Block Island, RI to Norfolk, VA: A Coastal Road Trip Guide

This route begins on Block Island, a glacial remnant 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast, and ends at Hampton Roads, one of the world's largest natural harbors. The journey spans roughly 500 miles and takes about 9-10 hours of driving, not counting ferry time or stops. A unique detail: you'll cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 17.6-mile engineering marvel that dips underwater twice.

For tips on finding the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Block Island's Mohegan Bluffs offer 200-foot clay cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. The ferry ride to Newport passes the Claiborne Pell Bridge. South of Newport, coastal views give way to Connecticut's rocky shore. Near New Haven, the topography flattens into the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain.

In New Jersey, the Pine Barrens offer a vast forest with unique pygmy pines. Delaware's Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for migratory birds. The Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia features farmland and small fishing towns like Onancock.

Local commerce highlights: Block Island's seafood shacks; Newport's wharf restaurants; Delaware's beach boardwalks; Norfolk's Ghent district with craft breweries and art galleries. Antique shops in Maryland's Chestertown and Virginia's Chincoteague Island offer Americana.

From Newport, RI, take US-1 South to I-95 South through Connecticut and New York. Cross the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey, then continue on the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Through Delaware and Maryland, I-95 becomes I-95/I-495 around Baltimore. Merge onto I-97 South to US-50/US-301 across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, then follow US-13 and US-17 to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel into Virginia Beach and Norfolk.

Fuel costs average $50-70 for the entire drive. Tolls include the George Washington Bridge ($16), New Jersey Turnpike (approx $15), Delaware Memorial Bridge ($5), Chesapeake Bay Bridge ($4), and Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel ($18). Total tolls around $58.

• Consider E-ZPass for cashless tolling
• Cheapest gas is typically in Delaware or Virginia
• Avoid I-95 through NYC during peak hours (7-9am, 4-7pm)

Road quality is excellent on interstates, but watch for congestion near Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Construction zones are common on I-95 in Maryland. Rest areas every 30-40 miles on the NJ Turnpike and I-95 in Delaware. Recommended family stops: Delaware's Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Maryland's Assateague Island National Seashore (wild ponies), and Virginia's Norfolk Zoo.

Pet-friendly: Cape Henlopen State Park (DE) allows dogs on leash; rest stops have designated pet areas. Fatigue management: aim to stop every 2 hours. Good midpoints: Newark, DE or Salisbury, MD. Use apps like Wayro to plan breaks.

• Stop at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel overlook (milepost 4)
• Hidden off-route: Smith Island, MD (ferry from Crisfield) for authentic crab cakes
• Climatic: Fall foliage peaks mid-October south of New York; summer humidity high but sea breezes near coasts