Driving The East Coast: From New York to Miami

STARTING FROM NEW YORK *

* (ALTERNATELY FROM MIAMI)

Day 1: NYC

Arrival and Airport Transfer. Check-in Hotel.

Free time to enjoy an afternoon walk around the Big Apple. Maybe, if you are up to it and the weather is nice, you can visit one of the Panoramic Observatories such as The Empire, The One or The Top of The Rock. It will be a great way to kick-off your time in NYC with incredible panoramic views at Sunset. 

Night: New York Watson Hotel *** or similar

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Day 2 & 3: NYC

You will have 2 full days to explore New York City.

You can schedule a couple of activities to better visit the city, there are many Tours you can choose from. Or if this is not your first time, and you just want to relax, you can simply walk around the Big Apple and catch up with the latest happenings and openings. 

Not sure what to do in the Evening?
How about a panoramic cruise with dinner or maybe a elegant Restaurant in one of the Rooftops?

Night: New York Watson Hotel *** or similar

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Day 4: NYC > Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Time to start driving! In the morning, you will pick up your rental car and drive straight to Philadelphia, located approx. 1h45 min south of NYC. Here, you can spend half a day exploring the historic city which served as the capital of the US for 10 years. Make sure to go inside Independence Hall to learn more about the History of the US and walk along the oldest-inhabited houses in Elfreth's Alley. 

On your way out of the city, stop by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to check out the popular "Rocky Steps". 

If it's something that interests you, you can stop by Lancaster Country to explore the community of the Amish people and their villages, maybe ride one of their Buggies around the country-side, and make plans to arrive in Washington DC by evening.

Night: Washington DC Hampton Inn Union Station*** or similar

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Day 5: Washington, District of Columbia

A full day to visit the capital DC with all its Museums, Memorials, and many other important attractions like Capitol Hill, Arlington National Cemetery, The Pentagon, Georgetown, and Adams Morgans, etc.

If you don't feel like exploring the capital on your own, we recommend a Tour!

Night: Washington DC Hampton Inn Union Station*** or similar

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Day 6: DC > Shenandoah National Park > Richmond

Today is the day you leave big cities behind and explore a beautiful National Park -- The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

In the morning, head to the front Royal Entrance (North Gate) located approx. 70 miles (ca. 113 km) south of DC and you will start driving south across the park driving along scenic routes including over 100 miles (ca. 161 km) along the Skyline Drive (3h9) to reach the south entrance -- Rockfish Gap Entrance Station.

You will continue towards Richmond where you will spend the night.

Today, you will drive a total of 268 miles (ca. 431 km).

Night: Richmond - Holiday Inn Express Richmond Northwest I-64 *** or similar

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Day 7: Richmond VA > Duck (NC) > Corolla Wild Horses > Point Harbor Area

Welcome to the phenomenal Outer Banks of North Carolina. You will leave Richmond area and head East towards the Atlantic and the town of Corolla 3h22 minutes by car (187 miles (ca. 301 km).)

We recommend spending the afternoon exploring the North Side of the Outer Banks (north of the town Duck) and especially check out the Wild Horses reserve around Corolla.

Consider taking a nice tour (maybe in a 4x4) that will take you to the beach to admire these wild horses.

Night: around Point Harbor (NC) Baymont inn & suites Kitty Hawk Outer Banks ** or similar

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Day 8: Point Harbor > North Carolina Outer Banks > Cedar Island

This is the second day dedicated to the Outer Banks. Today, you will complete the explorations of the incredible area off the coast of North Carolina.

From Point Harbor, you will drive south for approx. 2h59 min (101 miles (ca. 163 km)) to reach Ocracoke. From here you will hop on a ferry NC-12 (with your car) to reach Hatteras, the other section of the Outer Banks.

It's a day behind the wheel but the scenery is incredible. You can stop anytime and walk along white beaches and natural preserve. The outer banks are 200-mile-long (320 km) string of barrier islands considered a true natural  masterpiece. 

You will have one more Ferry to grab to reach the mainland by Cedar Island. Once arrive, you will drive through the Cedar Island National Refuge to head south.

Consider that from Ocracoke to Emerald Isle (or similar) it will be approx. 3h55 min (77 miles (ca. 124 km)) included 2 rides in Ferry-boats.

Night: By Cedar Island / Emerald Island - Hampton inn Morehead city*** or similar

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Day 9: Emerald Island > Myrtle Beach

Another day by the incredible North Carolina shoreline.

In the morning, drive south towards one of the most famous beaches -- Myrtle Beach. You will have 160 miles (ca. 257 km) to go, approx, 3h by car or more if you decide to take the local roads.

Night: Myrtle Beach Best Western Plus Myrtle Beach*** or similar

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Day 10: NC > Charleston (SC)

Let's cross into South Carolina, another amazing state known for charming, and historic, small towns, and incredible sea-side villages.

From Myrtle Beach to Charleston, you will have about 2h15 minutes by car (99 miles (ca. 159 km)).
Arrive in Charleston by mid-day, check-in and enjoy the afternoon to explore this incredible town.

Night: Charleston Town & Country inn & Conference Center*** or similar

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Day 11: Charleston

A much-needed day resting from driving up and down the coast. Enjoy the entire day exploring the historic town on foot or on a tour.

Charleston has plenty of attractions and activities to choose from that will keep you entertained day and night.

Night: Charleston Town & Country inn & Conference Center*** or similar

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Day 12: Charleston > Beaufort > Savannah

After breakfast, you will head south towards lovely Savannah. On the road, you can stop for a coffee break in Beaufort, another historic town, and arrive in Savannah by lunch. Distance 106 miles (ca. 171 km)

Enjoy your afternoon exploring this quaint Georgian Town.

Night: Savannah Indigo Savannah Historic District*** or similar

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Day 13: Savannah > St. Augustine

Today is the day you will cross into Florida. Consider that you will have approx. 2h47 min by car to reach the historic St. Augustine (176 miles (ca. 283 km))

Do you know that St. Augustine is the oldest town in the entire continental United States?

Enjoy the afternoon exploring the historic town including the iconic San Marcos Castillo.

Night: St. Augustine Holiday inn Express hotel & suites Saint Augustine north*** or similar

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Day 14: St. Augustine > Daytona Beach > Titusville

Love Nascar? Even if you are not a die-hard fan of the American speed-car races, Daytona 500 is still one of the biggest competitions in auto racing out there. You can visit the track "Daytona International Speedway" to learn more. 
   
You won't have too much to drive, merely 60 miles (ca. 97 km) 1 hour.

Enjoy a day along the Florida Atlantic coast. 

Night: Titusville Quality inn Kennedy Space Center*** or similar

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Day 15: Kennedy Space Center > Merritt Island

Let's go to Space! Enjoy a visit to the incredible  Kennedy Space Center. Not only you can visit the NASA Museum and learn all about Space Explorations (failures & successes) but you can also ride one of their buses that will take you around Cape Canaveral to see the original  Rockets' launch Pads.

After the Kennedy Space Center, you can dedicate a few hours to visit the incredible Merritt Island National Refuge to admire some of Florida's unique wildlife, including the Manatees!

Night: Melbourne Comfort Suites Palm Bay *** or similar

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Day 16: Melbourne > West Palm Beach > Miami

Here you are, almost done with the driving! You will have the last "few miles" to reach Miami.

If you want to stop along the way, you can visit West Palm Beach, a seaside town famous for its extravagant houses, yachts, and the extremely wealthy population.

Arrive in Miami by late afternoon, drop off car and check-in Hotel.

Night: Miami Hilton Garden inn Miami beach South beach *** or similar

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Day 17 & 18: Miami

Enjoy 2 days to explore Miami with South Beach and the modern Downtown area. There are plenty of activities you can do once you are in Miami. 

If you are done with all the driving, you can elect to relax by the water and maybe do a couple of Tours to explore the historic and cultural side of Southern Florida and visit unique neighborhoods like Little Havana with Calle Ocho and the very hip Wynwood Art District and the glamorous Design District. 

Night: Miami Hilton Garden inn Miami beach South beach *** or similar

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Day 19: Miami > End of Service

Free morning, airport transfer - End of Service.

* Possibility to add 2 Days in Orlando to do the Parks (Disney & Universal) during the Tour.

• 3 nights in Hotel in New York (central area) overnight stay only
• 3 nights in Hotel in Miami (central area) overnight stay only
• 12 nights in Hotels On the Road (some with breakfast included)
• Rental Car for 13 days. Type Buick Lacroix or similar - Unlimited mileage - CDW insurance

• International/Domestic Flights
• Park Admission / Attractions
• Extended Car Insurance
• Food and Drink
• Drop Off Rent a car $500.00 to be paid when you pick up the car
• Everything not expressly indicated in "The Price Includes"

OPTION WITH RENTAL CAR + HOTELS & ACTIVITIES:
Price in Double Room
Starting at $ 2500.00 per person
Price in Triple Room
Starting at $ 1745.00 per person
Price in Quadruple Room
Starting at $ 1370.00 per person

OPTION WITH RENTAL CAR & DRIVER/GUIDE + HOTEL & ACTIVITIES 
Quote on request. Please use the Form below to send in a request. 

HOTEL ROOM: Single Rooms also available. Ask for the price!

 

Driving in the United States – What You Need to Know

Planning a self-drive road trip in the United States? Here are a few important tips to help you travel smoothly and confidently:

1. Driving Etiquette: Passing on the right is permitted in the U.S. and commonly practiced, especially on highways with multiple lanes. Don’t be intimidated by wide roads — it’s all part of the experience!
2. Right Turn on Red: In most states, you’re allowed (and often expected) to turn right at a red light unless a sign prohibits it. Always come to a complete stop before turning.
3. Parking Rules: Always check signs for restricted hours and meter rules — some areas are free during evenings or weekends. Never park in front of a fire hydrant, even if there's no sign. If marked spaces are painted on the ground, be sure to center your vehicle properly within the lines.
4. Toll Roads: Many tolls in the U.S. — often marked as Toll or Turnpike — are cashless and use automated systems like E-ZPass or FasTrak. Be careful not to enter lanes marked as “FasTrak Only” if you don't have a pass. Have cash or a credit card ready for tolls that still accept manual payment.
5. Speed Limits & Police Stops: Stick to posted speed limits. Driving more than 5–10 mph over the limit can lead to fines. If stopped by law enforcement, keep your hands visible on the steering wheel and follow instructions calmly and respectfully.
6. Navigation & Roadside Assistance: We highly recommend traveling with GPS navigation and a reliable roadside assistance plan for added peace of mind during your journey.

Room Configurations in the U.S.

Please note that triple and quadruple hotel rooms in the U.S. typically include:

• Triple rooms: One large bed + one smaller bed OR two large beds
• Quadruple rooms: Usually two large beds (double/double or queen/queen)

These configurations may vary by hotel brand and location.

Tipping in the United States

Tipping is standard practice in the U.S. and not typically included in the price of services. As a general guide:

• Restaurants: 20–25% of the total bill
• Hotel staff (bellhop, housekeeping): $2–5 per service
• Private drivers or guides: 15–20% depending on service level

Need More Tips?

When booking with USA Welcome and New York Welcome, our Travel Designers will provide additional insights and personalized advice to help you make the most of your USA road trip experience.

  Inclusions: As outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Exclusions: Everything else not specifically outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Discounted Rates: Baby, Kid, Senior and any other discounted Rate only applies to the specified Age-Limit. National ID required at Voucher Exchange as proof of Age.
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