A Pilgrimage Down the East Coast: Baltimore to Charleston

If you're looking for a little road trip adventure, driving south from Baltimore, Maryland to Charleston, South Carolina is a great place to start. Along the way, you'll have the pleasure of discovering some of the best hidden gems along the East Coast of the United States.

The drive from Baltimore to Charleston is roughly 650 miles and can be completed in a day if you really put some gas in the tank. However, if you're like us and enjoy taking your time, stopping at each little town, and smelling the roses, this road trip has plenty of sights along the way to enjoy. Here are the best places to stop and explore on your way down the East Coast.

In Search of Crabs & Beaches: Starting in Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland, is a great place to start this 650-mile road trip. The seafood, landscapes, and people you’ll encounter during your journey will take you back in time, and in some cases, will make you feel like you’re in a different world. As you head down south, you will cross Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge before crossing over into the Eastern Shore. Once on the Eastern Shore, there is a long list of activities and places to visit such as the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels or the proximity to popular beaches like Ocean City and Assateague Island.

1. Annapolis, Maryland: This beautiful historic town is just one hour south of Baltimore, it’s known as the sailing capital of America. Once there, enjoy a bowl of Maryland's famous crab soup. You can wander around the Naval Academy or visit the historic Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol still in continuous use.

2. Cape Henlopen State Park and Beach: Prepare yourself for a dose of good 'ol beach town charm. It has sprawling beaches, picturesque dunes, and even a world war-era observation tower that still stands tall. This park is a great spot for camping, hiking, swimming, and Shark Tooth Hunting for the kiddos.

3. Virginia’s Eastern Shore: This iconic location has many hidden gems along with famous roadside eateries for you to experience on your well-deserved road trip. Have lunch with locals in the historic Cape Charles district or visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching.

Experience Colonial Virginia: A Step Back in Time

Aside from being home to some of the most historic sites in America, Virginia will take you on a sugary gourmet tour with its southern delights like ham, peanuts, and sweet potatoes. Here are some of our favorite stops along the way.

4. Williamsburg, Virginia: Williamsburg keeps the colonial spirit alive. If you’re the history buff type, this was America’s first colony; there is so much to take in such as the Jamestown Settlement or the highly touted Colonial Williamsburg attraction. Take a stroll down "the Duke of Gloucester Street" or ride in a horse-drawn carriage, which is the best way to explore this area, especially if you have kids.

5. Yorktown, Virginia: as you wind your way down through Virginia on your road trip, Yorktown is an excellent spot to experience America’s freedom and relive the final moments of the Revolutionary War. There are plenty of military museums and historical sites to check out and explore. Visit the Yorktown Victory Monument or make a plug for the newly refurbished American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Southern Charm & Beaches: Hello, Carolina

From shorelines in the east to mountains in the west, South Carolina is a kaleidoscope of everything that's charming about the south. which makes it, in our opinion, the perfect road trip destination. It's all about antebellum architecture, Spanish moss, and wonderful beaches. The sunshine state also has great shopping experiences, lovely cities, and of course -- exquisite cuisine.

6. Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston is a stunning coastal city that has seen many transformations throughout its more than 300-year lifespan. Take a tour of the historic district or visit the legendary gardens, The Cherokee Plantation or the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Charleston also offers plenty of food experiences, as there are some fantastic seafood restaurants, fantastic southern cuisine, and great bars to enjoy a craft beer or cocktail.

7. Folly Beach, South Carolina: A seaside escape that many locals to Charleston just can't get enough of. It’s a perfect spot to surf, take some ocean-side yoga classes, or simply laze around in the sun. Oh, and there are some amazing grilled shrimps here too! Check out the folly beach fishing Pier, it's a draw for locals and tourists.

Conclusion

The Baltimore to Charleston road trip is a fantastic way to explore the east coast, many hidden gems lie just off the highway and can be a quick and beautiful pit stop, or you might end up sticking around for a while to take part in the local treasures. This road trip route offers something to suit every traveler's taste. Plan well and take off on one of the greatest adventures of your lifetime!