Best route from Charlotte to Ocean Isle Beach/Sunset Beach (Monroe: lawyers, home)

[appstate1998]

I just got back home from a great vacation and am curious to know the best routes to get to the beach.

From CLT to OIB I take-

1. East on Albemarle Rd
2. Right on Lawyers Rd
3. Left on HWY 51
4. Right on Fairview Rd/ HWY 218
5. East on HWY 74
6. South on HWY 701 in Whiteville
7. South on HWY 130
8. Right on Longwood Rd NW
9. Longwood Rd NW becomes HWY 904
10. North on HWY 17
11. Right on Ocean Isle Beach Rd SW to OIB

According to Google Maps. it's 3hrs 40min, 192 miles.

I used to take 74 to 501 (in Laurinburg), 130 to 904 to 179, but from experience the 74 to 130 route is better since 74 is 70mph.

I'm curious to know your routes. 218 is a pain and hit or miss if you get stuck behind a tractor.

[ex-burgher]

I think I would take 74 right off the bat (Independence Blvd) instead of Albemarle. Also when we go to OIB, we stay on 130 instead of turning right on Longwood Rd/904. Then we take US17 South near Shallotte - take this to Ocean Isle Beach Rd. This prevents some backtracking and 17 is a highway.
Here's the revised:
https://www.google.com/maps?saddr=Ch...via=1&t=m&z=12

I noticed you forced google maps to take on on Albemarle by adding a point. If you remove it, Google maps tells you to take Independence.

[appstate1998]

Don't you think 218 (by passing Monroe) is quicker than driving directly through Monroe?

[ZeusAV]

Like you said it's hit or miss on 218. The road has a lot of curves so if you get stuck behind a tractor trailer or other slow moving vehicle then you're screwed.

But at the same time 74 has a ton of traffic lights. I personally would still probably do 74 instead since traffic flows relatively well after you pass Monroe.

[GoPhils]

I prefer 218. I've never gotten stuck behind someone going terribly slow, and with all the curves it's tough to go much faster than the speed limit anyway. If you're really in a hurry there are a few spots to pass. But if it's dark out a lot of the times I'm the one going slow. Better than sitting in stop and go traffic on 74 IMO.

[tksuther]

When we lived in Mint Hill we always took 218 out to 74. We always beat our friends that would be coming down 74 from Indian Trail. There is always a chance you could get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle and not be able to pass. This is one of the things I miss most about moving from Mint Hill to Waxhaw!

[vmaxnc]

Originally Posted by appstate1998

Don't you think 218 (by passing Monroe) is quicker than driving directly through Monroe?

Absolutely. I understand the risk of a slower vehicle being in front of me, but that won't really be a problem for long.

[bb74]

Originally Posted by appstate1998

don't you think 218 (by passing monroe) is quicker than driving directly through monroe?

yes yes yes

[bb74]

even being stuck behind a slow truck on 218 is better than 90 min trying to drive thru monroe ... stop start etc

[GoPhils]

Isn't a portion of 218 closed at the moment?