Driving The East Coast: The Starting Itinerary
Below is a sample itinerary designed to inspire your journey. All elements — from accommodations to experiences — can be tailored to match your travel style and preferences.
You can start from New York City or from Miami
Day 1: NYC
Arrival and Airport Transfer. Check-in Hotel.
Free time to enjoy an
afternoon walk around the Big Apple. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll along Fifth Avenue or opt for an optional sunset visit to 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: Hotel near Central Park or in Midtown *** or similar
Day 2 & 3: NYC
Two full days to immerse yourself in the energy and culture of NYC. Explore iconic neighborhoods like SoHo, Chelsea, and the West Village, take one of our private guided tours of Lower Manhattan, or enjoy VIP access to major attractions like the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, or a Broadway show.
Optional upgrades include:
- Private walking or food tours
- Dinner cruise on the Hudson River
- Helicopter flightseeing experience
Night: Hotel near Central Park or in Midtown *** or similar
Day 4: New York City → Philadelphia → DC
Begin your road trip! Pick up your
rental SUV this morning and head south to Philadelphia (approx. 1h45). Spend the morning exploring historic landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and
Reading Terminal Market. Remember to stop by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to check out the popular "
Rocky Steps".
If it's something that interests you, you can add a detour by
Lancaster County to explore the Amish community and their villages, maybe ride one of their Buggies around the country-side, and make plans to arrive in Washington DC by evening.
Optional upgrade:
- Private historical walking tour or guided food tasting
- Private Buggy Ride and Farm Tour by Lancaster
Night: Washington DC, Hotel near Georgetown or Dupont Circle *** or similar
Day 5: Washington, District of Columbia
Spend a full day exploring the capital. Stroll along The National Mall, visit the Smithsonian Museums, the White House, and the Capitol. For an immersive experience, you can opt for a private city tour or a guided bike ride. Don't forget to stop by
Arlington National Cemetery and The Pentagon to complete your tour. In the evening, enjoy the neoghborhoods of
Georgetown, and Adams Morgans, etc.
Optional upgrades:
- Private Tours inside one of the Museums
- Capitol Hill Tour
- Monument-by-night guided tour
Night: Washington DC, Hotel near Georgetown or Dupont Circle *** or similar
Day 6: DC > Shenandoah National Park > Richmond
Leave the capital and head west toward Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (approx. 2h). Enjoy a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, one of the most iconic routes in the country. Stop for panoramic viewpoints and light hikes.
The best route through the park– 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.
After exploring the park, continue your drive south to Richmond, Virginia (approx. 2h15), the historic capital of the state. Upon arrival, check into your 4-star boutique hotel in the city’s historic district.
FYI– today's drive is a total of 268 miles (ca. 431 km).
Night: Richmond Boutique Hotel, Historic Center, *** or similar
Day 7: Richmond VA > Duck (NC) > Corolla Wild Horses > Point Harbor Area
Welcome to the stunning
Outer Banks of North Carolina– a chain of barrier islands known for their windswept beaches, historic lighthouses, and relaxed vibe
. You will leave Richmond area and head East towards the Atlantic and the town of Corolla, about 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 th
e Wild Horses reserve around Corolla.
Consider taking a private tour (maybe in a 4x4) that will take you to the beach to admire these wild horses.
Night: around Point Harbor (NC) charming coastal inn *** or similar
Day 8: Point Harbor > North Carolina Outer Banks > Cedar Island
This is the second day dedicated to the
Outer Banks stopping at key highlights such as Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. 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 wonder.
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: Charming 3-star or 4-star coastal inn or lodge by Cedar Island or nearby area *** or similar
Day 9: Emerald Isle → Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Another day by the incredible
North Carolina shoreline. Continue your drive south, passing through charming coastal towns along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast before arriving in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (approx. 3h drive - 160 miles (ca. 257 km)).
Enjoy the vibrant beach boardwalk, live entertainment, or a relaxing afternoon on the sand. Check into a 4-star beachfront resort or upscale oceanfront hotel.
Night: Myrtle Beach *** or similar
Day 10: Myrtle Beach → Charleston, South Carolina
After breakfast, depart Myrtle Beach and continue along the coast to Charleston, SC (approx. 2h30 drive– 99 miles (ca. 159 km)). This southern gem is known for its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and rich history.
Check into a 4-star or 5-star boutique hotel in the Historic District. Spend the afternoon exploring Rainbow Row, the Battery, or opt for a guided walking or carriage tour.
Night: Charleston *** or similar
Day 11: Charleston
Take a well-deserved break from the road and enjoy a full day at leisure in charming Charleston. Stroll through the Historic District, visit iconic sites like Battery Park, Rainbow Row, and the Charleston City Market, or book an optional guided walking tour or culinary tasting experience.
In the evening, dine at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants or enjoy live jazz in a historic venue.
Night: Charleston *** or similar
Day 12: Charleston → Beaufort → Savannah, Georgia
This morning, head south from Charleston toward Savannah, with a scenic stop in
Beaufort, a charming waterfront town known for its antebellum mansions and moss-draped oak trees.
After a coffee break or brief stroll through Beaufort’s historic district, continue to Savannah (approx. 2h total drive– 106 miles (ca. 171 km)). Arrive by early afternoon and begin exploring this iconic Southern city—walk along River Street, relax in Forsyth Park, or take a guided ghost or historic tour
Optional upgrade:
- Private carriage ride
- Elevated dining experience
Night: Savannah boutique inn or historic district hotel*** or similar
Day 13: Savannah → St. Augustine, Florida
Today marks your entry into
Florida! Depart Savannah and head south along the coast toward St. Augustine (approx. 2h45 drive– 176 miles (ca. 283 km)), the
oldest continuously inhabited city in the continental United States.
Spend your afternoon exploring the town’s rich colonial history — from the Castillo de San Marcos to the charming
historic district filled with cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture.
Night: St. Augustine, Historic District **** or similar
Day 14: St. Augustine → Daytona Beach → Titusville, Florida
Head south toward Daytona Beach (approx. 1h drive– 60 miles (ca. 97 km)), home to the iconic D
aytona International Speedway. Whether you're a
NASCAR enthusiast or simply curious, the Speedway Tour offers an inside look at one of America’s most legendary racetracks.
After your visit, continue to Titusville, located near Florida’s Space Coast. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Night: Titusville or similar along the FL coastline **** or similar
Day 15: Kennedy Space Center → Merritt Island → Melbourne, Florida
Today, experience the thrill of space exploration at the world-renowned
Kennedy Space Center. Discover NASA’s history, walk among real rockets, and take the guided bus tour to the legendary Cape Canaveral launch sites.
In the afternoon, visit nearby
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge — a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, where you may spot alligators,
manatees, and other native wildlife.
Continue south to Melbourne, where you’ll check into your hotel for the night.
Optional Upgrade:
- Astronaut Experience with Lunch
- Boat Ride by Merritt Island
Night: Melbourne **** or similar
Day 16: Melbourne → West Palm Beach → Miami, Florida
Your East Coast road trip nears its grand finale! Travel south along Florida’s scenic coastline toward Miami, with the option to stop in
West Palm Beach — a glamorous seaside city known for its waterfront mansions, luxury yachts, and upscale boutiques.
Arrive in Miami by late afternoon. Drop off your rental car and check into your hotel in Miami Beach.
Night: Miami Beach **** or similar
Days 17 & 18: Explore Miami, Florida
Spend your final two days soaking in the vibrant energy of Miami. Whether you're unwinding along the sands of South Beach, strolling through the futuristic
skyline of Downtown, or joining a cultural tour through
Little Havana,
Wynwood Art District, and the Design District, Miami delivers a rich blend of relaxation and cosmopolitan flair.
Choose to relax poolside, book a private boat tour, or explore the city's renowned art and culinary scenes.
Night: Miami beach **** or similar
Day 19: Miami > End of Service
Enjoy a free morning in Miami — whether that means a final beach walk or a relaxed breakfast at a local café. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your departure.
End of Service
Optional Add-On: Want to visit the theme parks? You can extend your itinerary with
2 additional days in Orlando to enjoy Disney, Universal Studios, and more.
Route overview: Driving The East Coast at a glance
READY TO DESIGN YOUR EAST COAST JOURNEY?
From the historic streets of New York City to the sun-kissed shores of Miami, this East Coast itinerary blends cultural icons, colonial towns, scenic coastlines, and Southern charm into one unforgettable drive.
Whether you're drawn to city landmarks, beach getaways, or hidden gems off the beaten path, we’ll craft a custom road trip that fits your pace, preferences, and travel style — with premium stays and curated experiences throughout.
Your East Coast adventure starts here. Contact us today, and let’s bring your perfect journey to life.