Road Trip to Ocean Isle Beach from Blackstone, MA

Dreaming of warm sandy beaches, refreshing ocean water, and beautiful sunsets? Look no further than Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina! But before you pack your bags and hit the road, you need to figure out how long it takes to drive from your hometown to the beach. If you're coming from Blackstone, Massachusetts, we've got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know about the time it takes to drive from Blackstone, MA to Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are a few different routes you can take to get to Ocean Isle Beach from Blackstone, MA. The fastest route is to take I-95 South all the way down to NC-74 East. This route is approximately 720 miles and takes about 12 hours without traffic. However, be prepared for some potential slowdowns around Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC during peak traffic times.

If you want to avoid the busy and congested East Coast highways, you can take a more scenic route through the Appalachian mountains on I-81 South and then take I-77 South into North Carolina. This is a longer route at approximately 880 miles, but it may be more enjoyable for those who like a view of the mountains. However, this route can add an extra hour or two of driving time.

Distance and Time Based on Traffic

The distance between Blackstone, MA and Ocean Isle Beach, NC is approximately 720-880 miles, depending on which route you take. As mentioned, the fastest route takes about 12 hours to drive without traffic, while the scenic route may take up to 14 hours.

However, traffic can significantly impact your driving time. During peak traffic times, such as holidays or rush hours, the fastest route may take up to 15-16 hours, while the scenic route can take over 17 hours. On the other hand, if you're traveling during off-peak hours, you may be able to shave off a few hours of driving time.

Best Time to Drive

If you want to avoid traffic as much as possible, it's best to plan your drive during off-peak hours. This means traveling in the middle of the week, avoiding holidays and weekends, and leaving either very early or very late in the day. If you can, plan your drive for the fall or spring, as summer is peak tourist season and can lead to more traffic.

Conclusion

Driving to Ocean Isle Beach from Blackstone, Massachusetts can be a long but rewarding journey. Whether you take the fastest or most scenic route, be prepared for some traffic slowdowns during peak times. Plan your drive during off-peak hours to maximize your time at the beach, and don't forget to stop and enjoy the journey along the way!