A Road Trip from New York City to Myrtle Beach

Looking to hit the beach? Stop in Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina as you tackle this New York City to Myrtle Beach road trip.
Written by Michelle Ballestrasse
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
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
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Key trip details

New York, NY to Myrtle Beach, SC
Distance: 685 miles
Driving time: 12 hours and 39 minutes
Suggested length of trip: 2 to 3 days

Itinerary

  • New York, NY
  • Dover, DE
  • Cape Charles, VA
  • Wilmington, NC
  • Myrtle Beach, SC

Start in New York City

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!

Where to eat in New York City

  • Ichiran Times Square
    ($$): For the best authentic ramen and Japanese food outside of Japan, ICHIRAN Times Square is the perfect little gem in the middle of busy Times Square.
  • Daniel
    ($$$$): If you feel like splurging for a taste of fine French cuisine, Daniel is a great choice.
  • Bleecker Street Pizza
    : 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

Times Square
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:
  • Times Square
    : The busiest intersection in the world and the center of NYC’s commerce and entertainment. Why not take in a Broadway show along the Great White Way?
  • One World Trade Center
    : 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!
  • Greenwich Village walking food tour
    : Get a taste of everything by hitting the pavement in Greenwich Village and sampling a wide variety of cuisines.
  • Central Park
    : 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.

Where to stay in New York City

  • Pod 51 Hotel
    : 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

New York to Dover, Delaware

182 miles, 3 hours 12 minutes
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.
Take I-95 S to get from NYC to Dover.

Where to eat in Dover

  • Restaurant 55
    ($$): Most of Dover’s food scene revolves around American, and no one does it better than Restaurant 55.
  • Vincenzo’s Pizzeria
    ($): That isn’t to say you can’t still find great Italian food, though! Enter Vincenzo’s Pizzeria, serving up pizza, pasta, and more.
  • Flavors of India
    ($$): 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

Dover International Speedway
There’s plenty to keep yourself busy within Dover, including the following:
  • Dover International Speedway
    : 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.
  • Dover Downs Casino
    : Test your luck at Dover Downs, which features live table games, slots, and live entertainment. Just don’t gamble your food money!
  • Air Mobility Museum
    : 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 Museum of American Art
    : Biggs’ revolving exhibitions always feature something different from all periods in and aspects of American art history, including illustration, oil painting, and photography.
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Dover to Cape Charles, Virginia

158 miles, 3 hours
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.

Where to eat in Cape Charles

  • Brown Dog Ice Cream
    ($): Skip dinner and go straight to dessert with fresh, homemade ice cream from Brown Dog Ice Cream. Expect a line.
  • Hook and Harvey
    ($$): The east coast is famed for its amazing seafood, and Hook & Harvey knows exactly how to serve it best.
  • Ambrogia
    ($$): For east coast seafood with Italian flair, Ambrogia Caffe & Enoteca’s immaculately prepared Italian dishes will definitely satisfy.
  • Cape Charles Coffee House
    ($$): And before you hit the road, hit up Cape Charles Coffee House for classic American breakfast and coffee.

What to do in Cape Charles

Cape Charles, Virginia
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.
  • Cape Charles Brewing Company
    : Take a break and grab a brew at this family-owned brewery, served up with local burgers set against live entertainment.
  • Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
    : When you’re ready to head out, hop on one of the world’s only bridge-tunnels, a 17-mile stretch crossing the Chesapeake Bay.

Where to stay in Cape Charles

  • Hotel Cape Charles
    : This is a sleek hotel that’ll welcome you for the night if you need a place to stay in Cape Charles. Cost per night: from $199

Cape Charles to Wilmington, North Carolina

280 miles, 5 hours 6 minutes
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.

Where to eat in Wilmington

  • Savorez
    ($): Not only does Savorez offer great Central American cuisine in North Carolina, but they also have an extensive vegan menu.
  • Genki Sushi
    ($$): 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

Wilmington, North Carolina
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.
  • Battleship North Carolina
    : The USS North Carolina, flagship of its class, saw service in World War 2 before her retirement. She’s now converted into a floating museum.
  • Noni Bacca Winery
    : 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.
  • Masonboro Island Reserve
    : This reserve can only be reached by boat but offers up boundless local wildlife, including birds, fish, and turtles.

Where to stay in Wilmington

  • Hotel Ballast
    : 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

Wilmington to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

78 miles, 1 hour 35 minutes
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.

Where to eat in Myrtle Beach

  • The Melting Pot
    ($$$): If you enjoy contemporary American food, you’ll enjoy it even more with a pot of melted cheese to dip it in. True to its name, The Melting Pot specializes in a variety of fondues.
  • 42nd Street Bar and Grill
    ($$): If you want to keep it down to earth with great grilled seafood and other classic dishes, visit 42nd Street Bar & Grill.
  • Sole
    ($$): Or grab a plate of traditional Italian cuisine at Sole and finish off the night with a traditional tiramisu. Can’t go wrong with that!

What to do in Myrtle Beach

Waccamaw River
Surprise, surprise—the beach is a must-do while you’re in Myrtle Beach. But there are a few other activities worth seeking out, too.
  • Broadway at the Beach
    : One of Myrtle Beach’s most popular attractions, Broadway at the Beach features live entertainment, shopping, dining, fireworks shows, and much more.
  • Waccamaw River Tours
    : For something a little more low-key, take a tour down the beautiful Waccamaw River and explore its National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Ripley’s Aquarium
    : 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.

Where to stay in Myrtle Beach

  • Breakers Myrtle Beach
    : If you need a place to stay, book a room at this ocean-view resort that features a water park. Cost per night: from $95
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The fast way back

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.

Why you need roadside assistance

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.
That’s where roadside assistance comes in.
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  • Towing
  • Fluid and fuel delivery
  • Winching
  • Mechanic advice
  • Rental reimbursement
  • and more!
And you get it all for just $6.99 for one car.
If you’re thinking it’s time to switch insurance carriers,
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It’s still easy and free to find the right policy, including ones that offer roadside assistance. Just sit back and let Jerry do all the work, so you can focus on planning your next road trip without worrying about shopping for coverage.
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