7-Day Scenic Road Trip from Myrtle Beach to Portland Maine

Day 1: Coastal Start

Myrtle Beach, SC to Wilmington, NC on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sea Captain's House

Enjoy fresh seafood-themed breakfast with ocean views at this iconic Myrtle Beach spot, open from 7:30am.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Wilmington, NC

A scenic 2.5-hour drive northwest along US-17 taking you through beautiful coastal landscapes.
USD30 fuel approx., 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Front Street Brewery

Sample local craft beer paired with casual pub fare in Wilmington's historic downtown, open 11am-9pm.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Historic Downtown Wilmington

Walk along the Riverwalk and visit the Battleship North Carolina, open until 5pm, to learn WWII history.
USD20, 2h

4:00pm

Check into Hotel Ballast Wilmington

Stay at a waterfront hotel providing great views and convenient downtown access.
USD150, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Dock Street Oyster Bar

Enjoy fresh oysters and seafood dishes in a lively setting near the riverfront, open until 10pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic & Scenic Drive

Wilmington, NC to Richmond, VA on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Screamin’ Mimi’s

Grab a hearty breakfast with local flair in downtown Wilmington before hitting the road.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Richmond, VA

A 5-hour drive north via I-95 through scenic southern Virginia countryside.
USD50 fuel approx., 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Sam Miller’s

Taste Richmond’s renowned Southern cuisine in a casual historic pub open until 4pm.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Explore one of the prominent art museums in the South featuring diverse collections, open until 5pm.
USD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Check into Quirk Hotel Richmond

Stay in a boutique hotel blending modern art and historic charm in downtown Richmond.
USD180, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at L'Opossum

Dine on creative upscale cuisine in a quirky, artistic atmosphere, open until 10pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Capital Highlights

Richmond, VA to Washington, DC on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Perly’s

Enjoy a Jewish-style deli breakfast with a contemporary twist in Richmond, serving from 7am.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Washington, DC

Travel about 2 hours north to the nation’s capital via I-95.
USD20 fuel approx., 2h

11:00am

Visit Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Explore amazing exhibits on aviation history and space exploration, open from 10am-5:30pm.
USD0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Founding Farmers

Farm-to-table American fare in a sustainable and popular DC eatery, open until 3pm.
USD30, 1h

2:45pm

Walk the National Mall

Visit monuments like Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and reflect on US history.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Check into Kimpton George Hotel

Stay in this stylish hotel located downtown near many attractions.
USD220, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Historic DC restaurant famous for oysters and classic American dishes, open until 10pm.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic Maryland

Washington, DC to Annapolis, MD on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Busboys and Poets

Enjoy a socially conscious café with hearty breakfast options near downtown DC.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Annapolis, MD

A relaxed 45-minute drive to Maryland’s historic capital along Chesapeake Bay.
USD10 fuel approx., 45m

10:30am

Tour the United States Naval Academy

Visit the beautiful academy campus and museums, self-guided tours available 9am-4pm.
USD0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chick & Ruth’s Delly

Famous for huge sandwiches and local charm, open until 3pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll Historic Downtown Annapolis

Explore colonial streets, waterfront views, and quaint shops.
USD0, 2h

4:30pm

Check into Annapolis Waterfront Hotel

Relax at this comfortable hotel with scenic views of the harbor.
USD160, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Carrol's Creek Café

Savor elegant seafood dining overlooking the water, open until 9:30pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Coastal New Jersey

Annapolis, MD to Cape May, NJ on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast with harbor views to start your day.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Cape May, NJ

Approx 5.5-hour drive following I-95 and Garden State Parkway staying on the Atlantic coast route.
USD55 fuel approx., 5h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Pig Tavern

Located inside the Congress Hall, this tavern offers classic American dishes with local ingredients, open until 3pm.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Walk Cape May Historic District

Explore well-preserved Victorian architecture and charming boutiques.
USD0, 2h

5:30pm

Check into Congress Hall Hotel

Stay in a historic beachfront hotel known for comfort and elegance.
USD200, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at The Ebbitt Room

Farm-to-table cuisine focused on local seafood in a refined setting, open until 9:30pm.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 6: Connecticut Charm

Cape May, NJ to Mystic, CT on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast by the ocean before the drive.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Mystic, CT

Approx 5.5-hour scenic drive north via I-95 coaxing beautiful coastal views.
USD55 fuel approx., 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mystic Pizza

Famous pizza joint featured in movies, serving classic pies and casual American fare, open until 3pm.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Mystic Seaport Museum

Explore America’s premier maritime museum featuring historic ships and exhibits, open 10am-5pm.
USD30, 2h

4:30pm

Check into The Whaler's Inn

Stay in a historic harborfront inn with cozy rooms and easy access to town attractions.
USD170, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at S&P Oyster Co.

Enjoy fine seafood dining with harbor views, open until 9pm.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Arrival Portland

Mystic, CT to Portland, ME on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at inn

Start your day with a delicious breakfast in Mystic before departing.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Portland, ME

A 2.5-hour final stretch north via I-95, arriving in the vibrant coastal city of Portland.
USD25 fuel approx., 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Old Port District

Stroll charming cobblestone streets filled with shops, galleries, and historic waterfront, accessible all day.
USD0, 2h

1:15pm

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Renowned oyster bar with inventive seafood dishes, typically open until 3pm.
USD35, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Portland Head Light

Iconic lighthouse with stunning cliffside views in Fort Williams Park, open sunrise to sunset.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Check into Press Hotel Portland

A stylish boutique hotel located in downtown Portland, close to attractions and dining.
USD220, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Fore Street

Highly acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant serving wood-fired dishes with local ingredients, open until 9:30pm.
USD55, 1h30m
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