Portsmouth, NH <-> Daytona Beach, FL: 1292 miles (20 hrs. 12 min.)
Portsmouth, NH <-> Chester, VA: 620 miles (10 hrs. 7 min.)
Chester, VA <-> Daytona Beach, FL: 672 miles (10 hrs. 5 min.)
What makes Chester, Virginia a great overnight stop. Consider this… you’ve traveled all day, you’re tired, hungry, the kids are wired… you get the picture. What you really need right about then is that perfect overnight stop… an exit where you feel safe and comfortable… an exit with a good mix of accommodations and a variety of eating places… not just fast food. And, maybe a little shopping later before you get back to the motel. The next morning you can gas up nearby and head out. Everything you need conveniently located right off the exit! That’s what makes this Chester, Virginia exit a great overnight stop!
About Chester, Virginia…
Located just off I-95 Chester, Virginia, makes an ideal sanctuary for weary highway travelers. Only 15 miles south of downtown Richmond and north of historic Petersburg, this charming suburban community offers direct, hassle-free access to the interstate without the chaotic traffic and high lodging prices of a major metropolis.
Choosing Chester for your overnight stay means having seamless access to a wide array of reliable, modern hotels tailored specifically for road-trippers. Surrounding the primary I-95 exits, you will find well-known hotel chains offering clean, comfortable rooms, safe parking, and budget-friendly rates. The surrounding area is also packed with versatile dining options, ranging from convenient quick-service spots to relaxed, local sit-down eateries where you can unwind after hours behind the wheel.
If you arrive with time to spare or want to stretch your legs before hitting the road in the morning, Chester boasts a surprisingly rich heritage and peaceful outdoor spaces. It is home to Henricus Historical Park-the second permanent English settlement in North America-as well as the scenic Dutch Gap Conservation Area along the James River, which features tranquil walking trails and excellent wildlife viewing.
Ultimately, Chester provides the perfect blend of suburban tranquility, affordability, and prime location for any south- or northbound traveler. After a quiet, restorative night’s sleep in this welcoming town, you can effortlessly hop right back onto I-95 refreshed, recharged, and ready for the next leg of your journey.
Where to Stay in Chester…
Most of the major lodging chains have locations at this popular exit. These include Comfort Inn, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Courtyard, Days Inn by Wyndham, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Quality Inn, Red Roof Inn, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Super 8 by Wyndham.
Here are our I-95 Exit Guide recommendations:
- Country Inn & Suites – Our go to hotel when staying at this exit
- Quality Inn – Best value for the money
- Courtyard Richmond Chester – Great rooms and an on-site restaurant!
Where to Eat in Chester…
If you can’t find something to satisfy your hunger at this exit, you’re just too fussy. Choices at this I-95 exit include:
Applebee’s Grill + Bar, Bojangles, Buffalo Wild Wings, Captain D’s Seafood, Chicken Fiesta, Chick-fil-A, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Crab Du Jour Cajun Seafood & Bar, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Don Pepe Mexican Restaurant, Dunkin Donuts, Hardee’s, Hooter’s, I Don’t Know Sports Grille, IHOP, KFC, La Reina Mexican Grill, Little Caesars Pizza, McDonald’s, O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar, Panda Express, Panera Bread, Patron Cantina, Pizza Hut, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Rosa’s Italian Ristorante Pizzeria, Saffron Indian Cuisine, Sonic Drive-In, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Wendy’s, Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings
Where to Shop in Chester…
With a little extra time to kill you just may be looking for something to do before you hit the sack. Perhaps you need a few last minute item for the trip. Here are the shopping options available from this exit…
Big Lots, Burlington, CVS Pharmacy, DollarTree, Food Lion Supermarket, Home Depot, HomeGoods, Kohl’s, Kroger Supermarket, Lowe’s Home Improvement, NAPA Auto Parts, Office Depot, Petco, PetSmart, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Ross Dress for Less, Target, TJ Maxx, Ulta Beauty
Fuel Up and Head Out…
One of the reasons we’ve recommended this exit as a great overnight stop is the variety of gas stations… with variety comes competition and with competition comes lower gas prices. Here are your fuel choices at this exit…
Exxon, Kroger, Mobil, Raceway, Shell, Sunoco, and Valero are all available at this exit
If you travel 50 miles more south, you’ll be in Emporia, VA, another recommended stopover exit.
In a Nutshell…
Whether you’re calling it a night on a long I‑95 trip or just need a reliable break before getting back on the road, Chester, Virginia (Exit 61) is a convenient, traveler‑friendly stop with a solid mix of lodging and nearby essentials. With quick access on and off the interstate, plenty of familiar hotel options, and close proximity to dining, gas, and everyday services, it’s an easy place to recharge without detouring far from your route. Use this guide to compare overnight choices, pick the amenities that matter most, and plan a comfortable stop so you can continue your journey rested and ready.
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I will be doing a two week road trip in a 36′ class A motor home, first two weeks of January. Would like to spend 3 days driving to Florida then check out some sites in Fla before driving back up the coast. Would like to make a stop in VA and GA for a day each before getting into Fla. Any suggestions on any sites in VA and GA and any good layovers with Motor homes in these areas? Please help me out. I will be traveling from NJ and never made this trip before. Thank you.
We do this trip NY to Tampa often in a 40′ Class A. First Stop is the KOA in Fredericksburg VA the Second is the KOA in Yemessee SC (close to South of the Border)
This is a regular stop for us on the way down to Florida. We’ve always felt safe here and there are several restaurants that we frequently eat at. I recommend this exit for an overnight stop!