Virginia Beach to Winston-Salem Road Trip Guide

Interstate 64 begins its westward trek at the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach, VA, and for the first 20 miles, you climb from sea level to just 100 feet. This road trip covers roughly 210 miles and takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes of pure driving time, but with stops plan for 5 to 6 hours.

The route crosses the Fall Line, a geological boundary where the hard rock of the Piedmont meets the softer Coastal Plain sediments. This transition is visible in the changing soil colors – from sandy brown to rich red clay near the North Carolina border.

The most efficient route is I-64 West to I-95 South to I-85 South through Richmond and Petersburg, then US-58 West to US-220 South into Greensboro, finally I-40 West to Winston-Salem. A quirky rule: on I-64 in Norfolk, the HOV lanes reverse direction midday – check signs at exits 287 to 291.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The route passes through the Great Dismal Swamp (southwest of Norfolk), a 113,000-acre peat bog. The swamp's darkness and stillness inspired ghost stories – stop at the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail (milepost 0 on US-17) for a flat gravel trail through cypress and tupelo.

West of Petersburg, the land flattens into farm country: peanut fields, tobacco barns, and pine forests. Near the North Carolina border, Kerr Lake (Buggs Island Lake) is the second-largest freshwater lake in Virginia. The lake's 800 miles of shoreline attract anglers and boaters.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The only UNESCO site near this route is the 2023 addition of the “Richmond Ironworks” – the Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond (slight detour on I-95). However, the Great Dismal Swamp is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Local Commerce & Culture: Petersburg's Old Town is a National Historic District with brick sidewalks and antique shops. In Clarksville, VA (on Kerr Lake), buy locally made pottery and pecans. In NC, the town of Oxford has a tobacco warehouse district with flea markets. Winston-Salem's downtown “Arts District” (Trade and Sixth streets) houses galleries and craft breweries.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: I-64 has digital speed limit signs that adjust for weather – pay attention. The stretch of I-95 near the NC border is known for heavy truck traffic; 13% of vehicles are trucks. Use rest areas for breaks: the Emporia rest area (milepost 21) has 24-hour security.

Family and Child Suitability: The Children's Museum of Richmond (exit 78 off I-64) has a 15-foot climbing structure. The museum's “All Create! Studio” offers art workshops. At the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro (50 miles southeast of Greensboro) a 5-mile drive-through allows viewing of elephants and rhinos from the car.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most rest stops along I-85 have designated pet relief areas. In Virginia, the rest area at milepost 27 (I-85) has a fenced dog run. Winston-Salem has a pet-friendly hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Winston-Salem Downtown, near the Strollway (a 1.5-mile walking trail).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Take a break every 2 hours. Recommended stops: Emporia exit 11 (gas and fast food), Oxford exit 204 (I-85, near a Sheetz with clean restrooms), and Greensboro exit 73 (I-40, with Starbucks and Five Guys). If drowsy, use the “Rest Area” signs every 30 miles on I-85. The Virginia 511 app provides real-time traffic and rest area availability.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: At US-58 and US-220, pull into the town of Stuart, VA (25 miles south of Martinsville). The Stuart Diner serves locally grown trout and hand-cut fries. In Winston-Salem, skip the Krispy Kreme headquarters and instead visit the historic Brookstown Inn Bakery for scratch-made biscotti.

Fuel and Route Economics: Gas prices typically drop $0.10-0.15 per gallon crossing from Virginia to North Carolina due to lower state taxes. Fill up in Emporia, VA (exit 11 on I-95) for the best rates before the border. Traffic is heaviest near Hampton Roads (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM weekdays) and around Richmond (I-64/I-95 interchange).

Road Quality: I-64 and I-95 in Virginia are generally well-maintained with occasional construction zones. US-58 west of Emporia is a two-lane highway with moderate traffic. I-85 in North Carolina is smooth but rural. In the Piedmont, watch for fog in low-lying areas near streams, especially in fall mornings.

• Exit 74 (VA-32): Rest area with picnic tables and dog park near Emporia.
• Exit 173 (I-85): Buckhorn Rest Area – clean restrooms, vending.
• Alternative scenic route: US-58 from Emporia to South Hill offers historic small towns like Lawrenceville, but adds 20 minutes.