Myrtle Beach SC to Long Beach NY Road Trip Guide

Did you know that the stretch of US-17 from Myrtle Beach to Wilmington, North Carolina was once a notorious speed trap in the 1990s, earning it the nickname 'The Gantlet'? That history has faded, but the highway still winds through salt marshes and timberlands that feel a world away from the neon of Ocean Boulevard.

Driving from Myrtle Beach, SC to Long Beach, NY covers roughly 700 miles and takes about 11-12 hours without stops. The route is a mix of interstate highways (I-95, I-295, I-278) and scenic byways, offering a cross-section of Mid-Atlantic geography—from subtropical coast to urban sprawl. Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to make the most of this journey.

The best stops Myrtle Beach, SC to Long Beach, NY often lie off the beaten path, like the wild ponies of Shackleford Banks or the boardwalk of Rehoboth Beach. Many travelers wonder how long to drive Myrtle Beach, SC to Long Beach, NY; the answer depends on traffic around Washington D.C. and New York City. If you're asking, is it worth driving Myrtle Beach, SC to Long Beach, NY? Absolutely, for the variety of landscapes and cultural pitstops. The things to do between Myrtle Beach, SC and Long Beach, NY include exploring barrier islands, historic lighthouses, and world-class seafood shacks.

From Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, this route is a transect of Atlantic coastal environments. The marshes of Cape Fear National Estuarine Research Reserve near Wilmington are teeming with egrets and herons. Further north, the Delmarva Peninsula offers the pristine Assateague Island National Seashore with wild horses—a must-see for natural landscapes attractions.

• Culinary Infrastructure: Stop at Scott's Seafood in Raleigh, NC for hush puppies and fried flounder. In Delaware, try a Thrasher's French Fries on the Rehoboth Boardwalk.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While none lie directly on the route, a short detour to Philadelphia (Independence Hall) or the Statue of Liberty is feasible.
• Local Commerce: Antique shops in Fredericksburg, VA and farmer's markets in rural Delaware offer authentic regional goods.

The most efficient route hugs I-95 north from Myrtle Beach to the New York metropolitan area. However, from Richmond onward, you can opt for the Delmarva Peninsula route via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to skip some of the I-95 congestion. This adds about 50 miles but offers a scenic cross.

• Fuel costs: Expect gas prices around $3.80/gal on average. Total fuel cost for a sedan is approximately $120-150.
• Toll roads: The New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are tolled. Carry exact change or E-ZPass. Estimated tolls: $25-35.
• Road quality: Excellent on interstates, but secondary roads in South Carolina and Delaware can have rough patches. Watch for drawbridges on the Intracoastal Waterway in SC.

For those wondering, the best time to drive is early morning to avoid D.C. rush hour. The worst? Friday afternoons in summer. This route passes through multiple climate zones: humid subtropical in the south to humid continental in the north. Pack layers, as temperature swings of 20°F are common between Florence, SC and New Brunswick, NJ.

Safety on I-95 is generally good, but watch for aggressive drivers around D.C. and Philadelphia. Budget for rest stops every two hours—South of the Border near Dillon, SC is a kitschy landmark but offers clean facilities. For families, the Adventure Park at Long Beach is a great final destination.

• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most interstate rest areas allow pets on leashes. Chain hotels like La Quinta and Red Roof Inn are pet-friendly. Check for specific policies in state parks.
• Fatigue Management: The monotony of I-95 can cause drowsiness. Use the rest areas in Delaware (mile marker 5) and New Jersey (mile marker 58) for power naps.
• Hidden Off-Route Spots: Just off I-95 in South Carolina, the tiny town of Cheraw offers a preserved historic district; and in New Jersey, the Cape May Lighthouse is a short detour for stunning views.

The road outside Atlantic City, the Garden State Parkway, runs along the coast and offers glimpses of the ocean between fork-thick pine forests. This section is especially scenic in early autumn when the foliage turns. Remember to adjust your headlights as you cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge—it's steep and often windy.