The Tidewater Itinerary
The Tidewater Road Trip is an ideal way to explore the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Starting in Norfolk, Virginia and ending in Jacksonville, North Carolina, this 395km journey is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you’ll traverse through Elizabeth City, Washington, New Bern, and Morehead City, all of which provide plenty of attractions and activities to explore. The best time of year to make this trip is late spring or early summer, when the weather is mild and the roads are in excellent condition. With two days to complete the journey, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds of the Eastern seaboard. This road trip is suitable for all types of drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, the Tidewater Road Trip is sure to provide you with a lifetime of memories.
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number of days
395 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Norfolk
Distance 395 km
Driving time 4.8 h
Pace: fast
118.6 kWh
Airports
ORF
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Norfolk is a vibrant city in the United States, situated in the south-east state of Virginia. It is a great starting point for The Tidewater Road Trip, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. There are plenty of interesting sights to explore in Norfolk, including the Nauticus National Maritime Center and the Chrysler Museum of Art. The Virginia Zoo is also well worth a visit, with over 500 species of animals. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Norfolk International Airport (ORF). Car rentals are available at this airport, making it easy to start your road trip. Once on the road, The Tidewater Road Trip will take you through some of Virginia's most beautiful scenery. From the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tranquil beaches of the Outer Banks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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Norfolk
- Elizabeth City
Distance 72 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
21.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Then join us on our journey from Norfolk to Elizabeth City! This 45mi stretch will take you less than an hour to complete, so make sure to make the most of it!
Start in Norfolk and visit the Nauticus Maritime Science Center, where you can explore the USS Wisconsin and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. You can also take a stroll in the Norfolk Botanical Garden or take a boat ride on the Elizabeth River.
Continue your journey and you will reach Elizabeth City. Here, you can explore the Museum of the Albemarle and the Waterfront Park. If you are looking for a more active experience, you can kayak in the Pasquotank River or take a walk on the Elizabeth City Boardwalk.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Elizabeth City - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Coast Guard Historian's Office
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2
Elizabeth City
- Windsor
Distance 80 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
24.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Elizabeth City to Windsor? This 50mi journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete, and you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting places along the way.
In Elizabeth City, you can visit the Museum of the Albemarle, the North Carolina Estuarium, and the Elizabeth City Waterfront. All of these places offer a great opportunity to learn about the region's history and culture.
As you make your way to Windsor, you can stop at the Cashie River Wetlands Park, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and observe the wildlife. You can also visit the Roanoke River Lighthouse, a historic landmark that offers stunning views of the Roanoke River.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your road trip from Elizabeth City to Windsor and explore the beauty of the region!
Windsor - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikipédia
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3
Windsor
- Washington
Distance 57 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
17.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your journey will take you from Windsor to Washington. This is a short drive of only 35 miles, and should take you less than an hour. As you make your way from Windsor to Washington, you will find plenty of interesting places to visit.
For starters, you can take a tour of the historic Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. You can also visit the beautiful gardens of the castle, and explore the unique architecture of the building.
Once you reach Washington, you can explore the many attractions in the city, such as the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
For those who love the outdoors, you can take a stroll in the National Mall, or take a hike in the Great Falls Park.
If you're looking for a more leisurely activity, you can take a boat ride on the Potomac River, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city.
No matter what you decide to do, you're sure to have a great time in Windsor and Washington. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Washington - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Washington - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Washington
- New Bern
Distance 64 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
19.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Washington to New Bern? This 40mi journey will take you less than an hour, so you can enjoy the scenery and the attractions along the way.
Make sure to stop at the historic sites of Washington, such as the Turnage Theatre, the Pamlico River, and the Washington Waterfront. Then, you can visit the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola in New Bern and check out the historic sites of the city, such as the Attmore-Oliver House, the New Bern Firemen's Museum, and the New Bern-Craven County Public Library.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, get ready for a unique experience and enjoy the journey!
New Bern - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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5
New Bern
- Morehead City
Distance 55 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
16.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the New Bern to Morehead City road trip stage! This is one of the most exciting stages of your tour, as you will be able to explore two of the most beautiful places in the United States. The route covers a distance of 34 miles and should take you less than an hour to drive.
Let's start with New Bern. This charming city has a rich history and offers plenty of attractions for visitors. Make sure to visit the Tryon Palace, the first permanent state capitol in the United States, and the New Bern Fireman's Museum, where you can learn about the history of firefighting in the area.
Next, you will arrive in Morehead City. Here you can explore the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, where you can observe the diverse marine life of the area. If you're looking for a unique experience, take a guided kayak tour to explore the area's coastal waters.
For more information about the attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Morehead City - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - National Park Service
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6
Morehead City
- Jacksonville
Distance 67 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
20.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Morehead City to Jacksonville road trip stage! This 42-mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete and is part of a larger tour.
Start your journey in Morehead City, where you can visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Here you can explore the wonders of the Atlantic Ocean and its inhabitants.
Continue your journey to Jacksonville, where you can visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Here you can learn about the coastal lifestyle and the history of the area.
If you are looking for some outdoor activities, you can visit the Hammocks Beach State Park. Here you can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and camping.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Enjoy your Morehead City to Jacksonville road trip!
Jacksonville - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Jacksonville
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Jacksonville, the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida, is the perfect ending point for the Tidewater Road Trip. Known as the River City, Jacksonville offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. With the St. John's River running through the city, there are plenty of opportunities for water activities such as fishing, kayaking and boating. In addition, there are numerous parks and nature preserves to explore, including the scenic Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.
For those looking for a little more excitement, Jacksonville is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and the Minor League Baseball's Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, as well as a number of museums and historic sites. Visitors can also explore the city's vibrant art and music scene, with a variety of galleries, live music venues, and performance spaces.
For those traveling by car, Jacksonville is easily accessible via Interstate 95, which runs through the city. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), located just outside of the city.
From its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities to its vibrant culture and exciting sports teams, Jacksonville has something for everyone. With its abundance of attractions and activities, there's no better way to end the Tidewater Road Trip than in Jacksonville.
The Tidewater at a glance
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Start:
Norfolk
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End:
Jacksonville
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Distance:
395 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Enhanced Overview:
Embark on the captivating Tidewater Road Trip, a coastal escapade that weaves through the enchanting Eastern seaboard of the United States. Your journey begins in the historic city of Norfolk, Virginia, and culminates in the welcoming community of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Spanning approximately 395 kilometers (245 miles), this route is sprinkled with an array of attractions and activities, offering an immersive and memorable Road Trip experience.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
As you navigate from Norfolk, you'll encounter a succession of charming towns, each with its own distinct character. Elizabeth City, known as the `Harbor of Hospitality,` invites you to explore its maritime heritage and waterfront beauty. Washington, often referred to as `Little Washington,` boasts a picturesque riverfront and a vibrant arts scene. New Bern, the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, captures visitors with its historic downtown and stunning Tryon Palace. Morehead City, a gem on the Crystal Coast, provides access to pristine beaches and the famous Fort Macon State Park. These destinations offer a rich tapestry of historical landmarks, from colonial-era architecture to Civil War sites, as well as breathtaking coastal views and a peek into the region's cultural tapestry.
Best Time to Go:
To maximize your Road Trip enjoyment, aim for late spring or early summer when the climate is most inviting. This period offers comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration and sightseeing, while the flora and fauna are in full bloom, enhancing the region's natural allure.
Potential Risks:
Traveling the Tidewater Road Trip is predominantly safe, but like any journey, it's not without its hazards. Typical Road risks such as traffic and construction are to be expected, along with the occasional unpredictable weather patterns of the Atlantic coast. It's wise to stay informed of local forecasts and Road conditions prior to and during your Trip to ensure a smooth and safe adventure.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
This Road Trip caters to drivers of all skill levels and can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. For a truly enriching experience, allot at least two days to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this diverse region. Along the way, you'll find accommodations and dining options to suit a range of preferences and budgets.
A good choice for:
The Tidewater Road Trip is a harmonious fusion of picturesque landscapes and cultural wealth, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely getaway or a more extensive voyage of discovery. It's a route that promises to etch itself in your memory with each mile traveled, inviting Roadtrippers to create and cherish enduring memories.
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