Beaufort to Cape May Drive: Coastal Gems & Hidden Stops

The route from Beaufort, North Carolina to Cape May, New Jersey spans roughly 500 miles, crossing through the Outer Banks, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and the Delmarva Peninsula. A little-known fact: the distance between Cape Hatteras Light Station (on Hatteras Island) and Cape May's lighthouse is almost exactly 300 nautical miles, a line that traces the edge of the Continental Shelf. This drive mostly follows US-17 north, then US-13 through the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Maryland, with a final crossing via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

To answer common questions: the best stops Beaufort, NC to Cape May, NJ include the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and Assateague Island National Seashore. How long to drive Beaufort, NC to Cape May, NJ? Without stops, about 9 hours; with sightseeing, plan for 2-3 days. Is it worth driving Beaufort, NC to Cape May, NJ? Absolutely, for the diverse coastal landscapes and ferry crossing. For more on finding hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Below is a quick reference for distances and ferry costs.

The primary highways are US-17 from Beaufort to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, then US-13 through Virginia's Eastern Shore, and finally DE-1 to Lewes. Most of the route is two-lane highway with occasional four-lane sections. Watch for frequent traffic lights in towns like Washington, NC and Elizabeth City, NC. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has a toll of $14 (cashless; E-ZPass accepted).

• Best fuel stops: Chesapeake, VA (just before bridge), Exmore, VA, Salisbury, MD.
• Average fuel cost: ~$3.50/gallon (as of 2025).
• Rest areas: Well-maintained rest stops on US-13 in Virginia with restrooms, vending machines.

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry operates year-round, with a standard vehicle fare of ~$50 (one-way). Reservations recommended in summer. The ferry crossing offers stunning views of the Delaware Bay and Cape May's Victorian skyline. Plan for 1.5 hours at sea, plus boarding time.

• Ferry tips: Arrive 30-45 minutes early. Check conditions; rough seas can cause cancellations.
• Alternative route: Drive around Delaware Bay via I-95 and DE-1 (adds 2 hours).

The route traverses three distinct coastal ecosystems: the salt marshes and maritime forests of North Carolina's Inner Banks, the barrier islands and wild beaches of Virginia's Eastern Shore, and the calm estuarine shores of Delaware and New Jersey. A key natural attraction is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (accessible via a side trip to the Outer Banks), featuring the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The wild ponies of Shackleford Banks, near Beaufort, are a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Best natural stops: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (NC), Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (VA), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD).
• Scenic viewpoints: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel observation deck (milepost 12), Cape May Point State Park (NJ).

Local commerce along the route is dominated by seafood markets, antique shops, and small-town boutiques. In Beaufort, the historic waterfront district offers fresh seafood and handmade crafts. On Virginia's Eastern Shore, farm stands sell produce and local honey. Cape May is famous for its Victorian architecture and quaint shops on Washington Street Mall.

• Must-try foods: North Carolina-style barbecue, Chesapeake blue crabs, Cape May saltwater taffy.
• Shopping: A treasure trove of antique stores in towns like Edenton, NC and Onancock, VA.

Road quality on US-17 and US-13 is generally good, but rural sections can be poorly lit at night. Watch for deer especially on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has low speed limits (40 mph) and narrow lanes; strong winds can affect handling. Cell service can be spotty on the Outer Banks and parts of the Delmarva Peninsula.

• Safety tips: Carry a paper map. Fill up before crossing the bridge-tunnel (no gas stations on the 17-mile span).
• Emergency numbers: Dial 911. For roadside assistance, AAA covers most of the route.

For families, many stops offer kid-friendly activities. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras Village (NC) covers shipwrecks and pirate history. The Wild Pony Tours on Shackleford Banks are a hit with children. On the Eastern Shore, the Chincoteague Pony Swim (last week of July) is a bucket-list event. In Cape May, the Cape May Zoo and the Lighthouse climb are excellent for families.

• Family-friendly stops: North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Virginia Air & Space Center in Hampton (near bridge), Salisbury Zoo (MD) – free.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most beaches allow dogs on leash in off-season. Cape May has designated pet-friendly beaches year-round. National seashores require dogs on leash.

Fatigue management is crucial on this long drive. Plan for a stop every 2 hours. Ideal rest zones include the rest areas on US-13 (between Exmore and Accomac, VA) and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel's picnic area (before the toll plaza). Coffee and quick meals are available at fast-food chains in towns like Elizabeth City, NC and Salisbury, MD.

• Rest stop suggestions: Edenton, NC (historic waterfront park), Onancock, VA (wharf and cafes).
• Overnight options: For a mid-route stay, consider Chincoteague Island, VA, or Ocean City, MD (but avoid summer crowds).