Virginia Beach to Skidaway Island Road Trip Guide

The 550-mile route from Virginia Beach, VA to Skidaway Island, GA traces the Atlantic seaboard, crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel—a 17.6-mile engineering marvel where, at the southern tunnel entrance, you can spot the concrete remains of the artificial island used in construction. This unique bridge-tunnel system, completed in 1964, cuts 90 minutes off the drive compared to going around through Richmond.

The journey averages 8.5 hours of pure driving time via I-64, I-95, and I-16, but with stops, plan for two full days. The coastal plain offers a mix of wildlife refuges, colonial towns, and sprawling pine forests. Before you go, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The most efficient route uses I-64 west to I-95 south, then I-16 east to Savannah, and finally the Diamond Causeway (GA 204) to Skidaway Island. The total fuel cost for a mid-size sedan averages $55–$70, depending on gas prices, with regular unleaded around $3.20/gal.

• Fuel stops: Rocky Mount, NC (exit 138) and Walterboro, SC (exit 53) offer competitive prices.
• Tolls: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel costs $14.00 for cars southbound.
• Rest areas: North Carolina Welcome Center (mile 181) and Georgia Welcome Center (mile 100) have clean facilities.

The route passes through three distinct ecosystems: the Tidewater region's brackish marshes, the Carolina Sandhills with longleaf pine savannas, and the Lowcountry's salt marshes and live oak forests. Notable natural attractions include the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (near Chesapeake, VA) and the Savannah River delta.

• Best stops: Merchants Millpond State Park (NC), a coastal plain pond with ancient cypress; Boone Hall Plantation (SC) for live oak avenues; and Fort Pulaski National Monument (GA) for Civil War history.
• Local commerce: Farmers markets in Wilson, NC (fresh peanuts) and local seafood shacks like The Crab Shack on Tybee Island.
• UNESCO sites: None directly on route, but the Historic District of Savannah (a World Heritage tentative site) is a short detour.

I-95 is well-maintained but can be congested near Fayetteville, NC and the Savannah metro area. Speed limits are 70 mph in most rural sections. For family breaks, the South of the Border attraction (mile 196) is a kitschy pit stop with mini golf and fireworks. Pet-friendly hotels include La Quinta in Savannah (no fees) and Red Roof in Rocky Mount.

• Rest zones: James River State Park (VA, exit 169) and Lake City (SC) Walmart parking lot for overnight RV stays.
• Fatigue prevention: Take a 15-minute break every 2 hours; use the I-95 rest areas with picnic tables.
• Hidden off-route: The historic town of Cheraw, SC (30 min off I-95) with a 19th-century green and antique shops.