A 2-day I-77 and I-95 drive from Carnegie to St. Augustine
Estimated cost
$345estimated total
Stays
$85
Fuel
$82
Food
$58
Other
$120
Estimates generated at planning time — your actual costs may vary.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
883 km8h 51mDepart 08:00
Start
PA, USA
Drive 310 km in ~3h 30min via I-79 S and US-19 S from Carnegie
342 km3h 19m
1
Attraction
New River Gorge Bridge Overlook
Lansing, United States
11:30–12:1545m here
Iconic gorge bridge photo viewpoint
Fits photography and nature; use the Canyon Rim Visitor Center lot and bring a wide lens for the bridge.
Drive 37 km in ~30 min via US-19 S and I-64 E
37 km30m
2
Food
Tudor's Biscuit World
Beckley, United States
13:00–13:4545m here$12
West Virginia biscuit chain
Fast local comfort food fits budget; order a Thundering Herd biscuit and refuel nearby before I-77 mountain grades.
Drive 394 km in ~3h 51min via I-77 S and I-40 W
394 km3h 51m
3
Attraction
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Asheville, United States
16:55–18:101h 15m here
Scenic parkway and mountain exhibits
Good relaxed nature stop after highway miles; late afternoon light is best, but expect summer haze in the mountains.
Drive 114 km in ~1h 10min via I-26 E
111 km1h 11m
4
Overnight
Red Roof Inn Spartanburg - I-85
Spartanburg, United States
19:20–20:201h here$85
Budget roadside motel with parking
Budget motel near the corridor; compact hatchback parking is easy, and late check-in keeps the long first day simple.
Day 2
814 km8h 6mDepart 08:00
Check out of Red Roof Inn Spartanburg and drive 150 km in ~1h 30min via I-26 E
165 km1h 31m
5
Attraction
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Columbia, United States
09:30–10:451h 15m here
Canal walk and old waterworks ruins
History and nature in one easy walk; go early in August heat and park near the main Laurel Street entrance.
Drive 185 km in ~2h via I-26 E
186 km1h 46m
6
Food
Lewis Barbecue Charleston
Charleston, United States
12:45–13:451h here$24
Texas-style barbecue with Southern sides
Strong local food stop with quick counter service; try brisket and green chile corn pudding before the coastal drive.
Drive 245 km in ~2h 45min via US-17 S and I-95 S
266 km2h 44m
7
Attraction
Fort King George State Historic Site
Darien, United States
16:30–18:001h 30m here$8
Reconstructed colonial fort on marshland
Adds colonial history and marsh photos; arrive before evening mosquitoes peak and carry repellent.
Drive 186 km in ~2h via I-95 S
195 km1h 59m
8
Food
Gas Full Service Restaurant
St. Augustine, United States
20:00–21:001h here$22
Casual burgers and local seafood
Casual end-of-route dinner near town; the datil pepper sauces give a real St. Augustine flavor.
Finish
FL, USA
Before you go
Local tips
- 1Leave Carnegie at 08:00 sharp; the first day uses nearly the full moderate driving limit.
- 2Fuel in Beckley or Columbia where stations are frequent before longer I-77 and I-95 stretches.
- 3Use compact city garages or official lots in Charleston and St. Augustine; street parking turns over slowly in August.
- 4Shoot New River Gorge before midday haze builds, and Riverfront Park before Columbia’s afternoon heat.
- 5Check Georgia state historic site hours before arrival; summer storm closures can affect outdoor areas.
Good to know
- 1I-77 has steep mountain grades and frequent speed enforcement through West Virginia and Virginia.
- 2August thunderstorms can reduce visibility quickly on I-26 and I-95; avoid stopping on shoulders in heavy rain.
- 3Charleston and St. Augustine tourist areas have higher vehicle break-in risk; keep luggage hidden in the hatchback.
- 4Expect hot, humid conditions above 32°C in Columbia, coastal Georgia, and St. Augustine.
- 5No seasonal mountain-pass closures are expected on I-77/I-95, but hurricane-season weather can disrupt coastal Georgia and Florida.
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