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

9-Day New York Adventure Road Trip Itinerary

Viewed by 158 travelers

Day 1: Explore NYC

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with New York’s iconic bagels, filled with cream cheese and salmon at Ess-a-Bagel, a local favorite.
Head to Ess-a-Bagel at 831 3rd Ave, a short drive from Times Square.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Central Park

Stroll through Central Park, enjoying the beautiful landscape and iconic attractions like Bethesda Fountain and Strawberry Fields.
Walk or drive to Central Park, parking available at various nearby lots.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab a classic American burger and fries at Shake Shack for a quick and delicious meal.
Located just outside of Central Park at 691 8th Ave, a short drive away.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dive into the exquisite collections of art that span 5,000 years from around the world.
Drive to the museum at 1000 5th Ave and park at nearby garages.
USD25, 3 hours

5:00PM

Times Square Visit

Experience the vibrant lights and energy of Times Square, a must-see in NYC for an hour of exploration.
Travel to Times Square, parking at nearby commercial lots.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant

Finish the day with a family-style Italian dinner served in massive portions at Carmine's.
Located a short walk from Times Square at 200 W 44th St.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in New York City

Day 2: Museums & More

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Balthazar

Savor a French-style breakfast with fresh pastries and eggs at Balthazar.
Located at 80 Spring St, it's a short drive from your accommodations.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Reflect on the poignant history and significance of the September 11 attacks at the Memorial and Museum.
Drive to the site at 180 Greenwich St, parking at nearby garages.
USD28, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Eataly NYC Downtown

Experience the best of Italy at Eataly, with various food stations and a vast marketplace.
Located at 101 Liberty St, a short drive from the museum.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Staten Island Ferry

Enjoy a free ferry ride offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Head to the ferry terminal at 4 Whitehall St, parking available nearby.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Soho & Little Italy

Wander the charming streets of Soho and the tasty corner of Little Italy, perfect for souvenirs and snacks.
Drive back towards Soho, parking available in multiple garages.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Lombardi's Pizza

Indulge in the acclaimed New York-style pizza at the first pizzeria in America, Lombardi's.
Located at 32 Spring St, a short drive from Little Italy.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in New York City

Day 3: Nature's Beauty

Pocono Mountains, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Fuel your drive with hearty breakfast options and local coffee at The Coffee Shop in NYC.
A quick drive to the Coffee Shop located at 29 E 21st St.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Pocono Mountains

Head back into nature as you venture to the stunning Pocono Mountains, a drive that takes approximately 2 hours.
Drive via I-80 W for direct access.
USD60 (gas), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Bushkill Falls

Walk the trails of Bushkill Falls, known as the 'Niagara of Pennsylvania' with breathtaking waterfalls.
Arrive at the falls, with parking available on-site.
USD15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Waterwheel Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing lunch while overlooking the waterfall at The Waterwheel Cafe.
Located just outside of the Bushkill Falls entrance.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking or Adventure Park

Choose between hiking the scenic trails or enjoying zip-lining adventures at an outdoor adventure park.
Visit local adventure hubs, with easy navigation from the cafe.
USD50, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Frogtown Chophouse

Relish a hearty meal featuring prime cuts of meat at The Frogtown Chophouse in the Pocono region.
Located in the heart of Mount Pocono.
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pocono Mountains

Day 4: Enchanting Falls

Niagara Falls, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Village Bakery

Indulge in freshly baked goods and coffee to kickstart your day before your drive to Niagara Falls.
Located nearby in Mount Pocono, perfect for a quick bite.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Niagara Falls

Set out for an exhilarating drive to Niagara Falls, the destination renowned for its beauty.
Follow I-90 W, approximately a 4-hour drive.
USD70 (gas), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Goat Island Restaurant

Enjoy lunch with spectacular views of the Falls at Goat Island Restaurant.
Arrive at Niagara Falls State Park, and drive to Goat Island.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Experience the majesty of Niagara Falls up close on the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour.
Access the boat tour from the Niagara Falls State Park entrance.
USD25, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Cave of the Winds

Get ready for a thrilling experience as you walk along the wooden walkways at the base of the falls.
Located near the Maid of the Mist entrance.
USD19, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Top of the Falls Restaurant

End your day with panoramic views of the falls while enjoying a gourmet meal at The Top of the Falls Restaurant.
Inside Niagara Falls State Park, it's easily accessible after your evening adventures.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Niagara Falls

Day 5: City Vibes

Rochester, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Village Gate

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Village Gate, surrounded by shops and art galleries.
Located in Rochester, a 1.5-hour drive from Niagara Falls.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Strong National Museum of Play

Dive into interactive exhibits and enjoy the wonder of play at this unique museum.
A short drive from Village Gate to the Museum located at 1 Manhattan Square.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Taste award-winning BBQ dishes at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a local favorite.
Located just off the expressway close to the museum.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Memorial Art Gallery

Admire art collections from antiquity to the present at the Memorial Art Gallery.
From Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a short 10-minute drive away.
USD20, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk Around Highland Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through beautiful gardens at Highland Park, especially magical if you catch the Lilac Festival.
Only a 10-minute drive from the gallery.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Melting Pot

Experience a unique dining experience with fondue options at The Melting Pot in Rochester.
Located downtown, easily accessible after your parks visit.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rochester

Day 6: Historical Journey

Syracuse, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Green Onion

Enjoy a health-focused breakfast with dishes made from fresh, local ingredients at The Green Onion.
A cozy spot in Rochester, close to your departure point.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Syracuse

Travel to Syracuse, known for its rich history and beautiful lakeside views, about 1.5 hours away.
Follow I-90 E for direct access.
USD35 (gas), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Erie Canal Museum

Discover the history of the Erie Canal through engaging exhibits at the Erie Canal Museum.
Located in downtown Syracuse and easy to reach by car.
USD10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Mission

Savor Latin-inspired cuisine in a casual atmosphere at The Mission.
Located conveniently in downtown Syracuse, a short walk from the museum.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Onondaga Lake Park

Unwind at the picturesque Onondaga Lake Park with trails and beautiful views of the lake.
Just a 10-minute drive from the Mission.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit The Great New York State Fair Grounds

If in season, experience the local culture at The Great New York State Fair Grounds.
A short drive from the park.
USD10, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pastabilities

Enjoy a relaxed dinner of pasta and house-made sauces at the esteemed Pastabilities.
Located in the heart of Armory Square, close to your activities.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Syracuse

Day 7: Capital City Charm

Albany, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The City Beer Hall

Start your morning at The City Beer Hall with creative breakfast fare to prepare you for the day ahead.
A quick trip from Syracuse, located at 42 Howard St in Albany.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore New York State Capitol

Discover the impressive architecture and historical significance of the New York State Capitol building.
A short drive from your breakfast spot to the Capitol at State St.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the New York State Museum

Get insight into the state's history and culture at the New York State Museum.
Just a 10-minute walk from the Capitol, easily accessible by foot.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Jack's Wife Freda

Enjoy Mediterranean-American cuisine at the cozy Jack's Wife Freda, known for its ambiance.
A 5-minute drive away, located at 50 Washington Ave.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk at Washington Park

Relax in the beautiful surroundings of Washington Park, a great place for leisurely walks.
Just a short drive from the restaurant to the park at 1 New Scotland Ave.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Angelo's 677 Prime

Indulge in a fine dining experience with steaks and seafood at Angelo's 677 Prime in Albany.
Located nearby at 677 New Loudon Rd.
USD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Albany

Day 8: Scenic Routes

Hudson Valley, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bread Alone

Start your day with freshly baked bread and pastries at Bread Alone, a local favorite in the Hudson Valley.
A scenic drive to the bakery at 2 Main St, Woodstock.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Historic Kingston

Explore the historic sights of Kingston, once the capital of New York State, with charming buildings and waterfront views.
Just a 30-minute drive from the bakery.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Hike at Mohonk Preserve

Discover stunning landscapes and peaceful trails at Mohonk Preserve, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
A short drive from Kingston to Mohonk at 3197 Mohonk Rd in New Paltz.
USD15, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Village Tea Room

Enjoy a delightful lunch with a selection of fresh ingredients at The Village Tea Room.
Located in New Paltz, a quick drive from Mohonk Preserve.
USD25, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Olana State Historic Site

Explore the beautiful home and grounds of Frederic Edwin Church, a renowned landscape painter of the Hudson River School.
Just a 25-minute drive from New Paltz.
USD10, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Rhinecliff Restaurant

Enjoy riverfront dining with fresh, locally sourced ingredients at The Rhinecliff.
Located at 4 W Market St, Rhinecliff, a scenic drive from Olana State Historic Site.
USD65, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hudson Valley

Day 9: Return to NYC

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sarabeth's

Savor a delightful breakfast with classic options and homemade pastries at Sarabeth's, a NYC staple.
Located at various locations, consider the one at 40 Central Park S for convenience.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive Back to NYC

Take a scenic drive back to the Big Apple with ease, enjoying the countryside.
Retrace your route via I-87 S, music and snacks in tow.
USD50 (gas), 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge, taking in the stunning views of Manhattan.
Park at a garage in Brooklyn for easy access to the bridge.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Julianna's Pizza

Relish some of the best pizza in New York City at Julianna's Pike in Brooklyn.
Located in Brooklyn, short distance from the bridge.
USD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Museum of Modern Art

Engage with the contemporary art and exhibitions at one of the world’s leading museums, MoMA.
Return to Manhattan with easy access to MoMA at 11 W 53rd St.
USD25, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Le Bernardin

Experience world-renowned French seafood cuisine at Le Bernardin, a perfect end to your adventure.
Located at 155 W 51st St, a short drive from MoMA, be sure to make a reservation.
USD150, 2 hours
Find Hotels in New York City
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About New York

Best New York Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: New York (Feb 27–early March 2026)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: New York City (May 27 – June 2)
Packing List
New York City Weather & Climate: A Year-Round Local Guide
Weather Guide
Full Guide to Michelin Star Cities: 2025 Updated List
Travel Expert
Global Michelin Cities & US Travel Tiers from New York
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your New York Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go