Ocean Highway - CoastalGuide.com

From New York to Florida, this sea level, scenic route along the historic Atlantic Coast is the most interesting and relaxing of North-South highways. It is safer than inland routes, especially in winter, because there are no icy hills or steep grades. Motorists enjoy their vacations all the time and all the way, for there is a panorama of interesting things to do and see directly on or near the Ocean Hiway, such as outdoor dramas, famed garden plantations, broad beaches, fishing piers, and championship golf courses.

The long established Ocean Hiway inland route from New York is via the New Jersey Turnpike and Delaware Memorial Bridge to U.S. 13. The newer, seaward route is via the Garden State Parkway and Cape May-Lewes Ferry to U.S. 13, down the Delmarva Peninsula, via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area... then U. S. 17 becomes the Ocean Hiway to Florida. This route is the fastest route from New York to Norfolk, saving you 95 miles and 1-1/2 hours of driving. Motorists traveling through the metropolitan areas of Virginia Beach and Norfolk should follow U.S. 13 to I-64 East (south) to Route 104 and U.S. 17 South.

Three miles south of the Virginia/North Carolina border on US Highway 17, a NC Welcome Center was built to assist travelers... the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center. Services include maps, brochures, and printed publications, as well as personal assistance with directions and ferry or lodging reservations. This Welcome Center is also used by boats traveling on the Dismal Swamp Canal, part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

It's easy for the Ocean Hiway motorist to take side trips all along the route. Interstate 64 West from Norfolk/Virginia Beach leads to Colonial Williamsburg, and Route 158 East leads to the lovely Outer Banks of North Carolina. From New Bern, Route 70 East leads to Morehead City. In South Carolina, Route 21 leads to Beaufort

and Route 170 to Hilton Head Island.

Travelers will find many service stations, attractive restaurants and comfortable motels along the Ocean Hiway and, therefore, are not required to leave the main route to find food and lodging. The route is clearly marked OCEAN HIWAY by legal action of six states whose coast it traverses.

Wright Brothers' First Flight

The Outer Banks played a key role in yet another historical milestone, as the birthplace of aviation. The Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, a towering granite monument, pays homage to this history changing event, which occurred on the tall sand dunes of the Outer Banks just over a century ago.

Activities for Kids

Hatteras Island is well known as the naturally family-friendly destination on the Outer Banks, and for good reason. The sprawling collection of museums, shops, and miles of outdoor terrain makes this barrier island a kids' paradise.

Hatteras History

Hatteras Island has been occupied for more than 1,500 years, and as a result, the small barrier island is filled with historic sites, headline-grabbing events, and impressive archeological finds.

Event Homes

In the past few years, the Outer Banks has become a popular destination for large families and groups who are planning a beach wedding, a corporate retreat, or just a casual family reunion. This turn of recent events is due in no small part to the crop of sprawling vacation rental homes that have popped up throughout the coastline providing gorgeous accommodations, ample meeting or gathering spaces, and fantastic access to the nearby beaches and attractions.