Bull Run to Myrtle Beach: A Road Trip to Remember
Are you looking for a fun and adventurous road trip from Bull Run, Virginia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or solo, packing your car and hitting the open road can be the perfect way to escape the daily grind and explore new places.
With several route options to choose from, we've put together a guide to help you plan your journey and make the most of your time on the road. Read on for tips, recommendations, and estimated driving times.
Route 1: I-95 S
Distance: 433 miles Drive Time: approximately 7 hours
The fastest route from Bull Run to Myrtle Beach is via I-95 S. This direct route will take you through Virginia, North Carolina, and finally South Carolina, and should take approximately 7 hours.
If you're looking to break up your journey, consider stopping off in Richmond, the capital of Virginia. Here, you'll find several historical landmarks, including St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech. Grab a bite to eat at one of Richmond's many locally-owned restaurants before getting back on the road.
Further along I-95, make a pit stop in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which has plenty of parks, museums, and art galleries to explore. If you have some extra time, take a detour to the beautiful and historic city of Wilmington, also in North Carolina. Here, you can stroll along the Riverwalk, visit the USS North Carolina Battleship, or simply soak up the city's southern charm.
Route 2: I-81 S and I-77 S
Distance: 539 miles Drive Time: approximately 9 hours
If you're looking to avoid the heavy traffic along I-95, you can take a longer but more scenic route via I-81 S and I-77 S. While this route will take approximately 9 hours, it's worth it for the beautiful mountain views you'll see along the way.
Start your journey in Bull Run and take I-81 S through Virginia to reach I-77 S. Along the way, you'll pass through several charming small towns, including Wytheville, which has been named the "Coolest Small Town in America." Consider stopping for lunch or a quick hike in one of the many state parks along the route.
As you make your way onto I-77 S, take in the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stop off at the scenic New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single-span arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, for a photo opportunity. From there, it's a straight shot down I-77 S to reach Myrtle Beach.
Route 3: US-15 S and US-501 S
Distance: 470 miles Drive Time: approximately 8 hours
For a more leisurely but equally scenic drive, consider taking US-15 S and US-501 S. This route will take you through beautiful countryside, rolling hills, and charming towns.
Begin your journey in Bull Run and take US-15 S through Virginia, passing through several historic Civil War sites. Follow the route through Carolina until entering South Carolina. Once in South Carolina, start on US-501 S which is a meandering route that will take you across rivers and stone bridges and through charming little towns.
Along the route, keep an eye out for delicious roadside barbecue and seafood stands. Don't forget to stop off in the quaint town of Hartsville, South Carolina, known for its beautiful gardens and historic homes.
Bottom line
No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, discover, and experience the best of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina on your way to Myrtle Beach. Remember to take breaks often, stay hydrated, and have fun. Happy road tripping!