Budget-Friendly 10-Day Coastal Road Trip from Orlando to Charleston Including The Villages Visit

Day 1: Orlando & The Villages

Orlando & The Villages, Florida on May 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Se7en Bites

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

9:30AM

Drive to The Villages

A 45-minute drive northwest to The Villages, the largest age-restricted community in the U.S., known for its golf courses and vibrant town squares.
USD5 gas approx, 45m

10:15AM

Explore The Villages

Walk or bicycle through the community’s town squares, shops, and enjoy the lively atmosphere with free community events, perfect for budget travelers.
Free, 3h

1:30PM

Lunch at La Hacienda Restaurant

Budget-friendly Mexican cuisine located in The Villages town center, open from 11AM to 9PM.
USD15, 1h

2:30PM

Drive to Cocoa Beach

About 1 hour drive east to the Atlantic coast for your beachfront accommodation.
USD6 gas approx, 1h

3:30PM

Check-in at budget oceanfront accommodation

Stay at La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, offering affordable ocean views and beach access.
USD90, 30m

4:00PM

Relax at Cocoa Beach

Spend the late afternoon enjoying the beach and ocean breeze, a free and rejuvenating activity.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Florida's Fresh Grill

Casual waterfront dining with affordable fresh seafood, 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

Start your morning with a coffee and breakfast sandwich in Daytona Beach; opens at 7AM.
USD8, 1h

8:30AM

Visit Daytona Beach Boardwalk

Free walk along the vibrant boardwalk and sandy beach, perfect for morning relaxation.
Free, 1h30m

10:00AM

Drive to St. Augustine

Scenic 45-minute drive north along the coast to Florida’s oldest city.
USD5 gas approx, 45m

11:00AM

Explore Castillo de San Marcos

Visit this historic 17th-century fort with stunning ocean views; admission is budget-friendly.
USD15, 1h30m

12:45PM

Lunch at The Floridian

Affordable Southern-inspired dishes within walking distance in historic St. Augustine; open until 9PM.
USD15, 1h

2:00PM

Check-in at budget oceanfront hotel

Stay at Best Western St. Augustine Beach Inn offering affordable rates and easy beach access.
USD80, 30m

3:00PM

Beach time at St. Augustine Beach

Relax on the public sandy beach and enjoy the ocean waves and sunset.
Free, 3h

6:30PM

Dinner at Salt Life Food Shack

Popular casual dining with affordable seafood options and ocean views, 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

Affordable hearty biscuit sandwiches to start the day; opens from 7AM in St. Augustine.
USD10, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Savannah

Approximately 3.5-hour coastal drive through scenic towns en route to Savannah, Georgia.
USD15 gas approx, 3h30m

12:00PM

Check-in at affordable oceanfront hotel near Tybee Island

Stay at Sea Star Inn with easy beach access and budget prices.
USD95, 30m

12:30PM

Lunch at The Crab Shack

Casual seafood dining with waterfront views on Tybee Island; open from 11AM.
USD18, 1h30m

2:00PM

Relax at Tybee Island Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon swimming and walking on free-access sandy beaches and visiting the lighthouse.
Free, 3h

5:30PM

Dinner at A-J’s Dockside Restaurant

Affordable seafood with beautiful 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

A local favorite with affordable and hearty breakfast fare; open from 7:30AM.
USD12, 1h

9:30AM

Savannah Historic Walking Tour

Take a budget-friendly self-guided tour of squares, monuments, and parks in historic Savannah.
USD15 for guided option, 2h

11:30AM

Visit Forsyth Park

Relax in this iconic park with beautiful fountain and walking paths, free public access.
Free, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Treylor Park

Enjoy affordable Southern fusion dishes in a fun setting, open until 3PM.
USD15, 1h

2:00PM

Return to Tybee Island for beach time

Afternoon relaxing or swimming on the sandy Tybee Island beaches with free access.
Free, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Sting Ray Cafe

Casual seafood and American cuisine with budget-friendly prices, open until 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 to Charleston

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

11:00AM

Check-in at budget oceanfront accommodation

Stay at Charleston Oceanfront Suites in Isle of Palms for beachfront comfort at reasonable prices.
USD105, 30m

11:30AM

Lunch at Wild Dunes Marketplace

Affordable casual dining near Isle of Palms beach, open until 3PM.
USD15, 1h

1:00PM

Relax at Isle of Palms Beach

Spend your afternoon swimming or sunbathing at this beautiful free public beach.
Free, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Long Island Cafe

Enjoy casual American fares at budget-friendly prices with ocean views, open until 9PM.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Historic Charleston Tour

Charleston, South Carolina on May 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Page’s Okra Grill

Affordable hearty Southern-style breakfast; open from 7AM.
USD10, 1h

9:00AM

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Explore Charleston’s charming streets on a budget-friendly self-guided or affordable guided tour.
Free or USD20 guided, 2h

11:30AM

Waterfront Park Visit

Relax by Charleston’s picturesque harbor fountains with free public access.
Free, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Fleet Landing Restaurant

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

2:00PM

Charleston Harbor Boat Tour

Enjoy a 90-minute budget-friendly boat tour exploring the harbor and Fort Sumter.
USD30, 1h30m

4:00PM

Return to accommodation and beach

Relax for the remainder of the day with beach walks or hotel amenities.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at The Obstinate Daughter

Creative coastal cuisine with some budget options near Sullivan’s Island, 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

Fresh and affordable breakfast fare; open from 7:30AM.
USD10, 1h

9:00AM

Sullivan's Island Beach Visit

Enjoy peaceful sandy beaches and good surf with free public access.
Free, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at The Co-Op

Affordable Southern food using local ingredients, open from 11AM.
USD15, 1h

2:00PM

Charleston Tea Garden Visit

Approximately 45 minutes away; America's only tea plantation with free tours from 9AM to 5PM.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Return to beach accommodation

Relax and enjoy nearby beach surroundings.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Coastal Provisions

Creative seafood dishes with budget-friendly 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

Local favorite for delicious biscuits, open from 7:30AM.
USD8, 1h

9:00AM

Fort Sumter National Monument Tour

Catch the ferry departing 9:30AM–3PM to visit this historic Civil War site; book tickets in advance for best prices.
USD25, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Poogan's Porch

Historic restaurant with affordable Southern dishes, serving until 2:30PM.
USD18, 1h

2:00PM

Explore King Street Shopping

Budget-friendly window shopping and strolling down Charleston’s famous streets.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Return to accommodation

Rest before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Brown Dog Deli

Affordable local fare near accommodation; closes at 8PM.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 9: Island Day at Folly Beach

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

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lost Dog Cafe

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

9:00AM

Full Day at Folly Beach

Enjoy fishing piers, boardwalks, surfing, and free beach access for a relaxing and affordable beach day.
Free, 5h

2:00PM

Lunch at Taco Boy

Affordable Mexican cuisine with ocean views; open until 4PM.
USD15, 1h

3:30PM

Explore Folly Beach Pier

Take a walk on the pier for scenic ocean views and people watching.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Return to accommodation

Rest before the evening meal.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Shore Bar & Grill

Casual meals with ocean views on Folly Beach offering budget-friendly options; 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 hearty breakfast to start your day; opens at 7AM in Charleston.
USD10, 1h

9:00AM

Final Morning Beach Walk

Enjoy the ocean view one last time with a peaceful walk along the beach near your accommodation.
Free, 1h

10:30AM

Checkout and onward travel

Prepare for your departure and continue onward or return home.
Variable, N/A
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