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17-Day Road Trip from Dallas to New York with Niagara Falls and Major Attractions

Viewed by 254 travelers

Day 1: Dallas to Memphis

Dallas, TX to Memphis, TN on August 2, 2025

8:45AM

Drive from Dallas to Memphis

Start your road trip driving approximately 6 hours northeast to Memphis, an essential stop for music and cultural history.
USD0, 6h0m

3:00PM

Visit Graceland

Tour Elvis Presley’s famous home to immerse in the legacy of rock ‘n’ roll; it opens until 5:30 PM.
USD54, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Central BBQ

Enjoy delicious Memphis style BBQ in a casual venue renowned for its ribs and pulled pork.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30AM

Breakfast at Brother Juniper’s

Start your day with a hearty breakfast known for huge portions and southern-style breakfast classics.
USD15, 1h0m
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Day 2: Memphis to Nashville

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN on August 3, 2025

9:00AM

Drive from Memphis to Nashville

Travel about 3.5 hours east to Nashville, known as Music City.
USD0, 3h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Taste Nashville’s iconic hot chicken at this famous and lively spot.
USD15, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Country Music Hall of Fame

Explore exhibits on country music history, artists, and memorabilia open until 5 PM.
USD28, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at The Pharmacy

Enjoy gourmet burgers and homemade sodas in a nostalgic setting.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 3: Nashville to Charleston

Nashville, TN to Charleston, WV on August 4, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Famous for fluffy pancakes and a quintessential Nashville experience.
USD12, 1h0m

10:00AM

Drive to Charleston, West Virginia

Drive approximately 5 hours northeast toward Charleston to explore West Virginia’s capital.
USD0, 5h0m

3:30PM

Visit West Virginia State Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of West Virginia, open until 5 PM.
USD5, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Black Sheep Burrito & Brews

Casual restaurant offering fresh, creative burritos and local brews.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 4: Charleston to Washington D.C.

Charleston, WV to Washington, D.C. on August 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at City Cafe

Cozy diner with classic American breakfast options.
USD10, 1h0m

9:30AM

Drive to Washington, D.C.

Head approximately 6.5 hours east to the nation’s capital.
USD0, 6h30m

4:30PM

Visit National Mall monuments

Walk to see iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, open outdoors 24/7.
USD0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Founding Farmers

Savor farm-to-table American cuisine with sustainable sourcing.
USD35, 1h0m
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Day 5: Washington D.C. Sightseeing

Washington D.C., DC on August 6, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Eastern Market

Sample fresh coffee and pastries in a bustling historic market.
USD12, 1h0m

9:30AM

Smithsonian Museums

Spend your morning at the National Air and Space Museum or National Museum of American History, free and open 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
USD0, 4h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill

Historic American bar and restaurant near the White House with excellent oysters and sandwiches.
USD25, 1h0m

4:00PM

Visit the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress

Tour these iconic buildings in the late afternoon; book tours in advance.
USD0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Rasika

Try acclaimed modern Indian cuisine in a stylish setting.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Washington to Philadelphia

Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA on August 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Duck Tavern

Contemporary American breakfast with locally-sourced ingredients.
USD25, 1h0m

9:30AM

Drive to Philadelphia

Travel approximately 2.5 hours northeast to Philadelphia.
USD0, 2h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Explore this iconic market featuring a variety of local and international food vendors.
USD15, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Independence Hall and Liberty Bell

See where the United States Declaration of Independence was signed; open 9 AM to 5 PM.
USD0, 2h0m

4:00PM

Stroll through Philadelphia Museum of Art steps

View the famous “Rocky Steps” and surrounding art museum grounds; museum open 10 AM to 5 PM.
USD20, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Zahav

Enjoy modern Israeli cuisine, known for exquisite small plates, reservations recommended.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Philadelphia to New York City

Philadelphia, PA to New York, NY on August 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sabrina's Cafe

Start your day with creative breakfast options and generous portions.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30AM

Drive to New York City

Travel roughly 2 hours to New York City, focusing on the Manhattan area for sightseeing.
USD0, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen

Famous for its classic New York pastrami sandwiches and authentic deli experience.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Central Park

Walk or bike through Central Park, open 6 AM to 1 AM, to enjoy nature and landmarks.
USD0, 2h0m

4:00PM

Explore Times Square

Experience the vibrant heart of NYC with shops, billboards, and street performers.
USD0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Carmine’s

Family-style Italian dining with hearty portions, perfect for sharing.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: New York City Highlights

New York, NY on August 9, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Balthazar

Classic French bakery and casual bistro in SoHo, popular for breakfast croissants and coffee.
USD25, 1h0m

9:45AM

Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Take a ferry to see these iconic landmarks; first ferry at 9 AM, last returns by 5 PM.
USD25, 4h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Eataly NYC Flatiron

Enjoy fresh Italian food and gourmet markets near the Flatiron Building.
USD30, 1h30m

4:00PM

Walk the High Line

Stroll the elevated urban park built on historic freight rail line; open 7 AM to 11 PM.
USD0, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Joe’s Shanghai

Famous for soup dumplings and authentic Chinese cuisine in Chinatown.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 9: Day Trip to Niagara Falls

New York City to Niagara Falls, NY and back on August 10, 2025

6:00AM

Early Drive to Niagara Falls

Depart very early for a long 6.5 hours drive northwest to iconic Niagara Falls to maximize your day.
USD0, 6h30m

12:45PM

Lunch at Top of the Falls Restaurant

Lunch with spectacular views overlooking the American Falls; open from 11 AM to 9 PM.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00PM

Niagara Falls State Park

Explore the park’s walking paths, Observation Tower, and scenic views of the falls; park open 24/7.
USD0, 2h0m

4:00PM

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Experience the iconic boat ride close to the falls; season runs into late fall, check availability.
USD25, 1h0m

5:30PM

Drive back to NYC

Start the return trip to New York City (approx. 6.5 hours).
USD0, 6h30m
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Day 10: Rest and NYC exploration

New York, NY on August 11, 2025

9:00AM

Late Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Enjoy freshly made bagels with various spreads in Midtown Manhattan.
USD15, 1h0m

10:30AM

Visit One World Observatory

View panoramic cityscapes from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, open 9 AM - 9 PM.
USD38, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Discover a variety of food vendors offering diverse culinary delights.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30PM

Explore Greenwich Village

Walk through historic neighborhoods with charming streets, shops, and cafes.
USD0, 2h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at Carbone

Experience upscale Italian-American dishes in a classic NYC setting, reservations required.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 11: NYC to Louisville

New York City, NY to Louisville, KY on August 12, 2025

7:00AM

Drive from NYC to Louisville

Begin the long approx 11-hour drive southwest towards Louisville, Kentucky, heading back leisurely.
USD0, 11h0m

12:00PM

Stop for Lunch in Columbus, OH (optional)

Grab a quick meal at North Market, a humble market with multiple food vendors, perfect for stretch break.
USD15, 1h0m

6:30PM

Dinner in Louisville

Relax with dinner at Jack Fry’s, offering Southern-style food and cocktails in a historic venue.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Explore Louisville

Louisville, KY on August 13, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Please & Thank You

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh baked goods in a cozy atmosphere.
USD12, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Learn about the baseball bat manufacturing history and see giant bat displays open until 5 PM.
USD17, 1h30m

11:30AM

Tour Churchill Downs Museum

Explore thoroughbred racing’s history through interactive exhibits and guided tours.
USD22, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Hammerheads

Enjoy gourmet sandwiches and eclectic comfort food in a trendy spot.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30PM

Walk along Waterfront Park

Relax by the Ohio River with views and public art installations.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Bourbon’s Bistro

Savor Southern-inspired dishes with extensive bourbon selections.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 13: Louisville to Nashville

Louisville, KY to Nashville, TN on August 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wild Eggs

Popular spot for classic American breakfast specialties.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30AM

Drive to Nashville

Travel about 3 hours south to return to Nashville for a second visit.
USD0, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Pinewood Social

Casual spot combining dining with bowling and a pool, great for relaxing afternoon.
USD25, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit The Parthenon in Centennial Park

See the full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon museum open until 5 PM.
USD10, 1h0m

5:00PM

Explore Broadway nightlife

Enjoy live country music and vibrant bars on the famous strip.
USD0, 3h0m

8:00PM

Dinner at Merchants

Upscale dining with southern influenced cuisine along Broadway.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 14: Nashville to Dallas

Nashville, TN to Dallas, TX on August 15, 2025

7:00AM

Drive from Nashville to Dallas

Early departure for the approximate 9-hour drive back to Dallas, concluding your road trip.
USD0, 9h0m

12:00PM

Stop for Lunch in Little Rock, AR

Enjoy a quick lunch at Whole Hog Cafe, famous for Arkansas BBQ.
USD20, 1h0m

6:00PM

Arrive in Dallas

Return to Dallas and rest after your long road trip.
USD0, 0h0m
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Day 15: Rest Day in Dallas

Dallas, TX on August 16, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bread Winners Café

Popular spot for brunch with diverse menu and cozy ambiance.
USD20, 1h0m

10:30AM

Relax and explore the Dallas Arboretum

Take a leisurely walk around lush gardens and seasonal floral displays, open 9 AM to 5 PM.
USD20, 3h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Pecan Lodge

Experience some of the best Texas BBQ in Dallas, perfect for a relaxed afternoon meal.
USD25, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at The Rustic

Enjoy great southern food with live music and outdoor seating.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 16: Dallas Museums and Shopping

Dallas, TX on August 17, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Yolk

Known for inventive breakfast dishes and fresh juices.
USD18, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Dallas Museum of Art

Discover a wide array of classical and contemporary art, free general admission, open 11 AM to 5 PM.
USD0, 2h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Savor Gastropub

Enjoy tasty American dishes in an inviting atmosphere.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30PM

Shopping at NorthPark Center

Spend the afternoon at this upscale shopping mall with luxury brands and dining options.
USD0, 3h0m

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Fearing’s Restaurant

Celebrate your trip with gourmet Southwestern cuisine in an elegant setting.
USD65, 2h0m
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Day 17: Departure Day

Dallas, TX on August 18, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Original Pancake House

Enjoy classic pancake breakfast to start your last day comfortably.
USD15, 1h0m

11:00AM

Prepare for departure and vehicle return or storage

Pack and organize your belongings after an extensive road trip.
USD0, 2h0m
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