The last week if September, we'd like to take a week to drive from Naples, Florida to NJ. I've never done the Outer Banks, but am having a hard time getting a handle on it. During the week are the ferries a problem? Need to reserve? If we started one day from Savannah, what should we do and where should we plan on staying the next couple of nights ( probably not staying in one spot for more than a night.) Nice hotels. Restaurants? Advice?

Are you planning to take the ferry over to Ocracoke from Cedar island and then drive north on route 12 or are you going to drive further north and take route 64 east to Nags Head?

Go here for the Cedar island ferry reservations:
https://ferry.ncdot.gov/ although at that time of year they probably aren't as much an issue; you can drive up and hope and probably get on.

The ferry from the north end of Ocracoke to Hatteras Village runs all year and often so no need for any reservations (none available anyway).

If you have never ever done this then I would definitely suggest the drive from Ocracoke and then Hatteras (Village) on 12 north through Avon, Buxton (for the lighthouse), and so forth.

I'd suggest Charleston, SC, and Wilmington, NC, as over nite stops. Both interesting, historic cities.

I was recently starting to research that part of the East coast, too, for September. Our plans have shifted, but these notes could help you. They are from a friend who lives in Wilmington, whom I asked when I also wanted to fly nonstop:


"Wrightsville Beach here at Wilmington is a great beach with mostly homes and only a few resorts, but getting to Wilmington generally requires going through Charlotte or Atlanta, unless you’re coming from Philly or NYC. Same with other beaches near here that are nice and not tacky. (There are some tacky ones too.)

Savannah or Charleston are interesting/historic, but not really beach destinations, and I’m not sure about flights.

Myrtle Beach is horrifying, but there are nice beaches south of there, like Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach, and possibly Murrells Inlet. The only reason I mention Myrtle Beach is that their airport has some direct flights via Spirit and some of the budget airlines, and the beaches I’ve mentioned are a very short drive from there."

Are you looking for overnights en route to the Outer Banks? If so I'd agree with dwd on good possible stops in Charleston and/or Wilmington from Savannah.

Regarding reservations for OBX ferries, I'd make them.

In the OBX, I'd strongly suggest a stay at the Sanderling Inn in Duck esp if you are just looking for a night or two. Their restaurants are lovely.

Otherwise in OBX (and especially positioning yourselves in Duck) I'd gravitate to the Blue Point and Ocean Blvd for local, upscale-ish and crafted menus.

Savannah or Charleston are interesting/historic, but not really beach destinations, and I’m not sure about flights.
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If NeoP is looking for a beach and is considering Charleston, I'd go with Folly Beach or Isle of Palms. I prefer Folly as it is quirkier.

Flights are obviously not in this picture unless we are talking about a stop at the Wright Brothers Memorial. I would tend to agree that somehow the accommodations and eating establishments ABOVE Southern Shores are going to appeal to the OP.

I kinda think the Mad Crabber in Avon is not his type of place but one never knows.

It's not super clear what Patrick's plan is and perhaps it's evolving. I'm sure he'll be back to clarify.

Not looking for beach, no. And after Savannah ( a good day's drive from Naples) we wouldn't stay in Charleston -- done hat many times.

Dukey, I don't know enough to know which route, but it sounds like you suggest the ferry to Okracoke and then head north. That sounds fine. But from Savannah, I'm not sure where we should spend the next night -- or the night after that. Obxgirl, the Sanderling looks nice.

From Savannah, New Bern or Wilmington for a night before taking the ferry to Okracoke?

I guess we can drop this thread. Peter is not thrilled with the idea of a 2 and a half hour ferry ride. Yes, we know it might be smooth as glass, but so was Vancouver to Vancouver Island and Victoria to the US -- he just can't do boats.

And besides we aren't getting excited about it -- so looks like we'll go back to plan A. After two nights in Savannah, we'll head to Asheville for a couple nights, then to DC, before going home.

Just saw that a visit to Biltmore is now a minimum of $120 for 2. Seriously? Yes, realize they have a lot of stuff with it, but all we really wanted to do is tour the house -- I've done it before, so we may not.

I guess we can drop this thread. Peter is not thrilled with the idea of a 2 and a half hour ferry ride. Yes, we know it might be smooth as glass, but so was Vancouver to Vancouver Island and Victoria to the US -- he just can't do boats.

I can relate to Peter's POV.

I'm sure you are clear, though, that you don't have to take a ferry to get to the OBX from Savannah.

Either way, for good or bad, I think the OBX is still mostly about the beach. And if that's not what you both are seeking, I'd do the same as you and pass for another location.

Yea, I think I was just imagining a nice quiet drive up those remote barrier islands with spectacular views. It was also pointed out to me that much of those views might be a single file of traffic. But it kind of was the idea of Okracoke that I was imagining. And so taking the ferry across to there and driving north seemed more logical and appealing than doubling back on a drive both ways on the islands.