Forum Discussion

tenspeedret360's avatar
tenspeedret360
Explorer
May 17, 2016

NY/NJ to outer banks, NC

Good morning everybody, and thanks in advance for all the advice I'll receive.

My question is this...This coming weekend, Im headed to Kitty Hawk/Nags Head on the outer banks. The way I think I would normally travel would be to take US 301 (I hate I95) to Richmond, and pick up I64 to Virginia Beach, and then 168/158 to Kitty Hawk.
In looking at the map, I was wondering if I might also consider Picking up US 13 in Delaware, and taking that to Virginia Beach. My main question is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel, Is that a PITA for an RV,(with a toad), or are both scenarios six of one, half dozen of another....any other suggestions of course are welcomed, and again, thanks for any advice.

Kevin

P.S. I'm taking the NJ turnpike to Delaware Bridge and picking up 301 there, or I can pick up 13, right over the dell bridge.
Roads and Routes
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    May 17, 2016
    This may not work for you, but we always take the Garden State Parkway to the Cape May-Lewes ferry to DE then pick up route 13 over the Bay Bridge/Tunnel. The ferry is expensive but a nice ride and a break from driving. DW hates the tunnels on the bridge as they seem so narrow, especially when a truck or bus goes by in the opposite direction. Otherwise the bridge is neat. Also, they close the bridge to high profile vehicles when there are high winds.

    We always stay a night at Assateague National Seashore on the way down.
  • fitznj's avatar
    fitznj
    Explorer
    May 17, 2016
    I travel to SC/VA once or twice per year; I totally avoid I95 and take
    the NJ Turnpike to Delaware - then take 13 all the way down to the Chesapeake Bridge. It's a relaxing trip (compared to I95);

    Crossing the bridge is no big deal (it's surprisingly little traffic); I tow a TT, and have no problems BUT check the winds - it's a bit of a white knuckle ride in a side wind.

    gerry
  • tenspeedret360's avatar
    tenspeedret360
    Explorer
    May 17, 2016
    Thank you both for the quick responses....I think I AM gonna do the Route 13 trip, contingent on the wind....I'll have to listen on the weather band and see how things look. Im familiar with 13 to dover raceway, I'll be taking in some sights south of there I guess. Thanks again! :B
  • 2_Retired's avatar
    2_Retired
    Explorer
    May 17, 2016
    We used to live at the Jersey Shore and took the RV often to OBX. Concur with both suggestions. We've done both ways and DH prefers Turnpike into Delaware, the picking up US 13 just past the DM Bridge, taking that all the way through the Delmarva Peninsula to the Bridge Tunnel. Concur with the warnings about high winds there, but otherwise no problems at all. We've done it with a TT, a Class C and a Class A and toad. Safe trip!
  • TMurphy's avatar
    TMurphy
    Explorer
    May 17, 2016
    The only thing I could add to the above comments is to pick up Rt 113 after Dover. It is only a few miles longer but you miss a lot of the traffic lights on RT13.
  • fladventure's avatar
    fladventure
    Explorer
    May 18, 2016
    Take Del hwy 1 which is a toll road but it's new and gets you past Dover. When crossing the bridge tunnel be sure to stop at the rest area in the middle and enjoy the view. We'll be taking that same route on our way back from Novia Scotia this summer.
  • fitznj's avatar
    fitznj
    Explorer
    May 18, 2016
    BTW:
    if you have time, stop in at Cape Charles - quaint little town;
    Also the concrete ships are in that area - quite an interesting story.
  • trailertraveler's avatar
    trailertraveler
    Explorer
    May 18, 2016
    fladventure wrote:
    ...Take Del hwy 1 which is a toll road but it's new and gets you past Dover...
    I agree, DE-1 will take you to US-113 bypassing Dover and Salisbury.
  • JimFromJersey's avatar
    JimFromJersey
    Explorer
    May 18, 2016
    Can't add anything but to confirm the DelMem Bridge to DE Route 1 suggestion - take 13 South from the bridge a couple of miles and then either DE 273 at Hare's Corner or down a bit to US 40 west to get over to DE 1. Take it to Milford, follow signs to US 113 and then stay there all the way to Pokomoke City where you hook back up with 13. Then you have all those rustic little burgs along the DelMarVa like Onley, Painter, Melfa, etc etc. Done it a million times.

    The CBBT is, as noted, not a big deal at all unless very windy. It can be a little hectic around Va Beach/Norfolk then for a while until you get out of town in whatever direction your going.

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