While I would agree that there are beautiful places, Tennessee is a LONG way west, and there are some really dull drives to get there also.
I also agree about 95 and that is why I always suggest taking 40 over to the coast for that drive south.

If you prefer mountains to the coast, Head west on I-66 to Front Royal Virginia and take the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to Roanoke. Take I-81 either to Tennessee or back to the DC area. I-81 is much more scenic than I-95.

Again thanks for all the advice! The itinerary now looks as follows:

Day 1: Arrive Washington DC
Day 2: Washington DC
Day 3: Washington DC
Day 4: Drive for Savannah stop at Charlottesville...
Day 5: arrive Savannah
Day 6: Savannah
Day 7: Savannah
Day 8: Drive to Charleston
Day 9: Charleston
Day 10: Charleston
Day 11: Drive for Delmara Peninsula, stop somewhere along the way
Day 12: arrive Delmara Peninsula
Day 13: Delmara Peninsula
Day 14: Delmara Peninsula
Day 15: Fly home

My current headache is where to stay in Charleston. The historic area of course would be nice, but expensive. I'm torn between staying there or finding a cheap motel outside the city and then drive to town during the day. Or is there any other place around Charleston that you recommend? Preferably not more than 30 minutes from the historic district? Isle of Palms perhaps (also expensive but maybe worth it?). What do you think?

The Historic District is expensive because it's so convenient. You can park the car and leave it. Bestwestern King Charles has free parking. There are places in North Charleston and, while they cost less, some of them are in dicey locations and the traffic from N. Charleston into town during rush hours is horrendous. Post what you see and I'll give you information. I really think you won't regret spending the money so that you won't waste your valuable time sitting in traffic.

There are some hotels in Mt Pleasant near the Ravenel Bridge that might work. Isle of Palms is always nice.

reklamtor,

Your plan looks great! I would suggest you try to stay in Charleston historic center. I saw some option on Hotels.com (click on "show map") for around $200 night for this month.

Your original post said you were flying into DC "mid-July". If so, I would suggest nailing down hotel reservations NOW.

Looking forward to a trip report - have a great time!

Yep. It's mid-July now.

Is the Skyline drive scary ? I have difficulty driving on bridges (gephyrophobia) - almost had to stop in middle of 7 Mile Bridge out to the Florida Keys.

Thoughts appreciated !

banchang please start a new thread. This thread is 6 years old. The Skyline Drive is not scary to me but I don't have your phobias.

Taking AMTRAK somewhere and being twelve hours late is SCARY, right, Tom?

A bridge is not like mountain (very very low mountains!) driving IMO