Roadtrip with RVshare Washington, D.C. to Ocean Isle Beach

If you are ready to have some fun along the Atlantic seaboard, then make sure to follow this road trip itinerary from Washington, D.C. to Ocean Isle Beach. When you start in the District of Columbia, you are in the capital city of the United States. From the Smithsonian museums to historical landmarks, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained in this city. You will travel through several fantastic towns, such as Richmond and Wilmington. Once you reach Ocean Isle Beach, you will want to kick back and relax for the remainder of your vacation.

Nearby National Parks

On your Washington, D.C. to Ocean Isle Beach road trip, you might want to take a day to explore a national park. There are a few places that you should check out.

Shenandoah National Park

As you head through Virginia, you should stop by Shenandoah National Park, as this national park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you want to see the best views in the park, then you must take your RV on Skyline Drive. This scenic route travels for about 100 miles along the crest of the mountains. For those hikers, this is the perfect spot to walk the Appalachian Trail. The park contains a good portion of the trail, and it is a great chance to see the local plants and wildlife. You might get a chance to observe some animals roaming around the park since this park is home to deer, squirrels, and black bears. Shenandoah National Park contains mostly forest, but it also features some waterfalls, wetlands, and rocky peaks. While you are there, you will want to visit the famous picturesque Old Rag and Hawksbill mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located between North Carolina and Tennessee. This national park covers over 500,000 acres of land, and it is an outdoor lover's paradise. There are plenty of opportunities for fun. Fishing, camping, and hiking are the most popular activities in this park. Along the hiking routes, you can see waterfalls, streams, and rivers. There is even a small portion of the Appalachian Trail that travels through the park. The park is also home to bears, elk, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. If you want to see a scenic view of the mist-covered mountains, then you should climb up to the observation tower at Clingmans Dome. You can also take one of the driving loops to get a closer look at all the natural wonders of this park.

Nearby State Parks

Along with the national parks, you may want to explore some of the great state parks. You can enjoy several parks on this Washington, D.C. to Ocean Isle Beach road trip.

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is the oldest park in Virginia and is incredibly popular with visitors as it welcomes over 1 million people per year. First Landing State Park is nestled along the shore of Chesapeake Bay, and there are plenty of activities to entertain you. This state park has 1.5 miles of sandy beaches and 20 miles of forested trails. In addition to that, the park has a diverse landscape with its marine forests, lagoons, and bald cypress swamps. You can check out these unique features as you travel around the park. First Landing State Park is also the perfect spot to view some wildlife. Like the landscapes, there are several types of animals that you can find at this location, such as herons, dolphins, foxes, wolves, and turtles.

Pocahontas State Park

Pocahontas State Park is just south of Richmond. This 8,000-acre preserve is filled with diverse wildlife and natural beauty. It is one of the most popular parks in Virginia. Swift Creek is a great place to set out and explore. You might want to horseback ride, bike, or hike throughout these wooded areas. If you need to cool off, there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool located on the property. Pocahontas State Park is home to the Civil Conservation Corps Museum and an amphitheater. During its Civil War Days, the Richmond Symphony will perform in the park.

Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park is a fantastic park in North Carolina. While you are there, you might want to hike the 20 miles of trails. These pathways are an excellent way to view the cascading waterfalls and babbling brooks. The Dan River is another fun spot in this park. Many visitors bring their kayaks or canoes and head down the river. If you are up for a challenge, you might want to try your hand at mountain biking or rock climbing.

Along the Way

This Washington, D.C. to Ocean Isle Beach RV road trip is quite a fun journey. While on your vacation, you should take some time to visit these points of interest.

The Lincoln Memorial

When in Washington, D.C., you should visit the Lincoln Memorial. This iconic spot is a must-see stop for the whole family. The memorial was built to honor the 16th president of the United States. The neoclassical temple is located on the western end of the National Mall, and it is directly across from the Washington Monument.

The Edgar Allan Poe Museum

If you are a fan of the author, you need to visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, VA. Poe never lived in the building, but it serves to commemorate his time living in the city. This museum has the world's largest collection of the famous author's personal belongings, letters, first editions, and original manuscripts.

Museum of Coastal Carolina

This natural history museum is located in Ocean Isle Beach. It has many animal exhibits, including an aquarium and touch tank with live sea animals. You can also check out the displays about snakes, birds, and sharks. There is even an ocean diorama that features life-sized models of sharks, sea turtles, rays, and whales. The museum has a few exhibits on maritime history. Many of these artifacts focus on the Native Americans' contributions to shipbuilding.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

As you hit the highway on this road trip from Washington, D.C. to Ocean Isle Beach, you don't have to worry about finding a place to sleep. Additionally, many of the cities on your route also have sanitary spots to clean out those tanks.

Richmond, VA

Richmond is one of the oldest cities in the United States. As you can imagine, this city is filled with historic buildings and neighborhoods. You will want to visit St. John's Church, as this building was the famous location of Patrick Henry's speech during the American Revolution. The White House of the Confederacy is located in the Court End neighborhood, and it was the home of Jefferson Davis. After a day of exploring the city, you can find a great campground to spend the night at and dump stations for your rig.

Wilmington, NC

Wilmington is a port city, and it is known as the gateway to Cape Fear's area beaches. While you are visiting the town, you will want to explore the downtown Historic District. This area is home to the Riverwalk, which is a popular tourist spot that is filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. If you want to check out the local history, then make sure to visit the Battleship North Carolina. Wilmington is a great place to visit. Throughout the area, you have plenty of options for campgrounds or dump stations.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is a vacation destination for many visitors, and it is a few miles from Ocean Isle Beach. This beachside town is known for its 60-mile string of beaches and challenging golf courses. Along the beachfront, you can visit the restaurants, souvenir stands, and arcades. Since Myrtle Beach is a popular location, you will not have trouble finding a great campground or sanitary dump station.

Find Adventure from Washington, D.C. to Ocean Isle Beach

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Washington, D.C. to Ocean Isle Beach, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Washington, D.C., or Ocean Isle Beach.