New York to Miami 6 – A route that includes crossing the southern part of east USA (from north to south). This route leads to great natural sites and beautiful cities (Saint Augustine, Savanah, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach and more) along the way, between Miami and New York, and is very diverse in it’s scenery – mountains, streams, waterfalls, beaches, islands, lush forests, as well as tropical swamps and springs. This trip also includes a visit to Orlando and it’s theme parks. It is of course recommended to add a few days in New York at the beginning of this trip.
Please note – This route includes relatively long drives. During summer months it is very hot and humid along this route. This route can be affected by summer hurricanes (which may mainly affect Florida and the Outer Banks Islands). The peak of the hurricane season is in September. It is possible to travel this route during summer months, but it is advised to be up to date regarding the forecast. During the spring (March/beginning of April) and during the Autumn (October/November) it may be cold (and even icy/snowy) in the northern areas of this route.
Day 1 – Drive from New York to the shores of New Jersey, on the way to Cape May, and visit Atlantic City, Ocean City and Wildwood, 3.5 hours drive
(This is a relatively long day. It is not advisable to start immediately after landing in New York. If you plan to land in the city on this day, you should add a night in New York before setting off – or split this day in two and spend the night this day in Ocean City or Atlantic City, and the next night in Cape May)
Lodging location: Cape May
Day 2 – Take the ferry to Delaware (to Lewes) and drive to Washington DC, 2 hours ferry ride plus 2.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Washington DC
Day 3 – Visit Washington DC
Lodging location: Washington DC
Day 4 – Enjoy a morning in Washington DC and drive the coastal town of Virginia Beach, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Virginia Beach
Day 5 – Drive to Nags Head in the Outer Banks Islands and visit Kitty Hawk and sites near Nags Head, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Nags Head
Day 6 – Drive south along the Outer Banks Islands (plus a take a short ferry ride to the island of Ocracoke) and visit sites along the way, 3 hours drive plus 45-60 minutes ferry ride
Lodging location: Ocracoke
Day 7 – Take the ferry to Cedar Island and start driving south, 2.5 hours ferry ride plus 4 hours drive
Lodging location: Myrtle Beach
Day 8 – Enjoy the morning in Myrtle Beach’s many amusement rides and drive to Charleston, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Charleston
Day 9 – Visit Charleston and drive to Savannah, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Savannah
Day 10 – Visit Savannah and drive to Saint Augustine, 2.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Saint Augustine
– While in Savannah don’t miss the Hop-On Hop-Off trolley tour, the harbor sightseeing cruise or the riverboat cruise and the southern food tour
Day 11 – Visit Saint Augustine and drive to Orlando, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Orlando
Day 12 – Visit one of Disneyworld’s theme parks
Lodging location: Orlando
Day 13 – Visit Blue Springs State Park or the Kennedy Space Center or visit one of Orlando’s great water parks, 1 hour drive in each direction to Blue Springs or the Kennedy Space Center
(You may also consider on going on a day tour and swim with the Manatees or go on a short wildlife airboat tour out of Orlando)
Lodging location: Orlando
Day 14 – Drive to Everglades City and in the afternoon take a boat tour in the 10,000 Islands region of Everglades National Park (It is possible to add to the drive a visit to Myakka River State Park), 4 hours drive
Lodging location: Everglades City
Day 15 – Visit the northern part of Everglades National Park (including Shark Valley) and drive to the Keys Islands, 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Marathon
Day 16 – Drive to Key West and tour the Keys Islands (don’t miss the beaches of Bahia Honda State Park), 1 hour drive in each direction
Lodging location: Marathon
Day 17 – Drive to Miami and on the way visit the Flamingo region of Everglades National Park, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Miami Beach
Day 18 – Enjoy the day in Miami
Lodging location: Miami Beach
Day 19 – Fly Home
– In order to fill this route with content – see our Southeast USA destinations pages, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
