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-   -   Driving WashDC to Charleston, SC (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/driving-washdc-to-charleston-sc-540092/)

passion4travel Jun 28th, 2005 08:40 AM

Driving WashDC to Charleston, SC
 
Hello,
For the 4th of July getaway, husband and I would like to drive from DC to Charleston spending 3 days and hope to visit Savannah as well. I know it would take about 8 hrs. or so - is it worth it?
Please share ideas/experience. thank you.

bardo1 Jun 28th, 2005 09:05 AM

It will take a LOT longer than 8 hours on the July 4th weekend. Expect traffic on 95 to come to a halt at various points along the way.

My only idea is to consider flying a budget airline and renting a car when you arrive - look at flying into nearby cities as well: JAX, Myrtle Beach, etc.

kcapuani Jun 28th, 2005 09:05 AM

I've made the drive before and it is incredibly long and boring. It took just about 9 hours from Alexandria, VA in normal traffic - 4th of July traffic on I-95 will probably be terrible! Plus, Charleston will be sweltering (although perhaps not much more than DC). Charleston is a wonderful city but I would consider a closer destination... Just my opinion.

leahinsc Jun 28th, 2005 09:15 AM

Yikes, out of the frying pan and into the fire - HHH (hazy hot and humid) awaits you in both places. Savannah is easily 2 hrs from Charleston - another long boring highway drive. How 'bout mountains of West Virginia? Western MD? Why kill yourself for a rushed weekend which will mostly be spent in the car? Those areas will be better visited in the fall, winter or early Spring.

kcapuani Jun 28th, 2005 09:17 AM

bardo1 raises a good point - check out Independence Air into Charleston. The rates may not be cheap, but I would think that it would be cheaper than US Air or another "traditional" airline. Plus, it will save at least 18 hours of driving!

passion4travel Jun 28th, 2005 10:16 AM

Thank you all for your kind replies. I am not rethinking and may visit in Fall. Yes considering MD and WVA - I know can always count on you guys for guidance!
much appreciated.

passion4travel Jun 28th, 2005 10:17 AM

ooops, I meant Yes IAM rethinking about it.

leahinsc Jun 28th, 2005 10:21 AM

Great - save it for maybe November or March when it will seem like such a treat to have warmer weather and be near the ocean. I've actually been to Charleston a few times in Dec and Jan when it was warm enough to wear a light sweat shirt or long sleeved shirt and walk barefooted on the beach!

miller20621 Jun 28th, 2005 07:02 PM

We live just outside DC near Annapolis, and the in-laws have a place outside Charleston. We usually budget 10 hours for the trip.

Wilson bridge, Springfield interchange, and Occoquan lane drop/HOV merge are the triple threat that keep us from heading south on a Friday afternoon, much less a three day weekend!

Plus, we find 4th of July to be the hottest, least enjoyable part of the year for Charleston- wait for Labor Day, we do!!


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