10 Days on I-95: Celebrating America’s Most Traveled Interstate
It may be the 100th birthday of Route 66, America’s most iconic highway. But ask any RVer on the East Coast for their favorite road trip memories, and they likely happened on or near I-95.
I-95 runs from Maine near the Canada border to Miami, ending at U.S. 1. That highway continues through the Florida Keys / Overseas Highway. Together, the roads create a mostly continuous run from the northern to the southern border of the US on the East Coast.
My teenage son and I recently took a drive many Northeast families do, from New York to Orlando and back, noting the can’t-miss sights and “worth it” road stops along I-95.
Pro Tip: When the GPS routes you around Washington, DC, and Jacksonville, Florida, pay attention. Unless you’re planning to stop in DC, it’s best to drive around major cities to avoid traffic.
One thing we did right on our trip was leave early in the morning to beat New York City traffic leaving Long Island and stop for breakfast in Maryland to miss morning rush hour near DC.
Heading South
We mapped out our route and used the RoadTrippers app to find interesting attractions along the way. You can follow our route here: 10 Days on I-95 Celebrating America’s Most Traveled Interstate.
Hanover, MD
Maryland House is our traditional stop on I-95 heading south. It’s typically when we start running low on fuel and emotional energy.
This time, we detoured slightly into the town of Hanover, MD. A visit to Medieval Times kicks off a magical I-95 journey with jousting knights and chicken you eat with your hands. Arundel Mills Circle, anchored by the Medieval Times castle, also has a shopping mall, Bass Pro Shops, and plenty of food options.
RV Stop: Cherry Hill Park
Continue south on I-95 to Cherry Hill Park, a top-rated RV stop outside of Washington, D.C. The well-equipped campgrounds have full hook-up sites and are open year-round. Mini-golf, two swimming pools, a hot tub, and a splash pad turn this stop into a focal point of your trip.
Wilson, North Carolina
Roughly six miles off I-95, Wilson, North Carolina, provides the perfect photo op and lunch break on your journey. The Roadtrippers app recommended stopping at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, a free attraction featuring 30 wind-powered folk-art sculptures crafted from repurposed farm equipment, bicycles, road signs and other metal.
If you happen to land in Wilson on a Saturday from late April through August, you can restock your RV fridge with fresh produce and treats from the Wilson Farmer’s & Artisan Market.
Otherwise, grab lunch at The Original Parker’s Barbecue. Get the fried chicken and thank me later!
Hamer, South Carolina
If you’ve made it this far down I-95, you don’t need a travel writer to tell you that South of the Border exists in Hamer, SC. Billboards with dad jokes begin near the Virginia–North Carolina state line.
But is it worth it?
Multiple generations of tourists say, “Absolutely.”
South of the Border pre-dates I-95. It opened in 1949 as a beer depot. By the mid-60s, it became the family travel oasis we know today with easy access from both sides of the highway.
We browsed shops selling everything from coffee mugs and t-shirts to fireworks. Our favorite was Pedro’s Pura Vida, with motocross gear and displays, and a friendly cashier who shared South of the Border memories and patiently listened to our travel stories.
South of the Border is kitschy and still a bit rundown, but that’s the charm.
In the ladies’ room, travelers compared how long they’d been driving and where their trip started. One mom from the Northeast said they have annual photos of their kids in a souvenir sombrero.
The Reptile Lagoon is a great way to stretch your legs and impress the kids. They’ll be talking about the largest indoor reptile exhibit as a trip highlight all the way to Orlando.
Before you leave, grab cheap snacks at Pedro’s Pantry.
RV Stop: Camp Pedro
South of the Border also has camping facilities. Camp Pedro RV Park & Campground has 30-amp and 50-amp paved pull-through sites, access to indoor and outdoor pools, plus barbecue grills.
Brunswick, Georgia
After stopping at South of the Border, we decided we also had to investigate Buc-ee’s, the roadside stop that’s become buzzy thanks to World Cup travelers enthralled with American culture, as it were.
We visited on a Saturday and it felt more like Target on Black Friday circa 2019 than roadside Americana. Plan your Buc-ee’s stop for off-peak travel times; it will still be crowded but you can enjoy the atmosphere without stress.
Savannah, GA
The city of Savannah, Georgia, is more than a pitstop on the way to Orlando. A vacation destination in its own right, Savannah deserves a few days to explore the beach, plantation houses, and the walkable downtown riverfront area. We tasted all varieties of sweets on River Street and waved to the Waving Girl in Morrell Park.
Gallery 209, a quirky art gallery, even captured the interest of my teenage son, although that may have been for the air conditioning more than the sculptures.
Other highlights of our stop included the River Street Marketplace and the Savannah Bee Company where we purchased fresh honeycombs, which we devoured later that night with Buc-ee’s Beaver Chips and other random road trip snacks.
Head down to the historic district for more shopping, coffee, and art displays at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and ice cream at the historic Leopold’s, a 107-year-old Savannah tradition.
RV Stop: Savannah South KOA Holiday
KOA (Kampgrounds of America) are known for their convenience. As the mid-tier in the campground line, the Holiday campground offers amenities like a swimming pool and a tour shuttle to enjoy Savannah without driving your rig.
Savannah South KOA Holiday accommodates RVs up to 70 feet and has 50-amp hook-ups.
Florida Welcome Center
As you approach Florida, it’s time for the iconic stop: The Florida Welcome Center. Crank up some Jimmy Buffet and grab free orange or grapefruit juice. Take a photo at the iconic Welcome to Florida sign and be on your way; the roughest part of your journey (apart from the New York area) is approaching as you turn onto I-4.
Orlando, Florida
Once you’ve made it to Orlando, you probably have your vacation fully mapped out. Your goal might be Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Studios Florida. Maybe both.
But don’t neglect a day at Fun Spot America, with multi-level go-kart tracks, roller coasters, thrill rides and kiddie rides at both the Kissimmee and Orlando locations. Fun Spot Kissimmee puts you right next to the Old Town shopping district, where you can grab dinner and ice cream and stroll the streets.
RV Stop: The Campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, perks come with staying on-site. But that doesn’t mean giving up your RV. The Campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort accommodate RVs up to 60 feet with full hook-up options available.
Homeward Bound
In the words of Jon Bon Jovi, who says you can’t go home? The trip north on I-95 may involve overstimulated, over-tired kids re-living “Mouse” or “Minions” moments ad nauseum. It’s important to plug in some fun on the way home to beat the “end-of-vacation” blues.
Part of the appeal of road trips is spontaneity. An RV makes that affordable. If kids need a few hours to binge their favorite movie while you cook dinner at a rest stop, that’s okay, too.
Don’t be afraid to stop if an attraction on a billboard beckons; just make sure to plug the correct address into the GPS. Our trip included an impromptu stop before we even got out of Florida.
Daytona Beach, FL
As we began our journey north, we passed a sign for the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure. That last part of the name is important.
We plugged it into Apple Maps, only to reach Daytona Aquarium, a tropical fish store on International Speedway Blvd. It was closed.
Just a few miles down the road we found the actual Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure which is privately owned and includes a reptile den, alligators, Asian Spotted Leopards, and other animals and sea-life. The aquarium is clean, well-maintained, and also features interactive exhibits like touch tanks, along with a welcoming staff that made me wish this aquarium was closer to home.
If you have a few days to stay, Daytona Beach is worth the time, with the Speedway, the Boardwalk and, of course, the beaches, as centerpieces.
Before we left, we decided that Buc-ee’s was the ideal dinner stop. Plus, we wanted more Beaver Chips. We stopped at Daytona Buc-ee’s for a gas top-off, dinner and snacks. Whether you choose the pulled pork, Cuban sandwich (my favorite), or brisket mac & cheese (my son’s go-to), it will fill you up until Georgia.
Pooler, GA
If you need to re-stock on necessities even after your Buc-ee’s run, Pooler, GA, minutes off I-95, has a Walmart and a Tanger Outlets, plus plenty of options for cheap gas. This might also be a good place for an overnight rest.
It puts you 20 minutes outside of Savannah, in case you’re craving more candied pralines or missed any attractions. We spent roughly two days in Savannah and I want to go back already.
RV Stop: CreekFire RV Resort
Stop at CreekFire RV Resort, just south of Pooler, with a pool, splash pad, and lazy river. Then you can venture on to Pooler for shopping and supplies.
Doswell, VA
You’ve probably seen the Kings Dominion sign on I-95. If you’ve never visited, it’s time to stop at this family theme park that’s now part of the Six Flags Entertainment company.
World-class roller coasters, shows, and Snoopy characters make this attraction another to remember. The park is worth a two-day stop, since there are several roller coasters and thrill rides you’ll want to experience multiple times.
RV Stop: Kings Dominion KOA Holiday
Adjacent to Kings Dominion and Soak City, with a free shuttle to the parks, the KOA Holiday features 50-amp hook-ups and accommodates RVs up to 70 feet. RV sites include a KOA patio, plus there’s a playground and swimming pool.
Havre de Grace, Maryland
Venture into the historic town of Havre de Grace, where you’ll find local parks and hiking trails, museums, and boutique shopping.
RV Stop: Susquehanna State Park
Susquehanna State Park puts you close to Havre de Grace attractions plus hiking trails and amenities. The park accommodates RVs up to 29 feet, but only has six spots with electric hook-ups, so be sure to book in advance. The upside? A campsite with electric is only $27.50 per night.
Bar Harbor RV Park offers full hook-ups, plus a picnic table and fire ring for every family, plus waterfront sites available to turn your overnight stay into a full beach experience. Waterfront and pull-through sites start at $108 during peak season, though.
Exploring I-95 North of Maryland
Maryland is a satisfactory last pit stop for your south-to-north journey if your final destination is New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware. Of course, you can continue on I-95 all the way through Maine, if you prefer.
The Connecticut portion of I-95 tends to have high traffic density, but it thins out the further north you go.
The road is easy to navigate, even for large vehicles like RVs, which adds to its popularity. The highway routes around Boston for easier travel, and you’ll find plenty of service plazas across Connecticut and Maine.
Wherever your travels take you, an RV road trip is bound to build beautiful memories.
Don’t have an RV yet? Start your journey by exploring the RV Trader Marketplace to find the vehicle that fits your needs and budget.
Dawn Allcot
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