Myrtle Beach to Davis: Ultimate WV Road Trip Guide

This 7.5-hour, 480-mile journey traces a dramatic transition from the Atlantic Ocean's subtropical sands to the Appalachian highlands, ending near the Blackwater River. The route uses US-501, I-95, I-64, and US-220, passing through North Carolina's sandhills and Virginia's Shenandoah Valley before climbing into West Virginia's Canaan Valley region.

One quirk: the northern stretch of US-220 through Virginia's Alleghany Highlands follows an old Native American trading path, later a stagecoach road. The drive averages 7.5 hours without stops, but with recommended pauses you'll want at least 10-11 hours total.

I-95 through Virginia has heavy truck traffic and constant construction, especially near Richmond. US-220 north of Roanoke is a two-lane road with sharp curves and limited guardrails; drive sober and slow. After dark, deer crossings are frequent—particularly between Covington, VA and Davis, WV. There are no tolls on this route, but the West Virginia Turnpike (I-77) is an alternative option if you add 15 minutes.

For families: recommend the Children's Museum of Richmond (off I-95) for a 1-hour play break, or the Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge (off US-220) for a drive-thru animal encounter. For pet-friendly stops, the Appalachian Trail crossing at VA-311 (near Covington) has a small, leashed dog-friendly trail. Fatigue management stops include rest areas on I-95 every 50 miles, and the I-64 rest area at mile marker 168 (Charlottesville) has picnic tables and vending machines.

• Safety tip: Keep an emergency kit with blankets and water beyond Roanoke; cell service is spotty.
• Child activity: Dinosaur Kingdom II in Natural Bridge – quirky fiberglass dinosaurs “attacking” classic cars.
• Pet pitstop: Monongahela National Forest (just south of Davis) has dozens of dog-friendly hiking trails.

For more on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out Wayro's guide.

From Myrtle Beach's ocean breeze and maritime forest, you'll pass through the Carolinas' longleaf pine ecosystem near Sandhills State Forest, then south-central Virginia's rolling tobacco and soy fields. After I-64, the Blue Ridge Mountains rise dramatically. Near Goshen Pass, VA, US-220 follows the Maury River through a narrow gorge—this is a prime stop for wildflower viewing (April-June) and leaf peeping (October).

Culinary infrastructure is best near Roanoke, VA, where you'll find everything from Texas-style BBQ at the Front Porch to Vietnamese pho in Salem. In West Virginia, try the pepperoni rolls (a state food) at Davis's own Blackwater Bikes & Beans. The area is also known for craft beer: Mountain State Brewing Company in Thomas, WV offers a dandelion wine that's been popular since the 1990s.

• Natural attraction: Blackwater Falls State Park (5 mins from Davis) – amber-colored water due to hemlock tannins
• Hidden gamble: Cranberry Glades Botanical Area – a high-elevation bog with carnivorous plants, 30 mins off-route
• Local commerce: Lost River General Store – sells handmade local jams and shed antler crafts

The route follows US-501 north to I-95 at Latta, SC, then transitions to I-95 north through Florence and into Virginia. After Petersburg, VA, you'll take I-85 and I-95 concurrency briefly, then I-64 west at Richmond, VA. The final stretch uses US-220 north through Roanoke, VA, and into West Virginia via US-48 to US-219.

Fuel costs vary significantly: diesel averages $3.60/gal in South Carolina, rising to $3.80 in Virginia and $3.90 in West Virginia. Your vehicle's fuel economy will be affected by constant elevation gain after Roanoke. Expect 20-25% lower mpg on the mountain grades. There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites directly on route, but Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home) near Charlottesville, VA is a 45-minute detour at the I-64 exit.

• Best fuel stop: Latta, SC (cheapest gas on route)
• Most scenic fuel stop: Buchanan, VA (overlooks the James River)
• EV charging: Level 3 chargers available every 50 miles on I-95 and I-64, sparse on US-220 beyond Roanoke