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7-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary: New York to Niagara Falls

Viewed by 243 travelers

Day 1: Explore the City

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Katz's Delicatessen

Start your day with a classic New York breakfast of pastrami on rye and fresh bagels at the iconic Katz's Delicatessen.
Walk to Katz's or use the subway. Nearby stops available.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Central Park

After breakfast, take some time to stroll through Central Park and enjoy its picturesque landscapes.
Take a short walk to the park.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Smith

Stop for a delicious family-friendly lunch at The Smith with a great menu of classic American dishes.
Walk to The Smith, 5-minute walk from Central Park.
USD80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Museum of Natural History

Explore the wonders of the Museum of Natural History, home to life-sized dinosaur fossils and a fantastic planetarium.
Take the subway or a taxi to the museum.
USD30, 3 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Bear Mountain State Park

Head out to Bear Mountain State Park for scenic views and outdoor fun.
Drive approximately 1 hour north.
USD10 for park entrance, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Bear Mountain Inn

Enjoy dinner at The Bear Mountain Inn, where you can savor local cuisine with stunning views of the lake.
On-site dining at the park.
USD70, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Camping or Overnight Stay

Settle in for the night at Bear Mountain camping grounds or book a room at the inn for a comfortable night's rest.
On-site accommodation.
USD100, Varies
Find Hotels in New York City

Day 2: Nature Adventure

Bear Mountain State Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast Picnic

Enjoy a family picnic breakfast amidst the natural beauty of Bear Mountain.
Prepare at the campsite or inn.
USD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiking Trails

Spend the morning hiking the scenic trails with family-friendly options available.
Explore park trails.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit to the Zoo

Visit the Bear Mountain Zoo to observe local wildlife, making it fun for the kids.
Short walk from the park’s center.
USD6, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at the Snack Bar

Grab a casual lunch at the park's snack bar offering sandwiches and snacks.
On-site.
USD40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Historic Site Visit

Visit the historic lookout tower for breathtaking views of the Hudson River.
Drive to the tower within the park.
USD0, 2 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Albany

Make your way to Albany, the capital of New York, to explore its history.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours.
USD0, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Check into your hotel in Albany for the night.
Drive to hotel location.
USD120, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Jack's Wife Freda

Enjoy a cozy meal at Jack's Wife Freda, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Drive from hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Bear Mountain State Park

Day 3: Historical Exploration

Albany, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at The Hollow, known for its farm-to-table approach.
Short drive from hotel.
USD50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the New York State Museum

Explore the fascinating exhibits that bring New York's diverse history to life.
Drive to the museum (5 mins).
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Empire State Plaza

Discover the stunning architecture at Empire State Plaza and enjoy outdoor activities.
Walk from the museum.
USD0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Deli Kasbah

Stop for an enjoyable lunch at Deli Kasbah, known for its fresh sandwiches and pastries.
Short drive (5 mins) or walk.
USD50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lark Street Shopping

Spend time browsing unique shops along Lark Street for a local shopping experience.
Drive to Lark Street area.
USD0, 2 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Saratoga Springs

Continue on to Saratoga Springs, famous for its horse racing and mineral springs.
Drive approximately 1 hour.
USD0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Check into your hotel upon arrival in Saratoga Springs.
Drive to hotel location.
USD120, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Hattie's

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Hattie's, where the fried chicken is the star of the show.
Short stroll from your hotel.
USD80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Albany

Day 4: Spa & Local Culture

Saratoga Springs, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Happy Cafe

Start your morning with coffee and fresh pastries at The Happy Cafe.
A quick drive from the hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Saratoga Spa State Park

Spend the morning enjoying the serene surroundings and natural mineral springs.
Drive to the park's entrance.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Spa Treatments

Arrange for spa treatments for a relaxing afternoon at one of Saratoga’s spas.
Chosen spa resort in the area.
USD150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Three Oaks

Enjoy farm-fresh food at Three Oaks, known for its healthy and hearty offerings.
Short drive from spa.
USD60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Saratoga Race Course

Spend the afternoon experiencing the excitement of thoroughbred racing at the historic Saratoga Race Course.
Drive to the race course.
USD5, 3 hours

5:00PM

Drive to Rochester

Hit the road to Rochester, known for its vibrant cultural scene.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Check into your hotel upon arrival in Rochester.
Drive to hotel location.
USD120, 30 mins

7:30PM

Dinner at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Indulge in delicious BBQ at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a family favorite.
Short drive from hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Saratoga Springs

Day 5: Cultural Ventures

Rochester, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Lee's, famous for their fried chicken breakfasts.
Short drive from hotel.
USD40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Strong National Museum of Play

Explore this interactive museum dedicated to play and the history of toys.
Drive to Strong Museum.
USD60, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Rochester Public Market

Visit the vibrant Rochester Public Market for fresh produce and local crafts.
Short drive from the museum.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Neno's Cafe

Fuel up with delicious gourmet sandwiches at Neno’s Cafe, popular with the locals.
Short drive from the market.
USD50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Rochester Museum & Science Center

Enjoy engaging exhibits and educational experiences at the Rochester Museum & Science Center.
Drive to the museum.
USD30, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Buffalo

Drive to Buffalo, known for its incredible architecture and culture.
1.5-hour drive south.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel in Buffalo.
Drive to hotel.
USD120, 30 mins

7:00PM

Dinner at Anchor Bar

Dig into a plate of Buffalo wings at the world-renowned Anchor Bar.
Short drive from hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rochester

Day 6: Buffalo Delights

Buffalo, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Butterwood Sweet and Savory

Indulge in fresh breads and pastries at Butterwood, a popular local spot.
Short drive from hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Buffalo Botanical Gardens

Discover exotic plants in the beautiful greenery at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens.
Drive to the gardens.
USD12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Buffalo Zoo Visit

Next, visit the Buffalo Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals and family-friendly activities.
Short drive from botanical gardens.
USD30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cheesecake Factory

Treat the family to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, which has an extensive menu and famed desserts.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD75, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Delaware Park

Enjoy leisurely activities and a scenic walk in Delaware Park, a beautiful urban oasis.
Short drive from the restaurant.
USD0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Niagara Falls

Make your way to Niagara Falls for a stunning natural spectacle.
Short drive (30 minutes) to your hotel.
USD0, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive at your hotel in Niagara Falls and prepare for an exciting adventure.
Drive to hotel location.
USD120, 30 mins

7:00PM

Dinner at Top of the Falls Restaurant

Savour a memorable dinner with views of Niagara Falls from this unique restaurant.
Short drive or walk from hotel.
USD85, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Buffalo

Day 7: Niagara Falls Extravaganza

Niagara Falls, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a family-style breakfast at your hotel before a busy day ahead.
Dining within hotel.
Included in hotel stay., 1 hour

9:00AM

Maid of the Mist Cruise

Experience the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour to get up close with the falls.
Walk to the boat tour entrance.
USD50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Niagara Falls State Park

Stroll through the beautiful Niagara Falls State Park, taking in breathtaking views and nature paths.
Explore park walking trails.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Silo Restaurant

Grab a bite at The Silo Restaurant, known for its casual atmosphere and tasty fare.
Short drive from the park.
USD70, 1 hour

2:00PM

Cave of the Winds

Don't miss the Cave of the Winds tour, where you can feel the power of the falls up close.
Walk to the tour entrance.
USD27, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center

Explore the interactive exhibits at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the region's geology.
Drive to the center.
USD12, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel for a relaxing evening after an action-packed day.
Short drive or walk.
USD0, 30 mins

7:00PM

Dinner at The Red Coach Inn

Wrap up your journey with a delightful dinner at The Red Coach Inn, known for its lovely ambiance.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD75, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Niagara Falls
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