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!
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!
With scenic views, peaceful waters & lots of local attractions, there is plenty to get your teeth into. Oh and did I mention, the incredible places to stop enroute from Philadelphia to Richmond, VA!
So start your engines, pack your travel essentials and get ready for a wild ride!
How long is the drive from New York to Virginia Beach?
The distance between New York City & Virginia Beach is 360 miles, driving direct it would take you 6 hours and 44 mins.
Which is the best driving route?
Route 1 – Scenic Road Trip:
The most scenic route is via U.S Route 13. Driving this route you will cross the famous 17 mile long Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel!
The views are incredible, (definitely worth the $12 toll!). Enroute 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.
Related Read: 25 BEST Restaurants in Virginia Beach
Route 2 – City Stops:
Interactive map (New York to Virginia 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
Related Read: 12 Best Hiking Trails in Virginia Beach
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
- Colonial Williamsburg Visitors center
- Virginia Beach, VA
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.
Related Read: 30 Best Audiobooks for Family Road Trips
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
Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center
Colonial Williamsburg Visitors center is the worlds largest living history museum! It was at the heart of political events which led to the American Revolution.
Wander the preserved 18th century city, start in Market Square & then head down Duke of Gloucester Street the main road which passes through the town.
On your left you will Colonial styled shops, while on the right their are many full service tavern restaurants perfect places to stop off for food!
Actors (who never break character!) wander the streets in full 18th century costume going about their daily duties as shopkeepers, townspeople, soldiers and more!
Insider Tip:
Check out Merchant’s Square where you can indulge in wine and cheese at The Cheese Shop; or try a traditional Welsh Rarebit from Dog Street Pub.
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach has a lot more to offer than just a relaxing beach, here are my top thing to do in Virginia Beach.
Top 3 Things do in Virginia Beach?
1. Beach Street USA
Virginia Beaches oceanfront becomes alive with many festivals, concerts & fun activities.
From the Labor Day Street performers, Musicians and costumed characters.
To Festivals such as Funk Fest, Verizon American Musica Festival and even the strange Mid Atlantic Hermit Crab challenge!
This is a great places for families, couples, friends and even solo travelers! Best of all its FREE to soak up the atmosphere!
Address:
Atlantic Avenue from 17th to 25th streets
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
www.beachstreetusa.com/
2. 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.
The area is so peaceful as their is no hotels or traffic, just a few vacation rentals and condos.
Address:
2500 Sandfiddler Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
www.sandbridgebeachva.com
Price: free
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 Eat?
Doc Taylors:
A former Doctors home office, this restaurant is now a local favorite! Open for breakfast & lunch,
Doc Taylors offers a variety of comfort food and of course its renowned blood Marys for just $1.99!
The walls are lined with many photos & memorabilia, with many menu items even named after regular guests!
For Breakfast try the “Ray Ray”, a fried egg over cheese, bacon and grilled tomatoes.
For Lunch order the Rony Rony, a catfish sandwich with a tangy granny smith apple tartar.
Address:
207 23rd St.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 425-5566
doctaylors.com/
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
This is a ocean front restaurant which is ideally located on the Chesapeake Bay which intersects with the Atlantic Ocean.
With fresh seafood, creative cocktails and a vast win list there is plenty to enjoy here.
Insider Tip:
Try the Chesapeake Bay lump crab cakes, surfside fish tacos or alternatively the local catch of the day for the freshest seafood!
415 Atlantic Ave.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-3644
www.watermans.com/
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
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
