Scenic Southern Road Trip: Ithaca to Sarasota via DC, Asheville, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Savannah

Day 1: Historic City Tour

Washington DC, USA on May 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Founding Farmers

Enjoy a farm-to-table American breakfast in this popular DC restaurant known for its fresh local ingredients and sustainable practices.
USD25, 1h

10:30am

National Mall Tour

Visit iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the WWII Memorial. Ideal for first-timers to experience DC’s rich history.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Good Stuff Eatery

Savor gourmet burgers and milkshakes at a local favorite owned by Top Chef winner Spike Mendelsohn.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing the history of aviation and space exploration. Open until 7pm on Tuesdays.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Dine at Washington’s oldest saloon offering classic American dishes in a historic setting near the White House.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 2: Blue Ridge Mountains Escape

Asheville, NC, USA on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tupelo Honey Cafe

Enjoy Southern comfort food with a modern twist in a cozy Asheville spot known for its biscuits and honey.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Asheville (Approx. 7 hours)

Travel approximately 7 hours southwest from DC to Asheville, scenic and mountainous route perfect for breaks and nature views.
Gas Costs, 7h

4:30pm

Evening Stroll in Downtown Asheville

Explore the vibrant downtown area filled with galleries, breweries, and artisan shops ideal for a relaxed evening exploration.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Curate

Experience authentic Spanish tapas in a highly acclaimed restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and delicious small plates.
USD50, 2h
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Day 3: Apartment Tours in Atlanta

Atlanta, GA, USA on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club

Recharge with Southern style breakfast staples before a busy day of apartment hunting.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Apartment Tours Start

Tour multiple apartments across Atlanta neighborhoods including Midtown, Buckhead, and Old Fourth Ward to find your perfect home.
Free, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ponce City Market

Sample an array of cuisines from a lively food hall located in a renovated historic building.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Continue Apartment Tours

Visit additional apartment complexes to compare amenities and locations.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at South City Kitchen

Enjoy upscale Southern cuisine in a stylish setting perfect for winding down.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 4: Atlanta Exploration

Atlanta, GA, USA on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Buttermilk Kitchen

Start your day with fresh, delicious southern-style breakfast in a cozy spot.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Explore 30 acres of beautiful gardens, including a tropical conservatory and Japanese garden. Gardens open 9am-7pm.
USD25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Miller Union

Dine at a renowned farm-to-table restaurant focusing on seasonal and local ingredients.
USD40, 1h

1:30pm

Tour the High Museum of Art

Visit one of the leading art museums in the Southeast, open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday.
USD16, 2h

3:30pm

Explore Ponce City Market

Shop and relax in this vibrant urban marketplace housed in a historic Sears building.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Optimist

Feast on fresh seafood and oysters in a trendy coastal-inspired restaurant.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 5: Coastal Drive

Myrtle Beach, SC, USA on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe

Enjoy hearty breakfast options perfect for a beach day ahead.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Myrtle Beach (Approx. 5 hours)

Travel east from Atlanta to the Atlantic coast, arriving at famous Myrtle Beach, known for its long beaches and entertainment.
Gas Costs, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Sea Captain's House

Dine oceanfront with delicious seafood and classic Lowcountry dishes.
USD30, 1h

3:30pm

Relax on Myrtle Beach

Spend the afternoon on the sandy shores enjoying the sun, swimming, and people watching.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Aspen Grille

Enjoy upscale American fare with a cozy mountain lodge vibe.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 6: Historic Charleston

Charleston, SC, USA on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Toast!

Start your day with creative breakfast options in a charming downtown setting.
USD18, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Charleston (Approx. 2 hours)

A short drive to Charleston to enjoy historic architecture and charm.
Gas Costs, 2h

11:30am

Charleston City Market

Browse through local artisans’ crafts and souvenirs at one of America's oldest public markets.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy waterfront dining with fresh seafood and Southern dishes.
USD35, 1h

2:30pm

Historic Walking Tour

Explore Charleston’s rich history through guided walking tours (most tours last about 2 hours).
USD25, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Battery & White Point Garden

Relax and stroll through this famous park lined with historic antebellum homes and waterfront views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Husk

Experience inventive Southern cuisine crafted from local ingredients in an elegant setting.
USD50, 2h
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Day 7: Savannah Charm

Savannah, GA, USA on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Clary's Cafe

Savor classic breakfast dishes in a friendly vintage diner atmosphere.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Savannah (Approx. 2 hours)

Enjoy the scenic coastal drive from Charleston to Savannah, noted for its charming squares and historic streets.
Gas Costs, 2h

11:30am

Explore Forsyth Park

Relax in this lush, iconic park with fountains, walking paths, and local events.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

Experience traditional Southern home-style cooking in a communal dining setting.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Historic District Walking Tour

Take a self-guided or guided tour through Savannah’s beautiful historic district to admire architecture and history.
USD20, 2h

5:00pm

Visit River Street

Explore shops, cafes, and bars along Savannah’s scenic waterfront.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Collins Quarter

Enjoy a contemporary Australian-inspired menu with southern influences in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 8: Orlando Stopover

Orlando, FL, USA on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast known for waffles, pancakes, and omelets.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Orlando (Approx. 4 hours)

Travel south from Savannah towards Orlando, a vibrant city known for theme parks and entertainment.
Gas Costs, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Ravenous Pig

Savor upscale gastropub cuisine with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
USD40, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Leu Gardens

Enjoy over 50 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with tropical and subtropical plants. Open 9am-5pm.
USD15, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in and relax at hotel

Rest before the last leg of your journey to Sarasota.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Victoria & Albert's (optional fine dining)

Experience high-end fine dining at Disney’s flagship restaurant for a memorable evening, reservation recommended.
USD150, 2h
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Day 9: Final Stretch

Sarasota, FL, USA on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Blue Dolphin Cafe

Enjoy a casual waterfront cafe breakfast featuring fresh seafood and hearty morning fare.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Sarasota (Approx. 2.5 hours)

Final drive southwest to the beautiful Gulf Coast city of Sarasota, known for its white sand beaches and arts scene.
Gas Costs, 2.5h

12:30pm

Check-in and Relax

Settle into your Sarasota accommodation and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Varies, Rest of day

5:00pm

Visit Siesta Key Beach

Explore one of America’s top-rated beaches famous for its powdery white quartz sand.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Owen's Fish Camp

Savor Southern seafood and comfort foods in a cozy, rustic setting.
USD35, 1.5h
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