Virginia Beach to Myrtle Beach Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

The route from Virginia Beach, VA to Myrtle Beach, SC spans approximately 320 miles, crossing three states and bridging distinct coastal cultures. One striking fact: the Outer Banks of North Carolina were known as the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' due to over 2,000 shipwrecks, and you'll skirt these notoriously shifting shores.

The primary artery is US-17, a historic coastal highway that snakes through maritime forests and salt marshes. Drive time typically averages 5 to 6 hours without stops, but you should plan for at least 8 hours to savor detours.

Is it worth driving Virginia Beach, VA to Myrtle Beach, SC? Absolutely: the journey unveils a tapestry of wild seashores, charming towns, and diverse ecosystems. This guide will help you find the best stops and hidden gems between cities using resources like how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Most drivers follow I-64 east to US-17 south, then merge onto I-40 briefly near Wilmington, before continuing on US-17 into South Carolina. Alternatively, using US-13 and US-158 cuts through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (toll ~$14) for a scenic water crossing.

• Total distance: 320 miles (515 km) via US-17
• Estimated driving time: 5.5 hours non-stop
• Toll costs: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel $14, other sections free
• Fuel stations concentrated around Elizabeth City, NC and Wilmington, NC

Road quality is generally good on US-17, but watch for deer crossings especially near the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Two-lane sections require patience behind slower traffic. Essential rest stops: the visitor center at the Dismal Swamp State Park (mile marker 20 on US-17) and the Carolina Beach State Park (near Wilmington).

• Child-friendly: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher has touch tanks
• Pet-friendly: many beaches allow dogs off-season; Jockey's Ridge State Park has pet areas
• Fatigue break: at the Elizabeth City waterfront, walk the boardwalk

North Carolina's Outer Banks region boasts the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can see the tallest brick lighthouse in America. Further south, the Croatan National Forest near Havelock encloses pocosin wetlands and the Neuse River.

• Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve: maritime forest with trails
• Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge: black bears and red wolves
• Green Swamp Preserve: rare Venus flytraps

Wanchese Harbor offers fresh seafood straight from the trawlers. In Wilmington, the Cape Fear Seafood Company (use their fish market) sources local catch. Flea markets in Calabash, NC showcase handmade crafts and coastal folk art.