A Memorable Road Trip Down I-95
I-95 runs right down the east coast of the United States, hitting major cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC and Miami, as well as some of the best sites the country has to offer! A trip from Boston to Miami is approximately 1500 miles and about 24 hours of straight driving, however, you'll want to spend plenty of time off the exit ramps visiting the real destinations. Plan your own I-95 road trip by exploring the route here!
The Road Trip Lens Series:
Contents at a Glance
Off-Highway Destinations
Remember to take the I-95 off ramps to see the true gems!
A billboard somewhere along I-95 reads "a trip down the interstate does not a vacation make." Truer words were never spoken. You have to use the exits along I-95 to have some fun, and meander through the backroads to find some of the truly good stuff. For example, The Outer Banks of North Carolina are not close to I-95, but have some of the best beaches in the country. The city of Charleston is a gem of the south, and lies about 90 miles from I-95 (but really shouldn't be missed!). Don't make the mistake of making your road trip a "strictly 95 road trip," have some fun! Boston
I-95 Massachusetts city

Boston is a city that's full of history, with old world charm and new parks, quaint restaurants, and plenty of sports history.
Boston is also near some huge beach attractions-- Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. Be prepared to book far in advance for most hotels in any of these locations, especially on the islands. Ferry trips also should be booked far in advance. Ferries run daily from Hyannis, and also from Harwich, New Bedford, and even Long Island NY.
More Boston Info...
Here you'll find plenty more information about historic Boston, and a little about the sites around Boston, too.-
New England Road Trip
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Six states, 71,991 square miles, and over 14 million people make up the northeast region of the United States known as New England. All of the states are relatively close together, making them the perfect road trip destination. Connecticut, Rhode Isl...
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The Best Places to See in Boston, MA
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Founded in 1630, Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England, at a population of 590,000. It's a city full of sports like the Sox, Bruins and Celtics, history (remember the Boston Tea Party?), unique buildings like the...
Providence
Seaside luxury in Newport and interesting sites in Rhode Island
Providence is only about an hour south of Boston on I-95, and easily accessible from the highway. Roger Williams Zoo Waterplace Park
Nearly a quarter of the population of the city is students...attending prestigious and well-known schools like Brown University, University of Rhode Island, Providence College, Johnson and Wales University and several others. Also in Providence is the famed Italian neighborhood of Federal Hill, which you're sure to find a good meal.
Further to the south (and less than an hour's drive) is the famed city of Newport. Once home to richest people in America, many of the mansions still stand along Bellevue Avenue as flourishing tourist attractions. A few are even still in use and NOT accessible to the public.
Mystic Seaport
Connecticut's historic I-95 destination
Mystic Seaport is located in the southeastern portion of Connecticut, not far from Providence, Rhode Island and New London, CT. The Mystic Aquarium is a very cool local aquarium, right off the interstate. Downtown, you can find some cool shops, and of course, the entire seaport. Tall ships, a small harbor, a historical park, the largest maritime museum, and even a lighthouse are all located at the seaport.
New Haven
Beautiful architecture and charm in this I-95 New England hub
New Haven is an often-driven by city on the way to New York City, but much lies off the I-95 exit ramps. Home to the prestigous Yale University, New Haven has undergone a revitalization over the past decade that has breathed new life into the historic downtown sections and town green. All in all, it's a great place to stop for lunch, or just to drive through and see the old architecture. Try to avoid rush hour, this city can become very busy and hard to escape once the traffic starts.
New England Travel
New England (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
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New England contains a bunch of small states, six to be exact, but there are way too many hidden gems to just go into blindly without reading up prior. This guide will pinpoint the finer points of the states, and is the perfect size for travel. This guide also contains large sections on restaurants, travel tips, featured hotels, museums, transportation and site seeing. Highly recommended.
New York City
A must-visit attraction of the east coast

What can be said about New York City that hasn't already been said? It's one of the best cities in the world, and arguably the best in the USA. One thing that New York City is not is road trip friendly. Parking in NYC will run you on the average $25-50/day in Manhattan, but well worth it. Once you're in town, you may want to consider using public transportation to get around town. The subway system will bring you close to nearly anywhere in town. Cabs can be expensive, but are a good way to avoid the confusion of the underground transit system. If you're not used to driving in New York City, be very alert! Cab drivers and NYC residents alike speed through the wide streets in a huge rush, so keep out of their way and read the map before you head into town. Streets run like a grid system, with every other street heading the opposite direction one way.
Another option in NYC is to take either a ferry from New Jersey or the train from other NY and Connecticut locations. Long term parking is available.
Road Trip Family Van Women's Light T-Shirt
Everyone pile on in the family van for an old fashioned road trip!
New York Links
- Things to Do in NYC
- Find cool things to do, places to see, stay, eat and check out.
- NYC on Wikipdia
- A good description of NYC is offered on Wikipedia, giving a breakdown of the history, villages, buildings and attractions.
- NYC City Search
- Find some of the best restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels and more, all rated by users.
The Jersey Shore
A little off the I-95 route, but well worth it!
The Jersey Shore is not directly on I-95, but lies no more than 2 hours away on any given point of I-95. A recent tourism spike to the Jersey Shore has rejuvenated the area, and brought about much wider recogntion. Towns like Cape May, Asbury Park, Point Pleasant Beach, Atlantic City, and Ocean City are well-known destinations along the long shoreline. At the southern tip of New Jersey lies the birder's paradise of Cape May. Hundreds of species of birds use this point as a migratory pitstop in their seasonal routes, making it very popular with birders. Beautiful Victorian-era homes line the streets of this peninsula community, along with inns, small shops and oceanfront dining.
Philadelphia
Come ring the Liberty Bell and eat a cheesesteak in Philly!

Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the US and is a city of huge historical importance. Serving as a temporary capital to the country while Washington DC was being constructed in the late 1700's, the city contains the must-see Independence National Historical Park. This park contains Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, as well as the Liberty Bell. Other notable parts of the city are Old City, which features cobbelstone roads, historic houses (like those of Betsey Ross and Edgar Allen Poe), and Center City, in the downtown area. The city also features the Philadelphia Zoo, the nation's first zoo, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, containing many famous works of art.
Do You Know Where You're Going?
Rand McNally 2009 The Road Atlas Large Scale: United States (Rand Mcnally Large Scale Road Atlas USA)
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A spiral bound atlas is a great purchase to get you across the country several times. Typical atlases shred into pieces by the end of your first trip! Buy a durable one, like this one, and you'll be much better off. This particular atlas is very detailed, and the perfect size for road trips--not too big, and not so small that it leaves out important details.
Cape May
The isolated birders' favorite on the tip of New Jersey
Cape May is a long way from I-95 (about 87 miles to the nearest city, Wilmington), but is a breathtaking departure from the inner shores of the Delaware Bay and the crowded Jersey Shores. A birders' paradise, Cape May is one of the largest bird pit stop grounds in North America. Every year, millions of birds, including some hard to see species, stop by this peninsula on their trek south.
Wilmington
Delaware's largest city
Delaware's largest city is actually only 25 miles from bustling and much larger Philadelphia, but contains some interesting sites like its own Little Italy and Brandywine Park. Several of the country's largest banks are based in Wilmington due to its liberal laws for the banks.
Baltimore
Marylan'ds I-95 historic harbor city
Baltimore has served as one of the largest shipping ports in the country for over 200 years, but also has some interesting tourist sites. One of the more interesting sites is Harborplace, at the center of the Baltimore's harbor. Nearby is the National Aquarium in Baltimore, considered by most to be the nation's best aquarium, renowned even nationally. This city couldn't be easier to access via I-95, with the downtown area easily found by main exits on the interstate.
Don't Forget the Cash!
There are tolls everywhere along I-95, especially between Virginia and New York. Expect to pay hefty tolls in New Jersey along the New Jersey Turnpike, Delaware, and New York's George Washington Bridge.
Washington DC
An unforgettable trip that will be nearly free
Washington DC is a trip in itself...leave yourself plenty of time. Serving as the nation's capital, there's a multitude of monuments and free museums that make the city very appealing. Directly next to Washington DC is the city of Arlington, right across the Potomac River. Not to be missed is the National Mall, which contains the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and nearby Smithsonian Museums. Navigating the roads of DC can be a little confusing...I-95 splits into a "beltway" in the towns of Springfield, Virginia, and Beltsville, Maryland. I-395 will take you directly downtown if you're coming from the south, while Rt 295 (the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, or Balt Wash, or even BWI Pkwy) will lead you into the city from the north.

Washington DC at Night, Photo by Fernando Revilla
Washington DC Trip Planning
Fodor's Washington, D.C. 2008: with Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria & Annapolis (Fodor's Gold Guides)
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List Price: $17.95
Used Price: $2.86
An excellent guide before the trip, during and after. Easy to flip to pages, along with detailed information that is invaluable on your Arlington and DC trip, this guide will definitely be a huge asset. There are so many museums in DC that the descriptions in this book will help narrow down which ones you will have time to visit (and which ones you will like!).
More Washington DC Info...
Read up on what to see, what to do, and take our online virtual tour of DC!
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The Best Sightseeing in Washington DC
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Washington DC is one of the most interesting and different US cities. Unlike traditional skyscraping US cities, DC has a sprawling, horizontal old-world feel, complete with beautifully organized monuments, parks and museums that have been perfectly p...
Washington DC Tote
I-95 Cities
Some of the biggest and well-known cities in the United States are in the I-95 corridor, mostly between Virginia and Massachusetts.
Richmond
The Southern States Civil War era capitol
The historic city of Richmond is an easy-on, easy-off city in the middle of the state of Virginia. The city served as the Confederacy's capital during the American Civil War of the 1860's, and contains a wealth of historical buildings. Recently, the area has received a boost from redevelopment of the canals. A beautiful Canal Walk, along with riverfront dining and shopping area has revitalized the downtown area.
Myrtle Beach
South Carolina's premier beach destination
A sort of gateway beach community lying along the South Carolina/North Carolina border, Myrtle Beach is one of the first communities on a trip south that you will notice the appearance of palmettos (palm trees). About 90 miles from I-95, this easygoing city has beautiful beaches and boardwalks, along with plenty of entertainment. Visit Brookgreen Gardens, only a few miles to the south of Myrtle Beach, for a trip to the beautifully landscaped former rice plantation. The outdoor sculpture gardens here are an incredible visit that won't be forgotten. It gets very hot in Myrtle Beach! Make sure you're prepared for 90 degree temperatures and humid weather in the peak summer months.
Charleston
Colorful history and charming mansions in Charleston
Like Richmond, Charleston has plenty of historic Civil War era history, like Fort Sumter, which lies just off the city's coast. Cobblestone streets, old southern style mansions, open air marketplaces, and its own aquarium are just some of the sites in this South Carolina city. Approaching this city from Myrtle Beach, you'll be getting closer to merging back to I-95.
A little known Charleston trivia: The city lies on an old fault line. An earthquake caused much damage over a hundred years ago, but activity has been dormant on this fault.
Go Green S. Carolina
Outer Banks
North Carolina's amazing beach strands

If you're a beach lover, the Outer Banks of North Carolina will quickly become one of your favorite destinations. The unique part of the Outer Banks is its isolation from any major city and roadways, while still being accessible by car. The large peninsula known as the Outer Banks extends from Southern Virginia to just about 3/4 of the way down the state. Jutting directly into the open Atlantic, this remote area has spectacular beaches, complete with large sand dunes, fishing, local seafood, beach communities and gigantic lighthouses. Actually a series of barrier islands, most of the Outer Banks (or OBX as its commonly abbreviated) are connected via small bridges. The final barrier island, Ocracoke Island, has ferry access to the opposite end of North Carolina.
Savannah
The true meaning of "deep south"!
Savannah is a beautiful southern city, just south of Charleston. On the South Carolina-Georgia border, it lies at the mouth of the Savannah River and contains a large wetland area. The streets of Savannah are immediately distinguishable from pictures of its spanish moss covered trees that line some of the historic cobblestone streets. Some historic forts, like Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski National Monument, lie directly in the city. The city also has 24 "squares," of which each have their own unique charm and relevance.
Navigate your Way Home!
Garmin nuvi 200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
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Travelling without a Garmin nowadays is like driving with your eyes closed...who knows where you'll end up! Make your life easier and spend more time on the right roads instead of wasting gas and money by investing in a navigator. There are many other highly rated models that Amazon has to offer as well.
Tybee Island
Georgia's famous seaside attraction
Just to the east of Savannah is Tybee Island, a beautiful beach community in the northern Georgia area. The island is home to Tybee Island lighthouse, a towering black and white lighthouse visible from many miles away.

Tybee Island Lighthouse, Georgia
St. Augustine
Old world Florida still intact

The city of St. Augustine in northern Florida is the oldest settled city in the entire country. Established in 1565 by Spanish settlers, the city was intermittently inhabited by Spain. Eventually being ceded to the US colonies, Florida became a state in 1845. The Spanish influence can still be seen today in this beachside community. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a fort directly on the coast, constructed by the Spanish settlers.
The city has a very different feel than other Florida cities, and unlike any other southern cities. The Spanish heritage is still apparent and intact as you can see by the architecture and fort.
Miami
Last stop on I-95, Miami!
The cultural hub of Florida is one of the nation's favorite beach cities, and an international destination for its cuisine, tourism, and year-round warm climate. A very sleek, clean city, Miami is undergoing constant construction as it rises to be one of the biggest cities in the country. A large club atmosphere can be found all over the city, along with beautiful beaches in the barrier beach area of Miami Beach. To the south lies the Florida Keys, and to the west, the spectacular Everglades. Directly to the east is Biscayne National Park, which lies mostly underwater, and is known for its prized coral reef. I-95 ends in Miami, but continuing on south will reveal several more amazing Florida wonders...

Bahia Honda Key near Key West, Sunset
Key West
A journey beyond downtown Miami...

Key West is the southernmost point of the United States, lying just 90 miles north of Cuba. A trip to the Florida Keys is easy...just take Route 1 (I-1) south, crossing the many small islands and bridges that connect the Keys. A trip from beginning to end in no traffic will be approximately 4 hours. This beautiful chain of islands off the Florida coast is only miles from the Everglades and home to unique animals like the endangered Key Deer and the beautiful Manatee.
Islands like Key Largo and Islamorada are Florida Keys favorites, but lesser known islands like Sugarloaf will provide authentic Florida Keys views and insider lifestyles.
If you're lucky, maybe you'll see one of these on your way to Key West...
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Key Deer
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The Florida Key Deer in one word is tiny. It's the size of a medium-sized dog, confined to a small area of the Florida Keys, and numbers in only about 700-800. These numbers make it an endangered species. A subspecies of Virginia White Tailed Deer, i...
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Demaw wrote...
I never drove this route without stopping many times. My family would ask me why it took me so long compared to everyone else.
QueSea wrote...
Very interesting. Covers a part of the country I have yet to see. We hope to make the trip sometime soon.
Pengwen wrote...
Real nice Lens. I especially like the Key West part. Its so different from your starting point. Travelers be patient from Boston to Virginia heavy traffic but the sights will be your reward.
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
We are headed north on route 95 in about a month. Thank you for a preview of our trip.
papawu wrote...
This was a fantastic lens that brought back a lot of fond memories. I have been up and down the I-95 from New York to Florida more times than I can count. It's been a couple of years now since I have been out to the east coast, but plan on being out there once again in the very near future.
papawu wrote...
This was a fantastic lens that brought back a lot of fond memories. I have been up and down the I-95 from New York to Florida more times than I can count. It's been a couple of years now since I have been out to the east coast, but plan on being out there once again in the very near future.
Ramkitten wrote...
I'm glad you posted your comment on my Appalachian Trail lens, leading me back here. I'm lensrolling as well. I've driven I-95 many times, some of those trips from New England to Florida. I remember being driven down to Georgia to begin my A.T. thru-hike, now and then seeing an overpass or sign with "Appalachian Trail" on it, and I'd get so excited with a twang of nerves at the same time. Life went from 65mph to 3mph tops overnight.
JaguarJulie wrote...
Ah, great lens -- personally, I'm not into US road trips but Europeans ones when I can get the old hubby to commit to one! We've got one coming up in a few months -- can't wait. My mother is better at the road trips than me -- I prefer to fly. ;)
JudyDunn wrote...
We will be heading south on 95 very soon for a trip to Virginia and Florida. Perfect timing to have found this lens! Thanks for highlighting some of the cities along the way that I might not have thought about including in our trip.
westgatex1 wrote...
Great Lens! I drive on this road at least once a year to visit family back home in New York. Boy, is it tiring. Maybe this year I will take a few Exits and go exploring to see what I find since I now own a GPS (greatest invention ever).
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Great lens! I'm heading out tomorrow. (SC to MN and back). I go every year, but try to go a slightly different route each time. Coming across something unexpected can be fun.
5*
Lizzy
PS Congradulations on making Giant Squid!
KimGiancaterino wrote...
Another beauty! I've been on the I-95 in Philadelphia, but didn't go too far. It looks like a fun road trip. Welcome to All Things Travel.
Lakota429 wrote...
Awesome lens! You put a lot of work into this! Well worth the time. Wonderful job! 5 stars! Annie~
kiwisoutback wrote...
You're right, Silver Lotus, South of the Border should be included...we'll make a section for that soon. And that's where we read the sign "a trip down the interestate does not a vacation make...". It's a tourist trap for sure, but it deserves a little spot on here.
Silver_Lotus wrote...
Saw you on the stores board. Wonderful idea for a lens - 5 stars! I live near I-95, travel on it regularly, and have done the entire route several times. I've heard that "South of the Border," which used to be one of the all-time great tourist traps, has fallen into disrepair. Too bad, because otherwise it would have to be included in this lens!
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