<p>I think I asked this before when we visited last year, but a little confused as to the best route to drive down from PA next week. Will be driving down alone with my daughter on Thursday. If we leave by 8:00/8:30 am from just west of Phila., should we be OK just driving 95S to 85S. Concerned about that traffic from DC south to Fredricksburg. And do I take the eastern beltway around DC? Coming back I probably will leave after the convocation on Saturday, so I won't get a real early start. I hear beach traffic will be bad and that maybe I should try 301? Would love to avoid driving too much once it gets dark Saturday night! And I will be driving back alone. And any good recommendations to stop for lunch with my daughter on the way down? I really appreciate any advice!</p>
<p>If you leave at 8:30 on Thursday you should be fine to take 95. Our rule of thumb is to get past DC by 1:30. You will probably still hit construction back-ups in NOVA, but it’s still better than going a longer route (you can make up for it on 85.) We did hit beach traffic on one of our return trips, and it was slow most of the way up 95. I think this was on a Sunday, though. We have never taken 301 so I can’t give you feedback on that. We never take the time to go off the beaten track to find a lunch spot - we either bring something with us or dash into one of the Wawas that are just off some of the exits between DC and Richmond. There is a rest stop area shortly past exit 143 on 95 where you can eat your lunch at picnic tables if the weather is nice. </p>