Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

East Coast Historic Road Trip Itinerary (May 14 – May 31, 2026)

Viewed by 126 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation in Washington, D.C.

Morning: Arrive at Dulles International Airport on Allegiant Air and transfer to your downtown hotel. Settle in and enjoy a light brunch near the National Mall.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk to the National Archives to view the Charters of Freedom, then stroll along the Mall to get a sense of the city’s layout.

Evening: Dine at a historic restaurant in Georgetown and unwind with a sunset view of the Potomac River.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Washington, D.C. Museum Day

Morning: Explore the National Museum of American History, focusing on the Star-Spangled Banner and First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns.

Afternoon: Visit the National Air and Space Museum to see the Wright Flyer and Apollo 11 Command Module, followed by a quick coffee break at the museum café.

Evening: Head to the International Spy Museum for an interactive experience, then enjoy a relaxed dinner in the vibrant Penn Quarter.

Find Hotels

Day 3: More D.C. Highlights & Udvar‑Hazy Center

Morning: Tour the United States Postal Museum and learn about the history of American communication.

Afternoon: Take a short ride to the Steven F. Udvar‑Hazy Center at Dulles, where you can see the space shuttle Discovery and a massive aircraft collection.

Evening: Return to the city for a night walk along the illuminated monuments, ending with a nightcap at a rooftop bar.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Drive to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Morning: Depart Washington, D.C. on a scenic route (US‑15) avoiding interstates, stopping at historic small towns for coffee.

Afternoon: Arrive at Gettysburg National Military Park and take a guided battlefield tour, absorbing the pivotal moments of the Civil War.

Evening: Check into a historic inn in Gettysburg and enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Gettysburg to Amish Country, Lancaster

Morning: Visit the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center for deeper context before departing.

Afternoon: Drive to Lancaster County via scenic byways, then explore the Amish Country with a horse‑and‑buggy tour and a farm‑to‑table lunch.

Evening: Stroll through downtown Lancaster, sampling local crafts before returning to your countryside lodging.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Amish Country & Travel to Delaware

Morning: Attend a traditional Amish breakfast and visit a local cheese factory.

Afternoon: Begin the drive to Delaware, taking the scenic DE‑4 corridor, and stop at historic sites along the way.

Evening: Arrive in Dover, settle into a boutique hotel, and enjoy a coastal dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 7: First State National Historical Park & Delaware Exploration

Morning: Explore the First State National Historical Park, visiting the John Dickinson Plantation and the historic Dover Green.

Afternoon: Head to Rehoboth Beach for a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk and a quick swim in the Atlantic.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant before a quiet night in.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Drive to Connecticut (Mystic)

Morning: Depart Delaware on Route 1, enjoying coastal vistas as you travel north.

Afternoon: Arrive in Mystic, Connecticut, and tour the Mystic Seaport Museum, immersing yourself in maritime history.

Evening: Sample New England clam chowder at a historic tavern and stay overnight in a charming B&B.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Travel to Boston, Massachusetts

Morning: Take a scenic drive along the Connecticut River Valley, stopping at historic towns like Old Saybrook.

Afternoon: Arrive in Boston and settle into your hotel in the historic Beacon Hill area.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner in the North End, famous for its Italian cuisine and historic ambiance.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Freedom Trail, Boston

Morning: Begin the Freedom Trail at Boston Common, visiting the Massachusetts State House and Park Street Church.

Afternoon: Continue the trail to the Old State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the historic Granary Burying Ground.

Evening: Relax with a sunset harbor cruise and a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Salem & Plymouth, Massachusetts

Morning: Drive to Salem to explore the Salem Witch Museum and historic waterfront.

Afternoon: Head to Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, learning about the Pilgrims’ landing.

Evening: Return to Boston for a relaxed dinner in the Seaport District.

Find Hotels

Day 12: Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters, Vermont

Morning: Depart Boston on a scenic route through the Green Mountains, crossing into Vermont via US‑2.

Afternoon: Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters in Waterbury, enjoy a scoop of your favorite flavor, and visit the Ice Cream Factory.

Evening: Stay overnight in a cozy inn in nearby Stowe, savoring farm‑to‑table cuisine.

Find Hotels

Day 13: Scenic Upstate New York & Arrival at Niagara Falls

Morning: Travel south along the scenic US‑9 and NY‑17 corridors, stopping at historic sites in the Hudson Valley.

Afternoon: Continue toward the Finger Lakes region, enjoying lake views and winery stops.

Evening: Arrive at Niagara Falls, check into a hotel with a view of the falls, and watch the illuminated falls after dark.

Find Hotels

Day 14: Niagara Falls Exploration

Morning: Take the Maid of the Mist boat tour for close-up views of the American and Horseshoe Falls.

Afternoon: Explore the Niagara Falls State Park, walk the Cave of the Winds, and visit the historic Niagara Falls Observation Tower.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner overlooking the falls and prepare for your evening departure.

Find Hotels

Day 15: Flight to St. Petersburg, Florida

Morning: Transfer to Niagara Falls International Airport for your Allegiant Air flight to St. Petersburg.

Afternoon: Arrive in St. Petersburg, check into a beachfront resort, and relax on the Gulf Coast.

Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant and stroll along the St. Pete Pier at sunset.

Find Hotels

Day 16: Relaxation in St. Petersburg

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the balcony and a sunrise walk on the beach.

Afternoon: Explore the historic St. Petersburg Museum of History and browse local art galleries.

Evening: Savor fresh Gulf seafood at a local bistro and watch the stars from the resort’s deck.

Find Hotels

Day 17: Optional Day Trip to Tampa

Morning: Take a short drive to Tampa’s historic Ybor City for a coffee and cigar shop tour.

Afternoon: Visit the Henry B. Plant Museum and stroll along the Riverwalk.

Evening: Return to St. Petersburg for a sunset cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Find Hotels

Day 18: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a final beachfront breakfast.

Afternoon: Transfer to Tampa International Airport for your onward travel.

Evening: Reflect on the historic adventure as you head home.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • National Archives – 2 hrs – $0
  • National Museum of American History – 2 hrs – $0
  • National Air and Space Museum – 3 hrs – $0
  • International Spy Museum – 2 hrs – $20
  • United States Postal Museum – 1 hr – $0
  • Udvar‑Hazy Center – 3 hrs – $30 (parking & shuttle)
  • Gettysburg National Military Park – 4 hrs – $20 (tour)
  • Amish Country Farm Tour – 3 hrs – $25
  • First State National Historical Park – 3 hrs – $0
  • Mystic Seaport Museum – 3 hrs – $24
  • Freedom Trail (self‑guided) – 4 hrs – $0
  • Salem Witch Museum – 2 hrs – $15
  • Plymouth Rock & Mayflower II – 3 hrs – $12
  • Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters Tour – 2 hrs – $10 (ice‑cream)
  • Niagara Falls State Park (Maid of the Mist) – 3 hrs – $25
  • St. Petersburg Museum of History – 2 hrs – $8
  • Henry B. Plant Museum – 2 hrs – $10
  • Interstate‑free scenic driving (fuel) – 8 days – $300
  • Accommodation (18 nights, average $150/night) – 18 nights – $2,700
  • Meals (average $45/day) – 18 days – $810
  • Flights (Knoxville‑Dulles, Niagara‑St Petersburg) – 2 segments – $350
  • Total Estimated Cost: $4,739

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day in Boston for the Museum of Fine Arts or a day in the Hudson Valley for additional historic estates. If you need to shorten the itinerary, consider skipping the Connecticut stop and combining the Salem/Plymouth day with the Boston Freedom Trail, saving two travel days while still covering the key historic highlights.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version