Big Adventure, Short Drive: 4 RV Road Trips on the East Cost Worth Taking This Weekend
Rising flight prices and shrinking travel budgets have led to a rise in weekend getaways and short road trips this summer. Rather than escaping by plane to a remote island getaway, families are making quick trips to state parks or regional tourist attractions.
One third (32%) of Americans polled by Bestmoney said they’re taking a shorter trip this year; while 30 percent are opting to drive instead of fly, according to TheStreet.
RV travel is ideal for this kind of getaway, since it also reduces accommodation costs. It may take longer to reach your destination on a road trip, so adding unique stops along the way makes the trip less tedious. Of course, you can always find an RV park to stop for an overnight, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and even make new friends. In essence, getting there is half the fun. If this style of travel inspires you, browse on RV Trader to find the right RV for your next weekend escape or cross-country adventure.
If you have just a few days to get away this summer, consider taking a scenic route away from a major city to experience dramatically different landscapes, cultures, and attractions just a few hours from home. This trend of “slow travel” allows vacationers to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.
Let’s explore four major East Coast destinations and find the best places to eat, play, and stay – and experience the sights along the way!
Origin City: Charlotte, NC
Featured Destination
Greenville, SC
Why It Feels Far from Home
Known for a vibrant Main Street, Greenville offers a small-town feel with the amenities of a much larger city. Greenville has a flavor and flair all its own, with a 14-acre zoo, adventure parks, pubs, and even brand-new pickleball courts adjacent to Unity Park. PKL Park on Mayberry Street features large screen TVs, eight professional-quality pickleball courts. It’s steps away from the Honor Tower, another must-see attraction in downtown Greenville.
Road Trip Stops Along the Way
Because of its proximity to Charlotte, you can take your time getting to downtown Greenville without stressing about arriving before camp check-in time.
You can travel I-85 most of the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous Peachoid as a mid-way stopping point. “It’s just a water tower,” some road-weary drivers might say. But it’s also an American icon featured in the Netflix series House of Cards and worth a quick photo op.
If you’re ready to re-stock your road trip snacks, visit Abbott Farms in Gaffney, right near The Peach (as locals call it), and support a local business by filling your RV fridge with fresh fruit, jams, and cider. They also offer free samples.
Once in Greenville, stop and enjoy the view at Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy. Hunt for the Mice on Main, a collection of nine bronze mice strategically situated on Main Street. The art installation will force you to slow down and appreciate your surroundings, while the clues to find them will make your family giggle.
Need a quick pit stop on your way home? The Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont takes you a half-hour south of Charlotte and is a relaxing way to end your vacation. The Trailhead Store and nature trails are open until 8 PM, so you can enjoy a light dinner and stroll before heading home.
RV-Friendly Stay
Paris Mountain State Park offers RV camping with 39 paved sites with individual water and electric hook-ups. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Just seven miles from downtown Greenville, the park offers boating, swimming, hiking, and an environment that immerses you in nature yet is minutes from downtown attractions.
Best Time to Visit
There’s plenty going on in South Carolina during the summer, but the mid-day heat may drive you into the comfort of local museums or restaurants. That’s not necessarily a bad thing for some travelers. For more moderate temperatures, consider any other time of year. During Christmas, the city comes alive with festivals and carriage rides.
Suggested Trip Length
You can visit Greenville for a Friday-through-Sunday trip and return home refreshed and relaxed.
Origin City: Atlanta, GA
Featured Destination
Tybee Island and Savannah, GA
Why It Feels Far from Home
Combine a beach vacation with a stop in one of the country’s most historic cities, where you’ll find a vibrant river walk, tons of local restaurants, tourist shops and the Savannah River Street Market Place with handmade décor and whimsical finds by local artists.
Road Trip Stops Along the Way
Your journey begins on I-75, and then continues along I-16, which can be idyllic, but boring. To break up the route, plan a lunch stop in Macon, about an hour and a half east of Atlanta.
The city is undergoing a revitalization which makes it even more enticing. For music lovers, The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House is a must-see. Then, grab lunch at H&H Soul Food to continue absorbing Allman Brothers lore while filling your belly with classic soul food, including fried chicken and biscuits.
If you’re inclined to linger in Macon, visit the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park for a short hike.
A little further southeast on I-16, you’ll hit the city of Dublin. The Dublin Visitors Center and Dog Park is a great place to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and stroll the Butterfly Trail. It will be one of those stops reminding you that you’re on vacation and free to explore.
RV-Friendly Stay
The choice of where to stay is easy: River’s End Campground is the only RV-friendly campground on Tybee Island. A short walk to the beach and just a 15-minute drive to downtown Savannah, this convenient location feels days away from Atlanta. Savannah city streets can be narrow with limited parking, so it’s best to Uber unless you have a smaller toady to drive into town.
Best Time to Visit
Summer allows you to make the most of your beach vacation, while downtown Savannah’s location near the river gets warm, but not muggy.
Suggested Trip Length
It’s more than four hours from Atlanta to Tybee Island, with Savannah roughly half an hour west of the beach. You’ll want time to enjoy the best of downtown Savannah, including plantation houses and the river walk. But the highlight of your vacation may be relaxing on the beaches of Tybee Island. Add pit stops in Macon and Dublin, and this trip is ideal for a four-day weekend or even longer.
Origin Cities: Orlando–Daytona, FL
Featured Destination
Charleston, SC
Why It Feels Far from Home
Attractive to history buffs, foodies, and anyone looking to leave the suburban tourist vibes of Orlando behind for an authentic Southern experience, Charleston, South Carolina, has a personality quite unlike any other US city.
You’ll want to snag a photo op on Rainbow Row, a collection of pastel homes, shop on King Street, and tour the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. For real Southern cooking, start your first full day in Charleston with breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and then browse Charleston City Market.
Road Trip Stops Along the Way
Charleston is a six-hour drive up I-95, but if you’re starting in Orlando, it’s worth a stop in Daytona as your first destination to top off on gas and fill your belly. That’s because the city hosts one of the top havens for road trippers and a wonder to vacationers from other countries: Buc-ees.
Stock up on road trip snacks here and grab a filling and affordable lunch you can eat on the go. Unlike many convenience stores, snacks are cheaper at Buc-ees than at a grocery store and you’ll find tons of variety.
Savannah is a destination city in its own right, but it’s also a great pitstop on the path to Charleston. Grab lunch on River Street in Savannah, where you can choose from seafood nachos at Broken Keel, cajun and creole classics at Huey’s on the River, or dozens of other restaurants. If you’re feeling exhausted or want more time in Savannah, camp for the night at Creekfire RV Resort, rated Number One in Savannah by TripAdvisor for “specialty lodging.”
RV-Friendly Stay
Charleston has a KOA Holiday campground with pull-throughs for RVs up to 60 feet and packed with amenities. The location gives you proximity to Fort Sumter National Monument, the USS Yorktown, and an on-site pool (open seasonally).
Best Time to Visit
Charleston in the winter brings temps in the 50s and 60s, which is perfect to make it feel a bit like Christmas. The city is less crowded than during the summer, but most attractions are still open.
Suggested Trip Length
Plan a full eight-hour day on the road with stops for food, gas, and sightseeing. The convenience of taking the trip from Orlando to Charleston is it’s a straight ride down I-95, although traffic is nearly guaranteed. This trip works best with a minimum of five days to enjoy the scenery and roadside classic stops along the way.
The beauty of slow travel is when the kids are begging to stop because of effective billboard marketing, you can say yes.
Origin Cities: Tampa–St. Petersburg, FL
Featured Destination
Miami, FL
Why It Feels Far from Home
You can’t get much further from Tampa’s suburban vibes and Gulf Coast beaches than Miami. You may still be in Florida after driving for over four hours, but you’ll feel like you have entered a different world.
What you do when you arrive can range from lounging on the ocean beaches, diving into the water to explore the Florida Reef in Biscayne National Park, hiking the Everglades, or partying in South Beach.
Road Trip Stops Along the Way
The downside to the Tampa-to-Miami trek is you won’t leave Florida. But there’s still tons to explore in your home state.
Fort Myers is the mid-way point between Tampa and Miami off I-75. Locals recommend Six Mile Cypress Slough, which is just 10 minutes off the highway but feels like you’ve driven miles into Florida wilderness. Stretch your legs on the mile-plus-long boardwalk, visit the nature center, and raid your RV fridge for the makings of a picnic lunch to eat outdoors in the shade.
Further south, take a break at Barefoot Beach Preserve, recommended by Roadtrippers and rated one of America’s Top Ten Beaches by Dr. Beach.
RV-Friendly Stay
Parking your RV at Everglades National Park in the Long Pine Key or Flamingo Campground puts you a short ride away from Miami’s unique culture and lifestyle. You’ll want to Uber or drive your toady to get into the city for some of the state’s best dining and shopping experiences.
Best Time to Visit
Miami is slightly warmer than Tampa year-round, but if you plan to spend your days on the beach and nights in the clubs, you can visit any time of year. Expect temperatures in the 70s during the winter, which could be too cold for swimming but perfect for sightseeing and hiking.
Suggested Trip Length
Since it’s just over four hours from Tampa to Miami, you can experience the city in a three-day weekend. But if you want to linger and enjoy the recommended nature stops, give yourself at least five days. You won’t regret taking the long-and-slow journey across the southern half of your home state.
Dawn Allcot
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