountains and take in scenic views at no cost.
Free, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Fleet Landing Restaurant

Affordable Southern-style seafood near the water; open from 11AM.
USD18, 1h

2:00PM

Boat tour of Charleston Harbor

Take a budget-friendly 90-minute harbor cruise exploring the waterfront and Fort Sumter.
USD30, 1h30m

4:00PM

Return to beach accommodation

Relax at the hotel or nearby beach after the tour.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at The Obstinate Daughter

Coastal cuisine with affordable options, located on Sullivan’s Island near Charleston, open till 9PM.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Beaches & Nature

Charleston, South Carolina on May 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brown Dog Deli

Affordable and fresh breakfast fare in Charleston; opens at 7:30AM.
USD10, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Sullivan's Island Beach

Enjoy pristine beach vibes with free public access and good surf conditions.
Free, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at The Co-Op

Casual and affordable Southern food with local ingredients; open from 11AM.
USD15, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Charleston Tea Garden

About 45 minutes away, this unique garden offers free tours of America’s only tea plantation; open daily from 9AM to 5PM.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Return to beach accommodation

Relax after the garden visit with nearby beach walks.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Coastal Provisions

Enjoy creative seafood dishes with some budget options; open till 9PM.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 8: Fort Sumter & Downtown

Charleston, South Carolina on May 12, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Tasty breakfast biscuits, a local favorite; open from 7:30AM.
USD8, 1h

9:00AM

Fort Sumter National Monument Tour

Catch the ferry from Charleston to visit this historic Civil War site; ferry operates 9:30AM–3PM; advance tickets recommended.
USD25, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Poogan's Porch

Historic restaurant offering affordable Southern cuisine; open till 2:30PM.
USD18, 1h

2:00PM

Shopping and Exploring King Street

Window shop and explore Charleston’s famous retail and historic streets on foot for free.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Return to hotel

Rest before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Brown Dog Deli

Return for affordable local fare close to your accommodation; open till 8PM.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 9: Island Day

Folly Beach, Charleston, South Carolina on May 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lost Dog Cafe

Casual and budget-friendly breakfast on Folly Beach; opens from 7AM.
USD10, 1h

9:00AM

Day at Folly Beach

Enjoy a full beach day with fishing piers, boardwalks, and surfing opportunities.
Free, 5h

2:00PM

Lunch at Taco Boy

Affordable Mexican food with ocean views on Folly Beach; open till 4PM.
USD15, 1h

3:30PM

Explore Folly Beach Pier

Walk the pier for great views and casual free entertainment.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Return to accommodation

Rest and refresh before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Shore Bar & Grill

Casual spot with budget-friendly meals and ocean views on Folly Beach; open till 9PM.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Charleston, South Carolina on May 14, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Toast!

Affordable and hearty breakfast in Charleston; opens from 7AM.
USD10, 1h

9:00AM

Final stroll on the beach

Enjoy a final morning walk along the beach near your accommodation to soak in the ocean view before departure.
Free, 1h

10:30AM

Check-out and travel home

Depart from Charleston for your return trip or onward travel.
Variable, N/A
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