Need advice: Driving to NC (outer banks)

This is our first trip down to visit family living in Cape Hatteras. What is the most direct route?

It looks like we can take 95 to Richmond, VA then hop on 64 east. I know the route through Delaware is less miles but slow because there are no highways & frequent speed limit changes.

We plan on leaving EARLY on a Thursday morning (2am'ish) and we have a 7-month old. What route do you recommend?

Re: Need advice: Driving to NC (outer banks)

my parents have a house on cape hatteras so we've done that trip a lot.
i live in NJ.. but we ALWAYS take the route through delaware (13,113.. whatever it is) its just a much nicer drive... especially if you are going in teh summer when people are heading on 95 to virginia beach, etc... traffic on there can be horrible. the route through delaware really is just a more relaxing and nicer drive.
have an awesome time- its gorgeous down there!!!

Re: Need advice: Driving to NC (outer banks)

Thanks for the info. The few people I've spoken with seem to share your opinion... the Delaware route is a more relaxed and scenic drive. We are going in the beginning of Feb so I don't think we need to worry about beach traffic

Re: Need advice: Driving to NC (outer banks)

I drove the delware way- it was ok- pretty empty - and alot of speed limit changes- that you have to pay attention to- but over all ok

Re: Need advice: Driving to NC (outer banks)

We live in VA & when we go back to NY we always take Rt 13. You will be passing by me on the way!

Re: Need advice: Driving to NC (outer banks)

What's the difference between Rt 13 and 113?

Few people recommended taking 113 once I hit Dover, DE then get back on 13 at Pokomoke City, MD. Just curious.

Re: Need advice: Driving to NC (outer banks)

I live in Virginia Beach (grew up here)and I used to live in LI. I have made this trip more times than I can count.

This is the way I would go.

NJ trpk to Rt13 South (which turns into Delaware Rt1 and then you have to exit towards Norfolk Rt13 South again)

Take 13 South all the way across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel then get onto 64 East.

Take 64 East to the 168 South exit (the exit right after Battlefield Blvd and there are signs that point towards the outter banks)

168 takes you straight down the coast of the Outter Banks all the way to Hatteras.

Let me know if you have any questions as I am extremely familiar with this trip.

Good Luck!