East Coast Historic & Scenic Road Trip Itinerary (May 14‑31, 2026)

Day 1: Arrival in Washington, D.C.

Morning: Fly Allegiant Air from Knoxville to Dulles Airport and transfer to your downtown hotel. Freshen up and enjoy a light brunch near the National Mall.

Afternoon: Visit the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, then explore the National Museum of American History for iconic artifacts.

Evening: Stroll the illuminated Lincoln Memorial and have dinner at a nearby restaurant with views of the Reflecting Pool.

Day 2: Washington Museum Marathon

Morning: Tour the National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar‑Hazy Center for an impressive aircraft collection.

Afternoon: Dive into espionage history at the International Spy Museum, followed by a quick visit to the U.S. Postal Museum.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Georgetown district and enjoy a waterfront walk along the Potomac.

Day 3: Historic Pennsylvania – Gettysburg

Morning: Depart Washington on scenic routes (US‑15, US‑30) avoiding interstates, arriving at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Afternoon: Take a guided battlefield tour and visit the Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center to learn about the pivotal Civil War battle.

Evening: Check into a historic inn in Gettysburg and enjoy a dinner featuring local Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.

Day 4: Amish Country Exploration

Morning: Drive through the rolling hills of Lancaster County Amish Country, stopping at a traditional farm market.

Afternoon: Experience a horse‑and‑buggy ride and tour an Amish home, then sample homemade pretzels and cheese.

Evening: Return to Gettysburg for a relaxed evening or stay in a cozy B&B in the Amish region.

Day 5: Delaware Coastal Charm

Morning: Travel east to Rehoboth Beach via scenic US‑13, enjoying the Atlantic shoreline.

Afternoon: Explore the historic New Castle district with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.

Evening: Savor fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant and watch the sunset over the Delaware Bay.

Day 6: Connecticut Heritage

Morning: Head north on the scenic Route 1 into Connecticut, stopping at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford.

Afternoon: Visit the maritime museum in Mystic and stroll through the historic downtown.

Evening: Stay in a historic inn in Mystic and enjoy a traditional New England dinner.

Day 7: New England Coastal Drive

Morning: Follow the coastal Route 1A through Rhode Island, taking in seaside views and historic lighthouses.

Afternoon: Arrive at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, explore the Pilgrim Memorial State Park, and visit the Plymouth Plantation living history museum.

Evening: Check into a boutique hotel in Plymouth and enjoy a harbor dinner.

Day 8: Salem Witch Trials

Morning: Short drive to Salem, where you’ll tour the Salem Witch Museum and the historic House of the Seven Gables.

Afternoon: Wander the historic waterfront and visit the Peabody Essex Museum (optional).

Evening: Dine at a historic tavern and stay overnight in a colonial‑style inn.

Day 9: Boston Freedom Trail

Morning: Walk the Freedom Trail, beginning at Boston Common and passing the Massachusetts State House.

Afternoon: Continue the trail to the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the historic North End and stay in a downtown Boston hotel.

Day 10: Vermont – Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters

Morning: Depart Boston on scenic backroads (Route 2) toward Waterbury, VT, home of Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters.

Afternoon: Take a factory tour, sample limited‑edition flavors, and explore the nearby Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

Evening: Stay in a rustic lodge in the Green Mountains and enjoy a farm‑to‑table dinner.

Day 11: Adirondack National Park

Morning: Drive north on scenic Route 9 into the Adirondack Park, stopping at Lake Placid for a quick stroll.

Afternoon: Hike the High Peaks trail to enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas.

Evening: Camp under the stars or stay at a lodge near the park entrance.

Day 12: Niagara Falls Arrival

Morning: Continue westward on scenic backroads (US‑20) toward Niagara Falls, NY.

Afternoon: Experience the majestic Niagara Falls State Park, take the Maid of the Mist boat tour, and visit the Observation Tower.

Evening: Check into a hotel with a view of the falls and enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 13: Niagara Region Exploration

Morning: Cross into Canada (optional) to view the falls from the Canadian side and explore the Whirlpool Aero Car.

Afternoon: Return to the U.S. side and visit the Niagara Power Vista and Old Fort Niagara historic site.

Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a night‑time illumination of the falls.

Day 14: Scenic Route to the Finger Lakes

Morning: Depart Niagara on scenic County Roads toward the Finger Lakes, stopping at Watkins Glen State Park for a short hike.

Afternoon: Sample wines at a boutique vineyard in Canandaigua and explore the charming town of Skaneateles.

Evening: Stay at a lakeside B&B and enjoy a sunset dinner over the water.

Day 15: Return to Washington, D.C.

Morning: Begin the long drive back to Washington, D.C., using scenic backroads through Pennsylvania’s countryside.

Afternoon: Stop in Hershey for a quick chocolate tour and lunch.

Evening: Arrive in Washington, D.C., and check into a hotel near the National Mall for a final night.

Day 16: Final Washington Highlights

Morning: Revisit any missed museums such as the National Museum of Natural History or take a bike ride on the Capitol River Trail.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Eastern Market and browse local crafts.

Evening: Pack and prepare for departure the next day.

Day 17: Departure from Niagara Falls

Morning: Drive back to Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) using the most scenic route available.

Afternoon: Return rental car, check‑in for your Allegiant Air flight to St. Petersburg, FL, and relax before boarding.

Evening: Arrive in St. Petersburg and conclude your historic east‑coast adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• National Archives (Washington, D.C.) – 1.5 hrs – $0 (free)
• National Museum of American History – 2 hrs – $0 (free)
• National Air and Space Museum & Udvar‑Hazy Center – 3 hrs – $25 (center admission)
• International Spy Museum – 2 hrs – $30
• U.S. Postal Museum – 1 hr – $0 (free)
• Gettysburg National Military Park – 4 hrs – $20 (tour & museum)
• Lancaster Amish Country Tour – 3 hrs – $40 (guided)
• Rehoboth Beach (Delaware) – 4 hrs – $0 (beach access)
• New Castle Historic District – 2 hrs – $10 (tour)
• Harriet Beecher Stowe Center – 1.5 hrs – $15
• Mystic Seaport Museum – 2 hrs – $20
• Plymouth Rock & Pilgrim Memorial State Park – 3 hrs – $8
• Salem Witch Museum & House of the Seven Gables – 3 hrs – $25
• Freedom Trail (Boston) – 5 hrs – $0 (self‑guided)
• Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters Tour – 2 hrs – $15
• Adirondack High Peaks Hike – 6 hrs – $0 (park entry)
• Niagara Falls State Park – 4 hrs – $15 (incl. Maid of the Mist)
• Watkins Glen State Park – 2 hrs – $10
• Hershey Chocolate Tour – 2 hrs – $20
• Rental Car (18 days) – – $720
• Flights (Knoxville‑Dulles, Niagara‑St. Peterburg) – – $280
• Accommodation (17 nights) – – $2,550
• Meals & Miscellaneous – – $1,200
• Total Estimated Cost: $5,118

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the Adirondack and Finger Lakes segments and fly back from Boston, which cuts the itinerary to 12 days. To extend, add a day in the Shenandoah National Park for a scenic Skyline Drive experience, or spend an extra night in St. Peterburg to enjoy Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches before concluding your journey.