First beach vacation with 17 month old

So we are going on our first family vacation to the beach here at the beginning of August.

We are going from PA to NC.. so about a 9-10hr drive. Little man doesn’t really like his car seat and I’m afraid he’s just going to cry the whole time. We are planning to leave late at night to hope he sleeps most of the ride. For anyone who has traveled what did you do to keep your little one busy in the car? What were some of their favorite things?

Thanks in advance! 😊