Start in Miami and make your way up into Georgia, then through South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania to ultimately end in New York City.

Written by Olivia Rose

Reviewed by Carrie Adkins

Updated on Jun 27, 2022

Table of Contents

Key trip details
Start in—Miami, FL
Miami to Orlando
Orlando to Jacksonville
Jacksonville to Savannah, GA
Savannah to Charleston, SC
Charleston to Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach to Baltimore, MD
Baltimore to Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia to New York, NY
Why you need roadside assistance

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Want to head out on a road trip that immerses you in bustling major cities and also allows you to soak up the sun at pristine coastal beaches? We’ve got the ultimate Florida to New York East Coast trip all planned out for you.

You’ll start in Miami,

Florida

and work your way through Orlando and Jacksonville, then to Savannah,

, Charleston,

, Virginia Beach,

, Baltimore,

, Philadelphia,

, and ultimately end in New York City,

New York

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Jerry

has put together everything you need for your Florida to New York road trip itinerary. From beaches to museums to countless historical sites, this road trip promises to keep you entertained!

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We hope you’re as excited about your next Florida to New York road trip as we are, and no need to stress over figuring out where to go or what to do on your trip—we’ve got you covered.

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Key trip details

One-way distance: 1,528 miles

One-way travel time: 25 hours

Suggested trip length: 7 to 10 days

At 25 hours, the drive from Miami to New York takes a little over one full day. You can definitely do it in two days, but we recommend breaking it up into a multi-day drive to make the most of your travels.

Itinerary

Miami, FL—1 to 2 days

Orlando, FL—1 day

Jacksonville, FL—One half to 1 day

Savannah, GA—1 day

Virginia Beach, VA—One half to 1 day

Baltimore, MD—1 day

Philadelphia, PA—1 to 2 days

New York City, NY—2 days

Start in—Miami, FL

You’ll start your off trip in Miami,

Florida

. Enjoy the subtropical climate and vibrant beaches that will beg you to sit back and relax before you hit the road.

Where to eat in Miami

Cvi.che 105

($$): For fresh ceviches and other traditional Peruvian dishes, check out the award-winning Cvi.che 105. They have three locations in Miami (in Downtown Miami, South Beach-Lincoln Road, and Aventura Mall), so you’re bound to find a location that’s convenient for you.

Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza

($$): Chef Renato Viola uses the finest Italian and locally sourced ingredients and his acute attention to detail to cook up some unbelievable pies at this Miami pizzeria. Fun fact: the restaurant’s name originates from Renato Viola’s visa designation. He came to the US from Italy to cook pizzas on an O1 Visa, which is reserved for those with "Extraordinary Artistic Ability."

What to do in Miami

Zoo Miami

: The zoo is a great stop for kids and animal lovers alike. As the largest zoological garden in Florida and the only subtropical zoo in the U.S., Zoo Miami has an array of exciting exhibits.

Miami Beach: You’d be a fool to spend time in Miami without going to Miami Beach for some fun, sunny, affordable entertainment.

Everglades National Park

: Want something more adventurous? Check out parasailing, jet skiing, or boat tours in Everglades National Park—and see if you can spot a gator!

Pro Tip For only a slightly higher price than a day pass, consider getting an annual National Parks Pass. This will get you into any national park in the country for a year—so you can use it on your next road trip, too.

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Miami to Orlando

240 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes

Orlando has a whole lot more to offer than just Disney World. Of course, Disney World might be a great place to stop off for a day (or two or three), but why not add even more Orlando fun to your itinerary?

To get to Orlando, travel north on the Florida Turnpike.

Where to eat in Orlando:

La Luce

($$$): For thin crust pizza and housemade pasta, check out this fine-dining destination. Taking inspiration from both Italy and the Napa Valley, foodies are sure to love La Luce.

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

($$): This Turkish bar, bistro, and restaurant has several locations around Orlando and focuses on bringing you the most authentic, flavorful Turkish cuisine you can hope for. Make sure to order some lavas and hummus for the table!

What to do in Orlando:

Visit a Theme Park—

Universal Orlando Resort

Walt Disney World Resort

Discovery Cove

, and

Gatorland

will definitely keep theme-park lovers happy—but there’s more to Orlando than theme parks!

Lake Eola Park

: Swing by Lake Eola Park for a nice stroll or rent a paddle boat to take along the water.

ICON Orlando

: Check out a 360-degree view of the city from ICON Orlando, the highest observation wheel on the east coast.

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Orlando to Jacksonville

140 miles, 2 hours

In northern Florida, you’ll come through Jacksonville, your last stop in the state. This is a great, upbeat city that will help you get your fill of Florida before moving on to Georgia.

Continue to Jacksonville on I-4 E to I-95 N.

Where to eat in Jacksonville

Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

($$$): There’s a reason this steakhouse is the winner of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best for 2020. Terra Gaucha will bring you the best of the best steak, and you’ll definitely get your fill with the gourmet salad and hot bar and the wide array of side offerings that come with your meal.

Biscottis

($$): This small bistro-style restaurant brings some southern charm to classic American cuisine. They have everything you’ll need—from a full cocktail menu and happy hour, to weekend brunch, to a daily cheese and charcuterie selection.

What to do in Jacksonville

The MOSH

: The MOSH (Museum of Science and History) is a great family destination, featuring imaginative, interactive exhibits sure to excite people of all ages.

Go shopping: Traveling with a shopaholic (or two)? Stop by

St. Johns Town Center

, an upscale shopping center, or

Riverside Arts Market

, a weekly Saturday farmers market where you can get produce and local craftsmanship.

Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens

: Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens** can give you pleasant and free entertainment—walk around, take a hike, and enjoy the breathtaking nature.

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Jacksonville to Savannah, GA

140 miles, 2 hours

You’ll cross over the Florida-Georgia line into Savannah,

Georgia

for a historic, charming, and delightfully southern day or two. And you’ll still be on the coast, so you’ll be able to enjoy those warm Atlantic beaches.

Continue your trek north via I-95 N to Savannah.

Where to eat in Savannah

Chive Sea Bar & Lounge

($$): This 1920s-inspired stop brings you a unique, intimate dining experience in Savannah’s Historic District. Try out their Panko-fried oysters, stuffed chicken wings, or Prawn Risotto.

Jazz'd Tapas Bar

($$): Featuring live music Thursday through Saturday, Jazz’d Tapas Bar will keep you well-fed and entertained. Try out one (or five) of their various American "tapas," inspired by traditional Spanish tapas—and don’t forget to pair it with a craft cocktail from the bar!

Things to do in Savannah:

Savannah’s Historic District

: The Historic District in Savannah is a great place for all—whether you’re a total history buff or you just appreciate charming architecture. You can take a History Tour through the town—or meander through the Savannah City Market to pick up some souvenirs.

Wormsloe Historic Site

: Make sure to check out Wormsloe State Historic Site and its photogenic mile-long stretch of road that leads to an old plantation.

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Savannah to Charleston, SC

105 miles, 2 hours

Next up is Charleston,

South Carolina

. As the fourth largest city in colonial America, Charleston has loads of history and southern charm. Take a carriage ride through the old downtown and relish in the ambiance.

Continue on I-95 N to Charleston.

Where to eat in Charleston

167 Raw Oyster Bar

($$$): 167 is a New England-style oyster bar that is serving up the freshest seafood from the East Coast. You’ll definitely want to order some oysters, but there’s more than just that—fish tacos, lobster rolls, and ceviche also make up 167’s menu.

Swig & Swine

($$): Get some slow-cooked smoky meats at this prized BBQ joint, headed by pitmaster and owner Anthony DiBernardo, where all the meat is smoked with oak, hickory, and other hardwoods. Beware—this is the ultimate destination for meat-lovers, but vegetarians might have a little more trouble finding something to eat at Swig & Swine.

What to do in Charleston

Visit Downtown Charleston—the downtown area has a historic ambiance, and you can take a guided tour to experience it best!

Folly Beach

: This gorgeous stretch of sandy beach is nearby if you want to spend some time by the water.

Historic Houses:

Drayton Hall

, the

Nathaniel Russell House

, and

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

are a few popular sites. Or, go to

The Aiken-Rhett House Museum

for another look at historic antebellum life in the south.

Charleston to Virginia Beach, VA

450 miles, 7 hours

Next up, Virginia Beach,

Virginia

! This mostly suburban coastal town is sure to relax you as you continue on your long trip up the East Coast.

From Charleston, take I-95 N to I-664 S to Virginia Beach.

Where to eat in Virginia Beach:

The Hunt Room

($$$): Tucked away in the Cavalier Hotel, this tavern is sure to give you the ultimate cozy dining experience. Pick dishes from a rustic, seasonal menu—and pair your food with some yummy craft cocktails.

The Bee & The Biscuit

($$): Every town needs a good charming breakfast spot, and this is the one. Feast on classic farm-to-table brunch dishes in the outdoor garden before setting off for the day.

What to do in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach has loads of entertainment offerings—from kid-friendly activities and museums to beaches and guided tours.

The Virginia Boardwalk: With multiple museums and restaurants, you can be occupied for hours along the boardwalk. For something really unique, check out the Surf and Rescue Museum.

First Landing State Park

: First Landing State Park hosts beautiful wildlife and is a great way to get a sense of all Virginia Beach has to offer.

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Virginia Beach to Baltimore, MD

255 miles, 4 hours 15 minutes

As you make your way into the continental northeast, stop off in Baltimore,

Maryland

to take in some of that fresh East Coast atmosphere.

Take I-264 W to I-95 N to get to Baltimore.

Where to eat in Baltimore

Thames Street Oyster House

($$): More oysters, anyone? Add this award-winning oyster house to your list, and fill up on all the oysters and seafood (and even mac ‘n’ cheese!) that your heart desires.

La Tavola

($$): In the heart of Baltimore’s Little Italy district, La Tavola offers all the traditional Italian cuisine you love: rich homemade pasta, fresh focaccia bread, and brick oven pizza.

What to do in Baltimore

Baltimore Museum of Art

: Looking for some art in Baltimore? At the Baltimore Museum of Art you can find impressionist paintings by Picasso, Matisse, and Cézanne.

Take a stroll: Want to just stroll around with no obligations? Take a walk through Inner Harbor or Federal Hill Park for some lax time outside.

Mount Vernon

: To get your history fix, you can stop by Mount Vernon to see Baltimore’s Washington Monument.

Baltimore to Philadelphia, PA

105 miles, 2 hours

After hitting up Baltimore, you’ll drive up to Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania

, where you can enjoy another historic and exciting city—equipped with endless activity options, sightseeing, and unmatched big-city energy.

From Baltimore, follow I-95 N to Philadelphia.

Where to eat in Philadelphia:

Cafe La Maude

($$): Here you’ll find brunch served daily until 4 pm! Chef Nathalie Richan and her husband, Gabi, run the cafe, which is inspired by Parisian cafes and Nathalie’s hometown in Lebanon.

Terakawa Ramen

($$): This top-of-the-line ramen house serves ramen in house-made broth (that’s cooked over a two-day period!) with traditional ramen egg noodles. Plus, you can get some gyoza (potstickers) or shrimp tempura on the side.

Things to do in Philadelphia:

Independence National Historic Park

: Philadelphia, like many of the other cities on our itinerary, is packed full of historical sites: from Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, to the Liberty Bell, that marked the Declaration of Independence’s first reading.

Reading Terminal Market

: For a true taste of Philly, stop by Reading Terminal Market in the Market East District, where you can buy baked goods, coffee, produce, and more.

Rittenhouse Square: Once a grazing area for livestock, this is now the perfect spot for a sophisticated night on the town, with some great dining and shopping options.

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Philadelphia to New York, NY

95 miles, 2 hours

And finally, you’ll end your big trip in the Big Apple! There’s a reason New York,

New York

is one of the top tourist cities in the nation. Over 800 languages are spoken in NYC, and the city’s diverse population of immigrants make it a treasure trove of cultural history.

It’s hard to pick out activities and restaurants to appreciate in New York, but we’ve thrown a few together for you—and we hope you take your time to soak in this magnificent city!

For the final leg of the trip, you’re back on I-95 N to I-278 E.

Where to eat in New York:

Piccola Cucina Osteria

($$): For the most authentic and satisfying Italian food, check out chef Philip Guardione’s Piccola Cucina Osteria and indulge in some creamy pasta.

ICHIRAN Times Square

($$): This restaurant focuses exclusively on Tonkotsu Ramen, making them true experts in the craft. You won’t be disappointed in their classic pork-bone broth or house-made egg noodles—plus, the location puts you right in the middle of all of the action in NYC!

Things to do in New York:

In New York City, you’ll be occupied enough just by taking a few rides on the Subway and strolling through the different bureaus. But for a more climactic end to your East Coast road trip, here are some highlights:

Take in the view from up high: Go to the

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

or take a helicopter ride for an aerial view of the Big Apple.

See a show: For a pricier but completely-worth-it activity, catch a live show on Broadway. You can find cheaper tickets if you buy a day of seat from a

TKTS

booth.

Visit an art museum: New York’s museums are some of the best in the world. For a good mix of old-school and modern art, check out whatever new installations are displayed in

The Met

or the

Guggenheim

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Why you need roadside assistance

In addition to having a well-designed itinerary, you’ll want to make sure you have emergency roadside assistance for your road trip. Roadside assistance is always beneficial, but even more so on a long, multi-state trek.

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Trust us: having support for any potential roadside emergencies when you’re in your car traveling cross-country will make your trip all the more smooth and enjoyable.

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