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Ultimate 12-Day American Road Trip: East Coast Adventure

Viewed by 381 travelers

Day 1: Explore New York

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with a classic New York bagel, freshly baked and served with a variety of toppings.
Walk to Central Park after breakfast.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stroll in Central Park

Wander the picturesque paths of Central Park, visiting iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace.
Exit Central Park and hop on the subway to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
USD25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Halal Guys

Enjoy a delicious street food meal of chicken and rice from this famous vendors.
Head towards the Museum of Modern Art.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Museum of Modern Art

Experience world-class modern art collections and exhibits.
Walk to Times Square after the museum.
USD25, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Times Square

Take in the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square with its neon lights and street performances.
Walk to the nearest subway station to head to dinner.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Juni

Savour a multi-course meal at this Michelin-starred American restaurant.
Return to your accommodation to rest for the night.
USD150, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Den

Enjoy signature pancakes and freshly brewed coffee within a friendly atmosphere.
Drive to Philadelphia, approximately 2 hours.
USD12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Liberty Bell

Marvel at the historic Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence.
Walk to Independence Hall next.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Try numerous delicacies from various vendors at this iconic food market.
Explore the market before heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Experience excellent art collections, and don't forget to run up the famous 'Rocky Steps'.
Drive towards Washington D.C. after your visit.
USD25, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Arrive in Washington D.C.

Check in to your hotel, and take a breather.
Explore local dinner options nearby.
USD0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Founding Farmers

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes at this celebrated American eatery.
Return to your hotel to rest after dinner.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nation's Capital

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ted’s Bulletin

A great place for classic breakfast items and their famous homemade pop tarts.
Visit the National Mall next.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the National Mall

Visit iconic monuments and memorials including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Walk to the National Gallery of Art.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at District Taco

Relish delicious tacos and burritos from this local favourite.
Go to the National History Museum.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the National Museum of Natural History

Discover fascinating natural exhibits including the Hope Diamond.
Walk to the nearest subway to reach the White House.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

View the White House

Stop outside to take pictures of this iconic American symbol.
Drive to the next destination, Shenandoah National Park.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner in Shenandoah

Enjoy a meal at Skyland Resort, a picturesque spot in the park.
Settle into your accommodation for the night.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature Retreat

Shenandoah National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Meadows Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading into the outdoors.
Start your day hike after breakfast.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike Old Rag Mountain

Experience breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on this challenging hike.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
Free (Park entry USD30 per car), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Big Meadows Lodge

Grab a relaxing lunch with views of the beautiful surroundings.
Prepare for an afternoon drive.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Scenic Drive via Skyline Drive

Take in gorgeous vistas as you drive along this beautiful route.
Head to Richmond after the drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Arrive in Richmond

Check into your accommodation.
Rest or explore local amenities.
USD0, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Roosevelt

Indulge in Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
Return to your accommodation for the night.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 5: Southern Charm

Richmond, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Perly’s Restaurant

Dig into a traditional Jewish breakfast with delicious bagels and pastrami.
Drive towards Norfolk next.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Virginia State Capitol

Marvel at the stunning architecture and learn about Virginia’s history.
Head towards the centuries-old churches nearby.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Church Hill Richmond

Stroll through this historic district featuring beautiful homes and churches.
Continue to Norfolk about 2 hours away.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Freemason Abbey Restaurant

Enjoy seafood dishes in a historic church setting.
Make your way to the beach after lunch.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Virginia Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of this beautiful beach.
Head to dinner next.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Enjoy a casual oceanfront meal with fresh seafood.
Head to your hotel in Norfolk to rest.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Beach Day

Norfolk, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Deli Llama

Savour a large breakfast burrito with a fresh smoothie.
Take a morning stroll along the beach.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Norfolk Botanical Garden

Discover beautiful gardens and a butterfly house in this serene environment.
Return to the beach for relaxation.
USD12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Porch

Indulge in local seafood and burgers in a laid-back setting.
Head to the Outer Banks for the afternoon.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive to the Outer Banks

Enjoy a scenic drive as you cross the bridges to this beautiful chain of barrier islands.
Arrive at your beach cottage or hotel.
USD30 (Toll fee), 2 hours

4:00PM

Check into your accommodation

Relax in your beach-side retreat.
Take some time to beach-comb or explore the local amenities.
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Owens' Restaurant

Delight in fresh seafood with stunning views of the sunset.
Return to your beach cottage for a peaceful night.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 7: Beach Exploration

Outer Banks, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Duck Donuts

Indulge in warm, custom-made donuts to kickstart your day.
Visit the beach after breakfast.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Enjoy stunning views, and see the famous lighthouse.
Head to the beach for some fun in the sun.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Blue Point

Savour delicious coastal cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy some time by the beach afterwards.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Water Sports at Jockey's Ridge

Try kiteboarding or hang gliding in the largest sand dunes on the East Coast.
Return to your hotel to clean up for dinner.
USD80 (activity fee), 3 hours

5:30PM

Rest at Your Accommodation

Wind down from a long day of activities and prepare for dinner.
Drive to dinner after resting.
USD0, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Aqua Restaurant

Relish a delicious meal while enjoying the waterfront views.
Return to your beach cottage for a restful evening.
USD65, 2 hours
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Day 8: Historic Charleston

Charleston, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Savour southern biscuits with various fillings; a must-try in Charleston.
Drive to Charleston.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Battery

Walk through this historic park with beautiful antebellum homes and stunning waterfront views.
Head to the nearby White Point Garden.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Historic Charleston City Market

Shop for local goods and crafts in this charming market.
Continue exploring the downtown area.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Husk

Enjoy farm-to-table Southern cuisine at this celebrated restaurant.
Head to the historic district after lunch.
USD45, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Tour the Historic Doge

Learn about the history and architecture of this charming building.
Explore more of the downtown area.
USD15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Fleet Landing

Relax by the waterfront while enjoying fantastic seafood dishes.
Return to your accommodation for the night.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 9: Charming Savannah

Savannah, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Collins Quarter

Savour Australian-style brunch with unique menu options.
Drive to Savannah, which is about 2 hours away.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour Forsyth Park

Wander through the picturesque park known for its famous fountain.
Head to the historic district afterwards.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Historic District

Admire stunning architecture, squares and lush greenery in this charming area.
Find a lunch spot nearby.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

Experience traditional Southern home-cooked cuisine in a communal setting.
Continue exploring the district after lunch.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Bonaventure Cemetery

Take a peaceful walk through this picturesque cemetery with historic graves.
Drive to Atlanta after your visit.
USD10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Arrive in Atlanta

Check in to your hotel and refresh.
Get ready for dinner.
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Optimist

Savour fresh seafood with a Southern twist at this popular restaurant.
Head back to your hotel after dinner.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 10: Vibrant Atlanta

Atlanta, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Home Grown

Delight in a delicious Southern-style breakfast with local ingredients.
Visit the Georgia Aquarium next.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Georgia Aquarium

Discover one of the world’s largest aquariums featuring diverse marine life.
Head to the World of Coca-Cola after the aquarium.
USD40, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ponce City Market

Enjoy a selection of local food stalls and eateries in this revamped space.
Wander the historic surroundings after lunch.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the World of Coca-Cola

Learn about the history of Coca-Cola and sample drinks from around the world.
Explore Centennial Olympic Park afterwards.
USD18, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Centennial Olympic Park

Relax in the park and see the iconic Olympic rings.
Drive to your next destination after the park.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Varsity

Satisfy your cravings with a classic burger meal at this iconic fast-food joint.
Return to your hotel to unwind for the night.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Mountain Retreat

Asheville, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table breakfast in an eclectic setting.
Drive to Asheville, which is about 2 hours away.
USD18, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Biltmore Estate

Explore America’s largest home, discover its beautiful gardens and winery.
Head downtown for lunch.
USD70, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tupelo Honey Cafe

Savour Southern comfort food with a modern twist at this beloved eatery.
Take a stroll downtown after lunch.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the River Arts District

Visit local art studios and shops while soaking in the creative atmosphere.
Return to your accommodation to relax.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Curate

Experience a delicious Spanish tapas dinner at this acclaimed restaurant.
Head back to your hotel to wind down for the evening.
USD65, 2 hours
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Day 12: Scenic Drive

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel

Enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast that will fuel your last day of adventure.
Drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Scenic Drive through Cades Cove

Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery and wildlife while exploring this tranquil area.
Stop for some short walks along the way.
Free (Park entry USD30 per car), 3 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
Continue your exploration of the park after lunch.
USD20 (groceries), 1 hour

1:30PM

Hiking at Alum Cave Trail

Immerse yourself in nature on this stunning trail with beautiful vistas.
Drive back to your lodging for the evening.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to your Accommodation

Rest after a day of hiking and scenic views.
Prepare for your final dinner.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Final Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Celebrate the end of your road trip with a delicious steak dinner in the mountains.
Reflect on your incredible 12-day journey.
USD80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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