Scenic East Coast Road Trip

From New York to Miami on Highway 17 and A1A: Rivers, marshes, and ocean miles

This East Coast Road Trip carries you from New York’s skyline to Miami’s beaches, weaving together history, nature, and ocean views. Highway 17 leads through Lowcountry rivers and marshes, past charming towns and shaded squares, before merging onto A1A for oceanfront miles where the Atlantic never leaves your side. It’s a journey that slows the pace, trading interstates for coastal roads and letting each stop reveal its own character along the way.

Route

New York City ➤ Fredericksburg/Yorktown (US-17) ➤ Charleston ➤ Savannah ➤ Jacksonville ➤ St. Augustine (A1A) ➤ Canaveral/Space Coast ➤ Miami

Distance

Approx. 1,300–1,500 miles (one way). US-17 for the Lowcountry; A1A/US-1/I-95 mix in Florida.

Travel Duration

Balanced coastal: 7–10 days. Express run: 3–4 days (mostly I-95). Winter-sun wander: 10–14 days with shorter hops and beach time.

Highlights

York River waterfront, Great Dismal Swamp boardwalks, Croatan marsh loops, Huntington Beach SP, Ravenel Bridge into Charleston, ACE Basin dikes, Savannah’s mossy squares, Golden Isles harbors, St. Augustine lighthouse/old town, Canaveral dunes, A1A beach towns, Miami finish.

Best Time to Travel

Late Nov–Apr for mild temps; Mar–Apr is sweetest. Sep–early Nov works up north; note Southeast storm peak in late summer–early fall.

Tolls & Fees

I-95 tolls/bridges in the Northeast; optional express lanes near D.C. and South Florida. A1A has drawbridges, usually no tolls. Expect select park/lighthouse fees; carry a compatible toll pass or plan for pay-by-plate, plus extra for beach-area parking.

How to Drive This Route

Think of US-17 as your coastal thread from Fredericksburg, Virginia to Jacksonville, Florida. It hugs rivers and marshes, skims small downtowns, and keeps the pace human. South of Jacksonville, slide to A1A for ocean views, use US-1 through towns, and jump on I-95 when you need to make time.

You’ll see three flavors of 17: US-17 (mainline), US-17 BYP (bypass), and BUS-17 (business). Stay on US-17 or BYP for momentum and water views; take BUS-17 when you want cafés, piers, and photo stops.

Navigation apps love interstates, so pin the coast. Set waypoints in order: Fredericksburg → Yorktown → Chesapeake → Elizabeth City → Washington (NC) → New Bern → Jacksonville (NC) → Wilmington → Georgetown → Charleston → Beaufort → Savannah → Darien → Brunswick → Jacksonville (FL). Then add A1A towns—St. Augustine, Canaveral/Space Coast, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale—to keep the ocean on your left.

For RV flow, plan 2–4 hour hops with one marsh boardwalk or waterfront stretch, then reach your camping spots around golden hour. Fuel before rural legs, respect BUS-17 town limits, and watch low branches under live oaks. Finish fast on I-95, or savor an A1A oceanfront victory lap into Miami.

Pick up: New York

Recommended stay: Pick up and go, or 1–2 nights if you want to explore

If you’re local, New York is simply your launch point—grab the RV and hit the highway south. For international visitors or first-timers, it’s worth pausing a day or two to take in the skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge, wander Central Park, or sample the city’s food before the road takes over. Start your journey with an RV rental in New York for the most flexible way to head down the coast.

New York City skyline at sunset, starting point for an East Coast RV road trip to Miami

Things to do

  • Central Park walk: Meadows, bridges, and lakes unfold in the middle of Manhattan, a green world inside the city.
  • Skyline views: The Brooklyn Bridge opens wide perspectives of Lower Manhattan, whether seen from its span or the water below.
  • Times Square & Broadway: Neon lights blaze while marquees promise stories that carry into the night.

Good to know

  • Highlight: NYC can be overwhelming—pick one or two sights instead of trying to do it all before you drive off.
  • RV tip: Driving and parking an RV in Manhattan is tough; consider nearby pickup points in New Jersey or outer boroughs.
  • Local edge: For New Yorkers, this stop is all about convenience—load up supplies, check your RV, and get rolling.

Stop 1: Yorktown, VA

Recommended stay: 1 night

Yorktown sits along the York River with cobbled streets and deep Revolutionary War roots. Stroll the waterfront, explore historic battlefields, and enjoy a stop that connects your road trip to one of America’s defining chapters.

View of the York River and Coleman Bridge at Yorktown, Virginia, a highlight on an East Coast RV road trip

(c) Raziel Janeway

Things to do

  • Yorktown Battlefield & Museum: Colonial earthworks and riverside fields recall the turning point of the Revolution, with stories deepened at the museum nearby.
  • Riverwalk & Water Street: Brick paths trace the York River’s edge, where shops, cafés, and open water views create a lively harbor scene.
  • Watermen’s Museum: Nets, boats, and stories of Virginia’s watermen bring the region’s maritime heritage into focus along the riverfront.

Good to know

  • Highlight: Yorktown balances Revolutionary War history with relaxing waterfront moments—plan time for both.
  • Recommended camping spot: Camp Cardinal RV Resort — full-service RV sites with pools, kayaking, and easy access to Yorktown.
  • Tip: Drive the Colonial Parkway linking Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown for a scenic, low-traffic route through the region.

Stop 2: Wilmington, NC

Recommended stay: 1 night

Wilmington greets you with oak-lined streets, a scenic Riverwalk, and beaches just over the bridges. It’s a relaxed pause along US-17 that blends coastal energy with historic brick facades. You can wander downtown or head toward the water, where the pace feels slower but never dull.

Boardwalk view of the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, North Carolina, a stop on an East Coast RV road trip

Things to do

  • Cedar Point Tideland Trail: Salt marsh and pine flats open along quiet loops in the Croatan National Forest.
  • Intracoastal overlooks: Breezes carry across the water near Sneads Ferry and Hampstead, with birds overhead and wide photo views.
  • Wilmington Riverwalk: The Cape Fear River reflects city lights and sunset colors along a lively waterfront promenade.

Good to know

  • Bypass tip: Use the US-17/NC-24 bypass around Jacksonville; take BUS-17 only if you want the downtown strip.
  • Recommended campground: Carolina Beach State Park — roomy, wooded pads near the Cape Fear with fast access to Wilmington and the beach islands.
  • Timing: Plan a 30–60 minute trail break at Cedar Point and arrive in Wilmington before dusk for easier parking.

Stop 3: Charleston

Recommended stay: 1–2 nights

Cobblestone streets, pastel row houses, and a salt-tinged harbor make Charleston one of the East Coast’s most atmospheric stops. The city blends Southern tradition with coastal energy, inviting you to linger before rolling deeper into the Lowcountry.

Colorful houses along Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina, with a horse-drawn carriage passing through the historic district

Things to do

  • Historic district: Horse-drawn carriages and cobblestone streets frame pastel homes and church steeples that rise above the city.
  • Charleston City Market: Local artisans fill open-air halls with sweetgrass baskets, handmade crafts, and Southern flavors.
  • Battery & White Point Garden: Waterfront paths lined with cannons and antebellum mansions overlook Charleston Harbor.
  • Boone Hall Plantation: An avenue of live oaks leads to one of America’s oldest working plantations, layered with complex history.

Good to know

  • Routing tip: US-17 delivers straight into downtown; the Ravenel Bridge offers one of the best approaches.
  • Recommended campground: James Island County Park — large RV sites shaded by oaks, with lakeside trails and just 15 minutes from downtown Charleston.
  • Local note: Summer heat can be heavy; evenings bring a cooler rhythm for exploring the harborfront and shaded squares.

Stop 4: Savannah

Recommended stay: 1 night

Spanish moss drapes the city squares and cobblestone streets of Savannah. Park the RV, wander by foot, and let the mix of Southern history and riverside nightlife set the mood before heading toward Florida. Every corner has its own character, from tucked-away courtyards to the buzzing riverfront.

Tree-lined avenue in Savannah, Georgia, with sprawling oaks draped in Spanish moss, a classic Southern road trip scene

Things to do

  • Historic squares: Spanish moss drapes oak trees in 22 preserved squares, each with its own fountain, statue, or garden to linger in.
  • River Street: Old cotton warehouses now house cafés, galleries, and pubs along cobblestones where ships still pass on the Savannah River.
  • Forsyth Park: The city’s green heart spreads across 30 acres, with shaded paths and the famous fountain at its center.
  • Bonaventure Cemetery: Gothic statues and riverside live oaks make this 19th-century cemetery one of Savannah’s most atmospheric walks.

Good to know

  • Highlight: Savannah blends walkable streets with wide open green space, best explored slowly under the oaks.
  • Recommended campground: Skidaway Island State Park — about 15 miles from downtown, with shaded RV and tent sites, marsh boardwalks, and an observation tower.
  • Local note: Evenings carry a softer pace—lantern light, river breezes, and ghost stories drift through the historic district.

Stop 5: Jacksonville

Recommended stay: 1 night

Jacksonville offers wide beaches, riverfront neighborhoods, and a chance to slow down after the miles. With seafood spots and surf breaks nearby, it’s a relaxed coastal city to recharge before the southern push. The blend of urban edges and long stretches of sand makes it a flexible stop for all kinds of travelers.

Scenic coastal highway view along the East Coast road trip from New York to Miami, perfect for RV travelers.

Things to do

  • Riverwalk: Downtown’s Riverwalk stretches along the St. Johns River, with skyline views and breezy evening strolls.
  • Jacksonville Beach: Wide sands and a lively pier set the scene for sunrise walks or an ocean dip.
  • Cummer Museum & Gardens: Riverside gardens frame a museum collection that ranges from European masters to Southern artists.

Good to know

  • Highlight: Jacksonville blends beach town ease with riverfront city energy, making it a natural pause before heading south.
  • Recommended campground: Crooked River State Park — peaceful tidal-marsh setting near St. Marys, just across the Georgia line and a short drive to Jacksonville.
  • Local note: Mornings bring cooler air on the beach and calmer crowds; evenings are best for catching live music downtown or by the pier.

Stop 6: St. Augustine

Recommended stay: 1 night (2 if you want a beach day or to time a launch)

St. Augustine blends Spanish colonial streets, Atlantic beaches, and the feel of America’s oldest city. Spend the day exploring Castillo de San Marcos or strolling the historic downtown before heading south along A1A toward the barrier islands. It’s a stop that balances history with ocean breezes, giving your trip both depth and downtime.

Sailboats anchored in the harbor of St. Augustine, Florida, with pastel skies at sunset along the East Coast

Things to do

  • Castillo de San Marcos: The 17th-century coquina fortress still guards the bayfront with sweeping views of Matanzas Bay.
  • Historic district: Narrow brick lanes lined with cafés, galleries, and colonial-era architecture reveal the nation’s oldest city.
  • St. Augustine Lighthouse: A climb up 219 steps opens a panoramic sweep of ocean, marsh, and historic town below.

Good to know

  • Highlight: St. Augustine blends walkable history with wide Atlantic beaches, offering a pause between city streets and coastal air.
  • Recommended campground: Anastasia State Park — walkable dunes and direct beach access, just minutes from the lighthouse and old town.
  • Local note: Early mornings bring softer light on the fortress walls; evenings glow along the bayfront when the Bridge of Lions lights up.

Stop 7: Space Coast

Recommended stay: 1 night

On Florida’s Space Coast, rocket launch pads and sandy beaches share the horizon. Whether you’re gazing at the Atlantic or visiting Kennedy Space Center, this stretch balances science and surf. It’s a stop where space exploration meets beach-town ease, giving you a taste of both worlds.

Rocket launching from Cape Canaveral in Florida, a highlight stop on an East Coast RV road trip.

Things to do

  • Kennedy Space Center: Rockets, space shuttles, and astronaut stories make this one of Florida’s most inspiring attractions.
  • Cocoa Beach Pier: Waves roll under the pier where surfers, seafood shacks, and wide Atlantic views set the scene.
  • Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge: Scenic drives and trails cross salt marsh and lagoons, with manatees and migratory birds often in view.

Good to know

  • Highlight: The Space Coast blends space exploration with classic Florida beach life—launch pads by day, surf breaks by sunset.
  • Recommended campground: Jetty Park Campground (Port Canaveral) — oceanfront setting by the pier, perfect for sunrise and potential rocket launches.
  • Local note: Launch schedules change often—check before arriving, and plan extra time since viewing spots can fill quickly.

Stop 8: Fort Lauderdale

Recommended stay: 1 night

Palm-lined canals and golden beaches give Fort Lauderdale its easygoing rhythm. The city blends resort polish with a casual coastal vibe, making it a comfortable pause before the final stretch to Miami. Known as the “Venice of America,” its waterways offer a different perspective on the Florida coast.

Aerial view of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, with umbrellas, palm trees, and turquoise ocean water

Things to do

  • Las Olas Boulevard: Cafés, galleries, and boutiques line this lively street that flows from downtown to the beach.
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach: A palm-lined promenade and wide sands bring a laid-back rhythm to the Atlantic shoreline.
  • Water taxi ride: The city’s canals and Intracoastal Waterway reveal waterfront mansions and a “Venice of America” vibe.

Good to know

  • Highlight: Fort Lauderdale blends beach town ease with city energy, where boats and boulevards weave together.
  • Recommended campground: John Prince Park Campground (Lake Worth) — lakeside setting with roomy sites, a central base between Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
  • Local note: Evenings shine along the waterfront—Las Olas fills with music and dining, while the beachside promenade stays lively after sunset.

Final stop: Miami

Recommended stay: 2 nights

Your road trip ends in Miami, where colorful neighborhoods, endless beaches, and tropical energy come together. From Little Havana cafés to South Beach nightlife, it’s a fitting finale to the East Coast adventure. Take your time here—Miami rewards slow mornings, late nights, and everything in between. You can drop off your rental at the Miami station—or keep going south with our Miami to Florida Keys Road Trip.

Aerial view of Miami Beach with turquoise waters and high-rise buildings, marking the final stop on an East Coast RV road trip.

Things to do

  • Beach mornings: South Beach glows as pastel lifeguard towers catch the first light and the Atlantic stretches endless and blue.
  • Cultural stroll: Calle Ocho hums with Cuban coffee, painted murals, and music spilling from open doorways.
  • Art & color: Wynwood Walls rise in bold patterns and vivid scenes, turning warehouses into a living gallery beneath the sky.

Good to know

  • Highlight: Miami rewards slow mornings and late nights—balance beach time with evening neighborhoods alive with food and music.
  • Recommended camping spot: Larry & Penny Thompson Memorial Park & Campground — 240 RV sites with hookups, lake access, and a central base for exploring.
  • Tip: Use rideshares or transit for Wynwood and downtown—parking is limited, and walking keeps the city’s energy close.

Travel Tips for Your East Coast Road Trip

  • Driving Times: Highway 17 is slower than I-95 but adds coastal towns and marsh views. Plan 2–4 hour hops; use US-17 BYP to skip traffic in busy centers.
  • Campground Reservations: Book ahead in peak seasons. New Bern KOA Holiday offers RV sites with hookups on the Neuse River (many full hookup). James Island County Park near Charleston lists 162 sites, including 118 full hookup. Skidaway Island State Park provides shaded RV sites with electric/water hookups near Savannah.
  • Permits & Fees: Expect day-use fees at state parks (e.g. Huntington Beach, Hunting Island, Anastasia). Some lighthouses and wildlife refuges also charge entry. Carry a compatible toll pass for I-95 corridor toll points in the Northeast and express lanes near D.C. and South Florida.
  • Weather Shifts: Pack layers—Virginia mornings can be cool, the Carolinas humid by afternoon, and Florida evenings stay warm. Winter and spring are the most consistent seasons end-to-end.

  • Pacing: Highway 17 is mostly two-lane and passes through towns; expect slower speeds than interstates. Plan 2–4 hour legs with a boardwalk or small-town stop each day.
  • Routing: BUS-17 takes you into historic downtowns (Elizabeth City, Georgetown, Beaufort). Use BYP routes to stay on schedule and return later on foot if you want.
  • Fuel & Supplies: Refill before rural Lowcountry stretches where services are sparse. Coastal state parks often have small camp stores, but stock up in larger towns.
  • Scenic Pull-offs: Popular pauses include Huntington Beach State Park’s marsh boardwalk, Donnelley WMA drive in the ACE Basin, and Fort King George near Darien.

  • Parking: In cities like Charleston and Savannah, park the RV outside the historic core and explore by foot, bike, or rideshare—streets are narrow and best enjoyed slowly.
  • Golden Hour: Time riverside or marsh walks for late afternoon—light across the water is a highlight of this coastal drive.
  • Day Trips: From Miami, side trips into Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park extend the journey with natural contrast to the city finish.
  • Local Eats: Sample regional flavors as you go—Carolina shrimp in Georgetown, Lowcountry boil near Beaufort, and Cuban sandwiches once you hit Miami.

More Inspiration for your East Coast Road Trip

Night view of New York City skyline with Tribute in Light beams and traffic light trails along the river

Your RV, Your Route, Your Memories

Ready to Explore the East Coast Your Way?

Forget the ordinary. Start your New York to Miami road trip in a fully equipped RV—marshes, river towns, and endless beaches are all on the map. It’s freedom, sunshine, and the open coast—just add you.

Book your trip from New York