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17-Day Road Trip from Dallas to New York with Niagara Falls and Major Attractions – No Meal Stops

Viewed by 579 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
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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

2:30PM

Visit Country Music Hall of Fame

Explore exhibits on country music history, artists, and memorabilia open until 5 PM.
USD28, 2h0m
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Day 3: Nashville to Charleston

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

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
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Day 4: Charleston to Washington D.C.

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

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
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Day 5: Washington D.C. Sightseeing

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

9:30AM

Visit 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

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
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Day 6: Washington to Philadelphia

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

9:30AM

Drive to Philadelphia

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

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
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Day 7: Philadelphia to New York City

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

9:30AM

Drive to New York City

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

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
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Day 8: New York City Highlights

New York, NY on August 9, 2025

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

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
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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

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

10:30AM

Visit One World Observatory

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

2:30PM

Explore Greenwich Village

Walk through historic neighborhoods with charming streets, shops, and cafes.
USD0, 2h0m
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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
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Day 12: Explore Louisville

Louisville, KY on August 13, 2025

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

2:30PM

Walk along Waterfront Park

Relax by the Ohio River with views and public art installations.
USD0, 2h0m
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Day 13: Louisville to Nashville

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

9:30AM

Drive to Nashville

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

2:30PM

Visit The Parthenon in Centennial Park

See the full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon museum open until 5 PM.
USD10, 1h0m
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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
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Day 15: Rest Day in Dallas

Dallas, TX on August 16, 2025

10:30AM

Explore the Dallas Arboretum

Take a leisurely walk around lush gardens and seasonal floral displays, open 9 AM to 5 PM.
USD20, 3h0m
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Day 16: Dallas Museums and Shopping

Dallas, TX on August 17, 2025

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

1:30PM

Shopping at NorthPark Center

Spend the afternoon at this upscale shopping mall with luxury brands and dining options.
USD0, 3h0m
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Day 17: Departure Day

Dallas, TX on August 18, 2025

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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