New York City is one of the greatest & most iconic cities in the world, filled with skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building, one world trade center and the Rockefeller centre!
In addition, to it being a melting pot for culture, from Chinatown to Little Italy.
As the hub of the east coast it’s the ideal launching pad for some epic road trips!
Recently, I took my family on a long weekend getaway to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
Myrtle Beach is located on the South Atlantic coast of South Carolina. It is widely known for its long sandy beaches, Amusement Parks, beachfront Boardwalks, challenging golf courses (designed by celebrities!) and incredible seafood restaurants!
On a Road Trip between New York City and Myrtle Beach you can visit such iconic cities such as Philadelphia, Washington D.C and Charlotte, NC. In addition, to driving pass some great scenery at places such as Virginia Beach!
So start your engines, pack your travel essentials and get ready for a wild ride!
How long is the drive from New York to Myrtle Beach?
Driving directly to Myrtle Beach from New York City will take you approximately 11-12 hours as you will cover 670 miles via I-95 S.
Driving Direct Tips:
Insider Tip 1: If you leave NYC at 2-3pm you’ll be arriving at Myrtle Beach around 2-3 PM the next day. This is ideal for check in time at your hotel.
Insider Tip 2: If leaving early in the morning, BE SOUTH OF WASHINGTON DC by 11:00 AM on the weekend or you’ll be stuck in traffic for some time!
Insider Tip 3: Use your cruise control in Virginia as the Troopers can be very sneaky there!
Traffic avoiding Tip: Take the 895 Harbor tunnel to skirt around Baltimore and the 295/395 to go around Washington DC.
Which is the best driving route?
In general its ideal if you spend at least 2 days on the road and stop overnight at LEAST once. We spread the trip over a few days and managed to see alot of great cities and areas Enroute!
Route 1 – Scenic Road Trip:
The most scenic route is via U.S Route 13, which completely cuts out any traffic issues near D.C or Baltimore.
Driving this route you will cross the famous 17 mile long Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel!
The views are incredible, (definitely worth the $12 toll!). En route you will connect to Interstate 60 or Shore Drive, which will connect you directly onto Virginia Beaches Ocean Front!
If you wish for a longer detour, head via Maryland & D.C rather than Delaware and drive south on Interstate 95.
Route 2 – City Stops:
Interactive map (New York to Myrtle Beach Road Trip):
Dive into our Interactive map below!
User guide: Use the +/- buttons to zoom in and out of the attractions.
Top Tip: Many visitors choose to share the post on Facebook to inspire friends and help plan their road trip.
Hit the link below to share!
[social_warfare]Road Trip Itinerary (New York to Virginia Beach):
Route 1 – Scenic Road Trip (U.S Route 13)
- New York City
- Atlantic City – Optional Detour
- Edison
- Philadelphia
- Wilmington
- Dover, DE
- Cape Charles, VA
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel – Driving Highlight!
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Wilmington, NC
- Myrtle Beach, SC
Route 2 – City Stop Road Trip (I-95)
- New York City
- Atlantic City – Optional Detour
- Edison
- Trenton
- Philadelphia
- Wilmington
- Baltimore
- Washington D.C
- Richmond, VA
- Raleigh, NC
- Charlotte, NC
- Myrtle Beach, Sc
Road Trip Highlights:
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city, famous for it’s rich history, tasty foods and vibrant culture! Historically, Philadelphia was the inception point for the United States of America.
Philadelphia Museum of Art – Run up those famous steps from Rocky!!
Philadelphia is famed that Iconic scene in the Rocky movies where he runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art! This is a great area for a selfie, “Yo Adrian, we did it”.
After you get to top, be sure to head inside the Museum of Art, which is one of the best in the U.S.A. Here you will find works by Van Gogh, Picasso and many more!
Liberty Bell Center
This is a MUST SEE attraction for all Americans! Just opposite Independence Hall, you will discover the Liberty Bell Center located in Independence National Historical Park.
Protected in Glass gazebo, this historical Bell weighs over 2000 pounds and was previously mounted on Independence Hall.
This was used to mark events of great significance such as the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Where to eat??
Philadelphia is a melting pot for some epic foods such as the mouth watering Philly cheese steak!
One of best places to sample the best of Philly is at Reading Terminal Market a Food Market which contains over 80 different food vendors!
It’s the perfect place to try some local Philly foods and baked goods. In addition, to a variety of international foods such as Greek, Mexican, Indian and even Thai!
Address: 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States (beneath the 1891 train station (a National Historic Landmark!)
Reading Terminal Market is detailed in our posts:
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia is one of the most underrated cities to visit in the USA. Despite it being the capital of Virginia, the southern charm of this city has been Americas best kept secret.
Apart from it’s history, Richmond is evolving into a college city with an up & coming culinary & arts scene.
Map of Things to do in Richmond:
Attractions, Museums, Breweries & Places to EAT!
For more on Richmond, check out: 24 Hours in Richmond, Virginia: One Day Itinerary
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, is a beautiful city known as “the Queen City”. It perfectly marries the vibrancy of a large city with the charm of small town!
It’s the birthplace of NASCAR and home to the NASCAR Hall of fame Museum. Charlotte is also a city known for documenting post civil war history in the south, at the popular, Levine Museum of the New South. Whereas, Uptown Charlotte has a modern Commercial hub.
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach offers the perfect escape for New Yorkers & tourists alike!
With over 35 miles of shoreline, tasty local cuisine & over 19,500 acres of wildlife refuges & parks, this is the perfect place for a weekend city escape!
Things to do?
1. Sandbridge Beach
A peaceful alternative to other parts of Virginia Beach.
Located on the south shore and just 20 minutes from the main resort area the Sandbridge Beach offers 5 miles of secluded beachfront ideal for fishing of the Pier or just relaxing.
Address:
2500 Sandfiddler Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
www.sandbridgebeachva.com
Price: free
2. Beach Street USA
Virginia Beaches oceanfront becomes alive with many festivals, concerts & fun activities.
From the Labor Day Street performers, Musicians and costumed characters.
Address:
Atlantic Avenue from 17th to 25th streets
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
www.beachstreetusa.com/
3. Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Founded over 75 years ago, this 9,250 acre wildlife refuge is located 18 miles south of the resort area.
At the barrier islands you will find shimmering ponds, fresh water marshland, sand dunes and a lush woodland.
This is an ideal place to cycle or hike through as you go wildlife spotting.
Insider Tip:
Be sure you have some good travel photography gear so you can snap the Bald eagles, Herons and Loggerhead sea turtles!
Address:
4005 Sandpiper Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 301-7329
www.fws.gov/backbay
Price: $2 per family entering by foot or bicycle/$5 per car
Where to Stay?
Me and my husband stayed at the Virginia Beach Hilton (Oceanfront) it was incredible!
Insider Tip:
Please be aware that the Virginia Beach Hilton (Oceanfront) can sell out fast, so book well in advance using the link HERE
For our full list of recommended places to stay & the best hotel deals, check out this link HERE
For more on Virginia Beach, check out: New York to Virginia beach Road Trip: Weekend Itinerary
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is located on the South Atlantic coast of South Carolina. It is widely known for its long sandy beaches, beachfront Boardwalks, challenging golf courses (designed by celebrities!) and incredible seafood restaurants!
Things to Do at Myrtle Beach?
1. Visit Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a popular shopping center and entertainment complex.
There you will find three theatres, over 100 unique shops & over 20 restaurants! In addition, to nightclubs, hotels and of course the 23 acre Lake Broadway!
Fun Fact: The Complex is set out on 350 acres, cost $250 to build and attracts, 14 million visitors annually.
2. Take a ride on the Skywheel!
Myrtle Beach is home to SkyWheel a 187-foot tall Observation wheel which is one of the Tallest observation Wheels in the USA!
When it first opened in 2011 it was the 2nd tallest Ferris Wheel in North America! Just after the 212 foot Texas Star in Dallas!
For more details check out: 10 Tallest Observation Wheels in the USA
3. Ripleys Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Ripleys Aquarium at Myrtle Beach includes an array of fishy exhibits, live shows and underwater experiences!
From glass bottom boat rides, to Stingray experiences and Penguin encounters. They even have a playground for the kids
How much does it cost?
Tickets purchased individually can be pricey at $34.99 for adults and $24,99 for children (6-11) and $14.99 for a child (2-5).
Insider Tip;
To save money purchase one of the COMBO TICKETS, this includes the aquarium + 3 attractions for a set price of $53.99 for adults or $40.99 for children. (3-11)
This is a saving of $25, the attractions include the:
- RIPLEYS BELIEVE IT OR NOT! ODDITORIUM
- 5D MOVING THEATER
- MARVELOUS MIRROR MAZE
- HAUNTED ADVENTURE
4.Have Fun at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park
The Family Kingdom Amusement Park is located on Ocean Boulevard. There you will discover over 37 rides for adults and children of all ages!
From thrilling roller coasters such as the 2,400 foot figure eight Swamp Fox (One of the only Wooden Roller Coasters still operating in North America!)
To family rides, little kiddie rides and even go Karts!
Fun Fact: This amusement park was ranked in the top 5 amusement parks outside of Orlando!
Where to Eat?
Visit the Market Common a 114-acre lifestyle center, with great shopping, great food and FREE PARKING!
Where to stay?
For our full list of recommended places to stay & the best hotel deals, check out this link HERE
Essential Road Trip Tips:
- Make sure you have all your Travel Essentials
- Make sure you have all your Travel Accessories
- Bring a Great Travel Camera to capture some scenic shots
- Bring some High Quality Hiking boots: See Recommended Hiking Gear
- Avoid gigantic $15,000 Medical Bills see: Why you NEED Travel Insurance in 2020?
- Make sure your Car is serviced, with a spare tire or alternatively rent a fully reliable car.
How to get the best car rental Deals?
Check out: Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!
For RV Rentals we always use: RV Share
Want a FREE RV ROAD Trip Planner?
This is the Ultimate RV Road Trip Planner which usually costs $75,
Simply follow the link to our FREEBIES section & download for FREE: HERE
