Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Camden, NC to Virginia Beach, VA

Camden, North Carolina, and Virginia Beach, Virginia are two charming tourist destinations located in the southeastern part of the United States. The distance between these two places is approximately 80 miles, which makes it an ideal destination for a quick weekend getaway or a day trip. The drive will take you through some scenic back roads, and the beauty of the countryside will refresh your soul. The halfway point along the route is Moyock, NC, a quaint town with a range of gas stations, convenience stores, and small restaurants. Here are some of the top things to do during your hamlet-to-hamlet journey:

1. Visit the Elizabethan Gardens

This beautiful botanical garden has been a popular tourist attraction in Manteo, NC for over 60 years. The 10.5-acre garden features a range of native and exotic plant species, including camellias, azaleas, magnolias, and oak trees. The garden also includes a giant sundial, a Renaissance-style statue of Queen Elizabeth I, and a replica of a 16th-century ship. The garden's boardwalk overlooks Roanoke Sound, providing visitors with an excellent spot for bird-watching, picnicking, or strolling. Interesting fact: Queen Elizabeth II visited the gardens in 1957 and planted a magnolia tree.

2. Explore the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama

Located in Manteo, NC, the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama is one of the longest-running outdoor dramas in the US, and it tells the story of the first English settlement in North America. From the beautiful choreography to soundtracks and lighting effects, this exciting performance captures the audience's attention, making for an unforgettable night. Interesting fact: The drama was first performed in 1937 and has since gone through many rewrites, with new songs and added special effects.

3. Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Regardless of the number of lighthouses you've seen, you cannot afford to miss the magnificent Cape Hatteras Lighthouse located in Buxton, NC. This towering structure stands at 208 feet tall, and visitors can ascend the 257 steps to the top for a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the ocean and the surrounding areas. Interesting fact: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has undergone several relocations due to erosion since its initial construction in 1803. This shifted location places the lighthouse approximately a half-mile south of its original site.

4. Time Travel in Colonial Williamsburg

This historic area is a fully restored 18th-century town, revealing the everyday life of colonial leaders, businessmen, and tradesmen. Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg can explore the public buildings, shops, and homes of Williamsburg's restored period dwellers. Tours are available during the day and night, and the guides are excellent storytellers who help visitors to appreciate life during the colonial era. Interesting fact: The inspiration behind the construction of the historic area was a wealthy philanthropist, John D. Rockfeller Jr.

5. Experience Military Aviation at the Military Aviation Museum

The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA, is a fantastic place to appreciate aviation, as it houses one of the largest collections of World War I and World War II aircraft in the world. Visitors to the museum can travel back in time and witness the captivating planes that changed the history of aviation and learn about the daring men and women who flew them. With about 70 meticulously restored aircraft on display, guests can take a walk through time and enjoy the incredible aviation history experience. Interesting fact: The museum provides guests with a thrilling airplane ride on a rare 1941 Boeing Stearman biplane.

Travelers who follow this route should expect to cover the distance between Camden, NC, and Virginia Beach, VA, within 2 and a half to 3 hours, depending on the traffic and number of stops. Overall, the journey is worth it, and the attractions in between the two destinations make it an adventure worth taking.