Road Tripping from Chincoteague to Raleigh

Are you ready for a road trip that will take you from tranquil Chincoteague, VA to bustling Raleigh, NC? Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the most fascinating museums, parks, and landmarks that the East Coast has to offer.

Did you know that the distance between Chincoteague, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina, is just over 270 miles? That means you can cover the distance in about 5 hours, but we recommend you take your time on the way down to enjoy all the stops en route.

The halfway point of our journey is Franklin, Virginia. This charming city welcomes visitors with open arms, so why not grab a cup of coffee and stretch your legs before you hit the road again?

The total length of this road trip is around 270 miles, depending on the route you take. If you want to make the most of the journey, we suggest you take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to enjoy stunning panoramic views along the way. Although the route can take up to 5 hours, we promise you it will be worth it!

Here are the top 5 places to visit along the road trip from Chincoteague to Raleigh.

1. Virginia Beach Located just a short detour off the main route, Virginia Beach is a must-visit destination. You can soak up the sun on the beach, roll up your sleeves for a little fishing, or head out on the water for some sunset dolphin watching. If you're a military buff, head down to the Military Aviation Museum to see vintage planes from World War II in action.

Point of interest: Check out the boardwalk, a three-mile stretch of sand that's been around since the 1800s.

2. Norfolk Botanical Garden Norfolk Botanical Garden is known as one of the most beautiful places in Virginia. It is a serene and relaxing space filled with flora from around the world. The garden has an impressive biodiversity, including a four-acre blooming butterfly garden, and over 70 acres of themed gardens, such as the Rose Garden or the Children's Garden.

Point of interest: Take an evening walking tour, where you'll see the garden glow against the night sky.

3. Historic Jamestowne When you think of America's founding, few places come to mind as quickly as Jamestown. Historic Jamestowne offers a glimpse into what life was like when English settlers first arrived in North America. Visitors can experience archaeology in action as the site is still undergoing excavation. You can also see the original fort's remains, take a guided tour to learn about the Powhatan culture, or hike the trails through the surrounding wilderness.

Point of interest: The "Dig Deeper" tour takes you behind the scenes to learn more about how archaeology is performed on-site.

4. Wright Brothers National Memorial The Wright Brothers National Memorial celebrates the first successful, powered flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903. The museum houses artifacts like the pressurized flight suit worn by Neil Armstrong on the moon, alongside replicas of the original planes created by the Wrights. Walk out onto the site of the first flight and explore the seven-mile trail through Kill Devil Hills.

Point of interest: Join a Ranger-led program and learn more about the history of this significant site with interactive presentations and demonstrations.

5. Historic Oakwood Cemetery Our final stop before reaching Raleigh is Historic Oakwood Cemetery. The cemetery dates back to 1869 and is the final resting place for some of the city's most prominent citizens. Stepping inside is like taking a step back in time, as the tombstones give testament to Raleigh's storied past. Take a walking tour to pay your respects and learn about the area's history.

Point of interest: Some of the graves tell gripping stories - like the famous bricklayer who was buried under his own bricks.

Congratulations, you've reached Raleigh! We hope you've enjoyed your journey through some of Virginia's most exciting landmarks and destinations. Taking a road trip is a fantastic way to soak up the rich history of the US. We hope to have inspired you to take the road less traveled and enjoy the journey.