Road Tripping From Berkeley Heights to Virginia Beach: Top Stops Along The Way

There's nothing quite like hitting the open road and embarking on a scenic journey. If you're planning a road trip from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey to Virginia Beach, Virginia, we've got you covered! This journey offers a mix of picturesque mountain ranges and charming beach towns that stretch along the East Coast. From waterfalls to breweries, we've hand-picked the top places to visit on this picturesque drive.

Hiking and Scenic Views

If you're a nature lover, this road trip has some serious natural beauty on display. From trails to scenic overlooks, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Shenandoah National Park

As you make your way down towards Virginia Beach, you'll certainly want to stop at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Established in 1935, this sprawling park, covering 200,000 acres, is a must-visit for sightseers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With more than 500 miles of trails, you can hike for hours, taking in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Great Falls Park

Take a pitstop at Great Falls Park, a mere 30 minutes outside of Washington DC. The roaring Potomac River offers some truly breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls. There are several easy trails to hike, and if you're feeling adventurous, kayaking is an exciting way to experience the falls.

Breakneck Ridge Trail

New York's renowned Breakneck Ridge Trail is a 2-hour detour from the route, but it is an absolute must-visit (if you're up for a challenge!). With stunning views of the Hudson River and surrounding peaks, this hike is a gorgeous way to stretch your legs and earn some stunning views.

Quaint Towns and Historic Sites

This road trip provides you with plenty of opportunities to visit charming towns and historical sites. Make some time to explore during this drive and discover some hidden gems.

Harpers Ferry

A historic town in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park paints an authentic picture of the pre-Civil War era in America. Visit the re-enactment of John Brown's famous raid on the Armory, or stroll along the seemingly unchanged cobbled streets of the town.

Bethlehem

Drive through the town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which is filled with galleries, cozy cafes, and plenty of antique stores. Check out the Musikfest venue during the summer months, an annual festival that celebrates world-renowned musicians.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is an important stop on your East Coast journey. Visit Liberty Hall, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell Center, which are all in the heart of the city. If you're up for some fun, have a Philly cheesesteak and watch the locals go about their day.

Local Breweries and Distilleries

There are few better ways to experience American culture than a good brewery tour, and we've got a few recommendations you won't want to miss.

Devil's Backbone Brewing Company

Located outside of Charlottesville, Devil's Backbone is set against a gorgeous natural backdrop. Offering pints of their delicious brews and boatloads of organic food, this stop is well worth the detour.

A. Smith Bowman Distillery

Just off the road in Fredericksburg, Virginia, A. Smith Bowman Distillery offers tours and tastings of their award-winning bourbon. You don't want to miss their John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which is a must-try.

Seaside Towns and Beaches

No East Coast road trip would be complete without a visit to some of the quaint seaside towns and their incredible beaches. Your trip from Berkeley Heights to Virginia Beach has a few of these quaint locations worth visiting.

Atlantic City

This iconic New Jersey seaside town has it all - casinos, an excellent boardwalk, and plenty of entertainment options. It's a perfect stop for those travelling with fun in mind.

Ocean City

Maryland's Ocean City is known for its stunning beachfront boardwalk, which offers incredible food and fun at every turn. Treat yourself to some saltwater taffy and take a ride on the Ferris wheel, or hit the water for some kayaking and windsurfing.

Conclusion

This road trip to Virginia Beach, Virginia from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey offers travellers a wonderful blend of nature, history, culture, food, and fun. No matter which stretch of the trip you visit, there are plenty of sights and experiences to be had, and this list is only the beginning. Be sure to take your time and soak everything in, and if you get lost along the way, it's all part of the adventure. Enjoy the journey!