Explore Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina as you make your way down the coast on this New York City to Myrtle Beach road trip.
Beach trips are a quintessential driving experience—especially for those who yearn to leave behind the frenetic pace of the city for some sun, sand, and surf. This route bypasses all major cities once you leave New York so you can make the most of your getaway.
Summer’s always a great time to go to the beach and Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination. If you’re looking to skip the crowds, consider making the trip in early fall or late spring, when the temperature is high but the population density is low.
And before you go, make sure you’ve covered for anything that might go wrong. With cheap
The Big Apple is the foundation of the American economy and is one of the largest and most iconic cities in the world. So as you can expect, there’s much more to do in NYC than can be accomplished in a day!
($$): For the best authentic ramen and Japanese food outside of Japan, ICHIRAN Times Square is the perfect little gem in the middle of busy Times Square.
: For something a little less fancy, visit Bleecker Street Pizza. This little pizzeria nestled below Greenwich Village offers up some of the best pizza you can find in NYC.
What to do in New York City
It may be impossible to see all of NYC in a day, but a guided city tour can help you explore the best of the city in a short amount of time.
If you want to explore yourself, here are some must-see spots:
: Home now to the tallest skyscraper in the US and a monument to the victims of 9/11, it’s worth a visit if you find yourself in the financial district.
New York Catacombs: It’s a little-known fact that beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral lay Manhattan’s only catacombs—and you can explore them by candlelight!
: No trip to NYC is complete without a stop in the world-famous Central Park, which alone has enough attractions to merit a full day’s visit, including a zoo, a nature sanctuary, and Belvedere Castle.
: If you need a place to stay, consider the Pod 51 Hotel. It has all the workings of a typical modern New York hotel: bright spaces, great views from the rooftop deck, a cafe and bar — all at a more reasonable price. Cost per night: from $87
Dover may be the capital of Delaware, but it’s not the largest city—in fact, as far as cities go, it’s relatively modest. As a result, the social climate is more relaxed and less congested, making it a great pit stop.
($$): If Italian isn’t your thing, Indian cuisine is just around the corner at Flavors of India. They offer a broad menu of curries and classic Indian dishes.
What to do in Dover
There’s plenty to keep yourself busy within Dover, including the following:
: One of the key tracks in the NASCAR circuit, "The Monster Mile" hosts at least one NASCAR Cup Series race each year and is a must-see for any gearhead.
: A monument dedicated to the men and women who service and support the USAF and the USAAF. It features a broad range of military cargo and planes, including a Boeing Flying Fortress.
: Biggs’ revolving exhibitions always feature something different from all periods in and aspects of American art history, including illustration, oil painting, and photography.
Cape Charles is a small coastal town near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, just before the scenic Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. While the town isn’t exactly known for its hustle and bustle, it’s a great rest stop and has its fair share of local history worth checking out.
For a route to Cape Charles, follow US-113 S and US-13 S.
($$): And before you hit the road, hit up Cape Charles Coffee House for classic American breakfast and coffee.
What to do in Cape Charles
Enjoy the historic nature of Cape Charles before enjoying some live entertainment. Here’s how to fill your day:
Stratton Manor: One of Cape Charles’ two National Historic Places, Stratton Manor is a historic plantation in the outskirts of the town.
Cape Charles Historic District: A living snapshot of Cape Charles’ history and beginnings as a railroad and harbor town, with well-preserved original houses and buildings from the latter half of the 19th century.
People think of Hollywood when they hear "film industry," but Wilmington is actually a major center for film and television production. Wilmington has also played a role in almost every stage of American history, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights movement.
You’ll want to follow NC-11 S to get to Wilmington.
($$): If you’re looking for seafood, try Genki Sushi. Fish is easy to come by on the east coast, but Genki Sushi has turned it into an art form! If you prefer your fish a little more cooked, hit up Fish Bites for comfort foods like lobster bisque, clams, and other freshly caught (and fried up!) favorites.
What to do in Wilmington
While in Wilmington, enjoy a nice mix of history, nature, and wine (yes, that’s right!).
Wilmington Historic District: This preserved area in Wilmington features some of the finest examples of antebellum architecture in the state, including the incredible Bellamy House.
: Noni Bacca makes over 60 varieties of wine and has won over 179 international medals, which means there’s something for every palate when you’re looking to relax with a glass.
: Spending the night in Wilmington? Stay at this laid-back riverside hotel to unwind after a day of driving. It even has an outdoor pool for ultimate relaxation. Cost per night: from $144
Myrtle Beach is one of the east coast’s most popular tourist destinations. If you visit during the summertime, expect crowds. There are miles and miles of sandy beaches, parks, and other recreational activities to keep you busy.
US-17 S/Ocean Hwy E will get you to your destination.
($$$): If you enjoy contemporary American food, you’ll enjoy it even more with a pot of melted cheese to dip it in. True to its name, The Melting Pot specializes in a variety of fondues.
: You don’t have to go under the waves to see what sort of wildlife lives off the coast of Myrtle Beach. Take a tour through Ripley’s and check out local sea life on dry land.
Take I-95 North for the shortest route back to NYC. But head’s up: this highway takes you through several major cities. Make sure you factor in potential rush-hour traffic when you’re planning your return, or this fast way back can easily turn into the slow way.
The scenic way back
For a more scenic view, take I-81 North. This route will take you further west and cut up through the center of Virginia and North Carolina. As a bonus, it skirts major cities so you can focus less on traffic and more on the mountain scenery.
The drive between New York and Myrtle Beach isn’t a quick trip; it covers a number of states and fairly diverse terrain that isn’t always populated. So it’s best to be prepared for the worst—and to make the worst as short as possible.
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