Beaufort to Cambridge: A Coastal Road Trip Guide

Driving from Beaufort, North Carolina, to Cambridge, Maryland, you follow the Atlantic coast for about 350 miles—a journey that feels like a slow exhale through tidal creeks and marshland. The route mostly traces US-17 and US-13, skirting the edges of the Great Dismal Swamp and the Chesapeake Bay. In 1608, Captain John Smith mapped this area; today, you can retrace his voyage by road.

This road trip passes through three states—NC, VA, MD—each with distinct flavors. The drive takes roughly 6.5 hours without stops, but the best stops Beaufort, NC to Cambridge, MD demand at least two days. how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities will help you craft your own itinerary.

The route is generally safe, but watch for deer at dawn and dusk, especially near the Great Dismal Swamp and rural roads. US-17 rarely has medians, so headlights on low beam are advisable at night. Emergency services are available in towns every 30 miles.

For families, the Children’s Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth is a top thing to do between Beaufort, NC and Cambridge, MD. Another stop: the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, with a large model ship collection and a play area.

• Rest stops: Virginia Welcome Center on I-95 near the NC border is clean and spacious.
• Playgrounds: Many town parks along the route, like Elizabeth City’s Waterfront Park.

To manage fatigue, take a break every 2 hours. The best rest zones are the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel’s scenic overlook and the Wye Mills rest area on US-50. Avoid driving through the Dismal Swamp after dark due to fog and wildlife.

Pet-friendly stops include the Great Dismal Swamp trails (leashed dogs allowed) and the beach at Cape Charles, VA. Most hotels along the route accept pets with a fee; check the availability at Baymont by Wyndham in Cambridge.

The route passes through three distinct ecosystems: the Outer Banks barrier islands, the Great Dismal Swamp, and the Chesapeake Bay estuarine system. In Beaufort, you can visit the Rachel Carson Reserve to see wild horses. The drive from Beaufort to Washington, NC (30 minutes) hugs the Neuse River.

• Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge: A 113,000-acre forested wetland with hiking trails and a scenic drive. Stop at the visitor center (3100 Desert Rd, Suffolk, VA).
• Chessies and cypress trees dominate the landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears and river otters.

Local commerce reflects coastal traditions. In Beaufort, seafood shacks like Beaufort Grocery sell fresh shrimp. In Norfolk’s Ghent district, craft breweries line Colley Avenue. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, you’ll find produce stands selling sweet corn and tomatoes in summer.

• Beaufort: Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, honoring decoy carving heritage.
• Cambridge: Dorchester County Historical Society, with exhibits on Harriet Tubman.

US-17 from Beaufort to Norfolk is a mostly two-lane highway with long stretches through rural North Carolina and Virginia. Speed limits range from 55 to 65 mph. Traffic is light except near Elizabeth City and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

Fuel stations are plentiful in towns every 20-30 miles. The average gas price along the route is about $3.20 per gallon (as of 2025). Diesel is slightly higher. In remote areas like the Great Dismal Swamp, fill up beforehand.

• Beaufort, NC: Several stations near US-70 and US-17 intersection.
• Norfolk, VA: Major interstate exits with multiple options.
• Cambridge, MD: Station at US-50 and MD-16.

Toll roads: The Chesapeake Expressway (VA-168) and Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel each require a toll. Expect $15 total for both. The Bay Bridge near Annapolis is free eastbound but toll westbound.

Rest stops are located at mile markers on US-13 in Virginia and Maryland. Some have picnic areas and restrooms. Notable rest areas: Southampton County Rest Area (US-58 East) and Kent County Rest Area (US-301 North).